Side Story #4
“H-How could you spank… Such a humiliating…”
In contrast, Ruslan muttered with a shocked face. He looked as if he had never even known such an act existed.
“Now, now. That’s enough, let’s head back for now,” said Anture, who had been silently watching Enrique scold the children. Enrique reluctantly let go of the ears he was holding. The brothers held their pulled ears with their hands, looking upset. Their faces were flushed red.
“Come on, let’s go back,” Anture said, patting the children’s shoulders. The brothers clung tightly to Anture, like chicks seeking their mother’s protection. They were seeking refuge there, afraid Enrique might grab their ears again. Enrique let out a laugh, finding it all too ridiculous.
The children moved cautiously while clinging to Anture. Then they both staggered almost simultaneously. Enrique quickly caught and supported Ruslan.
“Ah… my body feels strange,” Ruslan mumbled with a slightly slurred voice. He had gulped down the unfamiliar beer without hesitation. It seemed the alcohol was taking effect.
“Looks like we’ll have to carry them?” Anture said while supporting Bayan. Bayan was staggering with a red face. Anture lifted Bayan into his arms. Enrique likewise lifted Ruslan and held him.
“Uh, uhh…” Ruslan instinctively wrapped his arms around Enrique’s neck and made an awkward sound.
“You little drunkard. I’ll spank you,” Enrique said, following behind Anture and lightly spanking Ruslan’s bottom.
“Ah, Dad. This is too humiliating,” Ruslan said, articulating each word despite his slurred speech.
“Humiliating or not, if you do this again, I’ll take your pants off and spank you bare,” Enrique threatened. Ruslan nodded his head desperately, as if he didn’t think it was an empty threat at all. Finding this too cute, Enrique ended up smiling.
Ruslan, who had been tense and breathing heavily at first, soon fell asleep in Enrique’s arms. Enrique smiled softly as he looked down at Ruslan sleeping comfortably in his arms. Bayan in Anture’s arms had also fallen asleep as they walked side by side. The two returned to the palace, each holding one of the brothers.
“How about we all sleep together?” Anture suggested. Enrique nodded willingly.
They carefully laid the sleeping children down in their marital bedroom. Servants carefully changed their clothes and wiped their faces and hands with damp towels. Tired from the day’s adventures and affected by the beer, the children slept deeply without waking once.
Enrique and Anture also changed into nightclothes and got into bed. The two brothers lay between them. With the four family members lying side by side, the large bed was fully occupied. Although Enrique and Anture couldn’t sleep closely together tonight, just exchanging glances with the children between them was enough to fulfill everything.
*
Enrique vaguely woke from sleep. He heard soft whispering sounds right next to him.
“Anture?” Enrique fumbled with his hand to the side in his sleepy state. He tightly hugged whatever he grabbed.
A strange gasp sounded. Enrique frowned. It wasn’t the firm, muscular body he expected. The feeling in his arms was too small and soft.
He heard giggling. Enrique slowly opened his eyelids.
He saw a silver head of hair. And below it, golden eyes frozen in surprise.
“Ah, it’s Ruslan.” Enrique gently stroked Ruslan’s head, which was snugly held in his arms. While at it, he also patted his bottom. He heard giggling again. The source of that sound was none other than Bayan.
“Ruslan is just a baby after all,” Bayan teased Ruslan.
“I’m not a baby,” Ruslan said with a pout. His golden eyes looked at Enrique, pleading to be let go. Enrique gazed at Ruslan with narrowed eyes, then suddenly planted a kiss on his white cheek. Ruslan’s eyes widened in surprise. Enrique chuckled as he messed up Ruslan’s hair. Bayan also laughed along, enjoying the scene. Watching this, a fond smile spread across Anture’s lips.
As all four of them woke up, the bedroom suddenly became lively.
Servants came in one after another to help with washing up and changing clothes.
They had a simple breakfast sitting around the table in the bedroom. Of course, it was only simple in name – the menu was quite abundant.
Enrique was strict about table manners.
Bayan sat at the table with a fairly mature posture and began eating with proper manners. Ruslan’s manners were also impeccable. Enrique marveled at how the children devoured food endlessly while still maintaining perfect table etiquette. Of course, he had quite an appetite during his growth period too, but never to this extent. Being Alphas, their appetites and the amount they ate seemed considerable.
Even as Enrique and Anture finished their meals early and chatted over tea, the children were still focused on eating. As Enrique met Anture’s gaze, he noticed a strange sight in the corner of his vision. Bayan was moving vegetables from his plate to Ruslan’s.
“Bayan Shamier,” Enrique called sternly. Bayan stuck out his tongue.
“Vegetables don’t taste good, Father,” Bayan grumbled.
“Ruslan is eating well without complaining. You’re not setting a good example as the older brother,” Enrique said, looking at Ruslan who was putting vegetables in his mouth without protest.
“Hey, do you really want to eat that?” Bayan asked, tapping Ruslan’s arm.
“I don’t have a habit of being picky with food,” Ruslan said in a calm voice. But he was still a child after all. Ruslan’s brow furrowed ever so slightly as he put a bunch of vegetables in his mouth and chewed, as if to prove a point. Enrique felt proud of the mature behavior, eating even what he disliked, but also felt a bit sorry for him. However, considering his future ascension to the throne, this was the right thing to do.
“Father, can we go hunting with Ruslan?” Bayan suddenly asked.
“Hunting?” Anture’s face already showed a positive expression as he asked back.
“Ruslan says he’s never prepared for a game before. He said he really wants to try it. Right, Ruslan?” Bayan asked Ruslan. Bayan was constantly giving Ruslan looks to nod his head. After staring at his brother for a moment, Ruslan wiped his mouth with a napkin and nodded.
“I have never prepared for a game. But I am very good at hunting,” Ruslan said, his words tinged with pride and a hint of competitiveness.
“Oh, that’s great. I’m good at hunting too,” Bayan chimed in as if pleased.
“Father, Dad, can you please take us hunting?” Bayan asked with a desperate look, while also poking Ruslan’s thigh under the table. Giving in to his brother’s urging, Ruslan hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“It would be very nice to go hunting,” Ruslan’s words were somewhat stiff and awkward, but his golden eyes showed a faint expectation. Enrique and Anture exchanged glances. Then they both smiled and nodded simultaneously.
“Oh! We’re going hunting!” Bayan immediately cheered. A smile also appeared in Ruslan’s eyes.
And so, the family of four set out on an unplanned hunting trip.
Near the royal palace was a forest owned by the Shamier royal family. It was the same forest where Enrique had unexpectedly encountered Anture before. Upon hearing that the four family members were going hunting, the servants began busy preparations. Since it was an intimate family hunt without any accompanying nobles, the preparations were completed quickly.
Three carriages left the royal palace.
Bayan wanted to ride in the carriage with Ruslan, but Enrique firmly shook his head. These children each had their own burdens to bear. It was right to move according to principles. Of course, Enrique and Anture were together. In the carriage heading towards the forest, Enrique and Anture shared sweet kisses.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
