Statuesque

AN: Here's the last chap, folks! And as written in my other stories, here's a way for you to find me elsewhere!

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“Your Majesty, we have reason to believe that the kingdom of Hogath is about to invade us.” Rumbled the stocky, grizzled man standing to his left.

“...But we have an alliance with them. Why would they try to attack us?”

“I don't know, Your Majesty, but our scouts have numerous reports of hidden camps all along our northern borders.”

The younger man to his right spoke up. “Your Majesty, it could just be hunters. There have been reports of starvation in neighboring kingdoms, of famine-”

“That's ridiculous!” Barked the older man. “Why the hell would hunters travel in such large groups? And why not alert His Majesty to their presence, huh? If they required hunting grounds, they should have cleared it with His Majesty first.”

“Maybe they're embarrassed.”

“Embarrassed?!” Scoffed the older one, turning to the younger and sneering. “Why the hell would they be embarrassed?”

Shaking his head, the young soldier stared back. “Because they are ashamed that their lands can no longer support them. That they were foolish in keeping track of their wildlife and now have to turn to other kingdoms for sustenance. That their King couldn't keep them thriving.”

“That's the stupidest bunch of nonsense I've ever heard.”

Thy younger snorted angrily, glaring at his superior. “Why? Because it doesn't involve violence? Because it doesn't involve treachery?”

“No, because you always think the best of people! That kind of naïve idiocy is going to get you killed.”

“And you never give anyone the benefit of the doubt! Everyone is an enemy to you! You'd probably kill your own mother if you had the option!”

The older man flinched, eyes narrowing. “You know nothing, you little wet-behind-the-ears child. You wouldn't know a threat even it came up and stabbed you in the middle of your scrawny chest!”

“Well, at least I'm not some over the hill geezer who's lost sight of what it means to be a peaceful nation! Your solution is to go tromping off into the wilderness, swords swinging and not a care for anyone who gets in your path!”

“Why you ungrateful-”

“Enough!” Tamrin abruptly shouted, rising from his throne. “I will not have fighting in my hall!” He turned to the older man. “Captain Crewe , I understand your concerns and will arrange a small convoy to gather more information about those camps at our borders, but you need to treat your Lieutenant with respect.” When the man looked away in proper abashment, Tamrin turned towards the younger guard. “And you, Lieutenant Viram, must at all times respect and honor your Captain.” Aggravation thick in his voice, he regarded both men. “Both of you are the forefront of this Kingdom's armed forces. I will not stand for any unrest between you, so you had better find a way to solve this problem immediately and work together.” Both men reddened slightly and hung their heads. “Crewe, you will stay here and ready troops for any impending attacks. Viram, I want you to gather one hundred men and get them ready to move out by tomorrow morning.”

Crewe looked up suddenly, meeting Tamrin's eyes with concern. “But, Your Majesty, what if it is an attack? That might not be enough men, and you could be sending Viram to his death!”

The younger Lieutenant blinked in surprise over to the Captain, lips parted in silent question, though Crewe wouldn't return his stare.

Tamrin allowed himself a small smile. Despite these two's issues with conflicting thoughts of warfare and battling, the men were good friends. Or at least, they each cared for the other, though neither seemed willing to show it. “Captain, are you disobeying orders?”

Crewe flushed, eyes widening in panicked realization, and he bowed slightly. “No, Your Majesty. I apologize for the outburst.”

Tamrin had no intention of punishment, and he continued on. “Have you even considered, Captain, that if indeed these camps are a sign of invasion, they might merely be a trap?”

Viram tore his eyes away from the other and looked to Tamrin, as did Crewe, who didn't seem to get what he meant. “A trap? How so?”

“Perhaps they want us to send our most powerful soldiers to where they are camped, leaving the castle itself dangerously unprotected and then mounting an attack on our people.”

Crewe looked worried. “Do you really believe that to be their plan?”

Tamrin shook his head swiftly. “No, I do not.” With a heavy sigh, he sat back in his throne, hands gripping at the arched arms. “I merely believe that the possibility is there. Captain, this nation is known for two things. Its quest for peace, and its ever-victorious military. In that order. I will not have people suddenly fearful of us. We will remain peaceful, but we will also find out as quickly as possible if there's any threat.” He turned his gaze back to Viram. “Lieutenant, you will still be gathering those men, and I want you to leave as soon as you can. Like I said, tomorrow morning is the latest, but if you can get them out before sundown, that would be better. Don't forsake safety for speed though. Plan wisely. You are dismissed, Lieutenant.”

Viram clicked his heels together with a snap, bowing curtly. “Thank you, Your Majesty, I will keep you posted.” Without a final glance to the Captain, Viram left the throne room.

Crewe stayed where he was, restraint on his face visible as the younger man walked away. Tamrin shook his head again, this time less noticeably. Why did people always have to make things so hard on themselves?

“Captain,” He said softly, making the other look up at him. “You should tell him how you feel.”

The older man gaped at him. “What?”

Leaning forward to brace his elbows on his knees, Tamrin placed his chin on his raised hands. “Lieutenant Viram. You should tell him how you feel.”

Crewe looked stricken, eyes wide and full of denial. “I...uhh, I don't...”

Tamrin chuckled sadly, leaning back again. “What if it truly is an enemy camp out there? And tomorrow Viram's men find them, they have a battle and Viram is killed?”

Crewe didn't say a word, but his whole body grew tense.

“He'll have died never knowing what you felt. And you will grow old and die without ever telling him.”

Crewe swallowed angrily, looking away. “I'm already old. And he's just a child.”

“Don't make excuses. You're only 38. And the Lieutenant isn't much older than me.”

“He's 22...” Crewe muttered softly.

“I'm 21. Do you think me too young to rule? Am I incapable?”

“No, Your Majesty. Of course not.”

Tamrin tilted his head, scrutinizing the Captain. “Is Viram too young to be Lieutenant?”

“...No. He's a very good soldier.”

“So, he's old enough to kill, but not love?” Tamrin countered.

