^^Heat Camp^^
This chapter is going to be in Alastair's point of view- just so you guys don't get confused.
Enjoy!! <3

"If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?"

                                                                 Stephen Wright

Chapter 10

Alastair's POV

Previously as River slept~

I watched as my love slept peacefully in my arms.

He was the most beautiful person I'd ever laid eyes on. His skin was as fragile and smooth as porcelain, his hair a pale, golden canopy covering his big, innocent blues. From the moment my eyes met his he's had me both dumbfounded and deeply in love.

It was quite comical how I met him only days ago, yet, already, he had me wrapped around his fragile, little finger. I remembered the first time I had laid my eyes on his perfection. I couldn't believe how perfect and beautiful he was. He was like a dream; one I hoped would never end. Though amidst all my ogling I realized that on top of his porcelain skin laid a layer of dirt and bruises prominently distinguishable against his pale color.

It was almost as if my body had been torched as my blood boiled.

Someone had laid their hands on my mate.

Morbid images of revenge flashed before my eyes, as I scooped my mate protectively into my arms and laid eyes on the guilty man beside him.

I had promised that he would pay, with his own flesh and blood.

And that, he did.

I brushed my finger softly against his flushed cheek as he slept, cradled safely in my arms.

This is where he should lay forever, safely tucked in my arms, away from all the evil and darkness of this world. He should only have to see the most beautiful parts of the world. I will never allow any harm to ever be cast against him again. He was my most treasured person and treasure him, I shall.

I took my pocket watch out from beneath my evening garments.

7:23 am

It was late. The carriage men were most probably waiting for me. It was not kind of me to allow them to wait to idly by for me, no matter my position.

I gently laid River against the new, silk pillows I had recently got him after seeing him eye them in Michael and Keith's quarters. His eyes seemed so full of curiosity as he rubbed his hand softly against them when he thought no one was looking. I knew he wouldn't ask for them, as he was one to remain silent rather than voice his own desires. So, when he wasn't aware, I had gone and requested one to be delivered immediately, and sure enough, the following day there were four lying on my bed, waiting for me.

I would get him anything his heart desired. Even the whole world if he so  demanded.

I pulled the fur blanket up to his chin before leaving a small kiss on his forehead. He let out a small whimper as he turned away from me, causing me to freeze in fear of having awakened him, but he just made small mumbling sounds before becoming silent again.

I let out a sigh of relief, as I quickly hurried to my closet to change out of my evening wear before rushing out of my chamber; only to rush back and kiss River repeatedly on the forehead before rushing out once again.

I could already begin to feel the heat sweltering inside me as my lips had laid against my love's silky skin.

The carriage men greeted me as I entered the golden coach. The maids had already begun packing up my belongings and I sat there peering out the window until they finished.

A carriage boy peeked in through the silk covering as he spoke, "We're going to begin moving now, Your Highness."

I nodded in acknowledgment before turning back out the window, as the carriage began to move.

I watched as the castle got smaller and smaller, as my love got farther and farther away from my reach.

'It's worth it' I chanted in my head as I felt my inner wolf whimper in protest.

Goodbye, my love.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

"We're here, Your Majesty."

I blinked myself awake as I pulled away the curtain and gasped.

Wow.

When I was told of this Heat Camp I was not aware that it was within a mountain.

I stepped out of my carriage and was immediately greeted by a tall, broad man.

"Welcome, Your Majesty. My name is Hemlock," he smiled as he signaled a group of men towards my carriage, "they will unload your carriage for you and bring it to your room as I show you around, follow me." He motioned towards me as he began walking deeper into the mountain.

It's absolutely stunning.

The walls and ceilings were covered in thick layers of stone and rock, which sparkled as lighted candles shone against them in an elegant, colorful dance. Waterfalls seemed to come from the ceilings in every corner making a zen-like mood, as men of all kingdoms surrounded the springs beneath the falls chattering and laughing amongst themselves.

"We take much pride in our peaceful ambiance. This is a place where anyone from any kingdom should feel comfortable to come when in their state of heat and be able to seek the comfort and tranquility they need until it passes." He said motioning to the groups of men.

"That's quite an achievement, to keep men from different kingdoms from fighting with one another. What's your secret?"

"I'm afraid that's a secret, Your Highness," he winked.

"Hmmm."

