vigorli

Title: Land of Broken Dreams
Authors: Missy & Imogen
Disclaimer Don't know these guys. Never will. No disrespect intended
Summary:
Warnings: rape, marital abuse, violence, M-preg, referances to miscarriage,
Feedback: Oh Yes!!! Please!!!!
Archive: Sure, just drop one of us a line

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Realization took more than a few moments to hit Orlando as he slowly opened his eyes, his vision murky as he swam through the layers of sleep to the waking world. Slowly taking in the details of the room, they widened at the unfamiliar décor that greeted his eyes. He was not in master bedroom he shared with Brad, he thought thankfully as memories of the previous night came flooding back. Waking up in their bedroom was not something Orlando enjoyed, too many past experiences led to bad memories. Brad was never at his most reasonable or lenient at the crack of dawn.

The memories of the previous day seemed to flood him, threatening to drown him. He remembered sleeping with Brad, although he had little choice in the matter, and the feelings of defeat as he had allowed Brad to have his way with him. The truth was, he still cared about Brad'a affairs, he should've be numb to Brad’s infidelities by now, after all Brad’s nature being only fickle and fleeting towards objects of his desire, and he did always return to seek Orlando’s company in his bed, regardless of how many he sought to entertain there in between. It made him feel as if he was defective in some way or he hadn’t pleased Brad the way he should have. He knew Brad still found him attractive, and pleasing in bed so the idea that he needed others besides his husband to satisfy him was a blow to both his heart and ego.

As his thoughts drifted, he found himself thinking of Viggo. The other man had found him the previous night sobbing his heartbreak in the garden and brought Orlando back to his room. A moment of worry flittered over him; had Viggo tried to seduce or ravish him the previous night? Viggo had behaved like the gentlest soul to him in the last few days but he could still remember Viggo’s lascivious and deplorable behaviour on the first night which had sought to only confirm to Orlando the man’s reputation as a seducer and breaker of hearts. But the man he had seen in the last few days was decidedly different, a genuine care and perhaps long-buried sense of chivalry was lurking there and Orlando, it seemed, had been the one to unlock it and prove that despite appearances and beliefs, Viggo, prince of Dione, the callous seducer, could be a good man.

He turned over under the blanket which he knew he hadn’t fallen asleep with the previous night and spotted Viggo sitting at the desk across the room, a book in his hands, although it looked like he was having a hard time concentrating on the words, biting his lip, his brow furrowed in thought. Every so often he would sigh and as Orlando kept watching, he noticed Viggo never once turned the page.

“Viggo,” he murmured softly, sounding tired, but more soothed than he had the night before.

Viggo looked over sharply before placing his book on the desk. He moved over to the bed and sat down on the edge, looking down at Orlando, smiling softly. He wasn’t too surprised Orlando had slept as long as he had. Viggo himself had been up for awhile and gotten changed before Orlando awoke.

“I thought you’d be sleeping all day,” he said, smoothing his hand over Orlando‘s forehead, moving lose curls out of the prince‘s face, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do. This time, Orlando did not shrink back, but almost seemed to embrace the touch. “It seems I was more exhausted than I thought,” Orlando admitted, as he glanced toward the balcony, seeing the sun high in the sky, “I had no idea it was so late in the day! The others are probably wondering where I am and Brad--”

“It's all right,” Viggo said quickly, soothing the other’s fears, “I talked to Angelina, I told her you weren’t feeling well and you are staying in bed for the day, not to be disturbed by anyone.”

“But what if someone comes looking for me?” Orlando asked, his eyes wide and scared.

“They will not. Most, if not all of them, will be in meetings today. The servants have been alerted not to enter your room and will not bring you anything unless you come to them,” Viggo explained, trailing his fingers over Orlando’s hand.

Orlando took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, “I was just…worried.”

Viggo nodded, “I’d imagine so. You can always go back to sleep if you want to, I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t wish to, you have my word.”

Orlando smiled slightly, sitting up, “I’m all right now that I’ve actually gotten some sleep, I…have not been sleeping so well recently,” he paused, looking up at Viggo, clearly embarrassed at having revealed that last piece of information. “Thank you…for last night. It seems a long time since I could…unburden myself on anyone. I do not wish people to see me as weak or foolish, at times it is so hard to know who to trust, who I can turn to,”

Viggo reached a hand out, brushing an errant curl from Orlando’s face and behind his ear, pleased when Orlando didn’t move from the touch, but seemed to lean into it, “I can not understand how anyone could treat you like that, or anyone they claimed to love. It would kill me to know you were upset and I being the one who caused it.”

Orlando was speechless for a moment, not sure how to reply. No one, not even Brad, had ever told him something like that. Viggo was finally seeing him as a person, rather than some mythical beauty or a pretty toy, grateful that Viggo seemed to care about his feelings more than his own husband did, yet at the same time the thoughts caused his heart to ache.

He had lingering doubts Viggo was just being this courteous to him to try to seduce him again, but he found himself ignoring those doubts. Despite what has happened the first night, Orlando felt himself trusting Viggo more as time went on. Viggo had apologized for his brash actions and had acted like a complete gentleman around Orlando, there had been plenty of chances for Viggo to try to repeat his actions, yet he had not.

Viggo seemed to be the complete opposite of Brad. To Brad, gifts were signs of love and affection, they made amends for transgressions and soothed any hurts, while to Viggo, words were the key to sustaining a relationship. Both men were clearly used to getting what they wanting, but while Viggo sought to charm, Brad took to force and cajoling. He could not remember the last time his husband had done something for him for the simple fact of not wanting anything in return.

“Viggo, thank you. I don’t think I can find the right words to say anything but thank you,” he said, leaning forward and kissing Viggo very softly, ending the kiss almost as fast as it had begun.

Viggo stared at Orlando in shock, not believing Orlando had just kissed him. Orlando had been rejecting him all along and Viggo made sure to keep anything that even resembled a seduction out of his mind. He wanted Orlando, but it was going to have to be Orlando’s choice, anything less would defile it.

Granted, it was nothing close to passionate and very chaste, but it was a kiss nonetheless and Viggo wasn’t complaining. He wanted nothing more than to pull Orlando forward and show him a proper kiss, but he had no idea what the previous one had meant. He wasn’t sure if it was just a friendly kiss based on gratitude or something that meant much more.