Crewe remained silent, stubbornly averting his eyes.

“You don't have anything to say?”

“I...He doesn't...I'm just a mentor to him.”

“I think you're just afraid.” Tamrin murmured. “Brom, look at me.”

Crewe flitted Tamrin a quick, surprised stare at the sound of his first name.

“If you let chances like these slip through your fingers, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.” Tamrin said sadly, not able to meet the Captain's gaze. “Believe me. I know.”

Crewe watched him, hesitant. “...Your...Majesty? Are you...?”

Tamrin lifted his head, his face once again blank and serene. “You have your orders, Captain. I will not waste any more of your time. You're dismissed.”

For a moment, Crewe stood before him, conflicting emotions flickering over his face, but, with a soft snort, he bowed and exited the room.

Tamrin took the moment of solitude to rest his forehead in his palms. It was exhausting being the King. Truly and utterly exhausting. The problems never ceased. It never lessened. All day, everyday, the same issues over and over again, never a moment's respite. It was enough to make him want to just run away. But...He'd had that chance when he was younger, and he'd made the decision to stay. To accept his duties and the crown, and find a wife and provide heirs to the throne.

All that he'd done, or was in the process of doing.

With his father's gradual, yet serious, decline in health over the last few years, the palace had been in an uproar over getting everything into place for Tamrin's succession. If things had gone according to plan, Tamrin wouldn't have had to take the crown until his 25th birthday, but because of his father...Well, they'd crowned him as soon as he'd gotten married. At the tender age of 20, wed to a neighboring heiress. Daughter to the Lord of the Kingdom to the West.

And now his wife was expecting child, after only one try. Which, truthfully, Tamrin was extremely thankful for. He didn't want to relive that ordeal too many times. But, he'd promised his father that he'd have at least two sons and then try for a daughter or two as well. It ensured that their would be a male to accept the crown, and also females to marry off to other royal families, creating more bonds with neighboring lands.

Adella was a beautiful girl, well, a woman, and she was kind and loyal, extremely friendly and sociable, and the whole Kingdom loved her. All the qualities a queen should have. And Tamrin loved her. He really did.

But he wasn't in love with her.

At least she didn't mind.

“Tamrin! You in here, sweetheart?”

Speaking of, Tamrin looked up to see his wife bouncing in through the door to him. Well, not bouncing, per say. But, very energetically. Everything she did was energetic. Tamrin slumped in his chair and watched her skip over, envious of her.

“Hi, Tamrin dear! How was your meeting!”

Her energy was even more amazing when you factored in that she was nine months pregnant. He gave her a stern glance. “Del, you know you shouldn't be moving like that. You need to rest. Think of the baby.”

But Adella just scoffed playfully, waving her hand at him as she came to a halt in front of his throne. “Oh stop. Every single woman in my family never had a single problem with pregnancy. Generations of birthing! We're efficient women, Tamrin. Now, come on.”

Tamrin was hefted to his feet by bubbly pregnant woman, who chattered excitedly in his ear as she towed him towards the kitchens.

“So, I was having a craving earlier, for something sweet, you know, and I went down to the kitchens, hoping to find something, maybe a cake or some biscuits, but they didn't have anything! Nothing at all, and I talked to Mag about why there wasn't anything for a poor little pregnant woman, and she just shrugged and said she'd make me anything I wanted, but I didn't know what I wanted! And then I wanted to do something, you know? Do something, anything, cause I was bored. I was bored and hungry and I wanted chocolate! So, do you know what I did?”

Tamrin didn't even try to answer.

“I made some fudge! And a cake, and some other things, but that doesn't matter, because the fudge is absolutely delicious! It's so good, Tamrin, and I've been going around the castle, getting everyone to try it, and then I realized I didn't give any to you! Because you were in a meeting and I didn't want to disturb you, so I waited, and now you're here, so here!”

Tamrin was made to come to a stop, now in the kitchen, and a piece of fudge was shoved good-naturedly into his mouth.

“Isn't that delicious!” Adella exclaimed, bracing her hands on her hips.

Tamrin realized she was actually waiting for a response from him, and he nodded, still chewing.

“I knew it!” She clapped excitedly, cutting up a few more squares. “I want you to take some of this and give it to-Oh!” Her chatter cut off immediately as a man came into the kitchen. “Aimery!” She chirped, prancing over to him and jumping into his arms.

He flitted a panicked look from her to Tamrin and back again. “Jeez, Adie, be careful! You'll hurt the baby.”

But she waved her hand at him. “Oh stop, I'm fine. You worry too much. Darling, have some fudge!” Another piece of fudge was crammed into his mouth as well, and Aimery choked it down.

After much struggling, he visibly swallowed and then turned to the lively blond staring up at him so expectant. Tamrin saw the man smile softly and discreetly twine his fingers with Adella's at their sides, nodding his head.

“That was delicious, Adie. Thank you.” He whispered, giving Tamrin an unsure glance.

“Hello, Aimery.”

“Hello, T-Tamrin.”

Adella was resting her head on Aimery's chest, her face a peaceful composure. To give them privacy, Tamrin conveniently looked away, and out of his periphery, he saw them kiss.

Aimery was Adella's lover, after all.

Due to Tamrin's and Adella's marriage, neither could marry another. But, on their first day meeting, Tamrin had been completely honest with his fiancée, telling her he'd never be able to love her as a man should, and bless her understanding heart, she'd understood. They'd talked for long hours afterwards and come to a decision. They'd decided to marry, for their Kingdoms, for their people, and for themselves.

Tamrin had encouraged Adella to continue any affairs she'd had prior to meeting Tamrin, and reassured her that he did not expect her to give up on love just because they were married. When they got married, Adella had come to the castle with a man at her side. A large, burly man, who made Adella seem minuscule compared to her. But Adella's personality, large as it was, made up for her lack in size.

Aimery was a shy man, prone to stutters when he was nervous, and very devoted to Adella. He'd been a guard in her father's castle and they'd met there. Tamrin remembered Adella telling him how attractive she'd found the introverted man, and how she'd began to court him.

