The Crown Resurrected (6/6)
Fic title: The Crown Resurrected
Author name: herminekurotowa
Artist name: dulcetine
Beta: jj1564
Alpha: somersault_j, junkerin
Genre: RPS, pre-relationship
Pairings: Jared/Jensen, Jensen/Matt (implied), Jared/OMC (implied)
Word count: 20,000
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: hurt!Jensen, slavery, torture, implied child abuse, mention of castration and rape
Disclaimer: If I would own anything or anyone depicted in this work of fiction, believe me, I'd do other stuff.
Summary: Jared and Jensen are both noble princes. But while Jared is the successful conqueror, Jensen is mistaken for a bed slave. He is stripped of his past and thrown into a present full of pain and hurt. And his future will only bear death and destruction.
Jared is drawn to the mysterious man in his bedroom. He could use him, but doesn't want to; he wants to love him, but dares not to touch him. He tries to save his live, but instead Jared hurts him worse than ever. Maybe, though - maybe together they can heal each other.
Chapter 6
Jensen is tired bone-deep, right to the marrow.
It is not only the blood loss that is exhausting him; more than anything it is the situation.
There are guards sitting beside the bed, watching his every move, which is to be expected, considering the fact he almost killed an officer of the royal guard; and again, he is hurt, even worse than before, with bruises and cuts all over his body, a broken rib and a sprained ankle. He can't remember spraining it, but it is another reminder that he can't run away from the fate the Wolf is hurling into his face.
“You will be executed tomorrow morning,” the Crown said only recently, standing in front of the bed and looming over Jensen, pronouncing the verdict with a dark face. “Jensen Ackles, the late Lordmaster's son. Did you really think you could hide in plain sight? It's such a cowardly move, worthy of your father.”
Jensen did not reply, because there was nothing he could say. He was certain that the Crown didn't want to hear that hiding as a slave wasn't his decision, that his father has been a bastard and an asshole, but not a coward.
In a way, he is relieved that it will be over soon, he knows his fate now. If it would be of any use, he would pray that he wouldn't be allowed to enter the Woods of Eternity; he can't bear the thought of being with his father for an eternity.
His fate is a rebel's execution. He knows how horrendous the pain will be, and maybe he would consider running if it wasn't for his busted ankle. But with the blood loss and other injuries, he feels too weak to even stand at the moment; so he thinks shackling him to the bed is useless and excessive.
Opening his eyes when he hears the door being opened, he sees Jared stopping right inside the door frame, staring wide-eyed at Jensen who feels ashamed suddenly.
He doesn't want to be seen weak constantly. He wants to show his strength; lying half-naked in a bed, his body covered in bruises and bandages, makes him ashamed of himself. He knows he is blushing, but can't do anything about it.
“Who did this?” Jared roars angrily. “Who ordered for him to be fettered?”
“Uhm, the uhm, the Crown,” one of the guards says, “your Highness.”
“Get out, both of you!” Jared barks, and the guards scramble hastily to obey.
Facing this show of fierce strength and power makes Jensen feel... confused, but he knows that he would protect this man the way Jared protects him even if he is weaker than ever before right now. Maybe... maybe they could protect each other.
Jared's long legs quickly cover the short distance to the bed, where he sinks onto his knees.
“Did they hurt you?” he asks, continuing immediately, “I'm so sorry, I didn't know he came to you. You're okay?”
Jensen smiles, he can't help it. Then pain in his side makes him convulse. “I will be,” he replies.
Jared buries his face in the sheets, so his voice sounds muffled when he says, “I'm so sorry. I'm a bad future Crown if I can't control my own guards.”
This is a gift, Jensen is realizing. Jared is providing an insight into his real self, admitting a failure that is not his fault. Remembering the nights together in bed, he sees Jared's strength in admitting his weakness. He also remembers strong arms around his waist, long fingers splayed over his stomach, the raw power contained in muscles and sinews, and there was never anything weak about him.
