Once upon a time the era called The Sunshine’s Reign was marked by beauty and prosperity. It was the envy of every other kingdom. Problems didn’t exist, thanks to Queen Jennifer. She was the supporting column of the reign and had interceded many times to save the kingdom, no thanks to the irascible nature of her husband. King Craig and Queen Jennifer headed the royal family. They had two beautiful children, Prince Justin and Princess Molly. As the King often stated, Jennifer was the best thing that happened in his life. “Daphne that’s not true, I don’t suck my thumb when I’m sleeping,” an irritate Justin said. “Yes you do. I saw you so don’t play dumb with me. You know it doesn’t work, I know you too well,” a self-conscious Daphne said. She was Justin’s best friend since they were born. They always had been comfortable with each other. Now, at seventeen, she wondered why she had strange feelings for him. “I do not. You’re dreaming,” Justin said childishly. “You do. You’re denying the facts.” “Children, cut it out.” “I’m sorry Mum,” Justin said. “But it’s all Daphne’s fault.” “Don’t act like a baby, Honey. We both know that you still play with your teddy bear,” Jennifer said, making Daphne laugh hysterically. Daphne tried to catch her breath, “A teddy bear?” She started to laugh again. “That’s so sweet, Justin,” she said teasingly and laughed out loud. “MUM!” A now desperate Justin said. “I’m sorry Honey, you weren’t talking about that?” Jennifer said in a naïve tone. “Anyway, Honey, come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet. Justin followed his mother and what he saw left him stunned. There before him stood a man in his late twenties, tall and skinny but muscled, with amazing hazel eyes. He was wearing a pair of black pants that hugged his muscular thighs and a matching black shirt, which fit his body well. The shirt clung firmly to his torso, leaving very little to Justin’s imagination, and he was sure that he had never seen such a handsome man. “Justin I want you to meet you Brian, the new guard’s chief.” Justin was unable to speak, he was so enchanted by the sight of the man. God, even his name sounded sexy, he thought. “Justin, Honey, please, say something.” “Nice… nice to meet you,” he stammered as he shook Brian’s hand. He was only seventeen but he was expected to act like an adult. “What happened to Vic? I didn’t know he was leaving.” “He retired. He was already old and this job requires young people.” Jennifer answered. ************************** “Jen, Hon, there you are. I was looking for you.” “Sorry Craig. I was introducing Brian to Justin.” “Brian? Who’s Brian? Oh right, now I remember.” “Yes, he’s the new guard chief. I don’t like that man either, but he could be useful.” “I really hope not.” Craig sighed, “I can’t believe that after ten years of peace, there will be a war,” he added, sadly. “Honey, listen to me, are you listening? We’re not sure that’s even going to happen. Granted, a strong possibility does exist but hopefully after they hear what we have to say to them they will change their mind.” “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” “Craig don’t act this way.” “I’m sorry. I’m just worried.” “I understand.” “What about Justin?” “He doesn’t know anything,” Jennifer answered. “Jen, we agreed to be absolutely sincere with him. He’s not a child anymore.” “Yes, I know that. It’s only that Justin is still so innocent. I’m afraid if I told him the truth he might take it very badly. We will tell him once we’re sure it’s going to happen.” “Yes, that’s a good idea. Jen, I want you to know that I only wish the best for our son, but soon he will turn eighteen and then he won’t be able to run away from his responsibilities.” “I know that,” a resigned Jennifer said. **************************** Justin was having difficulty sleeping. He was restless because his mind kept wandering back to the handsome guard chief he met early in the day. The sexual images of Brian floating through his brain kept him awake. It had been almost two years since Justin had discovered he had fantasies of men, however this was the first time his fantasy was of a man he knew. He was confused; he didn’t understand the meaning of the thoughts that he was trying to deal with. His father was always telling him that there would be a day, when he would start seeing girls in a different way, however that day hadn’t arrived yet, and he had started to believe that it never would. Actually, he had always known he was different. However, he didn’t know just how different that was. He was afraid that would damage his relationship with his father if he revealed his true feelings. In fact, it bothered him so much that it must have shown because it seemed his father was asking repeatedly if there was something he wanted to tell him. Unable to sleep, he decided to dress and go for a walk. He wore his large, white robe and walked out into the corridor. While wandering aimlessly, he thought about his kingdom. The Sunshine Kinddom was a paradise that beheld the beauty of the landscape. As he roamed the corridors he had time to reflect on the ideals of his parents. He felt it was time to bring about some changes, as their ways were much too puritanical for his tastes. For example, they had put through a law that decreed members of the royal family were required to wear large, baggy clothing to hide their bodies from their subjects. Justin was still wandering, when he found himself in front of Vic’s old room that was now occupied by Brian. Justin stood there for a few minutes when he became aware that the new occupant of the room was right behind him. “Were you looking for me?” “Actual…actually… yes, I mean… no,” Justin stuttered. “You’re quite confused aren’t you?” “I’m sorry,.” Justin said, mortified. “It’s okay.” “Well, I should probably go.” Justin started to leave but Brian stopped him with his arm. “I have a better idea. You can stay with me,” Brian said in a forceful tone. “I don’t think that my parents would be happy about that. I have to go.” Now Justin was afraid, but he also couldn’t help but feel excited. “Yes, go back Princess, go back to your mommy and cry over me. Then you can go to bed and jerk off, thinking about me.” Brian left him and Justin ran back to his room. He didn’t understand what had just happened to him.