The Twelve Dancing Princes

A/N: So, here is the second story of my Homoerotic Fairy Tales... I started writing this during a VERY dull presentation on meth use...so here it is.... A slashified favorite – thanks to the great Brother’s Grimm... -Also, I know in some versions of this story, he chooses the eldest...but he’s kind of hack, so I liked the youngest ;) Oh well. -And one last note, this isn’t as long as Sleeping Beauty, nor as...sexy. Enjoy anyway fair reader!

The Twelve Dancing Princes
In far away kingdom, twelve brothers spent their days learning to fence, fight, and rule their future kingdoms. At night however, all twelve princes would disappear behind an enchanted headboard and dance their nights away with beautiful royals from other enchanted lands.
Their father, the king, was baffled by the prince’s nightly disapperances. At first he paid knights to watch their room –but they never left. Then he put them inside the room, but the boys simply drugged them, or waited for them to fall asleep. Reaching the end of his hypothetical rope, the king put out a public notice, daring anyone who could figure out where the twelve princes went at night and why their best clothes were worn, and their best dress boots tattered every morning... In reward, the person would get to choose any of the princes for their own.
People, men and woman, young and old, came from all around. Many tried their hardest, not wanting to give up, but after three days time, the king would give them a few shillings for their efforts and sent them away.
This went on for several months, and then years, people coming and going from the castle, the princes laughing with pleasure at the frustrations they were causing. All until one day, when a drifter migrant worker saw the notice tacked to the castle wall...and decided to try his hand at the quest.
The moment that Drew, the drifter, stepped in the recieving throne room, the King sensed something different about him. After a few minutes of pleasantries, he introduced Drew to the twelve princes, who were diligently working on their studies.
"Drew, I’d like you to meet my sons." The king clapped him on the shoulder. "Joshua, my oldest, Stephen, Shane, Shep, Tristan, Trent, Paul, Philip, Patrick, Brent, Brandon, and of course...my youngest, Jack."
Drew’s head spun, the names seeming to go in one year and out the other, "You...are very lucky, your highness."
The king laughed, "Ah yes, well...you boys get to know one another." He nodded to his sons, "Show Drew some hospitality, hmm?"
Once the king was out of the door, the twelve sons went back to their studies, igorning their guest...except for the youngest.
"You’ll have to excuse my brothers." He waved Drew into a chair, "Our father has bored us for quite some time with this game of his. You won’t be any different from the rest, I’m afraid."
"Oh? And why is that?" Drew asked.
Jack smiled, "Two years this trial has gone one... No one has found out a think. What should make you any different?"
Drew smiled, "You’d be surprised what I am capable of."
"Would you like a drink?" Jack asked, standing, "Perhaps something to eat?"
"No thank you." Drew shook his head. "I make it a point not to take food from strangers... you never know what may be drugged."
Jack smiled softly,. "Hmm...you are very clever aren’t you? Well, come along. I’ll show you were you’ll be staying. Then I’m sure you’ll wish to inspect our room?"
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Well...that’s what all the others did." Jack shrugged.
"Well, if it didn’t work for them, why would it work for me?"
"My, my! We are clever! Tell me...how do you plan on figuring this out, old boy?"
Drew grinned, "I plan to sway you with my charms, of course."
Jack laughed, "Good luck with that. My brother’s and I are not push-overs, Drew. You’ll find your quiet much harder then you anticipate."
That night, right after dinner, Drew retired to his room, and ruffled through his meager belongings for the one thing that may help him figure out this mystery. –Months ago, an old crone had stopped him in the road and bestowed upon him a gift. The gift had been a cloak that rendered him completely invisable, from the top of his head, to the bottoms of his feet.
Before now, he had not known what he would do with such an impractical item...but now, he saw the luck of it. After tossing the cloak around his shoulders, he stepped carefully into the hall.
He hurried past many doors, to the one that Jack had pointed out earlier –it was just his luck that a servant was knocking on the door to stir the fire just as he approached.
Silently, he slipped into the room, pressing himself against the bare wall to wait. As soon as the servant was gone, the boys began to talk.
"So...you spoke to the new one, Jack. Shall we bother to worry about him?" Joshua, the oldest, asked, putting his book down on the side table by his bed.
