The next week was a total whirlwind. The event Prince Cassius had been planning for months was finally commencing- The Festival of Friendship. People from all over the world came to participate in the festivities which meant I was super busy following the Prince around while he engaged with the people. 

I can’t imagine who would want to harm him. I mean, my whole life it seemed like people worshipped the ground he walked on, adored him. I wasn’t even sure how someone /could/ harm him with how titanic he was, but I took my job very seriously and kept anyone who was acting untoward away. I guarded his back during every part of the event, and honestly? It was amazing watching him interact with the people. He was so good at talking, at getting people to laugh. He was mesmerizing.

Having basically grown up on a farm, the festival was the most substantial social event I’d experienced. There was dancing, games, tons of vendors set up around the city, and a huge ball in the castle! I was shocked by the amount of people who knew who I was- apparently being the Prince’s guard made you kind of famous. People marveled over my strength, my size, congratulated me for winning the competition. For the first time in my life I felt like something special. There was only one thing that troubled me about it all… 

I couldn’t help but notice that the Prince didn’t seem like himself. He put on his best smile at the parties and when he was strolling through the city, but that smile was quick to fade when he had a moment alone. In the evenings he’d retire to his room, banishing his servants- myself included. It was strange because normally he preferred to take a drink before bed, or invite over a few lovers, or even stay up and gossip with Moira, but he suddenly seemed to value his alone time. There were even a few times where I’d catch him staring off into space, wearing a wistful expression. What was going through my Prince’s head during those moments? 

I suppose there was one other thing that troubled me- all the suitors that traveled across the world in hopes of winning his hand. A myriad of Princes, Princesses and Princeps tried desperately to impress him with extravagant gifts, with flattery, with fine custom made clothing. They seemed to be endless. Everywhere I turned someone was seeking an audience with him. 

I have to admit that it made me kind of envious. I mean, these people were royalty and that gave them a chance with him. Me? I was a farm boy… I only hoped that whoever won his hand was also seeking his heart, not his power. 

One night after hours of watching suitors bore the Prince into tears, he had me escort him back to his room. I assumed that he’d probably send me away, but instead he knelt in front of me, smiling softly. 

“It’s been a long night. Don’t you think?” 

I stared up at him, brow furrowing slightly, feeling flushed seeing him looming over me like that. He looked absolutely royal from his low cut, brocade vest to the gorgeous gold jewelry adorning his neck and arms. 

“I- yeah,” I stammered, chuckling. “It's been wild..” I smiled up at him. 

He nodded at me. Were his eyes shining? I could have sworn there was something mischievous in his expression. He sighed, dragging his fingers through his long hair. “I’d like to take a dip in the hot springs. Escort me?” 

I just looked at him dumbly as he lowered down one of his massive hands and opened his palm for me. I’d only been carried by him a few times in the past and it was such a dizzying experience, but I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to be close to him. I tentatively stepped into his palm, feeling the warmth and strength of his hand beneath my feet. The Prince seemed satisfied as he smiled and began to lift me up off the floor. I lost my balance a bit as I was quickly pulled dozens of feet in the air, watching the ground get further and further away. 

He held me just in front of his warm chest which was exposed from his low cut top. My whole body must have been blushing- it felt so nice to be held by him. I noticed that he grabbed for a Prince sized bottle of wine before exiting the chambers with me. What was he up to? 

The hot springs weren’t far from the castle- just up the small mountain side behind the courtyard. The sky was filled with stars and the hum of summer bugs as he carried me up the mountain. God, I’d made that hike on my own before and it wasn’t a stroll through the park, but the Prince’s powerful legs made the ascent look so easy, the dull thud of his footsteps echoing up the mountain side. 

When we reached the hot springs, he set me down on the edge of one of the giant pools. They were massive- big enough for Cassius to sprawl out in. I watched as he unlaced his boots and set them to the side so that he could dip his feet in. I fidgeted nervously, unsure of what to say. He sighed as he uncorked a bottle of wine, pouring the red liquid into a glass big enough to drown me in, then smirked at me as he pulled a regular sized bottle out of his pocket and pushed it in front of me. 

“Drink with me,” He commanded with a glint in his eye. 