“But it's not your fault,” Jensen says. “He has a mind of his own, and you can't control a person's thoughts. Believe me, it's a good thing, even if it leads to bad decisions.”
Jared lifts his head, looking straight at Jensen, his eyes full of regret and a pain of his own.
“What did my father want?” he asks abruptly.
Jensen is hesitating. He doesn't want to tell, but Jared will learn about it soon enough. “He told me about my execution - tomorrow.”
Jared gasps horrified. “Does he know? Who you are?”
“Yes. No one can be fooled by a stupid collar, it's ridiculous.”
“It fooled me well enough.”
Rising from his kneeling position at the bedside, he drops into a chair. First propping his elbows on his knees, he then leans back in the chair, just before propping his elbows again on his knees. “Look, I need to talk with you, on an equal footing.”
“I think it would be best then to free me,” Jensen says, clanking with the shackles.
“Oh, yes, of course. Sorry.” Blushing, Jared reaches for the key that is on the table, just out of Jensen's reach. Rattling, the shackles fall from his wrists, and it is a damn good feeling to be able to move his arms again. Sitting up in the bed, he listens closely.
“Alright; well, I want to talk from the Designated Crown to the Heir of the Seal.” Clearing his throat, Jared continues, “I'll be honest. I think you love the country and its people as much as I do. I want you to co-operate with me. Work with me. Together, we can mend the wounds the war caused.”
Jensen's heart is beating too fast. He can't believe what he is hearing. “But I'm not the Heir anymore; my father removed my name from the List of Ancestors.”
“He didn't have time to do so officially, I already checked.” Jared explains. “The scroll is untouched, your name still on it. If you agree, I can pronounce you Heir of the Seal, and you can take your rightful position as Lordmaster. We can work as equals.”
“I'd love to.” Jensen nods, smiling. “If it means that the Northerners won't be outsmarted and that I can challenge you on stupid decisions, then I agree. But how will you reason with the Crown? He'll never consent.”
“Don't worry about him,” Jared says. Something like a smile is tugging at the corners of his mouth; it crumbles down before it reveals the dimples in Jared's cheeks. “Uhm, there's another thing I need to talk about... with you... about you... I mean,” he sighs deeply, and Jensen can see how he is searching for words. “I feel... attracted... to you. I know it's completely uncalled for, and after what I did to you... you have all the right in the world to kick my ass into the Crocodilians' pit. But maybe... you could consider... giving me a chance? Please?”
Hoping to see those dimples again, Jensen says the first thing that comes to his mind. “You know that you can't have an heir with me?”
“I already have a son no one knows about, I can acknowledge him. “ Jared replies, dimples finally showing as he adds, “So is that a yes?”
For a moment, Jensen sees only Jared - the ideas he wants to bring into being; the love he has for his people, Southerners and Northerners alike; the verdicts he passed earlier; the possibilities for both of them, working together. Then he thinks about the torture he had to endure; the madness of a man who had sworn to protect his lord; the hatred in the eyes of Jared's father, the Crown.
“It's not a no,” Jensen says, smiling at the hint of dimples in Jared's face. “I'll need time, though. I don't want to rush into a relationship since it will affect the whole country. So yes, I'll give you a chance -”
Suddenly, there's Jared in his face, big hands cupping it, his mouth kissing enthusiastically Jensen's lips, then his cheeks, and nose.
“Sorry,” Jared pants out breathlessly, backing off, “yes, slowly. I can do slowly.”
Ruben Padalecki II is looking through the paperwork his son did during the last few days.
There's a sentence to a young guard. It's a good thing he won't be castrated since it could result in severe complications and thus losing a member of the royal guard, but the fine is definitely too high. After all, it was only a prostitute he attacked.
Ruben can't find anything about the families of the Ackles' generals. They should be sold by now, but he can't find any documents about the price and the buyers.
