Chapter 1

Life is never fair, and is often horribly cruel to those who weren't born into the right side of it. Ivan was born right where a boy could wish. His parents were the king and queen of the land. Rich and loved by all, they were just what any child could dream. His mother, as beautiful as she was kind, was always smiling at the boy, ruffling his hair before telling him to clean up for meals. His father, light and playful, was always making sure his son was the happiest he could be. He learned from the best tutors in all things, history, writing and reading, magic and skills that might, one day, serve him well.

On the other end of the spectrum, born into poverty, a child orphaned on the streets after an illness swept through the house, Aaron, as well as his brother and sister, had been the twinkle in their parent's eyes. They'd loved them dearly, and begged his mother's sister to care for them after their death, but she disappeared, taking all of their belongings and money with her. His siblings didn't survive the illness either, leaving him alone. At three years old, Aaron understood what suffering was. He had been kicked from his home, as the village felt burning it might keep the sickness from spreading. He was alone and cold before he was found, and by the worst kind of people to find such a young boy.

At three years old, he was put into the training for a slave. The slave owners beat him horribly, starved and raped him repeatedly, trying to break his spirit. They knew they couldn't sell him before he was completely submissive. At five years old, he caved in. He gave up living for himself. He gave up his thoughts and his name, responding simply to 'Boy'. By the time he was ten, he'd forgotten his life before this. He couldn't remember his parent's loving gazes, or what it felt like to have his stomach full. He didn't know what it felt like to not have the leather cuffs at his wrists and neck. Though he could remove them for comfort in private, he understood better than to remove them when anyone could see. He had lashes across his back from that the first time and would never make that mistake again. He would wake and make breakfast before heading to the farm animals outside and feeding and caring for them before returning inside. He'd wipe himself off with the cold water in the basin at the back door before cleaning the house and making lunch. After lunch was eaten and the dishes cleaned, he'd lower himself on all fours in the center of the living room so that the master could use him however he wished. He'd wipe himself off again before making sure the house was still clean before washing the laundry, making sure the fire was properly lit and the wood was set up for the master to easily be able to lift and access before he went to his room, aching and tired from the day and would drift off, seeing the eyes of a smiling woman he no longer remembered in his dreams.

At ten years old he was sold to a young lord who, though he owned the slave, he only saw him every once in a great while. The slave masters took care of him, working him much harder than the master before had. Scrubbing the floors, chopping more wood, though he had to admit, it was nice to have someone else tend to the animals, as the burlap wrap he wore wasn't enough in the colder winter days, and he'd gotten frostbite a few times before. The lord would never have guessed at the sadism the master showed to the slaves. Even at such a young age, he understood what it meant when he came to him with wine on his breath and his hand in his pants. He'd already been trained, and though he was a lot rougher than his previous master, biting and scratching skin from his back, he couldn't complain. He didn't dare to. After all, who would worry for such a pathetic being?

Years passed, the king of the area had passed on, having died early of a heart attack, and his son, though only 18 took the throne, his mother at his side to assist him however possible. Though the kingdom loved him, he never felt it. He knew his mother loved him, but that was all he felt. The repetition of the days, wake, schooling, meetings, dinner, more meetings before bed, wore on him. He understood it was all necessary, but he didn't really understand why. Why was he suddenly so important? He'd just been a child a year ago, but now it was like the kingdom had forgotten his father, and he was tossed into the spotlight, a convenient replacement.

"Feliciano Vargas, I've heard rumor that you're shirking your responsibilities to the land." Ivan stated, seeing the man before him cross his arms and shake his head.

"Your highness, I can assure you nothing of the sort has happened. You and your advisers are more than welcome to come and see what my days consist of. All I have time for is work. My city, while not the largest, is prospering quite happily." He smiled, watching the king as he nodded, curious.

"So there's not rioting in the streets or widespread famine in your village?"

"Who would say such preposterous things?!" Feliciano stood, staring around the table at the other eyes. "I've worked myself to the bone to make sure my city is happy! There is plenty of food, and it's well shared! We've reverted to bartering to make sure everyone has what they need, even if the profits are in wool and wine, it's enough to keep the people happy! Even the miners are cared for properly by the city! I promise you, my king, if you come out, you can see for yourself! You can see what I've done since my father passed away!" He pleaded, desperate to not fall into the king's bad side.

"I shall. I'll go with you tonight, if it's not too much trouble and return tomorrow evening." Ivan stated, knowing that as an order of this type, his advisers couldn't deny him this. It was a 'wellness check' for a city.

"We should prepare some men to go with you, as guards and advisers in this situation." Arthur, Ivan's most trusted adviser stood and Ivan nodded.

"Arthur, I want you and... Lukas to come with me on this excursion."

"Yes, sire. We'll prepare immediately." Arthur nodded before turning and running from the room to tell the other what was planned.

