 
### Ashe and the Glass Sword

GENDERBENT FAIRYTALES COLLECTION

Book 7

By KuroKoneko Kamen

Copyright 2019 by KuroKoneko Kamen

Cover Design by Leah Keeler

Smashwords Edition, License notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or give away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. All characters are invented. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

### Chapter 1:

"Diamonds are a man's best friend," Ashe muttered to himself as his sharp golden eyes tracked the lovely ladies in the casino that were drenched in glittering diamonds. Even as he watched them Ashe felt eyes on him, and he raised his chin a little higher. He knew how good he looked in the latest suit he'd made.

The design of the suit was based on one Ashe had seen a noble wearing. The man had been on horseback at the time and was obviously on his way to the palace. Ashe assumed he was another suitor for the mysterious princess of Glass Kingdom whom no one had ever seen before.

The ladies hungrily raked their eyes over Ashe's suit that was made out of white silk and decorated with swirls of golden embroidery. The cravat and vest he was wearing were both the same color as his eyes. Completing his posh look was a cane that had an ivory handle shaped like a unicorn's head.

Lending to Ashe's already otherworldly appearance was his shoulder-length, platinum blonde hair that looked silver in some lighting. Ashe had pulled his hair back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck using a gold ribbon that was the same color as his eyes.

Ashe knew that he stood out even among the magical races that existed in Fantasia, but his lips dipped into a frown as he thought about how he was a dullard. Dullard was a term used in Fantasia to describe an ordinary human that possessed no magical abilities.

Ashe envied the magical races for their power. If he possessed magic then he wouldn't be in the shameful situation he was currently in, which was whoring himself out to mature ladies for money.

If Ashe possessed magic he would have also been able to participate in the daily fighting competitions that were held at the Glass Coliseum where all races were allowed to participate. The nobility liked to place bets on the matches and duels that took place in the coliseum. The winners of those matches would make a lot of money as a result.

But Ashe didn't possess magic, and so here he was at a casino in Glass City trying to find a rich, elderly, er, _mature_ lady to seduce and rob, er, _charge_ an arm and leg for his time with her. Ashe let out a heavy sigh, and assessed the women who currently appeared to be interested in him.

There was a pretty, young elf with pointed ears, long blonde hair, and bright green eyes. She was wearing a dark green dress with the pattern of leaves on it embroidered in golden thread. There was a thick, gold necklace around her neck that must have cost a pretty penny.

Unfortunately, she was way too young. Young women fell in love too easily. And this wasn't about _love_ \- this was about _sex_. He only wanted to sate a woman's lust and carnal desire, not her lonely heart.

Ashe's calculating gaze went to another woman. This one was obviously a witch since she was wearing a black, wide-brimmed, pointed hat on top of her head of red curls. The witch was wearing a black dress with belled sleeves. Ashe shook his head. Again, this woman was too young for his purposes. It was a shame she wasn't an old crone.

Ashe's gaze traveled to a demoness, then an angel, and lastly a vampiress. _Too dangerous. Too pure. Too...bloodthirsty._ Ashe thought to himself, rubbing the back of his neck in a frustrated gesture.

Finally, Ashe met the gaze of a mature human woman that was probably in her late forties. She wasn't unattractive, though attractiveness didn't really matter for what Ashe had in mind. What really drew Ashe's attention was the diamond necklace she was wearing. Ashe decided that he'd ask her for that necklace in exchange for one night with him.

Ashe sidled up to the woman, who was currently standing next to the craps table, and just as she was about to throw her dice he leaned over and blew on her clutched hand causing her to shiver in pleasure. "For luck," Ashe said in a deep, husky voice.

The lady giggled in a girlish fashion that made Ashe want to cringe because of how old she really was. But Ashe made sure to keep his expression stoic as she threw her dice, and won. The lady beamed at Ashe, and quickly ordered him a fancy cocktail.

Ashe continued to give the woman company as she played casino craps. He blew on her dice and gave her smoldering looks that had her cheeks turning pink and her breath quickening. It wouldn't be long before she asked him to accompany her to a hotel, or perhaps even her home.

_I've got this cat in the bag...or should I say cougar?_ Ashe thought with dry amusement until a sudden presence at Ashe's side caused him to jump. He turned to gape at a young woman who'd seemingly appeared out of nowhere, and who was currently stroking the unicorn-shaped handle of his cane. _What the hell? Where did she even come from?_ Ashe wondered.

"Ooo. Such exquisite craftsmanship..." the girl cooed as she continued to stroke the handle in an admiring fashion.

The eccentric young woman was wearing a white unicorn facemask decorated with a short, golden horn. The mask concealed the features of her face entirely so that Ashe deduced it had to be enchanted for her to be able to see out of it, which meant it was an _expensive_ item.

The young lady wasn't wearing any jewelry, but Ashe could tell that she was wealthy. Her pink gown was obviously brand-new and made of the finest silk. Ashe also noticed that she was wearing glass slippers. Only noblewomen wore glass slippers that had been enchanted by the witches and wizards that lived in Apple Kingdom to be both comfortable and unbreakable.

Lastly, Ashe took in her physical features. She had long, black curly hair, and when his gaze drifted down to her cleavage he noted her breasts were firm and pert, which could only mean she was much too young for his purposes. She was probably a beautiful woman beneath that mask of hers, which made Ashe briefly wonder why she wore it, but then decided it was none of his business anyways.

_She's much too young...and she seems to be more interested in my cane than in me anyways. That's a first. How odd._ The corner of Ashe's lip twitched as he tried not to smile. "It belonged to my father..." he found himself saying inexplicably. His eyes widened in surprise since he'd never told that to anyone before.

"I love unicorns," the girl declared.

"I never would have guessed, Milady," Ashe said dryly, giving her mask a pointed look.

The woman Ashe had been trying to seduce earlier squeezed his arm to get his attention. "Ashe, I need you to blow on my dice again," she said in a whiney tone that irritated him.

Ashe reluctantly returned his attention to his prey. "Ah, yes, of course, Milady." Ashe leaned over to blow on her clutched dice.

The strange, dark-haired girl appeared to be easily distracted and her attention was drawn to the roulette table. Out of the corner of Ashe's eye, he watched her go with a feeling of unease building up inside of him.

The young girl seemed so out of place. _What is a highborn lady like her doing in a casino at this hour unescorted?_ Ashe mused. The girl had an aura of innocence and purity that seemed to make her stand out against the casino's other patrons. Ashe knew he must have been imagining it, but he thought she was _glowing_.

Ashe continued to watch the strange girl flit from one game table to the next like a butterfly flitting from flower to flower. The girl curiously leaned over people's shoulders and watched them place their bets and play the various games. When people won she would clap excitedly and squeal. "Ooo!"

Ashe snorted. How could the girl be so easily entertained? Ashe frequented the casinos so often that the games had become boring to him. That's when Ashe noticed that the girl had managed to draw the attention of several men, who were now tracking her with their eyes.

Ashe bristled with irritation when he noted that their lascivious gazes lingered on her curves. _She's way too young for you, old geezers!_ Ashe thought venomously, and when he caught himself in his thoughts he let out a groan and scrubbed a hand down his face. _What am I? Her father?_

Ashe watched as the girl approached the back of the casino, and a man pulled a velvet curtain aside for her. The girl obliviously passed through the doorway, and into a hallway. As soon as she'd passed through the doorway the man let go of the velvet curtain so that it concealed the doorway once more. Ashe frowned at this sudden development.

Ashe knew that the backrooms were for private, high-stakes poker games. Had that young lady really been invited to participate in one? _Well, she does look rich._ Ashe mused. Perhaps, he had nothing to worry about. In fact, why was he worrying about the girl in the first place? He didn't even _know_ her. She had nothing to do with him.

Ashe diligently turned his attention back to the woman at his side, and resumed his seduction. He tried to put the strange girl with the unicorn mask out of his mind. However...

A girl's startled cry reached Ashe's ears and he instantly knew that the girl had made it. _Shit._ Before Ashe even realized what he was doing he'd left the mature woman behind and had stalked over to the velvet curtain. He pushed the curtain aside, entered the hallway, and spotted an open door.

Ashe approached the room, and saw that three noblemen were currently seated at a round poker table. One of the chairs was unoccupied. The girl in the unicorn mask was currently standing. From the looks of things, she'd been forced to stand since there were two uniformed men on either side of her with a harsh grip on her arms.

"What's going on here?" Ashe barked, stalking into the room. All eyes were suddenly on him.

A fat lord addressed Ashe in a haughty tone. "This young lady lost and yet refuses to pay up. You know the rules of this casino. If you can't pay - you'll pay _another_ way. If she's sold off as a slave we should be able to get back the money she owes us."

_Sold off as a slave?_ Ashe nearly swayed on his feet at the terrifying suggestion, but quickly pulled himself together. Ashe tightened his grip on his cane's handle, and his jaw clenched. Ashe sent a fierce look the young woman's way. "Why don't you just pay them? Surely, you have the money."

"Money?" The girl quirked her head at Ashe.

Ashe let out a frustrated huff and waved his hand impatiently at her. "You know, gold, silver, jewels, precious gems."

"Oh!" the girl exclaimed and nodded in understanding. "Let me return to the palace and I'll-"

"Palace!" the fat lord interrupted, and let out an amused, dark chuckle.

"The Queen will-" the girl tried to continue.

"This poor girl is touched in the head," the fat lord sneered. "She thinks she knows the Queen!" He narrowed his eyes on the girl. "You trying to run, girl? You won't get very far."

"But I _do_ know the Queen. Why won't you believe me?" the girl insisted with an edge of frustration to her voice that to Ashe appeared sincere.

"If you don't have any gold or jewels then-" the fat lord was saying.

"Jewels? You mean like diamonds?" the girl interrupted.

"Indeed," the fat lord said dryly.

"I...I can make you some diamonds," the girl blurted out. "I just need to-" She was unable to finish her sentence when all of the men present except for Ashe began to laugh very loudly.

" _Make_ diamonds!" the fat lord crowed.

"Maybe she plans to lay them like the Golden Goose!" one of the nobles suggested, a leer forming on his face. "Why don't you lift up your skirt and show us what you can do, girl."

Ashe groaned and scrubbed a hand down his face. The young woman certainly did have quite the imagination and a knack for getting herself into trouble. He didn't know her but he couldn't just stand back and do nothing, and allow her to become a slave. "How much does she owe?" Ashe found himself asking.

"Three hundred Gold Apples," the fat lord said with a glint in his beady eyes.

In Fantasia, Gold Apples were gold coins, which had the image of King Reginald of Apple Kingdom engraved on one side, and an apple tree engraved on the other. Silver Roses were silver coins that had the image of King Leopold of Rose Kingdom engraved on one side, and a rose engraved on the other. Copper Skulls were copper coins that had the image of King Gothel of Bones Kingdom engraved on one side, and a skull engraved on the other. Two hundred Silver Roses were equal in value to one Gold Apple while two thousand Copper Skulls had the value of one Gold Apple.

_Greedy bastards._ "I'll pay her debt," Ashe said, reaching for the coin purse that he always had strapped to his belt. Unfortunately, Ashe's hand gripped nothing but thin air, and that's when he remembered he'd left his coin purse at home that night. He rarely needed to have money on him when his aim was to seduce mature ladies, who would pay for all his food, drinks, and for his company. _Shit._

Ashe quickly assessed the situation. The three noblemen seated at the table weren't knights so weren't armed with broadswords. Instead they had fancy, swept hilted rapiers strapped to their sides. Luckily, the two casino guards also had rapiers strapped to their sides, and _not_ broadswords.

_Five against one._ Ashe thought and shrugged. He'd faced worst odds. Ashe lamented the fact he hadn't decided to wear a mask this evening since they were fashionable in Glass Kingdom, and a rotten scoundrel could conceal his identity without looking suspicious. What Ashe was about to do was quite rotten, and lamentably he'd never be able to return to this particular casino.

_Oh, well. I can't believe I'm doing this._ Ashe thought as he unsheathed his cane sword and pointed it at the two guards. He didn't know her. She had nothing to do with him. But he couldn't let this naïve girl become a slave. "Unhand her at once," Ashe growled lowly.

The five men gawked at Ashe in shock. The fat lord started to chuckle darkly. "It's five against one, boy. The odds are in our favor. You're bad at gambling." The lord stood and unsheathed his rapier. The other two noblemen shared a glance before following suit, standing up from their seats, and unsheathing their rapiers.

"I'll just have to even the odds." Ashe smirked before charging forward towards the fat lord. They swung their rapiers at each other, and their blades clashed with a clang as they both managed to block their opponent's attack.

With a swift, graceful twist of his wrist Ashe disarmed the fat lord. Ashe could have gutted him at this point, but sent a kick into his stomach instead. The lord let out a grunt of pain, stumbled backwards, and ended up on his ass on the floor.

Ashe leapt up onto the poker table and started to engage the other two nobles in swordplay. One of the noblemen leapt up onto the table and swung his rapier at Ashe in a horizontal slash, aiming for Ashe's stomach. Ashe blocked the attack, and as the nobleman stepped forward they were almost chest-to-chest. They both tried to overpower their opponent with brute strength. Ashe decided to play dirty, and headbutt the noble, breaking his nose.

"You uncouth barbarian!" the nobleman cried as he reached up to touch his bleeding nose, and stumbled backwards a few steps. He'd temporarily forgotten he was standing on a table, and ended up falling right off of it.

"You fight without honor, Knight!" the final nobleman accused hotly, waving his sword in Ashe's direction.

"Whoever said I was a knight?" Ashe leapt down from the table and executed an overhead downward slash of his sword. The noble instinctively raised his sword horizontally to block the attack. That's when Ashe's sword sliced right through the sword's blade causing it to shatter.

The nobleman's eyes widened and his jaw dropped at the sight of his sword shattering, and he was unable to react as Ashe's sword sliced into his chest. Ashe mercifully pulled his sword back so that the wound wouldn't be too deep. He didn't really want to _kill_ anyone. That put a bounty on his head, and would be more trouble than it was worth. Also, if his sadistic stepfather found out about this...he shuddered, just thinking about what Lord Christian Tremaine would do to him then.

Ashe turned to face the casino guards next. They released the girl's arms, unsheathed their rapiers, and pointed them Ashe's way. As the guards charged forward they let out a yell before swinging their rapiers at Ashe.

The young lady watched Ashe fighting the two casino guards simultaneously and began to clap due to his prowess. "Ooo. Well done, Swordsman. You're quite skilled."

_She's...clapping._ Ashe thought in disbelief, and felt a tinge of irritation that caused his left eye to twitch. _This isn't a performance! This is a life or death situation that she pulled me into! The nerve of this girl!_

With a twist of his wrist Ashe disarmed one of the guards and punched him hard across the face, knocking him out cold. Ashe concentrated on disarming the final guard, and once he had he sent a powerful punch to the man's solar plexus.

Ashe sheathed his cane sword and held his right hand out to the strange girl in an expectant manner. "Come, girl. Take my hand. We need to leave."

The young lady hesitated a moment before placing her hand in Ashe's. "My hero," she murmured dreamily to herself.

Ashe tugged the girl along with him out of the room, and down the hall. Once they'd reached the velvet curtain, Ashe pulled it aside and ushered the girl into the main gaming area. Ashe immediately realized that everyone's eyes were on them as they started to pass the game tables. The casino's patrons had reprimanding looks on their faces, and Ashe swore inwardly at the fact that the sound of his fight against the poker players and guards had obviously drawn unwanted attention.

Ashe recognized the owner of the casino, who upon spotting them immediately pointed a trembling finger their way. "Don't let them escape!" The casino owner's face had turned bright red in his anger. "No one breaks my casino's rules and gets away with it!"

Ten casino guards unsheathed their rapiers and started to approach Ashe and the young lady. Ashe took off running, heading for the front door while tugging the girl along with him. As he nimbly weaved his way around game tables and avoided the casino's patrons Ashe was surprised that the girl was able to keep up with him while running in those glass slippers of hers.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ashe noted that the human patrons appeared to be appalled by his uncouth behavior while the magical beings appeared to be amused. When two guards moved to stand in Ashe's path between him and the front door, Ashe quickly unsheathed his cane sword, and fought off the guards that stood in their way.

The sound of heavy, approaching footsteps had Ashe turning to regard a knight dressed in full medieval armor and wielding a broadsword. "Shit! A knight." Ashe quickly sheathed his cane sword and bolted for the exit. His cane sword wasn't strong enough to block a blow from a broadsword, and would be broken instantly.

As soon as Ashe and the young woman managed to make it outside Ashe began to look around for a horse they could steal, er, _borrow_. That's when the girl pointed at a magnificent black stallion that was wearing a bridle that had a golden horn attached to it and which made the horse look like a unicorn, at first glance. "Take _my_ horse Nero."

" _Your_ horse? You do realize a horse that magnificent would have settled your gambling debt in a heartbeat, right?" Ashe had to curb the desire to rub his temples with his index fingers since he could feel a headache coming on.

"No. I did _not_ know that, but...I could never give up Nero. He's my only friend in the whole world," the girl said in an emotional voice that made Ashe want to roll his eyes.

_Girls._ Ashe scrubbed a hand down his face in an exasperated gesture. He mounted Nero, and reached down to offer his hand to the girl. She took his hand, and Ashe was able to swing her up onto the saddle behind him easily. _She's as light as a feather._ Ashe mused before shooting a stern glance over his shoulder at the girl. "Hold on tight." The girl obediently wrapped her arms around Ashe's torso and held on tightly.

"Hyah!" Ashe squeezed the horse's sides and they were off, galloping down the street. And not a second too soon.

The front door of the casino burst open and the burly knight from earlier emerged followed by five of the casino guards. The knight mounted a large brown horse and the guards followed suit mounting their own horses. It wasn't long before the knight and guards were in pursuit of Ashe and the girl.

Ashe glanced over his shoulder and swore like a drunken sailor when he saw that they were actually being pursued. He kicked Nero's sides again and picked up the pace. The street that Ashe was riding down had glittering, candlelit casinos on either side, but when Ashe abruptly turned onto a side street that area was also filled with gambling establishments.

Glass Kingdom was the wealthiest kingdom in Fantasia because it was a neutral zone where _all_ races were welcome. It was the only place in Fantasia where one could see all the races getting along together, and not trying to kill each other.

In comparison, Apple Kingdom was exclusively for witches and wizards, unless you were a dullard slave. Bones Kingdom was populated by the undead and demons, and they too would enslave any humans foolish enough to wander into their midst. Rose Kingdom was populated by humans, angels, fairies, dwarves and elves. There was no slavery in Rose Kingdom, and because of this some considered it to be a utopia.

The fact that all races were welcome in Glass Kingdom had given rise casinos popping up all over the city. Most of the residents of Glass Kingdom were wealthy, and so to pass the time they either went to the casinos to gamble their money away, or went to the coliseum to bet on duels or on the outcome of tournaments. There was also a racetrack where magical beasts competed against each other. Betting on things was the favorite pastime of those who lived in the prosperous kingdom.

_But not everyone here gets to live in the lap of luxury._ Ashe thought bitterly as he passed some stately brick townhouses that had colorful flower boxes below each window. Glass Kingdom, just like Apple Kingdom and Bones Kingdom, had slaves.

As Ashe rode hard through the city while trying to lose his pursuers he abruptly realized he had no idea where he was going. "Hey, do you work at the palace, girl?"

"Ah, yes, that's right," the girl agreed. "Good guess."

Ashe took the next right and started to head towards the palace. "What's your name, girl?"

"Oh, it's Ju...Julie," the girl stammered suspiciously. "And you are?"

"Ashe. Are you one of the Princess's handmaidens?"

"Right again," Julie agreed easily. "You're very good at making guesses about people. Maybe you should become a fortune teller!"

"What in blazes were you doing at a casino at this time of night _and_ without an escort?" Ashe growled.

Julie gulped. "I...was curious about the city. I grew up living at the palace and have never left the palace walls. I'd only heard about the city, and its casinos and how you could see all the races of Fantasia in one place. Now that I've seen the city with my own eyes I have to admit it's wonderful. Truly amazing."

"Wonderful?" Ashe echoed skeptically. "I suppose for _some_ it might be."

"What do you mean by that?" Julie asked as her lips started to dip into a frown behind her mask.

"Well, I'm sure the _wealthy_ enjoy this city, but the poor...they're usually made slaves when they're unable to pay off their gambling debts." Ashe shot a pointed look over his shoulder at Julie. " _You_ were almost made a slave tonight. Do you think you would have enjoyed that, girl?"

"No," Julie said.

The girl's unconcerned tone irritated Ashe. She was acting like this had nothing to do with her, and nothing could be further from the truth. "Do you have any idea what would have been done to you by your new Master?" he questioned sternly. "He would have raped you. That's what." Julie started to tremble at Ashe's cruel, frightening words, but he hardly noticed.

"Do you think you would have enjoyed that? Having a stranger between your legs..." A dark shadow fell over Ashe's face, and he shook his head to clear it of bad memories. "Stealing your innocence and defiling your purity. I can tell that you're a virgin."

"How could you know?" Julie asked.

"You don't act the way most women do around me," Ashe explained. "Your new Master would have stolen your virginity tonight if I hadn't been there to save you, and all because you were foolish enough to go to a casino in Glass City alone without money, and without an escort. Do you understand how idiotic you were to come here, you silly girl?" Ashe snarled angrily.

Julie covered her ears with her hands and shook her head. "Please, stop. I can't bear to hear anymore. I understand. You're right. I was foolish. I'm a silly, naïve little girl."

Ashe was about to open his mouth to say more when he realized that the girl's hands were trembling, and suddenly felt bad. Perhaps, he'd gone a bit too far. "Yes, you are. Just...don't do something stupid like that again."

"Are you a hero of Fantasia?" Julie asked tentatively. "A member of the Heroes' Guild?"

The girl's surprising question caught Ashe off guard and he barked out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. "Me? A hero of Fantasia? I'm no noble hero. I'm...no one."

"Hm," Julie let out a thoughtful hum. "You remind me of someone from my past. Someone who rescued me. Someone who was a hero."

"Oh?" Ashe raised an eyebrow. "And what happened to him?"

"He's dead," Julie replied in a chill tone.

They were nearing the palace gates when Ashe realized that the knight and casino guards were hot on their heels. They'd never make it to the gates in time and would end up having to fight their pursuers first. Ashe had the gut feeling Julie would be useless in a fight, and decided to turn Nero onto another side street.

"Uh, the palace is the other way." Julie felt the need to point out.

"I know that," Ashe huffed. "We're going someplace safe where we can lie low until those guards give up on trying to find us and leave this area. I can't fight a knight armed with only my cane sword."

They headed towards the coliseum that was situated directly next to the palace. Ashe rode around the circular outer wall of the coliseum and suddenly pulled back on the reins once they'd reached a tower. Ashe dismounted Nero and held his hand up to Julie to help her down.

"The towers are no longer in use," Julie remarked.

Ashe grinned up at her slyly. "Exactly." Julie let Ashe help her get down. Even once her feet had touched the ground he didn't let go of Julie's hand. While Ashe pulled her along with him Julie couldn't help but notice that Ashe's hand was rough and covered with calluses. This was strange for a nobleman.

Ashe pushed a cascade of ivy aside to reveal a hidden door, which he opened. He ushered Julie inside the tower, and the duo climbed a spiral staircase until they reached a circular room. Julie saw that on the other side of the room was a balcony. A cascade of ivy was partially blocking the view of what lay beyond the balcony, but as the sound of raucous cheers reached their ears Julie knew without a doubt that the balcony overlooked the coliseum's arena. Ashe led Julie across the room and they both peered past the ivy.

"These towers used to be used by the judges," Julie said absentmindedly.

"Indeed," Ashe agreed. "Now the judges have a special sitting area in the stands to watch the duels from instead."

A match was currently being fought inside of the arena. A witch was facing off against a knight dressed in full medieval armor. The witch was wearing a purple, wide-brimmed hat over a bob of black hair. Her dress was a matching purple color with belled sleeves. The knight was wielding a broadsword while the witch was wielding a scepter that had a ball of amethyst decorating its apex.

The witch slammed her scepter on the ground and summoned her magic power. All around the witch thorny vines shot up and out of the earth and attacked the knight.

Ashe watched the match with rapt attention. "Earth magic." How would the human knight counter this attack? Ashe wondered.

The knight fearlessly hacked away at the vines that were attacking him with his sword. Unfortunately, the amount of vines the witch could conjure seemed to be limitless, and more vines kept springing up out of the earth to attack the knight, until-

The blade of the knight's sword suddenly caught on fire. With his fiery sword in hand the knight attacked the vines with renewed vigor. As the vines were sliced into pieces they caught on fire. An inhuman shriek filled the air that could only be coming from the vines that were burning. The vines appeared to be writhing in pain and they abruptly retreated back into the earth as if afraid of the knight and his fire sword.

A cocky smirk curled the knight's lips and he pointed his sword at the exhausted looking witch. "Do you yield, Witch?"

"I yield," the witch said with a disappointed pout.

"And the winner is...Sir Blaze!" The Master of Ceremonies called out in a booming voice from his position in the arena.

Ashe's eyes widened when he caught sight of the current Master of Ceremonies. The male had live green snakes for hair, and yellow eyes with slit pupils. He was wearing gold vambraces, an armored skirt, and armored boots. "I've never seen that emcee before."

"Oh? Haven't you heard? The last emcee was eaten, so had to be replaced," Julie said in a blasé tone. "The new emcee is a gorgon who has the ability to turn people and monsters to stone, so he should be able to protect himself if things get hairy in the arena. His name is Viper."

The spectators began to cheer the knight's victory, and Ashe noted that money exchanged hands from those who'd placed bets on the outcome of the match. "I envy that knight," Ashe admitted with a wistful note to his voice.

"Why?" Julie shot him a curious look.

"Sir Blaze possesses an enchanted sword," Ashe started to explain. "If I had an enchanted sword I wouldn't have had to run away from that knight like a coward earlier, and I could participate in the matches here at the coliseum. Humans without any magical power must at least have an enchanted weapon if they expect to stand a chance in a fight against a magical being. Fighting here in the coliseum...that's where the real money is."

For a fleeting moment Julie thought that Ashe's gold eyes had turned into gold coins. Her pensive expression turned confused beneath her mask. "If you want an enchanted sword so badly why don't you just buy one from a witch or wizard blacksmith in Apple Kingdom?"

Ashe let out a bitter laugh. "I wish I had that kind of money. Do you have any idea how much those wizard blacksmiths charge for their work? Only nobles can afford them."

"Aren't you a noble?" Julie asked tentatively, her gaze falling upon Ashe's fine suit.

Ashe stiffened as he felt Julie's scrutinizing gaze. He thought about lying to her, but in the end he ended up telling her the truth for some odd reason. "I...used to be a noble. A lord, in fact. But not any more. That's why I need money so badly...to get my old life and title back."

"I heard that the Blacksmith Rapunzel makes the best enchanted weapons in all of Fantasia," Julie began in a thoughtful tone. "Maybe you could find him and ask him to forge you a sword for free."

Ashe shot Julie an incredulous look and shook his head. "Blacksmith Rapunzel is indeed rumored to be the best blacksmith in all of Fantasia, but he's also rumored to be a heartless demon. I doubt he would make me a sword for _free_." Ashe let out a defeated sigh. "Besides, he lives somewhere in Bones Kingdom where the demons and undead live. It's not only a dangerous place to try and traverse, but I have no idea where Rapunzel's Tower is located to begin with. According to rumors many have traveled through Bones Kingdom in search of Rapunzel's Tower and only the most powerful mages have made it back alive. Those who did not return...maybe Rapunzel ate them."

Julie slapped Ashe's arm in retaliation for his morbid joke. "Oh, stop it! I suppose it would be near impossible to make it to Rapunzel's Tower unless you knew where it was actually located." Julie let out a pensive hum. "I know someone who would know."

"Who?" Ashe asked, leaning forward slightly from his curiosity.

"Prince Snow Flurris of Apple Kingdom," Julie revealed. "I read an article in the gossip section of the _Glass Gazette_ about how Snow's mother Queen Isidora commissioned an enchanted sword for him from Blacksmith Rapunzel. All the noblewomen at the palace were so excited about finding out what ability Snow's sword would have."

Ashe raised an eyebrow at Julie. "What _was_ the sword's power?"

Julie put her hands out before her in a helpless gesture. "That's just it. Apparently, the sword isn't working for him. Enchanted weapons are supposed to work for everyone - even dullards. If their wielder is a dullard they will simply absorb energy from the sun, moon, or Mother Nature herself to power the sword's abilities. It's strange...it's like there's a curse on Snow or something because this isn't the first time there have been rumors about Snow having problems with his magic. As the son of a powerful witch he should possess great magical power."

"Yes, I heard about that," Ashe admitted, thinking about the rumors surrounding Prince Snow's inability to cast even the simplest of spells. "Although, apparently his 'charm ability' works just fine."

Julie giggled. Prince Snow Flurris was renowned for being quite the philanderer. "All the ladies who work at the palace can't stop talking about how they wish they could meet Prince Snow and how he'll fall in love with them at first sight and marry them."

"What about you?" Ashe asked Julie casually.

Julie blinked beneath her mask. "Oh...I've met Prince Snow." She tapped the bottom of her mask thoughtfully. "He's a little too...sparkly for my taste."

"Sparkly, huh?" Ashe said dryly before a sobering thought occurred to him. "If Snow is unable to do magic...is he really safe in Apple Kingdom?"

Julie shrugged. "Well, regardless of his magical ability he _is_ a prince. And as you said he does appear to have a strange charm ability that works not only on women, but also on female monsters. I heard a dragon tried to eat Snow once, but it turns out the dragon was female, and decided to let him live instead."

Ashe chuckled at the visual image that formed within his mind of a giant dragon going heart-eyed as it looked down at Prince Snow.

"My point is that Prince Snow probably knows where Blacksmith Rapunzel's Tower is located," Julie said. "Snow is very friendly. Even to dullards. Perhaps, you could ask him for help, and whether or not he knows where Blacksmith Rapunzel lives."

Ashe let out a skeptical snort. "You think I can just walk up to Prince Snow Flurris and ask for his help, and he'd help me? I'd never make it past the front gate of Apple Castle."

Julie giggled and waved her hand at Ashe in amusement. "The castle? Oh no, you wouldn't try to meet him _there_. You would try to meet him in Apple City. The girls at the palace told me that he frequents a Gentleman's Club there called _Forbidden Fruit_ almost every night!"

" _Right_. Womanizer." Ashe nodded in understanding. "Let's say I go to Apple City, find Snow Flurris, and ask for his help. Why would he help me? He doesn't even know me."

"He's a good person," Julie argued. "Trust me. I happen to be an excellent judge of character."

"So out of the goodness of his heart he'll help me? Ha..." Ashe scoffed.

Julie shrugged. "It was just a suggestion. Perhaps, there is another way for you to get your hands on an enchanted weapon. I could-"

"No. You're right," Ashe interrupted. "What do I have to lose by at least _asking_ Prince Snow Flurris for his help? Maybe I could offer him a deal." Ashe stroked his chin. _What would a spoiled prince who has everything even want?_ Ashe wondered. "It's my dream," he murmured aloud.

"What is?" Julie asked.

Ashe startled. He hadn't realized he'd spoken those last words aloud. He coughed awkwardly into his hand. "It's my dream to one day participate in a match here and to win a whole lot of money."

Julie smiled beneath her mask. "I'm sure you'll make your dream a reality someday, hero."

"Ugh," Ashe moaned. "Don't call me a 'hero'." The clopping sound of a horse approaching the tower reached their ears. Ashe frowned since the horse's steps sounded heavier and slower than a normal horse's. "What's that odd sound?"

"Ah, my ride's here," Julie said simply. "The Queen must have sent it for me."

"It?" Ashe asked.

"You'll see." Julie made her way out of the tower with Ashe following close behind. Parked in front of the tower was a spooky, black and gold, pumpkin-shaped carriage with four legs. No horses were attached to the carriage.

Ashe had heard of enchanted carriages that were carried along by their own legs before, but had never seen one in person. They were rumored to be _incredibly_ expensive. The carriage reminded Ashe of a fat, four-legged spider, and he decided that the carriage was officially creepy.

The door of the carriage opened on its own as if ushering Julie inside. Julie approached the carriage, and just as she was stepping inside glanced over her shoulder at Ashe. "Thanks again for saving me, my brave hero. I hope to see you fighting in the coliseum soon. Farewell."

"What did I tell you about calling me a 'hero'?" Ashe complained, watching Julie enter the carriage. The door shut behind her of its own accord and he smirked. "Farewell, Julie." The carriage started to run down the street and Ashe shuddered. "Yes. Definitely a monster spider."

_That girl was so strange...but surprisingly smart._ Ashe thought. _Because of her I learned Prince Snow has an enchanted sword forged by Blacksmith Rapunzel himself. A sword he can't even use. Snow is a rake who frequents the Forbidden Fruit. In other words...Princes Snow Flurris is easy prey._ A sly smile curled Ashe's lips.

Ashe didn't intend to ask Prince Snow for his help. "Ha!" He'd never get it. People weren't nice for no reason. A plan was already taking form in his keen mind. "I'll just have to think of a way to steal, er, relieve Snow of the burden of that sword. Julie was wrong about me. I'm no hero. I'm a jaded scumbag. A gigolo, who only cares about money, and getting revenge. Poor girl. She's an awful judge of character. I fear for her marriage prospects."

***

Ashe made sure the knight and the casino guards were nowhere to be seen before leaving the dilapidated tower and heading home. Home wasn't really 'home' for Ashe - it was more like a prison. The château came with a couple of acres of farmland. It was a large property that should have housed multiple servants to take care of it. But there was only _one_ servant at Lord Christian Tremaine's château.

When Ashe arrived he made his way to the backdoor of the château and entered the kitchen. He immediately stripped off his fine suit, folded it, and shoved it into a burlap sack along with his dress shoes.

Ashe redressed in a dirty, tattered cotton shirt, pair of brown pants, and scuffed, brown leather shoes. The clothes he was wearing now were only fit for a slave. But that's what Ashe really was - a slave. This was his true identity.

Ashe stalked over to the fireplace, crouched before it, and stuck his hands into the ashes before wiping some ash onto his face and into his hair. Being covered in ash served as a disguise of sorts. Lord Tremaine and his two sons would never recognize Ashe if they saw him at one of the casinos in Glass City by chance.

They must never discover that I sneak out at night in order to seduce rich, mature ladies for their money. It's my only chance to gain my freedom. Ashe thought as he belatedly remembered to remove the beautiful, gold silk ribbon that had been keeping his hair tied back. He stuffed the ribbon into his burlap sack along with his fine suit.

Ashe stared at his reflection in one of the copper pans that was hanging from the ceiling over the kitchen counter. A dirty, pathetic slave greeted him in his reflection. That's what he was now.

Ashe hadn't always been a slave though. As he'd told Julie he'd been a lord once upon a time until his mother Seraphine had sold him to Lord Tremaine to pay off her gambling debts. She'd betrayed him.

As for Ashe's father...Ashe barely remembered him since he'd died when Ashe was only seven-years-old. He didn't even know his father's first name, only that his last name had been Smoldris. Ashe had only addressed his father as 'Daddy', after all. Ashe had questioned Lord Tremaine about his father, of course, but never received an answer as to his father's identity.

Ashe did remember that his father had been incredibly handsome with long, silvery hair that cascaded down past his waist, and intelligent golden eyes. In comparison Ashe's mother with her brown hair and brown eyes had been plain and homely.

Ashe didn't know how his father died exactly, just that one day his mother said he was dead. When his mother got very drunk she'd sometimes slip up and complain that Ashe's father had been _killed_. Seraphine's sadness over her husband's death turned into crippling depression. The only thing that seemed to cheer Seraphine up was gambling at the glittering casinos in Glass City, and she became addicted to it.

It didn't take long for Seraphine to gamble away all her money. That's when she decided to borrow money from a handsome loan shark named Lord Christian Tremaine. When Seraphine lost all of the money that had been loaned to her she had no choice but to give her chateau to Lord Christian Tremaine to cover her debt. The fact that she was now homeless didn't stop her gambling addiction, however. Seraphine begged Lord Tremaine to loan her more money, and that's when he offered her a proposition - marriage.

Seraphine knew that ever since her husband's death she'd been an awful parental figure to her son Ashe and figured that providing her son with a new father figure and gaining the money to continue her gambling habit was a win-win situation, and so she agreed to marry the benevolent Lord Tremaine.

Lord Tremaine lent his wife money and she gambled it away until she owed him 50,000 Gold Apples. That's when Lord Tremaine declared that enough was enough, and that his wife needed to pay him back somehow. When she had no idea how she could do that Lord Tremaine suggested that she sell her son Ashe to him as a slave to cover her new debt. Seraphine had become mentally unstable at this point, and agreed.

Lord Christian Tremaine and his two sons, Knuckles and Picasso, had never been very nice to Ashe. But after he became Lord Tremaine's slave they treated him even worse.

Ashe became a slave in his own home. He cooked, cleaned, did the laundry, mended clothes, cleaned the chimneys, and took care of the few farm animals they had on the property, including the horses.

Ashe didn't think his situation could get any worse, but it did when his mother committed suicide. After his mother's death Lord Tremaine started to beat Ashe for certain imagined slights. If Ashe did something wrong in Lord Tremaine's eyes, Ashe was punished accordingly.

Sometimes Knuckles would be the one to carry out his punishment. The ham-fisted bastard would deliver blows to Ashe's restrained body until he cracked a few ribs.

When Picasso was in charge of punishing Ashe he had fun with a stainless steel blade he called a 'scalpel'. Apparently, Ashe's flesh was a canvas, and as Picasso cut slashes into Ashe's body he was creating 'a work of art'.

_What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger._ Ashe would think to himself anytime they tortured him. At least, the Tremaines didn't abuse him _sexually_. Small mercies. Lord Tremaine and his sons were only interested in the fairer sex. Thank God.

One day, Ashe bravely confronted Lord Tremaine, and asked if he could buy back his freedom. Christian had merely smiled at Ashe, and said that if Ashe could come up with the sum of 50,000 Gold Apples - his mother's gambling debt - that Ashe could buy back his freedom.

This is why Ashe was _obsessed_ with money. He _needed_ it. He would do _anything_ to get more of it. His deal with Lord Tremaine was why Ashe visited the casinos in Glass City, and seduced women into giving him gold or jewelry for one night with him. That's how Ashe ended up turning into a gigolo. He was definitely no hero, like Julie had assumed.

Seraphine's betrayal was why Ashe hated women. They weren't to be trusted. Women were selfish, insincere and duplicitous. He loved gold instead. Gold never betrayed you. And it was gold that could one day get Ashe his freedom back. _One day, I'll be free._ Ashe vowed to himself.

Ashe's bedroom was up in the attic, but that night it was to cold to go up there and sleep since he'd probably freeze to death. Ashe thought morbidly about how no one would mourn him. He lay down on the floor by the fire, closed his eyes, and fell into a fitful sleep. He dreamed about gold, diamonds, enchanted swords, and unicorns.

To be continued in...Chapter 2:

### Chapter 2:

The following morning Ashe awoke to a stinging pain in his ear. "Ow! Fuck!" Ashe's eyes snapped open and he sat up. He glared down at his temperamental pet mouse who'd just bitten his ear, and who was looking up at him with an innocent look on her furry face.

Ashe brought a hand up to his throbbing ear, and when he looked at the palm of his hand he saw tha there was blood on it. "Morning already, Gustava? Guess you're hungry. For a lady mouse you're such a pig." Ashe let out a defeated sigh as he pushed himself up off the floor.

Gustava would wake Ashe up at exactly sunrise, which was when she liked to have breakfast. It was as convenient as it was a pain in the ass that the mouse waked him up the same time each morning.

Ashe walked over to the larder, went inside, and fetched some cheese for his spoiled mouse. He cut a generous piece off a cheese round and set the piece of cheese down in front of Gustava. "Here you go, you spoiled princess."

Gustava picked up the piece of cheese with her front paws, looking almost human for a moment, before she began to gobble up the piece of cheese in a greedy fashion.

Lord Tremaine and his sons would be up in about an hour and would be expecting breakfast to be ready for them. Ashe made scrambled eggs, bacon and toast for Lord Tremaine and Picasso. For Knuckles he made a stack of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup.

The first time Knuckles had requested that Ashe make him 'pancakes' he had no idea what pancakes even were. No one in Fantasia ate 'pancakes'. Lord Tremaine had graciously taught Ashe how to make them, and he discovered 'pancakes' were similar to 'crepes', but just thicker and fluffier.

Pancakes weren't the only strange food that the Tremaines liked to consume. Ashe had also needed to learn how to make 'hamburgers', 'French fries' and 'pizza'. These were also strange dishes that were unknown in Fantasia. This made Ashe wonder if Lord Tremaine and his sons were from another realm. Or maybe they were just odd because they were wizards and their magic confused Ashe.

As soon as Ashe finished making breakfast, he set the three plates of food onto a silver tray and carried it to the parlor where the Tremaines liked to have breakfast. The dining room was only used for dinner.

By the time Ashe arrived Lord Tremaine and his sons were already seated in the sitting room waiting for him. Lord Tremaine was seated on a tapestry upholstered wingback chair. He was currently reading the latest issue of Glass Kingdom's weekly newspaper: _The Glass Gazette_ , and smoking a cigar.

Knuckles and Picasso were both seated on a giltwood settee that was upholstered in blue and gold silk. The delicate settee was groaning ominously at the combined weight of the two brothers. Knuckles alone weighed more than two hundred pounds, and his lanky brother Picasso weighed 130. Ashe had the sinking feeling that if they broke the settee that he would be blamed for it, and punished later.

Knuckles was busy cleaning a strange magical weapon which he'd called a 'Tommy gun' before. Ashe had seen Knuckles use the weapon only once as he'd shot at a tree and pretty much obliterated it with the tiny, metal projectiles the weapon would spit out.

Picasso was flipping through the pages of an odd looking book with color photographs that were too accurate to be paintings or ink drawings, and which he'd called a 'magazine'. _Those items must be from the world they came from._ Ashe thought.

The Tremaines also dressed strangely in comparison to the current popular fashion of Glass Kingdom. Lord Tremaine was currently dressed in a white, button-down shirt, black vest, red tie, black silk pants, and a white fur coat that had a red lining. Christian's short black hair was slicked back over his head and had a single white stripe running through it. Lord Tremaine's facial features were harsh and brutal, and his cold, gray eyes reminded Ashe of steel.

Neither of Lord Tremaine's sons appeared to have inherited his handsomeness. Knuckles had a round, pudgy face and though he looked obese, he was in fact powerfully muscular. Picasso was pale and gaunt, giving him an appearance that reminded Ashe of a skeleton.

Knuckles was wearing a gaudy purple suit with a matching fedora on his head. The tie Knuckles was wearing was purple with the pattern of black polka dots. Ashe knew that the suit had to be custom-made since it was impossible that a suit like that had existed in Knuckles's size. Picasso was wearing a blue suit that had black pinstripes on it, and a black fedora.

The Tremaines all bore the same strange tattoo that Ashe had only caught a glimpse of on different occasions. The tattoo was of a golden snake with red eyes coiled around a juicy looking red apple that had a bite taken out of it.

In a futile effort not to draw any attention Ashe kept his head lowered as he set the tray down on the small round dining table that was in the parlor. Just as Ashe turned and started to head for the door Lord Tremaine called out to him: "A moment, Ashe."

Ashe stopped, stiffened, and turned around. "Yes, Lord Tremaine?"

"After you've finished your usual daily chores...I need you to clean my motorcycle. It started to rain while I was on the road last night and it's covered in mud," Lord Tremaine complained with an irritated look on his face. He took a drag on his cigar and blew out a circular ring of smoke.

"I'll get right on that, Lord Tremaine," Ashe said.

Lord Tremaine nodded, looking pleased. "Here. Get rid of this newspaper for me. I've finished reading it." He handed Ashe the newspaper.

Ashe took it and nodded. "Yes, Lord Tremaine." Ashe exited the parlor and let out a sigh of relief. "Phew." It was best when those sadistic bastards ignored him. He'd made their breakfasts perfectly, so there _should_ be no complaints, but you never knew with them. Heaven forbid their toast was burned or something. Ashe shuddered.

Ashe went about performing his daily chores. He fed the cows, horses, and chickens their breakfast. After that he milked the cows and gathered the chicken eggs from the coop. Once he was finished taking care of the animals he did the Tremaines' laundry, and hung it outside on a line to dry. He swept and mopped the marble floors of the château until they gleamed. Thankfully he'd already cleaned the chimney and didn't have to do that onerous task again for a while.

When noon rolled around he began to make lunch for Lord Tremaine and his sons. After he'd served the Tremaines lunch and had returned to the kitchen to eat his own, Ashe finally had some spare time to read the _Glass Gazette_. There was an article about a ball, which had been held at Apple Castle in honor of Prince Snow Flurris, who had been celebrating his 25th birthday.

Apparently, many ladies and princesses had attended the ball and had vied for Prince Snow's affections. Prince Snow had danced with many of them, but had _not_ chosen a bride. At one point during the ball the ladies grew a little rowdy, and had started fighting over who would get to dance with Prince Snow next.

Their bickering devolved into a catfight with noble ladies pulling each other's hair in very unladylike fashion. It was quite the scandal. The ink drawing on the following page, which depicted the catfight, caused the corner of Ashe's lip to twitch. There was also an ink drawing of Prince Snow dancing with a girl named Princess Florinda. Ashe cringed as he looked at the insincere smile on her face.

The article also mentioned how Snow's mother had commissioned a sword for him from the famous Blacksmith Rapunzel. _Spoiled prince bastard._ Ashe thought, a smug smile curling his lips. _That sword will soon be mine._

There was an interesting and slightly disturbing article about the hero and Monster Hunter, Prince Aurelion Borealis. Another mysterious, gargantuan 'egg' had fallen from the sky in Rose Kingdom, and had hatched into an enormous chimera that had the head of a lion and the body of a snake. Aurelion defeated the Chimera single-handedly and protected the city.

Prince Aurelion was a proud member of the Heroes' Guild. A true hero of Fantasia. A real badass. Ashe admired Prince Aurelion. He was strong, powerful, and undefeated in battle. The hero was a one-man army. If Ashe had his strength he would probably kill Lord Tremaine and his sons, and never look back.

But Lord Tremaine was dangerous, and his strange brand of magic made him powerful. Ashe was reluctant to admit this to himself, but he was afraid of him. He'd seen Lord Tremaine kill a wizard using a magical weapon he called a 'revolver' once. A single metal projectile had lodged itself in the wizard's brain and had killed him instantly.

Ashe knew that realistically his best bet at gaining his freedom was paying off his mother's debt and buying back his freedom from Lord Tremaine.

After Ashe finished reading the newspaper he washed his hands and made preparations to wash Lord Tremaine's motorcycle. The motorcycle was a rather unique, magical transportation device. It had to consume 'food' called 'gasoline' in order for it to work.

The motorcycle was parked outside the front door and that's where Ashe started to clean it. First, Ashe hosed off all the mud that had become caked onto the motorcycle. He cleaned and polished all the steel and chrome parts, and lastly, he polished the leather seat until it shined.

Ashe had seen Lord Tremaine and his sons ride the transportation vehicle multiple times. He was confident he could ride it now too, but he'd never dare to ride the motorcycle without Lord Tremaine's permission. Permission he'd sadly never receive.

Ashe pouted as he ran his hand admiringly over the leather seat, and then over the words that were engraved on a metal plaque: _Harley Davidson UL_. It would almost be worth getting flogged to see what it would be like to ride it. Just once. The temptation was strong, and yet he resisted. It would be unwise to give Lord Tremaine a reason to punish him.

Little did Ashe know, but he was currently being watched by Lord Tremaine, who was standing in front of one of the windows watching Ashe as he cleaned the motorcycle. A sinister smile spread across Christian's face as he took note of Ashe's obvious admiration for the motorcycle.

That night, just as Ashe was about to start making dinner, Christian entered the kitchen unexpectedly, startling Ashe so badly he dropped an armful of potatoes onto the floor. Christian's lip curled in disgust as he looked down to watch a potato rolling towards him. "Ashe."

Ashe gulped. "Yes, Lord Tremaine?"

"Forget about dinner. My sons and I have been invited by King Reginald to dine at Apple Castle," Christian informed him in a haughty manner. "We'll be staying the night there and won't return until morning."

"I...hope you have a splendid evening," Ashe said while trying not to look too happy that his tormentors were going to be out of the house.

"Indeed?" Christian raised a skeptical eyebrow at Ashe, smirked, and then left the kitchen.

Ashe let out a breath of relief. "Phew."

An hour later, as Ashe watched a carriage arrive to pick up Lord Tremaine and his sons a sudden idea occurred to him that caused the palms of his hands to sweat. That night Ashe intended to go to Apple City and find Prince Snow at the Gentleman's Club called _Forbidden Fruit_. Apple Kingdom was far away and he'd intended to borrow one of Lord Tremaine's horses for the journey, but he now realized that he could borrow Christian's motorcycle instead.

Ashe watched as Lord Tremaine entered the carriage followed by his sons, who were dressed 'normally' for once. Knuckles and Picasso were dressed in button-down shirts, vests, cravats, silk pants, and shiny dress shoes. Ashe had heard the young men arguing with their father earlier about leaving their precious 'fedoras' and ties with their geometric patterns behind.

_Fuck it._ Ashe thought recklessly, feeling giddy. _I'm going to do it. I'll go to Apple City, find that spoiled prince, steal his sword, and get my ass back here before Lord Tremaine and his sons. This could be my only chance to get to ride the motorcycle._

Ashe took a quick sponge bath to get the ashes off before dressing in his white and gold suit. While looking at his reflection in one of the copper pans hanging from the ceiling in the kitchen he brushed his hair back and tied it into a ponytail. Once Ashe was finished dressing and had tied his hair back with a gold ribbon, he had to admit that he looked like a noble.

Ashe clenched his hands into fists angrily. No. He _was_ a lord. That had been taken from him, and he intended to get his title back.

Ashe exited the château, mounted the motorcycle, and turned the key to start the engine. He placed his hands on the handlebars and copied what Lord Tremaine had done to make the transportation vehicle move forward. The motorcycle surged forward abruptly, and Ashe flew forward and right off the bike.

Ashe flushed with embarrassment even though no one had witnessed his blunder. Although a chittering sound caused Ashe to glance at the steps that led up to the front door and sitting on the top step was Gustava. Ashe narrowed his eyes at the chubby mouse that appeared to be laughing at him. "Oh shut up, Gustava."

Ashe got back on the motorcycle and tried again. This time he lost his balance and fell sideways. "Oof!" The bike was a lot heavier than it looked and it was difficult to get off of him.

_3_ rd _time's a charm._ Ashe mounted the motorcycle for the third time, made sure not to accelerate too quickly, and concentrated on maintaining his balance. This time he didn't fly forward or tip sideways, but kept going straight. As Ashe rode through the front gate he let out an excited whoop. "Yes! This is so fucking awesome!"

Ashe rode the motorcycle all the way to Apple City and made record time. As Ashe rode past the open gate in the outer wall of the city, he waved at the city guards, and smiled cheekily at them. They waved back with astonished looks on their faces. They were obviously impressed by the magical transportation device Ashe was riding, and assumed he was just another crazy, young wizard coming back home.

The motorcycle as it turned out was a good 'cover' for Ashe. In his haste to execute his brilliant plan to steal Prince Snow's sword Ashe had forgotten about how dangerous it was for a dullard to enter Apple Kingdom due to the prejudice the witches and wizards held for non-magic folk.

The only dullards who lived in Apple Kingdom were slaves, and if it were discovered that Ashe was a dullard a witch or wizard could enslave him _again_. Here in Apple Kingdom those with magic ruled and those without magic obeyed.

Ashe glanced around at the witches and wizards that were walking down the sidewalk, and noted that they were shooting admiring glances at his motorcycle and barely paying Ashe any attention. They instantly assumed the motorcycle had been created using magic. A few wizards even tipped their hats Ashe's way in a show of respect. _They think I'm a wizard._ Ashe smirked and his shoulders sagged in relief.

The hair on the back of Ashe's neck prickled in warning and he rubbed at it. He had a sneaking suspicion that he was being followed or watched _but_ when he looked behind him there was no one there.

As Ashe passed through a residential area he took a moment to admire the Tudor houses with their sloping roofs and crooked chimneys. _Those chimneys would be a bitch to clean!_ Ashe thought, feeling sympathetic for the chimneysweeps who lived in Apple Kingdom.

Dispersed between houses were tall wizard towers that had conical roofs that resembled the hats the witches and wizards wore. Like the houses in Glass City the houses had pretty flowerboxes below their windows, but these were filled with plants and flowers that appeared to be _moving_.

Ashe rode the motorcycle down the cobbled streets of Apple City while trying to find the club district. He brought his motorcycle to a halt in front of the entrance to a street that had a malevolent aura. _I'm just being paranoid._ Ashe thought as he got ready to enter the street despite his misgiving.

Suddenly, an enchanted, pumpkin-shaped carriage materialized in front of Ashe. The carriage door opened and Julie emerged.

Ashe gaped at her unexpected appearance. "You! What the hell are you doing here, girl?"

"If you're trying to find Snow Flurris you definitely _won't_ find him down _that_ street..." Julie said in a matter-of-fact tone. "That's where all the Dark wizards and witches buy things they need. If you go down there you'll end up as someone's potion ingredient or slave. Follow me." Julie got back inside the carriage and it took off running down an adjacent street.

Ashe let out a defeated sigh. He had no choice but to follow the strange girl and her enchanted carriage because in truth he was lost and had no idea where he was. The carriage promptly led Ashe to a street lined with dance clubs where witches and wizards liked to dance together, host clubs where handsome wizards served rich witches sweet cocktails along with flattery, and Gentleman's Clubs where beautiful witches served lonely wizards alcoholic drinks.

The carriage stopped outside of the Gentleman's Club called _Forbidden Fruit_. Through the large, latticed front window a handsome young man could be seen seated at a round booth. He was surrounded by a trio of beautiful witches, who were fawning over him. The man had short black hair and sparkling, sapphire-colored eyes filled with mirth. He was wearing a blue shirt with puffed sleeves that had red and yellow accents, a pair of yellow pants, and a blue cape with a red lining.

The ink sketches in the _Glass Gazette_ didn't do Prince Snow Flurris justice. He was even more handsome in person. "Prince Snow Flurris...stupid, flashy bastard," Ashe sneered softly. He turned to thank Julie for her help, but her carriage had disappeared from sight...or had just turned invisible again. _Whatever._ Ashe shrugged. He didn't really care what that strange girl was up to by following him around.

Ashe dismounted the motorcycle, and made sure to remove the key and pocket it so that no one would be able to steal it. Cane sword in hand, Ashe approached the front door of the Gentleman's Club and entered. A witch escorted Ashe to a booth close to Snow's and he took a seat.

In the blink of an eye, two witches took a seat on either side of him, and asked what he'd like to drink. Ashe had remembered to bring his coin purse this time, and so wasn't too worried about spending an exorbitant amount of money on overpriced booze. Ashe ordered an expensive bottle of wine to start with, and focused his attention on the infamous Prince Snow Flurris.

_Real men need to hate prissy philanderers on principle._ Ashe thought, nodding to himself. The girls seated with him didn't appear to be very bright, but they _were_ witches so Ashe had to keep an eye on them.

Now that Ashe was closer he could tell that Snow's suit was obviously brand-new and made of the finest silk. The jeweled rings on his fingers were probably worth a fortune. The prince was a walking treasure chest. If Snow were anywhere other than Apple City, Ashe would have thought the prince would be in danger of getting robbed by bandits.

Ashe's sharp golden eyes scanned the interior of the club, and he noted that there were a few guards dressed in plain black suits and wearing pointed hats. _Wizard guards._ Ashe thought. Because the club had security that meant Ashe would have to wait until Snow left the club before he could rob him. By then Snow would most likely be piss drunk anyways. _It'll be like stealing candy from a baby._ Ashe thought as his gaze lowered to the sword that was strapped to Snow's side. The sword's ornate hilt resembled the wings of a bird. _That must be the enchanted sword._

Ashe unconsciously started to grind his back molars as he watched Prince Snow sitting there and drinking without a care in the world while being fawned over by those witches. _Spoiled prince bastard._ Ashe thought venomously. _He's probably never had to worry about anything in his entire life._

Ashe let one of the witches pour him a glass of wine and did a double take when he realized the bottle was floating in midair. He swirled his glass, sniffed the wine, and took a sip. He nodded at the witch, and she waved her finger at the floating bottle of wine causing it to pour more wine into his glass. He tried not to look too impressed and continued to watch Snow while ignoring the witches seated with him.

"I've never seen you here before, Milord. Are you from out of town?" one of the witches asked keenly.

Ashe reluctantly turned to regard the witch. She looked a little young to be a hostess due to her short stature and flat chest. The girl had purple hair that was styled into two playful pigtails. She was wearing a purple and black dress with lots of frills and lace. A wide-brimmed, pointed purple hat sat on her head. There was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes that made Ashe realize she probably wasn't as innocent or as young as she appeared to be.

"I'm traveling..." Ashe replied evasively.

"Seeing the sights," the witch said with a nod, and an impish smile formed on her lips. "Well, there are many incredible sights to see here in Apple Kingdom. It's the only Kingdom in Fantasia where magic users can truly feel safe and use their magic openly, you know?"

"Hm," Ashe agreed noncommittally. He didn't know very much about the persecution of witches and wizards in Fantasia. All he knew was that there was a Religious Sect that considered 'magic' to be evil and the Church's warrior priests would occasionally hunt witches and wizards down.

"I barely escaped The Inquisition, but made it safely to Apple Kingdom..." the second witch revealed, drawing Ashe's attention. "Now those dullard priests can't touch me. They're too afraid to step foot inside Apple Kingdom since that would bring King Reginald's wrath down upon them."

The witch was a stunner. She had long red hair, sparkling green eyes, and was wearing a skin-tight, red dress that was low-cut and had belled sleeves. The witch was also wearing a pointed, red, wide-brimmed hat that had a black butterfly decorating it. Ashe noticed the butterfly was flapping its wings slowly and couldn't decide whether or not the butterfly was alive or just enchanted material.

"Good for you," Ashe said dryly, raising his glass in her direction. "To freedom."

"Your magical steed is quite fascinating," the first witch began, her pale, lavender-colored eyes sparkling. "I wonder what spells you used to create it. Perhaps, you could enlighten us?"

"Thanks," Ashe said. "And it's er, a secret."

"I'd love to go for a ride," she said expectantly while giving Ashe a hopeful look.

"I'm busy," Ashe said.

"Are you _friends_ with Prince Snow Flurris?" the redhead asked keenly.

Ashe choked on his wine. "No. Why would you ask that?"

The witch propped her chin on her hand as she gave Ashe a scrutinizing look. "Well, you've been staring at him so intently for several minutes now."

"Are you gay?" the purple-haired witch asked bluntly.

"No," Ashe said, letting out a sigh. "It's normal to stare at someone as famous as Prince Snow Flurris. His exploits are written about all the time in the _Glass Gazette_. It's just strange seeing him in person."

"If you're not gay then..." The purple-haired witch tapped her chin in thought. "You must be his enemy. Ooo are you an assassin?"

"Did you not listen to a word I just said?" Ashe snapped in an irritated tone.

"Prince Snow Flurris doesn't have any male friends," the redhead explained simply. "All the men in Apple Kingdom hate Prince Snow because if their woman lays her eyes on Snow they become instantly enamored by him. Some say it's Snow's magical ability: _charm_. So, you _must_ hate him like all the rest. Are you out for revenge? Did he steal the heart of your beloved?" The witch's red lips curled into a creepy smile.

Ashe sighed. "I hate him for _other_ reasons. I'm envious of him. But I'm _not_ out for revenge or anything like that. And I have no beloved." Ashe gave his glass of wine a suspicious glance since he wasn't used to being so honest.

The two witches exchanged an excited glance upon hearing that Ashe was apparently single. "A handsome guy like you doesn't have a lover? That's such a pity," the redhead purred suggestively.

"You must have been living under a rock," the purple-haired witch declared. "Guys like _you_ don't stay single for long."

"Try under a fireplace..." Ashe muttered darkly to himself. The witches both laughed at what they both thought was a joke. A cold feeling settled in the pit Ashe's stomach.

Ashe didn't know why he'd started talking to these witches in the first place. He'd revealed _way_ too much. He wondered if these witches had slipped him a truth serum in his wine. Ashe had to remind himself that these witches were potential enemies. Not potential allies. He decided that he was officially done with this conversation. Women were _not_ to be trusted.

Ashe glanced around the club's interior briefly, and noticed the floating candles and glowing glass globes for the first time. When Ashe narrowed his eyes at the globes he realized that inside each one was a tiny, glowing fairy. Ashe shuddered, wondering if those poor fairies were still alive. Not only were witches and wizards prejudiced against dullards, but apparently the other races as well.

The little reminders of magic throughout the club made Ashe nervous. He was a dullard pretending to be a wizard after all. If discovered, he would be captured and enslaved by a witch or wizard in seconds. It made Ashe wonder if Julie were a witch. She _did_ possess an enchanted carriage. Surely, she wouldn't have risked following him to Apple Kingdom if she didn't possess magic.

Ashe returned his attention to Prince Snow. Ashe was envious of Snow's fine clothes, and his flawless, scar-free skin. Snow was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He'd probably never known hardship. And he'd been given an enchanted sword for his birthday that he couldn't even use. It just wasn't fair.

Prince Snow Flurris had been blessed with 'good luck' in life. _Your luck is about to run out, Prince Snow Flurris._ Ashe thought meanly.

However, at that moment one of the windowpanes of the front window shattered, and a dagger flew towards Snow's back. The dagger missed and hit the bottle of champagne that was sitting on the table, causing it to shatter, spraying champagne and glass shards through the air.

The witches surrounding Snow squealed in fright. "Eeee!"

"Get down!" Snow told the witches as he pushed them down under the table for their protection. He then scrambled out of the booth and stared down at the dagger on the table with a frown on his face. "Not again," he muttered darkly.

Suddenly, the entire front window shattered as a figure swung through it on a rope. The figure landed lithely on the round table and glared at Snow Flurris. The man was dressed all in black and was wearing a mask over the bottom half of his face.

By this time Ashe had stood up from his seat at the booth and was glancing around the club expectantly. Surely, the wizard guards would handle this assassin quickly. But...the guards were mysteriously absent. "What the fuck? Where the hell did those lazy bastards go?"

"Prepare to die, Prince Snow Flurris!" the assassin declared. Snow's eyes widened like saucers and he appeared to be too shocked to move. The assassin whipped out two daggers, held them aloft, and prepared to fling them Snow's way.

_Shit._ "Look out!" Ashe lunged at Snow and knocked him to the floor just as the daggers whizzed towards him. Ashe landed on top of Snow. "Where the hell are the wizard guards?" he asked angrily as he looked around the club.

"I don't know," Snow said in a trembling voice.

Ashe scrambled off of Snow and straightened. He unsheathed his cane sword and pointed it at the assassin in a threatening manner. If the assassin were a wizard Ashe wouldn't be doing this, but this assassin was a human slave. Ashe knew this because he recognized the magical slave mark that was tattooed on the side of the man's neck. The fact that this assassin was a slave meant that Ashe had a chance of defeating him in a fight.

Ashe charged forward towards the assassin. The assassin threw a barrage of daggers Ashe's way. Ashe nimbly dodged and blocked daggers with his cane sword, but a few daggers still snuck past his defenses. One dagger sliced into his upper arm and another dagger embedded itself in his thigh.

A lesser man would have cried out in pain. Ashe didn't even flinch. He was no stranger to pain. Ashe lunged his cane sword forward and impaled the assassin right through his heart.

The assassin dropped his remaining daggers and glared at Ashe. "Hail, The League of Villains!" The man then collapsed to the floor where he remained unmoving.

Ashe removed his sword from the assassin's body and slashed it through the air swiftly to remove the blood from its blade before sheathing it. Ashe turned to face Snow, and offered him a hand up.

Snow hesitated before taking Ashe's hand and letting himself be helped up. "Uh, you have a dagger in your leg."

Ashe glanced down at his thigh, and noted that he did have a dagger in his leg. "Indeed I do." Ashe grabbed the dagger, yanked it out, and tossed it carelessly aside.

Snow winced, having sympathy pains. "Ouch. Doesn't that hurt, man?"

Ashe shrugged. "I'm used to pain."

Snow opened his mouth to ask what the hell he meant by that, but quickly snapped his mouth shut. He gave Ashe a sympathetic look instead. His savior's skeletons in the closet were really none of his business, and the last thing he wanted to do was unwittingly insult his savior.

Ashe narrowed his eyes at the body of the dead assassin. "We should go. This asshole might have friends out there." Snow nodded and allowed Ashe to drag him outside of the club. Ashe mounted the motorcycle and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Get on."

Snow's eyes widened as he looked at the motorcycle, but he got on behind Ashe. Ashe put the key in the ignition, started the engine, and then drove off down the street.

Snow wrapped an arm around Ashe's waist and grinned. "Whoo! This magical steed of yours is amazing!"

"Thanks," Ashe said dryly.

"Thank you for saving my life, Stranger. Are you a hero?" Snow asked, his sapphire eyes sparkling with admiration.

Ashe sputtered at the unexpected comment. "No. Definitely not."

"Oh." Snow's shoulders sagged with disappointment. "Well, I think you should join the Heroes' Guild. Fantasia needs someone strong like you to protect it from evildoers."

"Not strong enough," Ashe muttered to himself. "Did you know that man back there?"

Snow shrugged lackadaisically. "Meh. I probably unwittingly stole that man's girlfriend or something...and he wanted revenge."

"That man mentioned The League of Villains though," Ashe pointed out.

Snow let out a defeated sigh. "This isn't the first time someone has tried to kill me. I'm cursed with bad luck."

"You? Bad luck? You're Prince Snow Flurris!" Ashe sputtered in disbelief.

"Being charming to the ladies is as much a blessing as it is a curse," Snow said, a lopsided smile forming on his face.

"Jilted lovers aside...why would The League of Villains want _you_ dead?" Ashe asked.

"I have no idea," Snow said honestly. "It's not like they should find me a threat. Everyone knows my magic doesn't really work."

"Yes...I read about that in the _Glass Gazette_ ," Ashe admitted. "Do you at least have the ability to swordfight? You totally froze up back there."

"The rumors are sadly true," Snow said in a disappointed tone. "There's something wrong with my magic. Spells don't work for me. And I don't know how to swordfight. I'm a lover. Not a fighter."

"If that's the case why did your mother gift you with that sword?" Ashe asked curiously.

"It's for my protection from assassination attempts from jilted lovers or members of The League of Assassins," Snow confided. "I still don't know how to use it, and its magic doesn't work for me."

"Can't you take lessons from a swordsmaster?" Ashe asked.

"Every swordsmaster I've had has tried to kill me at one point," Snow admitted.

_Someone in the castle must want him dead._ Ashe deduced. _But who?_ "Your stepfather King Reginald...is he kind to you?"

"Oh, yes, he's very nice to me," Snow said, a smile curling his lips. "He's always buying me expensive presents."

"That's...good," Ashe said. _I should really be robbing him right about now, but I'm beginning to feel sorry for him. Shit._

"Um, where are we going?" Snow asked unconcernedly.

"I'm taking you to Apple Castle. Am I going the right way?" Ashe asked.

"Oh, yes, just keep going straight," Snow confirmed.

When they reached the front gate of the castle Ashe brought the motorcycle to a stop and Snow dismounted. "Well...take care, Your Highness," Ashe said awkwardly.

"Wait! Don't you want a reward for saving my life? I'll give you _anything_ you want," Snow offered with an eager expression on his face.

"Anything?" Ashe said stroking his chin as if in thought. "Then I want your enchanted sword." Talk was cheap. People would say they'd give you anything, but they never would. Ashe was sure Snow would be the same as those insincere bastards.

Snow blinked. "Ah, I would gladly give it to you, but an enchanted sword forged by Rapunzel will only obey the person it has been forged for. Here. See for yourself." Snow unsheathed his sword and handed it to Ashe.

_That idiot. He's way too trusting._ Ashe thought as he wrapped his hand around the sword's hilt. "Ouch!" The hilt of the sword had grown hot and burned Ashe enough that he'd immediately dropped it.

Snow chuckled and bent over to pick up the fallen sword. "You see?"

Ashe's expression fell. "Yeah...fuck."

"Don't look so disappointed. You'll just have to get Blacksmith Rapunzel to forge one for you," Snow said optimistically.

"I...don't have that kind of money," Ashe admitted.

