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It only took but 5 seconds. A motion from Emperor Sandor and I was out of my seat. Even though I was male, I was dressed in some of the most expensive silks my father could provide. Ones that accentuated the curves of my slender yet muscular frame and brought out my brown fur and cream colored chest. I was displayed like I was a prize. Something fit to be exchanged. Which is exactly what this was...an exchange.

An exchange with the bulls for peace, better relations, and to have a bargaining chip. Instead of trading spices, this trade would be unique. My own father chose me to be the wares.

The food along the dining table was all cleared besides maybe some wayward fruits and I strutted like my dressers showed me. and everyone was seated at their own individual tables made sure my hips swayed and that the Emperor could see every part of my body. I did not feel disgusted at the display nor did I feel anything towards the Gods that put me in the position; it was simply meant to be.

My father, Great Ruler Cervos, simply sipped his wine and watched closely. His antlers stood up proudly, the twelve points coming off of them shaved to a fine tip. I was not so lucky on point values but I still had ten points to give.

My two brothers sat flanking my father on either side. Each was dressed more modestly in a simple tunic, trimmed with gold edges and pants but Cervos was pompously extravagant as always. No crown on his head but he wore his ceremonial garb with each piece of his armor being held by four individual deer servants. It was nauseatingly political. My eyes flicked around where I was strutting towards.

My eyes fell on Caspius who was staring at me almost dumbfounded. The bull had a golden septum ring and watched my body move closely. I did not hear it but I bet if I was closer, I could have heard the audible gulp that the bull made. His sister, Sandra blocked her face with her fan and was giggling. Her eyes were focused on my naked member and orbs which were plain as day through the silk.

At least my brothers got a view of my ass. It's what I thought they were anyway.

I could practically feel Flos's snickers on my back as I made my way to Caspius who clammed up when I laid a hand on his shoulder and gave as warm of a smile as I could muster in the situation. Before Sandra could get louder however, Caspius lightly elbowed her and she quickly composed herself with another light giggle.

"Ahhh, what a lovely sight. A perfect body belonging to our Empire..." Emperor Sandor said with elegance unmatched. His deep, rich voice pretty much flowed like honey down my spine and I shivered slightly. The rings that were looped in my nipples brushed against the silk and set another tingle through it along with the gold loop in my own septum. It was not my idea but Sandors and my father had no choice but to oblige. I did not mind the piercings and humored the request.

With the Emperor's approval, I placed a hand on Caspius who I felt tense up underneath my touch and I attempted to give him a disarming smile. Although he was once the enemy only a few months ago, I always had a fascination with bulls and the chocolate brown fur was soft to the touch along my fingertips. He blushed and cleared his throat before saying,

"Have a seat, Arietes," Caspius said almost with the same formalities as his father adjusted to give me room right by him. I sat down next to him, sitting up straight and the Emperor practically beamed down at us.

"Ahhh, if only your older brother was here to see you now. A shame he could not make it."

Shifting his weight back to looking at my father, the gold chains around his horns shimmered in the light that came from the massive balcony. It overlooked the vineyards of my home; Cornua. In the sunlight that filtered in, Sandor looked as magnificent as my father in just his toga which was clipped at the middle by a gold band.

This time it was my father who spoke up. He cleared his throat. "Yes. He is over in the baths with some of your advisors. I'm sure he will be well suited to diplomacy."

"I have met your oldest," Emperor Sandor said with a glance past Caspius to Sandra. "He reminds me of my youngest, Sandra."

Flos, the buck to my father's right, brimmed with newfound confidence at the wayward compliment. I wished to see him knocked down a peg or two and not continue to have his ego stroked but what little power I had before was stripped away.

The Emperor completely ignored us now as if he had just satisfied giving Caspius some toy to play with. Caspius seemed to be stoic, his eyes focused on Sandor and I was content at just watching it play out.

Sandra giggled again behind the fan, obviously flattered by the compliment and the Emperor smiled. Sandor then wasted little time focusing on his daughter and a neutral expression fell across his features. He held out a hand casually to his side and over the arm rest on his chair and a bull servant, probably about eighteen, strolled forward and dropped a coin right into his open hand.

His stone, unwavering gaze then fell on me. "Arietes, please give your father this..."

