#epeljack | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

chloe-spade · 3 months

Text

Thorned Love Chapter 4: Tale as old as Time

Vil grumbled as Leona took another chess piece from Vil's side. They were back in the library and Vil found an old chess set that Leona owned as a kid, so for old good time sake, Leona challenged Vil to a game. Leona, as he boasted previously, has been winning, which made Vil determined to win at least one game.

"I never thought that you would be this good at chess," Vil muttered.

"As I said, I played for so long, Princess, and all that chess means I've become an expert at this sport. Especially when you are often alone with maids and servants while your parents tend to fawn over Falena almost all day everyday."

"All day?" Vil asked, "How unforunate."

"I'm used to it now. Rook was typically my partner for these events and he, through all of his annoying snick, has been someone I can call a friend, maybe."

Vil laughs, "Rook and I have been friends since we met at the village at a younger age. I didn't know his parents worked at the palace, and he never spoke of it to me. I just thought they were so busy."

"Understandable, Rook's parents were the Royal Hunters of the palace. That's why Rook's here ever so often," Leona yawned.

"Getting sleepy, kitten? You might lose if you fall asleep," Vil teased.

"Never."

Leona looks at Vil, "What about you and your brother? You two seem close, but that's what I heard from Rook."

"Yeah, very…" Vil sighs, "I just miss him that's all. I know Epel is very strong and he can take care of himself, but as an older brother, I can't help but worry about him and my father. I have never been away from them for so long and then there's Alderic,"

"Who…"

"Some stupid prick who believes that just because he's attractive, he deserves so much, like marry me."

"Marry? Is he that bad of a prick?"

"Yes! He went up to my door and proclaimed that since I was beautiful, or more specifically the only beautiful person in my entire village, I am the only person he would marry. It's stupid and absurd and he's so self-centered that he thinks that I would fawn over him," Vil ranted, "not after what he said to my brother, I will never touch that man, and his disgusting face."

Leona's ears twitched as Vil ranted, his eyes slightly looking up at him. Vil noticed how Leona's tail was swaying back and forth as he huffed softly, but he chose not to acknowledge it.

"If it were me, I would've sent him to the dungeon."

"That would be heavenly," Vil grins, "seeing him trapped and sob that he doesn't deserve this," Vil mocked with a laugh.

"I can see that now. But now I'm curious, what did that bastard say to your brother."

Vil stayed silent before taking the king and the queen in his hands, staring at them. He puts the queen down as he begins to speak.

"I never told anyone else this after what happened. My father told me this when I was about 8 years old, after that incident."

"And why tell me? Your captor?"

"Because, unlike the people of the village, you actually listen to what I said or just take your time out of your day to hang out with me. You've become someone I can trust, along with the others here. I don't feel like a freak here."

"Again, you are talking to a beast, so if anyone's a freak, it'd be me."

Vil lets out a chuckle before starting the story.

🥀

Vil's mother, Lorelei, was well known for her beauty. Oliver always said that Vil got his features from his mother when he turned 18, which was not surprising from the portraits he saw of her as a child.

Many fawned over Lorelei, mostly for her beauty. She adores the attention, though she was never vain about it. She was married to Oliver and had Vil. This was the time when Oliver's inventions became more well-known and was commissioned to make new inventions for the country of France, which meant Oliver was traveling more often. Vil was only 2 years old when Oliver began his traveling, so he didn't remember much and due to his young mind, he never figured out how miserable Lorelei became after Oliver's many departures.

Lorelei never showed it but it was clear to the town that she was miserable.

It did not help matters that many people would start to believe that those "commissions" were ways to get away from his family and to be with another woman, due to claims that Oliver is a crummy inventor and that no one would ever commission that cooky man.

One day, a traveling merchant came over and began selling local apples from Germany. Lorelei and the merchant talked often, mainly about his region and reminiscing about old German cultures. It has unfortunately become a small-time affair, only for a week before the merchant left to travel once more, not returning.