From Aimery's side, he'd told Tamrin how the persistent woman had scared him. He had only been a humble guard, after all, and she'd been the heiress to the Kingdom. But, the allure of it all had been too much, and poor Aimery had become smitten with his Lady.

Tamrin found it all quite romantic, truthfully.

And he didn't fault either of them for their love. Sometimes it made him sad though. In various ways.

Adella and Aimery talked quietly to each other, their faces soft and adoring looking to the other, and Tamrin grabbed another piece of fudge from the tray on the table in front of him. It really was quite delicious when not being crammed down his throat, and he took the moment to savor it.

But Master Jerrin came into the room, disturbing their little scene. Adella squealed and rushed over to him, offering fudge, but with a simple shake of his head, quelled her excitement.

“I've come to get the King.” Jerrin gestured to Tamrin but wouldn't meet his eyes. “Your father wishes to see you, Your Highness.”

A sharp pain constricted Tamrin's chest and he tried to breathe in deep, but his lungs wouldn't work for him. “Is it...?”

“No, he just wishes to see you. Don't worry.”

At the half-hearted reassurance from his ex-teacher, Tamrin managed a shaky relieved smile. With Jerrin beckoning, he followed him out of the kitchen and towards the hall, looking back to give his wife and her lover a wave goodbye.

They were both watching him sadly, concern and compassion in their eyes.

Out in the solitude of the halls, Tamrin turned to Jerrin with a wilted grin. “You know,” He said softly, looking sideways at the other man. “I don't like it when you call me 'Your Highness', or 'His Highness'. I wish you'd stop.”

“But Your Highness, I-” The other man began.

“No.” Tamrin cut him off, coming to a stop and making Jerrin stop also. “Adella doesn't address me by title. Neither does Aimery. Usually.” Crossing his arms, he quirked his lips unhappily. “I've known you my whole life. I wouldn't be surprised if you were even there when I was born,” A small flick of Jerrin's eyebrows confirmed Tamrin's suspicions. “So I don't want you addressing me by title either.”

“But-”

“I mean it, Jerrin.” He said sternly, giving the older man a pointed glare. “You're not my teacher anymore, and you're not my assistant either. You're my friend. I didn't chose to keep you as the teacher to my children for nothing. You molded me into a King, and I know you'll do the same for my sons and daughters. Are we to remain strangers?”

Jerrin stared back in silence for a moment, then dipped his head with a small smile. “Understood, Tamrin.”

“Thank you. That's better. I'm only 21, for heaven's sake. I can't deal with all this formality.”

“Formality is your life now, unfortunately.” Jerrin shrugged. “I'm afraid you're going to have to get used to it.”

Tamrin sighed. This wasn't news to him. He already knew that his life was mostly ceremonial. “I am. But not from you, alright?”

Jerrin smiled again, nodding. “As you wish.” He turned again, motioning down the hall. “Come please, your father is waiting.”

With a sad sigh, Tamrin followed, and they walked in silence. Every second of every day in Tamrin's mind, was spent worrying. He knew his father's illness was at its peak, and death was imminent, so he always expected the worst. He'd half-feared that he'd been taking his last breaths when Jerrin had told him to come with him.

But, if Jerrin said it wasn't that, then...But why else would his father want to talk to him? They never just talked.

Jerrin stopped outside the double-doors leading into Tamrin's father room, and gestured that he should enter. Jerrin would remain behind. He pushed open the door, trying to be quiet.

In the master bedroom, his father lay bedridden with a nursemaid at his side, giving him small sips of water from a glass. At Tamrin's arrival, they both turned to him, and a few weak words were murmured to the nurse, who bowed and left the room, leaving Tamrin and his father alone.

“Tamrin.”

“Yes, Father?”

“Come here, Son, my eyes don't work too well anymore.”

Tamrin did as asked, pulling the nurse's chair closer to the bed and sitting in it. His hands remained folded in his lap. “You wished to speak to me, Father?”

For a moment, the old King was silent. Then, he gave a tired sigh and turned his filmy eyes over to where Tamrin sat. “You know I'm sick, Son.”

Tamrin swallowed. “Yes, Father.”

“And because of that, you've been forced to take over the throne earlier than anticipated.” His father paused to cough wetly, a thickness in his throat palpable. “It's been a little over a year since I've had to step down.”

Tamrin nodded, lifting his hands to rest by his father's side.

“And...I know I've never...been very...fatherly.”

Tamrin blinked, studying his father's face, shocked. It was true. Ever since he was little, there'd been some friction between them. They'd never hugged, never been close to each other. And Tamrin was slightly uncomfortable with him even acknowledging it.

“I want you to know, I...I don't blame you Tamrin.”

Tamrin cleared his throat, cheeks reddening in embarrassment. He was extremely uncomfortable hearing words like this from such a man. But he didn't know what his father meant. “For what?”

“For your mother's death.”

Tamrin couldn't keep the soft strangled gasp from leaving his throat. His mother had died during childbirth.

“I know over the years I've always been cold to you. And I won't lie to you and say that whenever I looked at you, I wasn't reminded of her reason for dying. But,” Here, the rasp of the ex-King's voice grew soft. “I've never blamed you.”

Tamrin did though. He blamed himself. For his whole life, he'd known if not for him, his mother would still be alive.

“You shouldn't blame yourself either, Tamrin.”

He looked up to his father's face, surprised at how easily he'd been read. Forlorn blue eyes met his own blue, looking full of unspoken apologies.

“Your mother had never been a strong woman. She was frail. Delicate. And any birth would have ended badly for her. And though I miss her everyday, I've never been angry at you for being born. In fact...I've...I've always been so happy to have you as my son.”

Hot tears burned at the corners of Tamrin's eyes, and he grit his teeth to keep his lips from trembling.

“And Tamrin, I...I'm so sorry.” His father's face suddenly crumpled, a wet sheen glazing over those unhealthy, bloodshot eyes.

Tamrin stiffened, further alarmed by his usually stoic father's sudden emotion. “Father?”