He has to admit that Jared's idea of the food program he initiated a few years back at home was a good one. The peasants and commons are better nourished now, thus getting less sick and working more, although It took a few years to see the effects
~~~~~~~~~~
Jared feels elated.
Jensen who will be his consort in a year or maybe sooner; who has the softest lips Jared ever kissed, and who is the most amazing and most gorgeous human being - Jensen's hideous collar is being removed while Jared is on his way to the conversation he needs to have with his father. He is really glad that it's not a face tattoo that indicates the slave status in this part of the country and that Jensen's beautiful features are not disfigured
The wolf tattoo on his hip, though, that's a completely different matter. Jared can't wait to get his fingers and tongue on it.
Attended by General Beaver and Commander Penikett, he arrives at the office. Indicating the other men to wait outside, he opens the door. “Father,” he says, closing the door behind him.
As usual, his father is sitting behind the desk, perusing documents and papers.
“Jared.” he says surprised, “I wasn't expecting you.”
“Well, it's an urgent matter I want to discuss with you.” Stopping and standing in front of the desk, Jared looks down on the older man.
“I want you to abdicate.”
“Jared! What - “ The Crown splutters.
“Ruben, I want you to abdicate.” Jared replies, calmly. “You'll confer the crown on me, and I suggest you do it of your own free will.”
“Jared, I don't understand. What are you saying?”
Leaning with both hands on the tabletop, he looks his father straight in the eyes. “I'm saying I'll be the Crown by the end of the day, or else you'll witness the shortest, but most successful revolt in recent history. I'm backed by General Beaver and Commander Penikett, which means your own guard is easily outnumbered, they won't stand a chance if you want to take a shot at fighting.”
Jared's father opens his mouth, then closes it, looking amazingly fish-like. The view gives Jared a kind of satisfaction he had never known; he can't stifle the grin stretching his lips.
He straightens himself. “I know that you don't like me much, that I'm a disappointment to you even though I always tried to live up to your expectations. Maybe the fact that I'm doing what needs to be done on behalf of the Crown gives you consolation.”
Turning to leave, he pauses, then turns back. It is just to put on a show, and it feels really good.
“By the way, the first thing the new Crown will do is to form an alliance with Jensen Ackles, the Heir of the Seal. Together, we will bring the country to unprecedented grandeur.”
Jared pauses a last time just before opening the door. The man he addresses now looks old and defeated, but he is more Jared's father than he was during the last years. “I won't cut you out of my life,” Jared says, “if you want to be in it. I'll consider your suggestions as my adviser, and I hope you'll see one day the man that I am.”
In the hallway, he takes a deep breath. Beaver looks concerned, but Penikett pats his shoulder with a proud grin on his face.
“Let me know when the scribes and notaries are finished with the paper work.” he orders, “I want them to draft the Heir of the Seal's acknowledgement after.”
“Yes, Highness,” the commander says. “If you don't mind my asking, will the Crown accept?”
“He has no choice. I won't give him any.”
He feels exhausted. He just declared war if his father won't agree to his demand, but it is the only way to keep Jensen alive and bring the country to new bloom, so he doesn't feel regret.
Standing in front of his bedroom's entrance and putting a hand onto the carved wolves on the wooden door, he thinks how weird it must have felt for Jensen to be forced to sleep in his father's room and bed. Maybe someday, they will share a bed and a life, but for now, Jared is glad that Jensen can stand to be in his presence.
Pushing open the door, he sees the gorgeous man sitting sideways on the window bench, green eyes gleaming in the sunlight.
“Hello, Highness,” Jensen says, and inappropriately, Jared's breeches get too tight.
“Uhm...” is his eloquent reply.
“You know what,” Jensen continues, his fingers unconsciously touching his collarless throat, “a collar gives you a whole new perspective on certain things; all the more when you're rid of it.”
Turning fully towards Jared, he smiles shyly.