Orlando felt his lips curling up into a small smile as he took in Viggo’s shocked appearance, it had been a long while since he managed to shock anyone. He knew he had probably thrown the older man off by kissing him and he was slightly regretting it. He could not deny he had feelings for Viggo, but they were difficult to define. The kiss had been friendly, true, but Orlando feared Viggo would take it for much more than that. Perhaps it had been, he wasn’t sure.

The almost perfect moment was ruined with a knock at the door and Viggo nearly groaned. He saw Orlando freeze and felt the younger man tense up, probably in fear that the person on the other side of the door could be Brad. He had to admit he was a little afraid himself if Brad was on the other side. He started to think of lies quickly if it was Brad.

If it was Angelina or Colin, he really wasn’t worried, although he would have a hard time explaining it to his brothers if it was Karl or Sean, he had no desire to see disappointment and anger on their faces as they jumped to false conclusions.

Viggo stood up and went to the door, opening it and sighed in relief as he saw one of the palace’s older female servants, Arista, standing there, holding a tray with various foods and two cups of steaming tea.

To Viggo, the woman’s appearance reminded him of what Angelina might look like in ten or fifteen years, if she had not been born royalty. The woman had long dark hair secured at the top of her head and eyes equally as dark, but they a certain youth and playfulness to them. It came off in how she acted around Viggo and everyone else; she wasn’t timid like many of the other servants. She would often carry on conversations with the visiting princes and Angelina, often making her laugh, which was a rare sight.

Viggo had seen the woman numerous times during his time at the palace. She seemed to spend most of her time preparing food and serving. He had talked to her before and she proved to be quite intelligent. They had spent most of their time talking about the impending treaty and what it would mean for both countries.

He accepted the tray and thanked the woman, who offered him a smile and small bow before disappearing down the hall.

Viggo almost felt foolish for placing himself in the doorway, blocking the woman’s view into the room. He knew even if she did see Orlando, she wouldn’t tell anyone. The woman shared almost everyone’s adoration of Orlando and she wouldn’t say a word to jeopardize him. What he could not trust that anyone else would see Orlando in simply passing the room. Regardless of how innocent their night together had been, it was doubtful that Brad, or his brothers would view it in the same light and he refused to tarnish Orlando’s reputation in such a way.

Viggo was certain his brothers noticed he might have been missing most of the day, but they wouldn’t question him about it. They had been involved in meeting all day, as Angelina had assured him, and they would be busy, knowing he never attended the meetings anyway.

He had briefly seen Sean in the hallway earlier in the morning when he had cornered Angelina to speak with her, hoping she would be able to read between the lines of Orlando’s ‘sickness’, but Sean had simply greeted them hurriedly and continued downstairs, already late for a meeting with Brad.

He wasn’t sure if anyone had connected his absence with Orlando‘s, but so far, everything had been fine. He was sure Angelina could convince the others Orlando was not feeling well and to leave him alone for the day.

Viggo turned and kicked the door closed with his foot before heading back over to the bed, handing one of the cups to Orlando and setting the tray on the bedside table before reclaiming his place on the bed beside the young prince, sitting alongside Orlando‘s outstretched legs. He still made sure to keep a fair amount of distance between them, not sure how comfortable Orlando was around him.

Orlando didn’t seem too affected by the close proximity of them as he accepted the cup of tea happily, immediately taking a sip and humming in appreciation as the warm, honey-flavoured tea hit the back of his throat.

Brad used to bring him tea every morning and occasionally breakfast in bed, but that had been very early on in their marriage. It hadn’t lasted very long and Orlando thought it may have been a trick by Brad to win him over.

Brad rarely remembered any of Orlando’s favourite things, even if he knew any to begin with. He never remembered that Orlando liked plain tea with just a touch of honey or that Orlando never ate meat and loved chocolate. He probably knew that, even though Orlando was a prince and raised as such, he much rather preferred a simple life, which Orlando knew Brad ignored. He expected Orlando draped in priceless jewels and silken robes that Brad continuously thrust at him in clumsy attempts at affection or worse, demanding he fill a role he’d had no prior experience in or desire to, when Orlando hated to look like the prince he was.

Viggo, on the other hand, seemed to accept Orlando as he was. He had seen Orlando, albeit unintentionally, displaying emotions in such a way as would be ‘unseemly’ for royalty, and neither judged or encouraged these outbursts, seemingly accepting them as a part of Orlando that had too long been held under lock and key.

Orlando was shocked to think Viggo actually knew more about him than Brad did. He found himself wanting to open up to Viggo and wanting to spend more time with the older man, but he was afraid Brad would find out.

Brad knew Orlando had been nothing but faithful to him, but he often like to think otherwise. Orlando knew Brad used to the excuse of Orlando cheating on him so he could have affairs on the side, even if wasn’t true.

“How did you know this was my favourite type of tea?” Orlando asked curiously.

Viggo grinned sheepishly, looking over his cup at Orlando, “I didn’t. Arista visited earlier and I asked to bring your favourite drink. She didn‘t seem too suspicious that you were in here instead of your own room.”

“Ah, that explains it. Arista doesn’t care where I am. She despises Brad and barely says two words to him if she can help it. He isn‘t pleasant to the servants, well the women that is, although he seems quite fond of the men.”

Of course he was nice to the men, Orlando thought bitterly. Brad had more than his share of affairs not only with the nobles but with the male servants, who he deemed worthy, anyway. They, in return, often flirted with Brad, knowing they might have the chance to grace their master’s bed, somehow seeing it as a honour to be able to ‘serve’ their master in such a way. They never openly flirted when they knew Orlando was nearby, but Orlando had seen it without them knowing. The female servants had no such security of winning Brad’s affections, although it wasn’t for want of trying on some of their parts, but they quickly learnt that their bodies held no desire for Brad.

Over time, with the disintegration of their marriage, Brad’s temper had soared and most of the females, especially the younger girls were often very timid around Brad, knowing the smallest mistake on their part could set him off.

Arista was the one of the few exceptions. She had been a servant in the palace for several years since before Brad had married Orlando. Brad’s temper didn’t have any affect on her, other than occasionally inducing a hidden roll of her eyes, and if he did ever subject her to his temper, Orlando often found himself stepping in between the two of them and Brad found himself being reminded that his pretty little husband could have nerves of steel and an iron will when he chose to exhibit it. He knew it was considered disrespectful for any servant to talk back to their masters, but he admired Arista too much to let Brad get rid of her. She had proved to be a strong, intelligent woman and Orlando loved talking to her.