After Oliver's return, Lorelei has fallen pregnant. Due to Oliver's return, the town had assumed that it was a child of Oliver's. That was until the child, now named Epel was born. The town talked about the new child and reminded them of the merchant who traveled there. But no one has spoken up about it due to some believing it to be cruel rumors about Lorelei.

Lorelei tried to laugh them off. But deep down, she was becoming guilty and resentful towards her new son. With all the rumors surrounding them and with Oliver being the type that figured out lies and deceptions, she knew she would get caught and lose the happy life she worked so hard for.

After a few months of this, Oliver took note of the rumors and asked Lorelei about them, mostly to keep his headspace clear after months of inventing and falling unconscious. She denies these allegations, which helps Oliver, but afterward, he notices her dodgy attitude towards him and Epel.

But Oliver couldn't continue his investigation without the fear of her leaving their children, angry at his snooping.

One day, as if the gods planned it, a note was sent while Lorelei was out with both Vil and Epel. Oliver received the letter and read it, shocked at what he had read.

It was a note from an unknown merchant, who wrote that he misses Lorelei and her soft lips and how he daydreams of her whenever he is not occupied with his work. He planned to visit her again once he had to best travel requirements.

Oliver was of course upset and confronted his wife, ashamed of her actions and how could she do that not to Oliver, but to Vil and the new baby.

Lorelei tried to deny it, even though she was slowly becoming panicky. Then she accused Oliver of meeting with the other women while he was on his travels, which Oliver stammered about. They started to argue afterward, leaving Vil to hide with Epel in his room, trying to protect him, it was one of the memories Vil still has of the event.

Night fell and Lorelei was sleeping on the couch after the argument, but the cries of Epel were waking her up every single time. It was driving her insane, but she tried to ignore it, hoping Oliver would've dealt with it, which he had done for the majority of the night, but he was so tired that he slept through the newest cry.

Lorelei was blank as she walked towards Epel's crib, her sleeping pillow gripped tightly in her hands as she raised the pillow up and towards Epel.

The saving grace was when Vil noticed and unknowingly stopped her. Which made Lorelei retreat for the night.

The next moment, Vil asked Oliver if it was normal for Lorelei to raise a pillow over Epel at night, which caught Oliver off guard, and he rushed into Epel's room to witness the same that Vil had described. Oliver took her away, demanding what she was doing. Lorelei's screams of how Epel ruined her happy life always repeated in Vil's head, and how she was trying to set things right, after Oliver's disgusting cheating, but everyone in the town knows it was her.

Lorelei's sobs and screams attract the attention of villagers and tell the works of a nearby asylum about a crazed woman who is about to murder her child. The asylum offered to take her away from Oliver. But Oliver refused until Lorelei spewed more hatred against him and Epel as if her words were now daggers as she stabbed Oliver's heart with her words.

The beautiful and thoughtful woman in town has become ugly and vile to everyone in the town.

🥀

"Since that night I never saw her again. I was allowed visitation but I humbly refused as the asylum scared even to this day. That's why, even now, I fear for Epel's safety. Who knows if that damned escape or not…I wish I knew."

Vil looked back and saw the most concerned look on Leona's face, which looking at it more, was more mortified than concerned. Leona's eyes were slit at the story and his tail was frozen solid.

"…what?"

The Lion was too baffled to speak, as his hand holding the chess piece did not move an inch. Leona has become a statue of bafflement, which Vil was debating on soothing or laughing at him. But Vil carefully took the chess piece and with a smirk on his face, said:

"Checkmate."

🥀

Epel was trying to keep a smile as days went by and has continued to tend to his father as he always did. But with new sets of bouquets by Epel's doorway with stupid and disgusting poems attached to them made him sick to his stomach. It was hard to keep it from strangers, his father, and even Jack, someone Epel actually trusts with his life if needed, which made Epel feel guilty.