Jack shrugged, "I’m not sure. We can’t drug him, because he doesn’t eat or drink anything. We can’t beat him up because that would cause suspicion. I rather like him. He is a challenge."
"Yes, well, I don’t care much for challenges. I just want to have my youthful fun before I am forced into adulthood. Take care of him. That’s all I ask." Joshua sighed.
"I’ll try my best." Jack promised.
Joshua turned away, towards the window where the sun was sinking below the horizon, "That’s all I’m asking, jack."
The boys grew quiet, each returning to their reading or writing, letting silence fall over them. The silence hung until the night had officially begun, and Joshua cleared his throat.
"Shall we?" We nodded towards the headboard.
There was unified movement for the twelve wardrobes that lined one wall. Each of the twelve changed into their finery. Drew watched in awe as Joshua quietly slid over the lock on the door before noving to the headboard on one of the beds.
"Are we ready?"
There were nodds and agreement and Joshua pressed his hand in one of the curli-cues that decorated the bed. The large frame groaned before sinking into the floor, revealing a stone archway. Moonlight poured into the room, along with a blast of icy air.
Drew watched the brothers file out until only Jack was left in the room. He cast a parting glance over the room before pressing the curli-cue again to let the door shudder closed.
Drew moved quickly, not sure what lay behind the door. He opened it just enough to crawl through, and sneak inside, trailing along after the line of princes.
From the branches of the trees hung gold and silver leaves that sparkled in the moonlight. Drew snatched one of each and shoved the clues into the pocket of his cloak for safe keeping. Only minutes seemed to pass and the group was in sight of a looming, enchanted castle. From all around, royalty and nobility were arriving on foot, or by carriage to the large oak doors.
Drew followed closely, unsure of what to expect behind the doors. He was surprised when Joshua stopped, not far from the entrance, and ushered the others to go ahead. He paused to listen when he stopped Jack.
"Tomorrow night...I want you to keep our visitor busy. If you understand my meaning..."
"But Joshua–!"
"No, Jack. Keep him busy tomorrow! If nessessary, the next night as well. He can’t find out our secret."
"Joshua, why should I be the one to–..."
"Because you are the youngest."
"Just because I’m only 16–."
"Exactly. You are only sixteen. Now be quiet and do as I ask. That is final. Understand?"
"Yes Joshua." Jack nodded.
Joshua nodded, and moved towards the looming doors.
Jack paused and extra moment before moving on, Drew following at a safe distance behind. For a moment, he was worried that he had lost his unknowning hosts, but found them again quickly within the mass of people.
The room was unlike any he had ever seen before –a grand ball room with five glorious chandeliers glowing brightly over the room. Three tables of food, filled with various finger sandwiches, and the like were pushed against one wall, one completely dedicated to punch, served in golden chalises. The center of the room was cleared for dancing and more long tables were against other walls for wallflowers, and those who had come only for the food.
Drew let himself be pushed against one of the bare walls, going along with the crowd, keeping a cautious eye out for the Princes. It took a moment to notice what was so different about this party then any other he had seen or heard about. As his eyes scanned the room, he saw Joshua moving up the stairs with a tall woman in a flowing pink gown, behind him was Shep, his arm around Philip’s waist, leading his brother up the same stairs. Across the room, two women kissed beside one of the wide open windows...the more he looked, the more he saw such as these... Oh of course, there were pairs of men and women on the floor, but they seemed to be outnumbered –few and far between. Eight of the princes danced with gaudily dressed woman, but even Jack had his hands on the shoulders of a broad looking man with disheveled hair and a sexy grin.
Drew’s stomach tightened. He wasn’t sure who this man was, but he was sure that he didn’t like him. Not at all.
"Find something you like, darlin’?" A sweet voice whispered in his ear.
Drew whipped around, and the woman laughed, "Aye, I can see you. Fancy cloak you’re wearin’. Who’re you hidin’ from?" She sunk back into the wall near him as not to draw attention to themselves.
"The twelve princes...from Dumpree."
"Ah." She nodded." Alas, one of their father’s lackey’s has discovered them!"
"I guess so."
"I told them it was only a matter of time before you came. I have a sixth sense, you see."
"You are a seer?"
"Aye." She nodded. "I also created this place. Where nobility, like myself, can be free... We do things here that are not acceptable in our homelands. You may have noticed?"