Many of the servants loved Orlando because Orlando didn’t treat them like the servants they were meant to be. He treated them as he would his friends and would often share stories or jokes with them while they worked. The servants found him very unlike Brad, who would yell at them if he found them doing anything but their intended jobs and ignored them the rest of the time. Viggo’s smile dropped and he set his cup on the bedside table, “Orlando, are you all right…after last night. Brad is a strong man and I don’t imagine he restrained himself when he struck you.”

Viggo sighed softly, silently berating himself as soon as the words slipped from his mouth, he did not want Orlando thinking he had had spied on him and Brad the night before, but the thought came back to him when he spotted the faint outline of a bruise on Orlando’s otherwise unmarred cheek. He thought there would have been a bigger mark because of how hard Brad had hit Orlando, but it seemed to barely show.

Orlando’s eyes widened. He knew the only way Viggo could have known Brad had hit him was if Viggo had seen them in their bedroom. That thought made Orlando sick to him stomach. Viggo had already discovered it was Brad who abused him, but to know Viggo had seen Brad hit him was too much. No one had ever witnessed Brad’s abuse, and Orlando had intended to keep it that way. The shame was almost too much for him. Orlando opened his mouth to reply, but it snapped shut as he tried to figure out how to reply to what Viggo had just said.

“How did you know he…” just articulating the words seemed impossible.

Orlando knew the answer already, but he had to hear Viggo prove him right. He reached a hand up, brushing over his cheek, not surprised when he felt the dull pain there. The previous night had been a usual occurrence, but Orlando was still angry Viggo had seen him so weak against Brad. How could Viggo ever respect him when he could not stop his own husband cowing him so.

It had been happening more and more often and if Orlando hadn’t already been worrying about his destroyed marriage, he would have been overwhelmed. It seemed he couldn’t do anything right according to Brad and he couldn’t remember a time Brad had come to him not demanding they sleep together.

At the moment, he felt more for Viggo than he did for his husband. Viggo appeared determined to treat him like an equal and not just a warm body he could sleep with, like Brad did. He connected with Viggo on a deeper level that went past outward appearances and in a way, it made him sad. He couldn’t believe he had more in common with someone he had just met than his own husband of ten years.

“I was watching you last night. I did not intend to, but I heard the both of you as I was walking and I then I found I could not move away, I did not want you to be hurt, but when I saw… that just pushed me over the edge. How do you think I found out it was Brad who was…the one hurting you. Orlando, please don‘t be mad, it was not intentional, I swear, I simply wanted to understand, to help” Viggo said regretfully, seeing Orlando’s grim expression.

Orlando closed his eyes, knowing the charade he and Brad put on had finally failed. He knew one day it would, but he never expected it would be broken by a visiting prince, and certainly not one with such a reputation as Viggo. He had let Viggo get under his skin and it return Viggo saw how Brad really treated him. Viggo had seen that they weren’t the perfect couple they pretended to be and he knew about the abuse Orlando went through. No one, not even Colin or Angelina, had ever seen Brad abuse Orlando. They knew of the abuse, how could they not, but had never seen it happening in front of their eyes, like Viggo had.

Viggo never thought he would have ever loved the young prince when he came to Boeotia. He had known before he arrived Orlando was somewhat of a legend and happily married to Brad, and at first that had been an exciting challenge, to see if he could ply the Bloom of Boeotia to his bed would’ve been his greatest victory, but his opinions had swiftly changed as he got to know Orlando and somehow all his motivation for seduction vanished about learning the painful secrets Orlando carried around with him. The prince had been known as a legend, but he was just as human as anyone else Viggo had met, maybe ever more so. In his mind, Orlando might have been the one to tame his wild ways.

In some ways Viggo was like Brad; neither could never seem to stay faithful to person, but Viggo has insisted it was because he hadn’t found the right person, which was true, Brad had no such excuse. Viggo argued he hadn’t found the one person to mesmerize him. If he had been the one married to Orlando, he couldn’t see himself ever seeking out someone else; he would want to make sure he was the one who made Orlando happy. He wouldn’t have been able to hit Orlando and see the tears on his cheeks like Brad had.

Orlando shook his head, looking somewhat sad, “No, I’m not angry, just ashamed you had to witness that. It never used to be like that, I loved him once, and I think he loved me,”

The dejected tone broke Viggo’s heart, but he knew Orlando wasn’t lying. A part of him knew the abuse hadn’t lasted for the full ten years Orlando and Brad had been married.

Viggo removed the cup from Orlando’s hands, placing it beside his own, never letting go of Orlando’s hand, which both of them noticed but failed to comment on, “I asked Colin and Angelina about your wedding, but they wouldn’t tell me much. What really happened?”

Orlando paused and Viggo was sure the younger man would brush the question off, refusing to answer any further. He had tried to get Orlando to talk before, but he had no luck then either. He wasn’t even sure if Orlando would tell him anything now, but he knew he had to try to get the younger man to open up.

Orlando briefly wondered if he should tell Viggo anything or not. He had never told anyone the actual story of what had really happened between him and Brad. Angelina knew most of it on her own, but there were some details even she was not privy to, and to admit them had always been too painful, unearthing memories he would rather forget, and she never asked, but not out of a callous nature. As much as Orlando trusted Colin, he couldn’t seem to tell the other man the details even when he asked, he did not wish to burden the man with his troubles, he had seen the disdainful looks Colin had increasingly shot his cousin over the years and he did not want to antagonise relations between Brad and Colin.

He didn’t know why he suddenly wanted to tell Viggo everything. Viggo had proved he wanted more from Orlando than just his body and he treated him like an equal, making Orlando trust him more anyone else at the moment.

“It had all started when Brad came to Palthia, my birth country,” Orlando started, surprising Viggo, “We…me and Brad, did not meet in the usual way of couples, it was not quite the love story that we would have the world believe…it is much more complex than that. What you must first understand is that Brad is a warrior, first and foremost. Fighting is in his blood.”

“You mean being abusive and cruel.”

