Coughing, wheezing, and infection everywhere as I wandered the streets to my destination. I could not believe that this was my future kingdom. As soon as winter hit this past year, the rats invaded to find shelter. They brought disease and death in their wake as they started from the towns on the edge and headed for the castle. It is now almost spring and the rats have not left yet. I pulled my hood closer to my face as I finally reached my destination, the small hospital.

“Thanks the gods that you came!” the head doctor told me as I walked in. “Get suited up and start helping anyone that looks like they need it.”

Everyone normally calls the head doctor Doc because no one could tell if they were male or female. The hospital never cared that I was the crown prince but they liked that I help.

“There is one here! Kill it!” A nurse shouted before I heard the gunshot.

It would be terrible if the rats took over here too. Almost the entire kingdom has been taken over by the rats. I started praying for my father to send for help before we all die.

“Fresh water!” Someone called out and I ran over to deliver the water.

They kept on shouting requests and I worked as fast as I could to deliver everything. I am not as skilled as the other workers here are, but I was happy that I was still able to help in some way. I just hate how I have to sneak out to help my own people. I felt someone tap my shoulder as I was disinfecting the floor.

“Hey, it is getting quite late. You should get home before your father notices.” Doc said to me as they helped me up. “Thank you for your help.”

“Anything for my kingdom.”

“Just watch out for the rats, they prefer wandering the night.”

I grabbed all of my items and slipped on my cloak before finally heading out. The streets were empty as I walked up to the castle. There was a small opening in the east wall that I slipped into to enter the grounds. The servants always have a hot steaming bath prepared for when I sneak back in to reduce any chance of infection. I was so tired that I almost fell asleep in the warm bath. After I dried off, I wobbled over to my bed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The next day, I woke up to a servant shaking me awake.

“Master Bastion, your father has called for your presence.”

This was one of the newer servants and they do not last that long. There are only three left from the time I was born because my father did not care about their health. The servant helped me get dressed before I went to the throne room. The only person in the long empty room was my father sitting in his large throne. My footsteps echoed as I walked to the foot of his throne.

“You summoned me father?” I asked him as I kneel at his feet.

“Yes, I remember that you asked me to send for someone to hunt the rats.” I asked him over month ago. “Now is the perfect time because your brother has fallen ill with the plague.”

I was shocked at the news; my brother is only ten years old. Which means that he could die from the plague.

“Then you must send word for help right away!” I told him before he sent me away.

I was happy that he finally plans on getting help but I could not believe that it took until little Felix falling ill. I cannot wait for the day when I can take over my father’s place as ruler. He never cares about the people we rule over and he only helps them when it benefits him. I have never believed in the different views that my father had for ruling the kingdom. However, until it is my time to rule, I must listen to him.

I went back to my room to prepare for tonight before my royal duties start. Then, it was time for lessons on history, politics, and dancing. Halfway into my lessons, I was zoning out because I did not get that much sleep.

A few days later, a stranger came to the castle gate. He reported that he had a way to get rid of the rats. I was standing next to my father when he came in. He was wearing a green bard’s outfit with golden hair and he was carrying a flute.

“You state that you can rid us of our plague.” My father pointed out. “Tell me how you are planning to do the job.”

“With this.” He held up the flute. “I can charm anything and anyone with this flute.”

With how deep and sultry his voice sounded, I‘m pretty sure that the flute was not the thing that could charm people.

“What would you like as payment?”

“Just a simple home here and 500 gold.”

I was surprised by how small and simple his request was. Normally, people would try to run a kingdom dry when the royals are desperate.

“May I ask why a house?” I asked him out of pure curiosity.

He turned towards me and I was surprised by how green his eyes were. They reminded me of small forests with the mixed shades within his eyes. He gave me a small smile before speaking.

“I am a traveling bard, so I wouldn’t mind a nice house for when I need to take a break to rest my poor lungs in this kingdom.”

“Okay, I accept your offer.” My father told him.

I saw the look in my father’s eyes and I knew that he did not believe the bard. I do not know why but I felt that he might actually help with the problem. My father ended the meeting and I walked towards the bard.

“I hope that you will be able to help us. I would not mind hearing your music in our kingdom.”

“Maybe tonight, you can hear my music before I get rid of the rats.”

He motioned for me to follow him. We walked together to one of the castle gardens. We went to the benches and sat down. I watched as he put the flute to his plump lips. The tune was enchanting and it was light to listen to. I felt like I was being lulled to a half-asleep state. I almost could not tell that he stopped playing until I felt soft lips against my own. He pulled away as I started blushing.

“I told you that I could charm anything.”

The look in his eyes was that of a hunter who caught their prey. It felt like I lost all of my will as he kissed my lips again.

“How do you do that?” I asked as the music left my system.

“You wouldn’t understand it even if I did tell you.” He licked his lips. “You taste delicious but I expected a Prince’s lips to be softer.”

“I thought that a bard’s lips would be rougher from blowing all of that air.”

“I see that you have a fire in your soul.” He told me after he laughed.

I got up from the bench and turned away from him.

“I need to go.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. “I have duties to attend to.” I heard him play a quick tune and my body turned to face him. I gave him a quick kiss before I gained my senses. “Please don’t do that.”

“Would you kiss me if I didn’t?” He whispered in my ear and it sent a shiver down my spine.

“Not anymore.”

I quickly walked away before he had another chance to play a tune. I ran to my room and punched the nearest wall. I could still taste the ghost of his kiss on my lips.

“Stupid bard with his stupid flute. I hope that he leaves after helping us.” Then, I remembered the offer that he gave. “I can’t get rid of him! Stupid attraction!”

