King of Faces: Part One (complete)

I work in the stables of King Ludovico, where I tend to his prized horses as well as whatever other creature he decides to bring in. This includes the King’s beloved cow, Fifi. The King had brought in Fifi and she has been his prized pet ever since. She gets the royal treatment which includes fancy baths, special outfits, hoof polish, and so on and so on. It sounds ridiculous treating a cow like some sort of show cat, but if you ever saw how the King doted on Fifi and loved her, I think you would understand. 

I took over this job from my parents. I had grown up on palace grounds, tending to the smaller animals, which is now the job of my little sister. The King has always had a fondness for animals, so there are many on the grounds. Some say the King is a little nuts for turning a part of the royal grounds into something like a zoo or farm. I know, though, why the King does it. Having grown up here, I have seen and heard things and due to the closeness to his beloved animals, I was privy to things. I know that King Ludovico is very lonely.

Being the child of the infamous Red King & White King, Ludovico wasn’t short on parental affection. His mother, Primrose, was an excellent queen and an outstanding mother. His fathers fought over who got to dote on him more. Even when his little sister was adopted into the family, the two of them were inseparable. But as Ludovico grew up, it was discovered that there was a duplicity to him.

His faces changed. Quite possibly the result of his fathers’ differing personalities and outlook, poor Ludovico’s face changed into different personalities when his moods were at their peak. This made Ludovico feel alienated compared to everyone else around him. He didn’t want to be treated differently or handled with kitten gloves to assure that he wouldn’t snap on a whim. That wasn’t even the case. Moods can change everybody, but because poor Ludovico’s could be seen at first glance, people tended to treat him differently for it. 

This is why he keeps so many animals on the grounds, each one loved and cherished as much as the next. Aside from Fifi, his favorites were the rabbits. He had one family of them that had started ages ago when his mother bought him a black bunny for his birthday. It had not been long after the discovery of his affliction and he had been in a rut for weeks. The black rabbit, which he named Bianca, had truly helped him discover a passion, as well as a way to cope with the new discovery. Bianca the Twenty-Sixth was alive and well, followed by Twenty-Seven, Twenty-Eight, and Twenty-Nine. Ludovico said once Thirty was born, he would hold a celebration of the first Bianca.

Growing up in the one place Ludovico loved more than by his family’s side, I often got to see him up close. In fact, during our youths, Ludovico and I were great friends. I suppose he liked me because of my resemblance to a cat. I was a Cheshire, after all. He told me he admired my calico coat and fluffy tail. He gave me my nickname as well, Lewis, instead of the long name I was given at birth.

We played together often and I showed him all the care tips for his animals. He spent much of his time in the stables, where he often read to his animals at night and tucked them in. It was something my sister did with her stuffed animals. 

As Ludovico grew up, he started to take more responsibility in the court, as well as taking more classes to prepare for his role as King. He started visiting the animals less and less, but when he did, it was a big production. For Ludovico, spending time with his beloved pets was his stress relief. It kept the pressure of his face switching down, which kept his stress levels down. 

His little sister was a much loved singer in the land, so Ludovico often played her records to the animals. Her voice was rich and beautiful, and on more than one occasion, I had fallen asleep in the stables with Fifi listening to them. There was one morning I arose, finding myself entangled next to Ludovico himself. He had come to the stables to check on Fifi and I suppose he had fallen asleep beside me.

I had always had feelings for the King. Even when we were little, I had admired him. He was beautiful and gentle, and I so much wanted to steal his sadness away from him. As Ludovico slept, I laid a loving kiss on his lips before I attempted to wake him. I never expected, in countless centuries, to have my affections returned. After all, he was the future king and I was just a lowly stable boy. 

Ludovico’s lips hunted me down as I attempted to pull away. Our kiss was locked and sealed and grew deeper as the sun began to rise. We were both young, viril, and Ludovico, more than me, was desperate to be touched and held. The kiss lasted longer than I ever intended and we had both gotten hot and bothered by the experience. 

As the roosters all crowed, Ludovico was snapped to his senses. His head spun around and around and returned to his usual face. I never saw the face I kissed, but it had been such a shock to his system that Ludovico quickly excused himself. In my mind, I was ready to write it off. It was a fluke and I was happy to receive the small affection that I did.

Except that kiss was not my last. 

When Ludovico returned back to the stables, I could tell he looked tired and beleaguered. I suppose all his studies were getting to their most intense peak at that time. I had just finished feeding the horses and was putting equipment away when I felt a presence at my back. I glanced over my shoulder briefly as Ludovico’s hand went around my waist. My lashes fluttered as he placed kisses on my neck. He held my back against his chest and I stretched my neck so he could kiss more. Once I turned around, the kiss was just as passionate and heavy as that far off morning.