"You are a witch as well?"
She laughed, "Aye, I suppose you could say that. So, what is your name?"
"Drew."
"How lovely to meet you Drew. My name is Sangreli. But you can call me Li." She smiled. "Are you hungry?"
"No, thank you."
"It’s not poisoned or anything. I promise you. On witches honor."
Drew smiled, "Perhaps just a drink?"
"Coming right up." Li smiled, and sashayed away through the crowed of people to the drinks table.
Drew scanned the crowd for Jack or the others and spotted them all scattered around the room with their escorts. Jack was headed towards the stairs with his sexy blonde.
"What can you tell me about him?" Drew asked Li when she returned, giving him the goblet of finely aged wine.
"Who?" Li asked, "Oh...the man with Jack?"
"Yes. That’s the one."
"His name is Sir Bryan of Coltrebanet. Do you know where that is?"
"Vaguely." Drew nodded.
"Well, he and Jack met here last summer...but in the fall, the two met at a summit and had to pretend not to know one another. One of the downfalls of our secret society here." Li shrugged. "They now to through the rounds of correspondence even though they speak to each other nearly every night."
"Are there many problems like that?"
Li shrugged, "Not really... Many us come from different...time periods, planes of existence... For example...I am not from your...universe."
"...Are you going to tell them I was here?"
Li smiled, "Not unless you want me to."
"They will find out soon enough." Drew took a drink of his wine. "Do you mind if I keep this goblet? For proof."
Li laughed, "Help yourself. It’s not like I will miss one goblet."
"Thank you."
"Good luck, Drew." She patted his back. "May you be successful in your quest." She gave him a parting smile before she once again disappeared into the crowd.
The next morning, Drew hid his proof around his room, just in case someone were to come looking. He knew that he wouldn’t be going back to the enchanted castle again –at least not that night. Joshua had seemed adamant when he told Jack to keep him busy.
"Did you sleep well?" Jack took the seat beside him at breakfast.
"Fabulously. But you look a bit tired." Drew noted. "I suppose you had fun last night?"
"Oh, simply the best time of my life." Jack grinned. "So..are you any closer to the figuring out our ventures?"
Drew smiled back. "You’ll just have to wait and see."
That night, Drew was not surprised to hear Jack’s knock on the door, although it was still early in the evening, just after dinner. Their was a fair chance that the other eleven princes were working dilegently at their studies, or other such projects at this time of the evening.
"I thought you might come here." Drew ushered him inside, "Why aren’t you out having a time with your brothers?"
"Why do you just sit here instead of investigating? You are a mystery. I don’t...I don’t understand it."
Drew smiled, "I’ve already done what I need to do. Except one thing."
"Oh?" Jack asked, sitting in the chair at the desk in the room, "And what might that be?"
"Something simple actually." Drew moved in front of him, putting his hands on either side of the arms of the chair, "Just a little decision."
"Oh?" Jack repeated.
"Which one of you should I take for my own?"
"You’re very cocky."
"What do you think?"
"I don’t care." Jack shook his head.
"I was thinking about you..."
Jack raised an eyebrow, "Were you now?"
"Yes...but then I thought to myself...what kind of man would I be, choosing the youngest of a family?"
"Hmm...interesting point." Jack tried not to let a hint of disappointment show.
"So, my mind went to Joshua of course, but he’s so...pompous. He wouldn’t even let you go along tonight, would he?"
"Maybe I just enjoy your company?"
"...Maybe. –Anyway, so I thought to myself some more, because, Joshua doesn’t seem the type to enjoy, what I have in mind."
"And what is that?"
Drew licked his lips, "Something I’m sure you are familiar with." Jack’s eyebrows raised again, and Drew continued to lean forward, his breath warm against Jack’s lips. At the last moment, he broke off, moving away stand by the window, "But I wouldn’t want to be forward, you understand."
Jack was surprised, and quite speechless, "Uh–I–wha?"
Drew smiled, brushing his hair out of his eyes, "What’s the matter Jack?"
"You were–and then you–but, how do–..."