I found myself feeling a little tongue tied. “Um- no, that’s okay, Prince..” I laughed nervously, scratching my head. He raised his eyebrow at me. 

“Are you disobeying me?” He said in a playful tone. His smile widened as he took a drink of his wine. I watched as his powerful throat swallowed a gallon of liquid down at once. “Come on…,” He nudged the bottle closer. “I’m terrible at pouring the tiny bottles. Always spill it everywhere.” 

I smiled and popped the bottle open as commanded, pouring myself a glass. 

“You deserve to relax for once, my little shadow,” he said with a smile. 

“Thank you..” I took a sip of the wine. It quickly warmed my belly and calmed my nerves. The Prince stared out at the water and I noticed that same far off look. Seeing it made my heart ache a bit. “Are you okay, Prince?” 

Without looking my way, he furrowed his brow a little, like he hadn’t expected the question. He sighed as he leaned back on his strong arms, smiling softly. 

“I’m happy that the festival is over.” His golden brown eyes landed on me. “I need a break from all the people, all the ass kissing…” He chuckled, “I know that must sound strange coming from me. Everyone knows that I love attention, but..” He shook his head, tracing a long finger over the water, making gentle waves. “I just feel like I want to be around someone I trust right now..” 

My eyes must have been so big, surprised by his words. “Prince…” 

“Cass,” he corrected, reaching that same long finger out to caress my cheek. “My friends call me Cass.” 

I gasped softly, feeling my cheeks heat up under his gentle touch. “You trust me?” 

He beamed at me, laughing a bit as he withdrew his hand. “Why do you think I chose you?” 

His smile seemed so genuine during that moment, like for the first time in weeks he was feeling truly at peace. He looked at me with that same adoring look- the one he had the morning I was in his bed. My mouth fell open as he reached for the buttons on his shirt and began to undress, the fabric falling away and exposing his beautiful, muscular body. I couldn’t help but stare- the soft light from the torches gorgeously illuminated him, the landscape of his body standing out amongst the surrounding mountains. 

I felt a little embarrassed, like I shouldn’t have been watching, but there was a commanding look in his eyes that I couldn’t ignore- he wanted me to watch, to look at him. I continued to gawk as he shed himself off his tight pants, exposing gigantic, muscular thighs, sharp hipbones, his absolutely godly cock… next thing I knew, he was scooping me into his hand and holding me in front of him as he lowered his body into the water, sighing contentedly. 

“Mmm… that’s better…” He smiled down at me, his eyelids heavy from a combination of the alcohol, the soothing hot water and well, me. 

“Cass…” I caressed his thumb, feeling nervous under his gaze. 

He smirked at me, devouring the sight of me with those gigantic, pretty eyes. “You get nervous around me, hm? Why is that?” He circled one of his fingers around me on his palm. It reminded me a bit of a shark circling its prey in the water. 

I shook my head. “Because you’re… you’re breathtaking. Who doesn’t get nervous around you?” 

I saw his face light up, blush illuminating his strong cheek bones. Something softened in his expression, like my compliment was making him melt. His eyelids fluttered softly. “Aren’t you sweet?” He said, touching on my jawline. His finger slowly made its way down my neck, then dragged over my armor. “Why don’t we take this off?” He was gently pulling at the straps of my chest piece. 

I gasped again, nodding. Yes. Yes, of course I wanted to. He smiled as he began patiently untying the straps, pulling off my armor piece by piece. He continued to sip on his wine as he worked and I did the same, feeling myself get progressively warmer. I giggled a bit as he undressed me- he made my armor seem so light, so insignificant. His full lips curled into a smile as he removed the final piece, eyes falling to my erection. 

“Such a big man..” he purred, booming but velvety voice vibrating through my body. I flushed. 

“Funny coming from you…” 

He smiled at me, batting his long eyelashes before leaning in and pressing his giant lips to my body. I was enveloped in their softness, his hot breath washing over me, smelling like fine wine. The kiss was soft and gentle but he was just so big- it was overwhelming. I did my best to kiss him back, pressing my much smaller lips to his. The giant moaned softly, handsome voice making my body tremble. I felt him smile as he peered down at me, but there was only a short pause before he was parting his lips and coming back for more. His giant tongue slid out and pressed against my chest. The Prince was tasting me, exploring me. I fell slack against his palm. 