Trembling from the effort, Tamrin's father shifted to sit up in his bed, his hand coming to rest heavily over Tamrin's where it was curled into a fist atop the covers.

“You never wanted to be the King. I know you wanted to run away, and I'm sorry I kept you from doing that. I'm sorry I made you feel like you had no other options. I'm sorry you risked unhappiness for me.” The effort to talk was visibly taking its toll, and Tamrin's father had to lay back down, still gripping his hand. “I just wanted you to know, before...Before its too late, that I love you. I love you, Son. I am very proud of you and it brings me great happiness to know I am leaving our people in your more than capable hands. Our kingdom will prosper and grow with you leading the way. I'm truly proud of you. I'm...” Then, he could say no more.

Tamrin's hand was held securely, and he returned the grip. Shaking his head quickly, he managed to speak past the tightness in his throat. “No, Father. That's not...I never regretted staying. Never.” He looked up and met his father's eyes once more. “It all worked out, didn't it? I have Adella and we're friends, and we'll continue the line, and she has Aimery, and I-”

“But you never wanted to be King...”

“No, I didn't.” Tamrin said truthfully. “When I was younger, I didn't. But...Now I realize it's in my blood. I'm meant to be King. And I'm okay with that.”

A soft female voice sounded behind them. “Excuse me, Your Highness, I need to give His Majesty his medicine. May I enter?”

Glancing to the door, Tamrin saw the nurse. He nodded at her. “Of course. We were just about done.” Wiping his eyes and turning back to his father, Tamrin gave him a smile. “Thank you, Father. You don't know how much it's meant to me to hear you say those words. I'll let you get your rest now, alright, and come visit you early tomorrow morning.”

Tamrin did something uncharacteristic of him in regards to his own father, and dipped down to kiss him on the forehead. “Goodnight.”

He left him with the nurse, his eyes still hot and itchy from the tears. After such an exhausting day, all Tamrin wanted to do was go someplace quiet and just...relax. His room would do nicely for that and he made the short trip to the floor below to his chambers, stepping inside and seeing it was empty.

At his bed, he went around the far side and sat back heavily, his back to the door and rested his head in his hands. Today had been so...There weren't even words for it.

At the sound of the door opening quietly behind him, he couldn't keep the smile from creeping onto his face.

There were easy footsteps slowly coming closer, and then a shifting of the bed as someone climbed atop the mattress behind him, coming close to his back. Two warm palms descended onto his shoulders and began to knead soothingly, granting Tamrin immediate relief.

“Tough day?” Elliot murmured sympathetically, digging his thumbs into Tamrin's spine and making him arch with a blissful grunt.

“Oh lord, yes. It was almost too much. I don't think I'll ever get the hang of this.” He sighed, leaning back fully into the touch so his back met Elliot's stomach. Those hands shifted higher and started massaging his shoulders, and into his neck. “Ah, that's good...”

Elliot chuckled, settling his fingers into the curvature of Tamrin's scalp. “Don't say things like that. You're doing fine. The kingdom is happy and prosperous and your people love you. What more do you think needs to be done?”

Tamrin's breath hitched as Elliot's fingers met a particularly hard knot in his muscles, tilting his head to the side to allow better access as those forceful digits rolled over his flesh. Heat pooled in his stomach, burning a fiery path south to his groin. Elliot always could make him forget his troubles. In more ways than one.

But there were other things on his mind. Things that weren't so easily pushed aside by touches.

“I talked to my father today. Right before coming here.”

“Oh yeah? What'd he have to say?”

Tamrin didn't really want to say all what had been said. It was almost too personal even for his lover to know. So instead he opted for something simple. “He told me he was...proud of me...” His hands were shaking and his eyes began to burn again. “That he...he...”

“Tamrin...” Elliot soothed, hands running down his arms.

At the feel of comforting palms sliding around him to take him into a tight hug, Tamrin lost it, giving into the tears he'd been holding in for so long. Turning to face the other, he buried his face in his chest, crying hard.

“Shhh...Tamrin, it's alright, just let it out. Just let it out...” The older male soothed, petting gently at his back as he sobbed.

It was what he needed. A catharsis. A release of all the pent-up stress of the day. Of the week. Of his whole time as King. Letting it all out in great big shuddering breaths against Elliot's warm chest with Elliot's warm hands curving over his back.

The other knew what his relationship with his father was like. He knew how it was and why Tamrin was so shocked by hearing such things. Elliot actually had a pretty good friendship with his father, a fact that greatly surprised Tamrin. Who knew his gay lover and his father who wanted heirs would be so cordial with each other. Or that they'd actually like each other.

Once he felt calmer, Tamrin allowed Elliot to push him back a few inches and wipe away his tears from his cheeks. A soft thumb brushed over the wetness and took it away.

“All better?” He asked, fixing Tamrin with those beautiful brown eyes.

The compassion there made Tamrin smile a little, and he nodded. “Yeah. Well, if not all better, than a little better. Thanks, Lio.”

“You're welcome.” A kissed was pressed to his lips, chastely and sweetly.

But when Tamrin didn't immediately object, he was kissed again. This time deeper.

“Mmm...” The older male groaned, pulling back and licking his lips lewdly. “You taste like chocolate.”

Tamrin smiled softly. “Adella gave me some earlier. Before I saw my father.”

Elliot gave him a pouty grin, poking at his sides. “And you didn't save any for me? Guess I'll just have to get my chocolate fix somewhere else.” He dipped in again, capturing Tamrin's mouth and pushing him back to the bed.

Tamrin let himself flatten along the sheets, thoroughly enjoying the heavy weight of the other atop him, all those angular, muscled planes of Elliot's body fitting into his. A demanding tongue thrust into his mouth, licking at his teeth and tongue, tasting him and making serious the comment about getting chocolate.

Elliot moaned happily into his mouth, and he swallowed it up, mixing it with his own and rocking his hips up into that answering heat. Hands roamed down his sides, bunching in his clothing and trying to get underneath the many layers.