It made Epel bake for the majority of his morning, trying to see if he could avoid Alderic or even Cederic walking up to his cottage. It was making him so anxious that he wasn't paying attention to the pie that was still in his hands.

"Careful," Jack spoke up, taking the pie from Epel, "if you stand there long enough, you might as well hallucinate."

Epel quickly looks back and gulps, "S-sorry, I just…having some thoughts."

"About?"

"It's nothing," Epel answered, "I should rest up more."

"Epel," Jack took his hand, "I know something is wrong. What happened last week? Is it because of Vil being gone or because of Alderic? With you being distracted and jumpy, I would assume it's Alderic. What did he do?"

Epel gulped and looked up at Jack.

"I don't need to explain myself," Epel huffed, "It's not any of your business. And I do not need help…"

"Epel, I get it. You don't want to seem weak but you need to tell me what happened. Alderic may be a force to be reckon with but you can't deal with him alone." Jack reassured, "You have me remember?"

"I know I do! But with that asshole thinking that he can control me and that if I marry him, Father won't be stuck in a stupid asylum! And I can't object because I know it's something that Vil would do but I'm scared."

"Marry…Alderic?" Jack repeated.

"He threatened me! And I would rather marry someone else than that stupid, narcissistic ass!" Epel ranted, "If I was given a choice, I would-"

"Epel!"

Epel looks at Jack and huffs.

"Let me recall what you just said to me," Jack started, "Alderic is forcing you to marry him so he wouldn't take Oliver to an asylum. Am I correct in that assumption?"

"Yes, that's true," Epel admitted, "and because Vil isn't around for Alderic to bother. And I hate that I know if this doesn't happen, not only I lose Vil, but Father as well. I hate being weak!"

Jack took Epel in a hug, trying to calm Epel down.

"You aren't weak, Epel," Jack acknowledged, "you are the strongest person I know. I wish he would just leave you alone, you and Vil."

"Thanks, Jack," Epel sighs.

Epel moves away from Jack, face blushing. He quickly took the pie and started to wrap and store it for later, trying to look out for Alderic once again. Jack sighs, as even he wouldn't calm Epel's nerves.

"Who would you marry if it wasn't Alderic?" Jack joked.

"That's private information," Epel smiles.

"I should've know," Jack laughs, "but I know it isn't Alderic."

"We both damn know I would never marry Alderic or even Cedric," Epel gagged, "Ew. I would..marry someone who has always been there for me. Though the thought of marriage is gross enough with the expectations. I wouldn't even imagining marrying someone."

"Then, what if I said that I want to marry you?"

Epel looked over at Jack and felt his face heat up. It didn't help the situation that he was pinned to his counter, and Jack looked so flustered with his question.

"Well, if you said that…would you be surprised if I would say yes?" Epel gulped.

Jack's ears perked and his tail wagged slightly as he carefully put his hand on Epel's cheek.

"What…would happen if I kissed you?"

"I would just say do it."

Jack hesitated, still nervous. Epel huffed and pulled Jack by his collar and kissed him, surprising Jack. But it felt like Epel was finally able to get his mind at ease, especially with Jack's arms around him, promising protection which was something Epel longed for. He didn't even acknowledge the noise outside of the cottage, just focusing on Jack.

"I…wow," Jack chuckles as he pulls away.

"You hesitated," Epel teased.

"Sorry about that.."

🥀

"We still need them together," Rook moped towards Trey, "They have tried everything and they've seen them getting along, but we need something more. More, like getting them in a secluded location with a romantic flare!"

"Romantic flare? Perhaps you have ideas?" Trey asked, "Rook, you have to remember, I am not the romantic type."

"You are married, Chaviler of Roses," Rook grins, "with a beautiful boy, no less."

"I did small stuff, sure, but Jade ultimately made the move. I have no idea what I did to create romantic feelings but it must be something, like a mutual connection, it just happens, Rook." Trey explained. "They have a mutual connection, Rook, the most likely step is to set up a date. A place where all the romantic stuff can happen slowly but surely. Something that maybe should be approved by Leona firsthand."

