The carriage ride home was tense to say the very least. The King and Will looked pleased with themselves whilst Kurt had busied himself by scowling out the window. Prince Blaine was seated across from Kurt in between The King and Will almost as if the two men were his guards. Kurt sat on his own as far as he could possibly be from the others in the carriage. He kept his gaze fixed outside the window pretending the passing trees were the most fascinating things he had ever seen. He couldn't look his father in the eye without feeling violently ill, so this had to be the only other alternative.

"Kurt, son, you know you'll have to face this sooner or later don't you?"

Kurt pretended that he didn't hear his father speak. He remained steadfast on not looking at his father. He couldn't. He wouldn't.

"Kurt, look at me."

Kurt didn't.

"Kurt you look me in the eye right now, son."

Kurt didn't budge. He couldn't let his father win. He had won everything. He wouldn't win Kurt.

"Goddammit Kurt! You look at me right now or so help me I'll have Will punish Blaine the moment we get home! Don't even think I'm joking, son. I will do it unless you drop that attitude and address your father! Your King!"

Kurt couldn't let that happen. He didn't even really know Blaine at all yet, regardless, Blaine was still a human being, a prince in Kurt's eyes. If he could avoid Blaine being whipped for something that was not his fault, then Kurt must comply.

Kurt brought his gaze from the window and fixed it on his father.

"I'd wipe that look off your face right now if I were you, boy, you're in enough trouble as it is," Burt threatened as he stared his son down.

Kurt tried to ease up on his expression a bit, but it was futile. Burt had done one of the most monstrous things Kurt could ever even contemplate. It was almost physically impossible for him to look at his father in any other way. Buying a servant was one thing, but buying one to be used for punishment was another. Just looking at The King right now made Kurt's stomach uneasy.

He took the opportunity to look at Blaine. The prince had his eyes cast down to the floor of the carriage. He hadn't spoken one word since he had been bought and placed into the carriage like some kind of object. Kurt felt his expression soften just taking Blaine in. The boy was incredibly handsome, very handsome in Kurt's opinion. He was in desperate need of a bath that was certain, but even with the dirt caked on his face, the untidiness of his usually styled hair and the rags he was currently dressed in, Blaine was still a sight to behold.

Dalton had always been proud of their charismatic prince. Kurt was told that he and Blaine used to actually play together as children, but he didn't remember any of it, all he knew about Blaine was what he had heard around school and the palace. Blaine was known to be a very polite and articulate boy, a young man who laughed, smiled, and was simply destined to be a King. None of that showed now, all that was left was this boy who had fallen so far from where he'd been. Dalton's Prince was captured, tied up and on his way to live life as a prisoner in the land of McKinley. The land of Dalton would be devastated to know where their Prince was now.

Kurt felt his heart pang for Blaine. He had so much going for him before Burt had decided to start that insane war on his father. Blaine's life was ruined because of Kurt's father and there was no way he could ever apologize for that. So he kept his mouth shut and just kept staring at Blaine, his golden hazel eyes that held so much pain were still just so beautiful that Kurt couldn't even fathom looking away.

It was no secret that Kurt was gay. A few year back, King Burt and King Anderson had decreed that same-sex marriage be legal and lovingly embraced. Being gay wasn't something that had to be kept secret. It was against the law to treat gay citizens any different than straight ones. This was perhaps the last good thing Burt had ever done for his son. Kurt knew his father hadn't always been like this. Before the war, he and his father were close. They were best friends who could tell each other anything. During the war, Kurt could feel the person he knew as his father slip away and become this all-mighty god of a King. They had never been the same since. It was as if his father was on this insane ride of a power roller coaster and he couldn't get off. It was astounding how much of a personality twist Burt had undergone in such a short amount of time. It was as if the father he had once had never existed at all.

The carriage pulled into a stop in front of the place Kurt was forced to call home, McKinley Palace. Puck once again opened the door which was met with another meaningful offer of gratitude from Kurt. The King rolled his eyes and followed after Kurt who had practically flown out of the carriage. All he wanted to do was run to Mercedes and vent about what an awful experience he had just witnessed. The auction had been long and the sun was already beginning it's descent behind the mountains.

"Kurt, you wait. We need to have a discussion before you go gallivanting about the palace," The King announced as he and Will followed into the entry hall after Kurt. Will was holding onto Prince Blaine by his shoulders and walking behind him as if the young prince was going to make a break for it at any moment.

Kurt whirled around where he stood at the base of the elaborate staircase leading to his freedom and Mercedes.

"What? What more could we possibly have to discuss, Father?" Kurt scoffed. "You've already made your plans quite clear and I wish to know nothing more of it."