But then Tamrin's stomach growled and spoiled the mood.

Elliot broke away at the sound, chuckling. “Strip down to your underclothes and lay on your stomach.” He ordered, nuzzling behind Tamrin's ear before sitting up. “I'll order us a late dinner and give you a proper rubdown.”

“Mmm...Kay.” Tamrin murmured, rolling to his side to stand by the bed.

“Good boy.” Elliot slapped Tamrin's ass, then was off the bed and walking to the door, ringing the servant's bell.

Tamrin pulled off his ornamental robes, slowly peeling off the layers of his kingly garb until he was in only his loose white half-leggings. He left his clothing all piled on the floor and then tiredly collapsed back to the bed, sighing loudly as he sank into that soft mattress again. He didn't even want to move.

Elliot laughed softly at him, coming back to the bed and kneeling besides Tamrin. “You've got to turn over for me, love.”

“Don't wanna...” He groaned, eyes falling shut.

Hands dug under his armpits, eliciting a soft giggle from him, and then he was being pulled forwards and thrown sideways onto his stomach somewhat roughly. Though, Tamrin was no fragile body, so he only laughed again as he flopped face-first into the soft sheets.

“There!” Elliot crowed triumphantly, cracking his knuckles as he straddled Tamrin's buttocks. “Prepare to be thoroughly seduced by my magic fingers.”

Tamrin snickered helplessly, grateful for the distraction. And the promised seduction which took the form of flattened palms and rippling fingers all along his spine and shoulder blades. Nails raked across his skin, giving him goosebumps, and then those strong, dexterous fingers wove up into his hair, brushing upwards of his scalp and making him gasp softly from the sensation.

Fingers lazily curved down Tamrin's jaw to cup his chin and neck, pulling him back and tilting his head to kiss him. Elliot's thumb was stroking at their bottom lips, and his pinky laid over Tamrin's Adam's Apple. At that angle, it was hard for Tamrin to breathe, but the insistent, gentle probing of Elliot's tongue was distracting enough to keep him from caring.

Elliot's other hand wandered down Tamrin's side, lightly stroking his ribs and down to the side of his stomach. They traced lower over the contours of his hips, tickling the ridges of his bone.

“Ah...Lio...” Tamrin sighed, kissing back again.

There was a knock on the door, stopping them mid-kiss and Elliot separated their tongues slickly, giving Tamrin a sly smile. “Food's here.” He climbed off carefully, making sure not to crush anything.

There was a rolling cart outside their room, with steaming plates of food and a bottle of wine along with two glasses. Elliot smiled as he thanked the maid who'd brought it, then shut the door and rolled the cart to the bed. As he lay back down besides Tamrin, he grabbed the wine and glasses, pulling out the cork with his teeth and spitting it off to the side.

Tamrin laughed. “How barbaric.”

Elliot growled teasingly, pouring them each a glass and handing one to Tamrin. He clinked their glasses before taking a large swallow and sighing contentedly.

Tamrin regarded him warily, one eyebrow raised. “I don't want to get drunk, you know. I have to get up early tomorrow and a hangover is the last thing I need.”

But Elliot lifted a brow in return. “I don't want you drunk either.”

Uh oh. Tamrin narrowed his eyes. “And why not?”

From beneath lowered lids, Elliot gave him a sultry look. “Because I want you aware when I fuck you.” He took another swallow, draining his glass.

Tamrin blushed at the words, though he kept his composure. These were words he was very used to, as well as to the speaker himself. Though, even after years of this kind of speech, Tamrin still reacted. Still felt that twang inside. Thankfully as an adult, he could hide it better.

So, with a coy smile and a tilted quirk to his lips, he looked away. “Oh? And what makes you think I'm in the mood.”

Elliot groaned and reached to touch Tamrin's mouth, fingers dancing along the bottom seam. “Because you're always hungry for me.”

Tamrin hid the flash of heat in his gut with a detached chuckle. “Right now, all I'm hungry for is food.”

Those fingers left his lips, trailing for a moment, but then reaching back towards the cart and coming away with a vine of grapes.

Tamrin snickered. “Are you going to feed me grapes? How cliché.”

“Ah, but you love cliché. Now shut up and let me feed you.”

Tamrin closed his eyes, enjoying his pampering and parting his lips enticingly. “I'm waiting~!” He sing-songed, running his tongue across his bottom lip to goad the other on.

He heard Elliot hiss in through his teeth, and heated breath ran across his chin and up over his lips. A kiss then? But no, the cool flesh of one grape was lowered to his mouth, held against his lips, allowing him to probe out with his tongue and take it from Elliot's fingers.

He chewed it slowly, savoring it's watery sweetness, but his stomach growled again, demanding more substantial fair. “Can I have some meat, please?”

Elliot snorted, stroking fingers down Tamrin's neck again before pulling away once more. “As you wish, Tam-Tam.”

Tamrin grimaced, popping open one eye to see Elliot grabbing a small plate and piling it with sliced pork. “Don't call me that. I hate that.”

With a low teasing laugh, the other shook his head, fixing Tamrin with a shrewd look. “No, you don't. You love it. You get all hot and bothered when I call you that. Especially during sex.”

Tamrin blushed, scoffing. “No, I don't.”

“Oh, yes you do. You get that lost-little-boy look in your eyes, just begging me to do unspeakable things to you.”

There were those words again. Though Tamrin really did hate that nickname, he couldn't deny that the way Elliot said it always made him hot. The way he made his voice so...possessive. But he didn't need to admit that out-loud. “I'm still hungry.” He said instead, not meeting the other's eyes.

Obedient as ever, Elliot held up a forkful of pork, and Tamrin leaned forward to take it in his mouth. It was delicious. Lord, truly truly delicious and it hit the exact right spot in Tamrin's appetite. He groaned happily, chewing with relish, and he saw Elliot do that same with another piece.

“So, what else happened today? How'd your meeting go?” Elliot asked, spearing more meat and bringing it Tamrin's mouth.