Snow put a hand on Ashe's shoulder and grinned when Ashe looked up to give the prince a questioning look. "Really? I thought you were a- never mind. I'll pay. It's the least I can do. You saved my life."

"Really? Thank you," Ashe said. The words 'thank you' felt strange on his tongue.

Snow frowned. "I'll need to 'borrow' a certain map from my stepfather before we go. We wouldn't want to go traipsing into Bones Kingdom without it. Meet me here tomorrow at noon. I should be able to sneak out of the castle while Reginald and my mother are having lunch together."

"Your mother is still alive?" Ashe asked.

"Yeah, why do you ask?" Snow quirked his head at Ashe.

"No reason," Ashe said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'd better get going. I'll see you tomorrow then. Farewell, Your Highness."

"Yes, farewell," Snow said. "And call me Snow!"

"I'm Ashe." He started the engine and as he rode away on the motorcycle he glanced over his shoulder to see Snow waving at him enthusiastically. _What a moron._ Ashe thought unkindly, but he was smiling.

Julie had been right, Snow _was_ kind. He was still a spoiled womanizer too, but he was kindhearted. Maybe they could even be friends- Ashe's thoughts skidded to a halt. _No._ He couldn't let his guard down.

People were only nice to you when they wanted something from you. Or they were being duplicitous hypocrites. Ashe's mother had been kind to him once upon a time, and that kindness had turned out to be a lie. Even Lord Tremaine and his sons had been nice to him before his mother died. That 'kindness' had also been a lie.

_I won't trust him. I can't trust him...to do so would be folly._ Ashe's smile slid off his face at the depressing thought. Ashe rode the motorcycle back to the château. He was just pulling up to the front door when he realized that he wasn't alone.

Standing at the top of the front steps was Lord Tremaine and his two sons. The blood drained out of Ashe's face and his palms started to sweat. _What the fuck?_ They were supposed to be at Apple Castle until tomorrow morning!

An evil and triumphant smile spread across Lord Tremaine's face as he noted Ashe's fear with delight. When Knuckles and Picasso started to chuckle darkly Ashe knew he'd been played. _A trap._ It'd been a trap...and he'd fallen for it hook, line, and sinker. _Fuck._

Christian's steely gray eyes raked over Ashe, taking in his fine suit, and the fact he was on the motorcycle. "Ashe, what _is_ the meaning of this?" he drawled coolly.

Ashe swallowed. "I...I'm sorry. Please forgive me, Lord Tremaine. I couldn't resist taking your motorcycle out for a spin. It's such an incredible and unique transportation device."

"It is, isn't it?" Christian drawled, taking out a cigar, lighting it, and beginning to smoke. "Where did you get that fine suit?" His eyes narrowed at Ashe. "Did you steal it? Is it one of Knuckles's or Picasso's?"

"No! It belonged to my father. I mended it," Ashe swiftly explained.

"Your father's? That explains why it's so...shabby," Christian blew a smoke ring out in Ashe's direction. Ashe watched as the smoke ring hit his chest and dissipated. Christian's gaze lowered and pinned on the blood on Ashe's pant leg. "Get into a fight?"

"I fell...off the bike," Ashe lied, not wanting to reveal that he'd battled a mysterious assassin while trying to protect Prince Snow Flurris.

"You do realize you must be punished for your actions," Christian said in a casual tone. "I forbade you from ever riding my motorcycle, and yet you disobeyed me."

"I know, and I'm sorry," Ashe said, hanging his head in a repentant pose.

"Come along, Ashe," Christian ordered as he spun around and began to head inside. "Don't dawdle, and don't forget the key."

"Yes, Lord Tremaine." Ashe turned off the engine, removed the key, dismounted from the motorcycle, and made his way up the front steps. His feet felt strangely heavy and he was out of breath as he reached the top of the steps.

Dragging his feet, Ashe followed Lord Tremaine into the house. Knuckles and Picasso were right behind him...so trying to run away wasn't really an option. _As if I'd try._ Ashe thought bitterly. He'd tried to run away once. It had been futile, and his punishment for running away had been worse than his usual punishments were.

Ashe wouldn't make the same mistake twice. There was no 'running away' from Lord Tremaine's sick, twisted brand of justice. Knuckles and Picasso meanly kicked at the back of Ashe's legs while trying to get him to fall over.

Christian led the way through the château until they reached a red-painted door. He stopped outside of the door, took out a key, unlocked the door, and ushered Ashe inside the room. In the very center of the room stood a St. Andrew's cross that had restraining points for a person's ankles, wrists, and waist.

When secured to a saltire a person was restrained in a spread-eagle position. Ashe knew that some of the perverted nobles, who lived in Glass Kingdom, liked to use these devices during kinky play with their wives or mistresses, but Lord Tremaine liked to use it on Ashe for the purpose of punishment.

Sometimes when Lord Tremaine punished Ashe it felt like Christian was punishing him for something else. Ashe couldn't forget the angry, frustrated, and disappointed look Lord Tremaine sometimes gave him as he tortured him.

Christian stalked over to a table that was covered with an assortment of leather whips. "Knuckles, strap Ashe to the X-cross with his back facing us first." Lord Tremaine began to peruse his collection, his hand gliding over each whip in a loving manner.

"Strip, Ashe," Knuckles grunted.

"No," Lord Tremaine objected. "I want him to leave that _fine_ suit on."

"Yes, Father," Knuckles said, grabbing Ashe's arm and hauling him over to the saltire. He pushed Ashe up against it and began to use the leather restraints to secure Ashe to the cross.

Lord Tremaine selected an oiled, cat-o-nine whip, and walked over to Ashe. "Your punishment will be the destruction of your father's suit. How many lashes will that take, I wonder?" Christian speculated aloud in a sardonic tone. Knuckles and Picasso chuckled darkly. Lord Tremaine raised the whip and brought it down on Ashe's back.

Ashe grit his teeth and refused to cry out in pain. Christian raised the whip and brought it down on Ashe's back again and again until Ashe's jacket was completely shredded. Next, Ashe's shirt met the same fate. The following blow from the whip made contact with Ashe's bare flesh causing him to gasp.

Christian whipped Ashe's back until red welts appeared on his bare flesh. The welts soon turned into blisters that then popped and oozed blood and pus. When Lord Tremaine's whip made contact with one of Ashe's open wounds he let out a whimper of pain, and inwardly cursed himself for his moment of weakness.

A sadistic smile curled Christian's lips upon hearing that whimper, and he stepped back. "Knuckles, turn him around."

"Yes, Father," Knuckles roughly untied the leather restraints. As soon as there was nothing keeping Ashe upright, he swooned. Knuckles was forced to catch his body, pull him up, and spin Ashe around before restraining him to the saltire once more.

Lord Tremaine approached Ashe, met his eyes, raised the whip, and brought it down on Ashe's chest. The brass buttons on Ashe's vest flew off and clattered to the floor. It had been a really nice vest, and Ashe lamented its destruction.

Lord Tremaine whipped Ashe's chest until the vest and shirt were in tatters. Red welts appeared on the front of Ashe's chest, blistered, and the bled. Tears of pain stung Ashe's eyes. He swallowed a whimper _this_ time. _My father's suit..._

At least, he still had his father's cane sword as a memento. As if reading Ashe's thoughts Lord Tremaine reached down, removed the cane sword from Ashe's belt, unsheathed it, and revealed its blade.

Ashe's eyes flared in alarm. "You wouldn't...!"

"This belonged to your father too, didn't it?" Christian drawled as he admired the sword.

"Yes. Please, Lord Tremaine, don't..." Ashe pleaded. Knuckles punched Ashe in the stomach, and he gasped.

"I'm sorry, Ashe," Christian said as he walked over and set the cane sword down on a wooden table. "But you must be punished." He picked up a small hammer, and raised it up over the steel blade.

"No! Don't do it!" Ashe shouted. This got him another punch to the gut from Knuckles. Christian raised the hammer and brought it down upon the sword's blade causing it to shatter. "No!" Ashe struggled against his bonds. "You bastard! I'll...!" He bit his lower lip to stop himself from saying something he'd later regret.

Christian set the hammer down on the table, and shot Ashe a hateful look. "You still have so much energy. I must be getting old because I've had enough. Knuckles, Picasso, have fun, boys. Just...don't kill him or injure his hands. He still needs to be able to make us breakfast tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Father," Knuckles and Picasso chimed simultaneously.

As soon as Lord Tremaine left the room Knuckles beat Ashe with his fists until he finally grew tired. Picasso took over and started to carve swirls into his chest with a scalpel until he grew bored by Ashe's lack of screaming. The brothers untied Ashe's restraints and he fell to the floor. Knuckles and Picasso chuckled as they stared down at Ashe's fallen form.

"He acts so tough, but he fell right over," Knuckles jeered.

"He's boring." Picasso let out a disappointed sigh. "He doesn't scream like he used to. We should ask Father to get us a new plaything. Preferably a _woman_." A twisted leer spread across Picasso's face at the thought, and he rubbed his hands together in an eager fashion.

"A woman?" Knuckles raised an eyebrow at his brother and nodded. "It may be fun to give a woman a spanking. I'd really make her squeal."

"I'd like to decorate her flawless skin with scars," Picasso said in a dreamy tone. "I'd create a true masterpiece."

"Cowards," Ashe muttered.

Knuckles kicked Ashe in his stomach for being a smartass. "You say something, Ashe?"

"No," Ashe said.

"That's what I thought," Knuckles said.

"Come on, it smells in here," Picasso complained, referring to the scent of spilled blood. "Make sure you clean up this mess, Ashe."

Knuckles and Picasso left the room and closed the door behind them. Ashe lay bleeding on the floor for a few minutes while trying to regain his strength. He knew that he needed to get up and tend to his wounds before he bled to death on the floor.

Ashe pushed himself up off the floor and staggered over to a table that had a porcelain bowl, pitcher of water, bandages, unguent, salve, and other medical supplies on it. He removed the ruined vest, shirt, and jacket, which were really just strips of fabric at this point.

Ashe cleaned his open, bleeding wounds as best he could before applying a salve to them. Lastly, he wrapped bandages around his torso. By the time he was finished, Ashe was beginning to feel like a Mummy.

Ashe took a deep breath, slapped his cheeks, and tried to gather his strength for what he had to do next - clean the room. He filled a bucket with water, grabbed a mop, and set to work mopping up all the blood on the floor that was around the X-cross. _His_ blood.

Ashe knew that he was also expected to clean the cat-o-nine whip that Lord Tremaine had just used on him. After he'd finished mopping the floor he approached the table where the broken cane sword was. He picked up the ivory handle and his eyes burned with unshed tears. "One day, Lord Tremaine...you'll get what's coming to you. One day, I shall have my revenge!"

To be continued in...Chapter 3:

### Chapter 3:

The following morning Ashe awoke to discover that he was lying on the attic floor. He'd been up all night mending one of his father's old suits - a red one with golden embroidery this time. Gustava was playing with a spool of thread and rolling it across the floor with her little paws.

Ashe sat up and groaned. He had a crick in his neck from sleeping on the floor instead of his bed, but that was the least of his injuries thanks to Lord Tremaine and his sadistic sons.

"Ashe!" someone was yelling his name. This was followed by the sound of bells being rung. _Shit._ His stepfather and stepbrothers were already awake, and probably wanted breakfast. Ashe stuffed the suit into a burlap sack and stealthily made his way down to the kitchen. He quickly made breakfast, brought it into the parlor on a silver tray, and set the tray on the round table.

It hurt to move. Ashe winced as he set the tray down, and Knuckles and Picasso chuckled and smiled evilly at his discomfort. He was just their 'plaything'. Lord Tremaine was seated on his usual wingback chair and was currently petting his cat Lucy. The cat was giving Ashe a condescending look. "How are you feeling, Ashe?" Christian asked in a casual tone.

Was that a trick question? "I'm feeling...fine, Lord Tremaine," Ashe answered through gritted teeth.

"I'm glad to hear it," Christian said with an approving nod. "The floor in the foyer needs to be mopped. I want to be able to see my reflection on those marble tiles by lunch time."

Ashe clenched his hands into fists at his sides as he tried to hold back his anger, and grinded his back molars. He had no choice but to say: "Yes, Lord Tremaine."

Despite the fact he was gravely injured Ashe filled a bucket with water, grabbed a mop, and started to clean the floor in the foyer. His movements were causing some of his wounds to reopen and he started to bleed through the dirty, white cotton shirt he was wearing. Ashe winced in pain when he moved the mop across the floor a little too hard. _Fuck, Lord Tremaine and his fucked up sons._ Ashe thought venomously.

Lord Tremaine was probably listening to Ashe mop the floor from the parlor and waiting to hear a whimper of pain slip past Ashe's lips. Ashe was determined not to give him the satisfaction.

Hours later, Ashe was nearly finished with the floor, but when he turned around he saw that Lucy had dirtied the floor with a series of paw prints made out of ash. "You have got to be shitting me! Fuck you, you damn cat! What did I ever do to you?" Ashe chased Lucy out of the foyer with his mop held high. He could have sworn Lucy was cackling as she ran away, but cats didn't cackle. Did they?

By the time Ashe finished redoing the floor in the foyer he was ghostly pale, his body was trembling slightly, and sweat was beaded on his brow. Blood was also seeping through his white cotton shirt at an alarming rate. A wave of dizziness swept over him, and he must have passed out at some point because the feeling of someone shaking his shoulder awoke him. "Ashe."

Ashe blinked his bleary eyes and stared up at Lord Tremaine. "Lord Tremaine...?" he asked in a raspy voice. His throat was incredibly dry. He swallowed a few times in an effort to clear it.

"You're bleeding on the floor." Christian let out an irritated sigh. He took out a cigar, lit it, and started to smoke while he looked down at Ashe. "I think that's enough for today. You're going to do more harm than good if you continue to try and clean. Go up to your room and rest. I don't want my servant dying on me."

Ashe let out a soft sigh of relief. "Thank you, Lord Tremaine." He made his way up to the attic, entered, and locked the door behind him. Ashe smiled grimly. Now he had the perfect alibi. He'd be able to sneak out of the château, borrow a horse, and meet up with Snow at the front gate of the castle just as planned. There would be no resting for him.

Ashe took a quick sponge bath, cleaned and re-bandaged his wounds, dressed in the mended suit, and lastly brushed and tied his hair back into a ponytail. He looked at his reflection in a full-length mirror. Ashe looked like a noble again. Unfortunately, he also looked pale and was visibly sweating. "Whatever," he said with a shrug.

Ashe spotted the broken cane sword and hesitated before deciding to bring it with him. Perhaps, he could get Blacksmith Rapunzel to re-forge the sword. Ashe opened the window and climbed down using the ivy that was clinging to the outer wall of the château. Miraculously, he made it to the ground in one piece. After that Ashe made his way to the stables in a stealthy manner and tacked up a white horse.

Ashe led the horse out of the stables and into the nearby forest. Only once Ashe deemed himself far enough away from the château did he mount the horse and ride off in the direction of Apple Kingdom.

Prince Snow Flurris was already at the front gate and waiting for Ashe when he arrived. Snow was dressed in a white, button-down shirt, blue vest, black pants, and a red cape. His enchanted sword was strapped to his side. Ashe noted that the suit appeared to be brand-new, made of silk, and that his leather boots had been shined until they gleamed. He felt a twinge of envy at Snow's well put-together appearance.

Snow grinned and waved as soon as he caught sight of Ashe riding up to the gate. He held up a rolled-up piece of parchment in a triumphant manner. "I got the map!"

Ashe gave Snow a wan smile. "Great."

Snow had expected a much more enthusiastic response, and his shoulders drooped with disappointment. At least, until he looked Ashe over. The young man was pale, there was sweat on his brow, and was he trembling slightly? "Hey, are you okay, man? You look ill." Snow's smile dipped into a concerned frown.

Ashe stiffened and offered Snow a curt reply: "I'm fine."

"We could always go another day," Snow suggested tentatively.

"No. It has to be today," Ashe said in an insistent manner. _I have no idea when I'll be able to sneak out of the house again like this._ He thought.

Snow shrugged. "Well, alright, if you're sure you're up to it. Bones Kingdom is a long ride from here. Think you can make it?"

"Yeah," Ashe said.

Snow gave Ashe a skeptical look. "Okay...take a look at this." He unrolled the map and showed it to Ashe.

Ashe's golden eyes widened as he looked at the map of the Land of Fantasia. It showed all four Kingdoms: Glass Kingdom, Apple Kingdom, Bones Kingdom, and Rose Kingdom. But it was no ordinary map - it was enchanted. Ashe and Snow were showing up on the map as two green dots positioned before the gate. When Ashe looked ahead at Bones Kingdom he saw that the forest was filled with red dots. "What do those red dots signify?"

"Enemies," Snow revealed with a proud note to his voice. "As you know Bones Kingdom is ruled by the Demon King Gothel. It's where the demons live, as well as the undead, Dark Elves, Dark Fairies, skeletons, incubi, succubi, vampires, devils, slime monsters, and insect monsters. We'll be able to avoid them by avoiding those red dots."

Ashe was impressed by the map's abilities and relieved they could avoid fighting. He wasn't a coward, but in his current condition he would rather avoid any unnecessary conflict. And his cane sword was broken. "Brilliant. Would that map show any assassins that are after _you_?" Ashe asked.

Snow stroked his chin in a thoughtful manner. "Any being with malevolent or murderous intent will appear as a red dot to whoever is holding the map. I suppose it _would_ work as a way for me to avoid my enemies, but...I borrowed this map from King Reginald. He's always been kind to me, but I don't want to risk getting on his bad side. There's something about him that I don't trust."

Ashe could understand the consequences of borrowing something all too well. "That's a shame. It would be useful."

"Yeah," Snow agreed with a wistful note to his voice.

With Prince Snow Flurris leading the way they rode down the dirt road, entered the forest, and started to head towards Bones Kingdom. By late afternoon, they'd crossed the border of Apple Kingdom, and had entered Bones Kingdom. The calm, tranquil forest's atmosphere changed at once, and grew darker and more ominous.

Snow kept a close eye on the map so that they were able to avoid any enemies and monsters that lurked in the spooky, misty forest. There were hundreds of red dots and this caused Snow to gulp nervously.

Snow frowned when he noticed a green dot following them. He glanced over his shoulder, but there was no one there. Snow pulled back on his horse's reins and brought his black stallion to a stop. "Whoa." He looked around at the surrounding trees.

Ashe rode up next to Snow. "What is it?"

"Someone's following us." Snow showed Ashe the map. "See, this green dot. But there's no one there. You don't think it's a kind, beautiful female ghost do you?" Snow was equal parts intrigued and frightened by his own suggestion.

Ashe looked behind them. He could hear _something_ tramping through the woods after them, but Snow was right - there appeared to be no one there unless they were invisible. An amused smile curled Ashe's lips as he realized just who it might be. "I know who is following us. There's no need to worry."

"Who?" Snow asked with a curious gleam in his sapphire eyes.

"My stalker," Ashe revealed in a blasé tone.

"Stalker?" Snow couldn't decide whether or not he wanted to smile or frown. "Are we talking male or female here?"

"Female."

Snow suddenly looked _very_ interested and glanced around the forest with a gleam in his eyes. "Is she cute?"

Ashe frowned at the philanderer's sudden interest in Julie. "How the hell should I know? She's always wearing a mask. But my guess would be that she's...attractive. High-class ladies usually are, and the rest of her is...well, but she's only a silly little girl."

"How young are we talking here?" Snow asked.

"Too young for you," Ashe snapped hotly.

Snow put his hands up in a surrendering gesture. "Whoa. Sorry I asked. I was just curious. I didn't know you liked her." The glint in Snow's eyes had turned mischievous.

Ashe gave Snow an incredulous look. "I don't. She's a very strange girl."

"Mmhm," Snow hummed.

"Besides, I hate women," Ashe grumbled.

"Why?" Snow asked.

"Women are selfish and duplicitous," Ashe said in a matter-of-fact tone. "They're not to be trusted."

Snow reached out and placed a hand on Ashe's arm out of concern. "Who hurt you?"

"My own mother. She..." Ashe bit his lower lip to stop himself from saying more and shook his head. "That's none of your business, you womanizing fop."

"When my mother married Reginald...I felt betrayed at first," Snow revealed in a casual tone. "But I don't hold this betrayal against _other_ women. I love the ladies." A lascivious grin spread across the prince's face. "And I enjoy sex, so I'm not giving that up."

Ashe was surprised that he and Snow had something in common - that their real fathers were dead and now they were dealing with stepfathers. "Pervert," Ashe sneered in disgust.

Snow gave Ashe a keen look. "Oh, come on, don't tell me you don't enjoy sex? You're not a virgin, are you?"

"I'm not a virgin," Ashe snapped. "And I don't find sex to be all that enjoyable."

Snow gave his companion a piercing look. "Then you're not doing it right. You know...I've heard rumors of a handsome lord that seduces mature women for money in Glass Kingdom. Are they talking about you?"

Ashe stiffened. _Shit._

_Bull's eye._ Snow thought. "Why do you need money so badly? Aren't you a noble?"

"That's none of your fucking business," Ashe growled.

Snow put his hands up before him in a surrendering gesture again. "Whoa. Touchy. Sorry, Mr. Sensitive. But maybe I could help-"

"I don't need anyone's help," Ashe said fiercely. "I'm fine on my own."

"That...must be lonely," Snow said with a sympathetic look on his face. "I, on the other hand, need people's help _all_ the time. The Royal Guard is always coming to my rescue. I'm a lousy fighter and a dismal wizard. I'm a lover. Not a fighter. I'm pretty useless in combat. The only thing I'm good at is sex. Or so the ladies tell me." Snow threw Ashe a roguish wink.

"You're not useless," Ashe murmured. "You're helping me, aren't you? I never would have gotten this close to Blacksmith Rapunzel's Tower without your help."

"Thanks." Snow looked down at the map, and spotted the tower that was conveniently marked ' _Rapunzel's Tower_ '. "We're almost there. It should be just up ahead through those trees. Oh, shit." Snow noticed a red dot approaching the tower at high speed from the North.

"What is it?" Ashe asked.

"A red dot is approaching the tower," Snow explained. "Let's dismount and approach the tower on foot in order to see who or _what_ it is." Ashe nodded in agreement to Snow's plan.

The two young men dismounted and tethered their horses to some nearby trees. Next, they started to creep through the forest towards the tower as stealthily as possible. Just before they would have entered the clearing where the tower stood, Ashe and Snow crouched down and peered out past the trees that lined the edge of the forest.

Rapunzel's Tower was forty-feet-tall and had a circular room at the top that almost looked like a small, Tudor-style house with a pointed, sloping roof. The only entrance to the tower appeared to be the window at the very top. Mysterious stone ruins surrounded the tower and were covered with moss and vegetation.

From the other side of the clearing a cloaked and hooded figure emerged, and started to stalk towards the tower with purposeful steps. Ashe and Snow both stilled and held their breaths. The figure had a very oppressive and malevolent aura. He stopped below the window and paused, glancing in Ashe and Snow's direction. Snow sucked in a startled breath as he caught a glimpse of what was beneath the hood.

"What?" Ashe whispered.

"I thought I saw..." Snow shook his head in a disbelieving manner. "His face looked like a skull with glowing red eyes, but that can't be right. If that man is who I think he is...then he's a demon and _not_ a skeleton."

The man looked away and glanced up at the tower window. "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair so that I may climb thy golden stair," he chanted in a deep, throaty voice.

At that moment, a long cascade of golden hair was tossed out the window. The man grabbed it and started to use it to climb up the tower. The figure disappeared inside of the tower for several minutes and then exited carrying a large burlap stack filled with weapons. The swords' hilts could be seen poking out of the top of the sack.

Ashe's hand twitched and automatically went to the hilt of his cane sword. _That bag is probably filled with enchanted weapons._ Ashe thought. _I could kill that man and steal a sword or two._ But something told Ashe, a gut feeling, that if he attacked that figure it would be the last thing he ever did. _And I thought Lord Tremaine was scary. But he's a cuddly pussycat compared to that creepy bastard._

Snow reached out, placed a hand over Ashe's, and shook his head. Ashe swallowed and nodded. He didn't have a death wish. The duo watched as the figure climbed back down the tower, hefted the bag of weapons over his shoulder, and stalked off into the forest.

As soon as the figure was out of sight Ashe and Snow breathed easier. "Who the hell do you think that was?" Ashe asked.

"If had to make a guess...that was Demon King Gothel," Snow said. "I've heard rumors that Rapunzel is in his employ."

Ashe arched an eyebrow at his companion. "Which would make Rapunzel an _ally_ of the Demon King. We're really going to go see someone like that?"

Snow looked down at the map and his hands were trembling slightly due to his nerves. "Well, Rapunzel's dot shows up as green on the map so...that's gotta count for something, right?"

"Sure," Ashe agreed with a skeptical note to his voice. "I'll go first."

Snow's shoulders sagged in relief and he gave Ashe a thumbs-up. "Good idea."

Ashe exited the edge of the forest and approached the tower. He looked up at the window and called out in his deepest voice: "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair so that I may climb thy golden stair."

Seconds later, the long cascade of golden hair was lowered and it dropped all the way to the ground. Ashe grabbed the hair and began to use it to climb the tower. He winced as the physical movement put stress on his wounds. Once Ashe reached the window he climbed onto the sill, and hopped down into the room.

"Did you forget something, Gothel?" Rapunzel asked in a dull, serious tone. His back was to the window and he was busy hammering away at a glowing sword that was lying on an anvil, and didn't see that a total stranger had entered his home. The clanging sound of steel meeting steel filled the air again and again. "I already told you this sword won't be ready until tomorrow-"

"A woman?" At first glance Blacksmith Rapunzel could indeed be confused with a woman. His long golden hair was about the only thing feminine about Rapunzel; however, Ashe realized as he took his eyes away from the man's hair and took in the rest of his appearance. The blacksmith was tall and had bulging muscles gained from working on making weapons all day. He was wearing a black leather apron, black leather pants, and boots.

At the soft sound of Ashe's voice Rapunzel whirled to face Ashe, and his forest-green eyes widened at the sight of the stranger. "You're not Gothel." Rapunzel dropped his hammer, and grabbed the unfinished hilt of the glowing sword he'd been working on with his gloved left hand. He rushed towards Ashe, and as soon as he was close enough swung the sword at him.

Ashe's instincts took over. He unsheathed his cane sword and blocked Rapunzel's attack with it, even though it was only half a blade.

Rapunzel's green eyes were blazing. "Who are you? A demon hunter?" He looked down at Ashe's sword and frowned when he noticed that it was a broken blade. "A demon hunter with a broken sword? What happened to your sword, Hero?"

"It broke," Ashe said. "And I'm no hero."

"That sword...is an enchanted one," Rapunzel said. "It wouldn't just break."

"My fa- er, enemy shattered it with a hammer and broke it in two," Ashe explained.

"Pity. Your sword is crying. But your sword's allegiance doesn't belong to you. It belongs to another." Rapunzel narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Ashe. "Did you steal it?"

Ashe bristled at the accusation. "No. It belonged to my father."

"Ah. That explains it. But that still doesn't explain what you're doing here in my home, Hero? Are you here to ask that I repair your sword?" Rapunzel asked, lowering his sword slightly.

"I already told you...I'm not a hero," Ashe said.

Rapunzel rolled his eyes. "I don't believe you. Your sword belonged to the great hero Cinderelron. Are you really his son?"

"Cinderelron?" Ashe echoed with a confused look on his face. His father had always just been 'Daddy'.

"And heroes all want the same thing - to rid Fantasia of evil and of demons like myself!" Rapunzel declared pointing at the horns that curled out of the top of his head. "Die, Demon Hunter!" he yelled before attacking again.

Ashe struggled to block Rapunzel's attacks with his broken cane sword. This asshole wasn't listening to a word he was saying!

Meanwhile, Snow was looking up at the window with a concerned expression on his face. He could hear the sound of steel clashing against steel, which meant Ashe must have been fighting someone. He knew that Ashe could handle himself in a fight, but...he'd looked ill earlier. _I have to help him._ The cascade of hair was _still_ dangling down from the window. Snow grabbed the hair and started to use it to climb.

As soon as Snow reached the window he scrambled onto the sill and then jumped down into the room. The first thing Snow noticed was that the room was stifling hot. "What the hell...?" Snow mused aloud as he looked around the room to find the source of all that heat. His eyes landed on the giant forge. "Oh. That makes sense."

Snow's attention was then drawn to Rapunzel and Ashe who appeared to be trying to kill each other. Snow gulped fearfully, but gave Rapunzel a closer look. Those sparkling green eyes, those long lashes...that long golden hair. "A woman?" Snow raised his chin as a sudden idea occurred to him. "I command you both to stop at once!" he demanded in an imperious tone.

Rapunzel and Ashe froze, and turned to stare at Snow with equally incredulous looks on their faces. "Who the hell are you?" Rapunzel demanded pointing his sword in Snow's direction. "His friend? Another Demon Hunter? Another hero with a death wish?"

Snow raised his hands up before him in a placating gesture, and chuckled. "Demon Hunter? Me? I'm a lover. Not a fighter. I'm Prince Snow Flurris - ladies' man extraordinaire, _patissier_ , bard, and minstrel."

Rapunzel looked Snow over and his eyes widened with recognition. "You're Prince Snow Flurris of Apple Kingdom? What are you doing here? Are you displeased with the sword your mother commissioned me for?"

"Not at all," Snow said, waving his hand dismissively through the air. "It's a lovely sword...even if I can't use it," he muttered the last part to himself, and nodded his head in Ashe's direction. "This man saved my life and I promised I'd bring him to you so he could commission a sword."

"He's your friend?" Rapunzel asked.

"Yes," Snow replied.

"No," Ashe answered at the same time. "He's my coin pouch."

"Ouch. That hurts, Ashe," Snow said, but he was smiling. "Although, I did promise I would pay for the blacksmith's services. Money is no object, so name your price, Blacksmith Rapunzel."

"I have no use for gold," Rapunzel said. "That's not why I accept commissions. Leave."

"I don't think you understand," Snow said. "I'm a prince. I can literally give you a mountain of gold."

Rapunzel rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "I still don't need it. Leave. Now." He raised his sword so that it was pointed at Snow's throat.

Snow gaped at Rapunzel. "No one has ever refused to take my gold before."

"Look, Blacksmith Rapunzel, I'm not taking 'no' for an answer here," Ashe began in an angry tone. "I traveled all this way to commission you for an enchanted sword, and you will make me one whether you like it or not. I _need_ an enchanted sword, and I'm not leaving here without one." Ashe bent over, grabbed up as much of Rapunzel's hair as he could, and pulled.

Rapunzel let out a squawk as his own hair suddenly tripped him up so that he ended up flat on his back. The blacksmith had also lost his grip on his sword in the process, and it skidded across the floor.

Ashe wasted no time in pouncing Rapunzel, straddling him, and starting to punch him hard across the face. Rapunzel didn't just lie there and take the beating, however, and quickly pulled himself together and retaliated by sending a quick punch to Ashe's stomach.

Ashe gasped in pain, and Rapunzel flipped them over so that he was on top of Ashe now, and straddling him instead. The blacksmith started to punch Ashe's face. Ashe recovered quickly from having the wind knocked out of him, blocked the next punch that was headed his way with his forearm, and punched Rapunzel again.

Snow watched the two men fighting with a worried look on his face. Rapunzel and Ashe started to wrestle and began to roll across the floor as they exchanged blocks and blows. "Oh, dear." Snow wanted to help Ashe, but he wasn't a fighter. _Too bad Rapunzel is actually a man and not a woman like I first thought. I would have been able to use my charm ability to seduce her into liking us._

Abruptly, a strange sound reached Snow's ears. It sounded like the flapping of a bird's wings, but on a much larger scale. "What the hell? A giant bird...?" A fierce wind was starting to pick up outside the tower, and blew in through the open window. "Something's coming."

Snow unrolled the enchanted map and saw a green dot approaching the tower at high speed. It looked like the green dot was up in the air, however, and about to collide with the window. _How is that even possible?_ Snow rushed to the window and peered out. "What is that? Is that...? Holy shit! A dragon!"

An enormous, eighty-foot-long, black dragon was flying straight for the window. The creature had glowing, yellow eyes, and an impressive pair of large horns curling out of the top of its head. Snow stumbled away from the window out of shock. That's when the dragon changed directions and began to approach the window parallel instead of head on.

As the dragon's back came into view Snow noticed that there was a rider. _A dragon rider._ Snow thought to himself, already impressed by whoever this man was. The knight was wearing black steel armor decorated with spikes on the shoulders. The helmet the man was wearing had horns on it, and there was a great sword strapped to his back that was one foot wide and five feet long.

Snow's gaze lowered to the rose that was engraved on the knight's breastplate. He recognized that emblem. This knight was from Rose Kingdom. _Could he be...?_ Snow wondered, feeling giddy.

The knight leapt off the dragon's back, and onto the windowsill where he crouched for a moment before hopping down into the room. The dragon rider removed his helmet, revealing his short, golden-blonde hair, and bright, blue eyes. There were dark shadows beneath the man's eyes that gave him a fierce stare.

Without the helmet Snow was able to recognize who the man was. _Monster Hunter, Prince, and Hero, Aurelion Borealis._ Snow thought in awe.

Aurelion Borealis was the greatest hero in all of Fantasia. His mere existence made evildoers take pause in what they were about to do next. Prince Snow Flurris was a _huge_ fan of Aurelion Borealis.

Aurelion's intimidating expression shifted into a friendly one as soon as he caught sight of Rapunzel. "Hey, Punzie, I'm back! Did you miss me, my friend?" A wide, toothy grin spread across the knight's face.

Rapunzel groaned and muttered: "Oh no, not him again."

Aurelion looked around the room and that's when he noticed Ashe and Snow. "I'm so proud of you, Punzie! You have guests. Aren't you going to introduce me to your new friends?"

Rapunzel scrambled off of Ashe, and turned to glare at Aurelion. "These _intruders_ are not my guests. And they're certainly not my friends. I don't have any friends."

"Except for me, of course," Aurelion said in an unperturbed manner. "I'm your best friend." He tried to hug Rapunzel.

"Self-proclaimed best friend," Rapunzel corrected while trying to push Aurelion away.

Ashe pushed himself up off the floor, dusted himself off, and rolled his eyes in a dramatic fashion. "Who's this idiot?"

"That's Monster Hunter, Prince, and Hero Aurelion Borealis!" Snow announced, his sapphire eyes sparkling with admiration.

Ashe turned to gawk at Aurelion - his _hero_ in the flesh. The most feared and powerful man in all of Fantasia was currently trying to hug Blacksmith Rapunzel while the other man was shoving him back with a hand on the man's face.

"No fucking way," Ashe muttered. _He's acting like a puppy trying to get attention from its Master. This can't be real._ He thought in disbelief.

Aurelion and Rapunzel continued to roughhouse until Aurelion's playful expression turned serious. "You're bleeding," Aurelion said, noting the blood on Rapunzel's hands. "Are you injured?"

"What?" Rapunzel followed Aurelion's line of sight and looked down at his hands. His eyes widened upon seeing the blood on them. "I'm not injured. This isn't my blood. It must be his..." Rapunzel shot a questioning look Ashe's way.

Everyone's attention turned to Ashe, causing him to stiffen, and fold his arms over his chest. "What? I'm fine. I-" Ashe was saying, when a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him and he fainted.

"Ashe!" Snow exclaimed as Ashe suddenly collapsed and fell face-first to the floor with a thud.

Aurelion ran over to Ashe and flipped him over onto his back. Aurelion placed his hands on Ashe's chest and pressed down gently. When he pulled his hands away and looked down at the palms of his hands he saw that they were covered in blood. "This man is heavily injured." A deep scowl formed on Aurelion's face. "The red color of his suit has disguised this fact." He shot Rapunzel a chiding look. "Did you...?"

"No," Rapunzel said gruffly. "I didn't land a single sword blow on him. He was too fast."

"Hm." Aurelion hummed and started to unbutton Ashe's jacket, then vest, and lastly his shirt to reveal the blood-soaked bandages wrapped around his torso. "Apparently, he was already injured before coming here, and he was aware of his injuries. He's lost a lot of blood. Rapunzel," he finished in an expectant tone.

Rapunzel stiffened and crossed his arms over his chest. "Why should I help him? I don't even know him."

"Because that's what heroes do!" Aurelion answered in a passionate voice.

"Busybodies, you mean," Rapunzel grumbled. "And I'm _not_ a hero. I'm an evil demon."

"Sure you are. Yoink!" Aurelion pulled the horned headband off of Rapunzel's head.

Snow let out a surprised gasp. "So you're not really a demon? It was a disguise?"

"No. I'm not a demon," Rapunzel admitted.

"Then...what _are_ you?" Snow questioned, his blue eyes sparkling with interest. "A Dark Elf? An incubus? A vampire? A devil?"

"Rapunzel is human," Aurelion interrupted. "He's also a wizard who happens to excel in healing magic."

"A _human_ living in the middle of Bones Kingdom?" Snow shook his head in bewilderment. "Unreal. You have balls, man."

"Punzie, he doesn't have much time," Aurelion said in a stern tone.

"Oh, alright." Rapunzel reluctantly approached Ashe's fallen form and crouched beside him. He reached out, tore the bandages open, and then placed his bare hands on Ashe's chest. Rapunzel closed his eyes, summoned his magical power, and concentrated on healing Ashe's wounds. Rapunzel's hands became surrounded by a golden glow and then all of Rapunzel's hair began to glow too.

Seconds later, Ashe's wounds began to close and heal, flesh knitting back together. The blood magically disappeared, revealing Ashe's healed yet scarred bare chest. Rapunzel frowned at the sight of the scars. "Aurelion, help me get his jacket off and then turn him over." Aurelion nodded and did as he was told.

Once Ashe was lying facedown Rapunzel ripped the bandages covering his back open and placed his hands on Ashe's back next. Rapunzel used his magic to heal the wounds on Ashe's back and his golden-blonde hair and hands glowed once more.

This time when the blood magically disappeared from Ashe's back it was to reveal dozens of slashing scars. A heavy silence descended upon Aurelion, Snow, and Rapunzel as they stared down at Ashe's scar-covered back.

"He was tortured," Rapunzel growled angrily.

"But...by who?" Aurelion shot Snow a questioning look.

Snow looked startled by the question being directed towards him, and he shook his head vigorously. "I have no idea. I just met this guy yesterday. I don't really know that much about him. He's not the kind of person that talks about himself."

"Guess we'll have to wake him up and ask him. Hey..." Rapunzel shook Ashe's shoulder. "Wake up."

A soft groan slipped past Ashe's lips as he stirred awake. He sat up and then realized he was shirtless, and that these three guys were staring at him with odd expressions on their faces. "What?" he snapped with obvious irritation.

"Who did that to you?" Rapunzel demanded.

"Did what?" Ashe replied in an airy tone.

"I just healed your wounds, but your body is _covered_ in scars. Who...?" Rapunzel trailed off while giving Ashe an expectant look.

Ashe paled upon realizing these three nobles had seen his shame. "That's none of your fucking business."

"All evildoers must be brought to justice!" Aurelion declared boldly. "You have nothing more to fear from them because I'm here for you. Just tell me who they are and I'll handle things."

Ashe was surprised by Aurelion's offer of help. For one wild moment he considered taking it, but...would Aurelion be a match for Lord Christian Tremaine's 'Tommy Gun'. Lord Tremaine was _his_ enemy. This was _his_ fight. Ashe shook his head. "He's my enemy. This is my fight."

Rapunzel's angry expression turned thoughtful. "Is this why you need an enchanted sword? To avenge yourself?"

Ashe nodded grimly. "Yes. In part. In order for me to get revenge on the ones who did this to me...I must first fight in the Glass Coliseum and to do that I need an enchanted sword."

"The Glass Coliseum, huh?" Aurelion's blue eyes were sparkling with excitement. "Ah, good times, good times! I've fought there a few times myself for fun. It's a good way for me to hone my monster hunting skills. I've _never_ lost a fight. You do realize magical beings like elves, demons, and vampires like to participate in the matches held there, right?"

Ashe nodded. "Indeed. Hence my need for a _magical_ weapon."

"The Glass Coliseum..." Snow stroked his chin in a pensive gesture. "Don't the nobles bet on the outcomes of those matchers?"

"Yes," Aurelion confirmed. "Whoever bets on me always makes a ton of gold!" He puffed up his chest with pride.

The pieces of the puzzle were slowing falling into place in Snow's mind in regard to the mystery that was Ashe. Apparently, Ashe needed a lot of money for some reason, that much was clear.

"Who was your swordsmaster?" Aurelion questioned Ashe.

"I'm self-taught," Ashe admitted.

"Tsk." Aurelion clucked his tongue and shook his head. "That won't do. You won't last a minute in the arena if you don't have excellent swordsmanship," the Monster Hunter warned, and started to stroke his chin. He shrugged and put his hands out before him in a helpless gesture. "I suppose I have no choice. I'll have to train you myself! After Rapunzel finishes forging your new sword, I'll train you myself."

"Whoa. Hold up. I never agreed to forging him a sword," Rapunzel argued, shooting Aurelion a betrayed look.

Aurelion pouted at the blacksmith. "Don't be like that, Punzie. This is why you don't have any friends-"

"I don't have any friends because I don't want any," Rapunzel huffed. "I have no interest in human interaction. I keep trying to explain this to you."

"Don't be stingy. It's for a just cause. And you won't be giving him a sword without a certain condition," Aurelion declared, a sly smile curling his lips.

Sly smiles were never good in Ashe's opinion and immediately put him on guard. "What condition?" Ashe asked.

"You register with the Heroes' Guild and become an official hero of Fantasia," Aurelion announced. "When the League of Villains strikes you must join me to thwart their latest evil plot!"

Ashe gave the Monster Hunter an incredulous look. "You want _me_ to become a hero?"

Aurelion glanced at Snow. "You too, Prince Snow Flurris."

"Who me?" Snow squeaked out in surprise. "But I'm a lover. Not a fighter. Now, if you need me to sing a song, write a love poem, or bake a pie - I'm your man."

Aurelion looked at the sword strapped to Snow's side. "Do you know how to use that sword?"

"Well, no..." Snow admitted bashfully.

"Then this is a good opportunity for you to be trained by me as well!" Aurelion insisted.

Ashe gave the boisterous hero a skeptical look. "Why are you helping me?"

"That's what heroes do!" Aurelion exclaimed.

Ashe looked at Aurelion searchingly, but the Monster Hunter appeared to be sincere. To get Rapunzel to forge him an enchanted sword he would have to join the Heroes' Guild and fight by Aurelion's side when Fantasia was in peril. And Aurelion was going to train him so he could hold his own in the coliseum. Tit for tat.

Could a slave even become a hero? Ashe supposed he'd find out. Apparently, according to Rapunzel his father Cinderelron had been a hero of Fantasia. Ashe considered Aurelion's deal. It wasn't a bad deal, per say. "You're obviously a naïve fool, but I accept your terms. I'll join the Heroes' Guild as long as Rapunzel forges me a sword."

Aurelion beamed. "With my training you'll become a champion of the coliseum."

"Don't I get any real say in this?" Snow asked, his brow furrowing out of worry. "I don't _want_ to be a hero. It sounds like a lot of work...I just want to laze around with the ladies."

"Welcome to the team, Snow!" Aurelion said, slapping Snow on the back in an oblivious manner.

"I give up," Snow moaned pitifully.

Rapunzel rubbed his temples with his index fingers. "I can't believe I got roped into going along with another of Aurelion's harebrained schemes." He let out a defeated sigh. "Good grief."

"Thank you, Rapunzel," Aurelion said brightly.

"Yeah, yeah." Rapunzel glanced at Ashe. "In order to make you an enchanted sword you'll need to give me some of your hair."

Ashe frowned and backed away a step. "My hair? How much?"

Ashe's reaction made the corner of Rapunzel's mouth twitch. "Don't worry. Not a lot. Just a lock will do." The blacksmith handed Ashe a pair of scissors.

Ashe untied his hair ribbon, grabbed a lock of his hair, and used the scissors to cut it. He handed Rapunzel the hair, and the blacksmith nodded in affirmation that it was enough. "This will do. I'll also need some of my own hair..." Rapunzel explained as he started to pull up his cascade of hair that was _still_ dangling down the outer tower wall. Once Rapunzel finally had a hold of the end of his hair he cut off a foot of it.

Ashe's eyes widened as he took in how much hair Rapunzel actually had. "How long is your hair?"

"Oh, around seventy-feet-long," Rapunzel answered.

"He doesn't get out much," Aurelion joked with a twinkle in his blue eyes.

"Hair makes the steel stronger and because my hair is magical the sword will become enchanted." Rapunzel threw the lock of Ashe's hair into the smelting pot, and then the lock of his own hair. "And because I've used a lock of your hair...only you will be able to use the enchanted sword."

"Magic hair?" Snow offered Rapunzel a lopsided smile. "And here I thought you were just vain."

"The only vain peacock I see inside this tower is you, Prince Snow Flurris," Rapunzel remarked dryly. "I would cut all this hair off if I could. But making enchanted weapons is my livelihood. I'm a blacksmith, who makes enchanted weapons, and for them to be enchanted I need to use my magical hair in the forging process."

"Livelihood?" Snow questioned with a curious tilt of his head. "I thought you said you had no use for gold? Why are you making weapons for the Demon King Gothel, huh?"

Rapunzel paled at the mention of the Demon King Gothel and he avoided meeting Snow's gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Ashe and I saw him...or at least I think I saw him climb your tower and fetch a bag full of enchanted weapons," Snow explained, a cunning glint in his sapphire blue eyes.

"Fuck off," Rapunzel snapped. "Who I do business with is none of your business, Prissy Playboy."

"When's the last time you left this tower?" Snow asked. "Or should I say prison?"

Rapunzel grabbed Snow by the front of his vest and glared at him. "Shut up. You know nothing, Prince Snow! I don't leave this tower because I don't want to. I hate people. I just want to be left alone."

Snow was unperturbed by Rapunzel's outburst. "That must be lonely, _and_ boring. What do you do in here all day?"

"Make weapons. Read. Paint," Rapunzel replied shortly.

"Ah, that reminds me," Aurelion said, fishing out a book and handing it to Rapunzel. "I brought you a new book."

Rapunzel's dull green eyes lit up and he took the book gingerly as if afraid he might damage it. "Thank you, Aurelion." He offered the Monster Hunter a grateful smile.

"So you _can_ smile..." Snow said, his eyebrows rising in surprise. _Guess the blacksmith is just a bookworm._ He thought.

"What are best friends for!" Aurelion said brightly.

Ashe suddenly grew curious about how the legendary hero Aurelion and the infamous Blacksmith Rapunzel became friends. "How did you two become friends anyways? You're both so different."

"One day, I was tracking a wyvern...and arrived at this forest. I saw a burst of flame exit the window at the top of this tower and assumed the monster had somehow gotten inside. Thinking someone might be in grave peril I had my dragon fly me over to the window so that I could get inside the tower. I jumped in right through the window and caught sight of a beautiful damsel in distress. I unsheathed my sword and attacked the monster...only to discover that wyvern was in fact a forge, and the damsel I was trying to rescue was a man!" Aurelion let out an amused chuckle.

"Glad I'm not the only one who thought _he_ was a _she_ at first," Snow said with a smirk.

"Due to the bewildering length of Rapunzel's hair it quickly became obvious to me that he hadn't left this tower in a _very_ long time. He seemed lonely, and I decided he needed a friend," Aurelion said proudly.

"I haven't been able to get rid of him ever since," Rapunzel complained, but his tone was fond. Aurelion reached out to ruffle the top of Rapunzel's head and laughed.

"Friends," Snow murmured with a wistful note to his voice.

Ashe became distracted when he looked out the window and noted that the sun was starting to set. "I need to get going. I must return home before nightfall or else..." He shuddered.

"Alright, let's go, I guess," Snow said, his shoulders sagging in disappointment. Monster Hunter Aurelion and Rapunzel were two interesting guys and Snow had been having fun getting to hang out with them. All the men in Apple Kingdom seemed to hate Snow so it was a nice change of pace getting to hang out with men his own age for once.

"I'll be done with your sword by tomorrow afternoon," Rapunzel informed Ashe. "You can come pick it up then."

Ashe nodded. "Thanks. I will."

"Bye, guys," Aurelion said. "Have a splendid evening!"

Ashe and Snow left Rapunzel's tower and began to ride out of Bones Kingdom and towards their respective homes. Once they reached a fork in the road Snow continued his way to Apple Kingdom while Ashe headed the rest of the way to Glass Kingdom.

When Ashe returned 'home' he made Lord Tremaine and his sons dinner. Since they thought Ashe was still gravely injured they didn't pick on him very much. That night when Ashe went to bed he was surprised that he was feeling strangely hopeful for once.

To be continued in...Chapter 4:

### Chapter 4:

"Stop," Julie commanded her enchanted carriage before it would have exited the edge of the forest into the clearing where Rapunzel's Tower stood. The carriage came to a halt instantly.

Julie exited the carriage, approached the trees, and peered out at Snow and Ashe. She chewed her bottom lip out of concern as she watched Ashe climb a cascade of golden hair and enter the top of the tower through the only window.

She hoped Blacksmith Rapunzel would be accommodating and agree to forge Ashe a sword. "Oh, what if I've sent Ashe to his doom..." There were some unsettling rumors about Blacksmith Rapunzel being a coldhearted, bloodthirsty demon.

Still, Rapunzel made the most powerful enchanted weapons in all of Fantasia, and Ashe deserved the best. Ashe reminded Julie of the deceased Commander of the Royal Guard, Cinderelron. Cinderelron had died rescuing Julie from the clutches of evil. Even though she'd only been a child at the time Julie had been in love with Cinderelron.

It had been a pure, innocent, plutonic, and childlike love that's she'd harbored for him. Ashe had the same silvery hair and golden eyes as Cinderelron. In fact, their resemblance was uncanny...and it made Julie wonder if Cinderelron had a son she didn't know about.

Ever since Ashe had saved her at the casino her heart fluttered when she thought about him. Ashe was so handsome, strong, and deadly. Julie had never seen a more handsome man in all her life. She'd fallen in love with him at first sight.

And now she was stalking him...

What Julie _really_ wanted to do was speak with him again, but she couldn't find the courage to approach him and settled for watching him from afar. She liked him too much to talk to him. She knew this was silly, but there it was.

Julie was pretty proud of herself that she'd been able to talk to Ashe in Apple City, and had been able to help him meet up with Prince Snow Flurris.

Julie's true identity was Princess Juleka Glass. This is why she knew Prince Snow. They'd encountered each other at court before and at a few royal balls. Prince Snow had been polite and kind to her, but had ignored her in favor of spending his time with more assertive, bubbly, and outgoing women.

Still, as Juleka had watched Prince Snow from afar she'd noticed something. Even though Snow was surrounded by women the entire time he seemed really lonely. That's when Juleka realized that all of the noblemen present were either glaring at Snow or sending him dirty looks. It must be hard for a man to have no male friends, Juleka decided, her heart going out to him.

Juleka thought that the prickly Ashe and the charismatic Snow could become good friends if given the chance. So far, things were working out according to Juleka's plans. Ashe and Snow seemed to be getting along for the most part, and hopefully Rapunzel would forge Ashe an enchanted sword. After that, Ashe would be able to participate in the matches and tournaments held at the Glass Coliseum. Juleka wanted to help Ashe fulfill his dream from the shadows.

Juleka was peering up at the window when a clanging sound reached her ears. _That's the sound of steel clashing against steel!_ Juleka thought in alarm. "Oh no...they're fighting. I should have known the prickly Ashe wouldn't get along with Rapunzel. Oh, what have I done?"

Juleka watched as a concerned Snow started to climb up the cascade of golden hair, presumably to help his 'new friend'. Juleka nibbled her lower lip again. "Ashe...I should go help him too." She started to emerge from the edge of the forest; however, a hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"Wait," a soft, feminine voice said.

Juleka spun around to face a young woman that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. The woman had brown hair that was pulled up into a messy bun. A pair of round glasses was perched on her nose, making her lavender-colored eyes barely visible behind the large frames. She was wearing a brown, Steampunk-style dress decorated with vertical black stripes and a bustle. There was a black corset around the woman's waist that was decorated with golden cogs. A three-foot-long fan was strapped to the woman's waist.

"Your friends will be alright," the woman assured in a kind voice. "Rapunzel won't harm them. He is a good man."

Juleka gave the young woman a curious look. "Who are you?"

The woman smirked and stuck her hand out for Juleka to take. "Dr. Henrietta Jekyll, at your service. I'm a doctor and an alchemist. And, you are?"

Juleka took Henrietta's hand and shook it. There was something about Henrietta's warm, sincere eyes that made Juleka tell the woman the truth. "Please don't tell the boys, it's a secret, but I'm Princess Juleka of Glass Kingdom. What is a lady like you doing in this godforsaken forest, Dr. Jekyll?"

"Please, call me Henrietta," the doctor said. "And I could be asking _you_ the same thing. You could say I'm watching over Rapunzel. I'm...in love with him, you see." Henrietta started to twirl a lock of her brown hair around her index finger in a nervous gesture.

"Does he know?" Juleka asked curiously.

"Alas, he does not," Henrietta admitted sadly. "We're actually enemies." Juleka's eyebrows rose at that. "It's complicated..." Henrietta continued.

"Hence, you watch over him from afar." Juleka was nodding to herself. "I completely understand. I, too, am watching over the man I love from afar."

"Why?" Henrietta asked, pushing her glasses up her nose with an intent look on her face.

"I can't find the courage to speak with him," Juleka confided. "It's pathetic. I know. But when he's close my brain turns to mush, and I can't think of anything to say. I get all tongue-tied. I like him too much."

Henrietta was able to relate and nodded vigorously. "I hope you find the courage to speak with him, Juleka."

"Me too," Juleka agreed with a wistful note to her voice.

Henrietta looked up at the tower window and a crooked smile formed on her face. "This is the first time two human men have visited Punzie. I hope they will become his friends. Right now, Rapunzel only has one friend - Monster Hunter, Hero, and Prince, Aurelion Borealis."

"The hero Aurelion!" Juleka gasped in surprise and her blue eyes sparkled beneath her mask. "Wow. I'd love to meet him and get his autograph."

Henrietta let out an amused laugh. "He should be arriving here soon. You should ask him. I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

"Oh no...I couldn't possibly _talk_ to Aurelion," Juleka said, acting shy. "I wouldn't know what to say or how to act."

"Just be yourself." Henrietta reached out to pat Juleka's arm. "You'll be fine. I find you to be very pleasant company."

"Why thank you, Henrietta." Juleka gave the doctor a tremulous smile.

At that moment, a fierce wind started to pick up all around them. The sound of flapping reached Juleka's ears and at first she thought a large bird was causing the sound. But as it grew louder she knew she must be mistaken. Something _else_ was making that sound. Something _big_.

Both young women were forced to put their hands on the skirts of their dresses in order to stop them from blowing up and revealing their undergarments shamelessly. "He's here."

All of a sudden an eighty-foot-long, black dragon with gold eyes appeared in the sky overhead, heading for Rapunzel's tower. Juleka's eyes flared and she gasped. "A dragon!"

Henrietta shot Juleka a questioning look. "The hero Aurelion is a dragon rider. Didn't you know?"

"No. I did not," Juleka said as she shielded her eyes with her hand from the wind so that she could look up at the dragon. She spotted a man dressed in black steel armor seated on the dragons back. "That must be Aurelion..." The dragon rider exuded a fierce, powerful aura. The spikes on the knight's armor gave the hero a fearsome appearance, and caused Juleka to gulp. _It's really him. The greatest hero in all of Fantasia._

Juleka watched as Aurelion hopped off the back of his dragon without fear, and entered the tower. Juleka was able to breathe easier now. Ashe was in good hands. There was no one more selfless or valiant than the hero Aurelion.

Juleka couldn't help but feel that Prince Aurelion getting to meet Ashe, Snow, and Rapunzel was important and auspicious somehow. _I feel like this will become known as a pivotal moment in Fantasia's history. Destiny caused these four men to meet for a reason._

***

The following morning, when Ashe awoke he was surprised by how good he felt considering how recently he'd been tortured by Lord Tremaine and his sons. Last night, it had been too cold to go up to the attic and sleep so Ashe had curled up on the floor by the fireplace in the kitchen. He sat up, stretched, and smirked when he didn't feel any pain.

Rapunzel's healing ability was impressive. Ashe was excited to see what kind of enchanted sword Rapunzel had forged for him. Being this happy was an unfamiliar feeling to Ashe. Even having to make Lord Tremaine and his sons breakfast and later lunch didn't put a damper on his chipper mood.

Ashe made sure to look unhappy though and 'in pain' while in Lord Tremaine and his sons' presences. The last thing Ashe wanted was for Lord Tremaine and his sons to discover he was already healed and could be tortured again for imagined slights.

After he'd served Lord Tremaine and his sons lunch, Ashe dressed in another old, mended suit that had belonged to his father Cinderelron. _Cinderelron._ Ashe thought. It was strange knowing his father's name. Ashe hadn't known his father had been a hero. He wouldn't have found that out if it hadn't been for Rapunzel recognizing his father's cane sword.

Ashe's thoughts drifted to Julie and he wondered who the mysterious person he supposedly reminded her of was. Ghosts of the past seemed to be haunting Ashe these days.

With the Tremaines occupied with lunch Ashe was able to sneak out of the château and make it to the stables where he borrowed a horse. He walked it through the forest and only mounted it once he deemed himself far away enough from the château that the Tremaines wouldn't hear his departure. Then he took off into the forest, heading towards Bones Kingdom at a gallop.

Today, Ashe wouldn't be meeting up with Snow first. Before they'd parted ways the day before, Ashe had assured Snow that he didn't need a 'babysitter' and that he knew how to get to Rapunzel's Tower on his own now.

Snow had looked disappointed, but Ashe doubted that was sincere. Why would Snow care about not getting to go with him? Snow barely knew him and Ashe wasn't a very pleasant person to be around when he wasn't trying to seduce some rich noblewoman. Around just men he was usually an asshole. Besides, Snow was a _prince_ , and above Ashe in social stature. Why would Snow want to lower himself by hanging out with Ashe?

If Prince Snow knew the truth - that Ashe was a slave - he'd look down on him, and sneer, ridicule, and belittle him just as the Tremaines had done. That's why Ashe was better off alone.

A couple hours later, Ashe entered Bones Kingdom and started to head towards Rapunzel's Tower. He was about halfway there when the sound of a woman's scream reached his ears. It had come from a few yards behind him. Ashe had forgotten all about his stalker Julie until that moment.

_Shit._ _That weird girl got herself into trouble again._ Without the enchanted map there had been no way for Ashe to keep track of enemies in the forest. Or dangerous monsters, for that matter. Ashe dismounted his horse since he had the feeling that whatever was attacking Julie would only cause the horse to spook and throw him, and he didn't feel like breaking his neck. He then took off running in the direction he'd heard Julie's scream come from.

When Ashe emerged from a group of trees into a small clearing he spotted Julie's pumpkin-shaped carriage, which was currently covered with dozens of living skeletons. The skeletons were crawling all over the carriage in a creepy manner while trying to get inside by clawing at the carriage's exterior.

Instinctively, Ashe's hand went to the hilt of his cane sword, only his cane sword wasn't strapped to his side as usual. Ashe suddenly remembered that he'd left the broken cane sword behind at Rapunzel's Tower. _Fuck. I don't have a weapon and Julie is in mortal peril. Just great._ She shouldn't have followed him. Julie was going to get herself killed at this rate. _Foolish girl...I'm not worth following around like a baby chick._

Even though things seemed hopeless Ashe looked around frantically for anything that he could use as a weapon. He couldn't just leave Julie here to die after all. He had to do something. He had to save her. Only a coward would run to save his own skin. That's when Ashe spotted a long tree branch on the ground. "That'll do." He bent over, grabbed the branch, and took off running towards the skeletons.

The skeletons were armed with rusty broadswords, and wearing armor that had also seen better days. They'd obviously been knights and soldiers once upon a time...

By this time, one of the skeletons had managed to claw a hole into the side of the carriage that was large enough for it to get through. Just as it started to poke its head inside the carriage Ashe let out a shout in order to get their attention before charging towards the skeletons.

The skeletons instantly focused their glowing red eyes on Ashe before hopping off the carriage and running towards their new prey. As soon as Ashe was close enough he swung his branch at one of the skeletons that tried to use its sword to block the attack. The skeleton was too slow, however, and Ashe managed to knock its skull right off its body, and send it flying.

The skeletons started to circle around Ashe in an effort to prevent his escape, and began to close in. Ashe was forced to block multiple sword attacks coming at him from different directions all at once. Ashe spun and kept spinning as he blocked and avoided their sword swings. Each time Ashe spotted an opening a skeleton's skull was sent flying.

With alarm Ashe noticed that one skeleton was already halfway inside the carriage. Julie's screams had grown loud in her fear. Ashe forced his way past the skeletons to the carriage, and swung his branch at the skeleton's spine with enough force that its body was severed in two.

Ashe grabbed the handle and opened the carriage door. He peered inside the carriage to see Julie huddled against the other door while half a skeleton stubbornly crawled towards her threateningly. "Annoying bastard!" Ashe said before bringing the branch down on the skull and shattering it to pieces. He held his hand out to Julie, and she appeared to hesitate upon taking his hand.

"Julie, hurry up! Take my hand," Ashe said in a firm tone. "You can't stay in there. It's too dangerous." Julie nodded and placed her hand in Ashe's. However, at that moment the tip of a sword emerged from the front of Ashe's chest.

Ashe looked down at the sword sticking out of his body in a mixture of shock and disbelief. One of those cowardly bastard skeletons must have gotten him from behind.

Ashe stumbled backwards, turned around, and swung his tree branch like a baseball bat while aiming at the skeleton's skull. Ashe's branch hit the skeleton's head and sent its skull flying.

Ashe dropped the tree branch, reached behind him, and grabbed the hilt of the sword. Then he slowly pulled the sword out of his back. He winced in pain, but didn't cry out. A little blood trickled out of his mouth and down his chin. _Fuck._

Juleka's eyes widened in horror as she watched what Ashe was doing and she scrambled out of the carriage. "Ashe!"

"At least now I have a sword," Ashe muttered darkly to himself before turning his attention to Juleka. "Don't worry, Julie, as long as I get to Rapunzel's Tower that longhaired bastard will probably be able to heal me with that magic hair of his. I'm more pissed off I ruined _another_ of my father's suits." Ashe held his hand out to Juleka and she took it quickly this time. "Come on." Ashe and Juleka took off running with a dozen skeletons chasing after them.

Occasionally, Ashe was forced to stop and fight the skeletons when they got too close before they could continue on through the forest. Juleka was impressed Ashe could even move around with a wound like that. "Doesn't it hurt? Aren't you in pain?" she asked breathlessly.

Ashe shot her a grim look. "I have a high tolerance for pain." He was glad of it now, however. It was actually coming in quite useful.

Unfortunately, as Ashe and Juleka ran through the forest the amount of skeletons following them seemed to be increasing rather than decreasing. Ashe spotted Rapunzel's Tower through the trees. "We're almost there."

Ashe and Juleka broke through the tree line and into the clearing. However, more than fifty skeletons were pursuing them at this point, and they too entered the clearing. The skeletons quickly started to form a circle around them, effectively blocking their way to Rapunzel's Tower.

_Shit._ There was no way Ashe could defeat this many skeletons, even if they were relatively weak monsters. In his current weakened condition he was frickin useless. Ashe turned to give Juleka a bleak look. "Julie, I'm going to create an opening for you, and I want you to run to the tower. Once you get there say: ' _Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair so that I may climb thy golden stair_ '. Use the hair to climb up the tower. You'll be safe there."

Juleka realized in that moment that Ashe wanted to sacrifice himself for her safety, just like Cinderelron had all those years ago. "No!" Juleka objected. "I won't leave you. Not this time." She took Ashe's hand and held it tightly. "If you're going to die...it won't be alone."

Ashe shot her a surprised look, and his brow furrowed in confusion. Weren't people only ever out for themselves? Her actions didn't make any sense. "Julie..." He tightened his grip on her hand as the skeletons closed in.

Unexpectedly, a thunderous roar filled the air, and Ashe and Juleka looked up to see Aurelion's pet dragon swooping down in their direction. The dragon opened its maw and began to unleash a stream of fire at the skeletons. In a matter of seconds, a circle of fire surrounded Ashe and Juleka protectively.

The skeletons let out inhumane, piercing shrieks as they were burned to ashes, and the ones that escaped the fire retreated into the forest. Aurelion landed his dragon next to Ashe and Juleka, and the ground beneath their feet quaked as the dragon landed.

"Aurelion," Juleka said, her voice tinged with awe, and her blue eyes sparkling beneath her mask.

"Get on, you two." Aurelion jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "I'll give you a lift."

Ashe climbed up the side of the dragon and somehow managed to make it onto the saddle behind Aurelion. He reached his hand down to help Juleka climb up next. She took his hand and Ashe practically swung her up onto the saddle behind him. Juleka let out a little squeak and wrapped her arms around Ashe's torso.

Aurelion flashed the couple a grin over his shoulder. "Hold on!" The dragon ran forward, flapped its wings, and then took off into the air. The beast flew towards the top of the tower and approached the window from a parallel angle.

"Hop off," Aurelion instructed as the dragon hovered directly in front of the window.

Ashe nimbly leapt off the dragon's back and onto the windowsill. He then hopped down into the room, and turned to face the window.

"You next, Milady," Aurelion said to Juleka.

"Are you crazy?" Juleka objected, the blood draining out of her face as she looked at the few feet of space between her and the window's ledge. "I can't make that jump. I'll fall and plummet to my death!"

Aurelion chuckled. "You sound like Rapunzel! All doom and gloom!"

Ashe spread his arms wide at his sides. "Jump, Julie. I'll catch you."

Juleka gulped. She trusted Ashe, and so she eventually nodded before leaping towards Ashe. Ashe caught her easily in his arms, but fell back onto the floor as her body impacted with his wound and he ended up letting out a grunt of pain.

Juleka flushed deeply beneath her mask as she realized that she was on top of Ashe and practically straddling him.

Aurelion leapt onto the window ledge and hopped down into the room. "What a glorious adventure!" the Monster Hunter exclaimed with obvious excitement. "Saving a beautiful damsel in distress always gets the blood pumping!" That's when Aurelion noticed Juleka and Ashe's incriminating position. "You two look rather friendly. Is she your wife, Ashe?"

"Wife?" Juleka squeaked out, and a silly smile spread across her face.

Ashe suddenly realized the position he and Juleka were in, and shoved her off his lap. He pushed himself up off the floor and dusted himself off. "She's just my stalker," Ashe said with a moue of distaste.

Juleka was glad for her mask because at the moment she knew her face must have been as red as a tomato. She pushed herself up off the floor and started to dust her dress off.

Aurelion approached Juleka, a playful glint in his sky-blue eyes. "Stalker? How lucky you are, Ashe. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Milady." He took her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. "I am the hero Aurelion Borealis. And I am at your service. What might your name be?"

"The honor is mine, Sir Borealis," Juleka stammered. "My name is Julie."

"What a lovely name," Aurelion said, stroking his chin in a pensive manner. "Did you know your name is very similar to...?" He trailed off and shook his head. "Never mind."

"Sir Borealis..." Juleka began, fidgeting while showing her nervousness. "May I...?"

Aurelion raised a questioning eyebrow at Juleka. "Please, call me Aurelion. And what is it, Milady?"

Juleka held out a blank piece of parchment, and a magically refilling ink quill. "May I have your autograph?"

Aurelion let out a surprised chuckle, took the parchment and quill, and grinned at Juleka. "It would give me great pleasure, Milady." The hero began to sign his name on the piece of parchment with a flourish.

Ashe snorted. What was he all of a sudden? Chopped liver?

A startled gasp drew everyone's attention to Rapunzel, who was looking at Juleka with wide, astonished eyes. The blacksmith pointed a trembling finger in her direction. "W-W-What is _that_?"

Ashe's brow furrowed in confusion. He had no idea what the blacksmith was talking about.

Aurelion's grin widened and he waved a hand at Juleka as if presenting her. "May I present Lady Julie."

"A woman?" Rapunzel said, the blood draining out of his face. "A _real_ woman? You let a woman in my room?"

"Don't tell me you've never met a woman before?" Ashe sneered condescendingly.

"I haven't..." Rapunzel admitted with his eyes still pinned suspiciously on Juleka. "I've only read about them in books."

Ashe gave Rapunzel a skeptical look. "What about your mother?"

"I never knew my parents," Rapunzel admitted. "I was raised inside this tower. This tower is all I've ever known of the world."

"Who raised you?" Ashe questioned. Rapunzel was being strangely forthcoming with his answers about his personal life in his currently distracted state, and Ashe decided to take advantage of that. Knowledge was power after all.