Our affair was silent and unplanned. We didn’t need to speak when we wanted one another. We kissed and touched, never going over that fine line. I suppose Ludovico was anxious that if we did go further, it would put me in jeopardy. 

It wasn’t until one evening when I found Ludovico sobbing near the rabbit pin. One of his beloved rabbits had passed away. I held him and stroked is hair as his tears soaked through the front of my shirt.

“I’m sorry,” he whimpered. “Just hold me a little while longer, Lewis.”

“I’m not worried about that.” I stroked his long black hair and kissed the top of his head. “You cry as much as you need to. I’ll be here for you.”

Ludovico’s hands tightened on the back of my shirt. “Thank you.” His face was tinged blue and lavender, his long lashes were pure white and held the tears on them like diamonds. His eyes were more downturned than usual and his lips were thin and painted a pale shade of lavender.

I rubbed his back, trying to impart my warmth and care to him. I loved him before then, but never had to strength to admit it. My fear was strong because I knew I could never openly love Ludovico. He was supposed to be king and marry someone of similar status. I had no hopes, I was just a stable boy.

Ludovico pressed a kiss to my lips and it tasted salty with his tears. I licked his tears from his cheeks and kissed his eyelids with care. Ludovico kissed me harder, pressing his body into mine, he felt desperate and needy. He then stepped back as his head spun around. His black hair covered his face and swirled around. Once it stopped, his hair fluffed up, went slightly curly and when he looked at me next, his cheeks were blossoming pink, his lips were bright red, and his eyes were smoldering amber. His long, dark lashes fluttered and he captured in a deep breath.

I captured his chin in my hand and tilted his face to look up at me. I had only seen this face between long kisses and heavy petting. He never let me get a good look at this lustful and desiring face. I brushed my thumb across his full lips and his bright red tongue licked at me.

I took him to the loft in the barn, where we made love in the hay. We whispered to each other the words we had feared to say. Words we knew would sink us deep if we expressed them openly. It was too late now, our feelings were so strong we couldn’t hold them anymore. Impassioned and tangled in one another, we said it over and over. Sweaty, panting, and careless, we made love until we couldn’t anymore. We were sticky, weak, and sated, but already craving more of one another.

“I love you, Lewis,” Ludovico whispered to me. Our legs were still entwined and my tail was stroking up and down his side. “More than most things.”

I smirked at him, licking his soft lips. His face had gone to his usual darling expression. His rich skin tinged with yellow flecks of gold, and his lips were a faint rosy pink. “I love you more than most things as well,” I purr to him. “I have for a long time.”

Ludovico pressed his forehead to mine. “I do not wish to wake from this dream, Lewis.” As he whispered sweetly to me, tears began to run down his cheeks. “I do not wish to part from you or this world we’ve created.”

I nuzzled to his cheek and sighed into his ear. “We will create it again and again when we need it, Ludo. Our bodies are the key.”

Ludovico sniffled and wrapped his arms around me. “I want everyone to know, but-” his voice trembled. “No one can know, can they?”

I kissed his forehead. “I know, love. I have wanted to shout my love for you from the rooftops for ages now.” I press a finger to his lips. “But we must keep quiet. You’re so important and I wouldn’t dare be the blight on your history.”

Ludovico sat up and clutched my hand in both of his. “You would be the one most hurt,” he whispered urgently. I could see the twitch in his jaw and the fluttering of his lashes that signaled his change. I cupped my hand around his cheek and smiled at him, hoping to keep him calm and from spinning.

“I expect to be hurt,” I whispered to him. “So I don’t mind it as long as it is for you.”

Ludovico kissed me, wrapping me up in his arms again. Our passion was young and raging like a wildfire. Ludovico desired affection and acceptance so much, he was quite insatiable. It took awhile for me to get used to his desire. We also learned how to love even without sex. He brought me presents and helped get new equipment for the stables. I picked him flowers and placed them in his hair. I also baked sweets for him. I got so good at baking and decorating cakes that the kitchen staff often times asked me to help with special events. But I did it all for my Ludo. 

The years went by and soon Ludovico was crowned king. We have both grown up considerably. Ludovico is still beautiful, but he has become more manly in his appearance. His jawline could cut glass and his training with swords has made him lithe and strong. As I have aged, my young lean muscle has become more solid. I’ve also gotten a bit thicker from all my baking.

I had thought that once Ludovico became king, our time together would grow shorter and shorter and eventually he would marry. Instead, since his parents travel a lot now, Ludovico is alone more in the palace. This has led to even more stolen moments than when we were young. The fact I am head of his stable and basically king over his flock, he is able to call on me for official business. 