He ate it, answering once he'd swallowed. “It went okay. Brom and Leik are at each other's throats as always. Brom wants to rush into violence and Leik wants nothing but peace. It's very frustrating.”

Elliot snorted. “They should just fuck and get it over with.”

With a small shake of his head, Tamrin smiled. “I said something very similar to Brom just this afternoon.”

“You told them to fuck?!”

“No!” Tamrin laughed, giving Elliot a look. “Of course not. I'm not as crass as you, sweetheart.” He batted his lashes playfully. “I merely told him he shouldn't take so long to tell Leik his feelings. I told him that the chance might pass him by and he'd forever live to regret it. Like I almost did with you.” Tamrin became serious. “How I almost let you walk out of my life.”

Giving him a bright smile, Elliot winked. “But you didn't. You made me stay. And now I'm the King's lover.”

“Yeah, now we're illegally paired males. And I'm married. Oh lord, and expecting a child. Lio...Adella's going to go into labor any day now, I can just feel it.”

Elliot's answer was soft, almost uninterested. “Hmm.”

“Aren't you nervous?” Tamrin was terrified, to be honest. He was completely horrified. There'd be a baby soon, and he wasn't sure how he was going handle it.

“Nah, not really...” Elliot still sounded guarded.

“Really? I'm so nervous I can't even breath sometimes. Why aren't you nervous?”

Elliot's arms were folded, and his face impassive. “I don't know. I guess I just don't feel it too much. I mean...It's mostly just you and Adella having to deal with it. Ever since you knocked her up.”

“I didn't actually have sex with her. You know that.”

“Yeah...” He pouted, turning away. “But you came pretty close. Almost.”

“No, I didn't!” Tamrin scoffed, snorting. “I had you jerk me into a container and then the midwife helped put it into Adella! Stop being dumb.”

Elliot still looked somewhat angry. “Well, whatever.”

“You're awfully uppity about this tonight. What's the matter? You jealous I had to get Adella pregnant?”

“Why not me, huh?!” Elliot blurted out, looking instantly as if he regretted it.

Tamrin's eyebrows flew up into his hairline. “What? Are you saying you want to birth my children?”

Elliot choked, shaking his head vigorously. “No! I meant, I just meant, Uh...I...Jeez, I don't know...” Pink darkened the older male's cheeks.

Tamrin found it quite adorable. “Believe me, Lio...” He whispered, leaning close and nuzzling into Elliot's neck. “If it were possible for us to have children, I'd prefer it that way. But, Adella is a good woman. And she'll be a phenomenal mother. And I'll try my hardest to be a good father. You and Aimery, too. You'll be parents just as much as Adella and I.”

Elliot didn't look too convinced.

Tamrin took his face in hand, turning it to make the other look him in the eye. “Lio, you're going to be in this child's life. You need to realize that. It's my child and you are my partner. You're my...” He blushed. “You're my husband. If not in the church's eyes, then in mine. And therefore, you'll be the father of this baby too. Alright?”

Elliot nodded at him. Stubbornly. But, it was a nod all the same. And Tamrin knew Elliot enough to realize nothing else should be said about tonight, or his lover would just shut down.

So, they finished their food and their wine, mostly silent with Tamrin enjoying the silence, and Elliot most likely thinking about Tamrin's words.

With his stomach no longer empty, Tamrin let his head fall back to the bed and he sighed, full of satisfaction. Everything was better now. Elliot began cleaning up their mess and Tamrin felt his body drifting on a haze of contentment and expensive wine, he could let himself forget about his troubles. For now.

His quiet was disturbed though, by Elliot's low chuckle as he climbed atop his sprawled form.

“I think I remember saying something about fucking you.”

Tamrin suppressed a grin and mumbled sleepily. “Hm?”

“Don't you 'hm' me. Wake up, or I'll make you regret it.”

The grin slipped out, and Tamrin opened his eyes to smirk up at his lover who was straddling him and bracing himself over his torso on all fours. “Oh yeah?”

Elliot bared his teeth, half-threatening if not for the smile behind it. “Yeah.”

Tamrin could be obstinate. He could be stubborn and silly, and remain near-comatose. But then Elliot would most assuredly wake him up in wretched ways. Biting and teasing and orgasm-denial until Tamrin was so hard and sore that it physically hurt when he came. Or he could open his arms and legs and be rewarded with extremely gratifying sex. Or a third option. He could be welcoming, but still snarky.

He chose the latter.

Still grinning, he stretched his arms above his head, yawning loudly. “I don't wanna...I'm too full of pork...”

Elliot eyes flashed down to his bare stomach, glued to his skin in an instant. Lips followed and pressed to Tamrin's stomach, the barest tip of tongue sneaking out to taste as well. A laugh bubbled up in his throat.

“Here?” Elliot murmured with another light kiss. “Is your tummy all stuffed? Does it feel nice to be so full?”

Tamrin's eyebrows rose and he glanced down at Elliot's devious face. “Don't you even say it.”

The other tilted his head innocently. “Say what?”

Tamrin made himself sit up, grunting as he playfully pushed Elliot backwards to straddle further down over his calves. “I know you. You're going to say something like 'Don't you want to be full somewhere else?', so don't even.”

The look Elliot gave him could only be described as that of a kicked puppy. “You're no fun.” He pouted.

With a laugh, Tamrin pulled the sulking brunette closer and kissed him softly. “Want me to prove I can be fun?”

That perked Elliot right up and Tamrin watch a slow smile spread onto the face. He sighed as Elliot kissed him again, and pushed him backwards once more. This time, Elliot went straight for Tamrin's underclothes, untying the laces in the front and shoving them down, as far as possible without breaking the kiss.

Tamrin gave a soft groan as the other pulled away and sat back to grab at his leggings, pulling them the rest of the way off his legs and then returning to kiss again. Two hands roved over his skin, not as energetic as usual, but just as invasive, feeling every bare inch of him and then some. Fingers dipped into the furrow of his ass, stroking up and down over the sensitive skin hidden behind his balls, and Tamrin arched up, wantonly spreading his legs wider.