"That's..." Rapunzel seemed to catch himself and he frowned. "None of your damned business."

Aurelion finished signing his name and handed the piece of parchment back to a happy Juleka. "Here you are, Milady."

Juleka took the piece of parchment, looked down at Aurelion's signature, and smiled behind her unicorn mask. "I'll treasure it always," she assured in a dreamy tone.

"Punzie, Ashe is injured," Aurelion said to the blacksmith. "Heal him."

Rapunzel crossed his arms over his chest in a sullen fashion. "If he needs my help why doesn't he ask me himself?" The blacksmith turned to give Ashe an expectant look.

Ashe glared back at the unsociable man. "I don't need your help."

Juleka started to chew on her lower lip out of worry as she watched lightning crackle between their gazes. She knew that the only thing keeping Ashe on his feet at the moment was adrenaline. He desperately needed to be healed. "Blacksmith Rapunzel, please, heal him. He only got injured because he saved my life _again_. It's my fault he got injured. I was too slow. I was paralyzed with fear. I'm so ashamed."

"A girl just talked to me!" Rapunzel flushed. "Did I just say that out loud? Good grief." The blacksmith scrubbed a hand down his face and sighed. "Of course, I'll heal him. I was just giving him a hard time. I'm happy to help."

"Happy, huh?" Ashe raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, shut up." Rapunzel approached Ashe and placed his hand over Ashe's stab wound. The blacksmith summoned his magical power and concentrated on willing Ashe's wound to close. Rapunzel's hand glowed with a golden light and his hair started to gleam.

Juleka gasped as she looked around the room to see that all the coils of Rapunzel's hair on the floor had started to glow brilliantly. "It's so...beautiful."

The flush on Rapunzel's tanned cheeks deepened. "Th-Thank you, my lady."

"I think you mean 'freakish'," Ashe sneered unkindly. "What man has hair that long? And to top it all off it glows."

"I think it's wonderful," Juleka said, fingering a lock of her black hair. "I wish my hair glowed. My hair is so boring and ugly."

"Your hair isn't ugly," Rapunzel blurted out. "It's like the night sky...dark and mysterious."

Juleka blushed at the sincerity she saw in Rapunzel's green eyes. "Thank you. I'm flattered. That's very kind of you to say, Blacksmith Rapunzel."

Ashe grew irritated by how well Rapunzel and Juleka seemed to be getting along, and by how easily the girl seemed to be able to speak with the blacksmith. He cleared his throat to get their attention. "Rapunzel, is my sword ready?"

Rapunzel's attention was effectively pulled away from Juleka. "Ah...yes. I finished forging it. It took on a rather... _interesting_ form. I think it will surprise you." The blacksmith approached a table that had a sword lying on it wrapped up in a piece of coarse cloth. He unwrapped the material to reveal the sword.

Ashe approached the table, wrapped his hand around the hilt of the sword, and lifted it up in order to admire it. The sword was a medieval, double-edged broadsword that appeared to be made out of a translucent, blue glass.

As Ashe moved the sword through the air it turned from white to blue to silver as the light reflected off its surface differently. There was a rose decorating the hilt of the sword. The sword was incredibly beautiful...and incredibly useless. Ashe frowned. "It's made out of glass. You've got to be kidding me. This piece of shit will shatter after only one blow!"

"It's made out of _enchanted_ glass, moron," Rapunzel said in a smug tone. He raised his chin and gave Ashe a condescending look. "I assure you that it's indestructible. The sword took on that form because it suits you best. That sword is the one you're destined to wield."

"A glass sword," Juleka breathed out in a giddy tone, her blue eyes sparkling beneath her mask. "Long ago, there was a hero who saved Glass Kingdom from a great evil. That's how the Kingdom got its namesake. That hero supposedly wielded a glass sword. Ashe, this means you are destined to become a Knight of Glass Kingdom."

Ashe gave Juleka a skeptical look. "I can't become a knight. I'm a-" He bit his lip and cut himself off.

"It is your destiny," Juleka insisted in an adamant tone. "You will save Glass Kingdom one day."

Ashe let out a bitter laugh. "Me? Save Glass Kingdom? I can't even save myself from..." he trailed off and coughed into his hand. "You're wrong about me, Julie. My father may have been a hero, but I'm not. I'm not a good person."

"Yes you are," Juleka said passionately. "You've saved my life. _Twice_."

A pink tinge rose to Ashe's cheeks at what Juleka was saying. "I didn't plan to. Things just sort of happened that way."

"That's a mighty fine sword, Ashe!" Aurelion said, slapping Ashe on the back in an effort to lighten the mood. "Let's go outside and test it out, shall we?"

Ashe shrugged. "Sure."

"Punzie, I'm going to borrow that sword you made me," Aurelion said, walking over to a wall that was covered in swords that were on display.

"Go right ahead," Rapunzel said, an amused glint in his green eyes. "It's yours, even if you never use it because you feel like it's cheating."

Aurelion grabbed a double-edged broadsword that was the same size as Ashe's, but it was made out of silvery steel. Apparently, Aurelion wouldn't be using the massive great sword that was strapped to his back.

At that moment, an object in the room captured Juleka's attention, and she ran towards Rapunzel. "Oh, is that...?" Upon seeing Juleka running towards him, Rapunzel instinctively panicked and dove down to hide behind a chair. Juleka picked up a canvas and started to admire the painting. "A unicorn!"

"Did you just hide from a girl?" Ashe let out a rusty laugh. Aurelion joined him, letting out a laugh that was loud and boisterous.

Rapunzel flushed out of embarrassment and stood up. "I...thought she was going to hug me or attack me or something."

"Pathetic," Ashe gasped out as he continued to laugh.

"Did you paint this yourself?" Juleka asked Rapunzel.

"Yes, Milady," Rapunzel admitted shyly.

"I paint too. However did you manage to produce this particular shade of pink paint?" Juleka asked curiously.

"I used a combination of rose petals, daylilies, and basil leaves," Rapunzel informed her. "Using a mortar and pestle I grinded the petals into a fine powder which I mixed with egg yolks, vinegar and water."

"Oh?" Juleka raised an eyebrow. "I usually use elderberries and strawberries to make pink paint. What about that shade of yellow? The unicorn's horn is magnificent. It looks gold."

"I used a combination of sunflower petals, bay leaves, and dandelion flowers for that," Rapunzel said with a lopsided smile forming on his face. He rarely got to talk to anyone about one of the few passions he had in life - painting.

"Fascinating," Juleka gushed. "I usually use turmeric, marigolds and celery leaves to make yellow paint."

"Well, it looks like they're getting along splendidly," Aurelion said, looking pleased. "I guess we have nothing to worry about in leaving them alone together. Let's go, Ashe."

_Nothing to worry about?_ Ashe thought bitterly. _She never speaks to me so easily. Look at her now, laughing and probably smiling like a child. Rapunzel obviously puts her at ease...whereas I make her nervous and unsettled._

Aurelion noticed Ashe's hesitation and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. Julie is in safe hands. Punzie would _never_ harm her."

"Pfftt." Ashe let out a snort. "Like I care."

Aurelion gave Ashe a knowing look before turning and walking towards the window. The two young men used Rapunzel's hair that was secured to a horn cleat on the windowsill to climb down the tower.

Ashe still felt uneasy about leaving Juleka and Rapunzel alone together, but then caught himself in his surprising thoughts. _Why do I even care? No. I don't care...why should I care about that strange girl? It's not like I love her or anything. I barely know her._

Aurelion removed the great sword strapped to his back and tossed it aside. It landed on the grassy ground with a heavy thud. The hero then unsheathed the sword Rapunzel had made him and placed both hands on its hilt. The sword started to glow with a golden light and pulse with magical energy.

"Every enchanted weapon works differently," Aurelion began to explain. "Mine absorbs sunlight and turns it into magical energy. For example, if I were fighting monsters with this sword while in a dungeon the magical energy inside the sword would eventually run out and I'd be left with an ordinary sword. Below ground the sword would be unable to replenish its magic. Now, unsheathe your sword, Ashe."

Ashe obediently unsheathed the Glass Sword and placed both hands on its hilt. The sword began to glow with a blue-tinged, silvery light and pulse with magical energy. Ashe looked down at the Glass Sword in awe, and his golden eyes sparkled. He could _feel_ its power, and that power was now his. It was a heady feeling, having that much power at his fingertips.

"Let's see what that sword of yours can do!" Aurelion swung his sword forward and a fireball was sent flying Ashe's way.

_A fireball!_ Ashe thought in astonishment. _What should I do? A sword can't block fire._

Ashe was going to dodge the attack, but he had the gut feeling he should block the attack with the flat of his blade instead. Ashe flipped the sword in his grip and raised it up before him. The fireball hit Ashe's Glass Sword and immediately shot back in Aurelion's direction.

"Whoa!" Aurelion dodged the fireball and dove out of the way. The fireball hit a boulder that exploded, sending large chunks of rock flying through the air.

Ashe looked down at the Glass Sword with a bewildered expression on his face. _What did it just do?_

With a wide grin on his face Aurelion pushed himself up off the ground and dusted himself off. "I'm pretty sure your sword has the ability of Magic Reflection. That's a very rare ability. In theory any magical attack sent your way will simply be sent back at the caster. Let's test that theory, shall we?" Aurelion slashed his sword at Ashe again and again, sending a barrage of fireballs Ashe's way.

Ashe stood his ground and blocked the fireballs with his Glass Sword. The fireballs instantly started to head back towards Aurelion. Aurelion's wide smile faltered at the sight of six fireballs headed his way. "Yeah, it looks like it works. Oh, shit!" The Monster Hunter dodged and dove out of the way from the fireballs, and was forced to roll across the ground as the fireballs hit the ground where he'd been only seconds before.

For such a large man Aurelion was quite nimble. Ashe noted with cocky amusement. He smiled smugly as he stared down at the Glass Sword. _With this sword I'll be able to enter the Glass Coliseum and kick some serious ass._

"Don't get too cocky, Ashe!" Aurelion chided as if reading Ashe's thoughts and suddenly the hero was right in front of him and swinging his sword at Ashe in a horizontal slash.

Ashe quickly raised his sword and blocked the attack. But his eyes widened at the ferocity of the attack. He'd almost gotten cut in half!

"Good. You managed to block my attack. I'm impressed," Aurelion said with a challenging glint in his blue eyes. "Let's see how these self-taught swordsmanship skills of yours can hold up against my skills." It wasn't very often that Aurelion encountered a worthy opponent, and he was greatly enjoying this fight.

"You could have _killed_ me just now!" Ashe snapped in irritation.

"That was to teach you a lesson to never lower your guard even when in front of a friend or fellow hero," Aurelion said, his expression turning serious. "The matches fought at the Glass Coliseum can be to the death. Killing your opponent is allowed. Those high stakes are why the nobles like to place bets on the outcomes of those matches in the first place. Determining whether someone will live or die is exhilarating for them. Although, it's become more fashionable these days for a fighter to show mercy and spare his or her opponent's life."

Aurelion had a point. His opponent in the arena wouldn't show mercy or wait for him to catch his breath. They'd be going for the kill, most likely. When had Ashe gotten so soft? Hanging around with these do-gooders was bad for his health.

Ashe took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and attacked Aurelion. The Monster Hunter blocked Ashe's initial attack and his ensuing sword strikes with very little movement. Aurelion also appeared to be using minimal effort. The difference in their skill level was suddenly extremely obvious, and the gap between them was as vast as a chasm.

Aurelion was a seasoned swordfighter. The greatest hero in all of Fantasia. He'd honed and perfected his skills while hunting down and killing some of the fiercest monsters that had ever existed. "Not bad, Ashe." Aurelion was smiling again. "A lesser man probably would have been defeated by you by now. Unfortunately, I'm not a lesser man. My turn." Aurelion went on the offensive.

Ashe was hard pressed to block Aurelion's swift and powerful attacks, and was being pushed back. Aurelion's bulging muscles flexed as he swung his sword horizontally at Ashe.

Ashe raised his sword to block the attack even though his instincts were screaming at him to dodge instead. _I'm not a coward._ Ashe told himself sternly. The force of the blow had Ashe's feet skidding backwards across the ground and leaving small trenches behind.

Ashe's sword was vibrating in his hands from the force of the blow and it hurt Ashe's hands to keep a hold on his sword. Then with a move Ashe was barely able to follow with his eyes Aurelion disarmed him and sent his sword flying up into the air.

When Ashe returned his attention to Aurelion \- the Monster Hunter's sword was pointed at his throat. Ashe gulped and the tip of Aurelion's sword brushed against his Adam's apple. "How did you do that?" Ashe panted out.

"Don't worry. I'll teach you. That's the entire point of us sparring together," Aurelion said. "To improve your skills and get you ready for the coliseum. Your skills aren't bad for being self-taught, but there is much room for improvement. You need to learn form and technique. Also, trust your instincts. They told you to dodge just now, right? Why didn't you?" The Monster Hunter gave Ashe a scrutinizing look.

"I...didn't want to be a coward," Ashe explained, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully. "I thought I could handle it."

"You're not being a coward if you avoid a strike you know will kill you," Aurelion said. "I've noticed that you have a high threshold for pain. That can be dangerous. You need to learn to listen to your body and know when to stop."

"I know when to stop," Ashe grumbled. Aurelion looked down at Ashe's hands pointedly. Ashe looked down at his hands and noted they were red and shaking.

"I'm here to train you," Aurelion said softly. "Not torture you."

"You don't have to go easy on me because of... _that_ ," Ashe spat. _Shit._ It really irritated him that these guys knew he'd been tortured. They probably thought he was weak because of it. Someone else would have run away from the Tremaines' household long ago. But Ashe was only there because he'd chosen to remain. He wanted to buy his freedom from Lord Tremaine and prove the man wrong about him. "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

Aurelion let out a heavy sigh. "That may be true, but I don't like seeing my friends in pain."

"We're not friends," Ashe said automatically. "I don't have friends."

"You remind me of how Rapunzel used to be!" Aurelion chuckled. "You know, you two are a lot alike. That's probably why you fight all the time. I've decided to be your friend whether you like it or not!" The hero flashed a dazzling grin at Ashe.

Ashe flinched at the bright smile the hero was giving him. "That's not how friendship works, you meathead!"

Aurelion reached out and ruffled Ashe's hair. "Come on, don't be so cold."

"Why would you want to be friends with me anyways?" Ashe asked.

"Because I know you need a friend. I can tell you're lonely," Aurelion explained. "People in need...I just can't let them be. Heroes tend to be busybodies. I suppose that's why I decided to become one in the first place."

"I don't _need_ friends," Ashe said stubbornly. "And I'm _not_ lonely."

"It's admirable to be able to tackle life's battles alone," Aurelion said. "But life is easier with friends to help you out when things get tough. You're not alone anymore, Ashe. You have no reason to fear because I have your back!"

"Meathead swordsman..." Ashe shook his head, but the corner of his mouth was twitching. Aurelion seemed nice enough, and sincere in his desire to be Ashe's friend, but Ashe wasn't stupid enough to trust his offer of friendship. _If you keep people at a distance then you can't get hurt. I don't plan on getting hurt again._ Ashe silently reminded himself.

"Speaking of new friends..." Aurelion glanced around the clearing. "I wonder what is keeping Prince Snow Flurris." The hero scratched his head out of befuddlement. "I did say I was going to train him too, didn't I?"

"I figured that flashy playboy would have shown up by now," Ashe said with a frown. "Well, he did say he was a lover and not a fighter. Maybe he decided to blow you off."

"Perhaps, some peril has befallen our new friend Prince Snow Flurris! We must go to his aid immediately!" Aurelion declared, raising a fist before him in an adamant gesture.

"Did you hear a thing I just said?" Ashe groused.

Aurelion stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly. "Fenix!"

A loud roar answered him followed by the sound of flapping wings. A few minutes later, Aurelion's dragon came into sight. It swooped down and landed a few feet away from Aurelion. Aurelion mounted the dragon and gave Ashe an expectant look. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

"Oh, what the hell," Ashe said as he started to climb up the side of the dragon's body. "Let's go see what that fop is up to."

Once Ashe was safely on the saddle behind Aurelion, the hero leaned over to shout in the dragon's ear: "Take us to Apple City, Fenix!" The dragon let out an answering roar before heading in the direction of Apple Kingdom.

To be continued in...Chapter 5:

### Chapter 5:

"More wine!" Prince Snow Flurris raised his goblet in an expectant manner. The redheaded witch that was seated next to him in the booth flicked her finger at a wine bottle that was sitting on the table. Muttering a simple levitation spell she caused the wine bottle to float over to Snow's glass and pour more wine into it.

"Thank you, Elvira," Snow raised his goblet in the witch's direction before taking a sip. He let his eyes rake over Elvira's curvaceous form. She was wearing a tight, red dress with belled sleeves that was low-cut, and left very little the imagination. The pointed, wide-brimmed hat that was sitting on her head was a matching apple-red.

"You're very welcome, Your Highness," Elvira purred, her emerald-green eyes sparkling with mischief. Prince Snow Flurris was obviously depressed to be drinking this early in the day, and she was just dying to know why. Was he perhaps finally lovesick over a woman?

"You must try one of these strawberries," the blonde witch, who was seated at the booth with them, said to Snow. "They're so... _juicy_."

Snow turned to face her and obediently opened his mouth so that the blonde could plop the strawberry inside. He chewed, swallowed, and offered the witch a lopsided smile. "That was delicious, Endora. Thank you." Endora beamed at the praise and her cheeks turned pink.

"Oh, I can't stand this!" a petite witch with purple hair suddenly slammed her hands down on the table. "When are you going to tell us what's been bothering you this entire time?"

Snow regarded the tiny witch with raised eyebrows. She was extremely cute. The witch had her purple hair styled into two pigtails and was wearing a frilly, purple and black dress. The butterflies that decorated the pointed hat she was wearing were flapping their wings slowly.

Apparently, Tabitha had less patience than her two friends when it came to gossip. Snow let out a defeated sigh, and stared down into his goblet of wine in a depressed manner. "It's just...Ashe is so cool and mysterious. I really want to be his friend. I should have known that wouldn't be possible. I never can make male friends. Men hate me."

Snow was disappointed that Ashe hadn't wanted to travel to Rapunzel's Tower together. He supposed now that Ashe knew where Rapunzel's Tower was he no longer _needed_ him. Ashe also didn't seem to be very interested in making friends. He was completely focused on...well, whatever his mysterious goal was.

Snow was still trying to figure it out. But it had something to do with getting revenge on whoever had given him those scars, and making a lot of money. Snow admired Ashe for being so strong. Because Snow's magic didn't work for him other people always had to save his pathetic ass.

Tabitha threw her hands up into the air. "You're pining away for some _guy_? We thought you were lovesick over a _woman_. I am officially bored with this conversation." She pouted. "Hmph!"

Elvira reached out and placed a hand on Snow's arm in a comforting gesture. "Oh, I'm sure he'll come around. He did save your life. That has to count for something."

"Yeah..." Snow's bleak demeanor brightened slightly. "He _did_ save my life. Although, he just did that because he wanted my enchanted sword..." Snow's shoulders sagged.

Endora wrapped her arms around Snow's arm and pressed her breasts against his arm. "I hate seeing you depressed, Prince Snow. Isn't there anything I can do?" She batted her long eyelashes at him.

Snow's gaze lowered to Endora's cleavage and he smirked. "You're already doing something. Strangely, I'm already feeling better, Milady. Especially, below the waist." Endora's breasts were even larger than Elvira's and they were practically bursting out of the sheer, blue silk dress she was wearing. Snow had to resist the impulse to bury his face between her breasts and take a nap.

"Who needs stinky ol' men when you have the attention of cute girls like us though?" Tabitha said, flipping one of her pigtails over her shoulder.

"Yeah! Who needs men anyways?" Snow agreed, raising his goblet in a toast to the three beautiful witches that were currently keeping him company in the Gentleman's Club _Forbidden Fruit_. "I love women! I don't need...friends. A toast, to the fairer sex!" Snow started to gulp back his entire goblet of wine. The three witches raised their wine glasses in unison and drank.

"You know...men can be friends with women too," Elvira pointed out.

Snow shot Elvira an incredulous look. "Friends don't have sex though...and anytime I get close to a woman we end up having sex."

"Maybe that's why you've never found true love," Elvira said keenly. "You should try becoming friends with a woman first and _not_ sleeping with her. Your feelings for her could deepen into love that way."

Snow let out a sigh. "Easier said than done...women can't resist my charm. And I can't resist a woman who throws herself at me so...a plutonic relationship with a woman is never going to happen."

"One day you're going to meet a woman that resists your charm, Prince Snow," Elvira said with a far-off look in her eyes. "And she will be your destiny."

"A woman that can resist my charm?" Snow let out a hollow laugh. "The only time that happens is when they're in love with someone _else_."

Endora was pouting at the idea of Prince Snow finding true love with someone other than her. "Prince Snow, sing us a song. Please?" The blonde witch put her hands together in front of her as if in prayer.

"You'll have to forgive me, Endora, but I don't feel much like singing today," Snow said in an apologetic tone.

Endora's hopeful expression fell. "What a pity. You have such a lovely singing voice. It makes my body throb with want for you when you sing."

Snow arched an eyebrow at the witch and smirked. "That's good to know," he responded in a deep, husky voice. He was about to make a lewd comment when a loud roar reached their ears. The three witches stiffened in their seats. The roar was followed by the sound of flapping wings. Finally, there was a tremendous thud right outside the Gentleman's Club.

Snow gawked at the giant black dragon that had just landed outside _Forbidden Fruit,_ and narrowed his eyes at it. "Is that Aurelion's pet dragon Fenix?" Snow watched as Aurelion and Ashe dismounted the dragon, approached the front entrance to the club, and entered.

All eyes were instantly on Aurelion and Ashe, and those that were female quickly turned into hearts. "It's the hero Aurelion!" "Eee! It's Prince Aurelion!" "Who's that with him?" "Who cares? He's _hot_!" The witches let out various excited exclamations.

Ignoring the fawning witches, Aurelion looked around the club with an oddly serious expression on his face. When he spotted Snow he grinned brightly and approached Snow's table. Ashe followed a few feet behind with an apathetic expression on his face.

Aurelion stopped in front of Snow's table and addressed him, "Greetings, Prince Snow Flurris. Ashe and I were wondering why you never showed up at Rapunzel's Tower."

Snow gave the hero a confused look. "Er, was I supposed to go?"

"I said I would teach you swordsmanship, remember?" Aurelion said, quirking his head at the playboy.

Snow rubbed the back of his neck in an abashed gesture. "I thought you were joking when you offered to train the likes of me."

"I meant what I said," Aurelion said firmly. "I want to train you, and I want you to become a hero of Fantasia. I see great potential in you."

Snow gave Aurelion a skeptical look. "You see great potential in _me_ to become a swordsman?"

"Well...no," Aurelion admitted. "I mean, you have the potential to be a _hero_. Heroes are busybodies and the way you decided to help Ashe find Rapunzel's Tower and offered to pay for Ashe's weapon...those were kind, selfless acts. You have the makings of a hero!"

Snow's expression was one of disbelief. "You really think someone like me, a..."

"Flashy playboy," Ashe finished helpfully, crossing his arms over his chest and smirking.

"What he said," Snow agreed with a self-deprecating nod. "Can really become a hero?"

"Yes." Aurelion flashed him a brilliant smile. "And maybe it's selfish, but I'd like my new friends to become fellow heroes so we can help protect Fantasia _together_. I can't do it alone forever..."

"Friends?" Snow echoed skeptically.

"Indeed." Aurelion nodded. "Friends!"

"This guy doesn't really know how friendship works," Ashe said dryly. "He's going to be our friend whether we like it or not. There is no escape."

"Well, that's cryptic," Snow muttered, but then smiled lopsidedly. "I'd be honored to be your friend, Aurelion. And you too, Ashe."

"The honor is mine!" Aurelion boomed.

Ashe startled in surprise at being included. "Tch. I don't have friends," Ashe grumbled.

Aurelion draped an arm around Ashe's shoulders and shook him slightly. "Well, you do now!"

"Get off!" Ashe started to try and shove Aurelion off of him, but it was like pushing a mountain. "I can't believe you'd want to be friends with this handsy meathead! You must be insane too!"

Snow chuckled in amusement and couldn't seem to stop smiling.

"Aren't you at all disappointed that the legendary hero Aurelion Borealis...turned out to be like _this_?" Ashe questioned Snow curiously. "He's a perfect example of why they say: 'Never meet your heroes'."

Snow stroked his chin. "You know what? I think I prefer him this way. He's way less intimidating than he would be if he were actually as scary as the legends make him out to be. I thought he was this big, scary guy...well, he's still big and scary _looking_ , but in reality he's a softy."

"Softy?" Ashe arched an eyebrow at the playboy. "I wouldn't underestimate him. When I was sparring with him earlier he nearly cut me in half. His strength is monstrous."

Snow gulped and his eyes widened like saucers. "R-Really? That doesn't make me want to piss my pants. Nope. Not at all."

Aurelion let out a boisterous chuckle.

Abruptly, a chill crawled up Snow's spine. He looked around the club and noticed that all the witches were eyeing the three of them in the way a hungry lioness might eye a gazelle. _Uh oh. They're eyeing us like pieces of meat._

Snow realized that the combined presence of himself, Aurelion, and Ashe was simply too much for the witches to handle without going a little crazy. Some of the witches were even beginning to drool visibly. And were they getting closer? _This isn't good._ Snow thought nervously.

Ashe and Aurelion were both dullards, and concealed this fact by having magic swords strapped to their sides. But, if any of the witches here defeated Aurelion or Ashe in battle they could enslave them. Those were the rules here in Apple Kingdom. Witches and wizards reigned supreme, and dullards submitted and obeyed.

"Um, guys? I think we should get going," Snow said ominously.

Aurelion looked around, noticed that the witches were closing in on them, and raised an amused eyebrow. "These girls look...hungry. Perhaps, we should treat them to dinner."

Snow scrubbed a hand down his face in a show of exasperation. "Food...isn't really what's on their minds unfortunately, Aurelion."

"Women," Ashe sneered, his lip curling in disgust. "It's pathetic that they can't even control themselves. They're acting like they've never seen a man before. What's wrong with them?"

Snow opened his mouth to explain to Ashe that they'd probably never seen men as handsome as Aurelion and Ashe before, but decided against it. Knowing the prickly Ashe, he may end up doing something weird like wearing a bag over his head for the rest of his life if Snow pointed this out.

Snow got up from his seat at the table, grabbed Aurelion and Ashe, and dragged them out of the club before things could escalate. He'd noticed Ashe's hand going to the hilt of his new sword. But, Ashe wouldn't attack a woman? Would he? Snow gulped. Ashe had mentioned that he hated women so Snow couldn't put it past him.

The trio mounted Aurelion's dragon, and Fenix ran down the cobbled street, flapping its wings, and then took off into the sky.

"Uh, where are we going? Rapunzel's?" Snow asked loudly.

"No. We're going to go to Rose Kingdom so you can both register with the Heroes' Guild and become official heroes of Fantasia!" Aurelion announced in a booming voice.

"What about Rapunzel?" Ashe asked, his brow furrowing. "Shouldn't he come with us?"

It was rare for Aurelion to frown, but in that moment he did. "Punzie...never leaves his tower. He _says_ it's because he's antisocial."

"But you don't believe him?" Ashe asked.

"No. I don't," Aurelion admitted, letting out a sigh.

"You became his friend because you want to help him, didn't you?" Ashe asked keenly.

"Indeed," Aurelion agreed. "I hope to one day gain his trust so he'll tell me the truth about what's going on. Then I'll be able to help him."

"Why do heroes register with The Guild anyways?" Snow asked curiously.

"When a hero manages to defeat a monster The Heroes' Guild pays them for their services in helping to keep the peace in Fantasia," Aurelion revealed.

Ashe's interest was suddenly piqued. "You mean to tell me that you get _paid_ for killing monsters?" Ashe's eyes turned into two gold coins. "How much are we talking here?"

Aurelion let out a chuckle. "I know what you're thinking, Ashe, but killing monsters is much more difficult than killing humanoids. You'll need a lot more training before you can go monster hunting in Fantasia. Trust me."

"Tch." Ashe pouted.

***

The trio managed to reach Rose Kingdom in only a couple of hours. Ashe was jealous of Aurelion's pet dragon Fenix suddenly. It was incredibly fast and convenient to travel by dragon. As Ashe peered down over the side of the dragon he got a good look of Rose Kingdom for the very first time.

Rose City wasn't what Ashe had expected. The houses were smaller than the gardens people had. And the gardens were filled with roses that apparently came in all different colors. The kingdom ended up being very colorful and cheerful as a result. Ashe understood Aurelion's personality a little better now. This place seemed so...carefree and peaceful.

"That's...a lot of roses," Snow remarked dryly.

"Indeed! The people here tend to their roses daily in an effort to outshine their neighbors' gardening skills," Aurelion informed his friends. "Once a year, the citizens of Rose Kingdom compete against each other for the title of Best Gardener. My father, King Leroy, grants the winner 10,000 Gold Apples!"

"10,000 Gold Apples!" Ashe exclaimed, his golden eyes sparkling with interest. "Maybe I should take up gardening."

"Where are the Gentleman's Clubs?" Snow asked as they began to pass over the center of the city.

"Or casinos?" Ashe added.

Aurelion chuckled. "There are no casinos or clubs in Rose Kingdom."

A horrified expression settled over Snow's face. "Then what do people do here for fun?"

"Well, besides, gardening?" Aurelion asked in a cheeky manner.

"Yes, _besides_ , gardening," Snow replied dryly.

Aurelion stroked his chin in thought. "Rose Kingdom is also known for its fine cuisine. It has the best restaurants in all of Fantasia. The flower shops are also very popular. And let's see...the potion ingredients shops do well because they sell their wares to the witches and wizards of Apple Kingdom. So...dining and flower arranging, I suppose. Oh, and the citizens like to put on plays from time to time in my city!"

_My city._ Ashe thought. He'd almost forgotten Aurelion was the _prince_ of Rose Kingdom and would one day be King. _Come to think of it...Prince Snow Flurris will one day be King of Apple Kingdom. How the hell did I end up hanging out with royalty? I'm just a lowly slave. Shit._ Ashe ran a hand over his mouth in an uncomfortable gesture.

Here Ashe was hanging out with princes and would-be kings, and he wasn't even a lord. Not anymore. He was a slave. If they knew the truth would they still want to be friends with _him_? Probably not. Ashe's shoulders sagged in a dejected manner, and he scowled down at the people that were strolling down the sidewalks. They looked so happy, and everything was so peaceful here. _What the hell is wrong with this city? Is this a Utopia?_

Aurelion pointed ahead of them at a large, white marble building that could be seen in the distance. "There! That's the Heroes' Guild Headquarters. It's something else, isn't it? The elves constructed it. That's why its architecture is a little different from the other buildings within the city." In the center of the building the roof gave way to an enormous blue glass dome.

"Elves..." Ashe murmured. He'd almost forgotten that the elves, angels, dwarves, and fairies also lived in Rose Kingdom. Ashe had seen these races in Glass Kingdom, of course, but it was strange to see an elf _family_ walking down the street together hand-in-hand. The only experience Ashe had had with elves was in trying to avoid a she-elf's advances while he was at a casino.

The dragon swooped down and landed in front of a flight of wide marble steps that led up to the entrance of the Heroes' Guild Headquarters. Aurelion, Ashe and Snow climbed up the steps, and once they'd reached the top Aurelion pushed the heavy, golden double doors open. Ashe noticed that on each door a golden rose had been engraved onto the door's surface.

Aurelion ushered the others inside first, and then followed Ashe and Snow into the grand entrance hall. On the opposite side of the hall was a long counter. Standing behind the counter at different stations were a dozen fairies. The fairies were currently in their largest form, and they didn't have their wings out.

Even though the fairies rarely had their wings out while in their largest form they were still recognizable with their pointed ears, luminescent skin that reminded Ashe of an Opal stone, and hair that came in a rainbow of colors: pink, blue, yellow, green, purple, red, and orange. The fairy females were dressed in short dresses made out of flowers while the males were wearing colorful suits decorated with intricate embroidery.

Zipping through the lobby and out open windows in the dome ceiling that was overhead were hundreds of tiny fairies that were only a few inches tall. Most of the fairies had wings that were translucent and shaped like a dragonfly's, but some had wings shaped like those of a butterfly. "What are those fairies doing?" Ashe asked curiously.

Aurelion arched an eyebrow at Ashe. "You've never heard of Fairy Post?" Ashe shook his head. "Fairies are hired to carry and deliver messages to people throughout Fantasia. They're the fastest way to send word to someone that's in a neighboring Kingdom, for example."

Ashe narrowed his eyes at the fairies and noticed that a lot of them were indeed carrying rolled up pieces of parchment, letters, or small notes. Some of the fairies were exiting out the windows with the notes, but others held notes clutched in their hands that they were bringing _into_ the Heroes' Guild Headquarters. "And the messages they bring here?"

"Ah, those must be monster hunting requests!" Aurelion explained brightly. He pointed to a large notice board that was standing to the right side of the hall. "The fairies tack any monster hunting requests, and other types of requests for aid from heroes to that board. That way heroes can decide which job they're interested in, or if it's a job they can handle." The corkboard was _covered_ with pages and pieces of parchment.

As they approached the counter Snow's gaze became fixated on the lovely female fairies. "Hello, ladies," Snow purred, waggling his eyebrows at them. A few fairies giggled in response and blushed.

Ashe shot Snow a disgusted look and grabbed Aurelion's arm to get the man's attention. "We'd better choose a male fairy to help us, or else Snow here is going to waste our time with his flirting."

Aurelion opened his mouth to object when he noticed how all the female fairies were suddenly eyeing Snow with interest. "Good idea. That charm ability of his is no joke. Remind me to never let him meet my fiancée."

Ashe's eyes widened. "You have a fiancée?"

"Of course. Her name is Princess Jabberwocky," Aurelion revealed with a note of pride in his voice. "Her hair is the color of apples and her eyes are golden like the sun. She's the daughter of King Maleficent."

"I see," Ashe said with a nod. "Congratulations on your engagement." It made sense for the prince of Rose Kingdom to be engaged after all, but he had trouble picturing the boisterous man in a relationship. He wondered what Aurelion acted like around his fiancée and smirked.

Ashe returned his attention to the fairies and scanned the options available to them. As soon as he spotted a male fairy that was free to assist them he quickly made his way over to that fairy's station. The five-foot-tall fairy had short, sky-blue hair, dark blue eyes, and was wearing a sky-blue suit that was decorated with swirls of silver embroidery.

The male fairy was busy stamping some important looking documents and Ashe had to clear his throat to get the male's attention. "Ahem."

The fairy glanced up, and his eyes widened with something that may have been _recognition_ , but was quickly replaced with politely detached interest. "Hello, young man, how may I help you?"

"I, er, my friend and I want to register as heroes," Ashe stammered out nervously.

A smug smile curled Snow's lips. "You just called me your _friend_." He gave Ashe's arm a playful shove.

"Oh, shut up," Ashe grumbled.

"Certainly." The fairy fished around his station for some papers and handed them to Ashe and Snow once he'd found them. "Just fill out these forms."

Ashe raised a suspicious eyebrow at the fairy. "That's it?"

"Well, you'll have to pay the registration fee, too, of course," the fairy said, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Pay?" Ashe questioned uneasily. "How much?" He had the feeling that to register as a hero would cost an arm and a leg.

"1,000 Gold Apples," the fairy said.

"That's outrageous!" Ashe shouted angrily, and slammed his fist down on the countertop. "I could buy three horses for that!"

Snow casually dropped a purse filled with gold coins onto the counter in front of the blue-haired fairy. "Don't worry, Ashe. I got it."

Ashe shot Snow a heated glare. "I don't like to owe people."

"You saved my life, remember?" Snow pointed out.

"And then you helped me get my hands on an enchanted sword," Ashe reminded. "We were already square. Now I owe you one again."

"Ah, ah, ah. I didn't pay for it," Snow argued. "The deal you made with Aurelion and Rapunzel is that you get a sword if you become a hero. That means I'll pay your registration fee...and then we'll be square."

Aurelion let out a chuckle as he watched the interesting exchange between Snow and Ashe. He could have paid, but it was more amusing this way. Besides, Ashe needed to get better at accepting help from others.

"Alright. Fine," Ashe huffed, folding his arms over his chest. He and Snow carried their forms over to a nearby table, took a seat, and started to fill out their hero registration forms. Ashe stared down at the place on the page that asked for his name. He swallowed a lump of nervousness.

Lord Tremaine had purchased Ashe from his mother. Ashe was a _registered_ slave in Glass Kingdom. Could a slave become a hero? Ashe doubted it. He decided to use a fake name and wrote down 'Cinder Ashmore' for his name.

Almost immediately the entrance hall was filled with the sound of alarms going off and lights began to flash warningly about the hall. Ashe looked around the hall in dismay. _Oh, shit. And I really thought I was going to get away with that one. Fuck magic. And fuck me._

The blue-haired fairy approached their table and gave Ashe a stern, knowing look. He picked up Ashe's form and slowly ripped it in two. Ashe flinched in a guilty manner. "Don't bother trying to use a fake name. The forms are enchanted with fairy magic to tell if someone is lying. Please, use your real name."

The blood started to drain out of Ashe's face. "But I don't think I can..."

The fairy placed a hand on Ashe's shoulder and squeezed it. "Don't worry. Just use your real name. It will be fine, Ashe Smoldris. Trust me." The fairy gave Ashe a wink.

Ashe gaped at the fairy and his eyes widened. "How do you know my full name?"

"I knew your father Cinderelron Smoldris. He was a magnificent hero. He saved the life of the princess of Glass Kingdom. Now, here." The fairy handed Ashe a new stack of forms. "Don't lie this time, Ashe."

Ashe let out a defeated sigh, and looked down at the forms. He picked up a quill, dipped it into the inkwell that was sitting on the table, and wrote down his name: _Ashe Smoldris_. Ashe's hand was trembling slightly, but thankfully the alarms didn't go off this time. "Phew," he let out a breath of relief.

Ashe looked up to see Snow giving him a questioning look, but the playboy quickly schooled his concerned expression, smiled, and returned his attention to his own form. When Ashe risked a glance in Aurelion's direction to see what the man's reaction was to all the commotion he'd caused he saw Aurelion petting someone's dog and wondered why he'd worried at all.

The rest of the form was easy for Ashe to fill out. It asked for Ashe's nationality, current place of residence, and for his birthday. The form also wanted Ashe to put down his reason for wanting to become a hero. This question was a little harder to answer, but Ashe remembered Aurelion's words about how heroes wanted to help people in need, and jotted that down. Ashe didn't think his real reason of wanting to keep the Glass Sword and fight in the coliseum was going to cut it.

After Ashe and Snow finished filling out their hero registration forms they carried them over to the blue-haired fairy's station. The fairy took their forms, and filed them away. He then reached under the counter, and grabbed something. He handed two items to Ashe and Snow.

When Ashe opened the palm of his hand to see what the fairy had given him he discovered that it was a bronze, rose-shaped medallion. Snow held up his own bronze medallion, which looked identical.

"Those badges reveal your current hero rank and should be worn somewhere on your person where they will be visible," the fairy began to explain. "Since the two of you are beginners your rank is Bronze. Once you've gained more experience and slain a few monsters you will be considered an average hero and you'll be promoted to Silver. Intermediately skilled heroes are ranked Gold. Advanced Intermediate and the most powerful heroes in all of Fantasia are ranked Diamond."

At the mention of the highest ranked heroes Ashe and Snow's gazes immediately went to Aurelion's breastplate where sure enough a medallion shaped like a rose and made out of diamond was attached to the front of his armor.

"Diamond rank," Snow said, waggling his eyebrows at Aurelion. "I bet that impresses the ladies." Aurelion blushed uncharacteristically.

"Aurelion has more than earned the right to wear the Diamond medallion," the fairy said in a stern tone. "Rose Kingdom is only this peaceful because of him. You should show the man some more respect. You're lucky that a veteran hero like Aurelion has chosen to take you under his wing, rookie."

Snow put his hands up in surrendering gesture. "I was only joking."

The fairy glared at Snow for a minute longer before nodding to himself as if deciding that he'd punished Snow long enough. "During a catastrophe it's useful for other heroes that arrive on the scene to be able to see the medallion you're wearing because this will immediately give them an idea of what tasks you should be able to handle. Not all heroes are going to be fighting the monster. Most will be helping to evacuate civilians."

"How will the Guild know when I defeat a monster though?" Ashe questioned, raising an eyebrow at the fairy. "Will I have to bring the monster's head here?"

The blue-haired fairy and all the other fairies that were working behind the counter suddenly burst out laughing. "Bring its head!" the fairy gasped out and wiped a tear from his eye. "No...you won't have to do that. That would be highly unsanitary, by the way. The hero registration form is actually a magical contract. Any time you kill an evil monster the kill will appear right on your contact as a tiny slash mark. Fairy magic tends to make such things easier, hence why the fairies were put in charge of the Heroes' Guild." The fairy's tone had turned smug and a few fairies were still giggling in amusement at Ashe's question.

"What's the deal with that board over there?" Ashe asked, jerking his thumb in the direction of the bulletin board. "Can you just pick whatever job you want to take on?"

"The monster slaying requests and other requests for aid have a recommended rank right on them," the fairy explained. "This will help you to determine how difficult the task is and whether or not you'll be able to handle it without getting yourself killed."

"What requests will get me the most gold?" Ashe asked.

"The more difficult the task, the greater the reward," the fairy said. He noticed the bloodthirsty gleam in Ashe's eyes and clucked his tongue in disapproval. "The reward is listed at the bottom of the request. At your level I'd stick to hunting rats in the sewers for now, rookie."

"Rats?" Ashe asked dryly.

" _Big_ rats," the fairy said. "Sometimes the Heroes' Guild makes a monster slaying request. Those would earn you the most gold. But they're also the most likely to get you killed. These usually only occur when the Kingdom itself is in danger."

"And when would that be?" Ashe tilted his head in a curious manner.

"Let's hope you never find out," the fairy said ominously.

Aurelion chuckled. "These boys have a _long_ way to go before I'll let them go monster hunting!"

"I'm glad that these two _special_ young men are in your capable hands, Prince Aurelion," the fairy said with an approving nod. He returned his attention to Ashe and Snow. "If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Also, you can pretty much always find me here if you need something."

"Thanks...? What's your name?" Ashe asked.

"Blue."

Snow snorted. "Why'd you even bother asking him?"

The three young men chuckled as they left the Heroes' Guild Headquarters together. They were about to mount Fenix when a fierce breeze abruptly picked up all around them. Storm clouds started to appear overhead, racing across the sky, and blocking out the clear, blue sky in seconds.

Suddenly, a swirling portal of black and silver energy appeared directly overhead. The portal was hundreds of feet wide and had a malevolent aura. Pedestrians stood on the sidewalk gawking up at the sky in horror, and pointed towards the swirling portal. Others had already started running as they tried to get as far away from the portal as possible.

"What the hell is that?" Ashe demanded upon noticing that Aurelion didn't appear to be too surprised by this occurrence.

"Incoming monster attack," Aurelion said in a grim tone.

Ashe eyed the portal warily. "Monster attack...?"

At that moment, an enormous, purple egg with black polka dots on it appeared emerging from the portal. The egg was one hundred feet wide at its middle.

"Is that...an _egg?_ " Snow asked in disbelief. "What the hell could have laid that?"

The egg abruptly fell down through the air from the portal and hit the ground with a tremendous, earth-quaking thud. The egg completely destroyed the unlucky buildings that had been beneath it. People were now running and screaming as they tried to get as far away from the impact site as possible. The egg was two hundred feet tall and towered over most of the nearby buildings.

"Are they always that big?" Ashe asked.

"No," Aurelion said, giving Ashe and Snow a fierce look. "I want you two to stay put. You're about to witness what fighting monsters is really like. You boys will have a front row seat." Aurelion scrambled up the side of the dragon, took a seat on the saddle, and grabbed the reins.

"Wait!" Ashe called up to Aurelion. "I'll come too!"

Aurelion looked down at Ashe and offered the young man a lopsided smile. "Thanks. You're brave, Ashe, but you're not ready. Let me handle this. Now that I'm here - there's nothing to fear! Fly, Fenix!" The black dragon let out a loud roar as it ran across the street, flapped its wings, and then took off into the sky.

Ashe and Snow watched as the dragon flew towards the gargantuan egg. Aurelion controlled Fenix so that the dragon circled the egg as it started to hatch. A large bird beak poked out through the eggshell, and then another beak poked out. This beak was followed by yet another...

Aurelion frowned at the sight. _Are there multiple monsters inside that egg? That would be a first!_ All at once the rest of the egg's shell shattered, sending pieces of sharp shell flying dangerously through the air, and the monster was finally revealed. As a piece of eggshell flew through the air like a Frisbee it sliced a tree in half.

The monster was eighty-feet-long and had the same length as Fenix. Its heads were also the same size as the dragon's. The most notable difference was that the monster had five, long, serpentine necks that were forty-feet long.

All of the monsters that hatched from those eggs were always chimeras and this one was no different. It appeared to be part-bird, part-dragon and part-hydra. The monster didn't have wings though so at least it couldn't fly.

It didn't take long for the monster to set its sights on the dragon that was circling around it. Suddenly, five pairs of glowing red eyes were pinned on Aurelion and he gulped. Outwardly, of course, he didn't show his fear. He knew that the citizens of Rose City were watching the battle, and he couldn't let them feel afraid. He needed them to be confident that he could handle this and draw strength from that fact.

Aurelion reached over his shoulder, wrapped his hand around the hilt of his great sword, and brought the sword down in front of him. "Come, Fenix, let's attack!" The dragon obediently swooped down and flew towards the chimera.

As soon as Aurelion was close enough he swung his sword at one of the birdlike heads while trying to slice through its neck. The head used its beak to block Aurelion's attacks though. That beak was as hard as steel. While Aurelion continued to try and get past the monster's defenses, one of the birdlike heads opened its beak, and started to release a green-colored gas in Aurelion's direction.

_Poison gas!_ Aurelion thought, covering his nose with his left hand. At the same time one of the other heads was gearing up to attack and sparks were coming out of its open beak. Aurelion suddenly realized the monster's intentions. _Damnation! It's going to ignite the gas!_

Aurelion pulled back hard on the dragon's reins so that Fenix flew up and above the gas, and not a moment too soon. One of the monster heads released a fireball towards the gas cloud, which caused a fiery explosion.

Aurelion looked down at the swirling inferno that was directly beneath him. He was glad he hadn't been caught in the explosion. Apparently, the heads had different abilities. One produced poison gas, and another shot fireballs. There were still three other heads that had abilities that Aurelion didn't know about yet. He needed to discover the monster's other abilities before he could come up with a plan to defeat it.

Aurelion targeted one of the other heads. The head opened its beak and spat a large glob of green liquid Aurelion's way. The dragon nimbly dodged the attack and Aurelion watched as the green glob of goo hit one of the buildings below. The liquid instantly began to eat away at the building, causing it to disintegrate. _Acid._ Aurelion deduced. _That's three down. Two to go. Let's see what else you can do, Chimera!_

Aurelion maneuvered his dragon so that they flew in close and he attacked another head. This head opened its beak and released a ball of crackling silver energy Aurelion's way. _Lightning._ Aurelion thought, as he pulled on the reins to the right so that they just avoided the attack. _Only one left._

When Aurelion attacked the final head it opened its beak, and...nothing happened. It just let out a loud, ear-piercing shriek. But then an invisible force slammed into Aurelion's chest, and knocked him back off the saddle.

Aurelion started to slide down the dragon's back and would have fallen off and plummeted to his death, but he managed to grab one of the spikes that emerged from the ridge of the dragon's back. Aurelion dangled precariously from the spike for a moment before he gathered his strength and climbed back up on the dragon's back.

Once he'd made it back into the saddle he breathed easier. _Poison gas, acid, lightning, fire and sound waves._ Aurelion thought. _Just one of these formidable abilities is difficult to handle on its own. I have to deal with all five at once. This might be the most powerful chimera I've faced yet. Apparently, the League of Villains is stepping up their game. Wonderful._

"Come on, Fenix, it's time." Aurelion controlled his dragon so that it swooped down towards the chimera. _I'll just have to take out one head at a time while avoiding attacks from the others. This should be fun!_ Multiple attacks were sent Aurelion's way and he skillfully maneuvered his dragon to avoid the attacks. He aimed at one of the serpentine necks and swung his massive great sword.

Miraculously, Aurelion managed to slice through the neck of the head that produced poison gas. The head let out a shriek before falling silent. The head fell down through the air and released more poisoned gas as it went.

However, being in one place for too long had given one of the other heads the opportunity to attack Aurelion from behind. Aurelion grunted in pain as the lightning bolt hit his back, but he held back a scream. If the people below heard him scream they would be frightened. Even as thousands of volts of electricity were sent coursing through his veins he didn't scream.

Aurelion pulled back hard on the reins, turning his dragon around to face the head that had just attacked him. "Oh, you're going to pay for that! Forward!" The dragon let out a fierce roar as it flew towards the monster. The head opened its beak and crackling energy began to gather menacingly inside of it. But Aurelion didn't hesitate and continued to have Fenix fly forward.

The chimera released its attack, and it hit Aurelion's chest just at the same moment Aurelion swung his sword at the monster's neck. Thousands of volts of electricity coursed through Aurelion and his body started to tremble. _Two down. Only three to go._ Aurelion thought as he let out heaving breaths, and watched the head plummet down through the air.

The people, who were watching below, started to cheer Aurelion on. "Aurelion! Aurelion! Aurelion!"

At that moment, on the rooftop of a nearby building a mysterious, cloaked and hooded figure materialized in a cloud of red smoke. The man was wearing a solid gold snake mask with ruby eyes. The hooded cloak he was wearing was black, and on the back was the emblem of a yellow snake coiled around a red apple that had a bite taken out of it.

"No! Damn you, hero!" the villain cried out angrily in Aurelion's direction. "You may have managed to defeat two of its heads, but at what cost? You can barely keep your eyes open. You won't win. And do you want to know why? Because I know a hero's weakness - their kind heart! Chimera, attack the citizens of Rose Kingdom! Kill them all!"

"Damnation!" Aurelion swore at the villain's cruel announcement. _One of the members of the League of Villains is actually here. This isn't good._

Following the villain's instructions the chimera obediently set its sights on the citizens of Rose Kingdom who'd been watching Aurelion's battle. The three remaining monster heads began to spit acid, breathe fire, and send invisible sound wave attacks towards the people, who started to run while trying to avoid the attacks that were suddenly sent their way. Screams of horror that were followed by screams of pain filled the air.

"No!" Aurelion shouted and maneuvered his dragon to swoop down and place itself between the chimera and the people. He had to shield the people from further attacks at all costs. An invisible sound wave attack hit his chest, and this time Aurelion _was_ knocked off his dragon and fell to the ground.

The chimera ignored Aurelion and chose to concentrate its attacks on the dragon instead. Three different attacks headed towards the dragon simultaneously, and there was no escape. A glob of acid hit Fenix's right wing, and grounded the dragon. A powerful sound wave attack hit the dragon's chest, and sent it flying back into a building, which crumbled at the impact. Lastly, a fireball hit Fenix, knocking the dragon out cold.

"Fenix," Aurelion rasped out, concern for his dragon swirling in his blue eyes. He tried to find the strength to push himself up off the ground, but ended up collapsing onto a pile of rubble. Aurelion watched as people were running past him with fearful expressions on their faces. His people were never supposed to make that face! Aurelion clenched his hands into fists. It wasn't supposed to be this way. His people weren't supposed to get hurt as long as _he_ was there to protect them.

"Dammit!" Aurelion brought his fist down upon the ground. His people should never be screaming in fear - they should be cheering him on like always. He was letting them down. He was failing them. Aurelion was supposed to be Fantasia's symbol of peace.

"Get up, Aurelion! We need you!" a small female voice called out.

Aurelion looked up to see a little girl standing in front of him. She looked to be around seven-years-old. Her tiny face was covered in dirt, her wide blue eyes were filled with tears, and her lower lip was trembling. The pretty pink dress she was wearing was in tatters, and one of her pigtails had come undone. A child in Rose Kingdom should _never_ have looked this way.

"Kill the child, Chimera!" the villain snarled, pointing in the little girl's direction.

The chimera let out a menacing shriek that caused a few nearby windows to shatter. One of the heads set its sights on the little girl, opened its beak, and spat a glob of acid the girl's way. There was enough acid in that one attack to completely obliterate the tiny little girl.

"No!" Aurelion scrambled up off the ground, ran towards the girl, crouched before her, and wrapped his arms around her protectively. With his back to the monster the glob of acid hit Aurelion's golden armor and started to eat away at it. Aurelion couldn't stop the cry of pain that slipped past his lips as the acid began to burn away at his flesh.

The villain let out a gleeful cackle. "This is the end of the line for you, hero! Chimera, finish him!" The chimera's head opened its beak and spat another glob of acid Aurelion's way.

"No!" a man shouted.

Suddenly, Ashe was standing in front of Aurelion with the Glass Sword raised before him. The acid hit the Glass Sword and was magically sucked into it. In seconds, a large glob of acid was sent flying back the chimera's way. The acid hit the monster's head and it shrieked in pain as it was disintegrated.

"No!" the villain shouted. "How is that possible? Magic reflection? But how did he know that the chimera is a monster created by magic. If that attack hadn't been magical he would have been killed instantly! The reckless fool."

Ashe spun around to face the injured Aurelion. His friend looked like shit. "Come on, we need to get out of here..." Ashe said while putting Aurelion's arm over his shoulders in order to help his friend and keep him standing.

"We have to defeat that monster first," Aurelion said urgently. "There are only two heads left."

"You can't fight that thing in your condition!" Ashe snapped with obvious irritation.

"Yes, I can," Aurelion countered. "And I will." He watched as the little girl's mother darted out to pick up the girl and run off with her to safety.

"Chimera, burn that new hero! Now!" the villain snarled.

One of the heads targeted Ashe. It opened its beak and sent a fireball Ashe's way. Ashe's back was to the monster and he hadn't noticed the attack yet. In seconds, Ashe would be covered in flames and would be incinerated to a pile of, ironically, ash.

"No! I won't let you hurt my friends, Monster!" Snow was suddenly standing in front of Ashe and Aurelion with his sword raised before him. A shield made out of water appeared, emerging from Snow's enchanted sword. The fireball hit the water shield and was dissipated. Ashe and Aurelion were gawking at Snow in surprise.

"He has an affinity for water magic...!" Aurelion noted proudly. "His magical powers have finally awakened!" Ashe had an impressed expression on his face as he stared at Snow.

"No. It can't be. You shouldn't be able to do magic, Prince Snow Flurris," the villain cried angrily. "The curse...!" He abruptly cut himself off and coughed into his hand. "Ahem. I need to kill you now before...! Chimera, kill them!"

Fireballs and invisible sound wave attacks were sent Snow, Ashe and Aurelion's way. Snow blocked the fireballs with his water shield. Ashe let go of Aurelion to stand by Snow's side and used his sword to reflect the invisible sound wave attacks. The monster let out an ear-piercing shriek as its body was battered by its own sound wave attacks.

"Damn, that hero! He reminds me of Cinderelron," the villain said. "But Cinderelron is dead!"

Aurelion watched in awe as Snow battled against the fire-breathing head and Ashe battled against the other head. A crooked smile formed on the Monster Hunter's face. _I knew I saw great potential in them. They will be magnificent heroes one day. But I can't let them fight alone!_ Aurelion thought vehemently to himself.

Aurelion stealthily made his way to the chimera, and started to climb its back while Snow and Ashe kept it occupied. Once Aurelion made it to the base of the creature's neck he stood up on its back and raised his great sword. "Die, Monster!" Aurelion swung his massive sword and managed to cut through both necks at once. The monster's two heads fell down through the air, hit the ground with a thud, and rolled across the bloody rubble. Aurelion raised his sword high above his head in a victory pose.

The citizens of Rose City stopped running at the sound of Aurelion's victory cry, and turned to face him. They stared, gawked and smiled. Aurelion had once again defeated a monster, which had put the entire Kingdom in grave danger.

"Citizen of Rose Kingdom!" Aurelion shouted. "You have nothing to fear - for I am here!"

The people started cheering. "Aurelion! Aurelion! Aurelion!"

Aurelion hopped down from the monster's back and approached Ashe and Snow. "Well done, you two. You'll make magnificent heroes one day." Aurelion grinned at them, but his teeth were bloody and when he gave them a thumbs-up he suddenly collapsed to his knees.

"Aurelion!" Ashe and Snow both shouted in concern.

Ashe stared at Aurelion's back and grimaced. "We need to get him to Rapunzel...!"

Snow frowned. "But how? That monster's attack injured Fenix's wing. He can't fly."

"We'll never make it in time on horseback," Ashe said cryptically. "Bones Kingdom is too far away."

At that moment, a pumpkin-shaped carriage materialized in front of them, and Juleka emerged from the carriage with her usual unicorn mask in place. "Don't worry, Ashe. I'll take Aurelion to Rapunzel's. My carriage should be able to get there fast enough to save his life."

Ashe and Snow exchanged a look and nodded before grabbing Aurelion's arms and helping him over to the carriage. "And who is this lovely flower?" Snow asked, eyeing Juleka in an intent manner.

A vein at Ashe's temple throbbed in irritation. "My stalker."

"Oh, right. So _this_ is what she looks like..." Snow raked his gaze over Julie's body. "Mmhm. With a sexy body like that her face must be equally beautiful." The playboy took Juleka's hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Julie. My name is Prince Snow Flurris."

"Yes, I know," Juleka said in a creepy manner. "In fact, I know _all_ about you."

Snow let out a nervous laugh. "You don't say? She's certainly...interesting, Ashe."

"We don't have time for flirting!" Ashe snapped. "Help me get Aurelion into the carriage, Snow."

"Um, right," Snow swiftly agreed. He and Ashe helped Aurelion into the carriage and Juleka was just about to enter when Ashe called out to her.

"Thank you, Julie," Ashe said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm glad you were here to be able to help."

Juleka blushed beneath her mask. "I would have been here sooner, but it's hard to stalk someone when they travel to another kingdom entirely. You're a hard man to stalk, Ashe Smoldris." Juleka entered the carriage and shut the door behind her. The carriage began to run off at top speed and then became invisible.

Snow stoked his chin thoughtfully. "Is she a witch?"

"I'm not sure," Ashe said honestly. "But she seems to have a lot of enchanted items at her disposal."

"Well, if she's not a witch...then she must be rich," Snow said, a glint in is sapphire-blue eyes. "That's one useful stalker you have there, Ashe. I want one."

"Oh, shut up," Ashe groused. But Snow _did_ have a point. He owed Julie. Especially after how she'd just helped Aurelion. He wanted to show his appreciation to her somehow, and stroked his chin pensively. _Maybe I should make her something._ Ashe pondered, imagining making a new hat or purse for Julie. But none of his ideas seemed quite right.

To be continued in...Chapter 6:

### Chapter 6:

Juleka's enchanted pumpkin carriage screeched to a halt directly beneath the only window Rapunzel's Tower had. Juleka exited the carriage, and had to crane her neck to look up at the window. " _Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair so that I may climb thy golden stair._ "

A few seconds later, a long cascade of golden hair was tossed out the window and fell down to the ground. Juleka dragged Aurelion out of the carriage and over to the hair. She tied the hair around his torso, tugged at the hair when she was finished, and yelled: "Take him up, Rapunzel!"

From within the tower Rapunzel began to pull Aurelion up. Juleka watched, nibbling on her lower lip as Rapunzel pulled the unconscious Aurelion all the way up the forty-foot-tall tower and finally into the room. She let out a breath of relief once Aurelion was safely inside.

Juleka was about to leave when the cascade of hair was tossed out of the tower again for her to climb up. She used the hair to climb the tower, and once she reached the window she hopped gracefully onto to the ledge, and then hopped down into the room.

With a deep scowl on his face Rapunzel was crouched beside an unconscious Aurelion. He was staring at the horrible wounds on the hero's back as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "What the hell happened?" he snarled.

Juleka normally would have flinched at his harsh tone of voice, but she knew that his anger wasn't directed towards her, but at the perpetrator of Aurelion's injuries. "A chimera monster appeared in Rose City. It fell from the sky in a giant egg."

"Tch," Rapunzel made a sound of disgust. "The League of Villains."

Juleka's blue eyes widened dramatically. "The League of Villains! But why would they target Rose City?"

"They weren't targeting Rose City," Rapunzel said grimly. "They were targeting Aurelion. Aurelion is Fantasia's symbol of peace. He is The League's greatest threat. If The League manages to kill Aurelion off...many villains who lurk in the shadows will come out into the light of day and wreck havoc upon the land. The League of Villains will grow in strength until...Fantasia is doomed." Juleka gulped. "But I won't let those bastards win," Rapunzel said, placing his hands on Aurelion's back with a squelching sound.

The blacksmith closed his eyes, summoned his magical power, and concentrated on willing Aurelion's wounds to heal. A golden glow surrounded Rapunzel's hands and his hair started to glow too. "I never should have revealed to him that I have the ability to heal," Rapunzel said morosely. "I feel like he's gotten even more reckless upon knowing that after he gets hurt I'll heal his injuries. Dammit. The fool was reckless to begin with...this is just insane."

"With wounds as grievous as those I'm surprised he's still alive," Juleka said honestly.

"It's his strength of will that's keeping him alive," Rapunzel said. "He's too stubborn to die."

"Aurelion is lucky to have a friend like you," Juleka said softly as she watched Aurelion's wounds heal right before her eyes.

Rapunzel hummed. "Maybe. But one day he'll come back to me too injured and even I won't be able to save him. I can't bring people back from the dead..." A shadow fell over Rapunzel's face at his own words and he shuddered.

Juleka gave Rapunzel a scrutinizing look. "That's a funny thing to say while we're in Bones Kingdom - the land of the _undead_."

"Only King Gothel has the ability to create zombies and skeletons..." Rapunzel revealed. "But even if I did have the ability to bring Aurelion back from the dead, I wouldn't. Existence as a skeleton or zombie...is hell. They can't enjoy things like warmth, or the taste of good food. It is a cursed existence."

"A bunch of armored skeletons attacked my carriage..." Juleka recounted. "I wonder who they once were."

Rapunzel shrugged. "Well, this tower is part of the ruins of what must have once been a castle. They were probably soldiers who served the former King of these lands."

"There's a legend in Fantasia about a lost Kingdom..." Juleka began, tapping the bottom of her mask. "The Kingdom of Light. Also known as Sol Kingdom. I wonder...perhaps, Bones Kingdom used to be the Kingdom of Light. That would mean this place had a human King once upon a time."

Rapunzel raised an eyebrow. "This godforsaken place...Sol Kingdom? I highly doubt it. How did you even learn of this legend?"

"My tutors are very efficient in my studies of the history of Fantasia," Juleka explained.

"You're a high-born lady, aren't you? Ashe said something about you being a handmaiden for the Princess of Glass Kingdom, but that's not right, is it?" Rapunzel asked, giving Juleka a scrutinizing look.

Juleka walked over to the oil painting of a white unicorn with golden eyes and a little girl in a pink dress that was riding him. "This painting...it's of Cinderelron and the Princess Juleka Glass, correct?"

Rapunzel nodded. "Indeed."

"How much do you know about the legend of Cinderelron?" Juleka asked.

"Only what Gothel told me..." Rapunzel began. "Apparently, the unicorn shifter Cinderelron was a great hero of Fantasia. His sword had the ability of magic reflection. This made him invincible in battle. Cinderelron was the Commander of the Royal Guard of Glass Kingdom. It was his duty to protect the young princess who would one day become Queen. Bandits and villains often tried to kidnap the princess...though the reason why is unknown.

"Every time this happened Cinderelron would rescue the princess and defeat her captors. Until one day a member of the League of Villains kidnapped the princess in order to lure Cinderelron into a trap. It isn't known how Cinderelron was defeated, but he was killed that day. Miraculously, the little princess managed to escape, and made it safely back to the Glass Palace. Cinderelron was killed for his horn, which granted the villain immortality. The only way to kill an immortal is to chop off their head."

"You know a lot, Blacksmith. More than most," Juleka said with an impressed look on her face that was hidden beneath her unicorn mask. "But I know why bandits and villains used to kidnap the princess. She possesses a strange ability. Her tears turn into blue diamonds. The villains would torture the poor princess in order to harvest her tears."

The blood started to drain out of Rapunzel's face at the idea of a little girl being tortured. "How do you know this?"

Juleka reached up and removed her unicorn mask. "Because I am Princess Juleka Glass."

Rapunzel gawked as Juleka's face and eyes were revealed. Her eyes were blue with flecks of silver in them that made them resemble blue diamonds.

"Your Highness!" Rapunzel knelt before her and bowed his head.

"Arise, Rapunzel," Juleka said with an impatient wave of her hand. "There's no need for formalities amongst friends."

Rapunzel rose and gave Juleka a searching look. "Why keep your identity a secret from Ashe?"

"I have the feeling that Ashe wouldn't speak to me anymore if he knew I was a princess." Juleka let out a frustrated sigh. "He has an inferiority complex. Even though I see great potential in him."

"True enough." Rapunzel nodded. "But I doubt that's your only reason."

"If Ashe knew my true identity he might not be able to keep it to himself," Juleka admitted. "And if word got out that Princess Juleka Glass was stalking Ashe Smoldris...then bandits and villains would monitor Ashe in order to find me. If they targeted me...Ashe would get caught up in _my_ mess. I don't want to put him in danger."

"You're forgetting something, Princess," Rapunzel said. "And I believe this to be the _real_ reason why you don't want Ashe to know your true identity. Is it true that Cinderelron died rescuing you?"

Juleka gulped and nodded. "Yes. Cinderelron tracked the villain to his lair and battled against him. Cinderelron transformed into his unicorn form so that I could mount him and we could make our escape. However, the villain had placed bear traps throughout the surrounding forest. Cinderelron's leg was caught in a trap, and I was forced to leave him behind. I should have stayed with him. I should have tried to protect him, but I ran home."

Rapunzel gave Juleka a sympathetic look. "You were just a child."

"Why didn't you tell Ashe that Cinderelron was a unicorn shifter and that he has magic blood flowing through his veins?" Juleka asked curiously. "Ashe is no dullard."

"It's safer if he doesn't know," Rapunzel said. "All the unicorn shifters in Fantasia have been hunted down one by one by the League of Villains in order to gain immortality."

"The villain who appeared in Rose City. I recognized his voice," Juleka revealed, wrapping her arms around her torso. "He was the villain who kidnapped me and lured Cinderelron into that trap. He must be immortal now. Even if I wanted to kill him to avenge the man I loved...it would be impossible."

"Loved?" Rapunzel's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "But you were just a child and Cinderelron was an adult when all of this happened."

"I know," Juleka said with a sad smile. "It was a plutonic love. But I _did_ love him. I guess you could say he was my 'first love', and now I'm in love with his son." Juleka reached out to gently touch her fingertips against the white unicorn on the painting. "I hope Ashe never awakens as a unicorn shifter. If that happens the League of Villains will come for him. But if that does happen...he needs to be able to defend himself. That's why I'm guiding him on the path of becoming a hero from the shadows. It's the only way I know how to protect him."

"Must it be from the shadows?" Rapunzel asked.

"It's...better this way," Juleka said even as her blue eyes filled with tears. "Ashe's father is dead because of me. I don't know if he can ever forgive that. I owe them both so much."

Rapunzel awkwardly put his arm around Juleka's shoulders in an effort to give the girl some comfort. "Don't blame yourself for Cinderelron's death. That wasn't your fault. You were only a child. What could you have done?"

"I could have stayed by his side instead of running away," Juleka said. "I could have tried to fight."

Rapunzel shook his head. "You would have died in the process. Cinderelron wouldn't have wanted that."

"I still regret running away and just leaving him there in the forest to die alone," Juleka said forlornly. "This time, I will protect the man I love, whatever it takes. I'm tired of being a victim. A damsel in distress." Juleka rested her cheek on Rapunzel's shoulder.

"But princesses are _supposed_ to be saved by heroes, and knights in shinning armor," Rapunzel said consolingly. "That's how it is in Fantasia."

Sometime during Juleka and Rapunzel's conversation Ashe had arrived at the tower and had started to use Rapunzel's hair to climb. When he made it to the top, hopped onto the window ledge, and then down into the room the first thing he saw was Rapunzel and Juleka practically in each other's arms.

Juleka's cheek was resting on Rapunzel's shoulder and they were both staring intently at the painting of the unicorn and the little girl. A muscle in Ashe's jaw ticked in irritation and he cleared his throat to get their attention. "Ahem."