The King chuckled in response. "Son, you wish to know nothing more of it, but it is your duty as Prince to know of it. Blaine is here for one purpose and that purpose is you."

"So I've gathered," Kurt replied darkly.

Kurt took in his father's pursed lips and Will's arrogant sneer and wished he could slap them both. They would deserve it.

"Now if you wouldn't mind, Father," Kurt continued. "I have other matters to tend to." Kurt turned on his heel and began to ascend the staircase.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, son. Have you forgotten why Blaine is here in the first place?"

Kurt stopped in his tracks. So this was going to be how the game was played. His father was going to use punishing Blaine as a way to control Kurt's every last move. This wasn't going to play out well. Kurt turned around but made no movement to climb back down the stairs. The King looked calm but quietly furious; he had that dark look in his eyes, but Kurt wasn't backing down. That wasn't doing anything to help with The King's temper.

"I think I've had about as much of your insolence that I can stand in one day," Burt stated in a calm, collected tone. "I think it's about time that Kurt had his first lesson wouldn't you agree, William?"

Will tightened his grip on Blaine which looked to be causing the smaller boy discomfort as he began to struggle slightly.

Kurt suddenly felt a pull in his stomach to diffuse the situation. He couldn't let Blaine be punished over his attitude towards his father.

"Father, that won't be necessary," Kurt began. Yeah it was low, but he was going to try and suck up. "I'm terribly sorry for my attitude and I will stay in line in the future."

The King smirked and took Kurt in. For a moment Kurt was almost sure that his father had bought it and was going to let the whole thing go. He was wrong.

"Kurt, I don't believe I've shown you the new order that's come in today. Will you please follow me, son?"

Kurt knew it wasn't a request; it was an order. He reluctantly followed his father into one of the drawing rooms that for as long as Kurt could remember went unused. Why on earth would Burt have any orders delivered to this particular room? Kurt followed in behind his father with Will behind him still holding onto Blaine.

The room wasn't as brightly lit as the rest of the palace was, that was the first thing Kurt noticed. The only source of light came from the fire burning brightly in the fireplace. It illuminated the entire room in a warm inviting glow, but Kurt was conflicted about the aura of the room, he could feel a sense of familiarity in the room as soon as he entered; however, he also sensed something was off about the room in question.

It was funny, he had no memory of ever spending time in this drawing room as they had three other perfectly decent drawing rooms, but something about this one gave him an odd sense of nostalgia. There was a pink floral tea set on the mantle of the fire place that Kurt wanted to say he felt an attachment to, but he couldn't for the life of him remember why. The room seemed like a memory from a dream, all the details vague and blurred. Kurt noticed that Blaine was also looking around the room, only he had a sad sort of grim half smile on his face, Kurt wondered if he was as anxious as Kurt was...he had to be.

One thing he did remember about this room from what little he could, he recalled that next to the fireplace there hung a life-sized portrait of some member of the Hummel family...only it wasn't there anymore.

The portrait had been removed. To where, Kurt didn't know, all he did know was that where the portrait once hung, was where a pair of handcuffs were now built into the wall. The space was open enough for a person to stand handcuffed to the wall and beaten...

"Father," Kurt whispered out with his hand to his mouth in shock. "N-no, this isn't right."

"Oh, I see you're admiring my new decor to the wall, son. When you have a moment I'm sure you'll also admire the new...items I ordered for this occasion."

Kurt almost passed out where he stood. Adorning the wall and hanging from nails were dozens of implements. Whips of varying sizes, canes, paddles...Kurt was dizzy just by looking at all of them.

"Father, this is all barbaric!" Kurt couldn't help but shout. "You can't just lock up a kid like me and beat him senseless with those...objects!"

The King stared at Kurt coldly. "Son, one of these days you will come to your senses and realize who your father is. I am The King of McKinley and I can do whatever I please. Owning a Whipping Boy is hardly a matter I would deem controversial."

"He's not a Whipping Boy! He's a prince and it's unlawful to beat a prince and you know it!"

Kurt was sure he hadn't seen his father look more enraged than he was now. He made a gesture towards Will and that's when the worst came to be. Will took a knife out of his pocket and cut the rope that was still binding Blaine's wrists together. The skin that was revealed was red and raw from how tight the ropes must have been, yet Blaine still hadn't said a word of complaint. He still hadn't said anything at all.

Will took one of Blaine's wrists in his hand and guided him to the wall. Blaine made no attempt to fight, he just watched sadly as Will positioned him facing the wall and locked his right wrist in one of the cuffs. Blaine dropped his head in defeat as his left wrist was locked into place.