“Come here,” he says.
~fin~
Author name: herminekurotowa
Artist name: dulcetine
Beta: jj1564
Alpha: somersault_j, junkerin
Genre: RPS, pre-relationship
Pairings: Jared/Jensen, Jensen/Matt (implied), Jared/OMC (implied)
Word count: 20,000
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: hurt!Jensen, slavery, torture, implied child abuse, mention of castration and rape
Disclaimer: If I would own anything or anyone depicted in this work of fiction, believe me, I'd do other stuff.
Summary: Jared and Jensen are both noble princes. But while Jared is the successful conqueror, Jensen is mistaken for a bed slave. He is stripped of his past and thrown into a present full of pain and hurt. And his future will only bear death and destruction.
Jared is drawn to the mysterious man in his bedroom. He could use him, but doesn't want to; he wants to love him, but dares not to touch him. He tries to save his live, but instead Jared hurts him worse than ever. Maybe, though - maybe together they can heal each other.
Chapter 6
Jensen is tired bone-deep, right to the marrow.
It is not only the blood loss that is exhausting him; more than anything it is the situation.
There are guards sitting beside the bed, watching his every move, which is to be expected, considering the fact he almost killed an officer of the royal guard; and again, he is hurt, even worse than before, with bruises and cuts all over his body, a broken rib and a sprained ankle. He can't remember spraining it, but it is another reminder that he can't run away from the fate the Wolf is hurling into his face.
“You will be executed tomorrow morning,” the Crown said only recently, standing in front of the bed and looming over Jensen, pronouncing the verdict with a dark face. “Jensen Ackles, the late Lordmaster's son. Did you really think you could hide in plain sight? It's such a cowardly move, worthy of your father.”
Jensen did not reply, because there was nothing he could say. He was certain that the Crown didn't want to hear that hiding as a slave wasn't his decision, that his father has been a bastard and an asshole, but not a coward.
In a way, he is relieved that it will be over soon, he knows his fate now. If it would be of any use, he would pray that he wouldn't be allowed to enter the Woods of Eternity; he can't bear the thought of being with his father for an eternity.
His fate is a rebel's execution. He knows how horrendous the pain will be, and maybe he would consider running if it wasn't for his busted ankle. But with the blood loss and other injuries, he feels too weak to even stand at the moment; so he thinks shackling him to the bed is useless and excessive.
Opening his eyes when he hears the door being opened, he sees Jared stopping right inside the door frame, staring wide-eyed at Jensen who feels ashamed suddenly.
He doesn't want to be seen weak constantly. He wants to show his strength; lying half-naked in a bed, his body covered in bruises and bandages, makes him ashamed of himself. He knows he is blushing, but can't do anything about it.
“Who did this?” Jared roars angrily. “Who ordered for him to be fettered?”
“Uhm, the uhm, the Crown,” one of the guards says, “your Highness.”
“Get out, both of you!” Jared barks, and the guards scramble hastily to obey.
Facing this show of fierce strength and power makes Jensen feel... confused, but he knows that he would protect this man the way Jared protects him even if he is weaker than ever before right now. Maybe... maybe they could protect each other.
Jared's long legs quickly cover the short distance to the bed, where he sinks onto his knees.
“Did they hurt you?” he asks, continuing immediately, “I'm so sorry, I didn't know he came to you. You're okay?”
Jensen smiles, he can't help it. Then pain in his side makes him convulse. “I will be,” he replies.
Jared buries his face in the sheets, so his voice sounds muffled when he says, “I'm so sorry. I'm a bad future Crown if I can't control my own guards.”
This is a gift, Jensen is realizing. Jared is providing an insight into his real self, admitting a failure that is not his fault. Remembering the nights together in bed, he sees Jared's strength in admitting his weakness. He also remembers strong arms around his waist, long fingers splayed over his stomach, the raw power contained in muscles and sinews, and there was never anything weak about him.