"Ah. I believe I understand." Drew nodded, making the path back to the chair very quick, pulling Jack up by the arms, "I know exactly what it is that you want." Jack was rendered further speechless when Drew’s lips caught his, the other man’s hands moving from his shoulders to his neck, his thumbs pushing his chin up. It took him a moment before he realized he was kissing back. He wrenched Drew’s hands from his face, before pulling away, turning towards the door. He paused for a just moment before opening the door, turning back to look at Drew, who was looking back, seeming to be quite proud of himself, rocking back on his heels, a slight smile on his face. Jack shook his head, before pulling the door shut behind him.
"You don’t understand, Joshua. I can’t...I don’t want to be responsible for him anymore." Jack shook his head. "And besides, I think he already knows. I think he knows everything."
"Impossible." Joshua wasn’t really paying that much attention, instead recalculating some of his father’s ledgers, "Even if he was there last night, we would have seen him."
"Look, I am not...entertaining him tonight, alright. I don’t care if you don’t allow me to come with you, but I am not going to be responsible for him anymore."
"Sure you are, Jack." Joshua looked away from the ledgers for a moment, "He did something to you didn’t he? Something you liked...maybe he does know. Maybe he saw you with your blue-eyed Prince Charming, and got jealous. That’s what you really want, isn’t it?"
"Shut up...just, shut up." Jack sighed, turning away, "There is no way he could know about that –after all...we would have seen him right?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." Joshua shrugged, "Just go back, I know you want to. Try something new...someone new. Maybe he’ll teach you some new tricks."
"Don’t be disgusting." Jack scoffed.
Joshua laughed, going back to his ledgers, "Just telling the truth, brother."
"Obviously I will get no sympathy from you." Jack turned, leaving the room, closing the door loudly behind him.
"Is there a problem your Highness?" One of the servant girls was just coming to stoke the fire for the night.
"No, of course not." Jack shook his head. "Just...go about your business." Jack continued on his way to find a bit of privacy.
Drew waited until he was sure that the others had left before going to knock on the door of the Prince’s room. Jack opened the door almost instantly, "What do you want?"
Drew smiled softly again, "Did I really make you that angry?"
Jack shook his head, "No...you just...you surprised me is all."
"Oh...good." Drew nodded, "May I come in?"
"...No." Jack shook his head.
Drew tilted his head. "Why not?"
"The other’s...are asleep."
"No they aren’t. They’re not here...but that’s alright. It’s probably better that they aren’t."
"Wh...why?"
"I was hoping you’d be willing to go through a test...to see if you’re really the one I want. I’m fairly sure that you are." Drew tilted Jack’s head up with a touch of his thumb, "But, just to be sure... You understand, yes?"
"No." Jack shook his head, "We can’t."
"Why not? Surely you aren’t a good Christian boy? Nay, I know you aren’t."
"It’s not –it’s not that. It’s...I am who I am, and you are...who you are."
Drew grinned again, "Ah, this is because I am not nobility, is it?" He nodded, "I understand...but soon enough, that won’t matter. Your father has made a promise...and soon, you’ll be at my beck and call."
"The deal is not for a princely slave, Drew. It is for..."
"I know what it is for." Drew nodded, and leaned forward to whisper into Jack’s ear, "It’s for a lover. And that is exactly what I plan to do with you."
"It never...says that."
"Not outright. I suppose your father was hoping a woman would solve your mystery... but...they aren’t really as cunning, are they? To figure out where you all go at night..."
"Tell me...do you really know, or are you just playing with me?"
Drew’s smile grew malicious, "Lets put it this way, my dear Jack...I know all about your trysts with a certain blonde haired, blue eyed Prince from Coltrebanet."
Jack’s eyes widened slightly, "Then you do know."
"I told you I did. ...But, I’ll leave that part out. When I tell your father. I’ll also leave out anything to do with your brothers. I’ll simply tell him where it is that you go. Not what you do there."
"Do you have proof?"
"Of course I have proof." Drew nodded.
Jack nodded, "So...who told you? Was it Bryan? One of my brother’s lovers? Someone who wanted to be able to come forward as theirs? Tell me..."
"Now, now...if I tell you more...it won’t be nearly as fun when I tell your father. –Now then, I trust you won’t tell your brothers...how much I really know."
Jack shook his head, "No. There’s no point. You know...there’s nothing that will change that."
"Not unless you kill me..and my, my, wouldn’t that look suspicious?"
"What do you want from me?" Jack asked.
