Evan blushed as he looked up at Marius who was now straddling his lap. "What Mari? Did I do something wrong?" He then turned away too start braiding the flower stems together to make into a flower crown. He hummed to himself, still continuing his act of ignorance, really curious as to what would happen.
Marius huffed a bit and lay down on Evan's chest, holding tighter to him. I'm more interesting than the flowers… He moved his hat so that it was covering his face again. Or the dumb clouds…
"Aww is someone jealous? That's another sign of being in love My Prince." He leaned down and kissed his forehead. He began to rub Marius's back softly, humming gently.
Marius huffed again as he buried his red face in Evan's chest. I don't care… just pay attention to me, dumbass…
"You're so cute when you're mad like this." He said softly, kissing his cheek softly, peppering it back and forth. "Alright. You have my undivided attention. What are you gonna do with it?"
I'm not cute! Marius insisted, trying his best to glare up at Evan. His ears twitched a bit with annoyance.Just… this is fine. Just hold me…
"Alright." He held him close up against his chest and smiled, still staring up at the clouds. "You love me don't you Prince?" He asked gently, softly running a hand through his hair.
Shut up… Marius kept his face hidden for now, but he was unable to keep himself from purring softly at the gentle petting.
"I love you too young Prince Mari." He said gently, kissing his forehead. "Sometimes you'll hate me but that's alright. I'll always love you. Even if you stop." He gave a soft sigh and gave him a tight little squeeze, and then snuggled into Marius's neck.
Marius flushed harder and buried his face further into Evan's chest. He tried to brush by Evan's confession of love to keep himself from being too flustered. I-I'm not even that young… I just turned eighteen, so… I'm legally an adult.
"Still young. In a sense. Young too love. New to it. Sorry I do tend to be rather poetic." He grinned. "I look forward to the day you let me kiss your lips. But. Again. If you ever let me, that is your time and place to do so. Not mine. I'll never pressure you or push you around like your family do and Marianna will."
Marius looked away nervously, fidgeting with his mask to make sure it was on tight enough. Hopefully she won't force me to take it off or anything… I don't think she'd like what she sees. How… how old are you, anyway? He asked. Presumably older than I am if you keep mentioning how young I am.
"I'm only 20 Marius, do not fret so. And I bet she will try too. Do not ever be afraid to call for me. I am almost always around Marianna except when eating or using the lavatory, or doing some of my own personal free studying in the limited free time she allows me. I even sleep in a bedroom right next to her. So if you ever need me, just yell. I'll argue with her and risk my job and even life to keep you safe from your dreadful wife to be. That's your personal space. You decide when and who, if anyone, gets to see it. Not anyone else."
Marius nodded weakly and sighed, huddling a little closer to Evan. I wouldn't let her do anything to you… even when we're married, I'll have the higher authority. She's not allowed to do anything unless I permit it, and I… and I wouldn't… He closed his eyes, quivering lightly.
He blushed. "Really? You'd protect me? Thank you kindly Prince." He smiled from ear to ear, unable to come up with some excuse as too why he shouldn't. He sighed and took a deep breath in. "You smell like musty fabric and books." He said gently. "It's the smell of home."
Marius buried his face in Evan's chest again, turning his ears back at the praise and the other's comments. Yeah, yeah… we… we should probably head back soon, you know.
Evan sighed. "I hate too say it but you are correct. I don't wish to go back. I like it here with you." He sat up with Marius still in his lap. "Would you like me too carry you back to your steed?"
Marius nodded and wrapped his arms around Evan's neck to be more secure. I don't really know what time it is, but we probably should have eaten something by now… He hummed thoughtfully as he looked up at the sky.
"I have some apples in my knapsack, we can snack on them on the way back." He set Marius on his horse before getting on his own. He then reached into his rucksack and pulled out an apple, which he tossed to Marius. "Here to tide you over until we get back."
Mmkay… Marius teleported the apple into his stomach before grabbing his reins and following Evan. He didn't try to go any faster than a walk due to his aching body, but they were nearing the castle anyhow.
Evan kept looking back to make sure Marius was okay,and soon he lead his horse into the stables,which he tied up, and got the saddle off. He then helped Marius down. "I'm going to tell the King and Queen that we got a little lost in the forest which is why we are late." He kissed Marius's cheek and then walked ahead.
Marius nodded a bit and followed Evan as closely as he could, still noticeably limping. I'll just… um… I'll go to the infirmary. You're welcome to go there when you're finished speaking with them, and if I'm not there, I'm in my room. He headed off to the infirmary.
Evan nodded and headed off to where the Lord and Lady were, and explained to them quickly what was happening. Instead of going to see Marius he dropped by the servants quarters to go see his sister. He gave her a cake and some small gifts. New guitar strings and picks, and a flute,knowing that she'd probably broken her other one. Then after that he headed to his room, nabbed his own book, and went to Marius's room softly knocking on the door.
Come in. Marius glanced up when he heard the knock, setting aside the book that he'd been reading in Evan's absence. It seemed to be something to do with stars, although the cover was obscured. Took you long enough. Where have you been? He asked with a mildly annoyed expression.
"I had gifts to drop off too my sister, and of course speak with your parents. Your mother really is quite the chatter box, mister impatient. Missed me that much huh?" He chuckled and bent down, kissing Marius's nose.