“No…he has a fighter’s spirit, like the legendary Spartans, who lived for battle and nothing else. Brad does not seek such extremes, but he is a conqueror none the less, it is simply his nature and that he cannot change. That is how we met. Boeotia, rather Brad and the Boeotian army, was invading Palthia. He had only come to the throne three years previously, he was an ambitious man and wanted to expand his territory and he set his sights on Palthia, having every intention of conquering it, but at the same time, he was a man of principals and possessed a code of honour. He made sure his men didn’t harm anyone and specifically ordered them not to rape the women or young boys, but that didn‘t stop the soldiers from harassing the people. Despite Brad’s orders to leave Palthia’s people alone, they would often try to injure a few citizens, Brad couldn’t be everywhere at once and the soldiers were eager to start a war to invade the country.

“At the time, I only saw Angelina with Brad, it was considered unusual for a woman to be involved in any negotiations, but Angelina proved very astute and often tempered Brad’s more...forceful demands. Colin and Marton were probably running Boeotia in their absence since I never saw them. Brad was often at the palace with my father and Eric in meetings. He treated them with respect, but he made his intentions on conquering Palthia clear. It was also clear that if Boeotia did invade us we could not hope to defeat them, our armies were not nearly as large as Brad’s and we had not been involved in wars or any real strife for over two hundred years. We were unprepared for conflict.

“My father had been trying to draw up a peace treaty with Brad that would allow Palthia to remain as it was, but I don’t remember anything else about it, just that they spent hours locked away in the study, and my father wore a perpetually worried expression which only increased over time. My father finally invited Brad and Angelina to dinner one evening, where I finally met him. He was like any other leader than had come to visit: arrogant and very dislikeable. He was already talking like he conquered our country and during that time, his respectful attitude toward my family slipped. I resented his presences, I hated that he upturned our peaceful existence simply to acquire more land, but I never considered it would especially affect me. I was sure that between them Eric and my father could conjure up some magical resolution, that was the strength of my faith in them.

“However I was not so unobservant that I did not notice how he started to look at me, it was unbridled lust and it unnerved me because unlike courtiers, Brad had no such worry of reprimand. While I didn’t think he was stupid enough to try anything at dinner or lay a hand on me with my family present, but it didn’t stop him from constantly watching. Eric noticed his stares and from that point on was very curt, only speaking with him when necessary, he also began watching the man like a hawk. Brad was well-behaved, but it was unnerving to have him watching me the entire time. Believe me, I had seen that look more often that I cared to. At the time, I had no idea it would go any further than that. You have to understand I was fifteen at this time and had no experience with any relationships of any kind, I don’t think I could have been more naïve if I had tried. My father and Eric especially made sure of that.

“I was always the baby of the family, there was somewhat of a age gap between me and my siblings, I suppose I was a surprise package of sorts. I sheltered for most of my life in Palthia. My mother died when I was nine years old from the plague. Myself and Livvie also fell pray to it, and it was feared we would all die, me and Liv managed to fight off the sickness but my mother was not so lucky, on her deathbed she made my father and Eric promise they would look after me. They made sure no one ever got too close to me, especially as I got older. I was no stranger to lustful look from visiting royalty and just men in general, but Eric made sure it didn’t go any further than that. Everyone in the surrounding area knew about Eric and his protective streak concerning me and it kept a lot of men away, but only those without any sense in their heads would try to touch me. I was very sheltered and in a way, I didn’t mind.

"I knew they were trying to keep me safe and I had no interest in any of the men I had met. I’d never had a lover and I’d never even kissed anyone before and that was fine by me. I’d never met anyone that interested me and if all men were like the ones that kept lusting after me, I didn’t think I’d ever have my first kiss.

“Liv and Diane, and my cousin, Billy, were very protective of me too, although Eric definitely put them to shame in that aspect. My sisters taught me a lot of what I know now, they took it upon themselves to supervise my education, while Eric taught me archery and horse-riding. Billy was closer to my age and we had a lot in common. Actually, he was the same age as Liv, but I had more in common with him that Liv.

“When she met Joaquin who her husband, I was thrilled. He was the almost same age as me, but he was very different from my family. He, like them, was protective when he needed to be, but he showed me the world like no one else had. I had barely left the palace, both my choice and my family’s, but as I got older, he would take me into town and show me around, which was wonderful. I began to notice the world which I had been sheltered from and I began to want to see more of it”

Viggo was watching Orlando with interest as he told the story of his life, but his eyes were wide in surprise, “I’m sorry, but I’m still stuck on the fact that you were fifteen when you met Brad.”

Viggo at fifteen had been nothing like Orlando. He’d taken on his first lover, a girl who had been his childhood friend, when he was barely fourteen. By fifteen, he’d slept with several men as well, and was already developing a reputation of sorts. He was also expected to regularly attend state meetings and even gone on diplomatic trips with Sean. He didn’t think he had been as naïve as Orlando had been, although he could understand it. In some ways, he still thought Orlando was a little naïve, but he had been through so much with Brad, Viggo couldn’t understand.

Orlando gave a small smile, shrugging, “And I married him when I just turned sixteen. I was quite young by anyone’s standards, but there are no legal ages for getting married, which my father and Eric were very upset about, and which Brad fully exploited.”

Orlando smiled a little wistfully at the mention of his father and brother, a fact that also had Viggo smiling. He knew exactly how protective Eric could be, if his encounter with him and Liv and Diane had been any indication. Eric had fully educated him on how he would hurt Viggo if he hurt Liv or Diane. Of course, that quickly ended as he was asked to leave Palthia when Eric found out he had tried to seduce both of his sisters. He could only imagine how Eric must have been with Orlando. He only wished their protective streaks had prevented Brad and Orlando’s marriage.

“So how did you go from hating him to being married?” Viggo asked.

“My father tried to reason with Brad and proposed a peace treaty, which would allow peace in our country. My father was even willing to give up his status as king if it meant keeping his people safe, but Brad declined to take part in it after the dinner. My father was confused because Brad seemed to be accepting of a treaty, but suddenly he had changed his mind. I didn’t learn until after our wedding when Eric told me was that I was the only thing Brad would accept before he called off his men. He didn’t request anything further before he would leave.

“During this time, Brad tried everything to win me over. He talked with my father, practically begging him to let me marry him, extolling how happy we would be and promising he would be the perfect husband and treat me with the respect and love I deserved. I was the one thing Brad wanted and only Ian could let him have me.

