The Fifth Son by Blaine D Arden

Summary:

Llyskel is the fifth son of a King, but, unlike his brothers, he doesn't have a career in politics or the military to look forward to. In a world where everyone possesses magic to some degree or other, Llyskel is powerless, unable to perform even the smallest magic-based tasks. All his life, he's been under constant guard for his own protection from the magical world around him, much to his annoyance. The only time Llyskel feels free is when he paints, where the only spells he needs are the ones he weaves with brush and paint, capturing moments of beauty and giving them immortality on canvas.

Llyskel harbors a secret wish, though, a dark desire that haunts his nights. Only Ariv, a captain in the King's army, seems to sense the truth of Llyskel's needs. The pull he feels to Llyskel is unavoidable, and the passion between them undeniable.

But Ariv isn't the only one interested in Llyskel. The Queen of a neighboring country expresses her interest in the boy's talents, but her true intent goes far beyond a love of art. And what she asks may be too high a price for any of them.

 Reviewer: Fashionta
 

A Prince grows up with everyone around him coming into their magic, all the while he’ll never know what that feels like, as he will never come into his magic. A Captain of the Guard who has been watching the prince grow and waiting for the moment, the perfect moment, he can make the sweet prince his own. This is a wonderful short and sweet fairytale that will have you quickly turning the pages. 

Llyskel has the ability to completely immerse himself into his painting. He lives for it, breathes it, wouldn’t otherwise survive without it. It is a part of him. He may not have the ability to create magic like everyone else, but his paints become his magic, they are in a sense brought to life by what he sees around him and how he can capture a moment with just a glance. He will quickly lose track of time and his surrounding while he focuses solely on painting. He also seems to have an interesting fascination with the magic shooters that allow the users to wield their magic with more precision. He desires to have someone use a stunning spell—more precisely he desires it to be Captain Ariv. 

Whenever Captain Ariv is around, Llyskel, he is sure Ariv can see right through to his very soul and understand what he craves. Ariv has a way to always seem to catch Llyskel unawares as well, as if he is also watching Llyskel waiting for something. Ariv is an interesting character as he can read Llyskel like an open book. Ariv walks around with a smug smile knowing the effect he has on Llyskel. At first you don’t think they will be a good match as they seem too different. As they interact more, though, you see how they both harbor feels for each other. They complement one another nicely. 

You can’t help but feel for Llyskel. He wants so badly to be equal among his family. But since he will never come into his magic they end up treating him like glass, as if he’ll just shatter and fade away. Upon hearing the King and Queen—his parents—talk about him, how they worry for his safety, for his well being, Llyskel feels like he is a burden forced to rely on them. They don’t think it is safe for him to travel alone anywhere and he is stuck having a guard at all times. 

Finally! One night as Llyskel heads into his room, Captain Ariv appears behind him pushing him up against the wall. Looking into Llyskel eyes he says, “I know what you want.” Llyskel is overcome with emotions, how did Ariv figure it out? But as quickly as this happens, it ends just as fast … something is wrong, the spell Ariv tried to use on Llyskel does not work. (Have you guessed it? Yes, Ariv took the shooter and pointed it at Llyskel intending to shoot him with a stunning spell! It left me a bit baffled really, that Llyskel would crave to be shot with a stunning spell?) Yet, Llyskel is a bit of a mystery as it is. Like why he doesn’t come into his magic and how can he see the minute details in things as he does and paint them, capturing their beauty unerringly.

Later one of Llyskels brothers corners him, claiming he’s heard something interesting from Captain Ariv, only to then attempt to hit Llyskel with magic. His brother is shocked that not only did the magic not hit him but some of the spells ended up going through him without causing harm. Captain Ariv then surprises us by showing up in front of Llyskel’s family, presenting him with a traditional courting gift. It’s so cute to see Llyskel fumbling over presenting his own courting gift to Ariv—in front of Ariv’s unit no less! 

But every story needs something to go wrong, right? It’s Queen Solanta of Atan. On the night of Llykel and Ariv’s first official date, she kidnaps Llyskel, planning to force him to wed Orna, her daughter. The nerve of her! So of course Llyskel makes an escape plan! He’s almost out, but the pain from the concussion he received during the kidnapping is slowing him down. If only Ariv would come for him!  

I rather liked this story and Llyskel with all his quirks, even his kinky ones! LOL. There is just something about him that holds your interest and makes you want to understand how his mind works. The story is wonderfully written for a short story, though I do wish it was longer. Captain Ariv fits Llyskel perfectly as he understands what it is that Llyskel wants and needs. 

 

I give it 4 stars. Great short stories filled with a magic, an interesting kink, and of course love! I would recommend it!

Publisher: Storm Moon Press                                
Source:  Publisher provided for review