“I think you would look quite nice in them. There’s a tunic, too, I believe. ”
“A tunic? Looks like a dress. ” Nikolai pulled the trousers on and then held out the sleeveless tunic, which was made of a diaphanous material that came down to his knees and showed off every aspect of his upper body. He shook his head, smiling, and pulled the tunic over his head. “How do I look?” He twirled in front of the prince, who smiled at him affectionately and slapped him on the ass.
“Quite edible, actually. Now come over here and let me put your collar on you. ”
Nikolai’s face assumed a mutinous expression. “No fucking way. ” He crossed his arms and glared at Jagger.
“Niki!”
“No. You can come over here and try to make me if you like. ” He sat down on the bed and grinned evilly.
“Niki,” Jagger said in his firmest tone. “We don’t have time for this. My father is waiting for us. ”
“If you’re pressed for time, I’d suggest you put that collar away. Otherwise we’ll be here a while. ”
Jagger blew out an impatient breath. “Fine then. But this isn’t over, and we’ll discuss it when we return. If you continue to be so obstinate, I’ll have to spank you. ”
Nikolai raised his eyebrows. “Really? Can you do it now?”
Jagger made an impatient noise and stamped his foot. “Niki, please cooperate. ”
Nikolai got to his feet again and came forward to offer Jagger his arm. “I’m sorry, little Master. Shall I escort you to your father?”
Jagger laid his hand on top of Nikolai’s forearm and regally inclined his head.
* * * * Nikolai looked down on his little prince with pride. He really was such a beauty. Jagger sat regally beside him in the open transporter, staring straight ahead, his silky hair blowing around his face. His eyes looked brighter in the sunshine and they were fairly snapping with the anticipation of the coming confrontation. When the king told Jagger the Rogers were demanding that a Jayronian delegation come to speak to them, he’d bristled with anger.
“How dare they?” he’d asked in outrage. “They’ve always come to the palace in the past. What’s on their minds, father?”
“I don’t know,” King Larius said, rubbing his forehead. “Their representative said they needed
the bauxite shipment and are angry we let it slip through our hands. ” The king glanced at Nikolai and
back to Jagger. “They made certain threats. ”
“Bastards!” Jagger began to pace angrily up and down the throne room while Nikolai watched
him quietly, his eyes alive with speculation. What the hell was this about? What could they possibly
have on the Jayronians to make them bow to their demands?
His father shook his head. Nikolai could see that he was a handsome man of middle age, though
his eyes were deeply shadowed and lined. He looked exhausted. “It does no good to be angry, son.
We must find a way to give them what they want. ”
Jagger seemed to be filled with rage, but he nodded. “I’ll go and speak to them and do what I
can. They must listen to reason!”
“Be careful, Jagger. I can’t lose you too! I know how your temper can make you lose control
sometimes. ”
Jagger waved the idea away and kept pacing. “They’re going to give me some answers this time,
damn them, if they know what’s good for them. ” He stopped and stared at Nikolai. “You will