“I know my father was very torn over the decision. He didn’t want Palthia to be invaded and he wasn’t willing to give me up to Brad. Eric and Diane were livid over the whole ordeal, hating Brad more by the moment for putting out father in that position. Liv just reassured me that everything would be fine, but I knew she was holding back her anger for my sake; she didn’t want me to worry. Billy and Joaquin were very worried and kept insisting I was too young to marry Brad and I knew they were right. Everyone was certain we shouldn’t be married and that we wouldn’t make a good match.

“My father allowed Brad to visit me several times, at least once a day, sometimes more, but not without Eric present. We would often meet in the gardens and Brad would simply want to talk. Eric always kept watch over us and I could see him trying not to run a sword through Brad every time he touched me. Brad was a gentleman during all of his visits and I could tell he was annoyed with Eric being there, but I was glad. I didn’t fully trust Brad. I wondered why my father would allow such a thing or why Brad seemed to be so interested in me. The answer came only a couple of days later when Brad offered me a marriage proposal and three days to think it over.

“I remember being in the garden that day where Brad found me. I was immediately apprehensive because Eric wasn’t anywhere in sight, as was anyone else. We were truly alone for the first time and it scared me. He worked quickly to put me at ease though. He had only been there a few moments before he asked me to marry him and I was shocked; it was the last thing that I expected. Honestly, the whole scene was beautiful, but I didn’t want to marry him.

“And yet you accepted,” Viggo said, leaning back on the bed, shocked at how quickly things had moved between the couple.

Orlando shook his head, “No, not at first. I actually rejected him. I was aware my father was lining up suitors already in preparation for a marriage, but he didn’t intend for me to marry until I was twenty, since that is the age men are regarded as full adults in Palthia, of sound mind and body – not controlled so much by our libidos. Father wanted me to be fully aware what I was doing when I got married, as Palthia does not approve of divorce, my marriage was to be for life. He had actually decided to a suitor already for me. I was to marry Sean. He thought we would have made ideal couple and I didn’t disagree; Sean was a gentleman and treated me with kindness

“Sean was wonderful from the moment I met him. He was a natural charmer, not unlike many of the men I had met before, but he wasn’t using his charms to sleep with me. I think he did a lot of it to calm me; he knew I was nervous so he entertained me with bad jokes and compliments, he even made a fool of himself during archery, even though our meetings were supposed to be formal. I was fourteen when I met him. My father wanted to make sure I had a few years to get to know Sean so I wouldn’t marry a complete stranger. In truth, I wanted to marry Sean. He was handsome, kind and would have made a wonderful husband and I think we would have made a wonderful match and Sean seemed just as interested in me, but nothing was ever finalised before Brad invaded.”

Viggo felt his mouth fall open. He knew Sean had been considered, along with Karl, but he hadn’t realized Sean had been so close to marrying the young beauty. Sean had told him of his meetings with Orlando, but he never mentioned he was the one chosen for when Orlando turned twenty. He wasn’t sure how to feel that Sean had never told him; he wasn’t even sure if Sean had told Karl.

He thought maybe Orlando and Sean would have made a good couple. Sean certainly would have never treated Orlando like Brad did, Sean would’ve spoilt Orlando in much the same way he did David. Of course, if the two had married, Orlando would have been off-limits to Viggo. Viggo wouldn’t have dared to pursue Orlando and betray his brother in that way.

“You almost….married Sean,” Viggo said dumbly, earning a small smile from Orlando.

“Yes, but it obviously never happened,” Orlando replied, shrugging. He would have been lying in he said he hadn’t wanted to marry Sean. He still sometimes wished they had gotten married.

“What happened to make you accept Brad’s proposal?” Viggo asked.

“Nothing happened, but it was what I found out that made me change my mind. Brad had told my father he’d accept nothing but my acceptance of his proposal in exchange for peace. He had said he would let his men attack if I didn’t accept. I couldn’t let innocent people be brought into a war because of me. If Boeotia’s armies attacked, there was no possible way Palthia could fight back. The only option would have been surrender.

“I felt defeated when I finally told Brad. There was nothing I could do but accept. I finally accepted his proposal and Brad was more than happy that night. He wanted to marry me that night, but I have Angelina to thank for not letting that happen. She convinced Brad to let me spend a few final weeks with my family before he took me back to Boeotia. Brad didn’t try to seduce me that night, much to my relief, but he did try to kiss me. I rejected him though, which I know he wasn’t too happy about, but I was too upset to care. I spend that night with Eric and he tried to calm my fears, but not even he could do anything. I resigned myself to the fact that I was getting married whether I wanted it or not.

“We got married three weeks later and it was quite a lavish affair, Brad said he wanted the event to be remembered. I remember your parents being there, along with Sean. He said he was happy for me, but regretful that we never would be married. I was upset that it would never happen, that I had been put in a position to marry Brad or have my country destroyed. I had never hated or despised anyone more than I had Brad at that moment.”

“I can’t believe Sean never told me any of this,” Viggo said, his eyes narrowing in anger, wondering why his brother had kept this information from him, “Wait. When we arrived here, I’m fairly certain you two acted like you had never met before.”

“I know. I had hoped Sean would act that way and he impressed me once again; I didn’t want Brad to know I had almost married Sean. I don’t know why Sean acted the way he did, but I’m he did. Brad doesn’t need another reason to become mad at me,” Orlando said softly, frowning.

“So he brought you back to Boeotia with him? What was Boeotia like when you arrived?” Viggo asked.

Orlando nodded, laying back on pillow as he stared up at the ceiling, “Yes. We came here immediately after the wedding, Brad using the excuse of important business to pass up on a honeymoon.

“Boeotia was different from Palthia. I was so homesick for my first few months here and I missed my family terribly. Colin helped me settle in and showed me around when Brad was busy with other matters. The people were wonderful and welcomed me warmly, although I had a lot of the same problems here as in Palthia, like how I seemed to attract men constantly. It improved significantly when some of them finally realized I was indeed the one Brad had married. The ones who still came after me were scared away by Brad. I also knew nothing about helping to run a country, I was never expected to attend meetings or talk to diplomats and Brad seemed to understand that, and would often come to my rescue when it go too much.

“For that first year here, my God, Viggo, it was perfect. As cocky and annoying as Brad had been in Palthia, he seemed to become a different person when we got here, which lead me to believe it was more a front – a show he put on for his army. He worked so hard to be the perfect husband and constantly showered me with gifts, including my first dog, Sidi, who I adored like a child, and spoilt like one. That, coupled with the fact that I was overwhelmed with him and how perfect he seemed to suddenly was heaven.