“You're only half-hard...” Elliot murmured, fingertips stroking over Tamrin's length.

“I told you I'm tired.” He whispered right back, enjoying the touch. Ever since he'd first felt those light caresses from his lover as he sat on the bed, Tamrin had been harboring a slow burn of arousal deep in his gut. It had faded a few times, while he'd cried about his father and been talking about his child, but now it was back with a vengeance, searing lazy spirals through his body. But regardless of that, he was still exhausted, so it was going to take a little more than kissing to get him hard. Even though the way Elliot was looking at him made him feel like he wouldn't mind so much being called 'Tam-Tam' right now.

“Don't worry, baby, I'll take care of it.” Elliot husked, shimmying down Tamrin's body so his hot breath hit right on Tamrin's growing length.

He had to slap a hand over his mouth as wet heat enveloped his cock, sucking him like he tasted like wine, and his back bowed involuntarily.

“Be noisy, Tam, I wanna hear ya.” His lover commanded, descending immediately back around him with a hungry moan.

Tamrin couldn't say for certain, what with his nonexistent experience with other lovers, whether Elliot was good at what he did. But, based on how his body reacted, how many times the other could get him to cum, and just the sheer variation of noises that were pulled from his mouth, Tamrin would venture to say that Elliot was a pro.

A God, even.

Elliot made a slurping sound and pulled his mouth off Tamrin, licking his lips in that way of his and his eyes smug. “Look. It's hard now.”

Tamrin could feel the ache, in his balls and in his cock, which was now fully erect and laying wetly against his stomach, almost angrily, judging by its glaring red hue. “Yeah, and now you've got to take care of it.” He retorted with a cheeky sneer, his eyes half-lidded and serious.

Thankfully, Elliot's reply was to smother Tamrin with kisses, encapsulating him in arms and legs and lips closing over his own, and tongue probing forth to coax out more naughty sounds.

Unable to be still, Tamrin thrust his hips up into Elliot's stomach, grinding against soft skin and the thick trail of hair leading from his belly button down past the low slung trousers to his groin. It tickled along his length, little shudders and his body involuntarily writhing from it. “Mmhhm, Lio...”

The brunette reared back, sounding frustrated. “Damn pants.”

Though Tamrin had been instructed to strip to his underwear, Elliot had only taken off his shirt. The consequence of not getting undressed while clear-headed meant Tamrin got to watch his heavily-aroused lover struggle with his pants, cursing softly as the laces got tangled.

Tamrin took the moment to discreetly grab the little vial of oil they kept under their pillows, flicking off the lid with his thumb and pouring some onto his fingers. Some spilled to the bed as Tamrin slicked his fingers up and brought his hand back to his buttocks, stroking along the cleft of his ass and pressing against the puckered opening there. While Elliot was fumbling with his clothes, Tamrin slicked his insides, stretching his anus and trying not to make too much noise from it. When Elliot crowed triumphantly, signaling his freedom from clothing, Tamrin pulled his fingers out and poured more oil into his hand, recapping the vial and replacing it under the pillows with the other.

Elliot, upon seeing Tamrin's oil-soaked hand, came back on the bed, offering himself. Tamrin reached down between them and wrapped his digits around that heated hardness, spreading the fluid around and watching the other's expressions. Elliot had his eyes closed and his mouth open and he was very nearly grimacing as Tamrin slowly lubed him. It was fascinating to watch. To see such a dominate, unruly, crude man turned to putty in his hands. Literally.

But his enjoyment was short-lived, because Elliot's eyes popped open and he growled, full of sexual intent. “Give me the oil.”

“I already put some in.” Tamrin admitted quietly, shifting his hips to illustrate his point.”Just fuck me.”

Eyes flashing in pleased surprised, Elliot groped at Tamrin's ass. “Get up.”

“What?” Tamrin blinked at the sudden hoarse request, and he stared up with his brow furrowed. “Why?”

Elliot looked fierce, his breathing thick and his body glistening with sweat. “I want you on your hands and knees.” His cock, shiny from the oil, was standing up and twitching faintly.

No needing to be told twice, Tamrin shifted into the desired position, bracing himself on his palms and his legs spread enticingly as his erection throbbed heavy between his thighs. A furtive glance over his shoulder showed Elliot staring at him appreciatively, openly lusting his backside. It made him hotter to be so desired.

“You look good like that.” Elliot whispered, slowly coming closer and kneeling on the bed. “All flushed and sweaty. Like you can't wait for me to fuck you.” A firm hand traveled over Tamrin's ass, pinching at his cheek. “You can't wait, can you?” Elliot was panting now, kneeling behind him and voice taking on that familiar tone. “Can't wait for me to slide inside your tight ass. I bet you could cum before I even touch you, you want it so bad. I bet-”

“Shut it, Lio, and just fuck me already!” Tamrin growled, at his limit. His lover's penchant for dirty talk was hot and all, but right now he needed action, not words.

There was an altogether surprised sound from the the brunette, but then one palm spread over the small of Tamrin's back, pressing him down to the bed. His thighs were kicked apart, leaving him spread-eagle and on his stomach, and he lay his forehead against his sheets, waiting with bated breath as the thick head of Elliot's cock pressed against his anus, lightly at first.

The muscles in Tamrin's ass clenched in anticipation, his ass feeling empty and unsatisfied. He craved it now. After years of knowing how good it could feel, Tamrin's body yearned for it. Wanted it so badly that he could feel his insides all loosening up expectantly. Getting him ready for what was coming. And after a moment, Tamrin felt his anus spread open as Elliot began to slowly push inside, short, harsh breaths leaving both their lungs.

“Lio!” Tamrin gasped, pushing back as best he could from his immobile position on the bed. Elliot's hand held him down, and he was helplessly entered, inch by torturous inch. A high moan brushed past his lips, and he fought to breathe as Elliot's cock impaled him.

“Oh lord...” Elliot hiccuped, kneading the flesh of Tamrin's narrow hips with his hands. “So tight...”