"Ah, of course. Roi de Lion can be such a hackle when it comes to family events. Balls…wait! A personal ball. No one else but him and Roi de Poison." Rook grins, "that's perfect! Let me go to Roi de Lion!"

"Rook! And he's gone. I swear once romance enters his head, he does not let go of it."

"What did you expect?" Floyd spoke up, startling Trey, "Seagull loves romantic endeavors. I mean, he did set you and Jade together after all, so I believe he can get that date going."

"I know," Trey sighs.

Floyd smirks and takes a pastry from Trey's plate and takes a bite, eating with victory.

"No, you will not give some to Johnnie, we both know that'll spoil his dinner, and I don't want that for my son." Trey spoke without speaking up from chopping the vegetables.

"You are no fun."

🥀

"A ball?" Leona spoke up, "That's too sudden and big. No way."

"Roi de Leon, I understand, but I know Roi de Poison and I know he'll enjoy such a romantic gesture and he often reads of those in books and I think we all know this will be perfect for him. He adored those as a child, and I remember speaking of those times quite fondly when he grabbed a book from the library."

"Look, I just don't want to seem forward," Leona stated, "If he found out why I am seeking his love, I don't think I would've forgiven myself, he'll think I'm using him to save myself, but…"

"I'm surprised," Falena spoke up, "but I see this as a big chance for you, Leona. These past few weeks, you and Vil have gotten along splendidly, and this can be the greatest gesture of love you can ever give someone."

Leona thought for a moment and sat down on the bed. Imagining a grand ball was already making Leona feel nervous, but considering it was only him and Vil..it made him even more nervous. He didn't even consider doing balls mainly because what was the point? Now, he has a point, but how will he go with it?

"I need time." Leona spoke up, "If I were to plan, what should I start? How should I start?"

"Oh, I have a few things up my sleeves," Rook chuckled.

"Oh boy."

🥀

Vil came back from his bath to see an envelope in his drawer by his bed. It was placed neatly and sealed with the royal seal of the land.

Strange, but it could be a way for Leona to communicate if Vil was busy with something, something that they had discussed previously. Vil took the envelope, carefully opened it, took the letter out of it, and began to read it.

Dear Vil,

I hereby declare that I will be hosting a small event and I request your presence. Be dressed in formal clothing as this is a formal occasion and be there at 7:15.

Vil smiles and puts the letter down. Never thought he'd be invited to a fancy ball, though it was odd and he was living within the castle that gave him the invite, but he thought it was sweet nonetheless.

🥀

Vil stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting his gloves and necklace. It was the night of the royal ball, and Vil was excited but nervous at the same time. He had never been to a ball before, and he wanted to make a good impression.

He wore a purple dress with golden accents with a white gloves, paired with a small golden bow at the back of his hair and golden shoes. His hair was braided, and he had a hint of perfume on his neck. He, of course, added makeup to his look, he felt empty without it.

He also had a set of golden jewelry, courtesy of Jade. Matching necklace and earrings helped finalize his appearance.

Vil took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror once more. He knew that his brother, Epel, would have teased him for spending so much time getting ready, but Vil wanted to look his best.

As he made his way to the ballroom, Vil couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. He felt like he didn't belong. But he pushed those thoughts aside and reminded himself that he was there to have fun and enjoy the night.

As soon as Vil entered the ballroom, he was greeted by the sound of music. The room was decorated with beautiful flowers, and there was a grand staircase leading down to the ballroom dance floor.

Vil took a deep breath and made his way to the dance floor. He looked around, trying to find someone to dance with. His eyes met with Leona's, who was standing by the refreshment table.

Seeing Leona nice and clean made Vil want to laugh, but he didn't. He was just staring, at how handsome Leona is, with the blue suit with golden accents. He saw not a beast, but an actual prince, a prince he wanted to dance with.

"Would you like to dance?" Vil asked, trying to hide his nerves.