The rest of the staff and kingdom knows of Ludovico’s love for animals, so conferring with his Head of Stables isn’t something people think twice about. At least, in my silly head, I hope this is what they think. Our meetings are often proper ones, but more often than not, we give in to our love for one another.

During one such meeting, we had been discussing renovations for the barn. They are needed and I had laid out my best thought plans to Ludovico. He considers them with a keen eye and after a while of looking over blueprints, he takes off his glasses.

“I see you wish to expand the loft,” he replies. “Tell me, is there a need for that?” A knowing smile spreads across his lips.

I laugh and my tail fluffs up behind me. “More animals means more supplies, more supplies means more room. It’s logic really, your majesty. I need more room to properly care for your needs.”

Ludovico looks down at the table and sets the blueprints aside. He leans across the table between us. “As I remember it, the loft was quite big enough to suit my needs.”

I catch his chin in my hand and press my thumb against his lips. “Now, now, your majesty, I am serious here. I am not going to play games to get what I want.”

Ludovico holds my wrist and kisses my thumb. “Just one kiss and I’ll give it to you.”

I arch a brow at him and snicker. “I know you far too well to fall for that trap. One kiss leads to two. Two leads to seven. Seven leads to your naked body pressed against mine for hours.”

His long lashes flutter and his breath shudders. “You’re saying that on purpose. I really did just want a kiss, now I think you’re trying to rile me up!”

“I would never do such a horrible thing.” I swipe my thumb across his lips. “I wouldn’t dare try to get my king aroused in such an important meeting.”

Ludovico pulls me across the table, kissing me as his hands capture my face. I moan softly and we both laugh as our lips part.

Ludovico sits back and fans himself. “I thought by this point in our lives, we could control ourselves around one another. But I fear we are worse than teenagers.”

“Nonsense.” I relax a bit and pour us both more tea. “As teenagers, we didn’t need to talk. We just had to look at one another to pop a boner.”

Ludovico’s smirk goes shy. “I hate that turn of phrase.”

I pop a ripe strawberry into my mouth and take a bite. I look up, seeing Ludovico watching me with a lustful expression. His jaw shudders and his lashes flutter, he is getting aroused by me eating.

“Are you in heat, your majesty?” I tease. “If watching me nibble a strawberry is getting you ready to shift, perhaps I should go hungry.”

Ludovico clears his throat. “Forgive me. But the strawberry made me think of other things.” He quickly sips his tea as he tries to keep his head from spinning.

“I would rather be biting into a peach,” I purr suggestively.

Ludovico slams his hand down. “Ok! Enough!” He pants. “We should be better than this. Two grown men behaving like lustful boys! I am never as frustrated with anyone as I am with you. I can’t keep my mind in order. I can’t be diplomatic. I give in to my love for you each and every damn time and-” his voice slows and I see tears forming in his eyes. “And I cannot always be with you, so I simply give in.”

I move to his side, sitting beside him and kissing his cheek and temple. Ludovico clutches onto my hands and holds me close. 

“I love you so much,” he whispers. “All I want is to be with you always. I want to marry you, I want a family with you.”

I stroke his hair and hold his head to my chest. “I know,” I whisper. We give in so easily to each other because there is more that we want. I am lonesome without him and I know he is the same without me. Our love is honest and real, and built on years of friendship and trust. We have worked so hard to stay as we are, but we want to climb that ladder higher. 

“I love you more than most things,” I whisper to him. That is a lie though. I love him more than anything.

“If only there was someway, somehow-” Ludovico grips my hand tight as he buries his face against my chest. “The only person I can talk to is my sister, but she isn’t here. She’s off around the world, singing.”

I kiss the top of his head then clasp his face between my hands. “We will find strength,” I whisper to him, “no matter what we must do.”

Tears cling to his lashes and they fall as he blinks. I lick them away, tasting how bitter and salty they are. Our lips meet and his hands grip at my chest. We fall onto the sofa and I place myself upon him. Ludovico wraps his arms around my neck and gazes up at me as sorrow tinges his lovely expression.

“We should stop now. They’ll be bringing lunch soon.” His argument is weak and unconvincing as he won’t let go of me.

“I’ll eat you and satisfy my hunger,” I whisper. “I’ll gobble up your cream filling.”

Ludovico snorts and laughs, pressing his forehead to mine as we both giggle. His laughter then turns to moans as I bite at his neck. I open up his shirt and drag my tongue down his chest.

“No, really.” He arches his back as I kiss down his stomach.

“Brother!” A beautiful voice rings out through the halls.