He held what appeared to be a golden token in between his fingers. He was just far enough away that I would have to stand and walk to him to get it from him. Clearly, he wanted me to know my new place. I bowed politely before taking it from his hands. He was satisfied and looked back towards Cervos.

When he placed it gently into my open palm, I noted the features. Sandor's face was implanted on it, two fig branches between his ears as he looked on royally. The embroidering along the side of the ring had several green jewels along the edges. Walking back towards the table where Cervos was sitting, I bowed and handed it over. My brothers were not snickering but instead focused on the coin as I passed it over.

Cervos took it from my hands with a smile. It was the first time he has done such a thing to me in probably several months.

Emperor Sandor grinned. "An army of 500 disciplined soldiers at your command. The strongest bulls among us. It is of our tradition.The coin signifies our agreement." He motioned towards me next. "In exchange for one of your Princesses as a...."

He paused for a moment. "...servant to my son, Caspius. As your people demand through tradition. He is beautiful even though he is not a woman."

My father looked down at me again as I kneeled before him and nodded towards me. I took that as a gesture to stand up and he stared at me like he did when he first taught me how to use a sword. He was looking for any sign of weakness.

I merely glared at him. He was the one who put me in this position. He could have chosen any of my other brothers but there they were staring at father openly and waiting for him to toss the coin off to one of them. But instead he chose me.

Flos sat on his right. He was a bulky stag. The older of all of us and sitting with his feet crossing one another. He leaned forward like an eager puppy about to get a bone and then there was Kade who was leaning even further forward in his seat. I simply kept my eyes on my father who had what I thought was a barely suppressed grin across his face. For a brief moment, I wanted to see Emperor Sandor's face as he watched my two brother's practically beg over the coin.

When Cervos pocketed the coin himself, he still stared right at me. "We can talk about this later. Now, how about we celebrate? After all, it has been a long war and one that will hopefully not occur again."

Sandor chuckled and clapped his hands. Two bull servants came from out of the large french doors that led into the balcony at once. They quickly set the dinner table with a second course which appeared to be the most delicate pastries I had ever seen along with full goblets of wine. It was immaculately placed and each small pastry had an equally adorable plate set on top. It had been a while since I was apart of a diplomatic dinner but this one was one where I was in an entirely different position.

I did not sit myself with my father and instead waited for Caspius's lead. It seemed the young bull did not even know what to do with me because when he sat, he did not beckon me forward until he noticed me standing with my hands clasped at my hips in a sign of servitude.

"Come, Arietes."

My father's eyes, although at the end of the left side of the table flicked to mine quickly.

"Yes, Master."

They quickly flicked back to his meal. The servants he had given me to practice on did their duty. I was no longer a man who owned property, had a fortune, or a future that did not include Caspius.

What I didn't expect was what came out of Caspius's mouth.

"Do not call me that."

It was a whisper but enough for Sandor to take note. Although Sandra had her fan up still, I could tell there was a look of shock across her face and she quickly snapped the fan shut and snarled at her brother.

"You dare put him on the level of..."

Caspius held up a paw. "Enough of that. I did not ask for your input."

He had the same tone of voice I have had when I chide a dog. A stern, calm voice and a hand raised as if he was going to bop his own sister right on the muzzle. I found it mildly amusing but kept my emotions in check. In response, Sandor glared openly at Caspius before giving an audible snort. Sandor's expression softened.

"Oh, don't bother. I've had the same conversation with him. Arietes is his now, Sandra. He is not yours. I'll give you a thousand Arietes that will be at your beck and call. If that does not satisfy you, I'll give you a thousand more."

Finding the small amount of rage she had disappeared, she leaned back against her chair and huffed. She still looked at me with some amount of displeasure. I did not mind the attention. After all, attention and flattery was now going to be how I got my way. In this case, it seemed I missed the mark with the latter.

I had to bite my tongue at her remark and I looked over at my father who had a neutral expression on his face. Cervos took that as his cue. "It is not wise to bark at slaves, Sandra. You'll find that Arietes is fiercely loyal to those who extend a hand with love instead of venom."

I blushed, being talked to so casually as if I wasn't there by the man who sirred me with his own loins.

"I don't recall training a dog with love," Flos said off-handedly and I glared at my brother. He had that dumb smirk on his face as if he said anything philosophical. I had asked the Gods at that moment to summon a meteor right onto the imbeciles head but I was denied the request. It seemed the heavens had a few more jabs to make.

