forum "I would burn the world for you" (OxO Closed)

Started December 01, 2022 by @ElderGod-yellowqueen

tune

Nico only smiled. He would wear that customized bathrobe every night if he let him. He would do anything that made Bel happy even making a fool out of himself. Oh, the things we do for love. It was infectious and poisoning and overwhelming and yet he would go through it all again if it meant he would end up here with Bel. With a pair of rings in his pocket and his fiancé holding his hand. Fiancé. They would be married soon. As soon as Bel would allow them to after all the planning.

He looked at Bel, nodding his head. They would be here for a few months. And a few months was plenty of time to not only plan his war but plan their wedding. Nico was a great multitasker. He could do both at one time. "Let's get you back to the palace. We can get some lunch, take a nap, and then do some exploring before we have to go for dinner."

(Ugh sorry that's so short)

(alksdf dw,, sorry this is long,,, alksdfj oof)

"Yes, let's go–" Bel tugs lightly on Nico's arm as they turn around and head back towards the palace. As they walk, Bel takes his time to marvel at the castle made of silver and glass. It's tall and spindly, stretching up high towards the clouds. Bel thinks to his little cousin that loves to scramble on the steep, slanted roofs. It would be so easy for him to slip and fall hundreds of feet down to a rocky abyss. The thought causes his stomach to churn, almost poisoning the gorgeous sight of the palace, but Bel shakes it away. There are large balconies stretching far away from the palace and massive stained glass windows framing them. All of it is painted in shades of blue and gray.

It doesn't take long for them to arrive, the guards nodding their heads as they make their way through the tall doors. The pumas watch them, amber eyes trailing them carefully. Almost as soon as they're through the courtyard and into the palace, Bel is bombarded with noise. He jumps back, faced with all eight of his cousins, and of course, Loven. The second oldest, the one Miran's age, steps forward. Marcel, Bel's mind supplies. Marcel has a lovely smile, clearly the same one Bel has. He clasps Bel on the shoulder and brings him into a tight hug. "It's been too long, Bel," Marcel says quietly before leaning away. "And I take it you're the fiance?" Marcel's smile grows as he extends a hand to shake. A small flurry of maids appear to take Nico's bags up to their room. "I'm Marcel, second oldest behind Sella." His hair is cut short to his head, a pair of round glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. 

Marcel turns, gesturing back to his siblings. "I'm sure you know Sella and her wife, Loven, already. Queen and Consort. And then there's me, then there's Ianna–" Ianna wears a mask over the lower half of her face, her hair cornrowed down to her waist and pulled elegantly back from her face. She wears a pretty, silver dress and gloves. She's likely a year younger than Bel. "Olipher and Asa." Olipher is close to Treya's age of seventeen, Asa slightly younger, maybe fifteen. Olipher is short and wide with a coat that looks slightly too fancy for the situation. His hair is in five neat braids that hit his shoulders and he wears a pair of eyeglasses atop of his head. Asa has short hair that's frizzy on the top. They wear simple colors and comfortable, wide-legged pants. "The twins Aster and Kyrra–" They're both about twelve and identical in many ways, the only real difference being one wears her hair in a frizzy afro and the other keeps it pulled up into a bun. They were similar dresses of baby blue and navy blue. "And the baby, Arlo." Arlo waves, still wearing his cardboard crown. "Welcome to the family, Nicandros." Marcel smiles, his dark eyes genuine and sparkling. "I just wanted to introduce us all, sorry for interrupting your morning."

(Mine will not be as long agdjfhsha XD)

Nico could see that Bel was lost in thought and left him to it. Usually, he would try to shake Bel out of whatever trance he was in but he was quite enjoying their silent company. And he had things to think about himself. He wondered what Bel's family knew about him. If they had heard all the stories? Stories that painted Nico as a monster or liberator, depending on who was telling it. But one thing that was consistent was that they all told stories of terrible things he had done. Not all of then were true. Some were exaggerated. And some…some he had done. And he hadn't regretted a single thing about them. But it didn't mean he was a monster or a terrible person. He was just Nico.