“I had never even kissed another man, or woman. I told him that shortly after we boarded the ship to come to Boeotia. I also told him, quite embarrassedly, that I was virgin. He assured me it was alright and he would teach me all I needed to know. My first kiss was with him at our wedding. Honestly, it wasn’t worth remembering, but he more than made up for it when we got here. Brad was my first…well, everything. I had done nothing before so I experienced everything with him.

“I often wish he acted like he did that first night. He was so gentle with me, so loving. I was so nervous and so scared I would disappoint him, but he assured me I could do nothing wrong in his eyes. He took his time, making sure I was all right constantly. He promised me it would always be like that. He told me he loved me for the first time that night. He hadn’t even said those three words at our wedding and I couldn’t have been happier than at that moment.

“I don’t remember when it ever changed from being so…perfect to something I couldn’t wait to end. It seemed to go downhill so fast from there. I think he was trying to be the perfect husband for the first year and then he gave up.”

“You mean that’s when the abuse started?” Viggo asked.

“No, not exactly,” Orlando explained, curling an arm under his head, “We had been married about four years, but it had changed well before then; he still showered me with gifts and treated me well, but it wasn’t right. Somewhere along the line something went wrong. Brad began to become more distant and he demanded we sleep together more often.

“I was fairly certain he had begun having affairs on the side. I was so upset he would cheat on me, but I don’t think I could’ve confronted him about it if I tried. He was always very discrete about it, but it wasn’t that hard to figure out. I was devastated and wondered what was wrong with me if he had to go to someone else instead of spending the night with me. He would send me to my private bedroom more often while he entertained his…guests.

“Brad was desperate for an heir, but it didn’t make sense why he kept having affairs on the side. I seemed to reject him more often and he was often mad at me, but I couldn’t to be intimate with him when it was all a charade.

“It continued like that until I got pregnant three years later. I had had been sick for several weeks and my doctor confirmed my suspicions. I was so happy; I had always wanted children and anyone in my position would have been thrilled to tell their husband, but I was dreading it. I had no idea how Brad would take the news. I knew he wanted me to produce an heir, but it had seemed as if Brad was having even more affairs than ever. I kept it from him as long as possible, but once I began to show only a couple of short months later, I finally had to tell him. He had already suspected something was wrong when I was constantly tired and hungry, but I not sure if he ever figured out if I was pregnant.

“But he was thrilled,” Orlando said, trailing off, laughing slightly, “I still remember that very day. He was so happy he spun me around the main hall, kissing me right there. The servants were shocked to see him act that way, and Colin was so worried I would lose my lunch right there. I was fairly dizzy after, but I mercifully managed to keep my stomach contents where it was.

“I immediately sent word to my family and they were thrilled. Colin was more shocked than anything in the beginning, but he was soon just as happy as Brad and I. He couldn’t wait to take care of the baby once it was born. Angelina congratulated us, looking forward to her first niece or nephew. Marton didn’t seem thrilled but he…congratulated us nonetheless, after Brad forced him to, but he rarely spoke of it afterwards. Once everyone we needed to tell found out, Brad alerted the public to the upcoming birth of Boeotia’s heir and we had many well-wishers among them.”

“It changed things between you two,” Viggo stated, smiling softly. He had often thought about having children of his own. He’d never had any interest in children, until his nephew, Richard, was born. He loved Richard and after taking care of him, Viggo found himself warming to the idea.

“He began to act like he did when we were first married,” Orlando said wistfully, “He was very attentive to me and spoiled me constantly, giving me anything I could possibly ask for. I didn’t have cravings so much as just wanting my usual chocolate constantly. His affairs seemed to stop and we slept together often; for once, I craved him and I started going to him before he could come to me. He was also very protective of me, hardly ever letting me out of his sight. It was sweet, but he kept getting on my nerves. Obviously my emotions weren’t in the best of shape, and he was often on the other end of my temper, mostly about me yelling at him to let me have my space and I would be fine without him protecting me, but he didn’t seem to care. He would let me rest and then when he was sure I had forgiven him, he would be right at my side once more.

“He had to leave on an important diplomatic mission when I was very heavily pregnant and he left Marton behind to watch after me. I had to insist he go since he was reluctant to leave me behind and he wasn’t about to take me with him. It was during the time he was gone that I…had an accident, while horse-riding which caused me to go into labour early. The baby was stillborn.”

“Orlando--”

“Don’t say it, Viggo, please. Don’t say you’re sorry. It took me a long time to accept what had happened, but that is in the past and I’m fine,” Orlando said quickly, interrupting Viggo.

Viggo knew he was partially lying. He had accepted what happened as fate, but he wasn’t sure he would ever be fine about losing his baby. His nine months of being pregnant had been the longest time of his life; he couldn’t wait until he could hold his child in his arms. Losing the baby…his child, had been more traumatic for him than anything he’d lived through and it was an experience he was sure he could never forget, even if he tried.

He found himself doubting Orlando’s words. The young prince had once again used the excuse of a horse accident and being injured. He was certain that, just like the previous times the prince had used that excuse, he was lying once more, but he wasn’t going to press the issue.

Viggo remembered how worried Sean had been when he feared David would lose their baby. Of course, Viggo thought Sean really had no reason to worry about David. David was more than healthy and never overworked himself to endanger the baby. Paired with Sean, Viggo, and Karl’s attention, there was never a chance of David losing Richard.

“Alright, I won’t,” Viggo said cautiously, careful not to upset Orlando, “Are you all right to continue?”

Orlando took a deep breath and let it go slowly before nodding, “I remember waking up in bed with Brad by my side, who had returned from his mission. He told me I had been unconscious for two days. He was so afraid that I had been so close to death, but to me, that didn’t seem to matter. I had lost my son, which the doctor had told me; it was a boy.

“Brad held me for the longest time after I woke up. I couldn’t seem to stop crying and he was so afraid it would do me more harm if I continued. I had requested to hold my baby against Brad’s protests. I couldn’t bury my son without ever holding him.

“The others in the palace knew about the miscarriage quickly. Angelina and Colin had tried to visit and offer their support to Brad and I long after I had given my son back to the doctor, but I couldn’t handle anyone visiting. I had thought my emotions were a mess when I was pregnant, but they were even worse then. I all but screamed for them to leave and Brad had no choice but to escort them out.