Leona smiled and took Vil's hand, leading him to the dance floor. As they swayed to the music, Vil felt his nerves melt away. He looked around the ballroom, taking in the sights and sounds of the night.

The music made things even better for them.

"We need something," Rook realizes, "To set a better mood."

"Like what exactly?" Trey questioned, "They looked happy enough. What else do we need?"

"A song," Rook hummed, "something that they can dance to, and what can describe their beautiful relationship."

"But you know that I hate singing," Trey spoke up, "especially with the romantic energy that's here."

Jade and Floyd came out from the kitchen, holding a new plate of food for dinner. Trey and Rook looked at each other and back at Jade and knew who to ask.

"Monsior Mastermind," Rook called over, "we need you to do a small favor for us."

"What for?" Jade asked.

"We need you to sing for this lovely event," Rook announced with a smile.

"No."

"Come on, Jade! Sing something for us," Floyd urged, nudging him playfully.

"I don't know," Jade sighs, "I'm not comfortable singing in front of people," Jade pointed out.

"Oh, come on, you have an amazing voice! I know you can do it," Trey grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"And it'll be amazing for this beautiful for tonight," Rook added, "and your voice will do perfectly."

After a few moments of hesitation, Jade finally gave in and decided to sing a song.

🥀

Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly

Just a little change

Small to say the least

Both a little scared

Neither one prepared

Beauty and the Beast

🥀

"You are such a good dancer," Vil laughs, "have you ever dance before?"

"Not as often as I like," Leona whispered, "but I never danced with the intent of actually dance with a person. I mean the last time I danced was when I was young. How about you?"

Vil looks up and holds his hands. "Well, I never danced before."

"That explains your nervous movement," Leona joked.

"Hey," Vil pouted, "no one has ever asked me to dance with them, nor invited me to a royal ball. Remember, I was the black sheep of my town, despite being fawned over by that same exact town. I refused to wed to Alderic, which everyone wanted, and now I'm here. Dancing with you, even thiugh I never danced in my life."

"That's a dream come."

Vil felt his face blush as he thought about it.

"Yeah," Vil grinned, "It's most definitely a dream come true,"

The duo gazed at each other as they swayed on the dance floor, and the music boomed around them, making them feel alone in the ballroom.

🥀

Ever just the same

Ever a surprise

Ever as before

And ever just as sure

As the sun will rise

Tale as old as time

Tune as old as song

Bittersweet and strange

Finding you can change

Learning you were wrong

Certain as the sun

Rising in the east

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

🥀

They continued dancing, lost in their thoughts and feelings. Leona felt like he was on top of the world, dancing with the person he loved.

As the song ended, they pulled away from each other, smiling shyly. They both knew that their relationship was just beginning, but they were excited about what the future held.

They took a bow.

"I heard the stars are beautiful this time of year," Leona spoke, holding his arm out for Vil.

"You don't mind showing me, dear kitten?"

Vil takes Leona's arm and they walk into the balcony, watching the stars above them. They walked over and sat down by the stone bench, watching the stars.

"It's so beautiful out here," Vil gasps, "makes me think of home."

Leona looks back and looks back at the stars again. "I can understand why. Makes me think of my old home as well."

"Why did you leave?"

"I…I felt invisible in my own family," Leona explained, "Sure, I'd have my fair share of achievements but they were almost nothing compared to Falena's. I mean, he got married and has a kid now, while I got transformed into a beast. Seems more funny if it wasn't also unfair."

"Not really," Vil sighs, "but hanging out with you these past months made me see that you are just someone who just needs someone…to sympathize with, to talk to. Have similar hobbies and conversations."

"Would that also applied to you?"

"You won't tell on me, would you?"

Leona laughs and looks away for a moment before sighing.

"I got a gift for you," Leona spoke up, "something for you."

Leona coughed before handing Vil a beautiful silver mirror, embroidered with roses and thorns. The glass felt like it was made of pure crystal, especially as it was reflecting both him and Leona. He didn't want to touch it but it was so beautiful that he had to, even for a small while.

