Rick's POV

The dark room was familiar and Rick hated seeing it. Groaning his frustration, he tugged at the ropes binding his wrists and ankles to the bedposts but to no avail.
"Ted!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the room that didn't even have any curtains. His tail lashed from side to side in the frustration that he felt by the magic collar around his neck. He wouldn't be able to escape using his magic, which was even more annoying than just being cut off from it.

Finally, a winged mera entered the room and stood at the foot of the bed with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Well, let me go," Rick requested, glaring at his brother.
"I don't think I want to," Ted replied, glaring back at him.
"I hurt that kid every day, what's the difference this time?" Rick protested.
"He was having his first normal date like a regular guy," Ted stated. "Why did you have to ruin it?"
"You know damn well why," Rick snapped. His eyes flashed with anger as another wave of frustration washed over him from not being able to vent his frustrations with magic. Ted knew why Rick had to punish the prince for being romantic with other males, yet he always tried to make Rick believe that he was wrong.

"You're lucky I don't tell the king," Ted muttered. He stared into Rick's eyes and, as Rick helplessly watched the turquoise orbs swirl, he felt pressured to not move or look away until Ted had finished lecturing him. It was the same lecture he heard every time Ted caught him tormenting the little brat- hurting him is wrong, he can love whoever he wants, put himself in his position etc. Only once it was over did Ted untie his brother.
"Why do you have to tie me up when you take me home?" Rick protested, rubbing his wrists once Ted's power over him had permitted him to sit up.

"Because after I use my power on you to put you to sleep, I have to ask my true mate to remind me that I'm a good guy, unlike you," Ted explained. "Now, do you want me to fetch your fake mate?"
"I can call her to me when you take off this damn collar," Rick growled, clawing at the object around his neck but taking his hands away when the electricity became too much for him to bear.
"Here's a suggestion: when you're fucking the king's mate who you put a curse on, remember that it's her son who you seem to be so bent on torturing," Ted told him icily.
"If you're so worried, why don't you take the charm off her and give me your mate?" Rick smirked.
Ted growled and punched him before staring into his eyes and commanding him, "Stay here and relive every pain you've ever had inflicted on you until I come back."

He then fled the room, shaking, and left Rick to experience the imaginary pain he'd inflicted on him.