Juleka gasped and quickly replaced the unicorn mask on her face before turning around to face Ashe. Ashe raised an eyebrow at his stalker. _So Julie can show her face to Rapunzel, but not me? What the hell?_ The way Rapunzel had leapt away from Juleka was also incredibly suspicious.

Ashe grinded his teeth as the three just stood there and awkwardly stared at each other in silence. They probably would have continued on in silence if Snow hadn't hopped down from the window ledge into the room at that moment. "Yo, Punzie. How's Aurelion?" Snow's carefree attitude broke the strange tension that had been building in the room.

Rapunzel walked over to Aurelion and stared down at his unconscious form. "He'll live, the foolhardy meathead."

"Phew. His battle against that monster was incredible!" Snow exclaimed, his sapphire eyes sparkling with admiration. "Now I know why they call him Fantasia's 'Greatest Hero'."

"Fantasia's Greatest Hero..." Rapunzel echoed, a dark shadow falling over his face. "What's so great about that? Do you have any idea how much pressure that title places on Aurelion? He wants to be Fantasia's symbol of peace in order to make villains think twice before committing evil acts. Aurelion wants the villains to fear him and that's why he's fighting this war on his own. He's going to end up getting himself killed at this rate."

"What about the other heroes?" Ashe asked. "Rose Kingdom is full of them."

Rapunzel sighed. "Most of them are useless. They're more concerned about their hero rank, fame, and money than what it really means to be a hero. Aurelion fights for the people. Not for himself."

"But Aurelion has you guys now," Juleka pointed out in a hopeful voice. "He's not alone anymore."

"True. He has Snow and Ashe," Rapunzel agreed. "Unfortunately, I can't become a hero."

"Why not?" Snow prodded.

"Reasons," Rapunzel answered shortly.

"Well, at least you're able to heal any injuries he sustains in battle," Ashe pointed out. "You keep him alive so that he can fight evil another day. That has to count for something."

"Yes...about that," Rapunzel said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't heal Aurelion's wounds _completely_. This means he'll need a few days rest before he can resume training you two."

"Why not?" Snow asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"He needs to suffer the consequences of his reckless actions so that he'll cherish his life more," Rapunzel growled, glaring down at Aurelion.

"Legendary heroes can bleed too apparently." Ashe nodded, and looked down at Aurelion with newfound respect and admiration. "How will we know when Aurelion has recovered enough to resume our training?"

"I'll send word to each of you by Fairy Post," Rapunzel informed them.

"Well, there's no reason for me to stay, so I'll get going," Ashe said, starting to head to the window.

Snow shot Ashe an aghast and slightly hurt look. "No reason to stay?" He shot Juleka a look. "But your cute stalker is here visiting. You can't just leave her. Why don't you spend some time with all of us before you go?"

Ashe turned around and raised an eyebrow at Snow. "Doing what exactly?"

"Well...there's got to be some booze around here somewhere," Snow said, looking around the room. "We could all enjoy a drink together."

A shuttered expression settled over Ashe's face. "I don't have time for socializing. I have chores, er, I mean _important_ things to do."

Snow's shoulders sagged in disappointment, but then a mischievous glint formed in his eyes. "I suppose that means I'll have the pleasure of Julie's company all to myself."

Rapunzel was going to point out that he was there too, but then he noticed the dark look on Ashe's face and snapped his mouth shut.

"Whatever. I don't care," Ashe snapped. "She means nothing to me. She's just a nuisance."

"Some other time then," Snow said in a blasé tone. "I'll invite you out for a drink at my favorite club. Keep an eye out for my fairy."

Ashe made a noncommittal sound before stalking over to the window, hopping up onto the ledge, and then using Rapunzel's hair to climb down the tower.

Ashe rode back 'home' to the château. He snuck into the kitchen through the backdoor, changed out of his suit, and put on his usual threadbare clothes. Ashe had just put away his suit and was about to start on dinner when Lord Tremaine abruptly entered the kitchen at a fast pace that was causing his floor-length, white fur coat to billow out behind him and reveal its bright red lining.

"Ashe! There you are!" Lord Tremaine exclaimed in a frustrated tone. "I've been looking for you. Where _have_ you been?" He took out a cigar, lit it, and began to smoke.

Ashe flinched guiltily. "I was, er, cleaning the chimneys. That's probably why I didn't hear you calling for me." Ashe couldn't help but notice the strange suit that Lord Tremaine was wearing. The suit was solid white and was completely covered by short, inch-tall silver spikes. _How is he going to sit down in that thing?_ Ashe almost snorted, but luckily managed to hold it in. His gaze went to Christian's shoes that had been made out of white leather. Overall, it was a strange, otherworldly outfit.

Lord Tremaine gave Ashe a condescending look as he took in Ashe's slovenly appearance. "Ah. Yes. That makes sense." Christian blew out a stream of smoke. "Well, I need you to get started on dinner immediately. I'm hosting a dinner party. I've invited only my closest friends, so we'll only need five extra place settings at the dining table tonight. My sons will be dining in their rooms. Think you can handle it?"

Ashe knew that Lord Tremaine wouldn't take 'no' for an answer so responded accordingly. "Of course, Lord Tremaine. How many courses?"

"Five courses, should be sufficient," Lord Tremaine drawled, walking over and extinguishing his cigar on a plate. "That means I want an _aperitif_ , followed by _hors d'oeuvres,_ then an _entrée_ , which you can serve along with the _salade_ , and last, of course, dessert should be served."

"Understood," Ashe said.

Lord Tremaine raised an eyebrow at Ashe. He was surprised by how obedient the young man was being. "Good. Here." Christian placed a bundle of folded clothes he'd been carrying onto the table in front of Ashe. "It's an old suit of mine. I can't very well have you looking like _that_ as you serve my distinguished guests. Your current appearance may make them lose their appetites."

Ashe startled at the unexpected request. "Do you want me to wash my face?"

Christian let out an exasperated huff. "What do you think, you fool? _Yes_ ," he hissed. "I don't want you looking like a slave. A household as large as ours should have several servants, and I just have you, so you'll have to do, for appearances' sake."

"Very well, Lord Tremaine," Ashe reluctantly agreed, swallowing a lump of nervousness.

Christian narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Ashe. "You're being awfully complacent tonight."

Ashe raised a challenging eyebrow. "Do you _want_ me to be difficult instead? I can easily arrange that."

"Don't get cheeky, slave," Christian chided, waving his hand at Ashe in a dismissive gesture. "Hurry up and get started on dinner. You know what will happen to you if my guests are displeased." A sadistic smile spread across Christian's face.

Ashe shuddered. "I know."

Christian left the kitchen, his fur coat billowing out behind him, and slammed the door on his way out. Ashe let out a breath of relief as soon as he was alone in the kitchen again. Lord Tremaine's presence was stifling.

Ashe started by making the _aperitif_ \- a cocktail made from lemon juice, gin, sweet syrup, and champagne. After that, he began to work on the _hors d'oeuvres_ \- a puff pastry-based fig and goat cheese tarts, which he placed in the oven to bake. The entrée he decided to cook was medium-rare duck breasts that would be served with a sauce made from cherries, shallots, and balsamic vinegar. The _salade_ Ashe would make was going to be peas, carrots, goat cheese, and almonds drizzled with honey. For dessert Ashe decided to make a simple chocolate mousse.

After Ashe put the duck in the oven he went upstairs to take a quick sponge bath. Then he dressed in Lord Tremaine's old suit. It was a gray and white pinstriped suit that was frayed around the edges, but still rather nice. When Ashe looked at his reflection in the full-length mirror, however, he swore. "Shit!"

He looked _way_ too similar to his usual appearance when he frequented the casinos in Glass City. Ashe prayed to God none of Lord Tremaine's guests would recognize him as the mysterious 'Heart Breaker' of Glass City.

At nine o'clock Lord Tremaine's guests started to arrive at the château. Ashe waited for Lord Tremaine to ring a bell before he grabbed a silver tray with six aperitifs on it and made his way into the dining room. Ashe kept his head lowered as he walked around the dining table and set down a glass before each guest.

Ashe was about to return to the kitchen when Lord Tremaine called out to him: "Ashe. Where do you think you're going? Can't you see my guests need their water glasses filled?"

Ashe nodded, picked up the pitcher of iced water from the table, and started to fill the glasses of Lord Tremaine's guests.

"You never told me you had such a handsome servant, Lord Tremaine," a velvety, seductive voice purred.

"You think so?" Christian drawled. "You have awful taste, Doriana. He's just a lowly servant."

"Young man, look at me," Doriana demanded in a haughty tone.

Ashe hesitated to comply with the lady's request. If she happened to recognize him from his casino outings he would be in deep shit.

"Lady Doriana gave you an order, Ashe," Christian said dangerously.

Ashe raised his head and met Doriana's inquisitive stare. The woman studied Ashe's handsome face for a moment and then licked her red lips slowly. "Gold eyes. That's rare. Even here in Fantasia. You look familiar. Have we met?"

Ashe flinched. "No, Milady."

"Is that so?" Doriana said, not sounding very convinced.

Ashe risked giving the voluptuous woman a quick once-over. Doriana had long blonde hair that was extremely straight. She was wearing a red tube dress that only went to the middle of her thighs. The dress was positively scandalous. Only a whore or courtesan would wear such revealing or provocative clothing, but...as Ashe's gaze went to her cleavage where a diamond and ruby necklace glittered, he knew that she was a highborn lady. That necklace must have been worth a fortune.

In a detached way, Ashe supposed that she _was_ stunning. But there was something about her...something not quite right that made the hair on the back of Ashe's neck stand on end in warning. Looking at Doriana made Ashe feel like he was looking at an illusion or mirage. It just didn't feel _real_. Ashe had to admit to himself that this woman _did_ look vaguely familiar though.

Doriana ran her index finger playfully along the neckline of her dress suggestively upon noticing where Ashe's gaze lingered.

_She thinks I was staring at her breasts._ Ashe realized, flushing.

"Ashe!" Christian snapped with an air of impatience. "Hurry up and bring out the _hors d'oeuvres_."

"Yes, Lord Tremaine." Ashe quickly took that opportunity to escape Doriana's scrutinizing gaze and fled for the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Ashe put on his oven mitts, opened up the oven, and took out the tarts. As he waited for the tarts to cool he thought about the Lady Doriana. He frowned when he realized he'd definitely seen her at a casino in Glass City before. She was too young for his purposes so he'd avoided her, of course. She must have noticed him too. _I am so fucked._

After giving the tarts sufficient time to cool, Ashe placed them on a silver tray and carried them into the dining room. Ashe served the _hors d'oeuvres_ and left the dining room swiftly. When Ashe returned to collect their empty plates twenty minutes later, one of the men at the table addressed Ashe this time.

"Did you really make these tarts yourself, young man?" the man questioned in an impressed voice. "It was delicious."

A chill crawled up Ashe's spine. He _recognized_ that voice, but from where? When Ashe turned to regard the man he was taken aback by the man's red eyes that glittered like rubies. The man had a very distinctive appearance, and Ashe knew right away that he was looking at none other than King Reginald of Apple Kingdom. Ashe had seen the King's portrait in the Glass Gazette, although in black and white.

Reginald was wearing a red and gold suit, gold cape, and there was a golden crown decorated with rubies sitting on his head. With Reginald's wavy, shoulder-length golden hair his appearance could almost be described as _angelic_. Personally, Ashe was reluctant to use the word 'angelic' to describe this man. There was something dark and malevolent lurking behind his beautiful appearance that instantly put Ashe on his guard. "Your Majesty." Ashe bowed.

"I am not the only King seated at this table," Reginald said. "You should show all of us the proper respect, boy."

_Shit._ Ashe had no choice but to see whom Lord Tremaine's guests were at this point. His gaze was drawn to a man with long black hair, fierce, cunning golden eyes, and an impressive pair of horns that curled out of the top of his head. The sorcerer was wearing a black suit along with a black cape that had a purple lining. "King Maleficent." Ashe bowed. Maleficent nodded in Ashe's direction in acknowledgement of the greeting, but remained silent.

The man seated to Maleficent's right drew Ashe's attention next. This man had shoulder-length, wavy, black hair, and sunken, coal-black eyes. He had a gaunt face with hollow cheeks and there was an unhealthy gray-tinge to his skin. In an unsettling manner, his face reminded Ashe of a skull. The man was wearing a plain black suit. Ashe's brow furrowed since he didn't recognize the man and had no idea of who he might be.

Christian noticed Ashe's blank look and benevolently decided to help him out. "You have the honor of being in the presence of King Gothel of Bones Kingdom," Christian introduced nonchalantly.

_The Demon King Gothel!_ Ashe thought in alarm, and his gaze immediately went to the top of the man's head since he expected to see horns there. Ashe frowned when he realized there weren't any, but he quickly recovered and bowed respectfully. "King Gothel."

The woman seated to Gothel's right had scooted her chair closer so that she could loop her arm around Gothel's in an affectionate manner. The woman had violet-colored eyes that seemed to be glowing with an eerie inner light. Her wavy brown hair cascaded around her shoulders in chaotic waves. She was wearing a brown, Steampunk-style dress decorated with vertical purple stripes. Instead of normal, ordinary buttons the dress had brass cogs that served as buttons. Her unusual dress made Ashe think that perhaps she was from another realm, but the pointed hat on her head told him that she was a witch.

"My...associate Miss Hydie," Gothel informed Ashe.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Milady," Ashe said politely.

The young woman's mischievous smile widened as if she knew Ashe was lying. "Is it?"

"Yes, yes." Christian flapped his hand in an impatient manner. "I'm sure he's quite impressed by all of you. Hurry up and bring out the entrée, Ashe. I'm starving."

"Yes, Lord Tremaine." Ashe hurriedly collected the empty plates and left the dining room.

In the kitchen, Ashe took the duck out of the oven, sliced it into generous portions, and served six plates. As Lord Tremaine had instructed Ashe included the _salade_ on the plate along with the duck. He put the six plates onto a tray and carried it into the dining room.

Ashe was just about to use his foot to open the door to the dining room when he heard voices, and couldn't help but pause to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"That's _him_. Isn't it? The dud," Doriana said in a flippant tone. "Such a shame things didn't work out for _you_ like they did for _me_ , Christian."

"He may still awaken," Christian muttered unhappily.

"That's highly unlikely at his age," Reginald said. "It's a pity, but he is the last of his kind. Your only chance, Christian."

"There are _other_ ways," Gothel put in.

"Undesirable ways, you mean," Reginald said, his lip curling back in disgust. "I doubt Lord Tremaine wishes to join the legions of the undead."

Christian's gray eyes flashed with anger. "You promised me-!"

Reginald swiftly interrupted Christian. "You have yet to deliver results either."

"I'm working on it," Christian grumbled, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

"I sometimes wonder if I brought back the wrong man for the job," Reginald said in a faux blasé tone. "I expected better from a criminal underworld boss."

"I _am_ the right man," Christian insisted, pounding a fist on the table.

"No matter," Reginald waved his hand dismissively through the air. "Another opportunity may soon present itself. I've heard rumors that Queen Krista wants Princess Juleka to marry. If she were to marry one of your sons, Lord Tremaine, well...problem solved. There is to be a ball held in the princess's honor. I want both your sons to attend."

"Of course, Reginald, only..." Christian rubbed a hand over his mouth in an uneasy gesture. "My sons are a bit..."

"Ugly? Uncouth? Freakish? Strange? Fat?" Doriana readily supplied.

Christian shot Doriana a heated glare. "Rough around the edges," he corrected diplomatically.

"There are ways to _force_ the match," Reginald drawled. "A love spell. Or even just one of your sons managing to impregnate her would do. For the sake of her honor she would have to marry him." An evil glint shone in the King's eyes. "It's a pity my current wife is still alive or else I could take the Princess Juleka myself. I do enjoy deflowering virgins."

"Whatever it takes then..." Christian murmured. "The ends justify the means."

"Exactly, Christian," Reginald purred. "I knew you'd catch on quick."

"A shame Ashe isn't your son," Doriana said keenly. "I bet he would be able to win fair Juleka's heart without the use of spells or force."

"Ashe is not my son!" Christian pounded his fist upon the table again. "He is nothing but a lowly servant. He wouldn't be good enough to lick the princess's glass slippers!"

Ashe didn't understand most of what these people were talking about. But he did understand that Princess Juleka Glass was in grave danger. Ashe shrugged. _Not my problem. It's not like I even know her. I'm sure the Royal Guard can protect her._

Ashe knocked on the door before entering the dining room. As Ashe walked around the table and set down the entrée plates he could feel everyone's gazes on him. He suddenly felt like a mouse in a pit of snakes. These people were incredibly dangerous although Ashe couldn't exactly pinpoint why he knew this. He could just feel it deep in his bones. It was a gut instinct. _Who are they really?_

Ashe did have one idea. Although, it was crazy, and Ashe thought that he was probably being paranoid. _They can't be members of The League of Villains, can they? Lord Tremaine is evil, but he's not that evil. I doubt he would contemplate something like World Domination._

The rest of the evening passed by uneventfully with Ashe finally serving the chocolate mousse for dessert. As he set down the last crystal cup filled with mousse before one of Lord Tremaine's guests he let out a breath of relief. This nerve-wracking dinner party was almost over, and it appeared as though Doriana Gray had no intention of revealing Ashe's secret.

Unfortunately, Ashe lowered his guard and turned to look at Doriana. She smiled wolfishly at him in response. Ashe swallowed a lump of nervousness, and hurriedly made his way back to the kitchen so that he could get started on washing the dishes.

When Ashe heard the door to the kitchen open he didn't bother glancing in its direction because he assumed it was Lord Tremaine. "Yes, Lord Tremaine?"

Next Ashe heard the kitchen door being locked. _What the fuck?_ Ashe turned around to see Doriana Gray standing there with an amused expression on her face.

"I'm not your Master." Doriana walked over to Ashe, sashaying her hips seductively.

Ashe gulped, but was unaffected by her feminine wiles. He hated women after all.

"I can see that," Ashe remarked in a droll tone. "Did you need something, Lady Doriana?"

There was a predatory glint in Doriana's gray eyes. "Need? Hmm. Yes, I do believe I _need_ something. _You_." Doriana reached out, grabbed Ashe's tie, and started to undress him.

Ashe put his hands on Doriana's shoulders and pushed her back. "No."

A bewildered expression settled over Doriana's lovely face. A man had _never_ rejected her before, after all. "No? Are you saying you don't want me?" Her voice was laced with disbelief.

"I don't want...anyone," Ashe rubbed the back of his neck in a chagrined gesture. "Look. It's nothing personal. I have no interest in sex, Milady. I have no...needs."

"Hmm. That's not true though, is it?" Doriana tilted her head at Ashe while giving him a scrutinizing look. "I know who you really are. I recognized you the moment I saw you. You're the mysterious 'Heart Breaker' of Glass City who seduces women for money or jewels, and who never sleeps with the same woman twice. What's interesting is that those rumors about you all say you're a _lord_. It was quite the surprise to discover that you're a _servant_."

Ashe flinched guiltily. _Shit!_

"I thought you were ogling my breasts earlier, but you were really ogling this, weren't you?" Doriana fingered her diamond and ruby necklace in a keen manner.

Ashe's gaze was instantly drawn to the expensive necklace. In Ashe's mind jewels equaled money, and money equaled freedom. And Ashe wanted nothing more than freedom. A hungry glint formed in Ashe's golden eyes.

Doriana nodded knowingly. "You want this necklace, don't you?"

"Yes," Ashe admitted in a low voice.

"I think I can guess why you need money so badly." Doriana hopped up onto the kitchen table, spread her legs, which caused her short tube dress to ride up her thighs, and crooked her finger at Ashe. "I think you know how to earn it. Come here, Pet."

Ashe obediently made his way over to Doriana and stood between her legs. "Kiss me," Doriana ordered. And Ashe did. He kissed her with as much fake passion and desire as he could muster. Ashe prodded at her mouth with his tongue, and Doriana eagerly opened her mouth to let him deepen their kiss.

Ashe plunged his tongue into her mouth, and swirled his tongue around hers in a way that was making Doriana feel lightheaded. She'd been kissed _hundreds_ of times, but this...was impressive. When Ashe started to thrust his tongue in and out of her mouth mimicking the motions of sex she moaned against his mouth, and grinded her crotch against his.

Ashe felt Doriana boldly grinding against him and pulled his crotch back slightly. She probably expected Ashe to get hard by what she was doing, but he never got hard in these situations. He'd never had an erection before. Nor did he want to have one. He was glad he'd never gotten an erection because that meant he'd never come inside a woman and never fathered any bastard children.

So that she could speak Doriana placed her hands on Ashe's shoulders and pushed him back gently, forcing him to break their kiss. Her peachy complexion was flushed, and she was panting slightly. Her gray eyes were glazed with lust, and she licked her kiss-swollen lips. "I need you inside of me, Ashe," Doriana purred.

Ashe gave Doriana a stiff nod. He had no choice but to comply with her desires. He wanted that necklace, and would do anything to get it. Ashe undid his pants and pulled out his flaccid cock. He stroked his cock a few times just for show as if he were getting it hard and ready for her. Doriana watched what he was doing with a hungry glint in her eyes, and spread her legs wider.

Ashe slid his hand up her thigh and when he reached her core he was surprised to discover that she wasn't wearing any underwear. Ashe looked up and raised his eyebrows at her. "Really?" Ashe questioned as he gently ran his index finger over her slick entrance. She was already wet with lust.

Doriana let out a husky chuckle and shrugged. "I was hoping to get lucky tonight. I usually sleep with Reginald when his wife isn't around. And Lord Tremaine isn't too bad in the sack either. I've tried to seduce Gothel, but...maybe he's only interested in Miss Hydie?"

Ashe froze and the blood started to drain out of his face. "You've had sex with King Reginald...and Lord Tremaine?"

Doriana's gray eyes glittered with amusement. "Yes. Well, not at the same time. Unfortunately." She tapped her chin as she thought about the nice visual image that was producing inside of her head. "I should figure out a way to arrange that."

"You're playing with fire!" Ashe snapped. "If they find out about each other..." _And if they find out about me...I'll be as good as dead._ He thought, a chill of fear crawling up his spine.

Doriana cackled and waved her hand dismissively through the air. "Oh, they're well aware! They know I like to sleep around, and they don't mind sharing. My lust is insatiable. One man would never be enough to fully satisfy me."

Ashe gaped at her. No 'lady' would ever talk the way Doriana was. It shocked Ashe to his very core.

"Don't look so shocked," Doriana chided. "Women enjoy sex too. And I really enjoy having sex with handsome men. I'm not going to let propriety stop me from doing what I enjoy. I live for pleasure."

"You talk like a common whore," Ashe said coldly.

"Where I'm from women are free to express their sexual desir, and explore their sexuality," Doriana said with a sly smile. "Fantasia is stuck in the medieval era. Women are still going around pretending they don't enjoy sex with their husbands, and that it's only purpose is procreation. Where I'm from women can make men submit to them instead of the other way around."

Ashe arched an eyebrow at Doriana. "Where are you from exactly?"

Doriana's smile widened and she leaned forward in a conspiratorial manner. "Would you believe me if I told you I'm from another world called Earth? I used to live in a country called England before I was brought here to Fantasia through a magic mirror."

"You're from another world?" Ashe asked, and a sudden thought occurred to him. "Like Lord Tremaine?" He did his best to keep his tone casual.

"I'm surprised you figured that out," Doriana said with an impressed look on her face. "You're right. Christian is also from Earth, but he was brought here from another era. Christian was born in 1898. He grew up to be an American gangster."

"Gangster?" Ashe questioned.

"Well, to be more precise he was a crime boss," Doriana informed him. "A boss of the criminal underworld that dealt with the buying and selling of drugs and weapons. Christian likes to think of himself as Al Capone's Archrival, but he's been completely forgotten in the history books." She giggled at the sad truth.

"Who's Al Capone?" Ashe asked with a frown.

"A _famous_ American gangster," Doriana said.

In that moment Ashe's suspicions were finally confirmed. Lord Christian Tremaine and his sons really were from another world.

"Hurry up and fuck me, Ashe," Doriana said in an impatient tone. "I want you to make me come while screaming your name."

"If Lord Tremaine or Reginald discovers I laid a hand on what is theirs..." Ashe trailed off with a shudder.

"I belong to no one, Ashe," Doriana countered. "And I will never belong to just one man. Now, fuck me."

Ashe guided his flaccid cock to Doriana's entrance, and entered her fully with one powerful thrust. Doriana gasped at the sensation of being stretched and filled.

Ashe grabbed the back of Doriana's neck and brought her closer so that he could kiss her.

As he started to thrust his cock in and out of her tight, wet sheathe Ashe swirled his tongue skillfully around Doriana's. Doriana eagerly kissed him back, sucking on his tongue. Even all this was unable to make Ashe hard. He hoped Doriana wouldn't notice.

None of the women he'd pleasured before had noticed that he'd never gotten an erection. A flaccid cock could pleasure a woman just as well as an erect one, but in Ashe's experience it was difficult for the stimulation to be enough to make a woman come.

This wasn't Ashe's first performance though, and he knew what he had to do. He waited until he could tell Doriana was on the verge of her orgasm, but unable to tip over the edge. Then Ashe stepped back, quickly shoved his flaccid cock back into his pants, and sank to his knees. His face was at the perfect height to stare directly at her glistening sex.

Ashe placed his hands on her thighs, spread her legs, and then brought his mouth to her sex. He started to enthusiastically lick her core.

Doriana threw her head back and cried out in pleasure. She placed a hand on the top of Ashe's head to bring his face even closer to her sex, and grinded her core wantonly against his mouth. "Oh, yes! That feels so good, Ashe!" Doriana gasped. "Please, Ashe, I need to come..." Ashe started to suck and nibble at her sex, and this finally pushed Doriana over the edge. "Oh, Ashe! Yes!"

Ashe pulled back, licked his lips, and stood up. He watched as Doriana's body trembled from the pleasure of her orgasm. After Doriana had finally stopped trembling she looked up at Ashe with a sated expression on her flushed face. "How was I, Milady?" Ashe asked in a smug tone.

"Not bad," Doriana panted with a glint in her gray eyes. Her chest was rising and falling with her heaving breaths and her peaked nipples were visibly pressing against the flimsy material of her red tube dress. "You're a pro at oral sex. But as for real sex..." She looked down at Ashe's crotch pointedly. "You appear to be a novice."

Ashe's expression grew shuttered. "I don't know what you're talking about, Milady."

"Did you really think you could fool _me_ with that little performance of yours?" Doriana asked with raised eyebrows. "You weren't hard. I'm a little insulted that I didn't give you an erection."

"The fault lies with me, Milady. I can't..." Ashe trailed off uneasily.

"Get it up?" Doriana asked bluntly. "Hm. Erectile dysfunction? Or is it psychological? A little _Viagra_ could do wonders for you. Yes. Drugs. An aphrodisiac? Wait, have you never come inside of a woman?" She gave him a searching look.

Ashe flinched at her rude, invasive question and remained silent. Doriana's gaze turned predatory. "You're _almost_ still a virgin then. I like corrupting virgins. Reginald and I have that in common." A cat's paw smile formed on her face.

Ashe held his hand out to Doriana expectantly. "The necklace."

Doriana surprised him by slapping his hand away and laughing in his face. "Did you really think you earned this necklace with that sub par performance of yours?" Doriana challenged. "No. Until you come inside of me I won't give you this necklace." She tapped the necklace with her fingers, showing off her long, red painted nails.

"That will never happen," Ashe scoffed.

"I just need a little more time with you," Doriana said, tapping her chin with her index finger. "I've decided to take you home with me, Pet."

Ashe frowned. "Lord Tremaine would never..."

"Never what?" Doriana arched an eyebrow. "Loan you out to me? Oh, yes, he will. Especially, if you need to be _punished_ for your vile actions."

"Punished? For what?" Ashe shot back hotly. "Giving you what you wanted?"

"Why, punished for raping me, of course," Doriana said silkily.

A horrified expression settled over Ashe's face. "I didn't rape you!"

"But Lord Tremaine doesn't know that, does he?" Doriana's red lips curled into a sinister smile right before she opened her mouth and started screaming: "Help! Someone! Please! Help me!"

Ashe swiftly covered Doriana's mouth with his hand and glared at her. "You traitorous bitch!" He could feel Doriana smiling against the palm of his hand.

Seconds later, there was a loud banging on the kitchen door followed by the sound of someone kicking the door in. Then Lord Tremaine waltzed into the kitchen with a furious look on his face. He glanced between Doriana and Ashe, and took in their disheveled appearances. His expression darkened and a frown formed on his face. "Ashe, what is the meaning of this?"

"Lord Tremaine, I can explain," Ashe started hurriedly. "Lady Doriana asked me to have sex with her, I-"

"Silence!" Christian snapped, cutting Ashe off. "Remove your hand from Lady Doriana's mouth at once!" Ashe reluctantly removed his hand from Doriana's mouth.

"Oh, Lord Tremaine it was awful..." Doriana immediately began to speak, and let tears fill her gray eyes. "I only came in here to ask Ashe if he could make me a cup of tea and he just attacked me out of nowhere. He took me by force. I tried to stop him, but he was too strong. He... _raped_ me."

Ashe clenched his hands into fists at his sides out of anger. "You lying bitch! Lord Tremaine, I swear I didn't-! I would never-! You know that!"

"This is a serious accusation, Ashe," Christian drawled. "What would you have me do, Lady Doriana?" He gave his guest a curious look.

"Well, he obviously needs to be punished," Doriana said with a triumphant look on her face. "And since I am the injured party I would like to carry out his punishment myself. He needs to be taught a lesson in manners and obedience to his betters."

Christian stroked his chin in a pensive manner. "You wish to take Ashe with you? And when shall you return him?"

"After I've broken him, of course," Doriana said airily.

"Well, I don't see why not," Christian drawled coolly. "I'll loan Ashe to you for as long as you need. Make sure you punish him sufficiently for his crimes. Just...don't kill him. He's a valuable servant."

"Thank you, Lord Tremaine." Doriana nodded, and offered Christian a dazzling smile. "Your servant will be much more obedient once I'm done with him."

"I'm sure," Christian said dryly.

Ashe gaped at Lord Tremaine in disbelief. He could see the dark amusement sparkling in Christian's gray eyes. _They're in this together!_ Ashe realized with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. _I fell for their trap. Idiot!_ "Lord Tremaine, you can't loan me to Lady Doriana!"

"And why not?" Christian questioned in a droning tone.

"I...I'm your son!" Ashe blurted out.

"I have _never_ seen you as my son," Christian snarled.

"Stepfather, _please_ ," Ashe begged. He winced as soon as the words left his mouth. He sounded like a weak, pathetic child. _Shit._

"I think Doriana may be right after all," Christian began, a cruel glint in his gray eyes. "You need to re-learn your place. Slaves don't have a say in their fate. They must simply obey the whims of their Masters. And until you manage to buy back your freedom from me, Ashe, that's what you are - a slave. I can do whatever I like to you, and I can order you to do whatever I want. Right now, I order you to accompany the Lady Doriana to her home. You are to obey her as if she were your Master. Is that understood?"

Ashe grinded his teeth. "I understand, Lord Tremaine."

"Excellent." Doriana clapped her hands excitedly. "I'm going to have so much fun breaking you, Pet."

Ashe gulped. _I'm so fucked..._

To be continued in...Chapter 7:

### Chapter 7:

The following day at Lady Doriana Gray's house in Apple City Ashe was having the time of his life. He was currently on his hands and knees cleaning the marble floor of Lady Doriana's entrance hall. His knees hurt like a bitch. Frustratingly, Ashe wasn't making very much progress since he was scrubbing the floor with a strange tool Doriana had provided him with called a 'toothbrush'. It resembled the small wooden brushes people used to clean their teeth in Fantasia, but Ashe had never seen something made out of hot pink _plastic_ before.

Since cleaning the floor with the tiny brush would take hours or even days he figured Doriana didn't really care if her floor ever got clean. She was just enjoying getting to humiliate him with the impossible task.

Oh, and did Ashe forget to mention he was currently naked?

"You missed a spot, Pet," a husky female voice purred.

Ashe looked up to give Lady Doriana a questioning look. Lady Doriana was seated on a wooden throne that she'd had Ashe move into the hall for the purpose of being able to sit there and watch Ashe while he cleaned. She held a goblet of wine in her right hand, and used her left hand to point to an area behind Ashe.

Ashe hesitated, but in the end he had no choice but to turn around and start scrubbing at the imaginary spot of dirt on the floor, flashing Doriana his ass in the process. Lady Doriana let out an appreciative hum as she blatantly ogled Ashe's firm buttocks. She took a sip of her wine, and continued to enjoy the show.

Ashe didn't know which was worse - having Lady Doriana watch his dick swinging back and forth as he scrubbed the floor, or having her stare at his bare ass. His face flushed with embarrassment and shame as he thought about what he must have looked like. It was such a humiliating position. He decided having Doriana stare at his ass was somehow _more_ degrading.

"You have a nice ass," Doriana said, unable to keep silent any longer. "Did Christian ever make you scrub the floors of the château naked?"

Ashe froze for a second before resuming his cleaning. "No. He's my father. He wouldn't request such a thing. It would be improper."

"Stepfather," Doriana corrected smoothly. "You're _not_ related. Well, I suppose you're lucky Lord Tremaine appears to only be interested in women. As his slave you do realize he can do _whatever_ he wants with you until you buy back your freedom."

Ashe bristled with irritation. "I may have let them torture me, but I would _never_ let them take me. I would bite my tongue off and die first."

"Oh? Really? There go my plans for the afternoon." Doriana pouted. "Christian said I can do whatever I like to you - just not kill you. And if I have you do something which causes you to commit suicide I have the feeling that Christian will be _very_ displeased with me."

The blood was draining out of Ashe's face and he stopped cleaning the floor. "Don't look so worried, Pet. As long as you please me...I won't have a reason to share you with my other male lovers."

_Doriana was planning to share me with her male lovers?_ Ashe thought, a shudder of disgust traveling through his body.

"Oh, well, _c'est la vie_ ," Doriana lamented. "What a waste of such a fine ass though."

Ashe scrubbed the floor a little harder.

***

Meanwhile at the Glass Palace...

Princess Juleka had set up an easel beneath the gazebo located in the royal gardens. Her left hand held a wooden palette that had globs paint on it in a rainbow of colors, and in her right hand she held a brush. One might assume Princess Juleka was painting the beautiful scenery. _Au contraire_ Juleka was adding the finishing touches to her latest painting of Ashe Smoldris.

Ashe had looked so brave and heroic while fighting the chimera monster in Rose City with his glass sword that Juleka had been positively inspired. Although, she'd taken some artistic liberties, and added a few tears in Ashe's suit here and there to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of his lean, muscular chest.

Juleka was currently working on Ashe's golden eyes that were filled with fierce determination. There was something predatory about the look in Ashe's eyes that made Juleka shiver with delight. She wished Ashe would look at her like that one day.

When Juleka finished, she stepped back to admire the finished piece. She let out a wistful sigh. "Perfect." Ashe was so handsome and sexy. _Oh, how I long to kiss his sweet, sensual lips. To run my hands over his hard, muscular chest. Oh, how I long to touch his cock and learn what it feels like as it hardens at my touch._ Juleka giggled at her own lewd thoughts.

Warmth pooled in Juleka's lower belly, and heat gathered between her thighs. She was starting to feel strangely restless and overheated. Juleka fanned herself with her hand. "It must be getting hot outside..." Even as she said these words she knew that wasn't true.

Juleka rubbed her thighs together unconsciously. Her core was throbbing with need for something. But for what exactly Juleka couldn't quite be sure. Juleka placed a hand on her lower stomach that was tingling, and rubbed. When this did nothing to ease the ache she was feeling Juleka let her hand travel lower until she was rubbing her crotch through the thin silk material of her gown.

"Oh," Juleka let out a soft little moan. She'd never touched herself this way before, but it felt good. Thinking about Ashe had made her womanhood throb and ache with want and desire. _My body wants Ashe too._ Juleka thought as she reached beneath her gown and slipped a finger inside of her sex. _My body wants him in here._

Juleka experimentally thrust her finger in and out of herself, and when her finger brushed against her clit she shuddered with pleasure. Juleka decided to concentrate her attention on her swollen bud and started to rub. Juleka's legs turned to jelly, and she sank to her knees.

"Oh, yes..." Juleka rubbed at her clit in circular motions until she could feel something building up inside of her. Her nerve endings were tingling. Whatever it was...she could feel that she was close, and rubbed a little harder until she came. Juleka cried out in surprise as a wave of pleasure washed over her, and her body started to tremble.

"What...was that...?" Juleka blushed when she realized that while she'd pleasured herself she'd never taken her gaze off of her painting of Ashe. She frowned when she noticed that whatever had happened to her body had caused her sex to become wet. _I wonder if that's normal...?_

_Whatever happened...it felt good. Looking at Ashe and imagining him thrusting his cock deep inside of me while I fingered myself made me feel so good. I bet the real thing would probably feel even better._ Juleka shivered at the naughty thought. Her breasts were feeling strange...heavy, and her nipples had hardened the same way they did whenever she stepped beneath cold water. _Thinking about Ashe does strange things to my body._

Juleka pushed herself up off the wooden floor of the gazebo, and went about smoothing the wrinkles from the skirt of her gown with her hands. She looked around the garden and let out a breath of relief. It was deserted. Juleka put her face in her flaming hands and let out a squeal. What had she been thinking? Anyone could have seen her staring at Ashe's portrait while she... _pleasured_ herself like a whore! What kind of lady was she?

She'd been imagining Ashe doing all kinds of dirty and inappropriate things to her body. Juleka lowered her hands and sighed. In the end...it was just a fantasy. Ashe would never pin her down and take her. He'd never kiss her in intimate places.

Ashe didn't seem to like her very much. He treated her like a child and a nuisance. Juleka pouted. _I'm not a child. I'm a woman. He's made me a woman who craves the flesh of a man. I never used to have such wanton desires until I saw him. If I can't have him normally, maybe I could have him captured and brought to me. Then I could have my wicked way with him._ Juleka giggled, but instantly felt guilty for her thoughts. _No. That would be wrong. I shouldn't think such evil things...even if it is just a fantasy._

Juleka began to pace across the gazebo. _I wouldn't even know what to do with him if I had him at my mercy._ All she knew for sure is that she had this desire to touch Ashe and to be touched by him. To taste Ashe and have him taste her. Juleka knew her thoughts were twisted since Ashe didn't feel the same way about her.

I want Ashe. But he doesn't want me. What does Ashe want? Gold? I am the Princess of Glass Kingdom. I have untold riches. I can give him what he wants - riches beyond his wildest dreams. Juleka continued to pace and nibbled on her thumbnail in a thoughtful gesture.

And if it's not enough...my tears turn to diamonds. I could give him as many diamonds as he wants. Maybe then...he'll want me. Maybe I can buy his love. Afterwards, I have to figure out a way Ashe can be my King. I will marry no other, but Ashe Smoldris.

With a determined expression on her face Juleka removed the painting from the easel and carried it inside the palace. She made her way down a corridor, and came to a halt in front of a door that led to her private gallery. Juleka opened the door and strode inside.

Juleka had painted all of the paintings that were hanging on the gallery walls. Most of the paintings were of Ashe, but there were a few of Cinderelron. The gallery had become like a shrine to Ashe where Juleka could admire and worship him. Juleka knew she was acting obsessed, and that this was very inappropriate behavior for a lady. But she couldn't help herself. She'd fallen in love with him that night at the casino.

Juleka walked over to an empty space on the wall, and hung the painting on a waiting nail. "There. Perfect." A pout formed on Juleka's face when she couldn't decide what pose she should have Ashe in next. She decided that she needed to go and see Ashe in order to be inspired for her next painting.

Juleka wasn't a witch. Her ability to cry tears was a family curse passed down through the generations. But Juleka _did_ have a lot of powerful, enchanted items at her disposal. Juleka's pumpkin carriage was one of them - all she would have to do is tell the carriage to take her to Ashe, and it would. It was quite the handy device for a stalker. Er, young woman, who was passionately in love.

"I'm coming, Ashe, my love!" Juleka skipped out of the gallery in high spirits. "It's time to be inspired!"

***

Meanwhile, in Apple City at the Gentleman's Club called _Forbidden Fruit_...

Prince Snow Flurris sat at a booth with three stunning witches: Elvira, Tabitha and Endora. Snow was feeling pretty good about himself at the moment. He was celebrating that fact that he could finally cast a bit of magic. The playboy was now able to use his enchanted sword to conjure water. Water that could be manipulated into a shield. Or in this case three naked dancing girls.

The three witches were laughing and applauding Snow's newfound water magic even if it was being used for perverted purposes. When Snow willed two of the dancing girls to start kissing each other Tabitha and Endora blushed while Elvira raised an eyebrow. A lecherous grin spread across his face as Snow willed the girls to start grinding against each other. He suddenly wondered why he hadn't seen wizards do something like this before. Perhaps, they lacked the imagination or experience to come up with such a scene.

Ah, the possibilities for my newly awakened water magic are erotically endless. Snow took a large gulp of red wine. It tasted superb, and it filled his belly with tingly warmth. He was also starting to feel a little horny, and his cock was half-hard in his pants.

Snow debated on whether or not he should take one of these three witches (or maybe all three) to the bathroom and have his wicked way with her or them, but ultimately decided against it. He'd been spending so much time with these three particular witches that having sex with them might make things weird.

What Snow really wanted to do was to celebrate with his new friend Ashe. He also wanted to see Ashe's scandalized expression when Snow used his enchanted sword to conjure two naked women made out of water and willed them to start kissing.

Ashe was an enigma, and Snow liked solving puzzles. Why did Ashe hate women? Why was Ashe so obsessed with money? Why was Ashe's body covered in scars? Who had tortured Ashe?

Ashe was his friend and he could be in trouble. Snow was a prince. The Prince of Apple Kingdom, no less. He had money and resources. Why should Ashe continue to suffer in silence when Snow could help him? "I wish my friend Ashe were here..." Snow lamented. "He's an entertaining guy."

"Ashe?" Elvira questioned, her green eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Was that your silver-haired friend with the remarkable gold eyes?"

"Yes. That's him," Snow confirmed.

"There are rumors about him, you know..." Elvira began in a conspiratorial tone. "He's called the Heartbreaker of Glass City. It looks like you might have some competition, Prince Snow, when it comes to breaking hearts."

"Heartbreaker? Him?" Snow scoffed. "He doesn't even _like_ women."

"Well, he does like their money and jewelry," Tabitha put in. "I heard that he seduces mature women and they pay him for his 'services' with gold or jewels."

Snow's usual carefree expression faltered and turned horrified by what Tabitha was suggesting. "Are you calling my friend a gigolo?"

Tabitha shrugged lackadaisically. "It's only what I heard. I don't know if it's true."

Were these unsavory rumors about his friend Ashe true? Snow couldn't help but wonder. Was he really selling his body? But, why? Why would he need money that badly? Or did he really just like money? No...this had to do with his revenge.

Snow slammed his hands down on the table and stood up from his seat abruptly. "That's it. I'm going to go and ask him what the truth is myself!" He slid out of the booth and was about to walk off when Elvira called out to him.

"Wait, Snow. Do you even know where Ashe lives?" Elvira asked.

"Well...no," Snow admitted, rubbing the back of his head in a chagrined gesture.

"Why don't you just send him a note or letter by Fairy Post," Tabitha suggested wisely. "You could ask him to come join us for drinks. That way he won't know it's an interrogation."

"Good idea," Snow agreed, flashing the purple-haired witch a grateful smile. "Er, where is the closest Fairy Post Office?"

The three witches laughed at Snow's question. "I sometimes wonder if you're really a wizard, Prince Snow!" Endora whipped out her wand, waved it through the air, and cast a spell. A five-inch-tall fairy with blue hair appeared in a cloud of smoke.

"How may I be of service, Madam?" Blue asked while executing a gallant bow.

"Prince Snow wishes to send a message to his friend Ashe," Endora started to explain.

Blue nodded, and with a wave of his own tiny wand conjured a piece of parchment along with a magically refilling ink quill. He handed both items to Snow. "Here you are, Prince Snow."

"Thanks." Snow smoothed the piece of parchment down on the table and penned a quick message.

Dear Ashe,

Your Prince commands you to come have a drink with him at the Forbidden Fruit. I won't take 'no' for an answer. Stop being an anti-social, grumpy bastard, and do a little socializing for once in your life. I'd mention that there are beautiful women here, but I know you have no interest in the ladies. The wine is excellent though. Well, it should be at Five Gold Apples per bottle! But this is a special occasion as I'm celebrating finally being able to do magic. You should be here since I have you to thank for that in part.

Your friend,

Prince Snow Flurris

Snow rolled up the tiny piece of parchment, took out his royal seal, which he always had with him, and grabbed one of the candles from the candelabrum that was sitting in the middle of the table. He dripped a glob of wax onto the parchment and pressed his seal to it. Snow replaced the candle in the candelabrum and handed the sealed note to Blue.

"I will deliver this message to Ashe Smoldris as quickly as I can," Blue declared, executing a low bow, and then he flew off.

Snow watched the tiny male fairy fly out an open window at top speed, leaving a glittering trail of fairy dust behind him. "And now, we wait. More wine!"

***

Meanwhile, back at Doriana's house in Apple City...

Eventually, Doriana grew bored with watching Ashe clean the floor on his hands and knees with a toothbrush, and had him make her lunch while wearing nothing but a pink apron. _Humiliating him is such fun!_ Doriana thought gleefully to herself. _The prideful ones are always the most fun to break._

After lunch Doriana told Ashe that she had important things to go do, and that Ashe was to dust all the bedrooms on the second floor. As soon as Doriana left the house Ashe made his way up the sweeping grand staircase to the second floor. He made his way down the hall and tried to open the first door on his right, but it was locked. Ashe shrugged and tried the next room, and found that it was unlocked.

Ashe managed to finish cleaning all of the rooms on the second floor (except for the locked one) before Doriana returned from her shopping trip. Ashe stared at the locked door with a frown on his face. Was this some kind of trap? If he didn't clean that room would he be punished for being lazy? It seemed like something Lord Tremaine would have done.

Ashe decided that he needed to get in that room and clean it, just in case. He removed a hairpin from his hair and used it to pick the lock. Ashe smiled when the satisfying _click_ reached his ears. He grabbed the doorknob, opened the door, and entered. There was a single lit candelabrum sitting on a dresser that was shedding an eerie, dim light around the room.

The room appeared to be for storage, and was filled with lots of random items. Most of the furniture was covered in dust. Ashe's attention was drawn to the back wall where there were two long red velvet drapes that appeared to be concealing something.

His curiosity getting the better of him, Ashe made his way over to the drapes, grabbed a cord, and pulled. The drapes parted to reveal a single portrait. The portrait was of an old woman, who had red-rimmed, sunken gray eyes. Her face was covered in wrinkles. The Victorian-style dress she was wearing appeared to be moth-eaten, and the bird that was on the hat she was wearing had turned into a skeleton.

The old hag was hideous. And not only that, there was something horribly wrong with the painting. It had an evil, malevolent presence that felt _alive_. It was as if the painting were sentient. Ashe felt like the hag's gray eyes were boring into him. He felt as though the old woman in the painting could see the real Ashe - his tainted soul. He felt exposed, ashamed, and vulnerable - at her mercy. Bile rose up Ashe's throat, and he couldn't help but wonder who this woman was.

Ashe was about to close the drapes when he realized that the condescending sneer on the woman's face was strangely familiar. His gaze returned to the old woman's gray eyes. They were the exact same shade as Lady Doriana's. _A relative, perhaps?_ Ashe mused. _Evil must run in the family._

Ashe couldn't stand the old woman's stare for very long, and had to look away. When he did his eyes landed on a golden mask that was sitting on a nearby table. "It can't be..." Ashe approached the table, picked up the mask, and inspected it. It was a golden snake mask with rubies for eyes. This mask belonged to a member of The League of Villains!

_Shit._ Ashe swore inwardly when he realized what this meant. Lady Doriana Gray was a member of the League of Villains. _I have to get out of here before-!_

"So, you've discovered my secret," Doriana said in a chill tone. "Naughty pet."

Ashe spun around to face Doriana, who was standing in the open doorway, dressed in a riding outfit. Ashe lifted his chin in a show of stubborn bravery and defiance, and held up the gold snake mask. "You...you're a member of the League of Villains!"

Doriana let out a cackle. "That's right. What of it?"

"The League of Villains is responsible for countless atrocities that have occurred in Fantasia," Ashe started, his golden eyes flashing with anger. "They were also behind the recent monster attack in Rose City. Dozens of innocent people died in that attack. Including innocent women and children!"

"You're angry about a few dozen people losing their worthless lives?" Doriana arched an eyebrow at Ashe. "It was supposed to be _hundreds_! But, of course, Aurelion just had to get in our way! Our leader wants Rose Kingdom for himself. And the only one that stands between him and his ambition is the hero Aurelion. Aurelion survived _this_ time, but he won't survive our next attack. Ours spies discovered something interesting about Aurelion. Apparently, he won't raise a hand against a woman." A sly, sinister smile spread across Doriana's face. "I will seduce the naïve, kind-hearted Aurelion...and when he's lowered his guard I will plunge a dagger into his heart! Or maybe I'll just shoot him in the head. That would probably be easier. When I bring our leader Aurelion's head...I will be greatly rewarded."

"No." Ashe shook his head in denial. "I won't let you hurt Aurelion."

" _You_ won't let _me_?" Doriana said in an amused tone. "You're nothing but a slave. I have nothing to fear from you."

"You're wrong," Ashe objected. "I'm _not_ a slave. I'm a hero! And as a villain...you're my enemy. Killing Aurelion would doom Fantasia. As a hero I must protect Fantasia...and that means protecting my friend. Even if that means I have to get blood on my hands by killing you myself." Ashe had spotted a dagger lying on a nearby table earlier and walked over to grab it.

Doriana gawked at Ashe with a disbelieving expression on her face. "You would attack a lady?"

"You're no lady," Ashe scoffed. "You're an evil bitch." He charged towards Doriana, raised the dagger high, and tried to bring it down upon Doriana's breast as he aimed for her heart.

Doriana had surprisingly quick reflexes, however, and she reached out to grab Ashe's wrist and stopped him. "You would dare to raise your hand against your Master!" she snarled, gray eyes flashing with malice.

Ashe placed his other hand on the dagger's hilt. "Lord Christian Tremaine is my Master - not you." He started to use all of his strength in an attempt to overpower Doriana and stab her heart.

Doriana placed her other hand on Ashe's wrist to stop him. It became a battle of strength with each one trying to overpower the other. In just a few seconds, Ashe was able to overpower Doriana, and he slid the dagger's blade right into Doriana's heart.

Doriana's gray eyes widened and she gasped in pain. "Oh no...you've killed me! How could you be so cruel? I'm a _woman_."

Ashe let go of the dagger's hilt and stumbled backwards a few steps. The weight of his actions settled upon his shoulders like a heavy lead cloak. "I'm sorry," Ashe apologized sincerely, his voice rough. "But you left me no choice. I couldn't let you kill Aurelion. And he'd never be the same if he'd been forced to kill you. Fantasia needs him more than you or I."

"Just kidding!" Doriana started to laugh maniacally as she saw the shocked, confused look on Ashe's face. She wrapped her hand around the hilt of the dagger and pulled it out of her chest without so much as a wince. "That kind of attack won't work on me. I happen to be immortal."

Ashe gaped at Doriana as he watched the wound on her chest closing before his very eyes. _She really is immortal. But, how?_

Ashe didn't notice, but a stab wound appeared on the breast of the old woman in the painting and started to bleed.

"Naughty boys should be punished," Doriana said, throwing the dagger at Ashe.

Ashe dodged instinctively and the dagger imbedded itself in the painting instead.

Doriana cried out in pain this time and covered her upper left arm with her right hand. Her gray eyes flashed with anger. "Damn you! Why did you dodge, you insubordinate male!"

Ashe shot the painting a bewildered look and took note of how the dagger was imbedded in the old woman's upper arm in the exact same spot where Doriana was now currently injured. _The painting! It can't be...the secret to her immortality? A cursed painting._ Ashe thought before he started to run towards the painting. He grabbed the hilt of the dagger, removed it from the painting, and prepared to stab the old woman in the heart. "This time you will die, Doriana Gray!"

"No!" Doriana reached into her jacket pocket, pulled out a gun, and shot Ashe with it. The bullet whizzed through the air and imbedded itself in the back of Ashe's shoulder. Ashe's shoulder exploded in pain, and he dropped the dagger. Ashe had never felt such excruciating pain before. He'd thought it had been painful when Picasso liked to carve circles into his chest, but this was far worse. He let out a cry and sank to his knees.

Doriana sashayed over to Ashe and kicked the dagger further away from him. Ashe stared at the strange weapon in Doriana's hand. "What is that? What did you do to me? It hurts so much..."

"Oh, this?" Doriana held up the gun. "This is a gun. A forty-five. And I just shot you. It's a weapon used to kill people. It's from my world. A little something from the twenty-first century. Magnificent, isn't it?" She placed a loving kiss on the gun's barrel. "Mwha!"

The blood was draining out of Ashe's face from the pain. "How long have you been immortal? That weapon..."

"Oh, Ashe, a man is never supposed to ask a woman's age," Doriana chided, waving her gun at him. "But since you've asked so sweetly, I'll tell you. I've been alive since the Victorian Era. Not that you will know what that means."

"How did you even gain immortality?" Ashe asked, deciding to take advantage of the fact that Doriana seemed to be in a talkative mood.

"I think the real question you should be asking is _why_ I've gained immortality," Doriana said, a smile spreading across her lips. "It's an interesting story. Leader wants a certain someone dead, and cast a spell to find this man's greatest weakness. That spell led Leader to me. Apparently, I'll make the perfect weapon to use against this man. Leader is in the possession of a magic mirror that can travel to different worlds and times. He first visited Victorian England hundreds of years ago. Leader gifted a magic powder made from the horn of a unicorn to an artist named Miss Basil Hallward. Basil painted a portrait of me, which captured my soul. From that point on the portrait would age instead of me. Any injuries I sustained would show up on the painting, and I was left unscathed."

"So the portrait really is cursed," Ashe said.

"Cursed?" Doriana raised an eyebrow at Ashe. "It has granted me immortality. Eternal beauty. What more could any woman want? One day I will pay Leader back for this gift he has granted me by getting rid of the thorn in his side."

"You mean...Aurelion?" Ashe asked curiously.

Doriana shook her head. "No, there's someone that bothers Leader even more than that hero! But I've already said too much. You're just so easy to talk to, Ashe. And I really hate keeping secrets. I'm horrible at it. You should also know that all the members of the League of Villains are immortal...you and your friends don't stand a chance against us. Well, there is one whose immortality is _pending_."

_Is she talking about Lord Tremaine?_ Ashe wondered, a feeling of unease creeping over him.

"Oh, Ashe, you never should have come in here. Now that you've discovered my true secret you'll have to be punished quite harshly. The only option I have now is breaking you and making you my loyal, obedient love slave," Doriana said in a husky voice.

***

_Fuck my life._ For the first time in Ashe's twenty-five years of life he had an erection. Normally, this would have been a good thing. Unfortunately, due to the circumstance of being tied down spread-eagle to a bed in Doriana Gray's guest bedroom against his will, Ashe wasn't all too happy about it.

Just to top things off he was buck-naked and his erection was pressing against his six-pack abs with a drop of precum glistening at its tip in full view of Lady Doriana. She'd tied Ashe's wrists to the headboard and his ankles to the footboard using strips of black leather.

When Doriana had ordered Ashe to lie down on the bed he'd stupidly obeyed her. Ashe hadn't resisted when she'd tied his wrists and ankles to the bed because he'd assumed she was going to torture him in a similar fashion to how Lord Tremaine and his sons tortured him: whipping, beating, or cutting. Also, Ashe really didn't want to get shot again, and obeying Doriana seemed to be the best way to prevent that.

Doriana had removed the bullet from his shoulder, and had cleaned and bandaged his wound, but it was still throbbing in pain. Ashe never expected Doriana to open a drawer on the bedside table, and pull out a syringe filled with a pink-tinged liquid, which she called an 'aphrodisiac'.

After Doriana had injected Ashe with the drug she'd explained how once the drug was coursing through his veins he would become incredibly aroused and the only thing he'd want to do is fuck. And more importantly, fuck _her_.

Ashe hadn't believed her. He did now.

Doriana was standing next to the bed and staring down at Ashe's flushed, naked body with a triumphant look on her face. Her gaze lingered on his erection and Ashe's cock twitched as if sensing her gaze. "The drug appears to finally be taking effect. How do you feel, Ashe? Do you feel hot? Horny?"

Instead of responding Ashe started to struggle against his bonds. His body wasn't really listening to him, however, and his hips bucked up, searching for...he didn't know what.

"Are you feeling horny, baby?" Doriana teased, playfully quoting Austin Powers as she ran her index finger up Ashe's throbbing length. Ashe's hips bucked of their own accord into her touch, and a drop of precum dribbled down his cock. "I bet that felt insanely good," she said, taking away her hand.

"Fuck you," Ashe growled. "Don't touch me, you crazy bitch!"

Doriana raised an eyebrow as she watched Ashe pant and buck his hips desperately. Her expression turned amused. "You're not being very honest about what you want, are you? I know you're dying for me to touch you right now. And if you ask nicely, I may."

"Never!" Ashe said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, come on, Ashe, tell me what you _really_ want?" Doriana urged.

"Please..." Ashe blurted out and flushed. He shook his head. "I mean...I'll never want you, Doriana!"

"We'll see about that, Boy Toy," Doriana said flippantly. "Let's see how long you can resist me. I'm going to leave you like this, Ashe. Your arousal will grow more painful as the hours tick by. By morning you will be _begging_ for me to touch you. You'll be like a beast in heat. I'm really looking forward to it because I'm going to have you fuck me and come inside of me when you're in that mad, lust-driven state. Then, you will be mine." Doriana let out an evil cackle.

Ashe gave her a look of disbelief. "You're insane."

"Once you've experienced the pleasure of coming inside a woman, you won't want anything else. Only me." Doriana cupped her breasts suggestively. "I _will_ break you. And then I'll train you until you are my submissive, obedient sex slave." She reached out and caressed Ashe's cheek in an affectionate manner.

Ashe turned his head away from her touch even as his entire body was screaming at him to lean into her caress. "Fuck you. You'll never break me, Doriana. I don't break so easily," Ashe snarled angrily.

Doriana eyed the scars that covered Ashe's entire body. "I suppose that's true enough. Though I never said it would be easy. Breaking a proud man's will is never easy, but I've gotten quite good at it over the centuries. I've had a lot of practice."

_Pride?_ Ashe thought sullenly. _My pride is already broken. But I don't live for pride. I live for revenge._

Doriana ran a finger along one of Ashe's scars, causing him to shudder. "It's such a pity -these scars. You would be so handsome without them. With them you're just...damaged goods."

Doriana's cruel insults shouldn't have affected Ashe, but he felt ashamed and regretful in that moment that his body was covered in scars. _She's right._ He thought morosely. _I'm nothing but damaged goods. All those women I slept with...none of them saw my naked body. None of them saw my scars. Most women would run away from such a sight._

Doriana sashayed to the bedroom door, and Ashe noticed that the soles of her black stiletto shoes were red. Just as she was exiting she glanced over her shoulder to flash Ashe a sadistic smile. "Have a pleasant evening, Ashe Smoldris." She cackled on her way out, and shut and locked the door behind her.

Ashe immediately renewed his struggles against his bonds. "Doriana!" he roared. He listened to the click-clacking sound of her high-heeled shoes as she stalked down the hall.

"Shit." Doriana had really just left him there in his current state. Ashe had never felt this way before. He was so aroused it hurt. He _needed_ to be touched. He _needed_ Doriana to...no! Ashe caught himself in his thoughts. He couldn't give in that easily. He couldn't give Doriana what she wanted. He would rather die first. _Die?_

_That's right...I could still bite my tongue off and kill myself and end this humiliation!_ But as Ashe contemplated committing suicide his thoughts turned to his new friends: Snow Flurris, Aurelion Borealis, Rapuznel Solis, and Julie.

He still had to warn his friends that Doriana was a member of The League of Villains. Especially Aurelion...and Snow while he was at it. Both men seemed to have a weakness where women were concerned - Aurelion out of chivalry and Snow out of lust.

His thoughts went to Julie and how he'd wanted to make the strange girl some sort of present in thanks for everything she'd done for him. _I never did find the time to make it._ Ashe thought sadly. There were still things he needed to do. People he needed to see. He couldn't die just yet.

Ashe tried to resist the effects of the aphrodisiac - a futile effort. His arousal was growing more and more painful as the minutes ticked by slowly, just like Doriana had said. He felt like he was slowly losing his mind. And for some odd reason his thoughts kept straying to Julie. "Julie..." he groaned.

***

Juleka's enchanted pumpkin carriage ended up taking her to Lady Doriana Gray's house in Apple City. The Tudor-style house had a sloping roof and a crooked chimney. There was a small front garden, but all of the roses were withered up and black. "So...Ashe is inside this house," Juleka mused aloud.

The carriage was small enough to pass through the opening in the picket fence that surrounded Doriana's property and it headed for the back of the house. The carriage came to a stop before one of the back windows.

Juleka exited the carriage, stealthily made her way to the window, and peered inside. She let out a relieved breath when she saw that the room was empty. Since the carriage had stopped right there, however, this meant that Ashe must be in the room directly above this one. Juleka looked up at the second floor window. _He must be in there._

Luckily, the back wall of the house was covered with ivy. Juleka grabbed onto the ivy and began the painstaking process of climbing the wall. _After Rapunzel's Tower...this is almost easy!_ Juleka thought.

Once she'd reached the second floor window she pushed at it. The window happened to be unlocked, and it swung open. Juleka pulled herself up onto the windowsill and then hopped down into the bedroom. A single lit candelabrum was casting a flickering golden light around the room and illuminated the figure on the bed.

Juleka's gaze went to the figure, and she realized it was a naked man. A flush rose to her cheeks and she wondered if she had the right room. Then, as Juleka's eyes adjusted to the dim light she was able to make out the man's silvery hair and golden eyes. "Ashe!" she gasped out before running over to the bed.

Once she was standing right next to the bed Juleka noticed that Ashe's wrists and ankles had been secured to the bed using leather straps. Also, now that she was closer the flickering candlelight revealed the scars that covered Ashe's entire body. Juleka's expression turned horrified. "Those scars...! Oh, Ashe, what have they done to you?"

Juleka was so distracted by the sight of the scars that covered Ashe's entire body that she didn't notice his aroused state.

Ashe turned to look at Juleka with glazed, hooded eyes filled with lust. "Doriana?"

_Doriana?_ Juleka thought, a frown forming on her face. _As in the Lady Doriana Gray? Is this her house? Oh, dear. How did Ashe fall into that spider's web?_ "No. It's me...Julie."

"My stalker?" Ashe asked in a husky voice.

"Yes, that's right. Julie the stalker." Juleka's tone of voice was bittersweet.

Ashe's entire body relaxed at Juleka's words. "Thank goodness. It's only little Julie." A dazed look settled over Ashe's face and he turned to stare at Julie again. "Please, I need..." he trailed off uncertainly.

"Need what?" Juleka asked, moving closer to the bed.

"I need you to touch me," Ashe admitted softly.

Juleka sucked in a surprised breath. This situation was like one out of her wildest daydreams. Ashe had actually asked, no, _pleaded_ for her to touch him. It was unreal. And how could she possibly deny his request? She swallowed nervously. "Alright." Juleka moved onto the bed until she was kneeling on the mattress directly next to Ashe.

Juleka swallowed nervously as she stared down at Ashe's leanly muscled chest. Her hands twitched with her desire to touch him. _I'm going to get to touch Ashe!_ When she placed both her hands over Ashe's firm pecs they both gasped at the physical contact.

Juleka's hands started to tremble as she ran them over Ashe's chest, exploring his compact muscles, and then down over his six-pack abs. Juleka felt the same giddiness she obtained after drinking three glasses of wine. Ashe let out little moans of pleasure as she touched him, and growing bolder by his positive reaction to her touch Juleka began to feel up his thighs. She'd been studiously ignoring his crotch, and was too shy to even look at his manhood.

Juleka knew it was wrong for her to be doing this. _So wrong._ She told herself sternly. _Oh, why does it feel so right?_ Obviously, there was something wrong with Ashe. Had he been cursed by some evil magic spell? She _should_ be trying to free him from the spell...not touch him like this against his will.

But...Juleka couldn't help taking advantage of this situation to touch the object of her desires so freely. Ashe was restrained and at her mercy, and just the thought of it made Juleka shiver with desire.

After her thorough inspection of Ashe's body and all its musculature Juleka was sure she'd be able to paint nude portraits of Ashe. Well, of course, she'd have to look at his manhood in order to be able to do an accurate interpretation. This was for the sake of art!

Juleka chickened out at the last second and hesitated upon looking at his crotch. Instead, she started to pay attention to Ashe's scars and traced her fingers gently over them.

Ashe flinched at her touch. "Ugly...hideous...damaged..." he moaned in despair.

Juleka shook her head at Ashe fervently. "No! You're not ugly. You're _so_ beautiful. Those scars show what you are - a strong warrior."

"Julie," Ashe panted, giving her a beseeching look. "Please, touch me."

Juleka's brow furrowed in confusion. "But I _am_ touching you."

Ashe let out a frustrated grunt and bucked his hips. "No. I need you to touch my cock."

Juleka's cheeks flamed beneath her mask at Ashe's bold request. _Oh, my!_ Did he really know what he was asking? _When will I ever get another chance like this?_ Juleka thought to herself before gathering her courage and finally letting her gaze lower to his manhood.

Ashe's cock was larger than she'd thought it would be. It was flushed pink from his arousal, and Juleka noted a vein throbbing on its side. A drop of precum was glistening at its mushroom-head tip beckoning Juleka to have a taste of Ashe's desire for her.

Juleka started to salivate at the sight of Ashe's erection, and heat pooled between her legs. She reached out and tentatively wrapped her hand around Ashe's pulsing length. "Like this?"

Ashe threw his head back, moaned, and bucked his hips into her hand. "Yes! More." Juleka experimentally moved her hand up and down Ashe's cock. A minute later, Ashe let out a frustrated noise at Juleka's slow pace. "Faster," he urged her. Juleka complied and quickened her pace, stroking his cock faster. Ashe sighed. "Not enough. I need more. Your mouth. I want your mouth on me, Julie."

The way Ashe said her name (or rather her fake name) sent a shiver up Juleka's spine. She'd never heard Ashe's voice sound like this before - so deep, husky and full of lust.

"Please," Ashe added, breaking Juleka from her thoughts. She nibbled on her lower lip. In order to carry out Ashe's request she'd have to take off her unicorn mask. And if she did that Ashe would see her strange looking eyes. At least, he wouldn't know it was the face of Princess Juleka Glass. So what did it really matter?

This secret of hers couldn't be kept forever anyways. And was she really going to let this opportunity pass her by? Once Ashe regained his senses he wouldn't want her anywhere near him. This could be her only chance to taste Ashe.

With a trembling hand Juleka reached up, removed her unicorn mask, and set it down on the bed. She looked shyly down at Ashe, and their eyes met.

Ashe's eyes widened as he stared into her blue eyes with flecks of silver in them, and he gave her a delirious smile. "Your eyes are so...sparkly. They're very pretty."

A pink-tinge rose to Juleka's cheeks, and she offered Ashe a tremulous smile. She moved between his spread legs and crawled closer on her hands and knees. Once she was close enough she reached out, wrapped her hand around Ashe's erection, and guided it to her mouth as she leaned forward.

At first, she let just the tip of his cock inside of her mouth, and then licked and sucked at it. Juleka and Ashe both moaned. Juleka had moaned because she'd finally gotten to taste Ashe's desire, and had been able to satiate her brewing curiosity. And Ashe had moaned because of the pleasure Juleka was giving him.

Ashe's arousal was finally starting to feel less painful. "Yes. More. Julie," Ashe begged, his voice tinged with desperation as he bucked his hips.

Juleka carefully took more of Ashe's cock into her mouth until the tip of his cock hit the back of her throat. It tickled in a strange way, and she almost gagged, and yet it felt strangely good to have Ashe's cock so deep inside of her.

When Juleka's nose pressed against Ashe's silvery pubic hair, Juleka breathed in deep of Ashe's musky scent. He smelled like sandalwood and exotic spices.