“Brad and I named our son Nikolai Alexis, which was the name we agreed on for a boy when I found out I was pregnant. We gave him a small, but beautiful funeral Brad had arranged for my family to be there. We were supposed to visit them after the baby was born, but he sent word for them to arrive as soon as possible.

“They arrived just in time for the funeral and I was so glad for their support through all of it, I remember running to Eric when I saw him. I do not think I ever cried so hard or long in my life, he just held me for what seemed like hours. Eric tried to convince me to return with them to Palthia when they left a week later, but I couldn’t go. I was still very weak and I knew I wouldn’t have been able to travel there are back. I didn’t want to leave Brad and he didn’t want me to go either.

“From there, everything slowly became worse, surpassing even what our relationship had been before I got pregnant.

“Three weeks later, Brad suddenly flew into a blind rage. In those three weeks, he was a rock of strength to me and helped me get my strength back. He permitted only my doctor, Christopher, to help, but otherwise cared for me himself, turning over Boeotia to Angelina and Marton temporarily. I felt like I couldn’t quit crying and he would often hold me, making sure I wasn’t in pain, although he could do nothing for the pain I felt inside; no matter what he did, it didn’t help.

“I had fallen into a sort of depression and often spent a lot of time in the nursery we had created for Nikolai. I couldn’t help but stare at the cradle Brad had made himself; I couldn’t bring myself to change anything in the nursery. I would sit there for hours just letting myself think. Brad would often try to draw me out, but I ignored him and he finally left me alone with my thoughts.

“He came into the nursery one day while I was in there and started yelling at me; he wasn’t drunk, I was sure of that. I was scared; I had seen him mad before, but it had never been directed solely at me. We’d had our fair share of fights, but he had never been that angry and he seemed crueller than he did at that moment. He told me it was hardly a surprise he couldn’t stay faithful to me when I was so useless and couldn‘t even produce him an heir. He destroyed the cradle and all but destroyed the room. I couldn’t do anything but stand and watch him in shock. I tried talking to him, but it made him more mad and I backed away from him, scared.

“I broke down then, not having the mental or physical strength to understand what was going through his mind; I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I kept yelling at him to stop and that it wasn’t my fault, but he wouldn’t listen,” Orlando tensed, lowering his gaze from Viggo. “It was the first time he hit me. I didn’t do anything or even fight back, but Brad stormed out, leaving me alone. Colin found me and put me to bed, but nothing between Brad and I were ever the same.

“Brad tried to apologize the next day when he noticed a large bruise across my cheek. Like any other time he’d apologized, I found the usual presents, but it disturbed me more than ever; it felt like he was trying to buy my forgiveness and it didn’t work.

“Colin was worried about the clearly visible bruise and he knew what had happened, having heard Brad in the nursery, but not arriving in time to catch him in the act. Angelina asked me about it, but I dodged her questions, making up a lie, but I have no doubt she figured it out or Colin told her. Marton, as usual, never said a word about it.

“That definitely was not the last time he hit me. It continued on from there. From that first time, I didn’t want anything to do with him and he returned to his affairs when I declined to sleep with him. I hate how things have become between us. I can barely stand his touch anymore, and that makes more of a failure in Brad’s eyes. Brad never mentioned trying for more children, but I know he still wishes I‘d get pregnant again to produce an heir, he sees me as a failure...maybe I am,”

By the end of his story, Orlando had tears running freely down his cheeks, which he didn’t bother to wipe away.

Viggo leaned forward, trying to wrap his arms around Orlando to offer the man comfort, but Orlando turned away, “Orlando, come here.”

Orlando was still for a moment before his resolve finally faded away and he all but fell into Viggo’s comforting embrace.

Viggo found most of Orlando’s story to be shocking. He had known Orlando had to endure Brad’s abuse, but as he found out, it ran much deeper than that.

He found wondering if he could convince Orlando to return to Dione with him. He would never bring Orlando against his will, but he had to get Orlando away from Brad. Orlando lived in constant fear of his husband and it wasn’t what the younger man deserved.

Viggo held the younger man tightly, feeling silent sobs shaking the smaller figure. He curled one arm around Orlando’s waist and tangled the fingers of his unused hand into the prince’s dark curls. He whispered nonsense words in an attempt to calm the distraught form in his arms and it seemed to be working some as Orlando took a deep breath and fisted his fingers in Viggo’s shirt.

Orlando finally pulled back and Viggo reached his hands up, using the pads of his thumbs to wipe away the lingering tears on Orlando’s cheeks. He cupped the man’s face in his hands, looking into a pair of glistening brown eyes.

“I’ve never told anyone the real story about Brad and I before,” Orlando said, breaking the silence.

Viggo looked amazed as he gave a small smile, “I’m honoured, Orlando, that you would tell this to me.” He paused. “Are you all right?”

Orlando nodded shakily, taking a deep breath to calm himself, which seemed to help a little, “I think so, I’ve just…never really talked about any of this.”

Viggo smiled slightly, glad Orlando seemed to be calmer now, keeping his arms tight around Orlando, not willing to let the younger man go, even if the prince himself wasn’t going to move anytime soon.

“I know I keep saying this, but thank you for letting me…tell you all of this,” Orlando said quietly, looking up at Viggo, who looked touched.

Orlando leaned forward and kissed Viggo’s cheek. He sat back, his eyes never leaving Viggo’s face, as if searching for something. He finally gave the tiniest of smiles and leaned forward once more, placing his lips against Viggo’s, this time in a kiss that was far from chaste.

He couldn’t believe he was actually kissing Viggo, but something in the way Viggo had held him and simply listened to his story made Orlando push aside any doubts. He knew he trusted Viggo fully, that he trusted Viggo wasn’t anything like Brad. Viggo wouldn’t hurt him like Brad had.

Viggo pulled back in shock, taking Orlando by his shoulders, keeping him at distance for the moment while he tried to figure out what was going through Orlando’s head, “Orlando, I know you’re upset, but this may not be the best thing to do. I am not going to take advantage of you.”