Father grabbed one of the pastries along with the plate and gracefully placed it in front of him. He answered the next part in stride, "Maybe that is because you have nothing in you that is capable of loving."

I snickered and tilted my head downward.

Taking note, Flos stood up and pointed. The finger was extended with clear intentions. "I'll have your head for that! You should be thankful they even let you sit at the table among us and not groveling at our hooves!"

Cervos held up a hand and Flos immediately deflated and sat back down.

"Control yourself when talking to a bull, Flos. He is among their ilk now."

Sandor was the one who chuckled this time. He waved over one of the many servants around him and pointed to a plate that looked delectable. The servant grabbed the dish and placed it in front of the Emperor. It looked to be a small cake pastry covered in an exotic orange sauce. Maybe that is what I would be doing for Caspius; serving him pastries at his beck and call.

"I do not mean to interject, King but Arietes is lucky to even have his name now. Caspius is quite the gentle Master."

Kade was stunned, that cool look replaced with a wide-eyed stare while Flos smirked triumphantly. Father just sipped his wine. For some reason, I had hoped that would have gotten a reaction.

"However, he will be treated like royalty. Showered with gifts. Showered with praise. A true bull in nature but completely at Caspius's command. A slave in royalty is a servant."

Flos felt the need to interject. I wish he felt the need to keep his mouth shut, but I figure with the way he was fidgeting that it would have only been a matter of time. He adjusted in his seat and looked over at me with that confident smile on his face like he was given a divination from the Gods themselves.

"A bitch of the bulls. Appropriate," Flos said with a huff.

Welp, perhaps he did get some form of divination. Quite clever.

I had never seen my father whirl around so fast. Even though Flos was his favorite, that did not stop him from receiving the King's ire and I was more than happy to see the outcome. The slap was so incredibly loud that it made the small pause that came after seem like forever. Honestly, I thought I could hear the blow rattling around in my skull. I took a snapchat of Flos's cheek with my mind and tried to put it in a spot where I could keep it on repeat forever. Maybe one of the bull servants could recount it to me when I was bored? Yes, that seemed appropriate.

Sandra was the first to react and put her hand over her mouth. She glanced over at me with what appeared to be condolences or maybe it was second hand embarrassment. I could not quite figure out the emotion. If only she knew how my father was when he was drunk.

Flos recoiled backward and rolled off of his seat. He clutched his cheek, the flesh already turning a deep, crimson red just like the blush that was forming across my face when he got up off his kneeling position and steadied himself.

"Go out and calm yourself before you come back and grace us with your presence, Prince," Cervos said with the same cooliness he had before and put his hand back to his goblet.

When Flos stood there stunned, Cervos roared.

"Go!"

The word reverberated around the marble.

Flos quickly skittered out of the room while clutching his cheek in shame and several shaken deer servants followed him. His hooves faded in the distance and I could already hear him starting to sob.

Cervos sighed.

"Yes, that seemed like love," Sandor said with a chuckle. "Or at least, with one as sharp of a tongue as your Prince."

"I never stated that love was constantly praising and giving gifts. If I wanted that for him, I would put Flos up for slavery and get another army."

"Servitude," Sandor corrected with a smile. Sandor then pointed to Sandra. "I do have a daughter and she treats her servants very well."

Sandra looked over at me, studying me and I shuffled uncomfortably. Although Caspius did not say anything, the practically silent bull moved to shield me with his body and from Sandra's gaze.

Cervos chuckled and shook his head. "That will not be necessary. Let us enjoy our meal. Flos will be back and can make witty remarks later."

"Yes..." Sandor said with a tone of reflection in his voice. "Perhaps we can talk about something more pleasant. So I heard..."

The rest of our luncheon was unremarkable. Mostly just idle chat about personal gripes. There was a moment where Caspius looked over at me, his eyes glancing up my leg and I smiled pleasantly at him. He shyly looked away and went for his goblet of sweet wine. For having slavery as a staple in the culture, he sure did feel awkward about having me around.

Eventually, when the wine ran low and the deserts were practically picked away, Sandor clapped his hands and the servants came forward. They cleared the table, not leaving a single plate to spare and walked off with them and away.

"So, how was the catering, King? Did it make up for your wonderful family's company? You have brought me such joy coming over and sharing your tales, hospitality, and as well as people."

