"Now, now, Princess," came a smooth voice from behind the group, "the Prince is a big boy now. Let him make his own choice." Kyle walked up and rejoined the group. He was quite annoyed that as soon as the Prince left, Jeanne disappeared into the back and wouldn't return. "He's finally learning to be a real man, and you can't deprive him of that."
The little princess frowned at the blonde knight. "You stay away from Brother too, Kyle! You're a bad influence!"
To her right, Lyon nodded her head in agreement. "I'm sure this is all your fault, Kyle. You're the only one who could have tried to ruin the Prince like this!"
Faroush slowly raised his head from his free hand as the argument began again. He couldn't believe this was happening to him, and in the main entrance hall of the Palace to boot! Feeling a tugging on his held hand, Faroush turned his attention to Miakis, who was grinning at him.
"Come on," she whispered, "while they're distracted again." With a cat-like grin on her face that made the Ranma side of the prince shiver, she began leading the slightly reluctant prince away.
"What's going on here?" The booming voice caused everyone to stop. Standing in the doorway leading toward the East wing of the palace was Ferid. He took in the division of the group before turning his attention to his son and his daughter's bodyguard. "Miakis, why are you with Faroush?"
That drew the attention of the group to the pair once again. Lym's eyes went wide and she quickly ran to the pair, attaching herself to her brother's leg and glaring at her bodyguard. "How dare you try to steal Brother!"
Ferid raised an eyebrow. "Steal?" His face quickly grew amused. "Son, is there something you're not telling me?"
Faroush's face flushed for a brief moment before his eyes widened. This was a chance to save part of his image! The Saotome genes took over as Faroush did what any good Saotome would do...shift blame to someone else!
"Dad, you have to help me!" As Lyon joined the foursome, he sent a glare her way, and then down at his little sister. "I can't get a date no matter what I try! These two won't let me."
At that proclamation, Ferid began to laugh. This was just too good. "They won't let you, son?"
"No!" Faroush's eyes held a determined glint as he continued. "Anytime I even try to be nice to a girl, they drive her off. When we were at the senate, I saw the name of a powerful fighter, and they started rumors that I like men!" Faroush shivered at the thought.
Ferid's eyes narrowed at that. Being over protective and clingy to his son was fine. Starting rumors that could hurt his reputation and obviously hurt his feelings, that was something else. "Lym, Lyon, what do you have to say for yourselves?"
Before they could respond, Faroush continued. It was time for the death blow. "I'm even trying to find girls that they like, and it doesn't work. I try to have a nice, quiet evening with Miakis, and this happens!" Faroush waved a hand at where the group had been arguing and the various nobles and retainers who were watching. This would get rid of the gay rumors for sure. "I just want to date a nice girl. Is that too much to ask?"
Lym, by this time, was staring at her feet and twiddling her thumbs together. "Well...if brother wants to date..." a slight blush formed on her cheeks as she thought about the implications.
Ferid shook his head before turning his attention to his son. "Well, don't worry about that now. I need you to head to Stormfist in the morning. You are to supervise the preparations for the Sacred Games. Head to your quarters and get some rest. You'll be leaving early."
Faroush nodded his head while the Ranma inside did a dance of joy. The rumors would be gone for sure AND he didn't have to come up with a way to get away from Miakis without hurting her feelings! Victory all around! "Yes, Father. I'll see you in the morning." Quickly, he began to make his way to his quarters.
Ferid, turned his attention back to the group. "Lyon, escort the Prince. He's you're charge after all. We'll talk later." As the young girl scurried off, Ferid turned his attention to his daughter. "Now, you and I need to have a talk about how to treat your brother..."
(Posted Sat, 16 Dec 2006 15:15)
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