Kurt felt like he should do something...but what? He saw Will pull a particularly thin and painful looking whip off the wall and he didn't miss how Blaine winced when Will swished the whip through the air to test it. Kurt watched as Blaine was shaking before he had even been struck...and that was the point; Blaine had never been hit before. It was unlawful to strike royalty and Blaine was about to experience the pain for the first time in the worst way Kurt deemed possible.

Kurt had no alternative, he began to beg.

"Father, please. I beg you, don't do this. I-I've seen Will whip some of the servants before and I don't think Blaine will be able to handle this! He's a prince, he's never been whipped before...this is too much, please!"

Kurt's pleas went unheard as Will ripped open the back of Blaine's shirt exposing the tan unmarred skin underneath. This was neither the time nor place, but Kurt couldn't help but take in the strong muscles in the other prince's back and admire how soft his skin looked...until it was whipped that was.

"How many are deserved your majesty?" Will asked as he readied himself to deliver the punishment.

The King placed his fingers under his chin in what appeared to be deep thought. "Well, William, Kurt is correct on one thing, Blaine does not have a lot of experience with whippings, but I'm afraid the more important factor here is Kurt is wrong on everything else. I think we will begin with 10 lashes. I think that will be a nice starter lesson."

"Father, please-no. I've learned my lesson, really I have! Please don't do this!" Kurt begged on the verge of tears. He was amazed at how much compassion he held for the other boy, but at the same time he couldn't imagine what it was like to be Blaine in this position. If he was standing where Blaine was right now, he would be a sobbing mess. Blaine stood silently awaiting his punishment, his jaw set with determination without a tear in sight. Kurt was impressed, terrified to death for him, but impressed.

As soon as Will raised his arm to deliver the first lash, Kurt squeezed his eyes shut tightly. He couldn't watch this. Please forgive me, Prince Blaine...I wish I could help you...

"Stop."

Kurt opened his eyes in shock. There was no sound of a whip hitting skin. Had The King really called it off? Kurt looked over to his father and saw that he was wearing his triumphant smirk of what he deemed victory.

"Your majesty?" Will asked in confusion as he still held the whip ready to strike.

"I think we've achieved what we need to for today."

"B-but your majesty-"

"Silence, William. I think we've taught Kurt a valuable lesson. I think he's learned what will happen if his insolence continues. We are only at our first day after all and I think we've instilled what we've needed to. Release the Whipping Boy."

Will looked disappointed as he hung the whip back up in its place. He began to release Blaine's wrists from the cuffs when The King brought his attention back to Kurt.

"Have you learned your lesson son? If you haven't, I'd be be happy to continue with the punishment."

"I-I've learned, father. I'm sorry...I will try harder not to cross you in the future," Kurt stated. The words leaving his mouth felt foreign to him, he was trying so hard not to throw all of his anger on Burt, but he knew his father was serious. It was only Blaine's first day and to have him this close to being whipped already made Kurt realize he had to watch his step from now on.

The King looked pleased. "You're free to go for now then, Kurt." Kurt made to beat a hasty retreat from this awful room, but not before his father added, "And remember son, this was a warning. Blaine will be whipped the next time I feel you need to be punished. Make no mistake of it."

Kurt nodded and made a break for the stairs. He had to see Mercedes, she always knew what to say to make him feel better. He made it to the middle of the stairs when he heard footsteps coming out from the drawing room. His father and Will had come out with Blaine firmly in Will's grasp once more. Kurt couldn't explain why, but he felt the need to listen in, so he hid behind one of the large pillars framing the staircase to eavesdrop on the conversation below.

"...still think you should have let me whip the living daylights out of this kid, your majesty." He heard Will insist. He felt his stomach knot in anger. Kurt could barely wrap his mind around the disgust he felt when simply listening to the man speak.

"Oh I wouldn't fret too much, William. If I know my son like I know I do, it won't be long before you'll be icing your arm from the many beatings you will be giving our new Whipping Boy here."

There was some chuckling from the two men and then a shout to another servant from Burt. "Quinn! Take this kid to his quarters!"

Kurt assumed that Quinn did just that leaving the two men who believed they were alone to speak.

"Your majesty, I still can't believe that you obtained Anderson's child! Everything is as it should be! The former heir to the Dalton throne is now The Whipping Boy for the Prince of McKinley! Sir, I must hand it to you, you are the noblest of rulers..."

Kurt wanted to puke at how much of an ass-kisser Will was. He sounded snivelly and pathetic.

"That I am, Schuester. Anderson is still on the run, but we'll find that no-good traitor before too long. Once he learns that I have his son locked in McKinley Palace as a Whipping Boy, he will make his presence known. When we were...amicable with one another, he informed me that after his wife passed, Blaine was the only thing keeping him from going mad. He gave that child everything, he would barely let him out of sight.