Arthur was a mighty magician, though Ivan had noticed that his own magical abilities were stronger, even if Arthur knew more spells and potions. While Ivan was more rounded in his abilities, Arthur solely relied on his magic. Lukas was more like Ivan in that respect. He could use magic, he was good, but he wasn't the best. His main abilities involved fighting and strategy. Between the three of them, many had sworn they could take over the world.

Ivan would never have want of that, though. He had almost too much to handle as it was. He knew, the instant he'd said it, that Arthur realized he was using this as an excuse to escape his captivity in his own castle, even if just for a day. Ivan smiled as he walked up to his room to pack before telling his mother what was happening.

"Be careful, my precious little boy." The woman, her hair grayed at the temples, smiled brightly at her son. "Remember always, I love you, and am very proud of you." She smiled, softly patting his cheek as he smiled at her, giving her a hug before he left.

She'd informed the advisers a week ago she'd forseen her death, and it would be quick. She felt she was about to die, and would join her beloved husband. The first thing she'd done after the dream was to tell Ivan that while she was dying, he'd find the one to take her place in his heart. He'd find someone to bring him more warmth than she ever could. He comforted her, but felt it was just a dream. After all, only elves had ever been known to see the future.

Ivan couldn't help but let his horse run ahead of the rest, even the guards he was supposed to be protected behind. He let the wind run through his hair from the warmer days of spring that had come in and sighed, loving the feeling of being outside, of seeing everything so alive. It was only a three hour ride from their gate to the city of Italia, but it seemed entirely too short for Ivan.

It also seemed entirely too long for Arthur. "Your highness, please come back! We can't get to the city if we keep having to search for you!"

"I'm not running ahead too far! You're just too worried!" Ivan laughed as the horse ran through a creek, spraying Ivan as well as Arthur and Feliciano in water that was deceptively warm. Lukas stayed back, watching the antics with all of the joy of a cat in a bath.

"I will dye your horse pink if you get me wet." He spoke out loud enough that Feliciano laughed and Ivan gasped, mortified of the thought of riding through town on a pink horse.

"Lukas! You shouldn't say such things before lords!" Arthur shrieked, horrified, causing Ivan and Feliciano to laugh even harder.

"Then maybe our lord shouldn't be playing in the water like a child. I'm just going to make sure you two twits aren't killed in your sleep." He mumbled, brushing his blond hair from pale blue eyes. His physique was fairly feminine, but it was horribly deceptive. As thin and small in stature as he was, Lukas was one of the fiercest knights in the kingdom.

Arthur was nearly the same size, thin and small, but he didn't have the muscle to back it up. While Lukas' hair was sleek and longer, coming down to his shoulders, Arthur's hair was cut short to try and make it look more calm, but it retaliated and stuck out, no matter what was done to it. Large green eyes, bright with the knowledge of the world around him looked at Ivan as he chuckled, his horse standing proudly on the other end of the creek.

Ivan was huge. He stood almost a quarter of the height of the other two, but with the weight of both of them combined. He showed every muscle in huge biceps, his chest and stomach trained to perfection. He had enough weight to help hide a bit of the strength, but it was barely a cushion from the table he leaned against all the time. His nose was larger than most, something he'd gotten from his mother, along with the violet eyes and silver hair. The body of a god, that's what he'd gotten from his father.

It took a while for Lukas to convince him to continue the road in peace. Finally falling into file behind the six guards, he sighed, bored as they crossed into the city.

When they walked in, after hearing the rumors of famine and illness, they were surprised to find a joyous shopping area. Women laughed as they wound wool into thread, dying the colors as the customers asked. Men wore smiles as they forged swords and cleaved beef. Children ran through the streets dressed in beautifully dyed clothes, laughing and playing, obviously not starving or in need.

"I think we need to schedule another meeting with Lovino." Ivan stated as he looked around, surprised at the happiness he found. "This city is obviously well cared about."

"We should look over the whole city before this is decided." Arthur stated. "Not all cities are happy all over. This may just be the face of the city. You never know what could be at it's heart." Ivan nodded, understanding the sentiment, even if the words made Feliciano flinch.

"Before that, let's go to the castle to refresh before looking at the rest of the city." Lukas stated, knowing he needed a glass of something alcoholic, and not that lacquer Ivan drank.

Drinks were brought to the table, and Feliciano smiled, taking a few reports from the castle staff before they were brought into the dining hall, food and drinks served.

"Sir." The slave master walked in and Feliciano turned to him with a frown. "I want to take over the newest boy. I think he would serve my household well."

"Why would I give him to you? Don't you live here? What would be his purpose?" Feliciano asked, his eyes narrowing at the man. He honestly hated him, only giving him the job as his brother was owed a great debt, and he couldn't turn it down.

"I could find many things for a boy of his skill. I'll pay you for him."

"You're willing to part with money? He really must be something, then. Please bring him to me immediately." Feliciano sighed, turning back to his drink, watching as the rat of a man scurried away. "I hate that man." Feliciano mumbled, catching Ivan's eye.