Juleka looked up and caught Ashe's gaze. She was surprised by the awed, intent look on Ashe's face. In that moment, Juleka suddenly felt powerful. She had Ashe's complete and undivided attention, and not only that he was somehow vulnerable in this moment. With confidence, she started to move her mouth over his cock while never breaking eye contact.

Ashe started to pant for breath, and he bucked his hips in an attempt to thrust his cock deeper into Juleka's mouth. His restraints prevented Ashe from doing so, however. Ashe let out a grunt of frustration and clenched his hands into fists.

Juleka continued to lick and suck Ashe's cock, using her tongue to massage the underside of his cock until Ashe's toes curled in ecstasy. At this point, Ashe's limbs were trembling from the mind-numbing pleasure Juleka was giving him.

Ashe couldn't keep his eyes off the gorgeous woman, who was sucking his cock. His savior. _Who is she? She's not Lady Doriana. Where did she come from? Is this a dream?_

Juleka increased her speed and wrapped her hand around the base of Ashe's cock to help coax him to orgasm. It didn't take long to push Ashe over the edge. He cried out, and came down Juleka's throat.

Ashe's brow furrowed in confusion as the wave of pleasure swept over him. He'd never experience an orgasm before, and this fiery, intense pleasure would take some getting used to.

Juleka eagerly swallowed his come, and only once his cock had turned flaccid did she remove her mouth from him. She looked at Ashe and licked her puffy, red lips. "Yum."

Ashe was smiling at her as he came down from his orgasm high until he started to come back to his senses. With startling clarity he began to realize that this was _no_ dream. This was actually happening.

Ashe gaped down at the stunning woman, who was still between his legs - the woman who'd just sucked him off! She wasn't Doriana. "Who the fuck are you?" Ashe demanded, his golden eyes flashing.

To be continued in...Chapter 8:

### Chapter 8:

"It's me...Julie. Your stalker," Juleka explained with a nervous tremor to her voice while she was still on her hands and knees on the bed.

"Little Julie...!" Ashe closed his eyes and groaned. "Oh, what have I done?" He flushed as he remembered begging Julie to touch him, and to use her mouth on him. He'd been a slave to his lust. "You're just a child, and I-!"

"I'm _not_ a child," Juleka interrupted him with a huff. "I really don't know what gave you that idea to begin with. I'm a young woman. I'll have you know I'm twenty-three-years old!"

"Twenty-three? But..." Ashe glanced down at her chest.

Juleka self-consciously covered her petite breasts with her hands. "So I'm a little underdeveloped for my age." She pouted. "And I suppose I don't have _enormous_ breasts like Lady Doriana Gray! If that's who you're comparing me to. Hmph!"

"Lady Doriana Gray," Ashe muttered before a horrified look settled over his face. "Fuck!" Ashe suddenly remembered everything that had happened at Lady Doriana's home all the way up to being tied up to the bed and drugged. "Doriana...she...! Julie, you need to get the hell out of here. It's dangerous."

"No," Juleka said stubbornly. "I won't leave. Not until you tell me what the hell is going on. First of all...who did this to you?" She ran a finger over one of his scars. "Was it Lady Doriana?"

"No. It was...someone else," Ashe hedged.

"Tell me who," Juleka insisted in a firm tone.

"No."

"If you don't tell me I'll..." Juleka trailed off as she tried to think of something to threaten Ashe with. But seeing him tied down to the bed was only giving her lewd ideas. "Touch you against your will." She leaned over Ashe's body and began to kiss his scars one by one.

Ashe flinched. "Stop that. They're...ugly."

"Hm. I don't think so," Juleka said. "They're like...badges of courage."

"You're a very strange girl," Ashe said, but there was a note of fondness to his voice.

"I know." Juleka placed a trail of kisses down his body as she headed towards his crotch.

When Ashe's cock twitched with interest, he caved. "Okay. Stop. It was Lord Christian Tremaine and his sons!"

"Christian the loan shark?" Juleka pulled back to give Ashe a scrutinizing look. "And _why_ did they do this to you?"

"As punishment for when I failed in my duties as their..." Ashe swallowed and forced himself to continue. "Slave."

"You're a _slave_!" Juleka blurted out in shock.

"I wasn't always a slave," Ashe growled, his golden eyes flashing. "My mother sold me off to Lord Tremaine to settle her gambling debt."

"That's awful," Juleka said softly.

A fierce, determined expression formed on Ashe's face. "I plan to pay the debt and buy my freedom back."

Juleka's brow furrowed in bewilderment. "But if you're Lord Tremaine's slave then how did you end up here at Lady Doriana Gray's house?"

Ashe flushed out of embarrassment. "I fell for a trap. This is my punishment. Lord Tremaine loaned me to Lady Doriana to punish me as she saw fit."

"Punish?" Juleka shivered. "What did she do to you?" Her gaze lingered on Ashe's wounded shoulder.

Ashe smiled crookedly at the worried expression on Juleka's face. "She just made me clean. But then I discovered..." Ashe trailed off as he remembered how he'd discovered that Doriana Gray happened to be a member of The League of Villains. And not only that, he'd also discovered the weakness to her immortality - a cursed portrait.

"What?" Juleka prodded curiously.

"Nothing," Ashe said. He decided it would be much too dangerous for Julie to know about all that. "On a whim, Lady Doriana decided to drug me with an aphrodisiac so I would be begging for her by tomorrow morning. She wants to break me and turn me into her obedient, submissive sex slave."

"She wanted to take advantage of you," Juleka began, a guilty look flashing across her face. "Instead, _I_ did. I'm _so_ sorry, Ashe. I couldn't help myself. I wanted to touch you so badly. Taste you, so badly. I couldn't resist the temptation. I did those things against your will. I'm a monster." Juleka hung her head in shame.

Ashe was surprised and touched by Juleka's guilty reaction. He considered himself to be equally responsible for what had happened between them, even if he had been delirious with lust. Juleka had been an innocent young woman, and he'd tainted some of her innocence with his lewd, selfish demands. "It...wasn't against my will. I wanted you. You're so beautiful. Your eyes...are like diamonds."

Juleka's head snapped up, and she shot Ashe an incredulous yet hopeful look. "Really? Oh, Ashe...I love you. Let me help you. Let me free you. Let me save you!"

A confused frown formed on Ashe's face. "Save me? You're just a little girl. Er, young woman. What could you do? My only hope is to fight in the Glass Coliseum and earn enough money to buy back my freedom from Lord Tremaine. What I need isn't love...it's riches."

Juleka's hopeful expression turned determined. "I can give you what you want. I can give you riches beyond your wildest imaginings." Juleka moved off the bed and searched around the bedroom until she discovered a letter opener sitting on a small desk. She picked it up, walked back over to Ashe's bedside, and raised the sharp letter opener high over her head.

Ashe flinched, assuming she was going to bring the letter opener down upon him like all the others. Everyone apparently loved hurting and ridiculing him.

Instead, Juleka stabbed her own arm with the letter opener, and let out a small whimper of pain.

Ashe's jaw dropped at the unexpected sight. "Julie? What the fuck are you doing?"

Juleka collapsed onto Ashe's chest. She gathered her strength to push herself up so that she could stare down at Ashe with teary, sparkling blue eyes. Juleka twisted the letter opener and flinched in pain. "Watch this." She blinked and tears fell from her eyes. As her tears fell down through the air they transformed into blue diamonds.

The diamonds landed on Ashe's chest where they glittered. Ashe stared down at the little diamonds sitting on his bare chest in shock. "What the hell?"

"I was born with this curse," Juleka revealed. "My tears turn into diamonds. But maybe it isn't a curse, but a blessing if I can help you buy back your freedom from Lord Tremaine this way." Ashe was so unnerved by this situation that he was unable to form an immediate response. "How much is your debt? How many diamonds will you need to be free?"

Ashe saw that Juleka was about to twist the letter opener again, and snapped out of his stunned stupor. "No! Stop it! You're being crazy!"

"Love makes people do crazy things." Juleka removed the letter opener from her arm, and raised it, prepared to stab herself with it again. "Things you wouldn't imagine yourself doing in a million years."

_Shit._ Ashe struggled against his bonds. He had no choice. Ashe dislocated the thumb on his right hand, slipped it through the leather restraint around his wrist, reached out, and wrapped his hand around Juleka's wrist, stopping her. "Stop this madness, Julie!" Ashe said in a firm, chiding tone. "Self-mutilation won't make me love you! It will only make me hate you."

_Hate?_ Juleka gasped and the letter opener fell from her limp fingers and clattered to the floor. "Oh, Ashe, please don't hate me. I'm sorry!" She sobbed and more tears streamed down her face.

Ashe watched as these tears slid off her cheeks, fell down through the air, and transformed into diamonds, which landed on his chest. Ashe's harsh words had hurt her enough to make her cry diamond tears. _Her pain is giving me diamonds. I'm such a shitty bastard._

Ashe reached out and cupped Juleka's cheek. "Shhh, don't cry. I'm sorry. I didn't really mean it. I could never hate you. You're too cute." He wiped her tears away with his thumb.

Juleka sniffled. "You don't want me to cry? But you need the money. I can save you. I can free you."

"My freedom is not worth your pain." Ashe sighed. "I may not love you, but...I do consider you to be my friend. You've proven your loyalty to me, Julie."

"I thought you didn't have friends." Juleka gave him a watery smile.

"Apparently, I do," Ashe commented dryly. "Now, go on. Get out of here before Lady Doriana returns. If she finds you here like this..." He shuddered. "There's no telling what she could do."

Juleka pulled away from Ashe and his warm touch. "I'm not afraid of her." She put her unicorn mask back on, and bent over to pick up the fallen letter opener. Juleka walked over to the other side of the bed, and started to cut through Ashe's bonds using the letter opener. "We're getting out of here. Together."

Ashe gave Juleka a skeptical look. "I can't just leave. I'm a slave, and this is my punishment."

"Technically, you are Lord Tremaine's slave. Lady Doriana _can't_ do this to you. I won't allow it," Juleka said in an imperious tone. "Now, hurry up, and get dressed. We're leaving."

Ashe moved off the bed and started to reluctantly dress in Lord Tremaine's old, pinstriped suit. He was still giving Juleka a skeptical look. "We'll never get past her dogs. How did _you_ get past her dogs anyways?"

"Invisible, enchanted pumpkin carriage, remember?" Juleka reminded with an impish smirk playing on her lips.

Juleka's words weren't enough to ease Ashe's worry, however. To disobey a Master's orders was a crime punishable by death in Glass Kingdom. Would Lord Tremaine finally just kill him? _Shit._

As soon as Ashe finished getting dressed he walked over to Juleka, who was already standing beside the window. They were just about to try and make their escape, when-

A loud knock on the front door echoed throughout the entire estate. "Who the hell would be visiting Lady Doriana at this hour?" Ashe mused aloud.

"Maybe Lord Tremaine had a change of heart about leaving you with Lady Doriana," Juleka suggested hopefully.

"I highly doubt that," Ashe scoffed.

"Let's go see." Juleka exited the bedroom before Ashe could stop her.

"Julie! Shit." Ashe followed Juleka out of the bedroom and into the hall.

At that moment, a door down the hall opened, and Lady Doriana emerged, dressed in a red silk robe, and not much else. She yawned widely, and covered her mouth with her hand. When the knocking resumed a muscle beneath her eye ticked in irritation. "Gah! I'm coming! I'm coming! Don't get your panties in a bunch!"

Juleka and Ashe ducked down behind a large potted plant, and watched as Doriana approached the grand staircase. "Whoever it is better have a good reason for interrupting my beauty sleep," Doriana grumbled as she began her way down the steps.

As Juleka watched Doriana reach the entrance hall and head towards the front door she couldn't help but notice the gleaming marble floor. "Did you clean the floor?" she whispered.

"Yeah," Ashe whispered back.

"Good job," Juleka praised.

Doriana opened the door wide to reveal Prince Snow Flurris and a couple of wizard guards. There was a tiny male fairy with blue hair sitting on Snow's shoulder with a smug expression on his face.

Doriana's jaw dropped at the sight of the unexpected guests. "Prince Snow Flurris! What are you doing here?"

"I'm drunk," Snow said, flashing her a charming smile. "I sent a note to my friend Ashe by Fairy Post inviting him out for drinks. But he never showed up. As a prince I don't take 'no' for an answer. Where _is_ Ashe, Milady?" he asked, raising a haughty eyebrow at Doriana.

The blood started to drain out of Doriana's lovely face. "Ashe? Well, I'm afraid he's...indisposed at the moment. But, perhaps, tomorrow he-"

Ashe stood up from his hiding spot and boldly approached the top of the grand staircase in full view. "I'm right here, Snow," Ashe called out in a blasé tone.

"How did you get free?" Doriana blurted out in shock, and then covered her mouth with her hand. She shot Snow a guilty look, and inwardly cursed her big mouth.

Snow's sapphire blue eyes were sparkling with mirth, however. "Free?"

Doriana flushed guiltily and began to panic. "My prince, please allow me to explain. I didn't know he was your friend. I-"

"A little bondage play, aye?" Snow sent Doriana a roguish wink. "Don't worry, I understand _perfectly_. Maybe I'll let you tie _me_ up sometime, Lady Doriana," he teased playfully.

Doriana's shoulders relaxed and she let out a breath of relief. "Prince Snow, it would be both an honor and a pleasure," she simpered.

"Yes. Another time perhaps," Snow said casually. "Right now, I want to have a drinking competition with my friend Ashe."

"Of course," Doriana readily agreed. "I understand, my prince. I can be...patient." Doriana's gray eyes were filled with lust as she looked over Snow's handsome form. He was wearing his usual blue shirt with puffed sleeves, tight yellow pantaloons, red and blue cape, and shiny, black dress shoes.

Snow's expression turned smug as he noticed the way Doriana was eyeing him like a piece of meat. "Come along, Ashe. We're leaving," he said in an imperious tone.

"Sure." Ashe descended the stairs followed by Juleka. He was impressed by how well Snow's charm ability seemed to be working on Lady Doriana Gray. A pink flush had risen to her cheeks, and was she starting to pant as she looked at Prince Snow? It was strange seeing the dominant woman acting so submissive all of a sudden. _Unreal._ Ashe thought, shaking his head.

And to think that he'd been worried about the possibility of Doriana seducing Snow, but it seemed that things were more likely to happen the other way around. This would mean she only posed a threat to Aurelion.

Ashe walked right past Doriana and out the front door. Lady Doriana was still so focused on the handsome Prince Snow that she barely even noticed Ashe leaving. When Juleka started to pass by Doriana she jumped in surprise since she hadn't even noticed the strange, dark girl until now. "A ghost!"

Juleka turned to face Doriana slowly and tilted her head in a creepy manner. "If you ever hurt Ashe again...I will haunt you for the rest of your days."

Doriana let out a squeak and stumbled backwards out of fear. She _hated_ ghosts. Doriana quickly shut the door, ran up the grand staircase, and didn't stop running until she'd made it inside of her bedroom and locked the door.

***

Meanwhile, outside Doriana's house...

"You were here too, Julie?" Snow asked with raised eyebrows. "Lady Doriana totally thought you were a ghost just now. Brilliant!" He let out an amused chuckle.

"You're such a dark, strange girl," Ashe said, shaking his head at Juleka. "I'm _not_ surprised."

"I hope I frightened her to death," Juleka said venomously.

Snow rubbed the back of his neck in a shy gesture. "Sorry for just showing up out of the blue like this, but when Blue told me he couldn't get past Lady Doriana's wards to deliver a note to you I found that to be incredibly suspicious, and I thought you might need to be rescued. I really hope I didn't interrupt kinky fun times." He gave Ashe a worried look.

Juleka and Ashe both blushed at the suggestion of 'kinky fun times', and Snow misinterpreted their expressions. "Oh my God, I did. I'm such a cock-block. I'm so sorry, man."

"No. It's-it wasn't..." Ashe stammered out. "I didn't need to be rescued. Well, I mean I kind of did...but Julie saved me." He shot Juleka an emotional and grateful look.

"Okay." Snow scratched his head in confusion. "Your stalker saved you from _what_ exactly?"

Ashe hesitated in how to respond. "She was torturing him," Juleka began casually.

"Torturing!" Snow exclaimed in alarm and a fierce glint formed in his sapphire-blue eyes. "Shall I have her arrested?"

"No. It was a punishment, really," Ashe started to explain. "She wasn't doing anything against the law."

Snow rubbed at his temples with his index fingers and glared at Ashe. "Explain to me how torture isn't against the law?"

"When it's done to a slave, okay?" Ashe snapped in irritation.

Snow staggered back a few steps out of shock. "You're a...! Wait, are you Lady Doriana's slave?"

"No," Ashe said, his expression shuttering. "I am Lord Christian Tremaine's slave."

"The nefarious loan shark!" Snow blurted out. "How the hell did that happen?"

"My mother sold me to him to cover her gambling debt," Ashe further explained in a dull tone. This was it. Prince Snow Flurris finally knew the truth about him. That Ashe was just a lowly slave. Ashe mentally prepared himself for what was inevitably about to happen next - Snow was going to reject their friendship.

The pieces of the puzzle were finally falling into place for Snow, and he nodded. "I get it now. You want money to buy your freedom back from Lord Tremaine."

"Indeed," Ashe drawled.

Snow's expression brightened and he placed a hand over his chest. "Wait. How about _I_ pay off the debt and buy you from Lord Tremaine!"

"You want to buy me?" Ashe asked, giving Snow a suspicious look.

Snow chuckled and waved his hand through the air. "Whoa. Don't look at me like that. It would be to free you, of course. Not for anything...weird. You know I love the ladies!"

Ashe glanced at the wound that was still bleeding on Juleka's arm. She wanted to cry diamond tears for him, and Snow wanted to simply buy his freedom. Through their show of loyalty Julie and Snow had both proven themselves to be true friends.

"I appreciate the offer, Snow," Ashe said, giving his friend a lopsided smile. "But I'm going to have to refuse. This is between Lord Tremaine and I. I want to show him that I can do the impossible and pay the debt all by myself. I want to beat him on my own. If either of you help me...it will be like Lord Tremaine won. Like he bested me. Proved that I really am no better than a worthless slave. This is _my_ fight. That's why I need to do this on my own. A real man solves his own problems." Ashe's golden eyes were blazing as they reflected his passionate inner spirit.

Snow glanced at Juleka before slinging an arm over Ashe's shoulders and steering him aside. "Look, I respect that, man," Snow said in a low voice so that Juleka wouldn't overhear them. "But how are you intending to get that kind of money?"

Ashe blinked. "You know how. I plan to fight in the Glass Coliseum."

Snow gave Ashe a skeptical look. "Yeah, right, sure, but what about being the Heartbreaker of Glass City?"

Ashe flinched guiltily. "How did you find out?" he asked in a grim tone.

"It doesn't matter how I found out," Snow said, raking a hand through his short, wavy black hair. "Look, I won't buy your freedom as long as you promise me one thing - no more whoring yourself out."

Ashe flushed, but nodded. "Alright. I won't. I promise."

A brilliant grin spread across Snow's face. "Good. I have the feeling _that_ is what got you into this odd situation in the first place."

Ashe arched an eyebrow at the frivolous playboy. "When did _you_ get so smart?"

Snow pretended to look offended. "What? I've always been a genius. It just took you this long to notice. Anyhow, are you going to go back to Lord Tremaine's château?"

"Where _else_ would I go?" Ashe gave Snow a bland look.

Snow shrugged carelessly. "You could come live with me at Apple Castle."

Ashe was touched by the offer, but shook his head. "Legally, I'm still a slave. If I leave Glass Kingdom for good...I would be considered a runaway slave, and the penalty for a slave trying to run away from his or her master is death."

"I'm a prince," Snow said, waving his hand flippantly through the air. "Rules don't really apply to princes, you know? I could just say I ordered you to come with me. Christian may be a Lord, but I'm a Prince. I outrank him."

"I'm going to go back to Lord Tremaine's," Ashe said firmly.

"Is it really safe for you there though?" Snow asked with a concerned expression on his face. "Lord Tremaine...he's the one who gave you those scars, isn't he?"

Ashe nodded. "Yes. But I can handle him. I already told you. I _need_ to do this. I _need_ to prove him wrong. I _need_ to beat him."

"Alright. I understand," Snow said, letting out a sigh. "Stubborn bastard."

"Prince Snow, I think _you_ should take Ashe home," Juleka began casually as she approached the two young men. "If Lord Tremaine sees that Ashe is your friend he is less likely to punish Ashe for this trespass."

"Good idea, Julie!" Snow said, giving the girl a thumbs-up.

Juleka curtsied. "I'll take my leave then. Take care, Prince Snow, and thank you." She turned her attention to Ashe. "Goodbye, Ashe. Stay safe, my love."

Ashe flushed at Julie's romantic parting words. "Yeah...bye."

Snow elbowed Ashe in his side playfully. "Ooo she said 'my love'."

"Oh, shut up," Ashe groused. "How old are you? Four?"

Juleka entered her enchanted carriage that was parked right outside Lady Doriana's house. As soon as she'd closed the door the legs of the carriage started to move and carry Juleka away. A few yards down the cobbled street the carriage went invisible.

Snow let out an impressed whistle as he saw the carriage seemingly vanish into thin air. "Whoo. That's one hell of a stalker you have there. I'm jealous. She went into the lioness's den for you too. She must really love you."

"She barely knows me," Ashe said, raking a shaky hand back through his hair. "How can she love me?" he scoffed. "She just _thinks_ she does. It's a childish fancy. A dream."

"Harsh," Snow said with a grimace. "That poor girl. You're going to end up breaking her heart just like all the others, Heartbreaker of Glass City."

Ashe gave Snow an irritated look. "If she gets her heart broken...it has nothing to do with me." Ashe sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. He felt guilty for his words. "I mean, I do treasure her friendship. She's definitely proven herself to be a true friend tonight. I don't know what I would have done without her."

A jealous pout formed on Snow's face. "What am I? Chopped liver? I came to save you too, you know. I even brought these guys!" Snow waved his hand at the wizard guards that were standing by.

"This isn't a rescue competition," Ashe said, his golden eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Oh, yes it is!" Snow objected. "I want to be your friend too."

"Shut up." Ashe rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "You already are, you flashy playboy."

Snow beamed and hugged Ashe before the other man could dodge his attack of affection. He ruffled Ashe's hair for good measure. "I knew you'd eventually come around! I am a really likeable guy."

"Likeable guy?" Ashe scoffed, just to be contrary. "You're an annoying busybody. And your charm ability is scary. I can't believe Doriana started to act that way around you. It's unreal. She's..." he trailed off.

"She's what?" Snow prompted, arching a perfectly manicured eyebrow at his friend.

Ashe shot the guards a suspicious look. They were _Reginald's_ guards. If Ashe was right in his theory, and Reginald was also a member of the League of Villains talking about this in front of those guards would be folly. "No. It's nothing. She's usually just so dominant, and you had her acting all submissive. It was quite an odd sight to see."

"No female in Fantasia can resist my charm ability," Snow bragged, raising his chin in a haughty pose. His smug expression turned thoughtful. "Unless of course they're already in love with someone else. And it has to be _true love_."

Ashe rolled his eyes. _Snow has a big head. I better be careful not to inflate it._ Ashe couldn't help but wonder if the reason why Snow's charm didn't appear to affect Julie was because she was already in love with someone. Did that mean her feelings for him were real? Was it really true love?

Ashe felt a wave of panic wash over him, and he shook his head to clear it of such thoughts. _No. She can't love me. That would be impossible. I'm...unlovable. My own mother sold me off. I can't let my guard down around Julie. If I do...I'll only get hurt again._

"Let's blow this joint." Snow mounted his impressive black stallion, and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Get on, Ashe."

Ashe swung himself up onto the saddle behind Snow. He refused to wrap his arms around Snow's waist like some bloody damsel in distress though! The wizard guards mounted their horses next.

It only took a couple of hours for them to reach Lord Tremaine's estate. Snow made sure the riding party was making a lot of noise as they approached the front door of the château so that anyone still asleep inside would definitely be awakened.

Sure enough, just as they were approaching the château the front door swung open to reveal a disheveled looking Lord Tremaine, who was dressed in a black and white robe over a pair of black, silk pajamas. "What _is_ the meaning of this?" Christian asked in a condescending tone.

"Lord Christian Tremaine, I presume," Snow spoke up in a cavalier tone.

Christian's sharp, gray eyes focused on Prince Snow Flurris. "Yes, I...you're Prince Snow Flurris, aren't you? What can I do for you, Your Highness?" Christian whipped out a cigar, lit it with his Zippo, and began to puff away at it.

"I'm just here to drop off my _friend_ Ashe," Snow explained in a nonchalant tone.

"Ashe?" That's when Christian spotted Ashe seated on the saddle behind Prince Snow. His eyes flared in surprise. And he wondered wildly how Ashe had come to be in Snow's presence when he should be with Doriana Gray. "Y-Your friend, you say?" he sputtered out.

"Yep. Ashe is my drinking buddy," Snow said.

Christian's expression grew even more bewildered. "But how...?" He shook his head, and tried to regain his composure. "I see. I hope my son didn't cause you too much trouble, Your Highness?"

Ashe's eyes widened like saucers at the words coming out of Lord Tremaine's mouth. _He just called me his son!_

Snow gave Lord Tremaine a cold smile. "Not at all. I'm usually the one causing _him_ trouble." Ashe dismounted and approached Lord Tremaine in a wary fashion. "Take care, Ashe. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon!" The playboy prince said brightly.

"Tomorrow afternoon?" Ashe echoed with a questioning note to his voice.

"I'm taking you out drinking again, of course," Snow said. "There's a new club I want to take you to. See you then." He turned his attention to Lord Tremaine. "I'm sure that will be alright with you, right, Lord Tremaine?"

A vein at Christian's temple throbbed in ire. "Of course, I don't mind. Young men should...go have fun once in a while."

"Excellent. Farewell! Till tomorrow then! Hyah!" Snow snapped his horse's reins and galloped off.

Christian and Ashe stood together at the top of the front steps and watched as Prince Snow and his wizard guards rode away.

As soon as Snow and his guards were out of sight Christian gave Ashe a scrutinizing look. "However did you manage to befriend Prince Snow? Touché, Ashe, touché..." He inclined his head in Ashe's direction. "Wonders never cease. But don't think your newfound friendship with the prince will save you from your usual daily chores."

"I didn't think that..." Ashe stammered.

"Good. My sons and I will be expecting breakfast first thing in the morning, as usual," Christian drawled, taking a drag on his cigar, and blowing out a cloud of smoke in Ashe's face.

"Of course," Ashe said, resisting the urge to wave his hand in front of his face to dispel the smoke.

"And you'll need to have all your chores done before you can go off gallivanting with Prince Snow." Christian sighed.

"Right," Ashe agreed.

A sudden thought occurred to Christian, and an evil glint formed in his gray eyes. "Did Lady Doriana invite Prince Snow to join in on your _punishment_? Is that how you two met?"

Ashe paled at the bizarre suggestion. "No!"

"He probably felt sorry for you when he saw your scars," Christian continued, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"He didn't...he never...!" Ashe denied.

"Whatever," Christian interrupted, raising his hand to silence Ashe. "Your love life is really no concern of mine. Though it is surprising. I thought Prince Snow was only interested in women."

"He is!" Ashe snapped hotly.

"Becoming Prince Snow's bitch...I didn't think you'd have it in you, Ashe," Lord Tremaine sneered, his lip curling in disgust. "I underestimated your ability to debase yourself even further than you already have. It's a shame you're not a girl. I could have you seduce Prince Snow, get pregnant, and then he'd be forced to marry you. Although, there are certain forbidden _spells_ that might make something like that possible."

"You're sick!" Ashe growled out, clenching his hands into fists at his sides. His blood was boiling from his anger, and he had to use all his strength of will not to punch Christian hard across the face.

"No. I'm ambitious," Christian drawled, taking another drag on his cigar and exhaling a cloud of smoke slowly. "We'd have a claim to the throne of Apple Kingdom then. Power is everything, Ashe. It's what I live for."

Ashe suddenly recalled Lord Tremaine's plan to have either Knuckles or Picasso drug and seduce Princess Juleka Glass. If one of Lord Tremaine's sons actually succeeded in marrying the princess, and either Knuckles or Picasso became King of Glass Kingdom...the one who would really be King would be Lord Christian Tremaine who'd be ruling from the shadows.

"Prince Snow is an honorable man. He'd never fall for your devious schemes," Ashe argued, raising his chin in a defiant pose. "And I have the feeling that Princess Juleka Glass won't fall into your trap so easily either."

Christian's eyes narrowed dangerously at Ashe. "Do you think the opinion of a slave matters to me? Let's see which one of us climbs higher. In the end, despite the prince's favor you're still just a slave." A triumphant smile curled Lord Tremaine's lips. "Goodnight, son," he said mockingly before turning and leaving Ashe standing alone in the doorway.

"Goodnight, _father_ ," Ashe snapped back, and was pleased when he saw Lord Tremaine flinch. _Two can play at that game._ He thought venomously.

Ashe entered the foyer and slammed the door shut behind him. He started to make his way up the grand staircase when he felt a weight in his pants pocket. Ashe wasn't stupid enough to reach in and see what was in his pocket while Lord Tremaine or his sons could be watching him, and just gave the pocket a pat. That pat was enough for Ashe to know that his pocket was filled with diamonds. Julie must have slipped them into his pocket when he hadn't been looking.

_That stubborn little minx. I told her I didn't want them._ Ashe shook his head, but he was smiling crookedly. He'd add them to his hiding place beneath the floorboards in the attic where he had all his other gold and jewels squirreled away.

Ashe climbed several flights of stairs, and finally made it to the attic. He opened the door, entered, and shut and locked the door behind him. He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the glittering blue diamonds so that he could admire them in the palm of his hand. _She cried these tears for me._ Ashe's heart started to beat a little faster inside of his chest at the thought that someone would do something like that for the likes of him.

Ashe made his way over to a ratty, moth-eaten rug, and pulled it aside to reveal a hidden hatch door. Ashe opened the hatch to reveal his secret hiding place. This was where he hid all of the gold and jewels he'd received from the ladies he'd seduced at Glass City's casinos.

The interior of the hatch resembled a pirate's treasure chest since it was filled with gold coins and sparkling jewels. But even all this still wasn't enough to buy back his freedom. He needed ten times the current amount he'd managed to get his hands on.

Ashe tilted his hand and watched as the diamonds fell down through the air and landed on top of the pile of treasure. Her contribution _did_ make a dent. Ashe wished there was something he could do for her.

_Sex._ A dark part of his mind suggested slyly.

_No!_ Ashe thought vehemently. He'd tarnished her innocence quite enough already. He still felt guilty that he'd begged Julie to suck his cock only a few hours ago!

There had to be some _other_ way to repay her. What did he even know about Julie really? He asked himself. _Well, she likes unicorns...that's it!_ Ashe gathered his sewing supplies: needles, spools of colored thread, rolls of material, and a sewing machine. He started to cut a piece of white material, and grinned. Julie was going to _love_ this.

To be continued in...Chapter 9:

### Chapter 9:

The following day, Ashe got up at the crack of dawn, and did his usual morning chores. He fed the farm animals and did the laundry. After that, he started making breakfast for Lord Tremaine and his sons. For Lord Tremaine and Picasso he made eggs, bacon and toast. And for Knuckles he made a huge pile of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup.

Ashe piled the three plates of breakfast onto a silver tray, which he carried into the parlor. He set the three plates down on the small round dining table and was just about to leave when Lord Tremaine addressed him. "Ashe, why don't you join us for breakfast, son?"

Ashe gaped at Lord Tremaine for a moment. Picasso and Knuckles both appeared to be equally shocked by their father's unexpected amiable invitation. Ashe hesitated, and he watched as Lord Tremaine's expression grew cold. "I said ' _join us_ '. Take a seat, Ashe." Ashe obediently took a seat at the table. Lord Tremaine used his coffee saucer to serve Ashe some of his own scrambled eggs and a slice of toast. "There. Eat."

Ashe scraped some egg onto the piece of toast and ate warily. Would he be punished for the audacity of sitting at their table? He wondered, his stomach tying itself up into knots and making him feel nauseous.

Seemingly without a care in the world, Knuckles was digging into his pancakes with gusto. Picasso was eating his eggs slowly and watching Ashe and Lord Tremaine like a hawk.

Ashe took that moment to observe his stepbrother Picasso. His outward appearance was normal enough. One might even call Picasso handsome if not for his gaunt and overly sharp facial features. He also had a lanky physique, which made the man appear weak, but Ashe knew from experience that he was not to be underestimated in the strength department.

Picasso was also ghostly pale in a way that made him look unhealthy. Still, no one would guess that behind that cold, calculated demeanor he was so twisted and sadistic. _Poor Princess Juleka Glass._ Ashe thought to himself. _She'll be marrying a wolf in sheep's clothing._

"So, Ashe, tell us what you know about Prince Snow Flurris?" Christian began in a casual tone.

"What do you mean?" Ashe raised an eyebrow at his stepfather.

"Why would Ashe know anything about him?" Picasso asked sullenly.

"Ashe here has managed to befriend Prince Snow." With a sinister glint in his gray eyes Christian steepled his fingers together on the table before him, and leaned forward slightly. "I'd like to know if Prince Snow has any... _weaknesses_."

A vein at Ashe's temple throbbed out of anger. So _this_ is what this charade was all about. Ashe's golden eyes narrowed at Lord Tremaine. " _You'd_ like to know Snow's weaknesses...or _King Reginald_ wants to know his weaknesses?" Ashe folded his arms over his chest and raised his eyebrow at Lord Tremaine.

" _That_ is none of your concern," Christian drawled, taking out a cigar from the front pocket of his jacket, and lighting it with his Zippo.

"I don't know any of Snow's weaknesses!" Ashe snapped as Lord Tremaine started to puff on his cigar. "And even if I did...I wouldn't tell you!"

"You wouldn't?" Christian said, inhaling smoke into his lungs, and then blowing out a cloud of smoke a few seconds later. "That would be unwise, Ashe. If you cooperate your living situation here could vastly improve. If you become useful...if you become my ally you would be treated differently in this household. No more visits to the Red Room of Pain."

Ashe shuddered at the mention of the room that was filled with Lord Tremaine's instruments of torture. Lord Tremaine wanted him to sell out his new friend in exchange for finally being treated like a human being. _No fucking way!_ Ashe stood up from his seat at the table abruptly. "I've lost my appetite." Ashe stomped off.

"Ashe, don't forget to polish and sharpen my scalpels," Picasso reminded casually. "I may be needing them later."

"Yes, Picasso," Ashe said through gritted teeth.

"After lunch I want you to mop the entrance hall," Christian said. "I won't let you leave with Prince Snow until the floor is immaculate."

"Understood, Lord Tremaine," Ashe grumbled.

Ashe left the parlor to go polish and sharpen Picasso's scalpels, which the son of a bitch usually used on him. _God, this is so fucked up._ Ashe thought hours later as he finally finished sharpening the last scalpel. He was just putting the scalpels back into their case when Knuckles entered the kitchen. "I'm hungry," he grunted.

Ashe gave his stepbrother a look of disbelief. "You _just_ had breakfast."

Knuckles punched his open left palm with his right fist. "I said: ' _I'm hungry_ '."

Ashe let out a defeated sigh. He didn't feel like being Knuckles's punching bag so early in the morning. "What do you want?"

Knuckles's dark demeanor brightened instantly. "Brownies," he said, rubbing his hands together eagerly.

"Brownies? You'll ruin your appetite for lunch," Ashe warned, causing Knuckles to raise an eyebrow at him. Ashe let his gaze travel over the three-hundred-pound man, and nodded. "Yeah, you're right. What was I thinking? Brownies it is."

Ashe baked Knuckles a tray of brownies, and let the brownies cool before cutting them into squares. When Ashe deemed the brownies ready he handed the tray to Knuckles.

Knuckles took the tray from Ashe. "Thanks." He grabbed a brownie and handed it to Ashe. "Here. For you."

With a suspicious look on his face Ashe took the brownie. "Why are you being nice to me?"

Knuckles lifted his shoulders in a nonchalant shrug. "Because father is being nice to you now. He must want you to be our ally."

"We will _never_ be allies!" Ashe snapped, slashing his hand angrily through the air. "Did you really think I could forgive everything you guys have done to me? You think being _nice_ to me now will make it all go away?"

Knuckles scratched his head in a bewildered manner. "We were just punishing you for being a disobedient slave."

"Punishing me for imagined slights, you mean!" Ashe argued hotly. "I _never_ did anything wrong!"

"I just did what father told me to do," Knuckles grumbled in a defensive manner.

"So, if Lord Tremaine told you to be friends with me...you would?" Ashe raised an eyebrow at Knuckles.

"Yeah. Sure," Knuckles agreed.

Ashe's body started to tremble with rage. "You've punched me so hard before that you've broken my ribs! For days afterward, I had to be careful how I breathed because I could have ended up puncturing a lung and drowning to death in my own blood."

"Uh...sorry?" Knuckles said.

"God, you're pathetic." Ashe let out a frustrated huff. "You obviously can't think for yourself at all. I can't believe I used to be afraid of you. But now I realize you were just the monster under my bed. An imagined terror that once confronted the truth becomes blaringly obvious that you're pathetic, and not to be feared at all, but rather pitied."

"I can think for myself," Knuckle argued, raising his chin angrily.

Ashe waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Yeah, sure. Just go eat your brownies, fatass."

"I...will!" Knuckles stomped out of the kitchen with his tray of brownies.

Brownies - they were another odd dessert Ashe had had to learn how to make. Brownies didn't exist in Fantasia. Well, until now. Ashe took a bite out of the brownie Knuckles had given him. _Damn, that's good._ Ashe ate his brownie quickly in case Lord Tremaine or Picasso showed up and tried to take the brownie away from him. That would have been even worse to the physical torture they subjected him to.

For lunch that day Ashe made his ' _family_ ' hamburgers and French fries. He made sure to make a _lot_ of them because Knuckles could eat several all on his own. When Ashe set the plate piled with hamburgers down in front of Knuckles the fatass actually said 'thank you' which had Lord Tremaine and Picasso giving him funny looks.

After Ashe was done serving lunch he started to mop the entrance hall. Ashe wanted to be done cleaning by the time Snow arrived. He'd even made sure to lock Lord Tremaine's cat Lucy in the Master bedroom so that the evil cat couldn't sabotage his work again.

During this time, Knuckles and Picasso passed Ashe on their way out the front door. The two young men were dressed in riding gear, and Ashe figured they were going out for a ride through the forest, or more likely into Glass City to drink at one of the taverns.

A few hours later, Ashe just about finished with the floor when Knuckles and Picasso abruptly entered the château through the front door. The two young men started to make their way across the floor as they headed for the sweeping grand staircase that led to the second floor.

Ashe planned to ignore them until he noticed that their boots were covered in mud and that they were tracking boot prints all across the entrance hall. A muscle ticked in Ashe's jaw out of irritation, and before he could think better of it he called out to them: "Hey! What the hell, assholes?"

Knuckles and Picasso both turned to face Ashe. Knuckles had a confused expression on his face while Picasso's expression was cold. "Whatever is the matter, _brother_?" Picasso asked sarcastically.

"You're tracking mud inside the house. I just finished mopping in here!" Ashe snarled, making a sweeping gesture to encompass the entire hall.

"How is that _my_ problem?" Picasso asked dryly. "Just mop the damned floor again."

Knuckles looked down at his muddy boots and looked around at all of the muddy boot prints he and Picasso had left behind on the floor. He looked up and gave Ashe a sheepish expression. "Sorry, bro." Picasso and Ashe both shot Knuckles disbelieving looks.

Picasso slapped the back of Knuckles's head. "Idiot! Why are _you_ apologizing to _him_?"

Knuckles rubbed the back of his head as he glared at Picasso. "Uh, because we tracked mud all over the floor he's been mopping...by accident?"

"By accident?" Picasso echoed in a chill tone. "We were sabotaging Ashe's cleaning on purpose, you idiot!"

"We were?" Knuckles's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why?"

"Because...we hate Ashe!" Picasso snapped, rolling his eyes in a show of exasperation for his slow, dimwitted brother.

"Why?" Knuckles asked.

"Because father hates him! And he's a slave. He's beneath us." Picasso folded his arms over his chest with a haughty expression on his face.

"But father is being nice to him again," Knuckles pointed out. "And he's our stepbrother."

"Father is only being nice to Ashe to see what he can get out of him," Picasso began to explain. "In other words, what father wants is information on his enemies. Don't read too much into it. Nothing has changed, Knuckles. Just because Ashe is getting his ass plowed by Prince Snow doesn't mean-"

Before Picasso could even finish that sentence Ashe punched him hard across the face. "Shut up! You don't know what you're talking about, Picasso. Prince Snow isn't like that! Snow only has interest in the ladies, and they all find him to be irresistible because of his charm ability. No woman can resist Prince Snow's charm..." There was a prideful note to Ashe's voice as he praised his friend. "Well, except for a woman who's already in love with someone else."

A calculating glint shone in Picasso's gray eyes as he rubbed at his sore jaw. "Charm ability, huh? How interesting."

Ashe pressed his lips together when he realized he might have said too much about his friend. _Shit._

Picasso was just opening his mouth to ask Ashe more about Snow's charm ability when there was a knock at the front door.

"I'll get it." Knuckles sauntered over and opened the front door to reveal Prince Snow Flurris. Prince Snow was dressed to the nines as usual. He was wearing a dark blue shirt with puffed sleeves that had red accents, a red cape, black pants and black leather boots. Snow swaggered into the foyer, acting as though he owned the place. He removed his cape and handed it to Knuckles nonchalantly. "Greetings all!"

With a befuddled expression on his face, Knuckles took the cape and hung it on the coat rack sitting by the door.

"Hey, Snow," Ashe greeted, giving his friend an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to need a few more minutes here." He waved his hand at the muddy boot prints that were on the black and white checkered marble floor.

Snow glanced down at the muddy floor and clucked his tongue in a disapproving manner. "No worries. I'll wait." The prince turned to address Knuckles. "You there. Why don't you make yourself useful and bring me some wine."

"Uh...sure." Knuckles started to walk off, heading towards the kitchen.

Picasso stopped Knuckles by putting a hand on the larger man's shoulder. He shot Snow a glare. "We don't take orders from you."

Snow arched an eyebrow at Picasso. "Who _do_ you take orders from?"

"Our father," Knuckles replied honestly.

"And Lord Tremaine is a _lord_. And I am a _prince_ ," Snow said thoughtfully. "I outrank him. So, you should be taking orders from _me_." A roguish grin curled Snow's lips.

"Makes sense," Knuckles agreed with a nod. "I'll go get you some wine."

Picasso's shoulders started to shake out of anger. "Knuckles, you can't, you idiot-"

"I can think for myself, Picasso," Knuckles snapped, stomping out of the entrance hall.

While Ashe resumed mopping the floor Snow gave Picasso an impatient look. "Well, don't just stand there. Help."

A vein started to visibly throb at Picasso's temple and he ground his back teeth. "Inconceivable. That's _his_ job!" Picasso pointed a trembling finger in Ashe's direction. "He's the-!" Picasso bit down on his lower lip to stop himself from saying the word 'slave'. "Whatever." He stalked off.

Snow sighed and shook his head as he watched Picasso start to ascend the sweeping grand staircase to the second floor. " _Lovely_ stepbrother you have there," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Ashe's golden eyes glittered with amusement. "He's usually a lot worse actually. You must intimidate him."

Snow fingered one of the jeweled rings on his hand absentmindedly. "That's what all the jewelry is for. Do you have another mop?"

Ashe paused in his mopping to gawk at Snow. "I couldn't possibly put you to work, Your Highness."

"Your Highness?" Snow snorted. "What happened to 'flashy playboy bastard'?"

"That was before you saved my ass," Ashe muttered softly.

Snow frowned. "Don't call me 'Your Highness'. It's weird. We're friends, so just call me 'Snow' or one of your mean nicknames."

"Alright. Fine, Snow," Ashe said, continuing to mop while the corner of his mouth twitched.

A few minutes later, Knuckles returned carrying a bronze and glass wine jug and a bronze goblet. Knuckles served the wine into the goblet before handing it to Prince Snow. "Here you go, Your Highness."

"Thank you." Snow flashed him a charming smile. "What's your name?"

"Knuckles."

Snow raised his goblet towards Knuckles and smirked. "Fitting." He took a sip of wine and gave the large man a curious look. "And what do you _do_ for a living, Knuckles?"

Knuckles scratched his head in a confused manner. "Uh...I beat people up?"

"Indiscriminately?" Snow asked, and when Knuckles only gave him a blank look he clarified: "I mean, at random?"

Knuckles chuckled lowly. "Oh...no. I only beat people up when they can't pay Dad back the money they owe him. He's a loan shark. And sometimes people need a little _persuasion_ to pay up." Knuckles punched his left open palm with his right fist.

"Ah, yes. I heard about Lord Tremaine's profession," Snow said. "I also heard your father has very high interest rates. Some might even say they're outrageous."

Knuckles lifted his shoulders in a careless shrug. "I don't know nothing about that. But people shouldn't borrow money if they don't intend to pay it back. We're not running a charity here."

"Many of the citizens of Glass Kingdom seem to be plagued by an addiction to gambling," Snow said, his expression turning thoughtful. "There are rumors that it may be a curse. It's like the people who live here can't stop gambling even if they want to."

Knuckles nodded. "A lot of people owe my Dad money. Including..." He glanced at Ashe, and then shut his mouth to stop whatever he was about to say next.

Snow took another sip of wine. "This wine is superb. What's its vintage?"

Knuckles shrugged. "Don't know. But Dad said it was expensive."

Snow gave the large man a curious look. "Won't your father be angry you gave the wine to me?"

"No. You're a prince. Only the best should be served to royalty," Knuckles said, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "And my Dad wants to know your weaknesses and your deepest, darkest secrets."

Ashe shot Knuckles a disbelieving look. _That dumb fuck..._

Snow didn't appear to be too bothered by Knuckles's words. In fact, he appeared amused. "Does he now? Well, you can tell your father I have no weaknesses, except for the ladies and wine, of course-"

"Snow!" Ashe interrupted in a warning voice.

Snow chuckled at the worried expression on Ashe's face. "What? Don't be such a worrywart, Ashe. I doubt Lord Tremaine will try to poison me. Poison is a woman's weapon. And as for the ladies, well, none can resist me because of my charm." Snow held his chin in his hand and struck a gallant pose.

"I don't know what Lord Tremaine is and isn't capable of," Ashe said. "I wouldn't put poisoning past him."

"Father wouldn't do something cowardly like that!" Knuckles snapped, clenching his hands into fists at his sides.

Ashe gave Knuckles an incredulous look. "God. You really are as dumb as a rock."

Knuckles bristled with anger at the insult, and was about to punch Ashe in the face when Snow placed a hand on his arm. "Do you have a spare mop around here, Knuckles?"

"What would you need a mop for?" Knuckles asked, giving Snow a confused look.

"To help Ashe finish cleaning up this mess, of course," Snow explained. "We have somewhere we need to be, and we're already running late."

"Oh. I'll do it," Knuckles offered in a gruff voice. Ashe stared at Knuckles in disbelief as the large man stretched his hand out to him in an expectant manner. "Give it here."

With a dazed expression on his face, Ashe reluctantly handed Knuckles the mop. "I must be dreaming."

Snow patted Knuckles on the back. "Hey, thanks, man. I really appreciate it!"

Knuckles beamed at the prince and looked incredibly pleased. "Anytime, Your Highness." Knuckles started to fidget nervously, and opened and closed his mouth a few times before he gathered his courage to speak. "Er...Prince Snow, do you think I could, um, get your autograph, maybe, if it wouldn't be too much trouble?"

Snow's eyes flared in surprise before he grinned. "Sure, man." He whipped out a piece of parchment, signed his name on it using a magically refilling ink quill, and handed it to Knuckles. "Here you go."

Knuckles looked down at the signature with a starry-eyed expression on his chubby face. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Let us depart, Ashe," Snow said, heading for the front door.

"Er...sure," Ashe said, quickly running after Snow. He still couldn't believe how weird Knuckles was acting. "Are you sure your charm ability doesn't work on _men_ too?" Ashe whispered to Snow in a teasing tone.

Snow let out a low chuckle. "No way, man. He's just a fan. I blame the _Glass Gazette_."

Snow exited the château followed close behind by Ashe. Ashe had been expecting to see a couple of horses waiting for them or even a horse-drawn carriage. He definitely hadn't been expecting to see a horse-drawn wagon. "What the fuck?"

Snow casually hopped up onto the driver's seat and grabbed the reins. "Stop dillydallying, Ashe."

Ashe hopped up onto the seat next to Snow. "What's in the back? Oh." Ashe looked over his shoulder and saw that the back of the wagon was filled with shiny, red apples. "What's with all the apples?"

"You'll see. It's a surprise. You're going to love it," Snow said smugly, but then a dark cloud fell over his face for a moment as he remembered something unpleasant. "I haven't gotten to go there in quite a while due to the continued attempts on my life. It just wasn't safe. But with you tagging along I have nothing to worry about."

"So I'm here as your bodyguard?" Ashe asked.

"And friend. Yep," Snow agreed.

Ashe placed a hand on the hilt of the Glass Sword. "I don't mind. Anything to get me out of the château and away from my so-called family."

"Picasso seems like an asshole, but Knuckles doesn't seem so bad," Snow said, stroking his chin in a pensive manner. "Just a bit dim."

Ashe considered raining on Snow's 'I can see the good in people parade' by telling him how Knuckles enjoyed beating him up when he was strapped to a St. Andrew's cross. But ultimately Ashe decided against destroying the hopeful look on Snow's face, and made a noncommittal grunt. "Hm. Well, he sure seemed to like _you_."

Snow rubbed the back of his neck in an embarrassed fashion. "It's the bloody _Glass Gazette_. They have nothing interesting to write about so they write countless articles about my personal life. Bit annoying really. People _think_ they know me as a result. But they don't. Not the _real_ me, at least. It's no wonder it was the _villains_ that invented the printing press."

"You don't _like_ all the attention?" Ashe asked skeptically.

"No, not really. Maybe at first, but now...after the attacks on my life I'd prefer a little privacy." Snow sighed. "Also, whatever girl I go out with ends up in the papers. Some girls are just after me for their five minutes of fame. They just want their name and picture in the papers. None of them really want _me_. They want the _idea_ of me. It makes it hard for a guy to find anything _real_."

Ashe's eyes narrowed on Snow. "Whoa, wait a second. Are you saying you've never been _in love_ before?"

Snow shook his head. "I've been with a lot of women, and had _a lot_ of sex. And I do love sex, but...as for 'love'. I've never felt it for any of them. I've never been with a girl I couldn't live without. And I don't think they've felt love for me either. Maybe in the end I'm...unlovable or something." Snow's tone was lighthearted, but Ashe could tell how much this bothered him.

Ashe patted Snow's arm awkwardly. "That's ridiculous. You just haven't met the right woman. That's all."

Snow gave Ashe a hopeful look. "You really think so?"

"I _know_ so," Ashe said firmly.

"Here I am taking advice from a man who _hates_ women..." Snow said, shaking his head in wonderment. "Well, except for maybe that pretty stalker of yours. Think she's following us right now?"

"Probably," Ashe said.

"Did you ever get to see her face?" Snow gave his friend a curious look, and when Ashe blushed his eyes widened. "You have! So...how is she? Hot? Not?"

"She's very..." Ashe trailed off as he tried to find the right word to describe a girl with eyes like diamonds. "Otherworldly."

"Just stick to words like 'pretty', 'beautiful', or 'sexy'," Snow advised, patting his back in a patronizing manner. "Well, good for you. I'm happy for you, Ashe." There was a mischievous twinkle in Snow's sapphire-blue eyes. "It would have sucked if she were an old hag!"

Ashe smacked Snow upside the head. "Don't be a superficial bastard," he chided.

"Ow!" Snow laughed. "Or maybe you like wrinkly, old women..." This comment earned Snow another smack to the back of his head. Snow let out a whimper. "Okay. I'll stop now. Geez." The playboy prince wiped a tear from his eye, and suddenly he noticed that Ashe was carrying a bag. "What's in the bag?"

Ashe's blush deepened. "A present for Julie."

"You got your stalker a present?" Snow exclaimed in surprise. "Let me see!" He made a grab for the bag.

Ashe quickly pulled the bag out of Snow's reach. "No. You don't get to see it first. It's for Julie. Not you. And I didn't get it for her. I _made_ it."

"Stingy." Snow pouted as he continued to drive the wagon down the road into the forest. By this time they were in Apple Kingdom's forest and it took another hour before they reached a small, white stucco church that was quite literally out in the middle of nowhere.

Outside of the church there was a group of children running around and playing tag. Ashe estimated their ages to be around five to twelve years old.

The corner of Ashe's mouth quirked into a smile. The happy atmosphere the kids were creating was contagious. "What is this place?"

"An orphanage," Snow revealed with a note of pride in his voice.

"For young witches and wizards..." Ashe murmured as he watched a few of the children performing simple spells.

"Actually, it's a mix of magical and non-magical kids," Snow revealed, and upon noticing Ashe's astonished expression continued to explain. "This orphanage is for _all_ the orphans that were created during Reginald's war against the dullards, who originally owned this land and ruled Apple Kingdom."

"War orphans," Ashe breathed sympathetically. "How did you find out about this place?"

A lascivious smile curled Snow's lips. "I heard rumors that a very pretty nun was taking care of some war orphans with only the help of an elderly priest. I decided that I would make her acquaintance, and put her vows of celibacy to the test." Snow waggled his eyebrows at Ashe in a lecherous manner.

"You seduced a nun!" Ashe said in a scandalized toned.

Snow let out a boisterous chuckle. "No way! Sister Avaron is _very_ devoted to God. She _loves_ God, and so my charm ability doesn't work on her. After my failed romancing attempt, we became friends, but I was so amazed that magic and non-magic children were getting along here so easily. You see, no one has ever told them that 'magic users are evil' or that 'non-magic users are lesser beings'. They don't harbor the prejudices and ill will that the adults in Apple Kingdom have."

Ashe's brow furrowed in confusion. "But are the witches and wizards really safe here? I thought the Church frowned upon magic."

"You're referring to The Inquisition," Snow said. "That's just a group of religious fanatics that hunt down and kill witches and wizards for sport. Father Abellio and Sister Avaron are very open-minded and kindhearted. In their eyes magical and non-magic children are _all_ children of God. They don't turn their back on anyone who needs their help."

"If the magical children are not in danger from the Inquisition...what about the dullard children being in danger from Apple Kingdom's wizard knights?" Ashe asked. "If they're discovered here...won't they be enslaved?"

A shadow fell over Snow's face, and his grip on the reins tightened until his knuckles turned white. "Even if they are discovered here I won't allow these dullard children to be enslaved."

"I've been wondering about this for a while now, but...why don't you hold a prejudice against dullards?" Ashe asked, giving his friend a scrutinizing look.

Snow let out a bittersweet chuckle. "As you know, my magic never worked for me. I've lived most of my life as a dullard. The only magical ability I seemed to possess was my charm ability. But that changed when we fought against that chimera monster in Rose Kingdom and my powers finally awakened."

Ashe nodded. "Now it makes sense why you never looked down on me for being a dullard."

"Well, you're pretty badass for a dullard," Snow teased.

Loud giggling drew Ashe's attention to a twelve-year-old boy seated in a wheelchair. A girl around the same age as him was pushing his wheelchair quickly across the grass. Ashe was surprised the other children appeared to be letting the boy in the wheelchair participate in their game of tag.

Snow followed Ashe's line of sight and grinned. "The boy in the wheelchair is named Linden. And the girl, who is pushing his wheelchair, is his sister Blossom. She always makes sure he's included in their games. She's such a sweet little girl."

Blossom caught sight of Snow in that moment, and her blue eyes widened and sparkled. "It's Prince Snow! Prince Snow is here, everyone!"

All the kids turned to look at Prince Snow as the wagon approached the church. The children instantly grew excited. "Big Brother Snow!" they cried as they ran towards the wagon.

Ashe raised an eyebrow at Snow. "Big Brother?"

Snow flushed and rubbed the back of his neck out of embarrassment. "The kids gave me that nickname."

"They must like you a lot," Ashe said, giving the children a wary look. "I'm not really good with kids."

"Don't worry," Snow said reassuringly. "They're all very friendly." The prince pulled back on the horse's reins and brought the wagon to a stop directly in front of the church. Snow hopped down from the driver's seat, and as soon as his feet touched the ground Blossom was leaping at Snow.

"Prince Snow!" Blossom cried as she threw her arms around Snow's waist.

Chuckling at the girl's overzealous greeting, Snow caught the girl in his arms, and spun her around. "Hey, Blossom!"

Ashe hopped down from the driver's seat, and a chill crawled up his spine. That's when he realized that he had been surrounded by a group of snot-nosed brats, who were looking up at him with wide, curious gazes. "Your hair is silver..." "Your eyes are gold..." "I've never seen anyone with gold eyes before." "He looks like a unicorn."

Ashe didn't like that curious gleam in the children's eyes. Were they going to attack him? Or hug him? He started to back away cautiously, just in case.

"Children! It isn't polite to stare!" a melodious female voice chided sternly.

Ashe followed the sound of the woman's voice and spotted a pretty young nun standing in the open doorway to the church. The nun had a heart-shaped face, a peachy complexion, and sparkling blue eyes. She was wearing a blue dress and matching habit, which covered her red hair.

Sister Avaron approached Ashe with an apologetic look on her face. "I'm sorry about that. They don't meet very many strangers so they tend to get overly excited when they do."

"You must be Sister Avaron," Ashe said, taking a closer look at her face. The nun's blue eyes had long, dark lashes, and her full, luscious lips begged to be kissed. No wonder Snow had come all the way out here to try and woo the nun. "The rumors of your beauty were not exaggerated."

Sister Avaron gasped and a pink tinge rose to her cheeks. "Oh, my. I...er...and who might you be, Milord?"

"I'm no lord. At least, not anymore," Ashe groused. "My name is Ashe."

Sister Avaron's blue eyes twinkled. "I bet that's an interesting story, Ashe."

"Perhaps, I will tell you my sad tale sometime, Sister," Ashe said.

"It is only after one has experienced great sadness that one can appreciate true happiness," Sister Avaron said sagely.

"I think the moral of my story is more along the lines of 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'," Ashe countered. "And more jaded." He gave the nun a sardonic smirk.

Sister Avaron giggled softly. "Oh, dear. One mustn't give up hope for the future."

"What's in the wagon, Prince Snow?" Blossom asked, her blue eyes sparkling with interest.

"The reddest and juiciest apples in all of Apple Kingdom!" Snow bragged, puffing up his chest with pride. "I picked the best of the crop for you kids."

"Yay! Apples!" the children shouted happily. Snow made his way around to the back of the wagon and started handing apples out to the children.

Sister Avaron shot Snow a fond look as she watched him giving away apples to the children in her care. "Those apples will be a huge help. We were running low on food." Her lips dipped into a tiny frown. "Prince Snow used to come here more often. That is...until the attempts on his life started."

Ashe gave the nun a curious look. "When did the assassination attempts start exactly?"

"On Snow's 18th birthday," Sister Avaron informed him. "Ever since then his life has been in grave danger. He's always smiling and making jokes, but I know it bothers him. He tries to live each day to its fullest as if it could be his last."

_That long?_ Ashe thought in shock. He didn't think he would have been able to stay so positive if _he_ had someone trying to kill _him_ all the time. He'd probably be even more bitter and jaded than he already was.

After the children had finished their snack Snow started to play games with them. Ashe watched the hem of Snow's cape get muddy as he chased after one of the kids. "I never thought I'd see that flashy fop playing in the dirt with kids."

"You shouldn't judge a book by its cover," Sister Avaron chided.

The nun's words reminded Ashe of Monster Hunter Aurelion who had a fearsome appearance, but was in reality a big softy. Pretty boy Rapunzel looked like he would be sweet, kind, and a romantic, but he was stoic and overly serious. Ashe couldn't help it - he started to laugh loudly. "You're right about that, Sister!" Sister Avaron started to giggle along with Ashe, and they smiled at each other.

"What's so funny?" a female voice moaned from behind Ashe.

Ashe didn't even jump. He was pretty used to his stalker popping up behind him randomly, at this point.

Sister Avaron looked over Ashe's shoulder, and spotted Juleka. Juleka had her long, curly black hair loose about her shoulders, which only lent to her ominous aura. The nun pointed a trembling finger in Juleka's direction. "A g-g-ghost!" she stammered.

At the nun's frightened exclamation the children's attention was immediately drawn to Juleka. Juleka had seemingly appeared out of thin air since she'd hopped out of her invisible carriage. The children's eyes widened like saucers and their jaws dropped. "Ah! It's a ghost!" "A ghost!" "Prince Snow, save us!"

The children began to run behind Snow for protection. Ashe only started to laugh harder and finally Snow joined in on the laughter.

"She's not a ghost," Ashe said breathlessly. "She's my stalker."

Sister Avaron frowned at Ashe's casual, matter-of-fact tone, and gave Juleka a disapproving look. "Excuse me. Did you just say, your... _stalker_?"

"Her name is Julie," Ashe said. "Don't be afraid, kids. Julie is a _nice_ stalker. She saved my life once. She's a brave heroine despite her eccentric appearance."

Their curiosity getting the better of them, the children began to emerge out from behind Prince Snow, and started to approach Juleka. A few brave kids reached out to touch her beautiful, pink, silk gown. "He's right. She's not a ghost!" "She's real!"

"Why are you wearing a unicorn mask?" a little girl asked Juleka with wide, brown eyes.

"Because I _love_ unicorns," Juleka admitted with a slightly giddy tone to her voice.

"But...there aren't any unicorns left in Fantasia. Are there?" a little boy questioned with a frown. "They were all hunted down and killed."

"When I was a little girl I had my very own unicorn," Juleka revealed with a wistful note to her voice. "I used to love to go riding. He was so fast; it felt like we were flying through the forest. It was magical."

"Where is your unicorn now?" Blossom asked.

"He's...dead," Juleka revealed sadly, and reached up to touch her unicorn mask. "That's why I wear this mask. It's to honor his memory."

Ashe realized this was the perfect opportunity to give Julie the stuffed unicorn he'd made her. He cleared his throat to get her attention. "Ahem. That reminds me...I have something for you, Julie. A present as thanks for saving me the other day." Ashe whipped out the stuffed unicorn toy and handed it to a stunned Juleka.

"A unicorn! Where did you find such a rare toy?" Juleka asked, her voice laced with awe.

"I made it myself actually," Ashe admitted, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully.

"You _made_ this? For me? It's...wonderful. I love it." Juleka hugged the stuffed unicorn to her chest.

All of the children were giving Juleka jealous looks at this point, and they turned their attention on Ashe. "You can make stuffed animals?" Linden asked eagerly.

Ashe turned to regard the children and noticed how they were all giving him wide-eyed, beseeching looks. "Yes. Sewing is a hobby of mine."

"Oh, please make me one!" Blossom said, giving Ashe puppy-dog eyes.

"And me!" Linden quickly added.

"Make me one too!" a little girl piped up.

All of a sudden the children were latched onto Ashe's arms, and they were begging him to make them toys. Ashe was so caught off guard by the request that he found himself agreeing: "Er...sure."

"Yay!" the children all cried out and started to celebrate.

"If I'm going to make you all stuffed animals I'm going to need to know what your favorite animal is-" Ashe began.

The children started shouting out the names of their favorite animals: "I want a dragon!" "I want a troll!" "I want a lion!" "I want a _pink_ unicorn!" Ashe made a quick mental note of all their requests.

Snow chuckled and patted Ashe on the back. "I knew the kids would adore you. Who would have guessed you have such a _girlie_ hobby," he teased.

"Oh, shut up," Ashe grumbled.

Snow, Ashe and Juleka ended up playing games such as tag and hide and seek with the children for the rest of the afternoon. When the sun started to set, the trio started to say their goodbyes to the children. Juleka impressed the children by getting into her carriage and simply disappearing. Ashe promised the children that he would return the following day with the toys they'd requested.

Snow drove Ashe back to the château in the wagon. Hours later, after Ashe had finished making and serving dinner to Lord Tremaine and his sons, Ashe went up to the attic where he started to work on the stuffed animals for the children. He worked throughout the night and didn't get a wink of sleep, but in the end he'd managed to make all of the children toys.

Ashe was excited to see what the children's reactions to his toys would be, but he needn't have worried. The following day, Snow picked Ashe up at the château, and drove the wagon to the church. As soon as they arrived Ashe started to hand out the stuffed animals he'd made, and they were a huge hit.

The children spent most of the day playing with their new toys until Sister Avaron announced that the apple pie she'd been baking was ready to eat. Snow, Ashe, and Juleka were invited by Sister Avaron to join them inside the church to eat pie along with the children.

Ashe was curious about whether or not Julie would take her mask off to eat the apple pie. Prince Snow almost fell out of his chair when he saw that Julie didn't remove her mask, only moved it a little bit in front of her face so that she had just enough room to slip a fork full of pie into her mouth. "Oh, come on! Ashe got to see your face, Milady!"

Juleka jumped and shot Ashe a questioning look. "You told him about _that_? Wait...how much did you tell him?"

Ashe flushed. "Not much. I didn't tell him about _that_...if that's what you're asking."

"That?" Snow raised an eyebrow, and glanced between Ashe and Juleka who had clamed up all of a sudden. "Now I'm really curious."

Sister Avaron cleared her throat. "Gentlemen don't kiss and tell."

The nun's words only served to make Ashe blush harder, Juleka to act even more nervous, and for Snow to burst out laughing. The prince didn't even seem to mind when Juleka accidentally stabbed his arm with a fork.

Since they were still waiting for Aurelion's injuries to fully heal so that they could resume their sword training, over the course of the next few days Snow and Ashe continued to visit the orphanage, and play with the children since they had spare time.

More and more, Ashe found his gaze going to Juleka as she played with the kids. He was surprised by how well she got along with them. He hadn't expected that. But Juleka apparently had oodles of patience, which came in handy when dealing with a group of hyper children that wanted to play games all day, and never seemed to get tired. _She'll make a good mother someday._ Ashe thought, and then paled as he realized how romantic that thought had sounded in regards to his stalker.

Snow noticed how Ashe was staring at Julie with this horrified look on his face, and a cat's paw smile formed on his face. He nudged Ashe's side with his elbow playfully. "You were just thinking something like: ' _Julie will make a good mother_ '. Weren't you?"

"Oh, shut up," Ashe snarled.

"You should just court her already," Snow said with an air of impatience.

"I don't wish to court Julie," Ashe snapped. "And even if I did...I _can't_. I'm still just a slave until I buy my freedom back from Lord Tremaine. I'm not free to love. And besides, she only likes me because I remind her of someone from her past who was obviously precious to her."

Snow stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You think she was in love with this person? If that's the case then...you just have to make her love you _more_."

"And how am I supposed to do something like that?" Ashe asked.

"Blow her mind in bed, of course," Snow said, waggling his eyebrows.

"Ugh, you're disgusting," Ashe said, throwing his arms up into the air in a show of exasperation.

Snow laughed in amusement. "For an ex-gigolo you're such a prude!"

While the two young men bantered Blossom walked up to them. "Prince Snow, I want to give you a present." Blossom whipped out an apple that was a brilliant red color. "It's the most beautiful and reddest apple I've ever seen. It's special. Like you." She handed him the apple.

Snow flushed, and shot Blossom a grin. "Aw, thank you, Blossom. That's so sweet." He ruffled her bob of short blonde hair. "I'll eat it later. I'm not that hungry right now."

"No!" Blossom blurted out and then looked embarrassed by her outburst. "If you don't eat it now the apple will rot. Please, just take a bite."

Snow let out a resigned sigh. How could he refuse the wishes of such an adorable little princess? "Alright. I'll take just one bite."

Blossom let out a breath of relief and Ashe noticed that she crossed her fingers behind her back. _What the fuck?_

Just as Snow was bringing the apple to his mouth Ashe's sword snapped out and he skewered the apple. Ashe then pulled his sword back, effectively stealing the apple from Snow's grasp. "No! Don't eat that!"

Snow gaped at Ashe. "Ashe, what the hell, man? That was very rude."

Ashe's attention was on Blossom, however, and his golden eyes narrowed at her dangerously. "What did you do to this apple, Blossom?"

The blood started to drain out of Blossom's face. "I...didn't do anything."

Ashe pointed his sword in Blossom's direction, offering her the apple on the sword's tip. "Why don't you take a bite out of it first then?" he challenged.

"Ashe!" Snow exclaimed.

"Don't worry. She won't eat it. It's poisoned," Ashe said confidently.

Blossom's expression turned cold as she regarded Ashe. "How did you know it was poisoned?"