I was still attracted to him even after that stunt he pulled with his music. After I calmed down, I got ready to sneak out to go to the hospital. Using my window view, I checked for any nearby guards. The castle grounds looked empty and perfect for sneaking out. However, right as I reached the castle gate, two guards spotted me.

“Prince, it is unsafe for you to be wandering around at night.” One of the guards told me.

Before I had a chance to make an excuse, a soft melody started to play. I watched as their eyes turned hazy before they walked away from me. From the nearby shadows, the bard came out while still playing the melody. He did not stop until they were out of our view.

“Don’t worry; they won’t even remember seeing you tonight.”

“Why did you help me?”

“Simple, you mentioned duties earlier and here I find you sneaking out. I was just simply curious.”

“Thank you for your help but what I am doing is none of your business.” He started to lift his flute to his lips. “Fine! Let me show you then.”

He smiled as we walked out of the castle grounds together. He kept the flute in his pocket while we walked into the town. However, he stopped walking as soon as he saw my destination.

“You sneak off to here? I was expecting a secret lover but this surprises me.”

“Until the plague of rats leave us, I will help my people because my right to keep them safe.”

“Such a noble prince.”

I glared at him before walking forward and I noticed that he was not following me.

“Are you going to come in?”

“Nope, I just wanted to see how big the town was and to bug you.”

With those last words, he walked away towards the shadows. While watching his retreating form, I started to wonder what his true goal is. I quickly shook my head before walking inside.

“Welcome Prince! I heard a rumor that someone has come to help us.” Doc told me as they handed me a medical coat.

“It is true but I am not sure when he will start.”

“At least we have a chance now. Could you go get some new blankets from the supply closet?”

“Yes sir.”

“Don’t ever call me that again. It sounds weird for a prince to call me sir.”

“A doctor’s kingdom is the hospital.” I told them as I bowed.

“Hush, you flirt!”

I was smiling as I got started with my work. As the word spread, those who could still talk were praising my father. I kept my mouth shut because I did not want to ruin their hope. However, I did not know if this piper could do it. He can charm people with his music. However, could he charm animals?

I looked around as I worked and I noticed that it was even more over crowded than yesterday. I was so focused on helping everyone that I barely noticed that I was getting out of breath. I heard someone call my name right before I collapsed. When I woke up, I was on a blanket on a free spot on the floor. As soon as I started moving, Doc came over to check on me.

“I think that you overworked yourself. You are a great help here but I think you need to go home tonight to rest.” I just nodded my head as they helped me up. Some of the awake patients were shouting ‘thank you’ at me as we walked out.

“If you weren’t the prince, I would offer you a permanent job here because you are perfect here.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

I noticed someone standing at the entrance. It was the bard, but I did not see his flute anywhere on him.

“I can take him back to his castle.”

Doc looked at me and I nodded my head. They walked back inside as soon as I started leaning on the bard.

“Why did you come back?”

“I finished walking around and I was waiting on you. Tomorrow, this kingdom will be rat free again.”

“Thank you.”

We slowly walked back to the castle wall. I moved away from him to see if I could stand on my own. I guess I could not as I wobbled right before tumbling forward. He caught me as I almost face planted the ground and he pulled me up to his chest.

“Maybe you should sleep in my room before dawn then sneak back into the castle. I don’t think you could climb the wall to your room in this state.”

I just nodded my head because I was still tired and I needed sleep. The inn was quiet as we walked in. He yawned after we sat down on the bed. I noticed the small flute was on the nightstand.

“Why did you leave such an important item here as you wandered around the kingdom?”

He laughed and it somehow lifted my spirits as well.

“The flute is nothing special; I just use it to channel my gift. Silly Baz.”

“That reminds me, I don’t know your name. How can we later call you the hero of the kingdom if we don’t know your name?”

“Names have power, Dear Bastion. Until we get closer,” He leaned towards me as he spoke. “Just call me the Pied Piper.”

“What do you mean by closer?”

He had a smirk that I wanted to wipe off so I did the first thing that I could think of. I grabbed his face and pulled him into a kiss. He was caught by surprise and it gave me a chance to be in control. He reached up and wrapped his fingers in my hair. I started to pull away as I ran out of breath, but he held my head in place. It was not until I started to see spots in my eyes that he pulled away.

“Close, but not close enough.”

I pushed him off the bed after I caught my breath. He was laughing as he got off the floor.

“You are an asshole.”

“My, my, the prince has such a dirty mouth.” I was glaring at him as he leaned over so that his face was inches away from mine. “I would love to have some more fun with you but I have some work to do tomorrow.”

He moved away and I started looking at the floor, as he got ready for nighttime. I jumped in surprise as I felt arms wrap around my waist. I let out an unmanly squeak as he pulled me onto the bed.

“Let go of me!”

I fought to get out of his hold but he was too strong.

“Rest,” was all he said before whistling a quiet tune.

My eyes started to close on their own and I fell asleep in his arms. I felt well rested as I opened my eyes. He was lightly playing with my hair. Even though he can be a dick, this was relaxing.

“How long have you been awake?”

“A little while, but you looked calm and happy as you rested.” He kissed my forehead before continuing. “You need to get ready. You need to sneak into the castle and I have to earn my keep here.” He pulled me closer to him so I had my head on his chest. “Otherwise, I might want to keep you by my side forever.”

I got up with a deep blush on my face. How can he switch from being so sweet to being cocky? I tried to think but I got distracted as he kissed my neck. I ran out of the room before I had an urge to stay there. My brain just stops working when I am near him and every minute, I lose more self-control. I was able to get into my room and quickly changed clothes. The servants walked in as soon as I was finished.

“Master, the bard has arrived and your father wishes to have you watch how he gets rid of the rats.” One of them said after they bowed.

“Thank you, but what about my lessons?”

“They are all canceled today.” They responded before starting to walk out. “The bard is waited at the front gate.”