The Emperor's eyes looked over to lock with my own and he gave me a smile. Caspius frowned, watching Sandor closely. His tail brushed back and forth and in his nervousness, it brushed across my back several times and I simply held my composure. At that moment in time, I felt as if I was still a Prince and sitting around the table and simply being polite. Just wrapped in silk and practically naked.

"It was magnificent. I will have to request my own staff to mimic your recipes. I guarantee you will keep those as a secret in order to keep me coming back, I suppose," Cervos replied as he dabbed his chin with a handkerchief. A young buck quickly made his way up to him in order to take the cloth from his hand.

The Emperor's eyes glittered. "You are always welcome to visit our lands. After all, it was not so long ago that we were enemies. This is just but the first step in our newest relationship." He grabbed his glass and raised it, the remaining bit of wine still sitting at the bottom. "A toast to good health and fortune upon our people and upon our newest addition to our clan."

My father raised his goblet, a ghost of a smirk crossing his features. His own eyes looked at each and every one of us and he focused right on mine. There was a slight, unwavering pause as he stared at me. "I guarantee you that everything Arietes does shall bring you more than just fortune..."

Eventually, my father leaned back in his chair. The toast did not feel like it was for good fortune at all. They were watching if I would have some sort of outburst. Sandra had her fan over her face once again, giggling behind it. Kade seemed distant, his right paw clutched into a fist as he crossed one leg casually over another. Silent again, as always.

Finally, Emperor Sandor spoke up, "Caspius, let us return to my chamber. I must talk to you about your newest edition. We would not want you to do something unsavory to your newest item, no?"

I flinched, my eyebrow twitching and several pairs of eyes flicked over to me.

Cervos quickly intervened. "I wish to invoke a request as well."

"Hmmm?"

"By your traditions, I wish to talk to my son...." Cervos paused once again, realizing his slip up. He cleared his throat.

Looking over at Caspius, he continued, "Your servant."

There was a stress on the last word. It was almost nonexistent but twenty three years living in a palace with the narcissist was enough for me to decipher it. The miniscule amount of disgust he had for it was touching in a strange way.

Caspius bowed, the motion looking more like a nod from his seated position. "Of course..."

Standing up first, Emperor Sandor addressed the table. "Then it is settled. Caspius and I shall return to our guest room. Sandra, you should return to your room and dress for our escort through the city."

Sandra bowed much like Caspius. "Yes father."

"We shall give you the privacy you desire, Cervos."

He did not even spare a glance towards me as he got up off his seat. The servants quickly moved with practiced grace. Doors to the main entryway were opened and the Emperor's sword was fitted onto his belt. In what was about half a minute, their hooves echoed down the hallway and the only evidence of them departing was the sudden sound of the two doors closing once again.

"Kade, please leave Arietes and I alone."

My brother still sat, his legs crossed. "I hope you find your new position comfortable, brother. I shall be in touch."

Well, at least it was a better response than Flos and there was no drama involved. I did not have a chance to read his expression before he was up off of his seat, giving a polite and low bow to Cervos, and quickly making his way out the door. He had his right hand behind his back, a walk fit for a spymaster. Especially one who hides as many secrets as Kade.

Servants followed him, his cool gaze lingering over his shoulder for a mere moment before he was gone. My ears flicked as I heard the hooves fall. It seemed Kade was still the quietest amongst all.

When the door to the balcony closed, I was left alone with Cervos. He did not change his expression, his visage proud and narcissistic. It would be a perfect time to take a portrait with the sun beaming in brilliantly from outside. It was a shame that the servants left with his armor and sword.

"You wished to speak to nothing more than a slave?"

My words had the desired effect. I did not wish to play nice; I wanted to see him think about what he was doing. This wasn't something affecting people who he never would have contact with; this was affecting me directly. His flesh and blood.

"Save the theatrics for Sandor," Cervos said calmly.

The rage bubbled up inside of me for our two hour long dinner felt as if it had physically manifested inside of my deepest guts and like a volcano on the verge of eruption, I was starting to boil over.

"You are a cruel, vile, and horrible father. A terrible husband, a stupid and foolish King! Mother would not be DEAD if you were a better ruler! You care not for your people and even less for your sons! I-"

I choked on my words and I was up in my seat. I did not even realize I was crying until I felt warm water running down my cheeks. My legs were trembling and my voice was hitched. I was embarrassing myself but how could I not feel some amount of emotion? I was being sold off. Pawned like cattle.