Just as they walked past the courtyard and past the door to the palace, they were bombarded. There were eight of them in total and he blinked in surprise as they all came at them. A staff member was taking the bags in his hands and he barely remembered to say thank you. He listened quietly as each cousin was named. And he knew that he was going to forget each of their names after this meetings. Besides Arlo. He would remember that sweet boy's name. He smiled and winked at Arlo. He had a feeling he would be seeing more of him. And that he would not be coming the traditional way if using the door. It would likely be through the balcony. After climbing around on the roof. "Thank you," he said to Marcel, smiling at him. "I am haply to be apart of it."

Bel listens raptly to Marcel introducing his cousins to Bel (for to be honest, Bel hardly recognizes any of them anymore). It's been ten entire years since he's been able to see them. The only one that remotely feels the same is Marcel with his friendly smile and round glasses. Well, also Sella with her boisterous demeanor and competitive eyes. His heart swells as Marcel welcomes Nico to the family. He has no idea what his cousins have heard of Nico. After all, he is conspiring to take down their uncle, but Bel has always been sure they only tolerated his father because they loved his mother. "Thank you Marcel," Bel smiles and squeezes Marcel's bicep. "I look forward to seeing you all again tonight for dinner."

Sella steps up. "Enjoy your day, Bel. My general sent a falcon after breakfast and said that the rest of your party should be arriving near nightfall. Perhaps we could feast tomorrow night to celebrate?" Sella almost looks excited to host. With the Blakkian borders closed for so long, Bel just knows that his cousin has been aching for an excuse to throw a grand party.

"That sounds lovely, Sella," Bel replies, a smile growing on his own face. "I can't wait." Sella beams knowing her plan has been approved before scuttling back to Loven. She's already rattling off different ideas. She says something about her on-demand decorator and Bel doesn't even want to know the context of that. The rest of the cousins disband, each of them waving, the littlest of the bunch far more enthusiastically.

"I'll see you later!" Arlo announces, almost falling over from the momentum of his wave. "It'll be the bestest time ever. I promise." And then he quickly scrambles to fall into line with Asa on one side and the twins on the other. 

Bel laughs and shakes his head. "Come on, love. Let's go back to our room." They won't be bothered, not unless they want to be. "I need to fix my hair before Treya can judge me for it again." And with that, Bel leads them both up a staircase and past the guard puma to their room. The bags are already inside, sitting nicely atop of a chair.

(Again, not gonna be that long XD)

Nico was happy that Bel was being reunited with his family but it reminded him that he had none. They had all been killed before he had eveb been born. His grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins. All dead. Only his mother had escaped and even his mother had left this world during his teenage years. And his father, his father had died before he'd been born. Everyone gone leaving him alone. He had his friends, his inner circle. They did not need to share blood to be family. And while he loved them more than anything, he wished he had a chance to have met his family. His blood family. He only hoped they were proud of him. Of what he was trying to do. And he hoped they would have liked Bel. He woukd like to think so. And even if they were wary at first, Bel seemed to win everyone over with his loving nature.

He perked up at the announcement that the rest of their party would be joining later that evening. He was ready to see his brothers again. Now that they were in a safe place to do so, he'd likely take them out into the city to go drinking for a night. Just the six of them, now that Ambrose was with them this time. And that would give Bel a chance to spend time with his family and friends without him. They did spend a lot if time attached to the hip. He wasn't so sure about the feast, unsure of how his people would take it. They were used to such luxury and worried they might feel put out as he had their first night.

"That sounds lovely, Sella, thank you," he said anyways. He smiled at then and waved to little Arlo. He nodded at Bel, ready to retire to their room. Now that he wasn't worried about Bel dying, at least not as much, he felt like he could relax better. And he was excited to learn how to do his hair.

(dw alskdjf i get it,,, i had like… ten characters i could write for and you just had Nico lol alksdjf)

Bel takes a moment to stretch in their room, his shoulders visibly dropping as the wear of the public and people finally fade away. Don't get him wrong, Bel absolutely loves people. He loves the bustle, loves the culture, loves the atmosphere–but he can't be in it for long. He needs a break every now and then. With quick fingers, he loosens the neck of his shirt and carefully tilts his head back and forth to listen to it crack. They could take another moment to rest, but Bel would really like to just get his hair out of the way.