Back when Kurt and Blaine were kids, Anderson used to bring Blaine with him to McKinley when we would hold our discussions together. I saw the way Anderson looked at his son. He loves that kid more than anything. So as you can imagine, he won't like the news of what's become of him one bit! Who would have thought just one boy could serve so many purposes?"

Kurt frowned at this bit of news. Not only was Blaine being used to receive Kurt's punishments, but he was also being used as bait. How could Burt do this to a man who used to be his friend? How could he plan to do something so downright sinister to the man's son if Blaine was as important to King Anderson as he had stated?

The two voices were growing increasingly louder. It soon dawned on Kurt that they were coming towards the stairs. He knew he couldn't be caught or that promised whipping would happen much sooner than planned. He hastily scrambled his way up the stairs and dashed towards his room where he knew Mercedes would be tidying no doubt.

Once he had arrived at his destination, Kurt slammed the door shut behind him and flopped onto his large four-poster bed. He snuggled into the duvet with a large sigh of frustration. None of this was right, he had to find a way to fix things before Blaine came within another inch of a whip...

"Rough day I take it, your highness?"

Kurt practically fell off the bed when the voice broke the silence. He hadn't seen Mercedes when he had entered the room, but lo and behold here she was gripping a feather duster with a grin of amusement on her face.

He inhaled much needed air back into his lungs in an attempt to regulate his erratic heartbeat. He sat up and straightened his shirt. "'Cedes, how many times have I ordered you to not refer to me as 'your highness'?"

"I think this is 34, your highness."

He rolled his eyes, now he knew she was just messing with him. He motioned for her to come sit down with her on the bed. She didn't hesitate which was always peculiar. Mercedes never acted like a servant since day one. She always emulated the sass of a lady of purpose, not at all common for one born as a servant.

"So, what's buggin' you white-boy?"

Kurt grinned at the nick-name. She would never dare use it with anyone else, but Kurt had informed her to just be herself when she was first brought to the palace. He said that was to be his one and only order of her.

"In the servants quarters to you hear much of what's going on in the palace?"

Mercedes quirked an eyebrow at the prince.

"Like, did you know that my father was planning on getting another servant?" He clarified. He didn't miss the bemused look on her face.

"No. We already have so many servants here, what would The King need with another one? Is that what has you in such a mood, Kurt?"

"Yeah, that's what has me like this. 'Cedes, my father took me to an auction today," Kurt stated.

He never missed the look that would appear on her face when an auction was mentioned. That's where his father had purchased Mercedes when the war was still going strong. She had been in the possession of McKinley manor for months now, but the agonizing look of sadness that was etched on her face would always haunt him.

"Oh, Kurt, I always hoped you would never have to see one of those," She responded quietly.

"I-I couldn't believe what I saw. Young girls no older than six or seven, crying, begging for their parents...only to be sold to some creep in the audience. Kids who have barely begun their lives entering into a life of servitude. 'Cedes...I can't believe what's become of this land...and of my father," Kurt whispered.

Mercedes placed her arm around Kurt and rested her chin on the top of his head as she instructed him to breathe and calm himself down.

"Did your father obtain a new servant while you were there? Or was the point just to upset you by dragging you to that awful place?"

He laughed bitterly. "Oh he obtained his new servant all right. Mercedes, have you ever heard of a 'Whipping Boy'?"

"Oh lord," Mercedes began softly. "We learned about them in history. They've been outlawed for a while now, why do you ask?"

"They're no longer outlawed," Kurt informed her as he sat up to look at her straight in the eye. "My father took me down to the auction to purchase a boy who is to take all of my newly instated punishments for me. Apparently being grounded wasn't enough. My loving father obviously had to take it to the next level. He bought a person to hit since he can't hit me!"

"Kurt, your father doesn't even want to hit you. Despite how you feel about him, I know your father loves and cares for you. I-I don't like this any more than you do. Whipping Boys aren't supposed to be used anymore. I can hardly believe that your father wrote them back into servitude," Mercedes admitted.

"That's because my father is the freaking devil now, 'Cedes! I haven't even told you the worst part!" Kurt exclaimed in exasperation as he jumped up to his feet leaving Mercedes on the bed alone. She didn't even respond, she simply waited for Kurt to come out with what could possibly be worse.

"The Whipping Boy, Mercedes. My father didn't just pick someone at random. He had this planned from the beginning. He knew who was being sold at that auction today. He knew he was going to be there, 'Cedes...and he bought him."

"Who, Kurt?"

"Prince Blaine Anderson."