I snap into attention while Ludovico tries to fix his clothes. I jump away from the sofa, tripping over the rug and falling backwards onto the ground. Ludovico struggles to help me up, only to fall on top of me as well, placing us in a different but still compromising position as Genevieve comes into the parlor.

“I’ve brought you presents!” She cheers happily before her expression sinks. We stare at her staring at us. Ludovico is sat astride me, his clothes disheveled and my arms above my head.

Genevieve lowers down the bags she’s carrying and tilts her head back as she looks at us. “I’m sorry, I should have knocked.”

“No!” Ludovico jumps up. He clutches at his shirt, trying to keep it closed. “Really, sister, you did not walk in on anything illicit at all.”

Genevieve glares down at me. “Then why is Lewis on his back?”

“I fell,” I grumble as I sit up. I know Genevieve isn’t stupid, there’s no point in hiding anything.

“That rug is hell, isn’t it?” I feel grateful for her willingness to play along. Genevieve holds up the bags again. “I brought you gifts, brother!” She says happily again. She sits down and starts taking boxes from the bags.

“You do not have to bring me gifts all the time, sister.” Ludovico’s cheeks are flaming red. “I did not know you were even returning home.”

“Lord Fortescu thought it was best I come home and get some rest. Besides, with Mother, Father, and Papa away, I thought you might be lonely.” She gives me a sly knowing look before returning to doling out presents.

“Oh, this is for you, Lewis.” Genevieve presents me with a long, flat box wrapped in shimmery blue paper.

“Your highness, you did not need to get me anything. You’re far too kind.” I say as I take the box.

“I know my brother has you working at ALL HOURS,” she side eyes him. “So I wanted to reward you with something. After all, I’ve known you all my life. You’re more than just the Head of Stables to us. You’re practically family.”

Her words mean more to me than I think she realizes. I gently open the wrapping paper so it doesn’t rip and I open the box. Inside, there is a beautiful suit.

“I thought you’d look so handsome!” Genevieve sighs dreamily. “All dressed in white with a hint of red.” She turns and gives a knowing smile to Ludovico. “Mother, Father, and Papa’s anniversary is coming, and Ludovico and I have been planning a costume ball to celebrate.”

The mask inside matches the fabric of the suit and is lined with red velvet. “This is far too kind,” I reply. “Am I invited to such an event?”

“You’ll be wearing a mask, so who cares?” Genevieve giggles.

“Sister, really,” Ludovico sighs. 

“You’ll want him there, I know you will.” Genevieve hands Ludovico a similar box. “I got you an outfit for the ball as well.”

Ludovico’s outfit matches mine, only where mine is all white with a hint of red, his is all red with a hint of white. Genevieve is playing dirty, she bought us matching suits to wear to the ball.

“You’re like Father,” Genevieve says. “Red suits you so well.”

“Depending on what face,” Ludovico tries to joke.

I close my box and stand up. “Thank you for the gift, your highness.” I bow to Genevieve then turn to Ludovico. “Think over the blueprints, please,” I say to him. “Once you’ve made a decision, please report to me so we can begin renovations.”

“Are you leaving?” Ludovico sets the gifts in his lap aside and stands up.

I smile at him. “I have work to do, your majesty. Your rabbits need feeding and I must finish mending a spot in the stable.”

“I’ll see you to the door then,” Ludovico anxiously follows after me

I turn to him and touch his shoulder. “Your sister,” I whisper warningly.

“You can’t leave without a kiss,” he whispers into my ear. 

I glance to Genevieve, who is sitting with her back to us. I dip down, planting a soft, quick kiss on his lips, but Ludovico isn’t having it. He grabs me and pulls me into a deeper, harder kiss, one that makes me desperate to linger.

I finally pull away from him. “Yes, thank you, your majesty.” My voice cracks. 

“Have a good day, Lewis!” Genevieve cheers. 

That evening, I have just stepped out of the showers and I am drying myself off. As I walk into my bedroom, I see Ludovico with his lustful face posed on my bed.

“What are you doing here?” I growl at him, drinking in the vision of him while I can. “Your sister is home.”

Ludovico draws up his knee and furthers his luxurious and tempting pose. “She got drunk and is passed out in my bed.” His long black hair is splayed out over my pillow. “I have nowhere to sleep.”

“Bullshit.” I walk towards the bed. “You have more bedrooms in that place than I have had hot meals.” I sit down on the edge of the bed and pet my hand down the center of his chest. 

“Does that include the times you’ve had me?” Ludovico purrs.

I place a finger over his lips. “You’re in trouble right now, can’t you tell that?”