"I saw you cross your fingers behind your back and just assumed the worse." Ashe shrugged. "I _always_ assume the worst about people these days."

"Ashe! You're wrong!" Snow objected. "There's no way Blossom would do such a horrible thing. She's just a little girl."

" _Why_ did you do it, Blossom?" Ashe prodded.

Blossom raised her chin in a show of defiance. "I did it to save my brother Linden. An old man approached me in the forest and told me that he was a potions master, and that he could cure Linden, but in return I had to give Prince Snow a poisoned apple that he provided me with."

Snow stumbled backwards a few steps out of shock. "Blossom, how could you?" he asked, his voice laced with hurt.

"Who was this old man, Blossom? Who gave you the apple?" Ashe demanded.

"I don't know who he was..." Blossom said. "Only that he was a member of the League of Villains. He said that if I failed to kill you...he would kill my brother unless I delivered a message to you: _The League of Villains is coming for you Prince Snow Flurris_. _Your days are numbered._ _And this is a taste of what you can expect from us_." Blossom reached out, grabbed the apple, and skipped backwards a few steps.

"No, Blossom! Don't do it!" Snow yelled upon realizing the little girl's intentions.

Blossom's blue eyes swirled with sadness. "I'm sorry I tried to kill you. I love you, but I love my little brother _more_. Farewell, Prince Snow Flurris." Blossom took a bite out of the poisoned apple, chewed, and swallowed.

" _No!_ " Snow cried.

Blossom collapsed to the ground where her body remained unmoving. Snow ran to Blossom's side, and cradled her limp body in his arms. "No, Blossom..."

Ashe was stunned. Everything had happened so fast that he hadn't been able to stop the girl from taking a bite out of the apple. He never thought she would in the first place...people were only out for themselves, right? So why would the girl poison herself in order to save her brother? It didn't make any sense.

Snow looked up at Ashe with a forlorn look on his face. "We could take her to Punzie. Maybe there's still time to save her..."

Ashe walked over to Snow and Blossom, crouched beside them, and reached out to touch the side of the little girl's neck. He waited to see if her pulse would flicker against his touch, but it never did. He shook his head, and gave his friend an apologetic look. "Her heart has stopped. Her soul has already left her body. She's...gone. I'm...sorry. I didn't stop her..."

Snow met Ashe's tortured gaze and shook his head. "No, Ashe. This is _my_ fault. The League of Villains did this. They're still after me. I put everyone in danger by coming here. I knew that, but I thought I could handle it. As long as the attack was directed at me...I didn't care. I let my guard down because of my charm ability. A girl should have never been able to harm me, but she loved her brother Linden _more_ than me, so..."

The blood started to drain out of Ashe's face, and his stomach twisted into knots as he realized something. Was this _his_ fault? Snow's weakness had been discovered, but how? Had Picasso told someone in the League of Villains about how Snow's charm ability didn't work on a girl if she loved someone _more_? And if so, who had Picasso told that information to? For some reason, Ashe wanted to suspect Snow's stepfather Reginald.

"I'm so fucking weak," Snow lamented, scrubbing a hand down his face. Ashe shot him a surprised look because Snow rarely swore. "I couldn't even protect the life of one little girl! I can't let them get away with this. With killing an innocent child. They've gone too far this time. I won't forgive them. I will get stronger, and then I will defeat the League of Villains once and for all! I will kill the old man who gave Blossom that poisoned apple!"

Ashe placed a hand on Snow's shoulder and nodded. "We'll get stronger. Together. And take out the League of Villains. And of course, Aurelion and Punzie will want in on this. They'll help us. You're not alone."

Snow sniffled and lowered his head to hide his tears. "Thank you, Ashe. I really appreciate your support. I fear I shall need it in the nearby future."

Ashe looked down at the dead girl in Snow's arms and clenched his hands into fists. "The League of Villains," he growled lowly. "They'll pay for this."

To be continued in...Chapter 10:

### Chapter 10:

After having received a note delivered by a fairy saying the Aurelion was completely healed, Ashe and Snow set out for Rapunzel's Tower so that they could resume their training.

"While I was stuck in bed..." Aurelion shot Rapunzel a grumpy look and the blacksmith merely raised an eyebrow in return. "I was able to do a little research on mirror magic, Ashe. I discovered some interesting facts about your Glass Sword and its abilities. Due to the fact that you're not a wizard the source of magic for your sword has to come from somewhere else to power its abilities. In the case of the Glass Sword it is able to absorb magical energy from moonlight."

Ashe unsheathed the Glass Sword and looked at its blue-tinged, reflective surface curiously. "Moonlight, huh?"

Aurelion nodded sagely. "Indeed. You should set your sword out in the moonlight every night. It will absorb the moonbeams and convert that energy into magic. You will be able to use this power to unleash a magical attack. To activate the attack all you have to do is say: _Reflectunt Lunae Lumen._ Have you been outside at night while in the possession of the Glass Sword?"

"Yes," Ashe said.

"Good. Then I want you to go ahead and try using the attack. Aim for that boulder over there." Aurelion pointed towards a large boulder that probably used to be a part of the castle that at one time used to stand in the clearing where Rapunzel's Tower now stood.

Ashe moved into a sword-fighting stance, swung his sword in the direction of the boulder, and pointed the tip of his sword at it. " _Reflectunt Lunae Lumen!_ Reflect Moonbeam!"

A beam of silvery, white light shot out of the tip of Ashe's sword like a lazer, and hit the boulder causing it to explode, and send pieces of rock flying through the air. Ashe gaped down at his sword in astonishment.

"Snow," Aurelion called out to the playboy. "I want you to try and use a water shield to block Ashe's Reflect Moonbeam attack."

Snow was already feeling queasy, and it was showing due to his green-tinged complexion. He gulped, and looked at the boulder that had been blown to bits by Ashe's attack. "You want me to...alright. Fine. I'll...try." Snow unsheathed his sword, and held it in front of him in a two-handed grip. He summoned his magic and concentrated on conjuring a shield made of water in front of him. Water gushed out of the sword like a geyser, and an oval-shaped shield as tall as Snow was formed.

A pleased expression settled over Aurelion's face. "Well done, Snow. Go ahead and attack him, Ashe."

Ashe's lips curled into a cocky smirk. "It was nice knowing you, Flashy Playboy."

"Ha, ha. Very funny," Snow drawled dryly.

Ashe pointed his sword at Snow and said: " _Reflectunt Lunae Lumen!_ " A white beam of light shot through the air towards Snow in an instant.

Snow gulped as the energy beam hit his water shield and was blocked. "Phew," he let out a sigh of relief, and watched as ripples formed on his water shield.

"Break his shield, Ashe!" Aurelion ordered, folding his brawny arms over his massive chest.

Ashe furrowed his brow. "But, how?"

"Just imagine more power flowing into your attack and breaking Snow's shield," Aurelion instructed, giving Ashe an expectant look.

"Okay," Ashe said.

"Snow, get ready to dodge out of the way," Aurelion warned with a twinkle in his blue eyes.

"You two are trying to kill me!" Snow complained as sweat started to bead on his brow.

Ashe visualized more power flowing into his attack, and the size of the beam of light increased. Snow's shield rippled violently, and seconds later exploded into water droplets. Snow dove out of the way and hit the ground. The energy beam soared over Snow's body and hit a tree. The energy attack set the tree on fire, and it burst into flames.

"Hit that tree with a water blast attack, and put out those flames, Snow!" Aurelion ordered, and when Snow remained on the ground, he snapped: "Now!"

Snow scrambled to his feet, pointed his sword at the flaming tree, summoned his magic, and conjured a ball of water that started to form at the tip of his sword. Snow unleashed the water blast attack, and it zoomed through the air towards the tree. The water blast hit the tree with a tremendous splash, and the flames were quenched in seconds.

"Well done, boys!" Aurelion grinned widely at his two apprentices. "I read about a very interesting ability unique to the Glass Sword, Ashe. It's called Mirror Double. This ability enables you to create an illusory clone of yourself that can be used to confuse your opponent during battle. When your opponent's attention is focused on your Mirror Double that's when you strike and catch them unawares."

"How the hell do I do that?" Ashe asked.

"Just look at your reflection on your sword's blade and say: _Speculo Geminus!_ This summons your reflection from the Mirror World."

Ashe stared down at his reflection on the sword's blade and said: " _Speculo Geminus_! Mirror Double!"

A black substance that looked like smoke began to pour out of the sword, and onto the ground. The smoke rose off the ground, and started to mold itself into a humanoid form. The shadowy figure began to solidify, and then transformed into a clone of Ashe.

"Wicked!" Snow complimented as he looked at the two Ashes standing side by side. The clone was so realistic the playboy really couldn't tell the difference between the two.

"In order to control your clone's movements all you have to do is picture what you want it to do in your mind," Aurelion explained to Ashe. "Attack Snow again. And Snow, try and figure out which Ashe is the real one before you get killed." The Monster Hunter's blue eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Hey!" Snow objected. "I'm going to make a formal complaint about this particular training exercise."

Ashe and his clone attacked Snow simultaneously with their Glass Swords. Snow let out an unmanly squeak as he dodged, ducked and sidestepped sword attacks. He narrowed his eyes at the two Ashes attacking him, and tried to figure out which one was the real Ashe, and which one was just a harmless illusion.

Snow decided to attack the Ashe he thought was the real one, and swung his sword horizontally. Instead of Snow's sword clashing against the blade of the Glass Sword it passed right through the clone whose image dissipated like a mirage.

"Oh, shit." Snow was about to turn around to face the real Ashe when he felt the tip of a sword poking into his behind. Snow's cheeks flamed in embarrassment. "Hey!" The playboy prince spun around and attacked the real Ashe. Ashe smirked, raised his sword, and blocked Snow's ensuing attack.

Ashe and Snow both skillfully blocked and parried each other's attacks until with a graceful twist of his wrist Ashe managed to disarm Snow. Snow's sword went flying up into the air, and Ashe caught the playboy's sword in his left hand.

But Ashe wasn't through yet, and lunged forward so that both swords were suddenly crossed in front of Snow's throat and ready to cut his head off like a pair of pruning sheers about to cut the bud off a rose.

Snow gulped and his Adam's apple brushed against the two sword blades. Ashe had a triumphant look on his face. "You're one hell of a scary guy, Ashe," Snow said, panting for breath.

"I try," Ashe said, uncrossing the swords and stepping away from Snow.

Snow let out a relieved breath, and his shoulders sagged once the swords weren't dangerously poised at his neck any longer. The playboy took out a blue silk handkerchief, and started to dab at his brow with it.

"Well done, Ashe," Aurelion said, a mischievous glint in his blue eyes. "Although, defeating a _novice_ swordsman isn't that great a feat. Defeating _me_ , on the other hand, will be much more difficult. And until you manage to defeat me...I won't allow you to participate in the duels held at the Glass Coliseum."

Ashe got into a fighting stance and pointed his sword at Aurelion. "Is that so? You're going down, old man!"

Aurelion let out a low chuckle. "Old man? I'm not that much older than you! I'm only thirty!" The Monster Hunter reached over his shoulder, wrapped his hand around the hilt of his massive great sword, and brought the sword down before him.

Ashe's confident expression fell. "Whoa, hold up. You're going to fight me using that behemoth sword? You'll shatter the blade of the Glass Sword with that thing!"

"The Glass Sword is not a normal sword, Ashe," Aurelion reminded him. "It is magical and enchanted. Don't underestimate Rapunzel's work. That sword is harder than steel. It is unbreakable. Well, for the most part..." Aurelion stroked the stubble on his chin as he recalled something.

Ashe frowned. "Wait, what do you mean by 'for the most part'?"

"The original Glass Sword, which belonged to the hero Cinderelron was apparently broken by means of a weapon that was 'not of this world'," Aurelion revealed with a grim expression on his face. "That's why your father had another sword...the cane sword that you inherited from him."

"A weapon not of this world," Ashe muttered darkly to himself. _That is this sword's only weakness._ He thought.

Aurelion decided to take advantage of Ashe's distracted state, and attacked. He rushed forward and swung his sword at Ashe. Ashe was barely able to bring up his sword in time to block the swift attack. "Whoa, how about a little warning next time. You could have killed me!"

Aurelion wore a strangely serious expression on his usually carefree face. "Your opponent won't wait for you to be ready in the arena, Ashe. They will show you no mercy. If you can't survive me - you won't last two seconds in the arena."

"Fair enough," Ashe agreed grudgingly. "I'll try to remain on guard."

"Good," Aurelion said.

As Ashe fought against Aurelion he was amazed by how the other man's speed seemed to be increasing despite the crazy size of his sword. Ashe had expected Aurelion to grow fatigued quickly due to the sword's tremendous weight, but that wasn't the case.

_It should be impossible for him to move so fast while wielding that massive sword. He must be really fucking strong to pull this crazy shit off._ Ashe thought.

In just a few minutes, Ashe started to struggle to block Aurelion's fierce and lightning fast attacks. Sweat started to bead on Ashe's brow, and his hands started to ache as he blocked blow after blow.

Then Aurelion's arm muscles flexed visibly, and he swung his sword horizontally towards Ashe. It was obvious that Aurelion was putting more force and power behind this attack, but Ashe instinctively raised his sword to block the attack anyways.

Unfortunately, as soon as Aurelion's sword collided against Ashe's it was with enough force to send Ashe flying backwards through the air. As Ashe flipped head over heels he thought to himself: _I should have dodged that._ He hit the ground hard and rolled across it for a couple of yards.

Ashe coughed up a glob of blood. His head was throbbing, and he felt dizzy. So much for Aurelion going easy on him. _No wonder this man is called Fantasia's Number One Hero, Monster Hunter Aurelion._ Ashe started to push himself up off the ground, but felt a sword blade at his throat. He looked up to see Aurelion glaring down at him with a fierce look on his face.

"Do you yield?" Aurelion asked, keeping his sword at Ashe's throat.

Ashe gulped, and his Adam's apple brushed against the blade of Aurelion's sword. "Of course, I yield! Stop staring at me like that. You're freaking me out, man."

Aurelion swiftly pulled his sword back. "Good." His fearsome expression changed to his usual carefree one. "In the arena...if you are defeated you may be killed. But if you're lucky your opponent will show mercy, and ask you if you yield. Remember killing is allowed in the coliseum. Whether or not the victor will show mercy is also something that is bet on along with the outcome of the match. By fighting in the coliseum you are risking your life for money. Be sure that what you're fighting for is worth the risk, Ashe."

Ashe was fighting for his freedom, and the chance to have his revenge against Lord Tremaine. "Oh, it's worth it alright."

"Then let's continue with your training," Aurelion said, offering Ashe a hand up. Ashe took the Monster Hunter's hand and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. "There is still much you must learn before I let you fight in the arena. Some of the most deadly opponents you may be facing in the arena are the elves. They are expert archers and sometimes imbue their arrows with magical energy. Since your sword is capable of Magic Reflection you won't need to worry about being able to block magic arrows, only normal ones."

Ashe gave Aurelion a skeptical look. "You want me to practice blocking arrows with a sword? Is something like that even possible?"

"Oh, it's possible. We just need to sharpen your reflexes with lots of practice. Unfortunately, _I'm_ not a very good archer..." Aurelion gave Snow a hopeful look.

Snow put his hands up before him in a helpless gesture, and shook his head. "Sorry. I suck at archery, man."

Aurelion frowned. "This is a conundrum. Where can we find a good archer out here in the middle of nowhere?"

"I happen to be an excellent archer, Prince Aurelion," a familiar female voice declared. Aurelion and Snow both startled at the sudden appearance of Juleka in their midst as she stepped out of her invisible carriage in order to reveal herself.

Ashe wasn't too surprised to see Julie there since at this point he'd gotten used to her following him around. He gave the girl a curious look. "You know how to use a bow, Julie?"

Juleka walked over to Rapunzel's Tower, and stood directly below the only window. She then held her hand out expectantly. A few seconds later, a bow was tossed out of the window, presumably by Rapunzel. A single arrow quickly followed the bow.

Juleka caught the bow, and just a few seconds later, grabbed the arrow right out of the air. She nocked the arrow to the bow, aimed at Snow's flamboyant new hat, and fired. Juleka's arrow pierced the center of a wax apple that decorated the base of the hat. "A little," Juleka said.

Ashe was suitably impressed by Julie's archery skills, but also confused. "Is archery a common pursuit for a handmaiden?"

Juleka stiffened for a moment before she forced her shoulders to relax. She had to remind herself that Ashe was under the impression she was Princess Juleka Glass's handmaiden. "Oh, yes...in the event that I may end up having to protect the princess it should come in handy," Juleka lied smoothly.

A quiver of arrows was tossed out the window and Juleka caught it before slinging the strap over her shoulder. Juleka reached into the quiver, grabbed an arrow, nocked it to her bow, and aimed at Ashe. "So, I just have to try and kill him. Right, Prince Aurelion?"

" _Hey!_ I thought you loved me!" Ashe said pointedly.

"Indeed, Milady," Aurelion said, a wide smile spreading across his face at this unusual turn of events. "Don't hold back. If you injure him we'll just have Punzie heal his wounds."

Ashe grew appalled by Aurelion's words. "How can you _say_ something like that with a smile on your face, asshole!" Juleka pulled back on the arrow and released it at Ashe. _Shit!_ Ashe dodged her first attack. It was fucking fast. _How can I possibly do this? It's impossible!_

Juleka continued to loose arrows at Ashe, who'd taken off running as he did his best to dodge the arrows. _Now I know how a hunted stag feels._ Ashe thought bleakly. _I may just have to become a vegetarian after this._ Even when an arrow grazed Ashe's upper arm Juleka didn't stop her barrage of arrows.

Aurelion folded his arms over his chest and let out a sigh. "Stop running away, Ashe. Face them!"

"No way!" Ashe shot back.

"If you get hit Punzie will heal you. All you have to fear is pain. Are you so afraid of a little pain, _coward_?" Aurelion challenged, and raised his eyebrows at Ashe.

_Pain?_ Ashe echoed in his thoughts. _And I can't believe that big oaf just called me a coward!_ "Pain is one of the few things I'm _not_ afraid of. Fuck pain!" Ashe turned to face Juleka with his sword raised before him. "Come on! Bring it!"

Juleka aimed at Ashe's left shoulder and fired. Ashe tried to block the arrow, but it pierced his shoulder. Juleka aimed at Ashe's right thigh next, and loosed her arrow. Ashe brought his sword low and tried to block the arrow, but it hit his thigh. Ashe flinched, but did not cry out.

When Juleka aimed for Ashe's right shoulder he predicted this, and was ready for her. This time, he managed to block the arrow, and the arrowhead collided against the flat of his sword's blade.

Right after that Juleka aimed at Ashe's left thigh. Ashe swung his sword low and blocked the arrow. Juleka reached over her shoulder for another arrow, but her quiver was empty. By the time Juleka looked up Ashe was standing right in front of her, and his sword was at her throat.

"You sure didn't hold back, even against the man you love," Ashe said breathlessly.

"It's because I love you that I didn't hold back," Juleka explained, lowering her bow. "The archers in the arena will be aiming to kill. I was only aiming to maim or seriously injure you."

"That was brilliant, Ashe!" Snow crowed with obvious excitement. "You actually blocked _flying arrows_ with a sword!"

"I failed _twice_ though," Ashe groused. "The other times I knew where the arrows would be headed so..." He shrugged.

"How did you know where they would be headed?" Aurelion asked.

"A gut feeling," Ashe explained.

"If you carefully observe your opponent's eyes they will reveal where they will attack next," Aurelion put in.

"Er, Julie is wearing a mask though." Ashe pointed out.

"Yes, well, you should also closely observe your opponent's arm and leg muscles for when they begin to flex," Aurelion said. "This will help you to predict their next move. I'll have you practice shooting, so you'll have an idea of what your opponent's stance would be during different instances. Let's have Julie continue to shoot at you until you don't fail to block any of her shots."

"Sounds like fun," Ashe said sarcastically.

A seventy-foot-long cascade of golden hair was tossed out of the tower window in an expectant manner, drawing Aurelion's attention. "Punzie's right. You need to be healed first."

"Fine," Ashe agreed reluctantly before pulling the arrow out of his shoulder and tossing it aside. Next, he pulled the arrow out of his thigh in a similar manner, and tossed it to the ground. As Ashe's friends watched what he was doing and saw blood gushing out of his wounds they all cringed.

"His pain tolerance is insane," Snow murmured to himself.

It only took a couple of minutes for Ashe to climb the tower using Rapunzel's hair, and then he was leaping onto the windowsill and hopping down into the room. As always the room was unbearably hot due to the large forge.

Rapunzel was standing in the center of the room waiting for him with his arms folded over his chest and a grim expression on his face. "Your reflexes are shit. At this rate you're going to wind up dead before you even get to fight in the coliseum." He walked over and placed a hand on Ashe's shoulder wound first.

"Tell me something I don't know," Ashe grumbled. "And I'm going to need to be even faster if I want to survive facing off against _magical beings_."

"And _monsters_ ," Rapunzel reminded as he concentrated on healing Ashe's wound.

A bewildered expression settled over Ashe's face as he watched Rapunzel's hand and hair start to glow with a golden light. "What are you talking about? There are no monsters in the arena."

Rapunzel raised an eyebrow at Ashe before placing his hand over Ashe's thigh wound next. "All forms of magical attacks are allowed in the arena, including beast summoning."

Ashe paled at this revelation. "You mean...I may have to fight a monster like the chimera Aurelion faced in Rose Kingdom?"

"Probably nothing so big," Rapunzel said. "But you should be mentally prepared to face off against all kinds of magical beasts in the arena." The blacksmith's hand and hair started to glow again as he healed Ashe's thigh wound.

"How does one even begin to prepare for something like that?" Ashe complained with a huff.

"Pray?" Rapunzel joked darkly, but then his expression turned serious. "Learn the monsters' weaknesses, of course." The blacksmith walked over to a small bookshelf that had twenty books on it. He removed one of the books, returned to Ashe's side, and handed it to him. "Here. I want you to read this."

Ashe looked down at the book's front cover, and read the title: _Monster Hunting for Country Bumpkins._ The book had to be at least five hundred pages, and Ashe felt overwhelmed by the prospect of having to read the entire thing. "You want me to read this big-ass book?"

Rapunzel lifted his shoulders in a careless shrug. "Do what you want. You can remain ignorant about the monsters, and die a slow, painful death in the arena for all I care."

Ashe gulped. Rapunzel was always so cryptic and negative. "I want to live...if only to have my continued existence piss off my stepfather."

Rapunzel's stoic expression turned sympathetic. "Adoptive fathers really are the worst, aren't they?"

"Hell, yeah." Ashe held up the book. "Thanks for the book, Punzie."

"You're welcome," Rapunzel said gruffly.

***

Ashe arrived at Lord Tremaine's château at sunset. He was putting his horse inside one of the stalls when Picasso strolled inside the barn leading his own horse. Ashe realized that he was alone with Picasso and had the perfect opportunity to confront the man about his suspicions concerning Prince Snow.

Ashe stalked over to Picasso with angry, purposeful steps. "Picasso!" As soon as Ashe was close enough he punched Picasso hard across the face. " _Who_ did you tell?"

Picasso's eyes widened in shock and he rubbed his sore jaw. "How dare you hit me! I have no idea what you're talking about. Have you finally gone mad?" he sneered, his lip curling in disgust.

"You told _someone_ Snow's weakness," Ashe accused hotly. "About how his charm ability doesn't work on girls who are already in love with someone else!"

A look of realization settled over Picasso's face, and his gray eyes glittered with malice. "Oh, dear, did something horrible happen to Prince Snow Flurris?"

"You bastard!" Ashe tried to punch Picasso again, but this time Picasso caught his fist in his right hand and then headbutt Ashe. Ashe staggered backwards, dazed by the unexpected blow.

"Ooo something _did_ happen," Picasso said, looking pleased. "Is he finally dead?"

"Fuck you," Ashe said through gritted teeth. "Prince Snow is alive."

The twisted smile slipped off of Picasso's face. "Pity. And you only have yourself to blame for the attack. _You're_ the one who opened his big mouth and spilled his friend's secrets."

"Who is the old man who gave Blossom the poisoned apple?" Ashe demanded. "Who is the Leader of the League of Villains?"

"Old man?" Picasso arched an eyebrow at Ashe. "He's up to his tricks, I see. Did you really think I'd tell you? You're going to have to figure that out on your own." Ashe ground his back molars in frustration while Picasso rubbed his sore jaw. "You know, you'll have to be _punished_ for this, right? A slave cannot strike his Master."

"You're not my Master though," Ashe huffed, folding his arms over his chest. "Lord Tremaine is."

"A moot point," Picasso argued. "When I tell Father what you did to me he'll allow me to punish you for it."

A muscle in Ashe's jaw ticked out of irritation, and he spotted a riding crop hanging on one of the stall doors out of the corner of his eye. He grabbed the crop and threw it at Picasso. "Here." Picasso caught the riding crop one handed. Ashe took his shirt off and tossed it to the ground. "Go ahead and punish me. Live it up, asshole. But hurry it up because I have some reading to do."

Picasso stared at Ashe coldly for a moment before dropping the riding crop. "I no longer have an interest in torturing you _physically_. There's hardly any unmarred flesh left for me to work with. I don't want to ruin the work of art I've already created. Besides, it's only fun if you scream, and you don't scream anymore. That's why I'll make you scream another way..." Picasso stroked his chin thoughtfully. "By harming those you care about, for instance. Like your new friend Prince Snow Flurris."

"Don't you dare harm him! If you do, I'll...!" Ashe threatened.

"A slave making threats now too?" A sinister smile spread across Picasso's face. "You really have gotten quite ballsy lately. I wonder how long that will last when those dear to you start dying mysteriously one by one. Even that strange woman that likes to follow you around."

Picasso knew about Julie? Ashe paled. "How do you even know about her?"

"According to Leader's spies you gave her a stuffed unicorn toy you made by hand. How _sweet_ ," Picasso said mockingly.

"Leader's?" Ashe gave his stepbrother a scrutinizing look. "You're talking about the Leader of the League of Villains like you know him. But you can't be a villain. You're too...fucked up in the head."

Picasso's shoulders started to shake with rage. "I _am_ a villain! The League happens to have big plans for me. Soon I will be the King of Glass Kingdom!"

Ashe gave Picasso a skeptical look. "You? King of Glass Kingdom? In your dreams maybe."

"You shouldn't underestimate me, Ashe," Picasso snarled. "If I were you I'd be trying to make myself useful to the next King of Glass Kingdom. If you bring me Snow's head on a silver platter, for instance, I could make you a lord again, or even a Duke. What do you say? Join me, and reap the benefits of having a stepbrother who is King!" He offered Ashe his hand.

"You're even more insane than I thought if you think I'd agree to joining you," Ashe sneered, glaring down at Picasso's offered hand. "You can take that offer of yours and shove it up your skinny ass."

"Why you!" Picasso dropped his hand. "You'll regret this, Ashe. Here." He threw his horse's reins in Ashe's direction. "You can put him away." Picasso spun on his heel and stomped out of the barn.

Ashe let out a heavy sigh. He'd always known Picasso was evil and dangerous, and yet his stepbrother may be even more dangerous than he originally thought. _Picasso...a member of the League of Villains? Shit._ Ashe scrubbed a hand down his face. _As if my life couldn't get any more fucked up._

***

The following day at Rapunzel's Tower Ashe and Snow's sword training continued. Ashe and Aurelion were currently facing off. Ashe unsheathed his sword, pointed it at Aurelion, and moved into a fighting stance.

Aurelion reached over his shoulder, grabbed the hilt of his great sword, and brought it down before him. But then Aurelion tossed the enormous sword to the ground where it landed with a heavy thud. "Today we won't be practicing swordsmanship, but hand-to-hand combat."

Ashe gawked at the Monster Hunter in disbelief. "Learning hand-to-hand combat is utterly pointless. I'm a swordsman-" Ashe was saying when Aurelion was suddenly in front of him and sending a chop to Ashe's wrist, causing him to drop the Glass Sword.

"It's not pointless if your opponent disarms you!" Aurelion exclaimed before sending a right hook into the side of Ashe's face.

Ashe had been completely caught off guard by the attack, and was so startled he wasn't able to react in time. He got punched hard across the face, staggered backwards a few steps, and tasted blood in his mouth. Aurelion never pulled his punches. Apparently, these new friends of his didn't know how to hold back.

Aurelion approached Ashe with prowling steps, and sent a left hook towards Ashe's head next. This time Ashe was ready for him though, and raised his forearm to block the attack. He winced as Aurelion's fist connected with his forearm. Blocking the Monster Hunter's punches actually hurt, and this surprised Ashe due to his high pain tolerance. This just showed how powerful Aurelion really was.

Now, the wiser course of action would be for Ashe to dodge Aurelion's next attacks. But Ashe stubbornly decided to retaliate by launching a straight right punch at Aurelion's head. _Only cowards run away or avoid attacks._ Ashe stubbornly thought to himself.

Aurelion blocked Ashe's punch with his forearm. The two young men started to exchange blocks and blows. The Monster Hunter frowned and shook his head. "Ashe, I thought you were smarter than this. I'm obviously bigger and stronger than you. You should be trying to dodge as many of my attacks as possible for as long as possible in order to wear me out."

Ashe gave Aurelion an incredulous look. "You want me to run away?"

"It's not running away. It's called battle strategy. You can't win every battle with brute force alone," Aurelion argued.

"That's a funny thing for a meathead swordsman like you to say," Ashe commented dryly.

"If you end up fighting someone like me in the arena," Aurelion began as he circled around Ashe. "I want you to use your opponent's strength against them."

"How?" Ashe asked.

Aurelion beckoned Ashe with his hand. "Attack me."

Ashe shrugged before running forward and charging Aurelion fearlessly. In the blink of an eye, Aurelion's hands were on Ashe and he was being thrown until he landed on his back with a thud. Ashe blinked up at the blue-gray sky with a dazed expression on his face. "Ugh...how did you do that?"

"I used your speed and weight against you." Aurelion grinned. "When we're done with your training you'll be able to throw me like it's nothing."

Ashe raised a skeptical eyebrow at the hero. Him? Throw Aurelion? The Monster Hunter weighed more than two hundred pounds and his body was made up of solid muscle. "That's impossible."

"This is why fighting techniques exist in the first place - to make the impossible possible," Aurelion explained. "To allow a smaller opponent to defeat a larger one. Get up. Let us continue."

Ashe pushed himself up off the ground, and dusted himself off. He was just about to attack Aurelion again, when-

"Eee! Someone, please, help me!" a feminine scream reached their ears.

Ashe recognized that voice and his eyes widened in concern. "Julie!" He ran off into the nearby forest without waiting to see if his friends would follow him.

"Should we go too?" Snow asked in Aurelion's general direction. If the Monster Hunter decided to go after Ashe then he would too.

Aurelion placed a hand on Snow's shoulder. "No. We will stay here. That scream was Julie's. If Ashe saves her...well, maybe he'll get a kiss as a reward if we're not around watching like a couple of Peeping Toms!" The Monster Hunter let out an amused chuckle.

Snow shot Aurelion a surprised look, grinned, and nodded. "Good call, man. The sexual tension between those two is so thick you could cut it with a knife."

Aurelion's blue eyes twinkled with mirth. "Indeed. Besides, rescuing damsels in distress from monsters is good hero training!"

"Monsters...?" Snow trailed off as he looked into the dark forest and gulped.

***

"Ah! Someone! Help!" Ashe followed the sound of Julie's cries for help, and seconds later spotted her running through the forest. He was momentarily impressed by how fast Julie could run while in a ball gown and glass slippers.

Julie was glancing over her shoulder with a frightened look on her face. Ashe followed Julie's line of sight, and spotted a shadowy figure pursuing her. _It's fast!_ Ashe thought. The figure waved something in Julie's direction and a fierce wind blew through the trees.

Ashe watched in shock as sickle-shaped blades of wind flew through the air towards Julie who hit the ground in order to avoid the attack. The wind blades sliced into the trees, cutting them in half, and causing them to topple over. _An elemental wind attack! That being must be a witch, wizard, demon or demoness._ Ashe speculated internally.

Julie cried out as a tree fell on top of her. Its branches formed a cage around Julie and kept her pinned to the ground.

"Julie!" Ashe yelled, and ran in her direction.

The figure was approaching Julie's pinned form, and Ashe quickly placed himself between Julie and the figure. He turned to face their mysterious enemy, and Ashe finally got to take a better look at its appearance. "Stay away from her you...demoness!" It was the woman's glowing, violet eyes that made Ashe call her a demoness.

The woman had long, messy brown hair. She was wearing a Steampunk-style brown dress decorated with vertical, purple stripes, and that had a bustle in the back. The front of her dress was decorated with golden cogs that served as buttons. The woman was holding an enormous, Victorian-style lace fan.

At the word 'demoness' a wide, sinister smile formed on the woman's face. Her crazed gaze went to the Glass Sword in Ashe's hands. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Ashe...the wielder of the Glass Sword."

Ashe suddenly recognized the woman. "It's you! You were there at Lord Tremaine's dinner party. You were accompanying King Gothel...the Demon King! Your name is...Hydie!"

"I'm surprised you remember me. You were a little preoccupied with Lady Doriana Gray," Hydie sneered, her lip curling.

"What are you doing here? What do you want? Why did you attack Julie?" Ashe demanded.

"My, aren't we an inquisitive fellow?" Hydie said mockingly. "King Gothel told me that some pests were trying to befriend Blacksmith Rapunzel. Rapunzel isn't allowed to have friends, you see. I've been instructed to eliminate all of you."

Ashe got into a fighting stance. "You'll have to get through me first, demoness."

Hydie raised her fan high. "Very well. You'll be the first to die, Ashe, wielder of the Glass Sword!" Hydie waved her fan in Ashe's direction and unleashed a barrage of wind blades his way.

Ashe raised his sword and let the wind blades hit the blade of the Glass Sword. The attack was instantly absorbed into the Glass Sword, and then reflected, the wind blades shooting out and flying in Hydie's direction.

Hydie's violet eyes widened in astonishment, and she was forced to dodge her own attack. She executed a couple of back flips to put some distance between herself and Ashe. "So, it's true then. Your sword does possess the ability of Magic Reflection. My, oh, my." Hydie's voice was laced with awe.

Ashe charged forward towards Hydie with his sword raised before him. "I have you now, demoness!"

From her prone position on the ground Juleka started to struggle to free herself from her cage of branches. "No! Ashe, don't...!"

Ashe swung his sword at Hydie, and the witch blocked the blow with her metal fan. Ashe blinked. He could have sworn her fan had been made out of lace a few seconds ago, and now it appeared to be made out of steel. Had she transfigured it with a spell?

Hydie reached into her skirt pocket, whipped out another metal battle fan, opened it, and swung it at Ashe's neck. Ashe was forced to leap backwards to avoid getting his head loped off.

Hydie moved into a fighting stance with one fan raised above her head, and the other lowered below her waist. The sharp, metal blades of the fans glinted in the sunlight. Abruptly, Hydie attacked Ashe, spinning like a deadly top. Ashe blocked her vicious, consecutive attacks with his sword while Hydie started to cackle maniacally. "Die! Die! Die!"

Ashe was trying to look for an opening in Hydie's defenses, but she had the perfect defense. It was like she had a swirling metal shield around her.

_A shield._ Ashe recalled how he'd broken past Snow's shield using his Reflect Moonbeam Attack. Ashe leapt backwards to put sufficient space between him and Hydie. "This ends now, demoness! _Reflectunt Lunae Lumen!_ "

"No!" Suddenly, Juleka appeared in front of Hydie and spread her arms wide at her sides in a protective pose.

Ashe was unable to stop the beam of energy that shot out of his sword towards Juleka. "Shit! Julie!"

The beam of magical energy hit Juleka's chest, blasting a small hole through her torso. Juleka fell over onto her back where she lay on the ground unmoving.

With a shocked and confused expression on her face, Hydie crouched at Juleka's side. " _Why?_ Why did you do that?"

Juleka looked up at Hydie, and gave the woman a tremulous smile. "Because you're my friend, Dr. Henrietta." Hydie hung her head so that her bangs hid the conflicted expression on her face.

Ashe rushed over to the fallen Juleka, and sank to his knees at her side. "Julie, why did you do that?"

Juleka turned to give Ashe a beseeching look. "Please, don't hurt her, Ashe. Dr. Henrietta Jekyll is my friend."

Ashe's brow furrowed in confusion. "But she just tried to kill you..."

"Please," Julie pleaded before she passed out.

When Hydie looked up at Ashe her appearance had changed. Her eyes were no longer violet but a soft, lavender color. Her expression was also completely different. It was now open, kind, and worried.

Henrietta quickly put on her round glasses, and twisted her hair up into a conservative bun before she addressed Ashe. "Ashe, you must take Julie to Rapunzel. He can heal her. But you must hurry...she's lost a lot of blood. This is beyond even my medical expertise."

Ashe blinked. Even Hydie's voice sounded different - sweeter, kinder. "Who are you?"

Henrietta offered Ashe a sad smile. "My name is Dr. Henrietta Jekyll, but please don't tell Rapunzel about me. He only knows of Hydie - the witch that keeps him trapped in that tower. He is unaware of my existence, and I wish to keep it that way for the time being."

Ashe scratched his cheek in a confused gesture. _Henrietta? Hydie? What the fuck?_ Ashe scooped Juleka up into his arms. "So... _you're_ Julie's friend?"

"Yes. I am," Henrietta confirmed.

"Don't worry. I won't tell Punzie," Ashe assured.

Henrietta's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you, hero. Now, hurry."

Ashe nodded and took off running through the forest, heading back towards Rapunzel's Tower. He looked down at Julie's limp body in his arms. "Hang in there, Julie." Ashe was surprised that she was as light as a feather. It made her seem that much more fragile. Ashe's heart felt constricted in his chest. _I can't lose her._ Ashe thought passionately, and was surprised by his own thoughts. When had he come to care for this strange girl so much?

Rapunzel was obviously watching what was going on from the top of the tower because he lowered his hair so that Ashe could use it and tie it around Juleka's waist. Ashe watched as Rapunzel hauled Juleka up the tower and pulled her into the top room.

A few seconds later, Rapunzel lowered his hair again, and Ashe used it to climb the tower. By the time Ashe entered the room he saw that Rapunzel was already healing Julie. The blacksmith was crouched by her side, and had both his hands over the gaping wound in the center of her torso. "She's going to be okay," Rapunzel said without looking up at Ashe. "I'm almost done healing her."

Ashe watched as Rapunzel's hands and hair glowed with a golden-tinged light. The wound on Juleka's chest was closing right before his eyes, and Ashe let out a relieved breath. He clenched his trembling hands into fists at his sides. "I was the one who hurt her. I was trying to save her, and then I did this..."

Rapunzel frowned. "What happened out there?"

"Julie was attacked by a witch named Hydie," Ashe explained while watching Rapunzel's face closely to see what the blacksmith's reaction would be.

Rapunzel let out a heavy sigh. "So you met Hydie and lived to tell the tale. Hydie is a witch that makes sure I never leave this tower..."

Ashe sucked in a surprised breath. He was surprised Rapunzel was being so honest with him about what was going on. But that probably had to do with what had just happened to Julie. "Hydie is following King Gothel's orders, right?"

Rapunzel flinched guiltily, and shot Ashe a beseeching look. "Promise me you won't tell Aurelion about this shit."

Ashe's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why not?"

"Because if Aurelion discovers Demon King Gothel is keeping me prisoner here...he will want to face Gothel, and he will be killed." A dark cloud fell over Rapunzel's face. "Gothel is an immortal demon wizard. Many heroes have come to Bones Kingdom and tried to make a name for themselves by killing Gothel. All have perished in the foolish attempt. Gothel _can't_ be killed."

"Immortal demon wizard..." Ashe murmured, the blood draining out of his face. "I've served that guy coffee and dessert, which he liked." Ashe shook his head. He thought about how the hero Aurelion was such a busybody and nodded. "You're right. If Aurelion knew about this he would definitely challenge Gothel. And if Gothel is as powerful as you say he is, he'd probably get himself killed. The first time I came here with Snow I saw Gothel from afar, and was terrified. Don't worry. I won't tell Aurelion your secret."

Rapunzel's shoulders sagged in relief. "Thank you."

"But if there's some way I can help...let me know," Ashe offered. "There must be a way to defeat him."

Rapunzel put a hand on Ashe's arm. "Thanks. I appreciate the offer, but you should concentrate on your own enemies for now. Defeating Gothel...that's _my_ fight."

Ashe nodded. "I understand. Apparently, we both have something in common. We're both fighting for our freedom."

Rapunzel's green eyes flared. "You're...!"

"I'm a slave," Ashe confirmed Rapunzel's suspicions. "That's why I want to fight in the Glass Coliseum and earn enough money to buy my freedom from Lord Tremaine."

"Ashe, a lot of the participants in the Glass Coliseum are slaves," Rapunzel informed Ashe with a bleak expression on his face. "They're forced to fight and die for their Masters. For sport. But you can't go easy on them because you feel sorry for them, or empathize with them. If you do...you'll die."

"Don't worry," Ashe said, giving the blacksmith a crooked smile. "I don't plan on being merciful or losing. I plan on winning." A fierce, determined expression settled over Ashe's face.

To be continued in...Chapter 11:

### Chapter 11:

Ashe peered through the black wrought-iron bars of the gate into the oval-shaped arena. Today was Ashe's début as a fighter in the Glass Coliseum. Standing next to Ashe and also watching the current match were a group of magical beings: elves, fairies, witches, wizards, vampires, demons, succubi, incubi, and dwarves. Ashe was more concerned about the Ice Elf and Fire Demon that were facing off in the arena because he would be fighting the winner.

The tiered stone seats of the open-air coliseum were filled with thousands of spectators, some of which were cheering while others were booing as the she-elf and demon fought. The outer walls of the coliseum were an impressive two-hundred-feet high. Spectators were placing last minute bets as the match appeared to be drawing to a close, and money could be seen changing hands.

Ashe would have bet on the Fire Demon to win this fight. The demon was eight-feet-tall, and his skin looked like molten lava. A pair of large, black horns curled out of the top of the male's head, and a long tail with a heart-shaped barbed end was swishing behind him. The demon's red eyes glowed in a sinister fashion as he threw fireballs at the she-elf.

The Ice Elf appeared fragile in comparison. She was six-feet-tall, and had sky-blue skin. The she-elf had long white hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a white leather vest, matching pants and black boots. Ashe's eyes narrowed on the metal collar around her neck that had a heart-shaped padlock.

_She's a slave._ Ashe realized, and unconsciously rubbed his own neck. He was grateful Lord Tremaine had never seen it necessary to put a collar on him like a dog at least!

Ashe noticed that the she-elf had a quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder, but she wasn't using them to fight with. Instead, the she-elf was using her magic to conjure ice arrows, which she nocked to her bow, and loosed the demon's way. Ashe was impressed by her expert precision when he watched the Ice Elf's arrows hit the fireballs in midair, and cause them to dissipate.

When none of his fireballs hit their intended target the Fire Demon let out a roar of frustration, and beat his chest with his fists in a manner that reminded Ashe of an angry gorilla. Abruptly, the demon charged towards the she-elf, obviously desiring a close quarters fight.

The Ice Elf pulled back on her bowstring and an ice arrow flickered into existence. She pulled back on the arrow and loosed it upon the demon. The arrow pierced the demon's thigh, but he kept running towards the she-elf anyways.

The Ice Elf frowned, conjured another ice arrow, and aimed at the male's other thigh next. Her arrow met its mark too, but the Fire Demon still didn't stop his menacing charge.

_She's dead._ Ashe thought grimly. _Guess I'll be fighting that Fire Demon. Oh, joy._

The Ice Elf pulled back on her bowstring and an ice arrow started to materialize out of thin air, but instead of loosing the arrow she poured more of her magic into it so that the arrow started to increase in size. The arrow grew larger by the second, and only once the demon was almost upon her did she loose the enormous arrow.

The ice arrow hit the demon's chest, and ice immediately started to spread out from the wound to cover his entire body until the demon was completely incased in ice. The entire process had only taken seconds.

Ashe watched with baited breath as the Ice Elf finally reached for an arrow in her quiver, grabbed one, nocked it to her bow, aimed at the trapped demon, and fired. The arrow flew through the air, hit the incased demon, and the demon along with the ice shattered into hundreds of pieces.

The spectators were both pleased and shocked by this unexpected turn of events. Loud cheers filled the arena, drowning out the few that were booing.

_She...killed him._ Ashe gulped as he eyed a piece of ice that used to be the demon's head. _So much for showing mercy. And I'm going to have to fight her next. Splendid._

"Ashe, you're up!" a male overseer exclaimed with a whack to Ashe's back. "Get your ass out there and fight!"

Once the gate was fully raised, Ashe stepped through the open gateway, and into the arena. Ashe took a deep breath to steel his nerves. This was it. He was finally living his dream. _I'm finally here...fighting in the Glass Coliseum._ Ashe could hardly believe it. There was an odd mixture of fear and excitement coursing through his veins.

Ashe looked around the coliseum and his eyes widened at the intimidating number of spectators. There had to be at least 50,000 people watching...and waiting to see _him_ fight. Ashe swallowed a lump of nervousness, and reminded himself firmly that he wasn't there for them.

Ashe turned his attention to the she-elf, who was standing in the middle of the arena. He continued to approach her, and came to a halt a few yards away from her. Ashe could tell the Ice Elf was sizing him up as she gave him a scrutinizing gaze.

A booming voice had everyone's attention focusing on a male gorgon, who was standing in the outskirts of the arena. He was holding a wand to his throat and using a simple spell to amplify the sound of his voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special treat! Today is the debut of a new fighter. Give it up for \- Ashe Smoldris, wielder of the Glass Sword!" The emcee waved his hand in Ashe's direction in a flashy manner as he presented Ashe to the spectators. The wild cheers that filled the coliseum were deafening.

Ashe raised an eyebrow at the Master of Ceremonies. He'd never seen a gorgon in person before, but knew that their stare could turn a person to stone when their power was activated. This gorgon appeared to be around the same age as Ashe, and somewhere in his mid-twenties. He had a head of live green snakes for hair, and yellow eyes with slit pupils. The gorgon was wearing ostentatious shoulder armor decorated with gold and green scales, an armored skirt, gauntlets, and armored boots. The gorgon wasn't wearing a shirt, and so his oiled, muscular bronze chest was on full display.

"Let's see if Ashe survives in his match against the beautiful and deadly Ice Elf Elora Rane!" The gorgon waggled his eyebrows at the she-elf in a lascivious manner. "She rarely shows mercy to her defeated opponents! Will this be the end of Ashe's career as a fighter? Place your bets, everyone! Who will win? Who will die?" A wide, sinister smile spread across the gorgon's face revealing his pointed fangs. The spectators were given a moment to place their bets before the emcee started speaking again. "Fighters...begin!"

Elora didn't waste any time in making her move. She pulled back on her bowstring, conjured an ice arrow, and loosed it Ashe's way. Ashe had already unsheathed his sword, and was holding it before him in a two-handed grip. He turned the sword so that the arrow hit the flat of its blade. The magical arrow was absorbed into the sword instantly, and then reflected.

Elora's blue eyes widened as she watched her ice arrow heading back towards her. She was forced to dodge out of the way. _Magic reflection?_ Elora wondered. In order to make sure her theory was correct Elora sent three ice arrows flying towards Ashe in quick succession.

Ashe used the Glass Sword to block the arrows, and all three were absorbed into his sword and reflected back towards Elora seconds later. Elora gracefully dodged the arrows this time since she'd been expecting them. "Impressive. Magic Reflection. That's a very rare ability. Are you a dullard?" Elora questioned, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ashe bristled at her condescending tone. "What of it?"

"So you thought that sword was powerful enough to let you play with the big boys?" Elora mocked, raising her chin, and staring down at Ashe in a haughty pose. "Your naiveté and overconfidence is going to send you to an early grave!" The Ice Elf reached over her shoulder, grabbed a normal arrow from her quiver, nocked it to her bow, aimed, and loosed the arrow at Ashe.

Ashe, who was holding his sword before him in a two-handed grip, moved his sword to one side, and easily blocked the arrow. Elora blinked. _Impossible. His reflexes can't be that good. It must have been a fluke._ Elora fired a few more normal arrows Ashe's way at an even faster speed, and was surprised when he managed to block these as well. Elora's mouth dropped open slightly out of shock. _Incredible._

_Thank you, Julie._ Ashe thought to himself as he managed to block the arrows with his sword.

With reflexes like those...my only chance of defeating him is to outsmart him. Elora thought before releasing a normal arrow Ashe's way that was quickly followed by an ice arrow. Ashe blocked the first arrow, and the second missed him entirely.

Elora continued with her battle strategy, and released normal arrows and ice arrows at Ashe, until-

Ashe suddenly slipped on a patch of ice, and fell onto his back with an 'Oof'. _What the fuck?_ Ashe glanced around him and realized that the sandy floor of the arena had been completely covered by a sheet of white ice.

"I have you now!" Elora leapt high up into the air, and aimed a normal arrow at Ashe's heart.

_Oh, shit._ Ashe inwardly swore. " _Reflectunt Lunae Lumen_!" he cried. A burst of silvery white light flared up in front of Ashe.

Elora cried out as the light painfully hit her eyes and temporarily blinded her. Even though she was no longer able to see Ashe that didn't stop her from loosing her arrow in Ashe's general direction. Ashe rolled out of the way and Elora's arrow hit the ground where Ashe had been lying mere seconds before.

Elora lithely landed on her feet, and blinked her teary eyes rapidly as she tried to regain her vision. When her vision finally returned to her Ashe was standing directly in front of her. _There you are! Die!_ Elora released a normal arrow Ashe's way. It flew through the air and hit Ashe's chest. Elora was elated with her victory until Ashe's image started to fade away like a mirage.

"What the...?" Elora was muttering to herself when she felt a sword being pressed to her throat. _An illusion!_ She realized her folly, and glanced over her shoulder with wide eyes to see the real Ashe. How had this novice swordsman beaten her - a veteran archer?

"Do you yield, Elora Rane?" Ashe asked with a cocky grin on his face.

Elora gulped and nodded. "Yes...I yield. Please, spare my life. I don't want to die."

Ashe swiftly removed his sword from Elora's throat and sheathed the Glass Sword in one fluid motion.

"I can hardly believe it, folks, but Elora has yielded which means Ashe wins!" the male gorgon cried. "And it appears that Ashe is mercifully going to spare Elora's life!"

A chant started to rise up from stands: "Ashe the Merciful! Ashe the Merciful! Ashe the Merciful!"

Ashe looked around at the cheering and applauding spectators in surprise. He had been expecting them to be angry that he'd decided _not_ to kill Elora. But it was the victor's choice to grant mercy or death.

Ashe had been so focused on his match that he hadn't bothered to see if he could catch a glimpse of the Queen of Glass Kingdom, but now he took that moment to look around the coliseum until he spotted a section in the stands where two thrones sat - one for Queen Krista and one for Princess Juleka.

Queen Krista was beautiful despite her age. Her black hair that was streaked with gray had been styled up into a complicated and sophisticated updo. Krista was wearing a conservative red gown decorated with golden embroidery. Sitting on top of her head was a glittering crown of diamonds that made Ashe salivate. There was something strangely _familiar_ about her face and her silvery-blue eyes that made Ashe feel uneasy.

When Ashe's attention shifted to the princess, who was seated next to her, he suddenly knew why he'd felt that way. Princess Juleka had silvery-blue eyes just like her mother's, and long, wavy, black hair. Looking at Princess Juleka was like looking at a younger, skinnier version of her mother. Juleka was wearing a blue and pink gown with puffed sleeves and a belled skirt.

Ashe clenched his hands into fists at his sides. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. What the hell was Julie doing sitting on the throne meant for Princess Juleka Glass unless...Julie _was_ Princess Juleka Glass. Ashe shook his head, not wanting to believe her deception. His gaze went to the small crown of diamonds on Julie's - no - Juleka's head, and he frowned.

_What the fuck?_ A wave of anger so fierce washed over Ashe that he stumbled backwards a few steps. _She's been lying to me this entire time. Why didn't she tell me the truth? Because she's been toying with me. Juleka said she loved me. But there's no way that can be true. She's the princess of Glass Kingdom and I'm nothing but a lowly slave. Shit. I knew women weren't to be trusted. I should have known better!_

Ashe glared up at Juleka, and their eyes met. Juleka was able to see the hurt, betrayal, and anger in Ashe's golden eyes even at such a distance, and she sucked in a breath. She'd never meant to hurt him, and her heart clenched painfully inside of her chest. Juleka watched as Ashe turned and stomped out of the arena. She rose from her seat and ran, heading for the nearest exit.

Ashe stalked through the prep area and past the other fighters, who were standing around and waiting for their turn to fight. They could sense his anger and none of them tried to stop him as he left the coliseum. As soon as Ashe was outside he mounted his horse, and was about to head back to the château, when-

"Ashe!" a female voice called out to him in a beseeching tone. "Wait!"

Ashe turned to spot Juleka. He noted that she was flushed and appeared to be out of breath. She must have run all the way there. Even so, Ashe wasn't moved by her effort to get to him before he left the coliseum. "You're Princess Juleka Glass." It wasn't a question.

Juleka flinched since it sounded like an accusation. "Ashe, I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't..." She nibbled on her lower lip as she thought about what she could say to Ashe that would make him understand.

"I hate liars," Ashe said hotly. "And you've been deceiving me this entire time. It must have amused you...making a lowly slave think you were in love with him."

Juleka paled at the harsh words coming out of Ashe's mouth. "No! You're wrong, Ashe. Please, listen to me. Let me explain."

"How can I believe a single word that comes out of your mouth?" Ashe asked in a chill tone. "I can no longer trust you. I bid thee adieu! Hyah!" Ashe kicked his horse's sides and took off at a gallop.

"Ashe!" Juleka yelled, her voice tinged with desperation. But he didn't stop, and he didn't look back. The princess of Glass Kingdom sank to her knees, placed her face in her hands, and sobbed.

***

After that, Ashe continued to participate in matches held at the Glass Coliseum, but made sure to do his best to avoid running into Princess Juleka Glass. He would enter the coliseum only when he was scheduled to fight and immediately leave after his victories.

Ashe defeated one opponent after the other until he was starting to become something of a legend amongst the populace of Glass Kingdom. People started calling him 'Ashe the Merciful' and 'The Wielder of the Glass Sword' as soon as they caught sight of him on the streets or in the arena.

Each time Ashe's match finished Juleka would try to go after him, but Ashe would make sure to reach his horse as fast as possible, and ride away before she could have the chance to speak with him.

Until one day...

Ashe was facing off against a beautiful and mysterious witch in the arena. She had long black hair with scattered braids, and there were swirling blue tattoos on her face. The witch was wearing a black, wide-brimmed, pointed hat, and a clingy black dress with belled sleeves.

The witch slammed her staff down on the arena floor and chanted a spell. A large magic circle appeared on the arena floor. Inside the magic circle were a pentagram, glyphs, and runes. The symbols started to glow with a blue-tinged light until the entire circle was flooded with light. Seconds later, as the light dimmed an enormous direwolf was revealed standing in the center of the circle.

She's a Beast Summoner. Ashe thought with rising dread. Punzie warned me this could happen.

The witch smiled gleefully, and pointed her staff at Ashe. "Direwolf, rip him apart!"

Ashe arched an eyebrow at the bloodthirsty gleam in the witch's eyes. "Now, that's not very nice." The direwolf howled before charging towards Ashe.

Ashe sidestepped out of the wolf's way, and tried to stab its side, but the wolf was fast and leapt backwards out of the sword's way. It's fast. Good thing I read the book Punzie lent me. A direwolf's weakness is...fire!

Ashe took out a flask, uncorked it, and poured oil onto the blade of his sword before tossing the empty flask aside. Next, he whipped out Lord Tremaine's Zippo lighter, which he'd seen the man use to light his cigars. He used the lighter to produce a small flame, and held his sword's blade over the flame until it caught on fire. Ashe pointed the now flaming sword in the direwolf's direction, and took a single step forward.

The direwolf's gaze focused on the flaming sword, and its ears flattened on the top of its head. The beast let out a whimper, and it cowered back in fear. When Ashe started running towards the direwolf the creature turned around and started running in the opposite direction.

The witch gawked at the direwolf in disbelief as she saw it running towards her magic circle. "No! What are you doing? Attack the swordsman! Kill him!"

The direwolf ignored the witch, leapt through the air, entered the magic circle, and disappeared as it was transported back to the forest from whence it came.

At this point the witch had been left alone and undefended. Ashe pointed his sword in her direction and offered her a crooked smile. "Do you yield?"

A dark scowl formed on the witch's face, but she dropped her staff with a nod. "I yield." The witch was well aware of Ashe's sword's ability of Magic Reflection, and knew that her spells would be useless against the swordsman. Her only chance of beating Ashe had been with her summoning ability, and that had been a dismal failure.

Raucous laughter reached the witch's ears and her cheeks flamed out of embarrassment. The witch clenched her hands into fists at her sides, and her body started to tremble. I've been completely humiliated! I can't believe a mere dullard bested me! She stomped her foot on the arena floor in a petulant manner.

"Hattie Sangrey yields!" Viper shouted and waved his hand in Ashe's direction. "The winner is Ashe Smoldris!"

The spectators started to applaud, cheer, and chant: "Ashe the Merciful! Ashe the Merciful! Ashe the Merciful!"

Ashe turned and was just about to leave the arena when the emcee called out to him. "Not so fast, Ashe. Queen Krista is about to make a royal proclamation and she wishes you to be present to hear it."

Ashe shrugged and turned to face the area in the stands were the two thrones sat. He stared at Queen Krista expectantly and tried not to look at Juleka, who was seated next to her. Queen Krista stood up and all eyes were suddenly on her. "In honor of my daughter's twenty-forth birthday...a ball shall be held at the palace. All eligible men are invited to attend, be they of noble birth, commoner, or even slave."

Slave? Ashe's jaw dropped open in shock, and his gaze darted to Princess Juleka. Juleka simply stared back at Ashe while he gave her a questioning look. When Juleka suddenly smiled slightly Ashe realized that Juleka was essentially inviting him to attend the ball. He narrowed his eyes at the crafty princess. Well, too bad. There's no way in hell I'm going to a stupid dance. Ashe was still much too angry to even consider going to the ball.

That's when a sudden thought occurred to Ashe. He'd forgotten all about Picasso's plan to attend Princess Juleka Glass's birthday celebration, and to slip a love potion or drug into her drink. Picasso planned to seduce and impregnate the princess so that she'd have no choice but to marry him. Picasso was determined to become King of Glass Kingdom.

At the time, Ashe had only been slightly worried about his stepbrother's nefarious plan since he hadn't even personally known Princess Juleka. But now...Juleka was his Julie. Shit. Ashe inwardly swore. Ashe may have been incredibly angry with Juleka, but that didn't mean he wanted anything bad to happen to her. Despite her lies, he still cared for her.

Princess Juleka's life and honor were in danger. Ashe's shoulders sagged in defeat. I'll have to go to the ball whether I want to or not. I have to protect Juleka from Picasso. This isn't about 'us' - it's about Princess Juleka Glass's safety. It's time for me to step up, and be a hero. I must thwart the League of Villains' plot. Ashe scratched his head in an exasperated gesture. And to think I once thought to myself how this wasn't my problem.

As Ashe left the arena the sound of people chanting Juleka's name over and over again followed him. The people of Glass Kingdom loved their princess. A determined expression settled over Ashe's face. Don't worry, people of Glass Kingdom. I won't let anything happen to Juleka.

***

As soon as Ashe had closed the front door behind him upon entering the château, Lord Tremaine called out from the living room. "Ashe, come in here."

Ashe swallowed a lump of nervousness, wondering if Lord Tremaine planned to punish him for striking Picasso. Did that asshole rat me out? Ashe wondered venomously before making his way into the living room.

Christian was seated on a tapestry wingback chair while Picasso and Knuckles were seated together on the settee. Christian waved a hand at the wingback chair that was sitting directly across from him with an impatient gesture. "Please, take a seat, Ashe."

Trap! Trap! Trap! Ashe's instincts were screaming at him, but he stiffly made his way over to the wingback chair, and took a seat.

Christian took out a cigar, lit it with another Zippo lighter he had, and took a drag. When he exhaled he created an impressive smoke ring that perfectly circled Ashe's head. The silence in the living room was heavy and uncomfortable. Knuckles wore a confused expression on his face while Picasso looked pleased. Ashe decided that wasn't a good sign. "I know everything, Ashe," Christian drawled.

"Y-You do...?" Ashe stammered as he thought about how he'd punched Picasso.

"Oh, yes," Christian said, his gray eyes glittering. "Did you really think I wouldn't hear about you becoming an undefeated champion at the Glass Coliseum? It pains me you never asked for my permission to participate in those matches." Christian took another drag from his cigar as he awaited Ashe's response.

"Lord Tremaine, I..." Ashe started.

Christian held up a hand to stop Ashe and smiled sharply. "No need to look so worried, Ashe. I know why you're fighting at the Glass Coliseum. It's to save up the money to buy back your freedom from me, isn't it?"

"Yes," Ashe confirmed.

"I thought as much," Christian said, nodding to himself. "You're much smarter than I gave you credit for. I'm almost impressed that you managed to find a way to participate and survive in those dangerous matches. If I were a better person...I'd say I was proud of you."

"Lord Tremaine...?" Ashe murmured with a bewildered expression on his face. Coming from Lord Tremaine that had almost been a compliment, and was probably the closest thing to a compliment that Ashe was ever going to receive from the harsh man.

Christian let out a low chuckle at the stunned expression on Ashe's face. "You thought I'd be angry, didn't you? But I'm perfectly alright with you fighting in the Glass Coliseum because technically it's making me money."

Ashe let out a breath of relief and his shoulders sagged.

"Although, there is something that's bothering me about this whole thing," Christian said, puffing on his cigar thoughtfully. "According to my spies your fighting prowess managed to gain Princess Juleka Glass's attention. So much so that she had her mother make a royal proclamation allowing eligible slaves to attend her birthday celebration. Juleka Glass obviously wants you to attend the ball, Ashe. I'll be honest with you. I'm impressed, and furious by this unexpected turn of events." Christian blew a stream of smoke in Ashe's direction.

Ashe gulped. "Lord Tremaine, I would never presume to-"

"If that is Princess Juleka Glass's will...you shall go to the ball," Christian said. "Understood?"

Ashe's brow furrowed in confusion. "You'll allow me to go?"

Christian looked over the ratty suit Ashe was wearing and clucked his tongue in a disapproving fashion. "You'll have to find something suitable to wear on your own. I won't be wasting my money on a slave. I will, however, be purchasing new suits for myself and my sons."

"You plan to attend as well?" Ashe arched a curious eyebrow at Lord Tremaine.

"Picasso is quite taken with the lovely princess and wishes to court her," Christian said, letting out a stream of smoke in Picasso's direction this time. Picasso frowned and waved his hand through the air in an irritated manner. "I'll allow you to share a single dance with the princess, Ashe. Afterwards, Picasso shall dance with her. Princess Juleka will ultimately choose whom she likes more. Let's fight this battle for Princess Juleka's heart fair and square. What do you say, Ashe?"

Fair and square? Ashe inwardly scoffed. He'd already overhead them talking about either drugging Juleka or slipping her a love potion in order for Picasso to be able to seduce her and get her with child. Even though Ashe knew Lord Tremaine and Picasso were both up to no good he had no choice but to agree to Lord Tremaine's terms so that he'd get to go to the ball too. "Yes, of course. Fair and square."

A twisted smile spread across Picasso's face. "Let the best man win fair Juleka's heart, Ashe."

"Let the better man win," Ashe countered, causing Picasso to narrow his eyes at Ashe. Ashe stared back and lightning seemed to flash between their gazes.

Ashe left the living room and headed to the attic. As soon as he had the door shut and locked behind him he started to rummage around in the trunks that contained his father's belongings. He needed to find a suit that he could mend and wear to the ball.

Ashe discovered a white and gold suit that was a little old-fashioned, but in reasonable condition. It would only take a little bit of mending here and there to get the suit ready in time for the ball.

Lord Tremaine visited the most expensive and skilled tailor in all of Glass Kingdom, and commissioned three new suits. They would be tailored in the latest style, and made of the finest materials available.

It took Ashe an entire week to mend his father's old suit, and he just barely had it ready in time for the day of the ball. Ashe had just finished dressing in his father's old suit, and was staring at his reflection in the full-length mirror. With his hair loose around his shoulders Ashe thought with a pang inside his chest that he resembled his father a little. As a sense of longing filled him he reached his hand out towards the mirror.

"Father, I wish you were still alive. Life has been hard without you. If only you hadn't died a hero...then maybe things would have been different. Maybe my life wouldn't have been a living hell. And maybe Mom wouldn't have succumbed to her gambling addiction, and then she wouldn't have betrayed me. Maybe we could have lived together as a normal, happy family," Ashe said wistfully. "But according to Punzie a member of the League of Villains cut your life short. I doubt you deserved such a fate. One day, I will get revenge on the man who killed you, Father. This I vow."

The sound of someone knocking on the front door of the château drew Ashe from his dour thoughts. The carriage Lord Tremaine had hired to take them all to the palace had arrived. Ashe let out a sigh. "I suppose I'd better hurry and get down there before Lord Tremaine decides to change his mind about letting me ride in their carriage. I need to stay as close to Picasso as possible in order to keep an eye on him, and make sure he doesn't do anything untoward to Juleka."

A bitter smile curled Ashe's lips as he gazed at his reflection one last time. "Beauty is nothing but an illusion. I look handsome, but that's a lie. My body is covered by hideous scars." A squeak drew Ashe's attention and he saw his pet mouse Gustava looking up at him. He bent over and patted her on the head. "Wish me luck, Gustava." Ashe heard a commotion coming from downstairs as Lord Tremaine, Picasso and Knuckles gathered in the foyer and prepared to leave.

Ashe quickly made his way to the second floor, and started to descend the sweeping grand staircase that led down into the entrance hall. Ashe caught sight of Lord Tremaine and his sons standing by the front door and waiting for him. The fact that they were actually waiting for him caused Ashe to raise a suspicious eyebrow at them.

Ashe couldn't help but admire the new suits they were wearing, and felt a twinge of jealousy at the luxurious silk material that had been used to make the suits. Lord Tremaine was dressed in a slick, black and gray pinstriped suit with a red tie. As usual Lord Tremaine had on an ostentatious fur coat. This one was black with a white lining.

Picasso was wearing a dark blue suit with a black tie. A black fedora with a blue ribbon around its base sat on his head. Knuckles was wearing a flamboyant, purple suit with a magenta-colored tie that had black polka dots. The fedora Knuckles was wearing was black and had a purple ribbon around its base.

Ashe was surprised that the suits had an unusual design when compared to the typical suits worn by the male citizens of Glass Kingdom, which usually consisted of a vest, cravat, jacket, silk pants and leather dress shoes. Things like fedoras and ties with geometric patterns weren't common in Glass Kingdom, and Ashe had a gut feeling these designs came from that other world Lord Tremaine and his sons were from.

Ashe had assumed Lord Tremaine would choose to have more traditional suits made for him and his sons. Although, he supposed the Tremaines would definitely stand out from the crowd, and this had to be Lord Tremaine's intention.

The Tremaines looked up simultaneously, spotted Ashe, and their eyes widened with obvious surprise. "Where did you get that suit, Ashe?" Christian asked as he pulled out a cigar and lit it with his Zippo.

"It belonged to my father," Ashe explained. "I mended it."

Christian took a drag from his cigar, and exhaled a cloud of smoke slowly. "I see. No wonder it looks so...old-fashioned."

Picasso started to climb the stairs and casually approached Ashe. When he was directly in front of Ashe he reached out and touched the frayed collar of Ashe's suit jacket. "This ratty old thing is about to fall to pieces...and yet you look quite handsome in it, Ashe."

Ashe's eyebrows rose to his hairline out of surprise for the compliment. "Thanks. I think."

"Tonight we are both going to try and win the heart of the princess," Picasso began in an amiable tone and offered Ashe a lopsided smile. "That makes us rivals. I was thinking that just for tonight we should call a truce, and let bygones by bygones. Let us woo Princess Juleka in an honorable manner without treachery or tricks. Let the...how did you put it before? Better man win her heart. What do you say?"

Picasso wished to court Juleka without treachery? Ashe felt like he could breathe easier at the mere suggestion. There was no reason for him not to agree to this truce if it meant Juleka would be safer. "Alright. A truce."

"Splendid." A silky smile curled Picasso's lips and he spread his arms. "Let's hug on it, brother."