"Next will be the dining hall."

I followed him as he ushered me through pathways of rock and stone.

How am I going to be able to find my way around when he's no longer leading me? All these pathways look exactly the same.

"Here we are."

I looked around and again was awestricken by the beauty.

The room had long white and purple crystals hanging elegantly from the ceiling, along with a large chandelier in the center of rows and rows of wooden bench tables.

"This is where you, Your Highness, along with the other men here will come for your daily three meals."

He continued walking and I followed.

"And this will be Your Highness's room."

I walked in as I eyed my surroundings. It was definitely smaller than what I was used to, but still quite charming in its own aspect. The room was dimly lit and themed red and cream. The bedspread and couch beside the bed were a blood red, along with the carpet and lamp beside the couch. The walls, floor, and ceiling were a creamy rock and gave off a majestic-like feel.

As I admired the room a man came up behind Hemlock and began to whisper in his ear. Hemlock's eyes widened at the man's words.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but there're some matters I need to attend to. I hope you fancy your room and if there's anything you need, you may call for Erick my second-hand."

"It quite fits my fancy, thank you. However, while I am here I would appreciate it if you didn't refer to me by my title. It's a secret that I am here and I wouldn't want to make the men feel uncomfortable if they know that a royal is amongst them."

"Very well, what am I to call then, Your Highness?"

"You may call me, Alastair."

"Very well, Alastair," he smiled before leaving with the man and closing the door behind them.

I sat down on the soft, cushioned bed with a huff.

Well, this is going to be interesting to adapt to...

I laid there for what felt like hours thinking of all the things I wanted to do with my beautiful mate when I will return.

I wonder if he's already begun to write that list I told him of.

A knock resounded at my door, startling me from my thoughts.

I lifted myself from the bed and opened the door, revealing a tall, blue-eyed man.

His eyes reminded me of River, however, the rest of him was completely different from my mate. Where River was only 5'7, this man was a scaling 6'4. Where River had smooth, flawless skin, he had intricate tattoos running up both arms and hugging around his neck in a vivid colored choker. Where River's hair was as golden as the sun, the man's hair was as black as the midnight sky.

"As much as I'm flattered to be getting checked out by a super hot guy, I'm kind of taken." The man smirked.

Nothing like River.

"You're mistaken, I was just comparing you, mentally, to my mate. As much as your eyes resemble his, the rest of you clearly does not."

He raised a brow, "no need to get offended or anything, we all have mates here. You know what they say, what happens in Heat Camp stays in Heat Camp," he smirked.

Is he implying that the men here cheat on their own mates?

He burst out laughing, "no need to look so horrified, hazel eyes, I was joking."

Am I supposed to find the idea of cheating on the love of my life humorous?

"Was there something you needed?"

He wiped his eyes before answering, "Oh yeah, Hemlock told me to get you. It's dinner time."

Perhaps you should have opened with that.

"Very well."

He raised a brow, "Your way of speech is quite aristocratic."

"Is that so?"

"Um hm.."

"Are you not to lead me to the dining hall?"

"Oh! Yeah! Follow me." He began walking as I followed close behind.

Was my class obvious by my speech? Would others pick up on it?

My father had permitted such a journey with the condition of keeping my identity a secret. He believed that it would look bad for the royal family if one of their own had to be sent to a Heat Camp. After all, Heat Camps were commonly known for those who are rejected by their mates and it would look bad if one from the royal family was rejected, not to mention a huge disgrace.

I didn't agree with my father's words nor mindset, but he was king and his word was law. If he had not permitted my journey here it would have been against the law to have gone against it. So, though I don't agree with him, I was grateful for his allowance of my getaway trip.

"Ta da! The dining hall, a place where all unite for the sake of food." He smiled, spreading out his arms dramatically, towards the dining hall.

Well, he is definitely quite the character.

"Come!" He latched onto my arm as he dragged me into the dining hall.

After much protest, and two trays piled with food. He dragged me to a table with four men chattering away.

"Hey, guys! I found a newbie!"

Everyone looked up from their conversation and looked me over before smiling.

"Hey newbie," a dimpled, brunette smiled, "I'm Ron, this is Blaine," he signaled to a dark-haired brunette who was stuffing his face with food, "and these two are Nate and Marcus," he signaled to two redheaded twins, Marcus crossed his arms as his brother, Nate, smiled softly.