My father stood up, his form looming over me and I sniffled and I felt like a bug about to be squashed and splattered across the ground. He walked forward, his eyes focused right on me and as he stepped, I stumbled backwards.

"You will NOT speak of mother with such a TONE OF VOICE! No son of mine should weep so openly in front of their King!"

That bellowing voice was back and I raised my hands up in defense. When I did so, he composed himself and deflated. I was still sniffling, the tears still running and his composer relaxed. He gave the same audible sigh after he had struck Flos.

"I-..."

My mouth shut and I waited, still sniffing.

For a moment, his gaze wavered. Then it snapped right back to me.

The pinch of vulnerability that I was about to see was immediately gone and replaced by cool, hard logic once again.

"You still have a role to play in this. You still are a part of the Great Game and yet you constantly have pushed against me. This is what it means to be of royalty and you must be a part of each and every step."

"Y-you...I cannot believe..."

I stuttered, the emotions beginning to come back.

"I am NOT EVEN a citizen of your empire any longer! I am reduced down to even less than a bull. How dare you try to justify your actions!"

He gritted his teeth and moved upon me like a heavy wind before a storm. "You are still my son. You have a role to play and this is it. I am giving you a better position than sitting in the palace and rotting away learning medicine. This is what it is so play the part. That is all that you shall be given because that is all that I could give you!"

I felt as if I had been dipped into a pool of frozen water. The tears began to slow and my composure started to return. "You saw _nothing_in me, then."

"No."

The word stopped me in my tracks and I was struck mute.

"You were never meant to be a King," he continued coldly and I bit my tongue. I could taste metal, the sting of the statement getting me to draw blood with my own body.

"This is your position. This is where fate has decided to put you and now you have your place."

He moved forward again, so close now that he was almost right up against me and I took a step back to feel a cool marble pillar against my back. He had me cornered and trapped.

"You are nothing more than a slave. Nothing more than someone who takes orders from his Master instead of a King."

"But I wasn't even given a chan-"

"Enough," he countered.

I was silent again and felt as if I had aged backward to be a mere toddler.

"Know that we will keep in touch. Know that when the time comes, there will be something required of you. Know that you are going to be more than just a pawn but pieces must be moved and you shall become a very important piece soon."

He had that look of righteousness he had when he was giving a speech to a crowd. Resolve, stature, and an air of importance surrounding him like a thick fog. I felt like I was apart of the crowd rather than standing alongside him in my noble uniform.

"Not a King, though," I said quietly.

"No, but I would like to remind you that a Queen has many more spaces she is able to move."

My pride insulted, the rage started to come back. I could see right through his plot. I had been in enough political meetings to know what he was suggesting.

"I am no Queen; you are asking me to spy!"

He said nothing, the expression on his face motionless and he moved away. This time I walked forward. "If you think I will spy on bulls, then you are no longer foolish but mad."

"Have you forgotten your loyalty?" my father scoffed and waved away my answer as if he could not believe what he was hearing.

"Have you forgotten where you have placed me? They would kill me when they had the chance. Was this not supposed to be cementing a peace treaty?"

"Then don't be foolish enough to get caught. You were taught by the greatest teachers that our treasury could buy. Don't give me any excuse...."

"You could go to war...again!"

"And if our 'friends' were to strike first...?"

"Then both of you are idiots!" I growled and stomped away where Kade had walked down the hallway moments ago.

As I angrily walked away, I heard him say in that same cool voice, "Would you really end your relationship with the empire that raised you into what you are so suddenly? You will be the bull that you so desire. And in a relationship that Flos had predicted you would be in with your newest Master."

The words echoed in my mind.

....the bull's bitch.

_ _

I turned around quickly. Much like how my father turned when he slapped Flos across his cheek.

"You were right, I was given my fate by the Gods! Casted out by my own family, given my new title as a slave and thrown off of my rightful chance at Cornua's throne."

I pointed a finger directly at him, one that was just as steady as his voice during our luncheon. "And if I have to burn every bridge to prove to you that I am meant to be better than what you have planned for me, then so be it. The very bridges that I burn shall light my way back to the palace and to the throne you hold so dearly."

I turned back around before I could get a response, opened the doors out of the balcony and slammed them to leave him standing alone amongst empty plates and seats.