Ludovico smirks under the presses of my finger. His hands rise up and pet down my chest and to my stomach. He unwraps the towel from around my waist and I grab his hands, jerking them above his head. 

“What’s wrong?” Ludovico smirks.

“Genevieve obviously knows about us, but that doesn’t mean we get to flaunt around as much as we want. We still have to be careful, even more so now!”

Ludovico averts his eyes and glances away from me. 

“Don’t look like that!” I fuss at him. “You know this is true. We can’t keep doing as we please, Ludo. We have to be safe, for your sake.”

Ludovico turns back to glare at me. “What about you?”

My ears flatten and my tail droops. “I’m not important.”

Ludovico snaps up, knocking my hands away. His expression is growing intense and his jaw is trembling. “How can you say that? You’re important, Lewis!”

“In the grand scheme of things, no. I can be dealt with easily. You’re the king, you can’t be handled so harshly. I will be thrown aside, you will remain.”

Ludovico grips onto the sides of his head. “No! Stop saying that.”

“This doesn’t change anything except in the long run, I am prepared. I just fear that you aren’t ready when the time will come.” I put my hand around his waist. “Ludo-”

His head spins and I am greeted with the face I have only seen a handful of times. His skin is all red and horns jut out from his forehead. His eyes are completely yellow and his lashes fan out like swooping wings, coming out to a sharp point at the edges. His lips are curled and curved, raising up over the sharp fangs and teeth. His tongue has turned black and is forked down the center.

“Ludo, calm down.” I cup his cheek in my palm. “There’s no sense in this. You’re acting spoiled.”

His grip is strong and crushes down on my wrist. “You’re foolish if you think I have not thought of what could happen day after day! How can I prepare myself to lose the one thing in this world that means life or death to me?” His voice is deeper and harsher. 

“You are used to being able to get your way,” I tell him. “I fear you live in a fantasy where I can stay. But soon, you will have to face reality. We both know why your parents travel to so many other kingdoms.”

“Shut up!” Ludovico roars.

“They’re looking for suitors.” I say the words and even I hate myself for speaking them into reality.

Ludovico lunges off the bed and grasps his hands around his head. “Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!” His head spins and spins, seeming to be more like a top. I stand up and grasp his shoulders.

“Ludo!” I urge him.

“It won’t stop!” several voices pour out from the whirl of black hair. “Lewis! I can’t breathe! I’m scared!”

I grab him and force his head onto my chest. The spinning stops and his knees go out from under him. We fall to the floor together and Ludovico sobs into my chest.

“It’s ok,” I stroke his hair. “I’m here. Cry all you want.”

He beats his fists weakly against my chest. “You idiot.”

I kiss the top of his head. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper. “I didn’t mean to make it worse. I didn’t know how much you were worried.”

“How could you not know?” He cries. “Of course I worry! Of course I know what my parents are-” he trembles as he can’t say the words. “Just hold me!”

I wrap my arms tight around him and rub his back. His fingers dig into my back as he comes down from his attack. After a while, I pick him up and carry him back to my bed. I tuck him under the covers and lay down beside him. His expression is blue and his tears hang from his white lashes. I smooth his hair out of his face and kiss his forehead lovingly. 

“I’m excited for the ball,” I whisper to him.

“Are you?” His eyes flick up to mine.

I smile at him and nod. “The suit your sister got for me fits like a glove,” I purr. “I cannot wait to see you in yours.” I rub the tears away from his cheeks. “You’re going to look so handsome in all red.”

Ludovico sniffles. “Do you like me in red?”

“Of course,” I gasp. “Aside from pink, it is my favorite color on you.” I rub my thumb across his lips. “Like that one robe of yours,” I whisper to him. “The one with the fur cuffs?”

Ludovic giggles. He sits up as his head spins one last time, bringing it to the soft gentle expression I adore. “Oh yes. I know the one.”

I pull him closer to me and kiss the top of his head. “I can’t wait to dance with you,” I whisper. “And hold you close while everyone watches.”

His hands wrap around my back. “I know. Me too.” He sniffles against my chest. “You’re a beautiful dancer.”

I chuckle. “Genevieve taught me, remember?” I run my fingers through his hair. “Fortescu had me be her partner, remember?”

“I was so jealous of that,” Ludovico giggles. “I used to watch you two dance from my window and I would get so angry.”

“I only ever thought of you when I danced,” I murmur. “I wanted to put my arms around you and spin you.”

Ludovico sniffles again. “I love you more than most things,” he coos.

I tilt his chin up and look at his sorrowful expression. For some reason, I feel that our days are numbered. “I love you more than most things too.” I lie again and I kiss him so that we taste our tears.