"It's beautiful," Vil muttered, "I mean, it's extremely beautiful. How.."

"I found it along with the rose. Like the rose, it has magical properties, one that I only dabbled in. But it can show the person you wish to see, even from the confines of the castle."

"…uh," Vil stammered a little, before looking at the mirror and said, "Show me my father."

The mirror swirled in a green mist. The image of his father sleeping in a bed made Vil feel relief, seeing him safe in the cottage. However, he felt something was off, due to the noise of horses and people cheering in the mirror.

"…what is that?"

"A celebration of sorts?" Leona questioned, "though, it seems off."

"..Maybe it's Epel?"

As soon as Epel was mentioned, the mirror began to swirl and show a new sight. The sight of Epel in front of his house, with Alderic of all people, surprisingly all dressed up, with flowers and lights making up a scenery.

"What's…" Vil was speechless, worried for his younger brother.

"….I'm only doing this for my father," he heard Epel speak, "if you weren't threatening his life, I wouldn't even be here."

"Aw, don't be like that," Alderic grinned, "you are marrying me, after all, a natural treasure."

"Marry!?" Vil almost screamed.

"What did he do?" Leona asked, also annoyed.

"Something about my father…I knew Alderic would stoop this low! Forcing marriage…" Vil got up and looked at Leona, "I have to go. I have to save my brother, and I know this breaks our agreement but Epel's…"

"Then go," Leona spoke up, "You have a family to save, and it's better to be over there than to be trapped in this.."

"Don't." Vil hissed, "I am not leaving for long." Vil takes Leona's hand and looks up at him, " I promise that I will be back, with Father and Epel too. You have become someone I can consider a friend and maybe…" Vil gulped, "I'll be back, ok?"

Leona smiles and nods his head at Vil.

"Go, don't let me stop you."

Vil begins to walk away but he looks back with a look that says "I promise," before bolting out of the balcony and onto the staples and taking Appletart. He jumped onto her and looked back at the castle, within the silence, he could hear Leona once again.

🥀

No spell has been broken

No words have been spoken

No point anymore if he can't love me

No hope she would do so

No dream to pursue, so

I looked at myself, despise all the things I see

For I know that she

Cannot set me free

Let the world be done with me

🥀

Vil was saddened at Leona's hope fading as he began to ride away. He knew he had to go but he knew why he wanted to stay. His heart was telling him to, telling him to scream his love to Leona before he left, but his throat squeezed when he thought of trying.

But knowing his time at the castle made him happy.

🥀

There's been a change in me

A kind of moving on

Though what I used to be

I still depend upon

For now, I realize

That good can come from bad

That may not make me wise

But oh it makes me glad

And I, I never thought I'd leave behind

My childhood dreams

But I don't mind

For now, I love the world I see

No change of heart

A change in me

🥀

He thought of the days he and Leona either played chess, played in the snow for the kids or just comfortably read by the fireplace for hours on end or until they passed and cuddled against each other afterward.

He thought he couldn't love someone like Leona, but with just time, he didn't see a beast, no. A prince who needed compassion and love in his life.

Vil knew that now.

🥀

For in my dark despair

I slowly understood

My perfect world out there

Had disappeared for good

But in it's place I feel

A truer life begin

And it's so good and real

It must come from within

🥀

Vil knew he had a reason to come back, even just for a small moment, a moment he never wanted to end, a moment that made him feel what love was. Not just the meaning from the books he reads, but from the love he felt by just being with Leona, and the many things that they had done for the past months.

🥀

And I, I never thought I'd leave bеhind

My childhood dreams

But I don't mind

I'm where and who I want to be

No change of heart

A change in me

No change of heart

A change in me

🥀

Vil loves Leona, and he knows that Leona loves him back.

In that moment as he saw an opening to his town, Vil knew. Vil knew why he wanted to come back.