Tamrin could only moan. The thick feel of the brunette's cock stretched his insides, making him want to move but unable to with the other's grip on his hips.

“Ah!” He cried, gripping at the bedsheets as Elliot withdrew then plunged back in. “Lio!”

Elliot held him down, thrusting harder into Tamrin, crushing him into the bed with his weight. It was good. So good. Tamrin's cock throbbed in time with Elliot's thrusts, making him cry out softly, unable to do anything but be fucked brutally. Elliot wasn't often gentle, unless either of them needed it to be. And that rarely happened anymore. They took care of being sweet after sex. Cuddling and talking to each other like children, with much cooing and giggling.

But now, now it was rough. And quick. Almost too fast for Tamrin, and he fought to breathe as he was pounded into the bed. Every wayward brush against that sensitive spot inside had him moaning wildly.

“Uuuhh...harder. Harder!” He begged, fisting the sheets and biting down on them.

But then the hands on his hips loosened, and moved up to his chest, pulling him off his hands and up onto his knees again, his back pulled back to press into Elliot's chest, but those hips never ceasing their thrusts.

Teeth sank into his shoulder muscle, and he jerked, his cock replying with a jolt. His hair was grabbed and his head yanked backwards for a repeat of an earlier kiss, Tamrin's neck stretched at an odd angle as Elliot kissed him wetly, thrusting his tongue in at the same pace as his hips.

“Oh lord...” Tamrin wheezed, twisting his head away to breathe raggedly. “Uhhggn...” He shuddered backwards, trying to stay upright, throwing one hand up and back to grasp at Elliot's neck, and his other hand lowered to press on Elliot's back, anchoring him to the other. “Lio...Lord, yes...”

Elliot, for once, was silent, only his breathing making noise other than Tamrin's. Usually, his lover was very talkative, non-stop profanity and dirty words spilling from his lips in a steady stream. But for whatever reason, now he was quiet. Tamrin could feel it, in the slight trembles shaking the brunette's frame, even as he thrust forward, and the somewhat thick panting in his ear.

“Lio? Uhhn...Baby, you okay?” He managed, grunting on each harsh push inside him.

“Tam...” Elliot groaned, nuzzling Tamrin's neck from behind and kissing at his sweaty skin. “Tam...” Then he shuddered once, heaving his arms up and wrapping tight around Tamrin's torso, making a muffled moan into the back of his shoulder. “I love you!”

There was heat inside Tamrin, and he cried out at the sensation, bucking back and reaching down to jerk himself, but Elliot's shaky hand came into view, knocking his aside and taking him in hand, thumb stroking over the head and fingers stroke him to release.

“Lio! Uhhn...Haah...” Convulsing hard, he came, spilling over himself and Elliot's hand, his hips twitching violently as he rode out the pulses of orgasm.

Together, they fell to the bed, a heap of sweaty arms and legs, tangled in each other. But Tamrin, once he caught his breath, moved Elliot out of him and turned over, regarding his lover. Elliot was breathing hard, his eyes closed.

“Hey.” Tamrin murmured, interrupting the afterglow. “Elliot.”

Sated brown eyes lazily opened to gaze at him from behind a sheen of satisfaction. “Mmm?”

“Wanna tell me what that was about? Before you came? Why'd you sound so upset.”

“I don't...”

“Tell me.” Tamrin ordered sternly, narrowing his eyes.

Elliot furrowed his brow at the tone, then sighed loudly, rolling onto his back. “It's just...Adella.” He sighed again. “You're...having a child with her...”

Tamrin shook his head, not understanding. “And what does that have to do with anything?”

Elliot looked away, his face downtrodden. “I don't know...You're going to have this connection with her. Something you guys will have that I'll never be able to have with you. Aimery probably feels the same way.” He ran his fingers through his hair angrily. “I don't know, alright. I just...I don't like it.”

Sometimes Elliot was such a sap, and Tamrin shook his head fondly, reaching out to cup his lover's face in his hand. “Elliot. Look at me.” The other did so, stubbornly. “Adella is my friend. Not my lover. Not my partner. You are those things. And this child will be our son. Or daughter. I don't know what else I can say to you about this. What do you need to hear?”

For a long time, Elliot didn't say anything. Though, emotions were visibly flickering over his face. Tamrin waited patiently. He knew eventually that Elliot would figure out what he wanted to say.

“I...” He tentatively began, slight color on his cheeks. “I'm...jealous. I guess.”

“Of Adella?”

“Of...Everything.” Elliot still wouldn't meet his eyes. “Of the fact that she's married to you, and that she's having your kid, and that this...our relationship is so...unofficial.”

“Unofficial?!” Tamrin scoffed, sitting upright and shaking Elliot's shoulders. “What the hell is unofficial about us? The whole castle knows about us. They know about Adella and Aimery. And they accept it. Do you want us to have some sort of wedding or something?”

Elliot rolled his eyes, picking at the cloth of the sheet beneath them. “No...Maybe...”

Tamrin sighed in frustration. “Fine. We're getting married then.”

Elliot's eyes grew wide and he looked up in surprise. “What? Really? But...” He shook his head. “We can't do that. The church...”

“Who cares about the church?! I'm the King!” Tamrin puffed out his chest, rising to kneel on his knees. “I say we're getting married, then we're getting married!”

After seconds of shocked silence, Elliot's face split into a happy grin, and he rose up onto his knees as well, pulling Tamrin into his arms with a whoop. “We're getting married!”

The church wouldn't like it, and probably wouldn't sanction it, but in the eyes of their people, they'd be husband and...something. Which would mean Elliot would get all the same benefits as Adella. If not married, then they'd at least be a legally joined couple. Oh, and that meant Aimery and Adella would also be joined! Tamrin suddenly realized he'd been a huge idiot for not thinking of this sooner.

“Wait a minute...Tamrin?” Elliot asked, sounding pensive.

Tamrin shifted back just far enough to peer into Elliot's brown eyes. “What?”

“Which one of us has to wear the white dress?”

Tamrin just laughed.


THE END