Brother? Ashe thought with a pang. There had been a time when his mother had first married Lord Tremaine that Ashe had been hopeful about getting a new family. He'd even been excited by the idea of having two new brothers his age. But the Tremaines had never really treated him as family, and Picasso had never called him 'brother'. Until now.

It was so unexpected that it caused Ashe to lower his guard. He wondered if maybe Picasso was turning a new leaf. Knuckles appeared to be much more tolerable lately. Maybe...people really could change for the better. Ashe remembered how Picasso and Knuckles had been civil towards him before his mother had died.

It was these hopeful thoughts that made Ashe allow Picasso to step forward and wrap his arms around him. Ashe hesitated before returning the hug. Ashe realized that he'd be willing to forgive everything, even the torture, if it meant having a family again.

"Oh, Ashe, you really are way too trusting," Picasso whispered in Ashe's ear right before he stabbed Ashe in the stomach with one of his scalpels. He stepped back and admired his handiwork.

Ashe looked down at the scalpel that was sticking out of his stomach in shock. Blood was already seeping out from the wound and staining the white suit jacket red. Another suit...ruined.

"Oh, dear," Picasso said mockingly. "You've stained your suit. Well, you can't possibly go to the ball looking like that. You'd scare the princess."

Ashe looked up at his stepbrother, his golden eyes swirling with hurt and betrayal. "Why, brother?"

"Brother?" Picasso cackled. "That's unlike you, Ashe. You were never this sentimental. What's wrong with you? Have your new friends made you soft? The old you never would have fallen for my latest trick! You are not my brother, slave. And you're too handsome for your own good. I needed to get you out of the way in order to level the playing field. I can't have you winning Princess Juleka's heart. If I don't manage to seduce the princess I'll never become King."

"You bastard! I can't believe I even thought for a second that I could trust you. You're right. I was being stupid." Ashe lunged at Picasso, but the macabre artist grabbed him by the shoulders.

"You should be more careful on the stairs, Ashe, it's a long way down," Picasso warned right before pushing Ashe sideways, and then abruptly letting go.

Ashe fell and tumbled down the stairs, leaving blood on the steps in his wake. He rolled all the way down to the bottom step where he then remained unmoving as he bled onto the marble floor.

With an air of unconcern Picasso slowly descended the staircase, and had to step over Ashe's prone form as he headed for the front door.

"But I thought Ashe was coming with us," Knuckles grunted with a confused expression on his face.

"That was all a lie, idiot," Picasso snapped at his brother, causing Knuckles to frown darkly at the insult.

Knuckles shot Ashe's still form a worried look. "You killed him. You weren't supposed to kill him...were you?" He shot his father a questioning look. "I thought you wanted him alive in case he awoke as a unicorn shifter?"

Christian puffed on his cigar and blew out several smoke rings into the air. He watched as they floated towards the enormous, golden chandelier that was hanging from the ceiling. "Ah, yes, well, Ashe has outlived his usefulness, son. Picasso made the right decision. Ashe is simply too handsome to let live. He'd surely win the heart of the princess, even while dressed in those pitiful rags. Leaving him alive...would have been a risk not worth taking. Picasso must win Juleka's heart if he's to be King."

Just as Picasso was walking past Ashe's body, Ashe suddenly reached out, and with the last of his remaining strength grabbed Picasso's ankle in order to stop him. "No. I won't let you go to her..." Ashe said in a weak, but firm voice.

Picasso's eyes widened in alarm as he looked down at Ashe. "Aren't you dead yet? Just die already, loser." He kicked Ashe in his side, and Ashe was forced to release his hold on Picasso's ankle.

Picasso crouched down beside Ashe and whispered into his ear. "Don't worry. You should be relieved I've decided not to drug and rape Juleka. It would be too crass. Potions Master Gothel has provided me with a very special love potion. After I slip it into her drink she'll be acting like a cat in heat. She won't be able to resist me, or any man for that matter." A dark chuckle slipped past Picasso's lips. "I will take her, and she will enjoy it. In fact, she'll be begging me for more. And I'll give it to her, gladly. She's a real peach, isn't she? And my spies say that she's still a virgin. I'll have fun deflowering the princess."

Ashe's golden eyes flashed with anger. "Don't you dare lay a finger on her. I'll kill you, you son of a bitch."

"Good luck with that," Picasso said as he straightened, and dusted his suit off. "You're already dead. I bet you're regretting your refusal to join me now." He raised his foot, set it on top of the scalpel that was protruding out of Ashe's stomach, and pressed it down even deeper into Ashe, causing him to cough blood.

"Enough, Picasso," Christian snapped impatiently. "You'll get blood on your new suit if you play with Ashe any longer. Let's go. We don't want to be late. You have a princess to seduce."

"Coming, Father. So long, Ashe." Picasso waved goodbye over his shoulder as he stalked towards the front door.

Ashe watched as Picasso and Lord Tremaine left the château. Knuckles hesitated at the doorway and turned to look at Ashe. He was frowning deeply. Ashe weakly reached his hand out towards Knuckles, and gave his stepbrother a beseeching look. "Knuckles, please, help me. Don't be a monster like them."

Knuckles was silent for a full minute, but then shook his head sadly. "Sorry. I can't. I'm a monster too." The large man turned around, left the château, and closed the door behind him.

Knuckles having a change of heart and deciding to help him had been his only hope. Ashe let his hand fall to the floor. A pool of bright red blood was forming around him. Ashe struggled to remain conscious, but he could feel himself falling into darkness. "Juleka, I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you..."

To be continued in...Chapter 12:

### Chapter 12:

Queen Krista Glass arched an eyebrow at her daughter, who was covering her mouth with her hand as she tried to hide her yawn of boredom in a subtle manner. Juleka was currently being introduced to a handsome prince from a small neighboring Kingdom, but had barely paid the young man any attention. Queen Krista personally thought the young man was quite dashing, but her daughter obviously felt otherwise.

Juleka looked around the ballroom while trying to catch sight of Ashe, and let out a disappointed sigh when she failed to find him among the crowd.

"You're waiting for someone in particular to arrive, aren't you?" Queen Krista asked keenly.

Juleka blushed, and was already starting to miss her unicorn mask. Her mother always could read her like an open book. "No...not really."

"It's that slave...Ashe Smoldris, isn't it?" Queen Krista said with a crafty twinkle in her blue-gray eyes. "It's why you had me make that proclamation. So that he could attend the ball."

"Don't call him that. He's not-" Juleka began to object, but her mother cut her off.

"A slave?" Queen Krista challenged, giving her daughter a chiding look. "But he _is_ a registered slave, who legally belongs to Lord Christian Tremaine." Krista smiled at the astonished look on her daughter's face. "Yes. I did my research on the young man, who has apparently caught my daughter's eye. If you wish to buy him-"

"No!" Juleka burst out, and an abashed expression formed on her face at her outburst. She offered her mother an apologetic look. "Ashe is going to earn the money to free himself by continuing to fight in the coliseum. He is not some 'thing' to be bought."

Queen Krista's eyes widened at the passionate note in her daughter's voice. "You're in love with him." Krista let out a defeated sigh before turning her attention to the couples that were twirling across the dance floor. "The people will never accept a slave for their King, Juleka."

"Why do we even have slaves, Mother?" Juleka asked abruptly, giving her mother a questioning look.

"When your great-great-great Grandmother Queen Gemma Glass conquered this Kingdom...its people were enslaved," Krista began to explain. "Queen Gemma had the slaves construct all of the lavish casinos, magnificent marble statues, and fountains in Glass City. Slavery helped Glass Kingdom grow quickly to become the richest and most prosperous Kingdom in all of Fantasia."

"Yes, but that was hundreds of years ago," Juleka began with a thoughtful expression on her face. "Is slavery still necessary?"

"If slavery didn't exist how would people that have no money pay off their gambling debts?" Krista asked shrewdly.

Juleka shrugged. "They could work off their debt...like an indentured servant. They wouldn't have to become a slave who has no rights and who is at the mercy of his or her Master's whims. The cruelty the slaves in Glass Kingdom are facing from their Masters...isn't right, Mother," Juleka said in a vehement voice while thinking of the scars that covered Ashe's body. "The mistreatment of slaves...should be a crime, at the very least."

Queen Krista's eyes widened in astonishment. "A crime?"

"Well, it would be better if we could just abolish slavery altogether," Juleka added. "When I am Queen-"

"You aren't Queen yet," Krista smoothly interrupted her willful daughter. "And I'm not sure the people are ready for such a drastic change. I fear you would lose the support of the aristocracy. This would put your life in danger. Perhaps, one day, but...not now."

"Mother, I love Ashe Smoldris," Juleka declared, her gray-blue eyes glittering with love and hope. "And I plan to marry him. I also want to save him by abolishing slavery in Glass Kingdom."

"But you said he was going to buy his freedom back from Lord Tremaine himself," Krista pointed out.

Juleka nodded. "Yes. That's what he intends to do. But...I can't just sit back and do nothing while he continues to be mistreated by Lord Tremaine."

Queen Krista gave her daughter a searching look, and decided that she liked the determination that was shinning in her daughter's eyes. Juleka usually had her head up in the clouds, but right then her daughter's feet were planted firmly on the ground. "You've changed. You've become stronger. I'm so proud of you, my daughter. If you really love this Ashe Smoldris and wish to help him then...do what you must. Life is short and unpredictable. And love is so hard to find. It's worth fighting for."

Juleka's eyes flared in surprise, and grew misty. She threw her arms around her mother and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Mother. I knew you'd understand."

Krista patted Juleka's head in an affectionate manner. "I just want you to be happy, Juleka. I love you."

"And I love you, Mother," Juleka said, beaming up at the Queen. That's when Juleka spotted Lord Tremaine and his sons arriving out of the corner of her eye and grew distracted. "Sorry, Mother, if you'll excuse me. We'll talk more about this later."

"Of course," Krista said with a nod. The Queen's expression grew sad as she watched her daughter make her way across the dance floor. _Falling in love with a slave. Juleka has not chosen an easy path._ Krista mused. _All I can do is pray that things will work out for my daughter, and that her dreams will come true._

By the time Juleka reached Lord Tremaine and his sons she was slightly out of breath, and her cheeks were flushed. "Lord Christian Tremaine, and...?" Juleka began, giving the two young men with him an expectant look.

"Princess Juleka, it is an honor to make your acquaintance," Christian purred as he took Juleka's hand and placed a kiss upon it. "Allow me to introduce you to my sons: Picasso and Knuckles."

Picasso stepped forward, took Juleka's hand, and placed a kiss on the back of it. "Princess..." he murmured and then noticed that Juleka was looking behind them with a worried look on her face. A sly smile curled his lips. "I can tell from your troubled expression that you're wondering where my brother Ashe is."

It was in that moment that Juleka realized she'd been frowning, and she quickly tried to compose her expression into a more appropriate one for dealing with guests. "Oh dear, is it that obvious? Please forgive my impertinence, milord."

Picasso lifted his shoulders in a lackadaisical shrug. "I could hardly blame you for admiring him. Many young ladies do. My brother Ashe has become something of a celebrity due to his fighting prowess in the coliseum," Picasso said in a nonchalant tone.

" _Many_ young ladies," Juleka echoed, and her lips dipped into another frown.

"You have nothing to worry about, Princess," Picasso said, his gray eyes glittering with dark amusement. "None are as beautiful as you are. May I say, your eyes are incredible? They're like diamonds."

"You're much too kind," Juleka said distractedly. "Uh, so where is Ashe? Is he coming?"

"Ashe told me to tell you not to worry," Picasso said silkily. "He's going to be running a little late. He needed to make some last minute adjustments to the suit he decided to mend for the ball. It was one of his father's old suits, you see. Ashe can be sentimental. He told me to keep you company until then."

Juleka let out a relieved sigh. "He did? Oh, good."

"How about a dance-" Picasso was saying when Juleka's flighty attention turned to Knuckles.

"What was your name again? You're also Ashe's stepbrother, correct?"

Knuckles was surprised Princess Juleka was even speaking to him or acknowledging his presence. "Uh, my name is Knuckles. And uh, yeah, I'm also Ashe's stepbrother."

Juleka offered Knuckles a warm smile. "Do you know how to dance, Knuckles?"

A look of shock flitted across Knuckles's chubby face. "Uh, yeah, but..." He shot his brother Picasso a nervous look.

" _One_ dance, Knuckles," Picasso said through gritted teeth while he tried to appear unaffected by this turn of events. Knuckles wondered if that creepy smile on his brother's face was really convincing Princess Juleka that Picasso didn't mind if the two of them danced. "And then it'll be my turn to show the princess how it's done."

Knuckles gulped nervously, and offered his hand to Juleka. Juleka took it and allowed Knuckles to guide her out onto the dance floor. The crowd parted to give them room on the floor. Knuckles placed his left hand on Juleka's waist and took her left hand in his right. Juleka placed her right hand on Knuckles's shoulder and they started to dance across the floor.

"You're a surprisingly graceful dancer for such a big man, Knuckles," Juleka complimented, her gray-blue eyes twinkling with mirth.

Knuckles flushed. "Uh, thanks. Father made Picasso and I take lessons. In this World, er, I mean, in this _Kingdom_...it's expected of young noblemen to know how to dance for when they woo ladies at court."

"Did Ashe take lessons too?" Juleka asked with a curious tilt of her head.

"Er, no, just Picasso and I," Knuckles stammered out.

"Is that so?" Juleka sighed. "I wonder if Ashe knows how to dance then." She started to nibble on her lower lip. "I hope he's not nervous about that, and still decides to come to the ball tonight."

Knuckles could feel a nervous sweat beading on his brow. He tried to banish the mental image of Ashe lying at the foot of the stairs with a pool of blood forming around him. "How did you even meet Ashe? You know him, right? Not just from the coliseum."

"You're right. I met him one night at a casino in Glass City," Juleka began with a wistful expression on her face. "I foolishly played a game of poker in one of the back rooms and lost. I had no money with me and almost got myself sold off as a slave! Can you imagine? The princess of Glass Kingdom...sold off as a slave? But then Ashe appeared out of nowhere and saved me. I fell in love with him in that moment."

The tender look on Juleka's face was making Knuckles feel guilty. "You love him?" he choked out.

"Yes," Juleka confided in a fervent voice. "That's why I had my mother make that royal proclamation that even eligible male slaves were allowed to attend the ball if they wished. It was really my way of inviting Ashe."

"You know...Ashe's body is covered in ugly scars," Knuckles said, trying to think of a way to get Juleka to fall out of love with Ashe.

Juleka arched an eyebrow at Knuckles. "I know, and I don't mind. I still find him to be very handsome. Those scars just make him more... _manly_."

A scowl formed on Knuckles's face as he tried to come up with something else to make Juleka change her mind about Ashe. "Ashe seduced old hags for money," Knuckles blurted out.

Juleka's eyes widened like saucers, and a pink tinge rose to her cheeks. "I...didn't know that. But I _did_ hear rumors about a mysterious and handsome man with silver hair and golden eyes who seduced women at casinos and I thought those rumors _might_ be about Ashe. I suppose I was right, and I wasn't letting my imagination run away with me. I know Ashe needs money to buy his freedom from Lord Tremaine. Having to sell his body...that must have been hard. I offered to pay his mother's debt, but Ashe wouldn't let me."

Knuckles could hardly believe the sympathetic look on Juleka's face. How could she forgive Ashe for selling his body like a filthy whore? Didn't Juleka think that made Ashe dirty? Just how kind and forgiving was this princess? "Whoa, wait, you offered to buy back his freedom, and he refused? That idiot..." Knuckles scrubbed a hand down his face.

"Ashe wants to earn the money to buy back his freedom on his own by fighting in the coliseum," Juleka explained. "I think he wants to prove to Lord Tremaine that he isn't just some worthless slave...but a fierce swordsman. He wants to get revenge all on his own. I can't help but admire Ashe's strength of will in the face of such adversity. And though I want to respect his wishes...I still may end up helping him in my own way."

"Revenge?" Knuckles said uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck in an uncomfortable manner. "You know about how we punished Ashe, don't you?"

Juleka nodded. "Yes. I'm aware."

_Fuck._ Knuckles mentally swore. If that were true...then Juleka probably held a grudge against him and his brother Picasso for everything they'd done to Ashe. "And you're _still_ dancing with me?" Knuckles asked, giving her a bewildered look.

"Ashe told me that _you_ just follow your father and brother's demands," Juleka informed Knuckles, giving him a pitying look. "He told me that you're a victim too."

"Victim?" Knuckles growled. "I'm no victim."

"Ashe would like to be friends with you," Juleka revealed, hope shining in her gray-blue eyes. "Maybe even brothers if you would let him, but it's up to you, Knuckles."

Knuckles blinked for a few seconds. "Friends...with someone like me?" The thought that Ashe wanted to be his friend made Knuckles happy, but that only lasted a second before Knuckles remembered that Ashe was probably dead.

"Ashe longs for a family," Juleka said, a shadow falling over her face. "His was taken from him." She shook her head to clear it of such dismal thoughts. "Oh! I just remembered. Ashe told me all about how you like sweets. I had my _patissiers_ prepare quite the selection of desserts for you to try."

Knuckles felt faint and swayed on his feet. "For me?"

Juleka gave Knuckles a warm smile and nodded. "Mmhm. There's a whole buffet table of desserts. Let's go have a look at what they came up with. Shall we?"

Knuckles nodded dumbly, and let Juleka lead him across the dance floor in the direction of the buffet tables. They came to a halt in front of a table covered by a white tablecloth, and that had a display of different delicious looking desserts.

An impish smile curled Juleka's lips, and she waved her hand at the table in an ostentatious manner as she presented the desserts to Knuckles. "Ta-dah! Traditional Glass Kingdom sweets. My favorite is the crème brûlée."

Knuckles was already starting to salivate as he gazed at all of the decadent desserts, and had to wipe some drool off his chin with the back of his hand. "Wow. They all look scrumptious."

"Do help yourself," Juleka said. "Don't be shy."

"Alright." A wide grin formed on Knuckles's face as he started to pile different desserts onto a plate. He took a large bite out of a tart. "So good," he moaned in bliss.

Juleka giggled, looking pleased. "Ashe was right. You do have a sweet tooth."

When Knuckles looked up and met Juleka's gaze he couldn't help but smile dopily at her. Juleka returned the smile, and Knuckles's smile widened. His heart fluttered inside of his broad chest. This was the first time a girl had ever been kind to him, and hadn't acted afraid of him either.

"It appears my brother can't stop himself from being a pig even while in the presence of a princess," Picasso sneered, his lip curling in disgust as he watched Knuckles stuffing his face with tarts.

Knuckles jumped at the unexpected appearance of Picasso by their side. He hadn't noticed Picasso's approach at all. He immediately set the tart he'd been eating back down on his plate, and hung his head in shame. Knuckles could feel his cheeks heating up out of embarrassment, and morosely thought that he probably looked like a tomato.

Picasso offered Juleka an apologetic look. "I do apologize for my brother's uncouth behavior, Princess."

A flash of anger crossed Juleka's expression, but it was gone so fast that Knuckles was sure he must have imagined it. "Oh dear, you misunderstand, Picasso. I heard from Ashe that Knuckles liked sweets and had all these desserts specially prepared for him in advance. Knuckles was being quite the gentleman by humoring me in trying my head _patissier's_ creations."

Picasso's brow furrowed in confusion. "You...what? Oh, I see. Well, now that my brother is apparently occupied with his dessert would you do me the honor of a dance?" He offered Juleka his hand with a hopeful look on his face.

"Alright," Juleka agreed, taking Picasso's hand. "I bid thee adieu, Knuckles."

"Adieu, Princess." Knuckles smiled goofily at the princess, and gave her a silly little wave as Picasso escorted her out onto the dance floor. As soon as Juleka and Picasso had disappeared into the dancing crowd the smile slid off his face, and he placed his face in his hands as a wave of guilt washed over him. _What the fuck are we doing? That poor girl..._

"I'm surprised Ashe told you about Knuckles having a sweet tooth," Picasso began conversationally as he spun Juleka across the dance floor with obvious skill and unexpected grace.

"Well, Ashe mentioned how he was always having to bake things for Knuckles, and how he needed some new recipes," Juleka remarked casually.

"Did Ashe say anything about me?" Picasso asked, trying to keep his tone nonchalant.

"Nothing good." Juleka gave the macabre artist an innocent smile.

Picasso flinched. "Princess Juleka, I..."

Juleka held up a hand to stop Picasso with continuing what was probably going to be an insincere apology for what he'd done to Ashe. "Don't worry, Picasso. I believe in second chances. And Ashe confided in me that his vendetta is only against Lord Tremaine. He hopes that one day you two can be friends or even become as close as brothers."

Picasso let out a breath of relief that Juleka was still giving him a chance despite knowing the truth. "I would like that," he said silkily. "I really have nothing against Ashe. It's my father who seems to hate him. And sometimes I have no choice but to carry out my father's wishes. Father is not someone I can oppose. And I deeply regret those times I was _forced_ to hurt Ashe."

Juleka looked into Picasso's gray eyes searchingly. She had her doubts that the things he was saying were true, but the young man's words did appear to be sincere. If Picasso was telling the truth then Ashe may have a family again when all of this was over, and that thought made Juleka feel relieved. She decided against her better judgment to give Picasso the benefit of the doubt. "Ashe would be happy to hear that. It appears you're a victim of Lord Tremaine too, just like Knuckles."

Picasso nodded eagerly in agreement, and lowered his voice to speak in a conspiratorial tone. "Yes. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm afraid of my father. He's a very dangerous man, Princess Juleka."

Juleka gave Picasso's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Worry not. Soon Ashe will buy back his freedom from Lord Tremaine. Things will be different. Perhaps, Ashe will be able to help you too."

"Help me?" Picasso couldn't help but scoff. The idea was just so ludicrous he couldn't stop himself from blurting out those two words. He mentally kicked himself for his momentary slipup.

"Have you ever seen Ashe fight in the coliseum?" Juleka asked pointedly.

A dark scowl formed on Picasso's face. "Well, no. But..." He trailed off, picturing Ashe lying on the floor with a pool of blood surrounding him.

"Ashe is strong," Juleka said fiercely. "He's a true hero. He can save you. You'll see. You no longer need fear Lord Tremaine."

_Ashe is already dead. This foolish, naïve little princess has no idea what she's talking about._ Picasso thought cruelly in his mind. "How...wonderful," Picasso said through gritted teeth as he forced himself to smile at Juleka. He hated the fond look Juleka currently had on her face as she lauded Ashe. Her blue-gray eyes were wide and shimmering with admiration for the man she was obviously in love with. _Fucking pathetic._ Picasso sneered in his mind. _She's in love with a ghost._

That's when Picasso noticed that Juleka appeared to be flushed and short of breath from all the dancing they'd been doing. A sly smile curled his lips. "Princess, you look tired. How about we take a break and go get some refreshments?"

"That's a wonderful idea, Picasso," Juleka readily agreed. "I'm positively parched!"

Picasso had to dip his head to hide the wide, psychotic smile that was spreading across his face at Juleka's words. _Gotcha._ Picasso led Juleka across the dance floor until they came to a halt in front of a table covered in glasses of red wine. He grabbed two glasses, and stealthily added a few drops of love potion to one of the glasses before handing it to Juleka.

"Thank you, Picasso," Juleka said, taking the glass and brining it to her lips.

Picasso held his breath as he watched Juleka take a sip of wine, and then quickly took a sip from his own wine glass. _I have you now, Princess!_ Picasso crowed mentally.

Juleka let out a wistful sigh as she watched the couples dancing across the gold marble floor. "When do you think Ashe will get here, Picasso?"

Picasso choked on the sip of wine he'd just taken. "Don't fret, my dear. I'm sure he'll be here very soon. I know that if I had a lady as beautiful as you waiting for me...wild horses couldn't keep me away."

Juleka blushed at the compliment, and suddenly her face felt hot. She looked down at her glass of wine and upon realizing that it was empty set the glass down on the nearby table unsteadily as a wave of dizziness washed over her. "Ugh, I don't feel so good."

Picasso smoothly reached out to steady the glass before it could topple over and shatter, which would have drawn too much attention their way. He took Juleka's arm to steady her. "I think what you need is a breath of fresh air, Princess. Why don't we take a stroll together through the gardens?"

Juleka nodded, and quickly stopped nodding when she suddenly felt faint. "Yes. A stroll through the gardens sounds lovely. Take me there, Picasso." Fresh air sounded nice. Her skin felt overly hot.

"As you wish, Princess." Picasso guided Juleka across the dance floor, and over to the latticed glass door that opened upon the terrace, which overlooked the gardens. He opened the door, and led Juleka outside.

Knuckles, who'd been watching his brother Picasso like a hawk, waited for a few seconds before following Picasso and Juleka outside.

"Is there some place we could be alone?" Picasso questioned as they walked through an area of the garden that appeared to be filled with couples kissing in the shadows. A muscle ticked in his jaw out of irritation at the sight of all those lovey-dovey couples. "I have something important to talk to you about. It concerns Ashe."

Juleka nodded dazedly. "Ah, yes. There's a secret garden. Come. This way." She led Picasso over to a wall that was entirely covered with ivy. Juleka smiled cheekily at Picasso before pushing the ivy aside to reveal a hidden door. "It's right here." She reached into the pocket of her bell skirt, and fished out a key. Juleka was about to use the key to unlock the door when Picasso snatched the key from her.

"Excellent, my dear," Picasso said as he unlocked the door and opened it. "After you." He gave the princess what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

Juleka offered Picasso a tremulous smile in return as she stumbled inside of the garden with Picasso following close behind her. Picasso watched as Juleka walked further into the garden before he closed and locked the door behind them. Just as he was closing the door he caught sight of Knuckles hiding behind a tree that was too thin to hide the man's large form, and Picasso shot his brother a smugly devious smile.

Knuckles frowned as he watched Picasso shut and lock the door to the secret garden. He was tempted to break the door down and stop Picasso from deflowering Juleka since she'd been kind to him, but he was afraid of what Picasso would do to _him_ if he interfered.

Picasso was one scary-ass motherfucker. A shudder traveled up Knuckles's spine as he remembered how Picasso would cackle maniacally as he carved swirls into Ashe's chest all in the name of 'art'.

Knuckles scrubbed a hand down his face and groaned. "Fuck it. I'm no hero. I need a drink." The ex-mobster decided to return to the ballroom where he intended to get piss drunk. He wanted to get so drunk that he didn't even remember his own name, let alone who Ashe and Juleka were.

***

Meanwhile at Lord Tremaine's château a mysterious figure was stalking towards the front door. He climbed the front steps, and once he'd reached the top he knocked on the door. When seconds ticked by with no response the male whipped out his wand, waved it over himself, and suddenly the fairy was only an inch tall.

Blue was able to fly right through the tiny keyhole on the front door, and into the château. Once the fairy was on the other side of the door he waved his wand over himself again, and his height increased until he was five-feet-tall.

Blue lit the bronze candelabra in the entrance hall with a wave of his wand, and looked around his illuminated surroundings. Blue's eyes widened when they landed on the fallen figure at the base of the grand staircase that was surrounded by a pool of bright red blood.

"Ashe!" Blue ran over to Ashe's fallen form and crouched by his side. He turned Ashe over onto his back, and his gaze lowered to the scalpel that was protruding from Ashe's stomach. "Good heavens!"

Ashe was so pale and still that for a moment Blue doubted whether or not he was still alive. Swallowing a lump of nervousness Blue leaned over Ashe and pressed his ear to the man's chest. He held his breath as he waited to hear a heartbeat, and let out a sigh of relief when he heard one. Ashe's heartbeat was faint, but still there.

Blue grabbed the scalpel, pulled it out of Ashe's stomach, and tossed it aside angrily. Next the fairy waved his wand at the wound while summoning his magical power. Blue was able to breathe easier as he watched the wound close before his very eyes. He felt a little guilty though since Blue knew that this was only a temporary solution. Fairies weren't known for their healing magic, but they were known for their ability to manipulate time.

A few seconds later, Ashe's eyes flew open, and he sat up with a gasp. Blue grabbed Ashe's shoulders to steady the young man, and calm him down. "Shhh, it's okay. Just breathe. You're going to be okay now."

Ashe was panting slightly as he gave Blue a wild-eyed look. "Who the hell are you?" Ashe demanded, but as his eyes raked over the male's form they widened with recognition. That sky-blue hair, and sparkly blue suit made the man unmistakable. "Wait a second, I know you. You're Blue...you were at headquarters of the Heroes' Guild, and you were also the same fairy who tried to deliver Snow's note to me when I was being held captive at Lady Doriana's house." Ashe's eyes narrowed suspiciously at the fairy. "Are you stalking me?"

"Stalking?" Blue sputtered, a flush rising to his pale cheeks. "How rude! I happen to be your Fairy Godfather." The fairy puffed up his chest with obvious pride.

"My Fairy Godfather?" Ashe raised a skeptical eyebrow. "They don't exist."

"And yet here I am," Blue said, raising his crystal wand, and willing it to glow with his magic power. He also let off a few sparks for dramatic effect. "And I just saved your life."

"Why?" Ashe demanded.

"Because the fate of Glass Kingdom rests in your hands," Blue said ominously. "You must go to the ball, and win the heart of the princess. If you don't, and Picasso succeeds in his nefarious plan...he'll become King, and Glass Kingdom will be doomed. Picasso will be a Puppet King that is under the control of the League of Villains. With the Kingdom's riches at their disposal The League would be able to hire a Mercenary Army that could be used to take over the other Kingdoms in Fantasia."

Ashe suddenly remembered about the ball, Juleka, and Picasso's evil scheme. "Juleka!" He sprang to his feet. "I must go to her. Picasso...he plans to...that bastard!" Ashe clenched his hands into fist at his sides as he thought about Picasso's perverted intentions towards the princess. "I must rescue her. I have to stop him!" Ashe stalked towards the front door.

Blue reached out and grabbed Ashe's arm to stop him. "Ashe, wait. You can't go saving a damsel in distress looking like _that_." The fairy raked his eyes over the bloody suit Ashe was still wearing, and raised an eyebrow at the hotheaded young man.

Ashe looked down at his suit, spotted the bloodstain, and let out a frustrated grunt. "I don't give a fuck about my appearance. This is no time for vanity. Juleka's in danger!"

"Ashe, please, they won't even let you past the front doors of the palace looking like that," Blue said in a chiding tone. "You look like a crazed, berserker knight."

Ashe frowned, and his shoulders sagged in defeat. "Shit. You're right." Ashe ran a shaky hand back through his hair. "I'm not thinking straight. I'll go change." He started to head for the grand staircase.

"There's no need. I can fix your suit with magic." Blue held up his sparkling crystal wand. "You don't mind if I change the color, do you? Snazz it up a bit?"

Ashe spread his arms wide at his sides, and gave Blue an expectant look. "Do what you want."

Blue waved his wand in Ashe's direction, and hit Ashe's suit with a bolt of magical energy. Ashe's suit began to glow with a blue-tinged, silvery light, and then transformed into a new suit.

The style was mostly the same, but the silk material appeared newer, and was no longer threadbare. The suit's color had also changed from white with gold embroidery to a sky-blue color with black and silver embroidery.

Ashe looked down at the suit in awe. "Incredible. It would take me _months_ to do such intricate embroidery, and it took you _seconds_."

Blue was smiling smugly, and nodding until he glanced down at the scuffed, brown leather shoes Ashe was wearing and cringed. "Ugh! Your shoes ruin the whole look." The fairy waved his wand and pointed it at Ashe's shoes. A bolt of magical energy hit the shoes, and they were transformed into a pair of male dress shoes that were made out of blue glass.

Ashe gawked down at his new shoes. "Glass? You've got to be kidding me. Aren't they a little... _girlie_?"

"Nonsense," Blue said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Hundreds of noblemen in Glass Kingdom wear enchanted glass shoes. It's the latest fashion."

Ashe shrugged. "Whatever. Now, I'm going." He stalked across the marble floor and exited the house before Blue could begin to discuss the next issue at hand, which was transportation.

"Ashe, wait!" Blue called after him as he followed the young man outside. "This young man is going to give me gray hairs!"

Blue spotted Ashe leading a horse outside of the stables by the reins. Ashe was about to mount the horse when Blue stalked over and purposefully stood directly in front of the horse. "Ashe, a normal horse will never get there in time."

"What did you have in mind then, Blue?" Ashe asked with an air of impatience.

Blue waved his wand and pointed it at the white horse. A bolt of magical energy hit the horse, and it became surrounded by a silvery light. Seconds later, two large, white, feathery wings emerged from the horse's back.

Ashe sucked in a surprised breath. "A Pegasus?" He mounted the winged horse, and patted the top of its head affectionately.

Blue nodded. "Yes. They're as fast as dragons."

"Thank you, Fairy Godfather," Ashe said, his voice rough with emotion.

"You're welcome," Blue said, giving Ashe a warm smile. "Now go, and save the woman you love."

"Love?" Ashe flushed. "I don't love her!" Blue simply arched an eyebrow at Ashe, which made the young man let out a defeated sigh. "I will. Hyah!" Ashe kicked the winged horse's sides and the Pegasus started to run across the ground. It flapped its wings, and a few seconds later took off into the sky.

Blue watched as the Pegasus started to fly away while heading towards the Glass Palace. He swore when he suddenly realized he'd forgotten to warn Ashe about something. "Ashe! My magic will only last until midnight!"

Ashe glanced down at the fairy and waved. "Understood!"

"No!" Blue yelled. "I don't think you get what I'm trying to say! At the stroke of midnight my magic will...!" The fairy trailed off when he realized that Ashe was already out of hearing range, and had stopped listening to his warning. "Damnation! I just grew a gray hair."

Less than half an hour later, Ashe landed the Pegasus at the bottom of a flight of wide marble steps that led up to the palace's front double doors. Ashe dismounted the Pegasus, and took off running up the steps. Due to the rare Pegasus, and Ashe's otherworldly good looks, the guards didn't stop him as he made his way into the palace. Ashe looked every inch a prince.

Ashe stalked down the palace corridor and followed the sound of music and conversation to the ballroom. He hoped he wasn't too late. His stomach was tying itself up into knots out of worry for Juleka's safety.

As soon as Ashe entered the ballroom he looked around wildly for any sign of Juleka, Picasso, or Lord Tremaine. Ashe didn't see any of them, but he did catch sight of Knuckles, who was standing by one of the buffet tables that was covered with glasses of red wine. There was a rosy flush to Knuckles's cheeks, and he appeared to be drunk.

Ashe swiftly made his way over to his stepbrother. "Knuckles!"

Knuckles raised his morose gaze from his wine glass to see Ashe approaching him, and his eyes widened in shock. "Ashe, you're alive!" Fear swirled in his gray eyes as a sudden morbid thought occurred to him. "Are you a ghost?" Knuckles took a few steps back until he knocked into the buffet table.

Ashe grabbed Knuckles by the front of his shirt, pulled the man forward, and snarled into his face, "Where are they? Where are Picasso and Juleka?"

Knuckles looked at the solid hands gripping the front of his shirt. "You _are_ alive. How is that possible? You should be dead."

"Fairy Godfather," Ashe explained in a dry tone. "Now, tell me where they are! Or else, I'll...!"

Knuckles placed his hands over Ashe's and offered his stepbrother a lopsided smile. "I'm glad you're not dead. And I'll take you to where Picasso and Juleka are. There's no need for death threats, bro."

Ashe let go of Knuckles, but gave the man a suspicious look. He'd already made the mistake of letting his guard down around one of Lord Tremaine's sons, and look where that had gotten him.

"Follow me. It's this way." Knuckles took off, crossing the dance floor, and headed to the glass door that led to the terrace overlooking the gardens. They were just about to exit onto the terrace when Lord Tremaine suddenly stepped in their path.

Christian shot Knuckles a murderous glare. "Knuckles, just where are you taking, Ashe? To drown him in the pond, I hope."

"No, Father," Knuckles said, raising his chin in a defiant manner. "I'm taking him to Juleka and Picasso."

"You idiot swine," Christian growled. "You are incompetent and useless, as usual. I order you to break Ashe's legs-"

"No," Knuckles interrupted.

"No?" Christian arched an eyebrow at his son. "You dare to defy me? I am your father, and you will obey me, or else I'll have to punish you!"

Knuckles let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm really sorry about this, Father." Faster than should have been possible due to his large size, Knuckles moved behind Lord Tremaine, and sent a hand chop to the back of Christian's neck, knocking him out cold.

Lord Tremaine slumped forward and Knuckles caught him in his arms. He dragged his father's unconscious body over to one of the windows that overlooked the terrace, and hid Christian behind the long, red velvet curtains that covered the window.

Ashe watched all of this happen with a stupefied expression on his face. He couldn't believe that Knuckles had just stood up to Lord Christian Tremaine...and it appeared that this had been for _his_ sake.

Knuckles opened the door to the terrace, and ushered Ashe outside. Once they were outside Knuckles started to lead the way through the gardens.

"Why are you helping me?" Ashe asked curiously.

"Princess Juleka was kind to me," Knuckles revealed, a blush rising to his chubby cheeks. "She danced with me. She wasn't afraid of me. And she even made me sweets. She's the first dame to ever be nice to me. The others run away in fear. She doesn't deserve what Picasso is about to do to her. She's a good person. If I thought I had a chance of winning her heart...I wouldn't be taking _you_ to her. I would be trying to rescue her myself. I think...I've fallen for her."

Ashe gaped at Knuckles in astonishment. _Knuckles is in love with Juleka?_ He thought, and his expression softened. "Knuckles, you might just be a half-way decent human being after all."

"Oh, shut up, that doesn't make me happy at all, asshole," Knuckles denied, but he looked pleased by Ashe's words.

Knuckles came to a halt in front of the door, which led to the secret garden. "They're in there."

"Thanks, Knuckles." Ashe tried to open the door, and found that it was locked. Realizing that he'd have to break down the door, Ashe turned sideways, and started to slam his shoulder into the door again and again. The door, however, wouldn't budge an inch.

Knuckles scratched his cheek with his index finger. "Er, if you don't mind...I can break down the door."

Ashe was already panting for breath and turned to face Knuckles. He wiped a trickle of sweat from his brow with the back of his hand and nodded. "Yeah. Sure. Go right ahead. I'd appreciate that."

Knuckles ran towards the door and slammed his shoulder into it. The door's lock was broken, and the door swung open.

"Thanks." Ashe ran into the secret garden and looked around for any sign of Juleka and Picasso. He spotted Juleka lying on the grassy ground with Picasso on top of her. Ashe was about to panic when he noticed that both of them were still fully dressed, and he breathed a little easier.

Still, the sight was not any less disturbing. Picasso had put a blindfold on Juleka, and she was writhing beneath him. "Ashe, oh, Ashe...kiss me again, my love," Juleka moaned as she arched her back.

Picasso grinned wolfishly as he kissed a trail of kisses down the side of Juleka's neck and headed for her delectable collarbone.

A wave of anger crashed through Ashe, and his body started to tremble with rage. How dare Picasso touch Juleka while she was moaning _his_ name! "Get off of her, you perverted bastard!" Ashe ran over to Picasso, grabbed the back of his suit jacket, and pulled him off of Juleka.

"Ashe!" Picasso exclaimed with wide eyes as he caught sight of his stepbrother. "How the fuck are you still alive? You should be dead. I killed you!"

Ashe roughly spun Picasso around to face him, and headbutt Picasso, breaking the other man's nose. "Fuck! You just broke my nose! I'm going to fucking _kill_ you!" Picasso reached into his jacket and pulled out a revolver. He pointed it at Ashe's head, but Ashe tilted his head to the side, and Picasso's first shot missed. Picasso's eyes flared in alarm. "How the hell did you just-!"

Ashe grabbed the revolver out of Picasso's hand, and tossed it aside. Next, Ashe sent a right hook into the side of Picasso's face, followed by a left hook, and lastly, he sent an uppercut to the bottom of Picasso's chin.

Picasso didn't even have the chance to retaliate as Ashe pummeled his face. He let out a pained groan, blinked a few times, and then passed out. As Picasso fell back to the ground with a thud Knuckles called out: "Timber!"

Ashe ran over to Juleka, crouched by her side, and ripped the blindfold off her face. "Juleka..."

Juleka sat up and blinked dazedly at Ashe with an amorous expression on her face. "Oh, Ashe, there you are. I've been waiting for you. I was dreaming about kissing you. I love you." Juleka's gaze lowered to the suit he was wearing and her blue eyes sparkled with admiration. "Oh, is that your father's mended suit? It's spectacular." Juleka started to run her hands over the front of Ashe's suit. Ashe started to flush when he realized Juleka was essentially pawing at his chest.

Knuckles walked over, picked up Picasso's unconscious form, and slung him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "I'll just...take out the trash and give you two some privacy," Knuckles said, giving Ashe a crooked smile.

"Thanks," Ashe mumbled, feeling incredibly embarrassed by this strange turn of events.

Knuckles carried Picasso out of the secret garden, and shut the door behind him. Now that he was alone with Juleka Ashe turned his full attention upon the girl, who appeared to be delirious. He grabbed her wrists to stop Juleka from caressing his chest through his suit. "Juleka, stop that. Snap out of it."

Juleka stared into Ashe's golden eyes, and licked her lips. Her gray-blue eyes were hooded with lust. "Ashe, kiss me, _please_ ," she said desperately.

Juleka was trying to press her body against Ashe's, and he was struggling to keep her back. Ashe's gaze fell to Juleka's pink, luscious lips that were glistening from her saliva. Her lips were slightly parted, and just begging to be kissed.

Ashe swallowed, his throat feeling dry. _Fuck it._ Ashe ran a shaky hand back through his hair. He was mad at her because she'd deceived him, but he still longed to kiss her, and feel her soft lips pressed against his own.

Ashe shook his head vigorously to clear it of his traitorous thoughts. He couldn't take advantage of Juleka like this. She was obviously under some kind of spell. Picasso must have successfully given Juleka the love potion. Ashe didn't know what the effects of the potion were exactly, but he could tell that Juleka was aroused. "No. We can't do this. I can't take advantage of you like this. You're not in your right mind, Juleka."

Juleka let out a frustrated sound. "Please, Ashe, just _one_ kiss. I _need_ it," she begged with a hungry gleam in her eyes as she eyed Ashe's mouth.

Ashe's gaze dropped to Juleka's lips again. "Okay. Just one kiss," he relented, and let go of Juleka's wrists. As soon as Juleka's wrists were free she grabbed Ashe's face, pulled him forward, and smashed her lips against his. Ashe was a little taken aback by her enthusiasm, but after a few seconds started to kiss her back, moving his lips sensually against hers.

Juleka impatiently prodded at his lips with her tongue, seeking and demanding entrance. Ashe gave in to her unspoken request, and opened his mouth so that Juleka could thrust her tongue inside. She swirled her tongue around Ashe's, and Ashe caressed her tongue with his own so that their tongues danced.

Ashe was used to taking the lead when it came to kissing, and he found that he surprisingly liked it when the girl tried to be forceful. It made him feel needed. Ashe let out a moan. Juleka tasted like dark chocolate, raspberries, and a fine wine. _She tastes so good._ Ashe thought.

Her scent was all around him, enveloping Ashe like a warm, comforting blanket. She smelled like sun-ripened berries. He felt safe and strangely at peace in Juleka's presence, and started to lower his guard. _Smells good too._

Once Ashe started to kiss her back Juleka removed her hands from Ashe's face and brought them to his hair. She untied the blue ribbon that was keeping his hair in a ponytail, and ran her fingers through his silky, silvery locks.

Ashe found the feeling of Juleka's fingers in his hair and her nails gently scratching over his scalp to be incredibly soothing. Before Ashe even realized it, Juleka had somehow ended up on his lap where she was straddling him and grinding against him.

Heat was pooling in his lower stomach, and Ashe moaned as his cock started to harden. Ashe's eyes flared in shock. _I'm getting hard, but how? Why? I haven't been drugged. Am I really sexually attracted to Juleka? Subconsciously, I must desire her. Does this mean I really want to fuck her? Or rather...make love to her? Love?_ Ashe's thoughts came to an abrupt halt, and he pushed Juleka back, breaking their kiss. "Juleka, enough. You said just one kiss. We should stop this. We _need_ to stop this."

Ashe had never gotten an erection for any of the noblewomen he'd seduced for money. He knew that he was aroused because Juleka was different. She was special to him. And that terrified Ashe because if she meant something to him, she could hurt him. She could destroy him by breaking his heart.

"Ashe, I want you. I need you so bad it hurts. I'm throbbing...aching with the desire to be one with you," Juleka purred in a sultry tone. "I won't let you deny me. I _will_ have you inside of me." A fierce, determined expression settled over her flushed face.

The scent of sun-ripened berries suddenly grew more intense. It filled the air all around them. It was a heady scent - sweet, irresistible, and addicting. As Ashe breathed in the scent his cock hardened into a full erection, tenting the front of his blue silk pants. Ashe had never felt so aroused in all his life, and shuddered at the unfamiliar feeling.

Juleka grinded her crotch against Ashe's throbbing erection, and he let out a pleasured moan. _Feels so...good._ Ashe thought in a daze as he started to nuzzle the crook of Juleka's neck and breathed in deep. "You smell so good, Juleka."

Juleka smiled triumphantly as her pheromones drove Ashe wild with lust. She gazed at Ashe with hungry, lust-filled eyes, placed her hands on Ashe's chest, and abruptly pushed him back so that he ended up lying on his back on the grassy ground.

Juleka scooted over his body until she was sitting on his stomach. She leaned over and kissed Ashe again in order to distract him as she unbuttoned his pants, and pulled down the zipper. She reached into his pants to pull out his erection before she started stroking it. Ashe groaned into Juleka's mouth at the feeling of her soft hand wrapping around his cock.

Juleka used her thumb to rub the tip of his penis, smearing precum all over the mushroom head tip. When Juleka's thumbnail pressed into the very tip of Ashe's cock in a way that was almost painful Ashe bucked into her hand, and precum dribbled down his cock.

Juleka pumped his cock, slicking his entire length with his own precum. Once Juleka deemed his cock to be thoroughly slicked, she raised her hips, pushed the skirt of her gown aside, grabbed Ashe's erection, and guided it to her entrance.

Something wet and hot was kissing the tip of Ashe's cock. At first, Ashe deliriously thought it was Juleka's mouth, but then realized that was impossible since her mouth was on his. Before Ashe could regain his senses enough to realize what was happening Juleka started to impale herself on Ashe's length, taking him inside slowly inch-by-inch.

Even though Juleka was a virgin she felt not pain. The cat-in-heat love potion Picasso had slipped into her glass of wine saw to that. Because of the potion Juleka was very wet and ready for Ashe. Her insides were on fire with her desire to be claimed and filled.

Still, the moment was intense enough that a whimper slipped past Juleka's lips. She was being stretched and filled by Ashe. By the man she loved. And soon he would claim her. She would belong to him, and no one else. A pleasant shiver traveled up her spine at the possessive thought.

Ashe finally realized what was happening, and pushed at Juleka's shoulders, breaking their kiss. He stared into Juleka's blue-gray eyes, and shook his head. "No. You can't. You mustn't. You're a princess, and I'm..."

"I can, and I will have you, Ashe," Juleka said, smiling lustily. "You're mine!" She impaled herself fully on Ashe's cock, and cried out as he took her virginity. Pleasure and pain assaulted her senses, and she dug her nails into Ashe's shoulders. Ashe groaned as he felt his entire length being gripped by a tight, hot sheath.

For a few minutes Juleka and Ashe just stared at each other as Juleka got used to the sensation of being filled so completely. "You feel so good inside me, Ashe."

Ashe's cock twitched at the word 'inside'. _I'm inside Juleka!_ He thought. _And we're having sex. Oh my God..._

"Do you feel good too, Ashe?" Juleka asked.

"I..." Ashe started.

"Don't worry. I'll make you feel even better," Juleka promised, placing her hands on Ashe's chest for support as she started to move over Ashe, riding his cock. At first, she set a rhythm that was slow and languid, but as the pleasure started to mount between them she increased her pace until she was practically bouncing on Ashe's lap.

Ashe's hands ended up on her hips, and his fingers dug into her soft flesh as pleasure coiled in his gut. He watched her wanton display in awe. She was using him for her own pleasure - taking what she needed from him while he just lay there at her mercy. And he fucking loved every single minute of it.

_She's using me like I'm nothing but a wooden cock._ Ashe thought, and smirked. _And it's fucking hot._

Watching Juleka use him for her pleasure in such a sensual manner was like a dream. She looked so beautiful and strangely powerful in that moment. Juleka was in complete control of their lovemaking. She was ruling over him, and his pleasure. His eyes raked hungrily over the beautiful red and gold gown she was wearing. It was extremely low-cut, and Ashe allowed his gaze to linger on her flushed cleavage.

This was the first time he'd seen Juleka dressed in red. She usually wore pastel pink. The deep red color brought out the black of her hair, and suited her. It made her look more mature. More like an adult woman. _She just turned twenty-four._ Ashe thought in a haze.

Juleka grinned when she noticed the intense way Ashe was watching her. Gaining confidence from the heated look he was giving her she ran her hands over her body and cupped her breasts. Ashe's gaze immediately focused on what she was doing. The way she was squeezing her breasts caused them to almost burst out of the top of her gown.

Juleka pinched her own nipples, and Ashe felt her pussy squeeze around his cock in response. Juleka was panting slightly, and she started to move faster as she neared her orgasm. She leaned over and crushed her lips to Ashe's, and he eagerly kissed her back. The feeling of Ashe's tongue thrusting in and out of her mouth at the same time and pace as his cock pushed Juleka over the edge, and she came with lustful abandon. "Mmm, Ashe!"

As Juleka came her pussy clenched around Ashe's cock, and pushed him over the edge to join her in carnal oblivion. He bucked his hips and released his seed deep inside of the princess. "Juleka!"

Juleka cried out in ecstasy as she felt Ashe filling her insides, oh so deep. "Yes, oh, yes! Claim me, Ashe. Put a baby in me. Fill my womb with your seed and give me a child! Our child!"

Her words were like a bucket of cold water being thrown over his head. _Child?_ Ashe thought in horror. This is why he'd been so careful to never come inside of a woman. He'd never had to worry about this anyways since he'd never been able to have an erection for the ladies he'd seduced. But now...it was too late. The deed was done. He'd just filled Juleka's aching womb with his seed.

Juleka collapsed on top of Ashe, completely exhausted. Her body was still trembling from her orgasm, and she panted softly. Ashe absentmindedly stroked Juleka's back until she stopped trembling.

The scent of sun-ripened berries faded, and in its wake came mental clarity. Juleka and Ashe were both slowly regaining their senses. Juleka's breathing evened, and she pushed herself up to stare down at Ashe with wide, astonished eyes. "Ashe, what are you...? What are we...? What is...?" Juleka's gaze traveled lower, and she stared at Ashe's lap. "There's something inside me!"

The lopsided smile that had been on Ashe's face disappeared as he began to realize this wasn't a dream, but reality. He gave Juleka an apologetic, shamed look. "Juleka, I'm sorry. I...couldn't stop myself. I don't know what came over me."

"We...had sex?" Juleka exclaimed in shock.

"Yes," Ashe said morosely. "We did."

"And you're still inside me."

"Yes. I'm sorry," Ashe apologized again as feelings of shame and regret washed over him.

A myriad of emotions swirled in Juleka's gray-blue eyes before they settled into one emotion Ashe didn't want to recognize. "I'm not. I love you, Ashe. I want to be with you. But if you knew the truth I don't think that you would want me." Juleka moved off of Ashe, and winced in pain when she felt his flaccid cock slipping out of her.

Ashe noticed her pained expression, and felt even guiltier. "I hurt you."

"No. I just feel a little sore." Juleka shook her head as she straightened, and dusted her gown off with her hands. A few blades of grass floated to the ground as they were removed from Juleka's dress.

While Juleka was occupied with fixing her appearance, Ashe took that opportunity to quickly shove his cock back into his pants. He pushed himself up off the ground, and dusted his suit off. When he glanced over at Juleka their gazes met, and he gulped nervously.

Ashe wasn't sure what to feel in that moment. He was still mad at her for her deception, but if he were being truly honest with himself he'd wanted her. He'd realized he cared for her after almost losing her in Bones Kingdom. It would be cowardly to ignore his feelings. "Juleka, I..."

"I need to show you something, Ashe," Juleka interrupted.

Ashe nodded. "Alright."

Juleka led the way back to the palace, and they entered the ballroom from the terrace. "There's only one way to cross a dance floor," Juleka said, watching the couples dancing for a moment before she turned to Ashe. "Dance with me?" Ashe nodded and took her hand, allowing Juleka to lead him out to the dance floor. Juleka sensed Ashe's nervousness, and shot him a curious look. "Do you know how to dance?" she whispered.

"Not really," Ashe admitted in a low voice.

"Just follow my lead." Juleka took Ashe's right hand and guided his other hand to her waist. Once she had her hand on Ashe's shoulder she started to slowly dance across the floor.

Ashe did his best to follow her movements, and they managed to make it across the ballroom. They came to a stop in front of a door that Juleka opened, and she ushered Ashe inside.

Ashe entered and looked around the spacious room that was illuminated by several lit torches that were hanging in iron sconces on the walls, and noted it was a gallery. A collection of oil paintings hung on the walls in gilt frames.

Juleka took Ashe's hand and led him over to the a painting that was hanging on the back wall. Once they'd reached the painting she immediately let go of his hand. Ashe gave Juleka a questioning look before turning his attention to the painting.

The painting was of a little girl with curly black hair, who was dressed in a pretty pink dress. The girl was riding a unicorn that had a silvery mane and soulful, golden eyes. The flickering torchlight caused the unicorn's golden horn to glow eerily.

"That painting is of myself and my pet unicorn," Juleka started to explain. She nibbled on her lower lip as she thought about what she was about to reveal to Ashe. "Ashe, you remember how I told you that you reminded me of someone who was very special to me?"

"Yeah," Ashe said warily.

"Well, that someone is...this person." Juleka walked over to stand next to another painting. The painting was a full-scale portrait of a knight. The man had long, silvery-blonde hair, sharp golden eyes, and pale skin. He was tall and lithely muscled. The knight was dressed in silver armor, and there was a sword strapped to his side. "This is a portrait of the hero known as Cinderelron. Your father."

Ashe's brow furrowed in confusion. "You knew my father?"

"Of course. Cinderelron was the Commander of the Royal Guard," Juleka revealed, wringing her hands together nervously.

"My father was a Commander?" Ashe breathed. "I thought he was just a hero."

"There's more," Juleka said warningly. "Your father was no ordinary man. He was a unicorn shifter. My pet unicorn and your father are one in the same being."

Ashe didn't want to believe such an insane claim, but Juleka was looking at him with such a serious, dour expression on her face that Ashe knew it must be true. _My father...was a unicorn shifter._ Ashe stumbled back a step in shock. He felt faint. His eyes widened when he came to a startling revelation, and he looked up at Juleka. "But then I'm...!"

Juleka gave Ashe a sympathetic nod. "Yes. You are _half_ unicorn shifter. A magical being. You're not a dullard. You possess magic, Ashe. It flows through your veins. Have you ever shifted into your unicorn form?"

"What?" Ashe asked, startled by the crazy question. "No. Of course not..."

Juleka tilted her head at Ashe as she regarded him intently. "It's strange. I don't know why but most unicorn shifters awaken at the age of eighteen. Your transformation should have taken place on your eighteenth birthday. Did nothing unusual occur on that day?"

"My eighteenth birthday...?" Ashe murmured. The only memorable thing that had happened was that his mother had died, and he'd ended up Lord Tremaine's slave. "My mother...committed suicide on my eighteenth birthday. It was the day I become a slave."

Juleka's eyes widened at the startling revelation, but then narrowed as a sudden thought occurred to her. "Ashe, I don't think your mother dying on your eighteenth birthday is a coincidence."

The blood started to drain out of Ashe's face. "You can't mean...?" Ashe shook his head. "I don't think Lord Tremaine would be capable of...fuck. He _is_ capable of murder. What if Lord Tremaine killed my mother so that he could get his hands on a unicorn?"

Julela's heart clenched at the forlorn expression on Ashe's face. "It's possible."

"Fuck," Ashe swore, starting to pace across the art gallery.

"Ashe, there's still more you need to know," Juleka said softly as she looked at the portrait of Cinderelron. "I was in love with Cinderelron."

Ashe whipped around to stare at Juleka in disbelief. "You were in love with my father?"

Juleka gave Ashe a sad smile. "I was only a child at the time, so it was a _plutonic_ love - pure and innocent. But I _did_ love him. He was always protecting me as my bodyguard. Because of my cursed eyes bandits were always targeting me. They would kidnap me, and once they'd taken me back to their hideout they would torture me..." Juleka admitted, wrapping her arms around her torso as she remembered the horrible things those men would do to her. "They wanted to make me cry so they could collect my diamond tears."

A horrified expression settled over Ashe's face as he thought about little Juleka being tortured. "Juleka, you've been tortured...just like I have." He reached his hand out to comfort her, but Juleka stepped back and shook her head.

"No. I don't deserve your comfort, Ashe," Juleka said with a haunted expression on her face. "Your father would always come to my rescue. Always. Until one day...a member of the League of Villains kidnapped me. I thought he wanted my diamond tears, but that wasn't the case. He never tortured me. I didn't realize what he was truly after until much later. The villain wanted your father. More specifically, your father's horn that would grant him immortality if consumed in a magic potion. This villain kidnapped me in order to lure your father into a trap.

"Cinderelron battled against this man, but was defeated when he used a strange device to shatter the Glass Sword. In order to make our escape, Cinderelron transformed into his unicorn form and had me mount him. We rode off into the forest, but the entire forest was filled with bear traps. Cinderelron's front leg was trapped in one of those awful traps. He told me to leave him behind, and to save myself." Juleka's gray-blue eyes filled with tears as she remembered that pivotal moment. The moment where she'd abandoned the man she loved.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ashe demanded.

Juleka flinched at Ashe's harsh tone of voice. "Your father died protecting me. He's dead because of me. I'm so sorry, Ashe. That's why I didn't want to tell you my true identity. I thought that if you knew the truth, and that I'm the girl your father died for that you would never forgive me. Never love me."

Ashe began to pace across the gallery again as he tried to decide what he was really feeling. He was feeling too many emotions at the same time, and they were all jumbled up inside of him. Anger seemed to rise to the forefront of his emotions as he thought about how his father had died protecting Princess Juleka Glass and had left his wife and child behind unprotected and penniless.

Ashe clenched his hands into fists at his sides as he trembled with rage. Cinderelron had chosen Juleka over his own family. Juleka was right...his father was dead because of her. _It's her fault my life became a living hell._ Ashe thought venomously.

"I also didn't want to tell you my real identity in order to protect you," Juleka continued in a tentative manner. "Bandits target me occasionally. You could have been put in danger."

Ashe barely heard her. He whirled around to glare heatedly at Juleka. "All this time you knew the truth about my father, and how he died protecting you. You knew Cinderelron was a hero. I didn't discover that my father was a hero until Rapunzel told me the cane sword belonged to a hero named Cinderelron. I didn't want to believe it because how could the son of the famous hero of Glass Kingdom sink so low? I became a slave, and a gigolo. And it's all because of you. He died in order to save your life!"

Tears started to stream down Juleka's face. "I know. I'm so sorry, Ashe. I never should have abandoned him in that forest. I should have stayed by his side. I should have tried to protect him. Maybe...I could have made a deal with the villain to spare Cinderelron's life. I loved him."

"Just like how you love me?" Ashe scoffed.

"My love for you is different," Juleka said, a blush rising to her cheeks. "What I feel for you is _romantic_ love. Adult love. I truly love you. Please, you must believe me. You must forgive me."

"Must I?" Ashe sneered, glancing around at the other paintings in the gallery. His eyes widened when he noted that several were of him. "These paintings...they're of me. Who painted them?" he demanded.

"I did," Juleka shyly admitted.

Ashe let out a sigh and scrubbed a hand down his face. He looked up at Juleka with a haggard expression. "Did you even know Cinderelron had a family? A wife named Seraphine and a son named Ashe?"

Juleka shook her head. "No. He never mentioned you. It was probably in order to protect you both. At the time, the League of Villains was hunting all the unicorns for their horns. I bet Cinderelron was trying to protect you from that fate, Ashe."

"Hunted?" Ashe said bitterly, and suddenly thought of Lord Tremaine and the torture he'd endured at the hands of that sadistic man. "I still fell into the clutches of a hunter."

"Ashe, you must believe me when I say had I known I would have helped you and your mother," Juleka said passionately. "I would have made sure you both had everything you could ever desire."

"You were just a child," Ashe grumbled sullenly. "What could you have done?"

"I was still a princess," Juleka pointed out. "And I _know_ I would have wanted to help you both. You are the son of a hero, Ashe. You're someone important. A hero of Glass Kingdom."

"I've heard enough," Ashe snapped, turning on his heel and stomping out of the gallery.

"Ashe, wait!" Juleka took off after Ashe, and continued to pursue him as he stalked across the dance floor. "When I first saw you at the casino I think the thought must have flitted across my mind that you could be Cinderelron's son. It's why I was drawn to you in the beginning. You two look so alike."

"Stop following me!" Ashe snapped over his shoulder as he quickened his pace. He exited the ballroom, and started to make his way down the corridor that led to the front doors of the palace.

"And then you saved me...just like what Cinderelron would have done. It's when I fell in love with you," Juleka admitted.

"Stop. Just stop," Ashe snarled as he pushed the double doors open, and exited the palace. "I don't think I can ever forgive you for this, Juleka. Now that I know the truth...I don't think we can be together. Because right now I hate you. You ruined my life. You took everything from me." Ashe started to run down the steps.

"Ashe, please! Wait!" Juleka called as she ran down steps after him. "I love you so much. I don't think I can live without you!"

"Then go ahead and die for all I care," Ashe snapped coldly. "Farewell, Juleka. Don't stalk me." As Ashe ran the rest of the way down the marble steps he ended up losing one of his glass shoes. He paused to retrieve it, but realized that if he stopped Juleka would reach him.

Ashe didn't want to deal with Juleka at that moment. He needed to be alone with his thoughts and feelings. He ended up leaving his glass shoe behind. Ashe mounted the Pegasus and they took off into the sky.

"Ashe! No! Wait! Come back!" Juleka cried as she ran the rest of the way down the steps. She bent over, retrieved his glass shoe, and watched forlornly as Ashe flew away on the back of a Pegasus.

Juleka sank to her knees as her strength left her. She clutched the glass shoe to her chest and sobbed. "Oh, Ashe..." As her tears dripped off her cheeks they turned into diamonds as they fell down through the air. The blue diamonds made a clinking sound as they were caught in the glass shoe she was holding.

_I can't lose him._ Juleka thought as she hugged the shoe tighter to her aching chest. _I must think of some way to get him back._

To be continued in...Chapter 13:

### Chapter 13:

Instead of going back to the château Ashe had the Pegasus fly him to Apple Kingdom. Due to the emotional turmoil he was feeling he didn't want to be alone. He needed a friend. It was almost midnight, but luckily the night was 'young' for someone like the philandering Prince Snow Flurris.

When the Pegasus landed outside the Gentleman's Club _Forbidden Fruit_ Ashe dismounted and strolled inside the club. Immediately, all eyes were on Ashe due to the gorgeous blue suit he was wearing. None dared to approach the mysterious and handsome man, however, due to the furious look on his face.

Ashe looked around the club and spotted Snow seated at a round booth with three witches that at this point were beginning to look familiar to Ashe. The witches were the first to notice Ashe's approach to their booth. Their eyes widened like saucers, and became filled with admiration.

"It's Ashe!" "Wielder of the Glass Sword." "Undefeated Champion of the Glass Coliseum." The girls murmured with an air of excitement.

Snow looked up, caught sight of Ashe, and was about to grin when he noticed the angry expression on his friend's face. The prince swallowed a lump of nervousness. "Whoa...first off, I want to say 'sorry'. Secondly, what did I do?" Snow asked sheepishly.

Ashe took a seat on the curved sofa. "I need a drink," Ashe said.

Snow blinked in surprise before grinning, and waving a waitress over. "More wine for my friend here!"

A new bottle of wine was brought to the table along with a crystal goblet. The redheaded Elvira filled Ashe's goblet with wine, and then handed the goblet to him. Ashe took the goblet from her and began to chug. He set the empty goblet down on the table. "More." Elvira obligingly refilled his goblet, and when Ashe picked up the goblet this time he only took a sip.

Snow was watching his friend in a scrutinizing fashion. Ashe was dressed in a rather fine suit. His friend looked amazing - for a man. Snow blushed slightly at his complimentary thoughts towards his new friend. Snow deduced that Ashe must have come from Princess Juleka Glass's ball and birthday celebration. The playboy prince had received an invitation as well, but had decided not to go.

"You were at Princess Juleka's 24th birthday celebration, weren't you?" Snow asked, taking a thoughtful sip from his own goblet of wine. "What happened? Did you fall in love with the mysterious princess at first sight or something?" There was a playful twinkle in Snow's sapphire blue eyes.

Ashe sighed, and scrubbed a hand down his face. When he cast an askance look Snow's way, the prince noted that his friend looked extremely tired. "I never got around to telling you this, but...once I started fighting in the coliseum I discovered the true identity of my stalker Julie. Julie is actually Princess Juleka Glass. The Princess and Queen Krista would occasionally watch the matches taking place at the coliseum, and that's when I saw her."

"Your stalker is Princess Juleka Glass?" Snow exclaimed, and then glanced around the club to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. "Wow. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"She was deceiving me, Snow," Ashe growled, slamming a hand down on the table and causing everyone's goblets to rattle precariously. "I abhor liars."

"I'm sure she had a good reason for not telling you the truth," Snow placated.

"Oh, she did," Ashe said, a dark cloud falling over his face. "She's the reason my father is dead."

"What!" Snow blurted out in shock.

"Have you ever heard of the hero named Cinderelron?" Ashe questioned and when Snow nodded he continued. "Cinderelron was my father. And apparently he was also the Commander of the Royal Guard of Glass Kingdom."

Snow gave Ashe an impressed look. "You're Cinderelron's son? _Wicked_."

Ashe steepled his fingers on the table in front of him in a thoughtful pose. "There's more. Cinderelron was a unicorn shifter. A member of the League of Villains kidnapped Princess Juleka in order to lure my father into a trap. My father's Glass Sword was destroyed during his battle against the villain, and Cinderelron was forced to flee with Princess Juleka while in unicorn form. As they were fleeing through the forest one of my father's legs ended up caught in a bear trap. That's when Princess Juleka left my father behind to save her own skin. Since my father died that night I can only assume the villain showed up, and killed him. My father died protecting Princess Juleka. It's her fault my life went to hell in a hand basket!"

Snow frowned. "How is it _her_ fault your father died? Did Princess Juleka Glass ask to be kidnapped? Did she kill your father herself?"

"No, but...she shouldn't have let herself get kidnapped in the first place," Ashe argued.

"How old was Princess Juleka when this happened?" Snow asked.

"She was ten years old," Ashe revealed.

"So you're saying a little girl should have been able to stop a villain from kidnapping her all on her own?" Snow gave his friend a chiding look. "Ashe, be reasonable."

"The fact that she got herself kidnapped isn't the only thing I'm angry about," Ashe started to explain. "It's the fact my father chose Juleka over his own family. We needed him, and he let himself get killed protecting someone else's child. Her existence caused my family's downfall."

Snow shook his head. "You've got it all wrong, Ashe. Your father was a hero, and the Commander of the Royal Guard. He did his duty by saving the life of the Princess of Glass Kingdom. I don't think your father chose Juleka over you or your mother. I think he was looking at the bigger picture. Glass Kingdom has a matriarchy. If Juleka were killed who would rule Glass Kingdom after Queen Krista? Someone nice or a tyrant? You and your mother were citizens of Glass Kingdom, and Juleka is the future Queen of Glass Kingdom. One could argue Cinderelron protected Juleka in order to protect the future of you both."

Ashe took a moment to consider Snow's words. They made sense from a certain point of view. Perhaps, saving Juleka's life to protect Glass Kingdom's future _was_ his father's intention, but because Cinderelron was dead they would never know for sure what his father was thinking during his final moments.

"What you're suggesting is certainly plausible, Snow, but that still doesn't change the fact that Juleka's kidnapping caused a Domino effect that destroyed my life. My mother became a gambling addict, and ended up borrowing large sums of money from Lord Tremaine. When she couldn't pay him back, he offered to marry her. Then, when my mother continued her gambling habit and raked up even more debt Lord Tremaine offered her a new deal - to sell me to him to pay off her new debt. On my 18th birthday my mother committed suicide. After that, Lord Tremaine changed into a sadistic bastard."

Finally, Snow had Ashe's entire story, and things were making sense. But there was something about Ashe's story that stood out and made a chill crawl up Snow's spine. "Your mother committed suicide on your 18th birthday? Are you sure it was suicide?"