“But it's not your fault,” Jensen says. “He has a mind of his own, and you can't control a person's thoughts. Believe me, it's a good thing, even if it leads to bad decisions.”
Jared lifts his head, looking straight at Jensen, his eyes full of regret and a pain of his own.
“What did my father want?” he asks abruptly.
Jensen is hesitating. He doesn't want to tell, but Jared will learn about it soon enough. “He told me about my execution - tomorrow.”
Jared gasps horrified. “Does he know? Who you are?”
“Yes. No one can be fooled by a stupid collar, it's ridiculous.”
“It fooled me well enough.”
Rising from his kneeling position at the bedside, he drops into a chair. First propping his elbows on his knees, he then leans back in the chair, just before propping his elbows again on his knees. “Look, I need to talk with you, on an equal footing.”
“I think it would be best then to free me,” Jensen says, clanking with the shackles.
“Oh, yes, of course. Sorry.” Blushing, Jared reaches for the key that is on the table, just out of Jensen's reach. Rattling, the shackles fall from his wrists, and it is a damn good feeling to be able to move his arms again. Sitting up in the bed, he listens closely.
“Alright; well, I want to talk from the Designated Crown to the Heir of the Seal.” Clearing his throat, Jared continues, “I'll be honest. I think you love the country and its people as much as I do. I want you to co-operate with me. Work with me. Together, we can mend the wounds the war caused.”
Jensen's heart is beating too fast. He can't believe what he is hearing. “But I'm not the Heir anymore; my father removed my name from the List of Ancestors.”
“He didn't have time to do so officially, I already checked.” Jared explains. “The scroll is untouched, your name still on it. If you agree, I can pronounce you Heir of the Seal, and you can take your rightful position as Lordmaster. We can work as equals.”
“I'd love to.” Jensen nods, smiling. “If it means that the Northerners won't be outsmarted and that I can challenge you on stupid decisions, then I agree. But how will you reason with the Crown? He'll never consent.”
“Don't worry about him,” Jared says. Something like a smile is tugging at the corners of his mouth; it crumbles down before it reveals the dimples in Jared's cheeks. “Uhm, there's another thing I need to talk about... with you... about you... I mean,” he sighs deeply, and Jensen can see how he is searching for words. “I feel... attracted... to you. I know it's completely uncalled for, and after what I did to you... you have all the right in the world to kick my ass into the Crocodilians' pit. But maybe... you could consider... giving me a chance? Please?”
Hoping to see those dimples again, Jensen says the first thing that comes to his mind. “You know that you can't have an heir with me?”
“I already have a son no one knows about, I can acknowledge him. “ Jared replies, dimples finally showing as he adds, “So is that a yes?”
For a moment, Jensen sees only Jared - the ideas he wants to bring into being; the love he has for his people, Southerners and Northerners alike; the verdicts he passed earlier; the possibilities for both of them, working together. Then he thinks about the torture he had to endure; the madness of a man who had sworn to protect his lord; the hatred in the eyes of Jared's father, the Crown.
“It's not a no,” Jensen says, smiling at the hint of dimples in Jared's face. “I'll need time, though. I don't want to rush into a relationship since it will affect the whole country. So yes, I'll give you a chance -”
Suddenly, there's Jared in his face, big hands cupping it, his mouth kissing enthusiastically Jensen's lips, then his cheeks, and nose.
“Sorry,” Jared pants out breathlessly, backing off, “yes, slowly. I can do slowly.”
Ruben Padalecki II is looking through the paperwork his son did during the last few days.
There's a sentence to a young guard. It's a good thing he won't be castrated since it could result in severe complications and thus losing a member of the royal guard, but the fine is definitely too high. After all, it was only a prostitute he attacked.
Ruben can't find anything about the families of the Ackles' generals. They should be sold by now, but he can't find any documents about the price and the buyers.