"Ah, I like that tune..." Drew nodded, "Invite me in, and allow me to give you a preview of what I have planned for you. –That’s all I want. Tonight."
Jack bit his lip, before nodding, "Alright. You can come in." He stepped out of the way, ushering Drew through the door, "But...you can’t stay. And, you can’t–."
"Relax." Drew pushed the door closed, pulling Jack up against him as he had done before, "You enjoyed it last time. I know you did. We’ll just kiss. For now." Jack’s stomach seemed to plummet and churn in an off-brand of excitement as Drew kissed him again, coaxing his mouth open letting his tongue probe gently against Jack’s. Drew laughed, "You are so stoic! Surely Sir Bryan has taught you to kiss? Or are you purely sexual, not intimate?"
"I don’t believe that is any of your concern." Jack turned his face away as not to have to look at his seemingly-captor. "That is private. Between Bryan and myself."
Drew nodded, "Then I’ll take it that it was purely sexual... No one else could such a stone wall."
Jack looked back, "I am not unemotional. I simply am not...attracted to you."
Drew smiled slight, "I doubt that very much, Jack."
"Well, it’s the truth. Regardless of what you think you may know about me." Jack’s hands went to Drew’s arms, trying to push him away, but unsuccessful in the attempt, "Let me go. Please."
Drew nodded, "...Sure." He moved away, and made himself comfortable on the bed that, somehow, was obviously Jack’s, "Anything you want."
"What I really want, is for you to leave. Please." Jack opened the door again, standing there, waiting for Drew to move.
"Mmm..oddly enough, that didn’t really didn’t work into my plans for the evening, I’m afraid." Drew shook his head. "Come now...stop being so trivial. Close the door."
Jack suddenly couldn’t help but to obey him, and nodded, closing the door again, "Fine."
"See, that wasn’t hard was it?" Drew patted a piece of the bed beside himself, "Here...sit next to me."
Again, Jack complied, sitting on the edge of the bed, "What is it that you want from me, exactly?"
"You know what I want."
Jack was adamant not to be taken into Drew’s ploys of sexual favors.
"I’m not sure who you think you are, sir, but I am not about to be taken–!" He was silenced by Drew’s mouth covering his own, his annoyed grievances becoming more like strangled grunts of disapproval. His hands pressed against Drew’s chest, pushing him away to no avail.
"Why can’t you just shut up and go along?" Drew asked. "Maybe I fyou spent more time cooperating and less time bemoaning that I’ve won and your secret is going to be discovered in a day’s time..."
"Why should I give in to you? You’ll be able to have your way with me after that days time just as well, wether I like it or not. Isn’t that right?"
"Hm...I suppose you’re right...but, that doesn’t mean I can’t help myself to the prize a little early." Drew pulled Jack’s tunic loose from his trousers, his fingers slipping under the fabric to stroke his firm stomach, molded from days of fencing and battling with his brothers.
"I don’t think that would be appreciated by my father." Jack pulled away, moving towards the door again, "I really think you should be going...my brothers will be back soon."
"Hmm.." Drew nodded, "Of course." He got up from the bed, and bowed slightly, "Have pleasant dreams, your highness."
The twelve princes made their procession into the throne room early the fourth morning of Drew’s stay. Drew had already laid his evidence before the King and Queen, who were astonished at the story, but had almost unwillingly agreed to allow Drew his choice of the twelve Princes.
"Before I choose...may I have a private word with them?" Drew asked.
"Of course..." The King nodded, "Call when you are ready with your choice." He led his queen away, and Drew turned to face the twelve vexed princes.
"Before you say anything," Drew held up his hand to silence their anger, "I told your parents nothing of your rendevous. Only of where you were going, and how you got there... not what you were doing, and who it was with." He stared pointedly at the brotherly pairs at this, "There is of course...my reward to discuss."
"You already chose." Jack shook head. "Don’t pretend with us."
"Hm. You’re right." Drew nodded. "But...I don’t have to...if that’s what you want."
Jack bit his tongue, looking at the floor, avoiding the looks of his brothers. Was it what he wanted? To be taken as a lover for this poor peasant? ...And just as suddenly as the thought occurred, he knew his answer.
"It is what I want." Jack nodded.
Drew smiled softly, "Good." And he kissed Jack as he never had any other before.