"Then why let him work here?"

"His brother saved my life. This was what he asked in return, that his brother have a good job with steady income. I'm half tempted to ask if I've paid my debt yet."

"If you don't mind me asking, what does he do?" Arthur asked, curious about the care the older man had been using with his words.

"He's the slave master of the house. He makes sure the chores get done, and the few slaves I allow are well cared for." He watched as Lukas and Ivan both frowned. Their own kingdom wasn't free of slaves, a few working even in the castle, but he also knew his slaves stayed on their own free will. Ivan had set them all free after they learned the job, and they all chose the life they had over the ones they could have had if they'd left. They were servants willingly.

When the man scurried in, a young man about eighteen behind him it broke Lukas' heart. He stayed in the shadow along the wall, having learned not to be seen. He kept his head down, his hands at his side and they could all see the leather straps around his neck and wrists, scars from years of wear visible. Long, tangled hair hung down to his waist and he wore only a burlap cloth, tied with twine at the waist. Feliciano stared for a moment at him, a frown lighting his face. "Boy, come here." Feliciano stood when the boy took a few steps forward, but didn't come anywhere near the table. "Come to me, all the way over here." He spoke and the man shifted uncomfortably before walking to the lord, his eyes never leaving his feet.

"What is your name?" Feliciano asked and the boy's face shot up to Feliciano's chest. He stared for a moment before his lips opened, but he was unable to form words. His voice hadn't been used since he was six. His lips moved before he closed his eyes and focused, trying to get his mouth to move correctly.

"I don't have one, my lord." Feliciano looked at this man. He was too thin for his height. His eyes showed terrible fear. Scars were seen creeping around his neck and Feliciano turned him, sliding the cloth off to show scars covering his back from lashes, whips and bite marks.

"What have you done to him?" Feliciano's voice shook as his eyes widened. Feliciano's hand reached out, aligning with marks on his hips as he realized they were fingernail marks, and at his hips... "What have you done?" Feliciano looked up at the man who's hope of getting the slave was ripped away, as well as the feeling of safety he had in the other man's presence. The boy before him closed his eyes, his head pressing down hard, as Feliciano stood and walked around, his hand stilling at his hip. "I welcome you into my home, give you a job to keep everyone happy and healthy, and you beat and rape as you please?!" Feliciano's voice nearly roared in the room and the man stepped back in fear as a thin sword was whipped out, pointed at his throat. "I should kill you where you stand..." He stared for a second before his brows lowered, his sword hand following after. "With this, my debt to your brother is paid. He saved my life, and I'll spare yours, but if I ever see you in this kingdom again, if you are ever seen here, I will have you beheaded." Feliciano stared as the man nodded and turned, running without a word. Feliciano slid his sword back into the sheath before turning to the man who hadn't moved, his clothes still around his hips, his eyes trained on the floor before him. Tears sprung up in his eyes as he stared. "I don't know how to make this right." He stepped forward, lifting the clothing back over the man's shoulders, who visibly comforted at the fact that he wouldn't be the night's entertainment.

"Maybe you should check the others, see if he was the only one who was... treated like this. I'll assist you." Arthur stood and they both made their way down to the slave's quarters, Lukas staring at the man who hadn't moved as if he were frozen.

"Boy, sit and eat." The boy turned and nodded, sitting near the other side of the table from the group and took a few slow bites before his hands stilled, wondering why the other two at the table were staring at him like that. "Eat. It's alright." Lukas' voice comforted the boy who nodded and took a few more bites. It was already more than he was used to for a day and his stomach wasn't used to it. "Why won't you eat?" Lukas asked, a bit astounded and insulted before Ivan sighed.

"He's been starved. His stomach might not be able to handle very much." Ivan frowned as the boy stared at the plate before him, barely touched, but he didn't dare look up.

"I don't understand how you can't have a name. It's insane." Lukas frowned, watching the boy as Ivan nodded.

"That's the first thing that needs to be remedied. It's pointless to have someone only refer to you as 'Boy'. But what kind of name works for someone like you?" Ivan let his tone carry, wondering over the answer as something popped into his head. "His face is almost elven in features. Perfectly angled jaw, and summer sky eyes... an elven name." Ivan sat up with a smile as he nodded, looking over at Lukas. "What do you think of the name Alfred?"

"Alfred... It should work." Lukas nodded as he took a sip from his cup, watching the boy on the other end. "Does the name work for you?" Lukas asked and the boy just stared for a moment before trying to get his mouth to work again.

"Whatever my lords want to call me." He spoke softly and Ivan frowned.

"You're coming home with us." Ivan frowned. Something about the way the young man before him presented himself made his heart burst. He hadn't felt this before, but he wanted so badly to make him happy, to see that face that looked like it had never seen a good day smile brightly. Ivan knew it would be a beautiful thing.