"Hi," they said together.

"And this is Allen," Ron continued, signaling to a small dirty blond who was staring up at me with huge brown eyes.

"Have you found your mate, yet?" Allen asked.

"Yes."

"Did your mate reject you?"

"No."

His eyebrows creased together, "then why are you here and not mating with your mate?"

I sighed.

Do I really have to explain myself?

"Because I want our first time to be special, not a heat of the moment thing and definitely not while I'm in heat and can't control myself."

They all stared at me wide eyed.

Kaiden burst out laughing, breaking the silence, "there are guys like you out there that actually exist?!"

"Wow, how noble of you," Blaine added monotony.

The twins remained silent.

"You must really love your mate..." Allen trailed off.

"I do, he's the most beautiful person in the world and I'm lucky to call him mine," I smiled.

The twins' eyes widened.

"Aaah, so you are gay!" Kaiden pointed at me.

"No, I am attracted to no other than him."

I am River-sexual.

"Aaah, so a gay in denial." Kaiden sang.

"No..."

"Yes, you ar--"

"Enough!" Marcus slammed his fist against the table.

The table grew silent as everyone stared quizzically at Marcus.

"Marcus, calm down," Nate whispered to Marcus softly.

Marcus's face softened as he looked at his brother, "I'm sorry," he mumbled, sitting back down as he laid his head against his brother's shoulder and closed his eyes.

Nate gently ran his fingers through his brother's hair as he smiled softly at him.

"I apologize for my brother's behavior," Nate said softly, "homosexuality isn't permitted in our kingdom, so it's a little bit of a touchy subject for him."

I could tell he was lying. Not completely, though. I believed what he said about homosexuality not being permitted in their kingdom to be true, as it's common in some kingdoms to be homophobic, but I don't believe that's what caused Marcus to blow up like that.

There must be a deeper reason.

The silence left just as quickly as it came as the conversation began to flow across the table, soon we had all forgotten about the awkward moment and began to talk like long-time friends. I immediately connected Ron and Allen, they were both so genuine and easy to talk to. Even Kaiden was beginning to grow on me, even with his hyperactive personality and need to consistently be in a state of a sugar rush. Though, I didn't really get to know Blaine as he seemed to just sulk in the corner of the table the whole time, sipping on a huge mug of beer.

I wonder why he is so solemn?

The night progressed and I later found myself dragged to one of the waterfalls I previously saw and was immediately tossed into the water, leading to a major water fight full of laughter.

I felt like a pup again. I didn't have to worry about running a whole nation along with my father, I could just sit around, relax, and have fun.

Though in all the fun I was having, I still felt as if a part of me was missing.

I miss my love.

"Okay guys," Allen yawned, stretching his arms out as he climbed out of the spring, "I'm passing out, so I think I'm going to go to sleep before I drown myself," he laughed.

I heard a collective 'me too's as we all climbed out of the spring.

"It was nice meeting you, Alastair," Ron said, patting me on the back.

"See you tomorrow," Allen said, yawning as began walking to his room with Ron close behind him.

"See you," Blaine grunted as he put his hands in his pockets and followed after them.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see a smiling Kaiden, "my room and the twins' are in the same direction as yours, so let's walk together," he smiled.

"Okay," I smiled.

I followed as Kaiden led. The twins walked beside me as we kept a steady conversation going.

"This is where I separate guys," Kaiden said as he motioned towards his room.

The twins and I gave a collective 'goodnight's as Kaiden winked before walking into his room and closing the door.

We walked a few more doors down before reaching mine.

We exchanged 'good night's before I closed the door.

Oh, wait, I forgot to ask what time I'm supposed to get up tomorrow morning.

I quickly went to open the door and saw that they hadn't gotten too far, but before I could call for them, Marcus pushed Nate harshly against the wall.

Oh, no.

I was about to take action to stop the fight before someone got hurt, but suddenly Marcus's tight hold softened as he whispered something to Nate that caused Nate's eyes to glisten. Marcus tenderly brushed his fingers against Nate's cheek as he gently connected his lips to his.

Collage of everyone:

Drama!! Sorry, I had too :P Who's your favorite new character from the bunch? I hope you guys loved it as much as I loved writing this! Love you guys!! <3