Grabbing Nico's hand, he leads them into the bathroom. He places the two stools right in front of the massive vanity and instantly begins to find all of the tools he'll need from the various drawers. "Fair warning, this can take a while–" Bel shrugs apologetically. If they get this out of the way now, it should be good and ready by dinnertime. He has a comb in hand, a bottle of thick conditioner in the other. There's a knife on the counter because he couldn't find any scissors in the entire vanity. (Odd considering the massive size of it, but Bel doesn't complain. He'll make do with whatever blade necessary.) He takes a seat at the stool and gestures for Nico to follow. Studying himself in the mirror, Bel brings the blade up to his first loc and slices an inch off the tip. "It's easier to break up the loc when the tip isn't… fused together." His eyebrows knit as he struggles to find the correct word. He slides Nico a second blade, one that matches the first. "Could you get the back ones for me? I can't see them in the mirror." He slices another tip off. 

This part goes by the quickest, Bel thoroughly enjoying the feeling of Nico's fingers carefully cutting his hair. Once it's done and there are about two dozen small bundles of hair sitting on the vanity, Bel grabs the bottle of conditioner and frowns. He's never minded doing other people's hair, in fact, doing Treya's by the fire whenever she's not away in Lumeire has become one of Bel's favorite ways to bond with her. "This part takes forever." He shakes the bottle. "You just have to coat the loc in the conditioner, and then take your time picking it out with the comb." He finds a second comb in the drawer in front of him. "And if a bundle of hair falls out, that's normal. Don't think I'm balding on you yet." Bel smiles at Nico through the mirror.

(I started this and then somehow deleted my response and now I'm just like …. 😶)

Nico watched the change shift in Bel as they entered their bedroom. He watched as those princely manners faded with each stretch. He had a sad smile on his lips. This he could understand. He was used to putting on a different face for his people. He had to be Nicandros for them. It was only when he was alone or with his inner circle that he was just Nico. And he was just Nico with Bel now, too. He approached his fiancé from behind and began to massage his shoulders gently. He pressed a kiss to the back of his head. Nico squeezed his shoulders once before releasing him and following him into the bathroom.

He sat at one of the two stools in front if the vanity. He only had a small smile on his face and his eyes filled with love as he watched Bel get all the necessary items. As excited as he was to learn more about Bel's hair, he was also happy ti just be with him alone. Especially now that he didn't have to worry about Bel dying anymore. Given he took hos medicine every morning. "That's alright, love." He leaned forward to steal a quick kiss from him. "I'm prepared to be here with you all day." He then watched as Bel proceeded to cut off an inch of one of his locs. He nodded his head and took the knife he was offered. Nico started on the back of his head, careful not to pull on his hair as he severed off an inch of each loc. The last thing ge wanted to do was hurt Bel.

Nico nodded his head once more, listening to the instructions. The bundle of hair concerned him and made him wonder just how much hair was going to come out. He did understand that everyone shed hair. And because his were in locs they had nowhere to go when they fell off. But just how much hair was going to come out? He supposed he was about to find out. He took the conditioner and lathered the first loc on the back of his head then gently began to comb it out.

(alsalskdfj oh noooo)

The bathroom goes quiet as the men get to work on Bel's hair, careful to comb out every knot in his locs. The hair around the sides of his head is still cut somewhat short. Maybe he'll have to trim it closer to his skin again to properly maintain his favored hairstyle. It'll look nice with his longer, looser, and curlier hair. He just has to find the time to do so, for tonight he's entirely done with dealing with his hair. 

The process, just as Bel anticipated, is very long and tedious. Bel works at the front half of his hair while Nico takes the back. Out of the rough two dozen locs Bel has, he gets to likely sixteen, obviously having much more experience than Nico to work them out quicker. As he works, he watches as his hair springs up into tight and unruly curls. They'll be better as soon as he washes them and puts product in. Sella might be terrible at stocking scissors in the guest bathroom vanities, but he knows that she has no shortage on proper hair product. 