He has to admit that Jared's idea of the food program he initiated a few years back at home was a good one. The peasants and commons are better nourished now, thus getting less sick and working more, although It took a few years to see the effects
~~~~~~~~~~
Jared feels elated.
Jensen who will be his consort in a year or maybe sooner; who has the softest lips Jared ever kissed, and who is the most amazing and most gorgeous human being - Jensen's hideous collar is being removed while Jared is on his way to the conversation he needs to have with his father. He is really glad that it's not a face tattoo that indicates the slave status in this part of the country and that Jensen's beautiful features are not disfigured
The wolf tattoo on his hip, though, that's a completely different matter. Jared can't wait to get his fingers and tongue on it.
Attended by General Beaver and Commander Penikett, he arrives at the office. Indicating the other men to wait outside, he opens the door. “Father,” he says, closing the door behind him.
As usual, his father is sitting behind the desk, perusing documents and papers.
“Jared.” he says surprised, “I wasn't expecting you.”
“Well, it's an urgent matter I want to discuss with you.” Stopping and standing in front of the desk, Jared looks down on the older man.
“I want you to abdicate.”
“Jared! What - “ The Crown splutters.
“Ruben, I want you to abdicate.” Jared replies, calmly. “You'll confer the crown on me, and I suggest you do it of your own free will.”
“Jared, I don't understand. What are you saying?”
Leaning with both hands on the tabletop, he looks his father straight in the eyes. “I'm saying I'll be the Crown by the end of the day, or else you'll witness the shortest, but most successful revolt in recent history. I'm backed by General Beaver and Commander Penikett, which means your own guard is easily outnumbered, they won't stand a chance if you want to take a shot at fighting.”
Jared's father opens his mouth, then closes it, looking amazingly fish-like. The view gives Jared a kind of satisfaction he had never known; he can't stifle the grin stretching his lips.
He straightens himself. “I know that you don't like me much, that I'm a disappointment to you even though I always tried to live up to your expectations. Maybe the fact that I'm doing what needs to be done on behalf of the Crown gives you consolation.”
Turning to leave, he pauses, then turns back. It is just to put on a show, and it feels really good.
“By the way, the first thing the new Crown will do is to form an alliance with Jensen Ackles, the Heir of the Seal. Together, we will bring the country to unprecedented grandeur.”
Jared pauses a last time just before opening the door. The man he addresses now looks old and defeated, but he is more Jared's father than he was during the last years. “I won't cut you out of my life,” Jared says, “if you want to be in it. I'll consider your suggestions as my adviser, and I hope you'll see one day the man that I am.”
In the hallway, he takes a deep breath. Beaver looks concerned, but Penikett pats his shoulder with a proud grin on his face.
“Let me know when the scribes and notaries are finished with the paper work.” he orders, “I want them to draft the Heir of the Seal's acknowledgement after.”
“Yes, Highness,” the commander says. “If you don't mind my asking, will the Crown accept?”
“He has no choice. I won't give him any.”
He feels exhausted. He just declared war if his father won't agree to his demand, but it is the only way to keep Jensen alive and bring the country to new bloom, so he doesn't feel regret.
Standing in front of his bedroom's entrance and putting a hand onto the carved wolves on the wooden door, he thinks how weird it must have felt for Jensen to be forced to sleep in his father's room and bed. Maybe someday, they will share a bed and a life, but for now, Jared is glad that Jensen can stand to be in his presence.
Pushing open the door, he sees the gorgeous man sitting sideways on the window bench, green eyes gleaming in the sunlight.
“Hello, Highness,” Jensen says, and inappropriately, Jared's breeches get too tight.
“Uhm...” is his eloquent reply.
“You know what,” Jensen continues, his fingers unconsciously touching his collarless throat, “a collar gives you a whole new perspective on certain things; all the more when you're rid of it.”
Turning fully towards Jared, he smiles shyly.
“Come here,” he says.
~fin~