Ashe frowned. "Yes. Why?"

Snow rubbed the back of his neck. "It's just...when a shifter turns eighteen that's usually when their ability to shift into another form awakens."

Ashe rubbed his stomach as it began to tie itself up into knots. He'd wanted to think he was just being paranoid by contemplating that Lord Tremaine had killed his mother in order to get his hand's on Ashe's unicorn horn to gain immortality, but even Snow seemed to jump to that conclusion rather quickly. "You think Lord Tremaine killed my mother?"

Snow shrugged. "Lord Tremaine is an ambitious man. Why wouldn't he want immortality?"

Ashe clenched his hands into fists on the counter. "Lord Tremaine," he growled lowly.

"Ashe, I think you should forgive Juleka," Snow said, giving his friend a beseeching look. "She loves you." Ashe shot his friend an incredulous glare. "You shouldn't punish Juleka for what happened. You should only punish the one who committed the crime. The villain, who kidnapped Princess Juleka, and Lord Tremaine, if he really killed your mother - they are the ones who've made your life a living hell. Your mother chose to deal with her grief over losing Cinderelron by gambling - that's on her. Not Juleka."

"So you're saying I should confront Lord Tremaine, and find out the truth?" Ashe arched an eyebrow at the playboy. "And then what? If it's true, kill him, and avenge my mother?"

Snow paled at the blasé way Ashe was saying he might kill Lord Tremaine. Snow was a lover. Not a fighter. "If it really is true, and Lord Tremaine killed your mother I think it would be much too dangerous to confront him about it. If he knows that you've discovered his true intentions, he'll kill you. He may be a dullard, but even I know he's not to be underestimated. You would be putting your life at risk."

"My life?" Ashe said in a dry tone. "Picasso already tried to kill me earlier this evening in order to stop me from going to the ball."

Snow sucked in a surprised breath. "And Lord Tremaine allowed this?"

Ashe nodded grimly. "He just stood there and watched."

"Are you...alright?" Snow asked tentatively. Ashe had a bad habit of hiding his injuries from his friends, and pretending he was fine until he'd collapse from exhaustion or blood loss.

Ashe shrugged. "I should be. My Fairy Godfather, Blue, healed my wound."

Snow raised a hand to stop Ashe from continuing. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. A _fairy_ healed your wound? You know, Ashe, fairies aren't known for their healing magic. Only their time reversal magic and illusion magic. Did Blue say anything about the magic he used on you?"

"Just that the magic would only last until midnight," Ashe said carelessly.

Snow glanced at a nearby cuckoo clock hanging on the wall. It was almost midnight. _Shit!_ Snow stood up from his seat abruptly. "We need to go to Rapunzel's...like right now. If I'm right the magic Blue used on you will wear off at midnight, and your wound will reappear!"

Ashe gave his friend a skeptical look. "If that's true, what was the point in saving me if it was only temporary?"

"I don't know," Snow said with an air of impatience, and racked his brain for a suitable response. What were Fairy Godfathers usually up to though? Matchmaking. They were always meddling in the affairs of couples and trying to help people find true love. "Did you get to dance with Princess Juleka?"

Ashe flushed and gave Snow an askance look. "We did a little more than just dance."

"Ooo!" the three witches that were seated at their booth cooed. Ashe shot them a wide-eyed look. He'd completely forgotten they were even there.

"That's it then!" Snow declared, nodding to himself.

"What's 'it'?" Ashe demanded with a note of irritation to his voice.

"Never mind that now," Snow said, sliding out from the booth. "We need to get you to Rapunzel's before it's too late." The playboy prince turned his attention to the three witches as Ashe scooted out of the booth. "Now, ladies, everything that was spoken about here must remain a secret."

The three witches nodded and smiled at Snow. "Our lips are sealed, Darling," Elvira assured before sending a stern look Tabitha and Endora's way. "Right, girls?"

Tabitha nodded. "Yes. You can count on us, Princes Snow."

"I won't say a word," Endora said passionately. "Even if I'm tortured! Even if I'm put on the rack! Even if I'm tied to four horses and they try to rip me limb from limb!"

Ashe gave Endora a startled look. "No...if you're tortured just spill my secret. I don't really care _that_ much."

Snow chuckled and blew the witches a kiss. After that, he and Ashe made their way out of the club just as the clock started to strike midnight. The duo watched as the Pegasus transformed into a normal horse right before their eyes. Snow shot Ashe a concerned look and watched as the blue suit Ashe was wearing transformed into a white and gold one.

Ashe let out a grunt of pain as a large bloodstain started to appear over his stomach. He staggered forward, put a hand over his stomach, and when he removed his hand and looked down at his palm he saw that it was covered in blood. "Shitty fairy magic."

"Dammit!" Snow swore, paling at the sight of the bloodstain that seemed to be growing larger and larger as the seconds ticked by. That was a lot of blood. "Sometimes I hate being right." Ashe swayed on his feet, and Snow caught him in his arms when the other young man passed out.

Snow dragged Ashe over to his black stallion and pulled Ashe up onto the back of his saddle. The playboy mounted his stallion, and shot a concerned glance over his shoulder at his unconscious passenger. "Hang on, Ashe." Snow gripped his horse's sides and snapped his reins. "Hyah!" The stallion took off at a powerful gallop as it headed towards Bones Kingdom.

As soon as Snow reached Rapunzel's Tower he called up to the other man to let down his hair. Snow wrapped the golden hair around Ashe's torso, and Rapunzel pulled him up into the tower. Snow waited for Rapunzel to toss his hair out again before he climbed up the tower. Once Snow reached the window and hopped down into the room he caught sight of Rapunzel with his hands on Ashe's stomach.

The blacksmith shot a glare Snow's way. "What the hell happened this time?"

Snow let out a breath of relief at the sight of Rapunzel's glowing hands and hair. "Evil stepbrother," Snow explained.

Rapunzel let out a huff and returned his attention to Ashe. He frowned down at the wound. "If you'd brought him even a few seconds later...he'd be dead."

"But he'll live right? He'll pull through?" Snow asked, wringing his hands out of worry.

"This time," Rapunzel said, his frown deepening. "You guys are way too reckless."

Snow placed a hand behind his head in a sheepish gesture. "Sorry for the trouble."

As soon as Rapunzel finished healing Ashe he stood up and went over to wash his bloody hands in a basin of water that was sitting on a small nearby table. "Tell me everything," the blacksmith demanded.

Snow told Rapunzel everything he'd learned about Ashe's past, and how everything had culminated in Ashe being stabbed by Picasso in order to prevent Ashe from attending the ball.

A dark shadow fell over Rapunzel's stoic face. "And you had this conversation at the Gentleman's Club?"

"Yeah, so?" Snow asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rapunzel scrubbed a hand down his face and sighed. "Did you even stop to think who might be listening? Who knows how many people know Ashe is a unicorn shifter now."

Snow paled. "I didn't really think of that. But the witches we were sitting with promised to keep everything they heard a secret. And I trust their word."

"If you're wrong...Ashe could end up being hunted for his horn," Rapunzel said grimly. "Just like his father. It's not safe for him...anywhere."

"Personally, I don't think it's safe for Ashe to return to Lord Tremaine's château," Snow said. "Especially, after hearing about how Picasso tried to kill him."

"I agree. He can no longer return there. To do so would be folly." Rapunzel let out a heavy sigh. "I suppose he can stay here with me for a time. Not permanently, of course. Bones Kingdom isn't exactly a safe place for a unicorn shifter to be either. But he can stay here until we figure something out."

Snow gave the blacksmith a surprised and grateful look. "Thank you, Punzie." Snow glanced around the circular room curiously. Rapunzel's forge and bookshelf took up most of the room. There was also a smelting pot, anvil, and other blacksmith tools. "Where do you sleep anyways? On the floor?"

A muscle ticked in Rapunzel's jaw out of irritation. "There's a lower level. That's where my bedroom and living room are."

Snow's jaw dropped opened in shock. "There's a whole other room in this tower that I've never been in! You mean to tell me...we've been suffering in this overly hot room this entire time, and sweating bullets when we could have been socializing in an actual living room?"

"Socializing?" Rapunzel raised an eyebrow at the playboy prince. "I've only ever had to entertain unwanted and uninvited guests. Why should I have invited you guys to my living room? If I did that...I'd never be rid of you."

Snow gave Rapunzel a disappointed look. "You just had to ruin the touching bonding moment we were having, didn't you?"

"Bonding?" Rapunzel spluttered. "Shut up, you pervert!"

Snow flushed. "You're the one who just made it perverted! I meant...we were becoming closer friends. That's all."

Rapunzel folded his arms over his broad chest. "I don't have friends, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that, Punzie," Snow said, waving his hand through the air in a dismissive gesture.

When Ashe awoke hours later, Rapunzel told Ashe that it was too dangerous for him to return to Lord Tremaine's château, and offered to let Ashe stay in his tower. Ashe agreed to the unexpected offer, and spent the next few days recovering in Rapunzel's tower.

Once Ashe's wound was completely healed and his strength was back he resumed his swordsmanship training with Aurelion. For the next couple of weeks, Ashe spent his days sparring against Aurelion and Snow as he honed his swordsmanship skills.

In order not to be a burden to Rapunzel, Ashe cleaned the tower from top to bottom, and cooked their meals. The strange and unique recipes that Lord Tremaine had taught Ashe impressed the blacksmith. It got to the point that instead of being bothered by Ashe's company, Rapunzel started to feel guilty over how much he was enjoying Ashe's cooking, and the fact that the tower was now dust free.

Only a couple of weeks had passed, and Rapunzel had stopped asking Ashe when he was going to move out. But all good things must one day come to an end, and one day while Ashe was sparring against Aurelion, the Monster Hunter noticed that Ashe was pushing himself too hard, and lowered his sword. "We should take a break and go have lunch with Punzie," Aurelion suggested casually.

"Sure." Ashe shrugged and lowered his sword. He, Aurelion and Snow ended up having lunch with Punzie in the blacksmith's living room. While Ashe ate a sandwich he glanced around the room and noticed that Rapunzel had decided to hang the painting of Cinderelron in his unicorn form with the little girl in the pink dress on the wall. It was weird thinking about how it was a painting of his father and Juleka.

A dark cloud settled over Ashe's face. The woman he'd been falling in love with was the cause of his life being a living hell, and Ashe wasn't sure how to deal with this revelation. Snow continued to spout the merits of forgiveness, but Ashe just couldn't find it in his heart to forgive Juleka yet.

Snow noticed Ashe's dark expression, and followed his line of sight to see the painting hanging on the wall. Snow's eyes widened and he elbowed Rapunzel in his side. "Punzie, why the hell did you hang up that painting?"

Rapunzel arched an eyebrow at the playboy and the hushed voice he was using. "Why not? Ashe knows his father was a unicorn shifter."

"That's...not that point." Snow raked a hand back through his wavy black hair. "That's Princess Juleka Glass. Ashe blames her for his father's death, and...I think he was in love with her before he found out the truth."

"He'll get over it," Rapunzel said, taking a large bite out of his sandwich. He let out a moan. The sandwiches Ashe made were always scrumptious.

Snow shot the blacksmith a frustrated look. He wasn't so sure Ashe _would_ get over it. He'd been rather quiet and reserved ever since the ball.

At that moment, a blue-haired fairy suddenly flew into the room with a rolled up piece of parchment gripped in his tiny hands.

A vein at Ashe's temple throbbed in anger at the sight of the familiar fairy. " _You!_ I almost died because of your half-assed healing magic, you shitty fairy bastard!"

Blue bristled with obvious offense. "Is that any way to treat your Fairy Godfather? If it weren't for me you never would have managed to go to the ball and save your beloved!"

"Big deal," Ashe sneered. "And she's _not_ my beloved."

Blue raised an eyebrow. "No? But you made love to her that night."

Ashe flushed, and his eyes widened like saucers. "How do you know about that, perverted fairy?"

A twinkle formed in Blue's eyes. "Gardens are full of flower fairies."

"Gah." Ashe scrubbed a hand down his face to conceal his embarrassment that apparently he and Juleka had been watched by a bunch of voyeuristic fairies. "Why the hell are you here anyways? What do you want?"

"Queen Krista has made a new Royal decree," Blue announced.

"A Royal decree?" Ashe's interest was piqued, but he quickly schooled his expression into a more neutral one. "Not interested."

"Well, I _am_ interested," Snow butt in. "Please read it to us, Blue."

Blue unrolled the parchment, and began to read the decree: "By order of Queen Krista Glass it has been decided that the Princess Juleka Glass will only wed the strongest man in Glass Kingdom. A tournament will be held in order to determine the princess's husband-to-be."

Everyone turned to give Ashe an expectant look, and he scowled at them. "What? Why are you all looking at me like that? I'm not going to participate in that tournament. Why should I care who the princess marries, anyways?" He folded his arms over his chest in a defiant pose.

Snow let out an exasperated sigh. "You _do_ care...because you're in love with her."

"I don't care," Ashe denied. "And I'm _not_ in love with her."

"Your stepbrother Picasso plans to participate in the tournament," Blue began in an ominous voice. "If he wins he will wed Princess Juleka and become King of Glass Kingdom."

Ashe clenched his hands into fists at the thought of Picasso marrying Juleka, and of consummating their marriage. _Dammit!_ Ashe still didn't know if he could forgive Juleka for being the reason his father died, and for deceiving him. He literally felt torn, and imagined his arms and legs being tied to four different horses that wanted to go in four different directions.

The horses' names were: Heart, Mind, Body and Soul. The horses would inevitably pull his body apart, and destroy him. But there seemed to be one thing his heart, mind, body and soul seemed to agree on. They didn't like the idea of another man touching _his_ Juleka intimately.

Ashe raked a shaky hand back through his silvery hair. "Fine. I'll enter the tournament, defeat Picasso, and then forfeit my next match. Juleka can marry whoever ultimately wins the tournament."

"You can't do that!" Blue objected passionately, his eyes blazing. "There's something you need to know. It's the reason I used my magic to make sure you went to the ball. Princess Juleka is pregnant with your child."

A heavy silence descended upon a room. One could hear a pin drop. "How is that possible?" Ashe questioned, his voice laced with shock.

"Well, when a man and a woman-" Snow started to explain in a cheeky manner.

Blue swiftly interrupted the playboy from continuing with his lewd explanation. "Were you aware Princess Juleka had taken a magic potion?"

"Yes," Ashe admitted uncomfortably.

"Well, that potion's name is _The_ _Cat in Heat Love Potion_ ," Blue revealed in a solemn tone. "It causes a woman to go into heat just like a female cat does, and to become incredibly fertile. Your stepbrother Picasso planned to inseminate her that night, but you did instead."

"It's that shitty potions fault!" Ashe growled.

"Pretty sure it was your sperms' fault," Snow said, and when Ashe shot him a glare he shrugged. "Just saying. Still, I'm surprised with you, Ashe. Taking advantage of Juleka while she was under the effects of a potion. That doesn't sound like you." He shook his head sadly, and with obvious disappointment.

"It wasn't like that," Ashe began to explain. "I _tried_ to resist her allure. But she smelled so good. I couldn't control myself. I don't know what happened."

"Pheromones," Blue piped up. "It's part of the potion's effects. She would have been irresistible to _any man_. No man could have denied her wishes. In a way you were put under a spell too, Ashe."

Aurelion's brow furrowed with confusion. "So the woman you love is pregnant with your child?" A grin spread across the Monster Hunter's face. "Congratulations!"

"It's not that simple, you big oaf," Ashe growled. "Don't forget that I've discovered that the woman I love is the reason my life was hell!"

"True love is about forgiveness, Ashe," Blue said patiently.

"That's what I've been saying," Snow said in a smug voice.

"Try to find it in your heart to forgive her," Blue continued, giving Ashe a pleading look. "She's the mother of your child, and she loves you so."

"The mother of my child?" Ashe murmured.

"Ashe, you're being a hypocrite!" Rapunzel accused harshly. "You're angry that your father Cinderelron supposedly abandoned his wife and son...but you're about to do the same thing by abandoning Juleka and your unborn child. Are you really going to abandon your family?"

Ashe felt queasy as his stomach tied itself up into knots. The thought of abandoning his family made him sick. He shook his, and a determined expression settled over his face. "No. I won't abandon my family. You're absolutely right, Punzie. I was being a hypocrite. I will enter the tournament, and I will win the hand of the woman I love."

***

The day of the fighting tournament had arrived, and the Glass Coliseum was filled with more than 60,000 spectators. Almost all of the citizens of Glass Kingdom had shown up to watch the tournament and to see who would win Juleka's hand in marriage.

The tournament's male participants were from all different races: elves, fairies, vampires, incubi, dwarves, wizards and humans. There were many elimination rounds until only eight contestants remained: Ashe, his stepbrothers, an incubus demon named Cupidon, an elf named Alberich, a vampire named Sethos, a wizard named Mercurius and a fairy named Papillion.

Viper, the Master of Ceremonies, had decided the following match ups by pulling names out of a helmet. Ashe would be facing Cupidon. Knuckles would be fighting Alberich. Picasso would be fighting Sethos. And Mercurius would be fighting Papillion.

Ashe sat on a bench in the prep area sharpening the edges of his Glass Sword with a whetstone. He was trying to stay out of the other contestants' way. He was surprised Picasso and Knuckles had managed to make it this far in the tournament since several of the contestants possessed magic.

_Those two have the devil's luck._ Ashe's hopes that Picasso and Knuckles would just ignore him were dashed when they walked over to him.

Picasso had a smug expression on his face that caused Ashe's hackles to rise. "You never came back home. We missed you, brother," Picasso said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Yeah, right," Ashe scoffed. "You missed getting to torture me, maybe."

Knuckles chuckled. "He's been complaining ever since you left. We've had to cook our own meals and do our own laundry without you around. Also, the house is getting really dusty, and none of us wants to clean. It's getting hard to breathe in there."

Ashe arched an eyebrow at Picasso. "You should have thought about the consequences of trying to kill me, asshole. Have fun cleaning the floor on your hands and knees." Ashe couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face at the visual image he had in his mind of Picasso cleaning the floor with a sponge.

"You're alive, aren't you?" Picasso said bitterly. "I knew you wouldn't be that easy to kill. After all..." The macabre artist leaned in close and said in a low voice: "Aren't you supposed to be some kind of mythical creature?"

Ashe stiffened at Picasso's reference to his unicorn heritage. "You knew. All this time you knew the truth about what I really am."

"We _all_ did," Knuckles confirmed.

"Why do you think we treated you like an animal?" A sadistic smile spread across Picasso's face. "Because you are one, Ashe. You're not even truly human. You're just a failed potions ingredient."

"Fuck you, Picasso," Ashe snapped.

Picasso blithely continued speaking, "A unicorn without a horn is _so_ useless. I wonder why you never 'awakened'. Bad blood, perhaps? You see it with dog breeders. If there's a problem with the bitch - there's a problem with the pup."

"I'm going to kill you, Picasso," Ashe promised. He would never forgive his mother for selling him to Lord Tremaine, but there had been a time when Ashe had been younger when he'd loved his mother. That had been before Cinderelron's death.

Picasso gave Ashe a skeptical look. "Oh? If you wanted to kill me why didn't you back in the secret garden where there were no witnesses? Hmm?"

"I was there too," Knuckles said, scratching his head.

Ashe grinded his teeth out of frustration. Picasso had a point. Why didn't he just kill Picasso when he had the chance? He'd been more concerned with Juleka and distracted by the sensual way she was acting. His attention had become completely focused on her, and he'd forgotten all about Picasso. _Dammit. I really do love her._ He thought.

Picasso smiled sharply. "That's what I thought. You don't have the balls for it - _killing_. They call you 'Ashe the Merciful', but you're really just 'Ashe the Coward'. You've never killed anyone-"

"I've killed skeletons before," Ashe interrupted. "Does that count?"

"Anyone _living_ ," Picasso amended. "Will you be able to get blood on your hands? I doubt it, Coward." The macabre artist cackled as he swaggered off to talk to the other contestants and learn their weaknesses by using his silver tongue on them.

Ashe's attention turned to Knuckles, and his brow furrowed in confusion. "Knuckles, why are you even here? Did Lord Tremaine order you to fight in this tournament? You don't possess magic. It's suicide. Drop out now."

"Father had nothing to do with it," Knuckles said. "I want to participate in the tournament because I'm in love with Princess Juleka."

Ashe's jaw dropped. "You love Juleka?"

A pink tinge rose to Knuckles's chubby cheeks. "Juleka is the first girl to ever be kind to me. She danced with me even though I'm an ugly, fat bastard. Juleka is also incredibly beautiful. Oh, and she made me desserts. She's perfect." Knuckles started to drool slightly as he recalled the desserts Juleka had her _patissier_ make for him.

A crooked smile formed on Ashe's face, and he shook his head. "Well, they do say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

"I didn't think I had a chance competing against you, but _this_ is my chance," Knuckles waved a hand in the direction of the gate, which led to the arena. "Fighting is something I know how to do. This means, I actually have a chance to be with Juleka because she decided to have this tournament to choose her husband. Juleka is worth the risk of dying if there's even the tiniest chance that I may get to be with a classy dame like her."

Ashe's amused expression softened. "Yeah, she is worth it, isn't she? Let's do our best out there, Knuckles." He offered Knuckles his hand.

With a surprised expression on his face, Knuckles looked down at the offered hand. He hesitated for only a moment before he took Ashe's hand and shook it. "Yeah. Let's go kick some ass!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, there are only three rounds left in this elimination tournament!" Viper's voice boomed from the arena. "We're getting close now to seeing who will win Juleka Glass's hand in marriage! It's time for the first match of this round to begin! The wizard Mercurius will be facing against the fairy Papillion! Mercurius, Papillion, it's time for you to both enter the arena!"

This match would obviously be a match with magic being pitted against magic, and Ashe was curious about who the victor would be. Ashe and the other contestants watched as Mercurius and Papillion passed through the raised gate and into the arena where they faced off.

The female spectators that were seated in the tiered seats of the coliseum began to cheer wildly at the appearance of the two handsome contestants. Mercurius had shoulder-length, shaggy brown hair, and a pair of oval-shaped glasses was perched on his nose, giving him an intellectual look. The pointed, wide-brimmed hat sitting on his head and the robes he was wearing were a dark blue color, and the pattern of stars had been embroidered into the material with golden thread. The young wizard was wielding a plain wooden wand.

Papillion had short, pale green hair, and sparkling forest-green eyes. He was wearing a green and yellow tunic, brown leather pants, and green leather shoes. The fairy was currently five-feet-tall, and his wings were absent.

"Fighters...begin!" Viper called out, slashing his hand down through the air.

Mercurius wasted no time in conjuring a fireball with a wave of his wand. He then flicked his wand in Papillion's direction so that the fireball went zooming the fairy's way. Papillion's body began to glow with a golden light that blinded the spectators for a moment.

Once the light dimmed, Papillion was revealed to be only five-inches-tall. A pair of pale green and yellow wings had emerged from the fairy's back, and the wings were flapping behind him slowly.

Due to the fairy's sudden decrease in size the fireball attack completely missed him. Not one to be deterred easily, however, Mercurius conjured five fireballs simultaneously. He flicked his wand Papillion's way, sending the fireballs zooming in the fairy's direction again.

Papillion flew down towards the ground, placed his hand on the sandy arena floor, and conjured an enormous wall of dirt and rock to block the fireballs.

"Tch," Mercurius let out a frustrated sound as he watched the fireballs hit the wall, and dissipate. He raised his wand and was about to attack Papillion again when a giant hand made out of dirt grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms to his sides.

Papillion flew over, hovered directly in front of the wizard's face, and pointed his tiny wand at Mercurius's nose. "Do you yield, Wizard?"

With a wide-eyed expression on his youthful face, Mercurius gulped and nodded vigorously. "I...yield."

"In an impressive display of elemental earth magic...Papillion managed to catch the wizard Mercurius off guard!" Viper said loudly. "Mercurius has yielded! The winner of this match is the fairy Papillion!" A large cheer rose up from the stands causing the fairy to smile proudly.

Mercurius and Papillion exited the arena together. The fairy's earth magic was impressive and powerful. Ashe began to muse about possible strategies he could use if he ended up facing the fairy in the arena.

"Next up we have a human...Picasso Tremaine! He's also Lord Christian Tremaine's son, so I wouldn't underestimate him, folks! Picasso will be facing the vampire Sethos!" Viper announced loudly. "Contestants...enter the arena!"

"Try not to become lunch, bro!" Knuckles said amusedly, sending a slap into Picasso's back as he passed Knuckles on his way to the gate entrance.

Picasso flashed Knuckles his middle finger over his shoulder as he continued his way through the gate and out into the arena. Picasso was dressed in a dark blue suit with a matching fedora. The tie he was wearing was dark blue with the pattern of black skulls on it.

The vampire strolled out into the arena a few seconds later, and the female spectators began to squeal loudly. Picasso raised an eyebrow at their reaction. He performed a quick once over of the vampire, and grudgingly had to admit he was handsome. Sethos had long, black hair cascading down past his shoulders, sparkling red eyes, and pale skin. He was wearing a black suit, cape with a high collar and red lining, and a pair of black dress shoes.

"Contestants...fight!" Viper called out.

Picasso eyed the vampire with an almost bored expression on his face. "A vampire, huh? Never thought I'd meet one in real life." He took out his revolver, removed the six bullets that were inside the cylinder, and started to calmly insert six new bullets.

Sethos grinned widely, showing off his pointed fangs. "Prepare to die, meat-bag!" The vampire ran towards Picasso with lightning speed. The vampire was so fast to most of the spectators he'd become a black blur.

Picasso snapped the cylinder back into place, used his thumb to pull back the hammer, raised the revolver, aimed at the vampire's chest, pulled back on the trigger, and fired. The bullet whizzed through the air towards the vampire, and hit the monster's chest.

Sethos hadn't bothered to dodge the attack because what harm could a tiny little ball of metal do to him? It was laughable. He was an immortal. He was...dying. Sethos's body was turning to ash. Sethos looked down at his hands that were starting to disintegrate in shock. "What the? What's happening?" He looked up at Picasso and narrowed his red eyes at the artist. "What did you do? That thing...was it silver?"

"Bingo," Picasso drawled with a sadistic smile curling his lips. He coldly watched the vampire screaming in horror as its body completely disintegrated and turned to ash. "All too easy." Picasso spun his revolver around his index finger before returning it to his jacket pocket.

Viper's mouth was hanging open in bewilderment, as well as the mouths of the live snakes he had for hair. "Picasso Tremaine was able to kill that immortal vampire in just a second using that strange magical weapon of his! Incredible! The winner is...Picasso!"

As Picasso sauntered out of the arena looking smug a few cheers followed him, but there were mostly boos from Sethos's admirers. _Father was right. All the magical races have their weaknesses. And magic's greatest weakness is weapons from other realms like Earth._

"Next up is Lord Christian Tremaine's other human son Knuckles!" Viper announced. "He'll be facing against the skilled, elf archer Alberich! Alberich is known for never missing his mark!"

Picasso passed his brother on his way back into the prep area. "Well, it was nice knowing you, Knuckles. There's no way you'll be able to avoid that elf's arrows. You're as good as dead," Picasso sneered, his lip curling in disdain. "Juleka will be mine!" He let out an evil cackle that was dripping with malice.

A dark scowl formed on Knuckles's face. "We'll see about that, Bro."

"Contestants...enter the arena!" Viper called out.

As Knuckles and Alberich entered the arena Knuckles glanced at the elf. He knew that the loud cheers coming from the female spectators weren't for _him_. Alberich had shoulder-length, golden-blonde hair, bright green eyes, and long, pointed ears. The elf was wearing a tight, green, leather vest, and matching pants and boots. The elf had a lithe, graceful physique that made Knuckles feel even fatter than he was.

Once Knuckles and Alberich were facing each other on the arena with a few yards between them the emcee called out: "Contestants...fight!"

Alberich wasted no time in reaching over his shoulder to grab an arrow from the quiver that was strapped to his back. He nocked the arrow to his bow, aimed, and loosed the arrow at Knuckles. Knuckles let out a loud roar and began to charge towards Alberich recklessly.

Alberich raised an eyebrow at the man's fearless charge, and watched as his first arrow hit the man's left shoulder. Knuckles's charge didn't slow down at all, however. A nervous sweat broke out on the elf's brow, and he quickly sent arrows flying into Knuckles's left and right thigh. Both arrows hit their marks, but Knuckles was _still_ charging towards him.

Alberich realized his mistake of not targeting Knuckles's head when it was far too late. The elf was nocking another arrow to his bow when Knuckles was suddenly in front of him. Knuckles grabbed the bow, yanked it out of the elf's hands, and snapped it in half before tossing both pieces aside.

Before Alberich could react properly Knuckles's hand shot out, and wrapped around the elf's head. Using his tremendous grip strength, Knuckles lifted the elf up off the ground, and started to squeeze the elf's head. Alberich started to scream as his skull was being painfully crushed like an egg.

"Damn you!" Alberich said through gritted teeth as he realized his demise was upon him. He shot Knuckles a defiant glare through the man's thick fingers, and using the last of his remaining strength he stabbed Knuckles's eye with the arrow he'd been intending to nock to his bow.

Knuckles yowled in pain as an arrow pierced one of his eyes. But the elf wasn't through with Knuckles yet, and yanked the arrow back taking the eyeball with it. Knuckles grunted in pain as his eye was ripped right out of its socket. He snarled angrily at the elf, and tossed the elf's limp body aside.

The spectators watched in horror as Alberich's body hit the arena floor where it remained unmoving, a pool of blood forming around the elf's head. " _No!_ " several females cried out from the stands in anger and despair.

Viper strolled over to inspect Alberich's body and noticed the elf's brains leaking out onto the arena floor. "Alberich...is dead. Very dead. Knuckles lost an eye, but he's still standing. The winner is...Knuckles Tremaine!" The gorgon waved a hand in Knuckles's direction.

The spectators in the stands all began to boo Knuckles for killing the dashing elf Alberich. Knuckles frowned up at the spectators, and let out a huff. He could give a crap what they thought about his methods. The elf had been too dangerous to fight while holding back. Even as the elf was dying he'd managed to take one of Knuckles's eyes. If the elf had aimed for his jugular instead of his eye, Knuckles would have been killed.

"Next up is the human Ashe Smoldris, also known as the Wielder of the Glass Sword, and Ashe the Merciful! He will be facing against the incubus demon Cupidon!" Viper announced. "Contestants...enter!"

As Knuckles was exiting the arena he passed Ashe. Ashe noticed that blood and gore was gushing out of Knuckles's eye socket, and decided to take pity on his stepbrother. He removed his cravat and handed it to Knuckles. "Here. Use this. You're bleeding all over the place, moron."

Knuckles took the cravat with a grateful look on his face and held it up to his wound. "Good luck out there."

"Thanks," Ashe said, a flicker of surprise crossing his expression. It was still strange how he and Knuckles seemed to be getting along lately.

Ashe and Cupidon made their way out into the arena, and faced each other with a couple of yards between them. Ashe took this moment to observe his opponent, and to try and gauge his strength. Cupidon had short black hair that was slicked back over his head, red eyes, and slightly pointed ears.

Two short horns curled out of the top of the demon's head, and a long tail with a heart-shaped barbed end was swishing back and forth behind the demon. Cupidon was wearing a plain black suit, which was making Ashe feel overdressed in his red suit with its golden embroidery. Ashe had decided to wear the color red because it hid bloodstains nicely.

"Ashe!" "Cupidon!" High-pitched female cheers rose up from the stands. Apparently, both Ashe and Cupidon had fans due to their handsomeness.

Cupidon grinned up at the stands and blew the ladies a flirtatious kiss. Ashe watched in disbelief as a few women swooned as a result.

"Contestants...fight!" Viper yelled.

With a graceful, well-practiced movement Ashe unsheathed the Glass Sword from the sheath hanging from his belt and pointed it towards the incubus demon. The demon grinned fearlessly, and took a fighting stance with his hands out in front of him. Ashe frowned at the weird stance - the demon had his fingers curled downwards.

The demon's pose started to make more sense as his black nails started to grow until they were a foot long. Ashe wouldn't have been too worried, but the nails gleamed like onyx and looked razor sharp. All of a sudden, the demon had ten daggers in his arsenal.

Ashe and Cupidon charged towards each other, and met in the center of the arena where they engaged in battle. Ashe swung his sword at Cupidon, and the demon blocked the sword with his claws that were apparently as hard as steel. Cupidon swiftly retaliated, and slashed his claws at Ashe.

Suddenly, Ashe felt like he was fighting against a tiger as he blocked the fierce, deadly claw swipes with the Glass Sword. Ashe's golden gaze narrowed on the claws, and he noticed that they were surrounded by a malevolent aura that resembled black and purple flames. _That aura is probably the demon's magic. No wonder the claws are so hard and sharp. They're not ordinary nails. They're magical._ Ashe thought to himself.

"Well, would you look at that, folks! Ashe and Cupidon appear to be evenly matched in both speed and fighting prowess!" Viper remarked as the minutes went by without either fighter landing a blow on the other.

Ashe knew he had to get past Cupidon's defenses. But, how? Those magical claws were like an impenetrable shield. Ashe realized he had no choice but to try and use his Reflect Moonbeam attack on Cupidon. He hated the idea of using the stored magical energy so early on in the tournament when there were still two elimination rounds left, however. But Ashe wouldn't beat this demon without that attack. _Shit._

Ashe leapt backwards to put some distance between himself and Cupidon before pointing his sword in the demon's direction. " _Reflectunt Lunae Lumen!_ " A cylindrical beam of silvery-white magical energy shot out of the tip of Ashe's sword and headed for the incubus.

Cupidon raised his claws before him protectively and conjured an energy shield at the same time. The beam of energy hit the demon's shield and magical claws, and was successfully blocked. The demon started to cackle triumphantly. "Is that the best you can do, _human_?" he sneered in a condescending manner. "After I kill you the lovely Princess Juleka shall be mine! I'll have fun mating with her and feeding off her sexual energy! My powers will increase as a result, and she'll enjoy every minute of it!"

Ashe saw red. He really didn't like the idea of this demon having sex with Juleka and feeding off her sexual energy like some kind of vampire. Ashe willed the Glass Sword to pour _all_ the remaining moonlight into his attack. The beam of light increased in size, and power until cracks started to form on Cupidon's black claws.

"What the?" Cupidon murmured as he looked down at his claws, and noticed the cracks forming in disbelief. Seconds later, the demon's claws shattered and broke into pieces. Cupidon's energy shield also flickered out of existence. The incubus was so stunned by what had happened he lost track of Ashe until the man had the Glass Sword pressed to his throat.

Cupidon put his hands up in a surrendering gesture and swallowed a lump of fear. _I'm doomed. He's going to kill me!_ Cupidon thought glumly.

Ashe was tempted to take the demon's perverted head. Especially, after the disrespectful way he'd talked about Juleka. "I _should_ kill you."

Cupidon's red eyes widened with fear. "Please, don't. I don't want to die."

Cupidon's pathetic begging snapped Ashe out of his haze of rage. He was surprised at himself and his own inner darkness for having considering killing Cupidon. Had he really been about to kill this demon that he'd already defeated? "Do you yield, demon?" Ashe asked through gritted teeth.

"Yes...I yield," Cupidon said quickly. As soon as Ashe pulled his sword away from Cupidon's throat the demon let out a sigh of relief. He watched as Ashe sheathed his sword and rubbed his neck unconsciously. "You know, I may have taken my teasing a bit too far earlier. I'm sorry, Your Majesty. Please, forgive me."

Ashe blinked and raised an eyebrow at the suddenly submissive demon. "I haven't won this thing yet."

A wide, calculating smile spread across the demon's face. "I plan to bet a significant sum on you being the winner of this tournament. Don't let me down, Ashe Smoldris." He sent Ashe a playful wink.

"Demons." Ashe shook his head with dark amusement.

"Cupidon has yielded!" Viper shouted. "The winner is...Ashe the Merciful!"

"Ashe! Ashe! Ashe!" The spectators cheered loudly while Ashe and Cupidon exited the arena together walking side by side. A faint blush rose to Ashe's cheeks due to all the attention he was getting. When Cupidon noticed, he playfully nudged Ashe in the side with his elbow.

"The people of Glass Kingdom love you," Cupidon said in a low voice. "If you win this thing...they'll be happy to have you as its King, despite the fact that you're a slave."

_King?_ Ashe thought. He hadn't really been thinking that far ahead. He'd been concentrating on winning the tournament to save Juleka from Picasso's clutches. Ashe hadn't really given it much thought that if he won he'd marry Juleka and become King. A slave becoming a King? The very idea made Ashe's stomach tie itself up into knots.

To be continued in...Chapter 14:

### Chapter 14:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached the second-to-last round!" Viper shouted up at the stands. "The first match of this round is going to be Picasso Tremaine facing against Papillion! Contestants...enter the arena!"

Picasso and Papillion, who was currently five-feet-tall, entered the arena, and faced off with a few yards between them. "Contestants...fight!" Viper yelled excitedly.

Picasso whipped out his revolver, aimed it at Papillion, and fired. The fairy quickly transformed into his five-inch-tall form with his butterfly-like wings fluttering behind him. The bullet completely missed the fairy, but Picasso kept firing.

Papillion dodged the bullets, flitting about at top speed. The fairy decided to change tactics. He raised his hand and conjured a magical energy shield that he intended to use to block the next projectile attack that was sent his way from that strange magical weapon Picasso was using.

Picasso grinned as he fired at the fairy again. The bullet sped through the air, hit the magical shield Papillion had created, and then passed right through it. The fairy's green eyes widened as the bullet simply went past the shield as if it didn't exist and hit his head. The bullet was nearly the same size as the fairy's head and caused it to explode on impact. A few screams of horror rose up from the stands at the unsettling sight.

"Rest in peace, fairy," Picasso jeered as he put his revolver away, and stalked off the arena without looking back.

"Once again, Picasso Tremaine has defeated his opponent with that strange magical weapon of his!" Viper declared, his snakes hissing with bloodthirsty enthusiasm. "It didn't appear to be affected by magic at all! Just what is that weapon, really? Papillion is nothing but a splat of blood on the arena floor, and so the winner is Picasso Tremaine!"

Loud boos followed Picasso's exit from the arena. As Picasso passed Ashe on his way back into the prep area Ashe gave his stepbrother a disgusted look. "Was it really necessary to kill him? He was just a little fairy."

"I found it necessary to stop Papillion before he used his powerful earth magic against me," Picasso drawled, a glint in his gray eyes. "I did what I had to do to win. Besides, you didn't seem to mind when I killed that vampire."

Ashe shrugged. "Vampires are evil."

"Not all of them," Picasso said, raising his eyebrows at Ashe in a condescending manner. "Sethos was apparently a vampire that only drank the blood of animals. But I didn't really give a shit either way. I'm here to win Juleka's hand, Ashe, whatever it takes."

Ashe was starting to tremble with rage. He hated Picasso with a passion in that moment. Ashe was unconsciously stalking towards Picasso when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see Knuckles. "Come on, Ashe," Knuckles began in a chiding tone. "Don't let him get to you. That's what he wants. If you fight him now you'll get disqualified. You should be concentrating on defeating me because then you'll probably be fighting him officially."

Ashe nodded stiffly. "Yeah. You're right. He's not worth it."

"Our next match is going to be Ashe Smoldris, who will be facing his stepbrother Knuckles Tremaine!" Viper announced with an unholy gleam in his yellow, reptilian eyes. "Brother versus brother! Will they show mercy to each other...or will brother slay brother? Contestants...enter the arena!"

Ashe and Knuckles started to head towards the open gate. As Knuckles passed Picasso, the artist leered at his brother. "I hope you drop dead out there, fatass. You've been getting on my nerves lately with all your goody two-shoes bullshit."

Knuckles frowned, and began to grind his back molars out of irritation. Just because he'd started treating Ashe with respect Picasso had started to act like a real asshole towards him. "Fuck you, Picasso." He flipped his brother off.

Ashe and Knuckles made their way out into the arena, and faced off with a few yards between them. "Contestants...fight!" Viper called out.

Ashe unbuckled the sword belt that had a sheathe attached to it along with the Glass sword, held it up in Knuckles's direction, and dropped it to the arena floor. "Let's settle this with our fists. What do you say, Brother?" He offered Knuckles a cheeky grin.

A flicker of surprise crossed the mobster's face before he returned the smile. "Hell yeah. Let's do this." Knuckles cracked his knuckles, cracked his neck from side to side, and raised his fists before him in a boxing stance. Ashe moved into a similar stance with his fists raised before him.

"What's this?" Viper questioned aloud as he gave the fighters a disbelieving look. "It appears as though the two brothers intend to fight using nothing but their fists! Ashe probably had the upper hand as a swordsman, but now the playing field has been leveled! Will Ashe's merciful nature come back to bite him in the ass? We're about to find out, folks!"

Ashe and Knuckles circled each other for a couple of minutes, each man gauging his opponent's strength. Abruptly, they started to throw punches. Ashe knew better than to let any of Knuckles's punches land on his face since he'd be knocked out cold instantly.

The power of one of Knuckles's punches was equivalent to a blow from a sledgehammer. Even just blocking Knuckles's punches with his forearms was incredibly painful. Those punches were most likely causing tiny fractures in the bones of his forearms. Ashe knew there would be ugly bruises on his skin tomorrow as well as lingering pain as his bones healed.

Ashe was landing his punches as his fists connected with Knuckles's face and torso, but his blows appeared to be having little to no affect on the mobster. Instead, Ashe's fingers ached, and the skin on his knuckles was peeling off. Punching Knuckles felt the same as punching a marble statue.

Ashe frowned down at his bleeding knuckles, and his stepbrother let out a chuckle when he noticed. "Your punches are like mosquito bites! I barely felt them. I didn't know you were so fucking weak, Ashe!" Ashe executed a couple of back flips in order to put some distance between him and Knuckles. "Where are you going, Ashe? Are you running away, you coward? You can't escape me!" Knuckles charged after Ashe with thundering steps.

This is exactly what Ashe wanted. _Wait for it. Wait for it...now!_ Ashe stopped, turned to face Knuckles, and grabbed the other man just as he was lunging at Ashe. Using Knuckles's forward momentum Ashe was able to throw Knuckles and slam him into the ground. Knuckles landed on his head, and was knocked out cold from the force of the blow.

"Whoo! How did Ashe do that, folks?" Viper exclaimed with wide eyes. "He made throwing his enormous brother look easy even though Knuckles is three times his size! Was that magic or sheer strength? Knuckles has lost consciousness...and the winner is Ashe the Merciful! Well, _merciful_ if Knuckles is still alive!" The gorgon let out a dark chuckle.

"He's still alive," Ashe snapped irritably.

"In that case...winner is Ashe the Merciful!" the emcee repeated with a sharp grin that revealed his pointed fangs.

"Ashe! Ashe! Ashe!" the spectators cheered in a rowdy fashion as they pumped their fists through the air.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached the final round of this tournament!" Viper shouted. "Against all odds, two human men have fought their way to the top! So much for the might of magic? Right, folks? The final match will be Ashe Smoldris against his stepbrother Picasso Tremaine! These brothers are crazy! The winner of this match will win Princess Juleka's hand in marriage and become King of Glass Kingdom once Juleka ascends the throne after her mother's death."

Ashe watched as some attendants carried an unconscious Knuckles out of the arena. "Picasso...you may now enter the arena!" Viper called.

Picasso strolled into the arena with his chin raised high and an air of smug confidence around him. There was a cunning look in his gray eyes, and a vicious smile spread across his face. Picasso came to a halt a few yards away from Ashe.

Ashe walked over to fetch his sword belt and buckled it back around his waist. He unsheathed the Glass Sword and pointed it at Picasso challengingly.

Picasso took out his newly loaded revolver and pointed it at Ashe. "Get ready to eat lead, punk."

"You wish, Picasso," Ashe countered.

"Contestants...fight!" Viper yelled out, his snakes hissing excitedly.

The sun was starting to set, and the tall, wrought iron braziers that were positioned around the edges of the arena automatically started to light themselves due to the magical enchantments that had been placed upon them. The light being cast from the orange, yellow and red flames in the braziers' bowls illuminated the arena floor.

Picasso fired his revolver at Ashe, and Ashe sidestepped out of the way, managing to dodge the bullet successfully. Picasso couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at this impressive feat. "Not bad. You can actually dodge a bullet. That's almost superhuman. But, I bet that was just luck. A sword can't win against a gun, Ashe. There's a saying from my world: you don't bring a knife to a gunfight _._ Let's see how many bullets it takes before your luck runs out and you end up Swiss cheese!"

This time when Picasso fired his gun at Ashe, the swordsman blocked the bullets using the Glass Sword. A cracking sound filled the air, and had Ashe's gaze dropping to look at his sword worriedly. Cracks had started to form on the sword's surface. Horror swirled in Ashe's golden eyes.

_Impossible...the Glass Sword is a magical sword. It's indestructible. A stupid gun can't...wait a second. A gun? It's a weapon from another realm._ Ashe realized. _Shit! Didn't Aurelion say something about a weapon not of this world destroying the original Glass Sword? Shit, shit, shit!_

"What's the matter, Ashe?" Picasso called out upon noticing the worried expression on Ashe's face. "Did I damage your sissy sword?"

Ashe continued to stare down at his broken reflection. The four cracks on the sword had ended up creating five mirrors. Upon noticing that five Ashes were blinking back at him, he suddenly got an idea. " _Speculo Geminus!_ " he whispered.

The Glass Sword glowed with a silvery-blue light, and seconds later five extra Ashes had materialized, and were standing around Picasso in a circle. Picasso's gray eyes widened in alarm, and he spun as he pointed his revolver at each of the six Ashes in turn. "What the fuck? Illusions?"

The five mirror clones plus Ashe began to close in on Picasso simultaneously. Picasso opened fire, shooting at the clones, but they kept on approaching him. "Fuck!" Picasso couldn't tell which was the real Ashe, and which was fake. He'd fired six bullets, and had hit his mark each time. "I've shot you!" Picasso shouted, an edge of desperation to his voice. "I know it!"

Picasso opened the cylinder of his revolver, and started to reload it with bullets. However, Ashe was suddenly standing in front of him. Ashe grabbed the revolver, yanked it out of his hand, and tossed it aside. Ashe then held the Glass Sword at his stepbrother's throat. Picasso gaped at Ashe in disbelief. "But, how are you moving? I shot you, didn't I?" There was a wild look in the artist's eyes.

"You did," Ashe confirmed in a nonchalant tone. "And that hurt like a bitch, by the way. Yield," he said, pressing his sword against Picasso's throat. Picasso had managed to shoot Ashe in his upper thigh. Ashe had a high pain tolerance thanks in no small part to Picasso and his torture, so he hadn't cried out when he'd been shot. Blood was seeping out of the wound, but masked by the red color of Ashe's silk pants.

"Why should I yield?" Picasso said, folding his arms over his chest, and giving Ashe a defiant look. "You don't have the balls to kill me, punk."

"Oh, yeah? Try me." Ashe pressed the Glass Sword harder against Picasso's neck until the sword started to draw blood. "After all the shit you've put me through I'd love the excuse to cut your head off. Not to mention the fact that you tried to rape the woman I love."

Picasso could feel hot blood trickling down his neck and paled. He put his hands up before him in a surrendering gesture. "Alright, fine. I yield."

"Ashe summoned clones from the Mirror World and managed to catch Picasso off guard!" Viper said loudly. "Picasso has yielded! The winner is...Ashe the Merciful!" The spectators began to cheer, and wave their fists as they celebrated Ashe's victory. "And you know what this means, folks! Ashe Smoldris has won the hand of Princess Juleka Glass! He is our new Prince and future King! This is definitely a rags-to-riches story! From slave to Prince! Who would have thought?"

Ashe approached the sequestered area in the stands were two thrones were positioned side by side. Seated upon the thrones were Princess Juleka and her mother Queen Krista. Ashe warily looked up at the Queen of Glass Kingdom, and Krista offered Ashe a warm smile, and a nod of acceptance.

Ashe was stunned by the Queen's reaction to his victory. He'd expected the Queen of Glass Kingdom to be disappointed by the outcome of the tournament, and even angry. But oddly enough, she seemed pleased. Ashe tentatively smiled back at Queen Krista. He turned his gaze to Juleka, grinned at her, and raised his sword in a triumphant pose. _Juleka._ Ashe thought with a warm feeling building up inside of his chest, and spreading throughout his body. _My Queen._

Tears filled Juleka's gray-blue eyes as she stared down at Ashe and returned his smile. There was a slight blush to her cheeks, and Ashe was certain he could see the love for him shinning in her eyes. This moment couldn't get any better. Ashe felt happy, and that was a rare feeling for him. He felt loved and accepted by Juleka _and_ her mother. He was going to become Krista's son-in-law. Ashe would have a mother again. _I wonder if she'll let me call her 'Mom'?_ Ashe wondered, feeling giddy.

However, at that moment a cloaked and hooded figure stood up from his seat in the stands. The figure lowered his hood to reveal that it was Lord Christian Tremaine. "Ashe!" Christian yelled to make sure that he had Ashe's full attention. "Everyone you get close to dies!" He reached into his cloak, pulled out a revolver, and pointed it at Queen Krista.

Ashe's eyes widened in horror as he realized Christian's nefarious intentions. He was too far away to stop the insane man. "No! Don't do it!"

But Christian's attention was fully on Queen Krista. "If you want something done right. You have to do it yourself." He pulled down on the trigger and fired at Krista. The bullet flew through the air, and entered the side of Queen Krista's head with a splatter of blood. She was killed instantly.

Juleka let out a bloodcurdling scream at the sight of her mother being killed right before her eyes. "Mother!" Tears started to stream down Juleka's face as she watched her mother's limp body slump sideways on the throne. As Juleka's tears dripped off her cheeks they transformed into blue diamonds as they fell down through the air.

"He killed the Queen!" "The Queen is dead!" "Nooo! Queen Krista!" Panicked shouts began to rise up from the spectators in the stands.

A sinister smile spread across Christian's face as he turned his attention to the spectators. He spread his arms wide at his sides in a dramatic pose. "Yes. I killed your beloved Queen Krista Glass. Boohoo! Don't worry. You still have your princess whom I intend to marry!"

"Guards!" Ashe shouted from the arena floor. "Arrest Lord Christian Tremaine!"

The Royal Guards stood up from their seats in the stands, unsheathed their broadswords, and pointed them in Lord Tremaine's direction.

"Give it up, Lord Tremaine," Ashe called up to him. "You're completely outnumbered! There's no way you're getting out of here alive - not after the stunt you just pulled!"

Even though Christian was surrounded by foes, he laughed evilly. "Buhahaha! _Oh_ , you think you've cornered me? You think you've won? Think again! I didn't put too much faith in my useless son Picasso. I knew he'd ultimately fail me. That's why I had a Plan B! Reveal yourselves, boys! It's time to get this party started!"

Several men wearing black, hooded cloaks stood up from their seats in the stands. They removed their cloaks in an ostentatious manner, and tossed them aside to reveal the brightly colored suits they were wearing underneath. Yellow, red, purple, green, and blue were some of the suits' colors. The mobsters were also wearing fedoras, ties with geometric patterns, and dress shoes.

As soon as Ashe took in the strange, outlandish clothing the men were wearing he had a sinking feeling in the pit of his gut. The mobsters reached into their jackets, pulled out their Tommy guns, and aimed them at the Royal Guards.

"Let them eat lead, boys!" Christian shouted in a gleeful voice.

The mobsters opened fire upon the Royal Guards and a _rat-tat-tat-tat_ sound filled the air. Even as a spray of bullets headed towards them, the knights bravely raised their swords and tried to use their weapons to fend off the machinegun fire. But, it was no use.

Ashe remembered Picasso's earlier ominous words: _A sword can't win against a gun, Ashe. There's a saying from my world: you don't bring a knife to a gunfight._

The bullets either flew past the swords or shattered their blades. When the bullets hit armor, they pierced the armor, and imbedded themselves in the guards' bodies. As soon as the terrifying machinegun fire had started the spectators had stood up from their seats, and had started to run for the exits while screaming at the tops of their lungs. They were desperate to escape the fate of the Royal Guards, who were some of the most powerful men in all of Fantasia.

During the ensuing chaos, Christian managed to make his way over to Princess Juleka unhindered. By this time, Princess Juleka had gotten out of her throne, and was on her knees in front of Queen Krista. Juleka was staring up into her mother's still face with a forlorn expression. "Mother..."

Juleka jumped when she felt something touching her shoulder, and turned to see Christian digging the barrel of his revolver painfully into her flesh. "You're coming with me, Toots. And don't try anything funny, or else you'll get to find out just how it feels to eat lead." Juleka's eyes widened in fear, but she stood up, and didn't try to fight back as Lord Tremaine escorted her out of the coliseum at gunpoint.

Ashe had been so distracted by the gruesome fate of the Royal Guards that by the time he returned his attention to Juleka he saw that Lord Tremaine was escorting her out of the coliseum. The blood drained out of Ashe's face. "Lord Tremaine! Where do you think you're going? Come back here and fight me, you cowardly bastard! Let Juleka go!"

"So long, sucka!" Christian called over his shoulder as he shoved Juleka through the exit.

"Shit!" Ashe swore as he lost sight of them, and only the sound of Lord Tremaine's maniacal laughter reached his ears. Ashe turned and ran for the open gate that led to the prep area. He crossed the threshold and kept running until he was heading down a corridor, which led to an exit. He kicked the door open and exited the coliseum.

Ashe looked around wildly for any sign of Lord Tremaine and Juleka, and cursed the helpless feeling that was welling up inside of him. _So fucking useless._ He inwardly berated himself.

The obnoxious sound of a car honking drew Ashe's attention, and he spotted Lord Tremaine and Juleka inside of a black and white Cadillac Panther Deville. Christian was driving while Juleka was seated in the front passenger seat. She looked absolutely terrified, and her fear was probably a mix of being afraid of Christian and of being inside of a car for the first time in her life.

Christian drove right past Ashe on purpose, and slowed the car down as if taunting him. Ashe lunged for the car, but Christina pointed his revolver at Ashe's head. "Ah, ah, ah. Don't come any closer unless you want to meet the same fate as Queen Krista, and end up on ice."

Ashe clenched his hands into fists at his sides while Juleka shot him a worried look. "Ashe, don't!"

"The next time you see Juleka she'll have a huge rock on her finger, and she'll be my wife! Sorry, but you're not invited to the wedding. Well, we'd better get going. I'm taking Juleka to the church right now." Christian cackled evilly as he drove away.

"Get back here, you perverted old man!" Ashe roared, waving his fist angrily at the departing car. As Lord Tremaine sped off at top speed Ashe caught sight of a small, white, metal plaque on the back of the car, which read: P54 CHO. At first glance the strange combination of letters and numbers looked like the word: _psycho_.

Feeling a mixture of frustration and despair, Ashe could do nothing but watch as the car grew further away with each passing second. A horse would never be able to catch up to the Cadillac, which meant he'd never get to the church in time to stop Christian from marrying Juleka.

_A horse can't catch up to them, but what about a unicorn?_ Ashe suddenly mused. _It's now or never. I need to transform. I have to save the mother of my child! Come on! Awaken you shitty powers! I need you!_

Ashe threw his head back, and let out a tortured yell. His body started to glow with a golden-tinged light, and seconds later he transformed into a unicorn. Ashe open his eyes, blinked, and stared down at his shining, golden hooves. His eyes widened dramatically, and he pawed at the ground with his hoof. _Whoa...I'm a unicorn! Brilliant!_

Ashe looked up, and his gaze focused on the Cadillac that was recklessly swerving around carriages on the road. A determined expression settled over the unicorn's face, his eyes narrowed, he pawed at the ground, and let out an angry snort. _That bastard took my woman! Juleka is mine! And I'm going to get her back!_ Ashe let out a loud whiney as he took off at a gallop, pursuing the Cadillac.

The clopping sound of a rapidly approaching horse reached Christian's ears, and he glanced into his rearview mirror. His gray eyes widened in alarm when he spotted a unicorn chasing after his Cadillac. "What the...?" he muttered darkly before a sudden thought occurred to him. "Holy fuck. It's Ashe!" A sly smile curled Christian's lips.

"Ashe?" Juleka glanced over her shoulder, and her blue eyes widened when she caught sight of the unicorn pursuing them. A hopeful expression formed on her face. "Ashe!"

_He's finally awakened._ Christian thought as he tapped his fingers on the leather steering wheel. _Pity my priorities have changed from harvesting his horn to marrying Princess Juleka as soon as possible. I don't want to risk getting punished by Leader for disobeying his orders. No matter. I'll kill Ashe, and return to collect his horn after the ceremony._ Christian turned around in his seat, and fired his revolver at the unicorn.

Ashe swerved on the road, and dodged the oncoming bullets. He could feel some kind of power building up inside of him, centering on the golden horn sticking out of his forehead. The horn started to glow and pulse with energy. Suddenly, Ashe knew what he had to do, and willed the energy to be expelled in the direction of the car.

Christian's eyes widened when he saw a blast of magical, golden energy flying the car's way. He quickly turned the steering wheel, swerving right, and avoided the energy blast attack. Juleka screamed as the car swerved dangerously on the road, and then Lord Tremaine was turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction again quickly before they drove right off the road. The blast hit the ground, and formed a small crater where it impacted with the dirt road.

_Damn, I missed!_ Ashe thought, and started to gather magical energy in his horn as he prepared to attack the Cadillac again.

Christian was watching Ashe carefully in his rearview mirror, and so when Ashe launched another energy blast attack, he was able to avoid this one too by quickly swerving left on the road. Juleka gripped the seatbelt she was wearing until her knuckles turned white. "What is this vile contraption called?"

"A 1974 Cadillac Panther Deville," Christian said proudly. "Reg- er, a friend of mine fetched it for me from another time in the realm I come from."

"Well, I hate Cadillacs!" Juleka declared passionately. "I'd choose an enchanted carriage over this monstrosity any day!"

"Don't say that, love," Christian said as he shot at Ashe over his shoulder. "Road trips are fun. And I'm sure that after we're married we'll be going on a lot of them together."

"I'm _not_ your love," Juleka huffed at the same time a bullet hit Ashe's front leg, and he went down. "No! Ashe!" She screamed as she watched Ashe hit the ground hard and skid across the ground for several feet.

Christian smiled sharply, and returned his gaze to the road in front of him. "Finally. That young man has been a thorn in my side for far too long."

Tears welled up in Juleka's eyes, and she shot Christian a hateful glare. "You're a monster."

"No, I'm your fiancé," Christian smoothly corrected, and let out a low chuckle. He was able to drive the rest of the way to the church without further incident. Christian pulled the Cadillac up to the front entrance of the church, and turned the engine off.

He exited the car, and made his way around to open the passenger side door for Juleka. "Come on, sweetcheeks, it's time to get hitched. You should be happy. I'm better looking than my son Picasso despite my age, and not as sadistic as he is. I would _never_ hurt you." He grabbed her upper arm and pulled her out of the car roughly.

"Ow!" Juleka objected. "You're hurting me _now_!"

Christian just shrugged unapologetically. "You were taking too long, babe. I'm not a patient man." He dragged Juleka over to the front door of the church. Christian kicked the door open, and strode inside, dragging Juleka along behind him.

Due to the loud commotion Christian had made by kicking the door in, a priest entered the main area of the church from a back room. He approached the couple with a stern expression on his old, wrinkled face. "Just what do you two think you're doing making such a racket in this holy place? This is the house of God!"

"We're getting hitched old man," Christian drawled, and pointed his index finger at the priest. "And you're about to do the hitching."

The priest blinked in confusion at the unfamiliar vernacular Lord Tremaine was using. "Hitched?"

"Married," Christian snapped impatiently. "You're going to marry us, Priest. Now."

The priest frowned. "This is all highly irregular. I don't think-"

Christian whipped out his revolver, aimed at a white marble statue of a beautiful woman, and shot at it. The bullet hit the statue causing it to shatter to pieces. "You were saying, Priest?" Christian challenged.

The priest paled at the power of the magical weapon Christian was wielding, and swallowed. He offered the couple a tremulous smile. "I was saying...congratulations." The priest headed towards the back of the church where he fetched his bible, and then walked over to stand before a religious icon that was hanging on the back wall.

Christian dragged Juleka down the aisle, and they came to a stop in front of the priest.

The priest cleared his throat as Christian and Juleka faced each other. "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to join...?" He gave Christian an expectant look.

"Lord Christian Tremaine."

"Lord Christian Tremaine and-?" The priest gave Juleka a questioning look. Juleka pressed her lips together in a thin line, however, and refused to answer.

"Juleka Glass," Christian supplied.

The priest startled at this revelation, and looked at Juleka with wide eyes. "Princess Juleka Glass...in matrimony commended to be honorable among all, and therefore is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. Into this - these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause-"

"Skip that part," Christian growled, tapping his leather dress shoe on the floor in a show of impatience.

The priest gulped and continued swiftly. "Very well. Do you Lord Christian Tremaine take Juleka Glass to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do you part?"

"I do," Christian said, a sly glint in his gray eyes. "Though I doubt the princess of Glass Kingdom will ever go through poor times." A dark chuckle slipped past his lips as he thought about how Juleka Glass was cursed to cry tears that turned into diamonds. _I'm going to be rich beyond imagining!_ Christian inwardly crowed.

The priest turned his attention to Juleka. When he noticed that Juleka's eyes were puffy, and red-rimmed from crying, he frowned. "And do you, Princess Juleka Glass, take Lord Christian Tremaine to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from his day forward until death do you part?"

Juleka raised her chin and defiantly remained silent. Christian growled low in his throat, whipped out his revolver, and pressed it against Juleka's temple. "Say 'I do', Princess, or else we're going to find out how your brains look splattered all over the alter!"

Juleka flinched as the gun was pressed to her temple, and she started to tremble out of fear. "I..."

"Go on! Say it!" Christian demanded when Juleka trailed off.

At that moment, the door to the church burst open for a second time, and this time a unicorn galloped inside.

"Ashe!" Juleka cried out happily as soon as she caught sight of the magnificent, magical creature.

Christian whirled to face Ashe, his long fur coat billowing out behind him, and pointed his revolver in the unicorn's direction. "Eat lead and die, Ashe!"

A wave of déjà vu washed over Juleka in that moment, causing her to tremble violently in fear. She noticed that Ashe's front leg was bleeding. It reminded her so much of Cinderelron's bleeding front leg that had gotten trapped inside the bear trap. _No...not again!_ Juleka inwardly panicked. _I can't lose him again!_ The princess rushed to place herself in front of the charging unicorn, and spread her arms wide at her sides.

Christian had already pulled back on the trigger, and was unable to stop the bullet from heading in Juleka's direction. The bullet flew through the air, and hit Juleka's chest \- right in her heart. A gasp slipped past Juleka's lips as she fell back to the floor where she lay unmoving.

_Juleka!_ The unicorn's nostrils flared in anger, and he charged towards Christian. The Don shot at Ashe again, but this time he missed. Ashe's horn pierced Christian's chest straight through the man's evil, black heart.

Christian's eyes bulged, and he coughed up a glob of blood that dribbled down his chin. He looked down at his chest in a mixture of shock and disbelief at the golden horn piercing his body. "Skewered to death by a unicorn horn. How ironic." He looked up at Ashe with a resigned expression on his face. "You may have killed me, Ashe, but I've still won. I killed your mother on your eighteenth birthday. It wasn't suicide. And I killed your beloved Juleka. The last laugh is mine! Buwhahaha!" Christian used his remaining strength to laugh manically while grinning, and showing off his bloody teeth.

_Damn you, Lord Tremaine, you bastard!_ Ashe thought venomously, narrowing his golden eyes on the mafia boss.

Christian continued to laugh until the light in his gray eyes dimmed. Ashe stepped back and slid his golden horn out of Christian's body. As soon as the horn had been removed, Christian's body collapsed to the floor.

Ashe trotted over to Juleka's fallen form, and stared down at her morosely. _Juleka._ The unicorn nuzzled the side of her face with his nose and pawed at the marble floor in irritation. _Please, wake up. Please, don't be dead._

Juleka's eyes fluttered as she began to stir. A moan slipped past her lips, and when she opened her eyes she saw a white unicorn in her line of sight. A dreamy smile curled her lips, and she reached out to stroke the unicorn's nose. "Cinderelron...is that you? You're still alive. I'm so glad I managed to save you this time."

Ashe let out an irritated snort, and tossed his head angrily. _I'm not Cinderelron! It's me - Ashe!_

Juleka's eyes widened when she realized this was _not_ Cinderelron. "Ashe, is that really you? You turned into a unicorn...for my sake?" A myriad of emotions swirled in Juleka's blue eyes making them shimmer like diamonds.

The unicorn's body began to glow with a golden light before Ashe transformed into his human form. Ashe crouched at Juleka's side with a stern expression on his handsome face. "Juleka, you should be dead. He shot you in the heart." Ashe's voice was laced with anger and concern.

Juleka sat up and looked down at her chest. She reached into her cleavage and pulled out a gold, heart-shaped locket that she secretly kept Ashe's portrait in. The locket was bent and a bullet was imbedded in it. She held the locket up by its chain to show Ashe. "My locket."

Ashe recognized the locket. He'd noticed Juleka take the locket out occasionally, open it, and admire the portrait contained within from time to time when she thought no one was watching her. Ashe felt a pang of jealousy since the locket most likely contained a portrait of his father Cinderelron. "The locket saved you," Ashe murmured.

Juleka gave Ashe a shy smile. "No, Ashe. _You_ saved me." She opened the locket, and turned it to face Ashe, showing him the portrait that was within.

Ashe's golden eyes widened when he recognized his own likeness. "But...that's me. It's not Cinderelron." A flush rose to his cheeks.

Juleka's cheeks began to heat up. "You thought I was carrying around a portrait of your father? Oh, Ashe, sometimes you can be such a fool. I'm always telling you how much I love _you_...but it's like you don't believe me. You're so stubborn. How many times am I going to have to say it before it gets into that thick skull of yours? I love you, Ashe Smoldris. You and _only_ you." Juleka let out an exasperated huff.

Juleka's words slowly started to sink in, and Ashe buried his face in his hands. It was too much. He looked up at Juleka, and his cheeks were even redder than before. "You took a bullet for me. You almost died for me. You really do love me, don't you?" he asked in a mystified tone.

Juleka arched an eyebrow at Ashe, and gave him a mischievous smile. "You're _finally_ figuring that out, fool? You may be handsome, but you're not that smart are you?" she teased playfully. "Let it be known that Princess Juleka Glass didn't fall in love with Ashe Smoldris for his brain...but for his body." She giggled.

"Hey!" Ashe objected. "Who are you calling a 'fool', fool? You could have _died_ because of your recklessness, you silly girl!"

"Life wouldn't be worth living without you in it, Ashe," Juleka said softly.

Ashe wanted to be angry with Juleka, but he was strangely touched by her sweet words. He raked a hand back through his hair in a gesture of frustration. Juleka had a way of playing tug-of-war with his emotions. She was going to drive him crazy. He shook his head, and gave Juleka a serious look. "Juleka, I've chosen the path of becoming a hero of Fantasia. Being a hero is a dangerous profession. Even if I'm not in this world I want you to keep on living, and to be happy because I love you, Princess." Ashe cupped Juleka's face and captured her lips in a tender kiss.

Juleka eagerly kissed Ashe back, and wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him even closer. Their kissing quickly started to heat up. When their hands started to wander, the priest cleared his throat loudly to get the couple's attention.

Ashe and Juleka instantly broke apart, looking flushed, and slightly embarrassed. They'd been so wrapped up in each other that they'd completely forgotten the priest's presence.

"No more than kissing until you two have been properly wed," the priest chided, giving the couple a stern look.

Juleka leaned over to whisper in Ashe's ear: " _Whoops_."

Ashe let out a deep, husky chuckle, and got down on one knee. "Will you marry me, Princess Juleka Glass?"

Tears of happiness filled Juleka's eyes, and when they slid off of Juleka's cheeks they transformed into diamonds as they fell down through the air. "Of course, I will, Ashe Smoldris!"

Ashe stood up and captured Juleka's delectable lips again, and kissed her deeply while ignoring the priest's continued protests. Juleka was the mother of his child. In the eyes of God they were already married anyways.

As Ashe kissed his princess his golden eyes welled up with tears as he thought about the trials he'd had to go through to reach this perfect moment. _Who would have thought that a slave could become a hero, who then became a swordsman, who fought in the Glass Coliseum, and who lastly became a King? Maybe dreams really do come true, after all._ Ashe smiled against Juleka's lips, and tightened his embrace of the woman he loved.

THE END

###

Final note:

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