Viggo could hardly believe his own ears. Ever since he had arrived in Boeotia he had dreamed of the moment he could finally have Orlando in his arms and have the younger man kiss him the way he just did, but it felt wrong. He felt if he continued things with Orlando, he would be taking advantage of him. As much as he wanted Orlando, he couldn’t let things continue until he got Orlando to realize exactly what he was getting himself into. He was giving Orlando a chance to leave and whether the young prince took it or not, Viggo wasn’t going to hold it against him.

That very statement seemed to put everything into place in Orlando’s mind. It proved to him Viggo cared about him more than simply getting him into bed.

“You’re not taking advantage of me if I agree to it and know what I’m doing,” Orlando replied, locking eyes with Viggo, “Viggo, please.”

Viggo felt his resolve die as he heard the pleading tone of Orlando’s voice. His eyes widened as he realized Orlando truly wanted this. Any doubts he had seemed to melt away as he pulled Orlando tighter against him and kissed him passionately, which Orlando had no problem deepening immediately; he wasn’t going to abandon his feelings for Viggo anymore.

Viggo couldn’t understand why he hadn’t tried to kiss Orlando before, besides the fact he now respected the younger man too much to try anything with him. Of course, that thought quickly disappeared as Orlando practically climbed into his lap, holding onto Viggo’s shoulders as Viggo finally pulled away from the kiss when the need for air was critical.

Viggo lowered his mouth to Orlando’s neck, nipping softly and making Orlando gasp against him. He decided to take things just a bit further and reached down, grabbing the ties of Orlando’s robes and pulled them loose, allowing the robe to open, seeing Orlando only wore a pair of loose pants underneath. He trailed his hand down Orlando’s smooth chest before moving his hand back to Orlando’s shoulder and slipped the robe down, feeling Orlando‘s hands pulling at the ties of his own tunic; he saved Orlando the trouble and shrugged out of it himself.

“By the gods, Orlando, do you even know how wonderful you are?” Viggo rasped, lowering Orlando to lay back on the bed, gazing at him in wonder.

Orlando looked up at Viggo from under half-lidded eyes and laughed, “You’re not so bad yourself, you know?”

Viggo grinned, trailing his lips down Orlando’s chest and over his flat stomach before moving up once more.

“Viggo,” Orlando groaned, frustrated.

Viggo smirked and slipped his hand down once more and into the loose pants Orlando wore and Orlando moaned softly, revelling in the perfect moment Viggo touched him. His entire body felt like it was on fire and he vaguely thought how different it was to Brad’s touches. Viggo took his time, making sure Orlando was enjoying every moment, but Brad’s touches were rushed and rougher.

Viggo pulled away teasingly again and Orlando glared at Viggo, frustrated at the lack of touching, “You really enjoy teasing me, don’t you? ”

Viggo laughed, leaning down to kiss Orlando softly, “I will do as I wish with you.”

Viggo caught Orlando in another heated kiss, but Orlando momentarily panicked, his entire body stilling. Without warning, he pushed Viggo away, his face flushed and his breathing heavy. He shook his head, grabbing the edges of his robe to secure it back into place.

‘I will do as I wish with you.’ Brad’s words from the previous night echoed in Orlando’s mind, he knew that Viggo had meant them differently, but all the same, unwanted emotions rose up with them. His eyes widened as he looked up at Viggo; he wanted so badly to sleep with Viggo, but the fear of Brad ever finding out held him back.

“I ca-can not do this, Viggo. I thought I could, but I can’t. I can’t cheat on Brad,” he said softly, pulling away when Viggo tried to reach for him once more.

“You can’t seek pleasure elsewhere, as he has done countless times to you, with no provocation? He does not respect you, by sleeping with people who meant nothing to him, why should you grant him any respect or fidelity when he offers you none!” Viggo retorted, on the verge of yelling. He couldn’t believe Orlando could still be faithful to Brad after all his husband had put him through.

“He’s my husband, Viggo. I can’t disgrace our marriage vows by sleeping with you,” Orlando said, the words sounding hollow and disbelieving to even his own ears, as if repeating a long worn mantra.

He was too afraid of what would happen if Brad ever found out about it if they slept together. Brad may have cheated on him long ago, but Orlando wouldn’t abandon his principles so easily, whether or not he wanted Viggo.

“But he does not stay faithful to you! My God, Orlando, you deserve better than him!” Viggo yelled, letting his emotions get the better of him. He was confused and even a little hurt he had been rejected by Orlando. He was so sure Orlando had been enjoying himself as much as Viggo had.

Orlando eased himself off the bed, looking over at Viggo sadly, “Maybe I do, but that doesn’t mean I have to believe it. I am married to Brad. Maybe it was fate that we ended up together and why we should stay together. Maybe we never tried hard enough to make this marriage work. There‘s still a part of me that cares for him and I can‘t abandon it.”

“Orlando!” Viggo called after him, but Orlando was out of the door before he could stop him. He knew Orlando was headed to find Brad, who probably expected Orlando to join him in the master bedroom and Viggo knew Orlando wouldn’t going to let him down, he thought bitterly. He hated the fact Orlando was going to spend the night with Brad.

Viggo hadn’t realized he had spent most of the day in his bedroom with Orlando until he looked outside, seeing the sun begin to set. He had spent most of the morning reading while Orlando slept and when the younger man awoke, they spent the rest of the day talking.

At least, until it lead to more interesting activities. He sighed in frustration as he got up, moving to sit at the desk and picked up the book he had been attempting to read. He wasn’t mad Orlando had left; he wasn’t going to push the younger man into something he wasn’t ready for. Of course, that didn’t leave him feeling any better; he was sexually frustrated and alone. That didn’t prove for the best time.

He had to make Orlando see he did indeed deserve better than Brad. He deserved someone to pamper him and show him what real love was.

Viggo wanted to be the one to pamper Orlando, to be able to hold and kiss him, to spend each night with him making love then cradling him until dawn. He wanted to make sure Orlando never had to worry about being hit because he did something wrong or that he would be threatened with an affair if he didn’t want to sleep with his husband that night.

Viggo couldn’t help but feel disgusted the way Brad threatened Orlando to get him into bed. He knew Brad did it because Orlando would never agree to sleep him otherwise. Orlando had admitted to Viggo he wanted nothing to do with Brad after the first time he hit Orlando; he dreaded the touch of his husband. Viggo had a feeling Brad knew that and had to resort to blackmailing Orlando to get what he wanted.

He wanted to make Orlando realize he deserved someone better. He wanted Orlando to realize he deserved Viggo.