The giant muscle covered me in saliva as it slid all over my body, making me quiver with pleasure. Being 6’11” and 300 lbs, I’d always been the bigger lover to all of my partners, but Cass had so much power over me. He could do whatever he wanted and it was wonderful and terrifying. 

I moaned gruffly as his tongue circled my hard penis. 

“This okay?” He asked, pressing another kiss to my chest as he stroked my side with his thumb. I quickly nodded, touching his cheek. 

“Yes. Please don’t stop.” 

He smiled before his powerful tongue pressed my thighs apart. The beast played with my balls for a moment, then slide over my cock. Next thing I knew, the puffy pillows that were his lips closed around my shaft, tongue swirling around vigorously. I cried out in pleasure, fingers clawing into the flesh of his palm as he sucked me off. God, he was good at that. 

I noticed a slight change in rhythm as he shifted and I realized it was because he’d started pleasuring himself. My Prince was stroking his monster cock for me. I could hardly believe it, such a mountain of a man turned on by someone like me- a country boy with nothing. 

We moaned and writhed together for a while before he pulled his lips away, a thick string of spit hanging between my body and his wet mouth. 

“I’m gonna come, baby..” he mewled desperately. 

I was panting as I nodded. “Me too..” I looked at him pleadingly, urging him to continue. I was quickly taken into his mouth again and from there it didn’t take long. I exploded onto his tongue, eliciting a powerful moan from him as he came gallons over his fist. His breathing was erratic as his orgasm rocked his body and he easily swallowed me down. After a moment of coming down, we just looked at each other and laughed breathlessly, the Prince nuzzling his nose against me. 

I’m ashamed to talk about what happened next, but as he carried me back to the castle I became overwhelmed by a sense of dread- I felt like I’d somehow taken advantage of my position, that I’d done something wrong. I think more than anything, I felt like I didn’t deserve the Prince’s affection. Back then I was a much less confident man with much less self respect- I was dumb. My whole life id been giving everything to others and never taken a moment for myself. The idea that someone like Cass could care about me? It seemed impossible. 

I stewed on these thoughts as he carried me back to his room in his warm hand, thinking of every reason why that night was a mistake. He was quick to plop down in his big, lavish bed and nuzzle his face to my body again, purring happily. God, the sweet man wanted to have a sleepover with me… and how did I respond? I started pushing his face away with strength I don’t think he expected. He slowly pulled away to look at me with big eyes, brow furrowed. 

“Cass..” I sighed, rubbing my neck sheepishly. “I think I should go…” 

I watched his expression drop ever so slightly, lips parting like he might protest, but for once it seemed I’d rendered him speechless. He just looked at me for a moment before slowly lowering me down onto the bed. 

“I’m sorry..” I muttered as I lumbered off. I felt his eyes on me as I climbed down the ladder and left his room through the servant’s entrance. Yeah. I left my Prince alone in his room after the night we shared. 

That night I tossed and turned in my bed, tormenting myself with the way I treated him. He seemed so happy to be spending time with me, but his face when I told him I needed to go? I must have upset him. I mean, it would have upset me too. Suddenly I felt something itching my leg, so I reached down to find a ridiculously long blonde hair wrapped around my calve. I just groaned as I tossed it away and prayed for sleep, trying hard not think about how much I smelled like him. 

~~~ 

The next morning I woke early- not that I really slept. As I started getting ready, I was embarrassed to find that I’d left my armor with the Prince. I cursed again and again, throwing on some regular clothes and sprinting to his room in hopes that I might beat the servants. Nobody needed to know that the Prince was removing my clothes… 

By the time I got there, I was pretty sweaty and my eyes went wide as I saw Moira coming out of the Prince’s room. She sighed, her small hands clutching the handle on her cleaning cart.

“Prince doesn’t want to be bothered today… He seems to be in a mood. Probably just hungover.” She rolled her eyes a bit. The soft smile she was wearing quickly faded when she realized I was armor-less, her brow furrowing. “Dude, where is your armor?” 

Fucking hell.