It's nearing the evening when Bel finally sets his comb down with a sigh. "Now it's time to wash it." The most soothing, easiest part of his day. Leaning back against the lip of the tub, Bel just opts to rinse it beneath the faucet. With a little help from Nico's fingers, he manages to rinse all the conditioner and excess hair from his head. When he finally surfaces, Bel's hair is sopping wet and dripping all down into his face and shirt. He looks to Nico and smiles, running his fingers through the curls and shaking water everywhere. "How do I look?" he asks.

Nico worked quietly and contently. While his fingers had begun to hurt after working on his hair for what seemed like hours, he never once complained or showed any discomfort. As clumps of his hair came out with each loc, he placed it in the trashcan under the vanity, trying to let it not freak him out as the pile kept growing. It wasn't something that he was used to. It's not as if there weren't people of color part of his rebellion. He had just never seen the process up close before. He'd never really paid much attention to anyone's hair but his own. And even then, he barely paid attention to his hair. This was different and new to him. But he was happy to be learning how to care for his fiancé's hair.

Nico moved to the tub to help Bel rinse his hair out. He could understand why Bel didn't want ti completely undress and take another bath. So he folded a towel on the lip of the tub so Bel didn't hurt his head or neck as he laid back agsisnt it. He took his time washing Bel's hair, his fingers massaging his scalp and washing out the rest of the conditioner and any loose hair that had escaped the comb. As Bel sat up, hair freshly washed, he couldn't help but smile at him. He leaned forward and kissed his lips softly. "You look wet, my love." He grabbed a fresh towel and started to dry him off. "I love it, darling."

The water is warm, thankfully, and feels wonderful as it runs over his face and head. It isn't the most comfortable position, so he doesn't take long rinsing it out. The water shuts off with a click and Bel sits up. "Mm, thank you," he hums with a laugh and a smile as he accepts the kiss. He still has to do plenty to get it back to its proper curls, but that'll all have to wait for later. He's tired of staring at his own reflection. "I'm guessing it's almost time to head down to dinner." He checks the large clock hanging above a narrow storage cabinet. "We should probably get changed and head down, no?" 

Bel stands carefully, ensuring that he doesn't slip on any water that might have fallen to the floor. He quickly looks over Nico, a smile playing at his lips. "Thank you for helping me. I know it was dreadfully boring." His eyes roll as he overexaggerates the word. He had been scheduled to fix his hair once he arrived in Irgeven but… well, that didn't exactly turn out quite as planned. Thinking of what was supposed to be his kingdom causes Bel to wonder if Tacia ever got the note Bel had written for her. The messenger birds had gone out a week prior and he had told her to write to the Blakkian Castle if she felt a response was necessary. Perhaps one will be coming soon. Tacia is a levelheaded queen, but Bel's unsure if she harbors any resentment towards him, Araniel, Blakkast or his siblings. Politics give him a headache.

Clearly without energy to be thinking of that for tonight, Bel grabs their bags and pulls out the outfits they had bought earlier that day. There's nothing entirely wrong with his current wear, but it's slightly damp and fairly ill-fitting and not nearly Bel's style, so he has no guilt in changing into something much more him. It's the first outfit he found that morning. He also finds the clothes he picked for Nico and nearly shoves them at him. The lavender shirt. "You're wearing this. The lavender goes better with my blue." 

(So sorry this took so long. I've had a bunch of stuff going on at home and I really haven't had the time to respond.)

Nico smiled at him, prolonging the kiss a little longer than it needed to be. It would be an adjustment, getting used to Bel's natural curls instead of the locs. But he would happily adjust. He didn't care what Bel did as long as he was happy. Though he might mourn his hair if Bel ever decided to shave it. Nico pulled him into his arms, not caring if he got a little wet in the process. "I suppose it is." He didn't let go of him though. Not quite yet. After the past couple of days, Nico figured he was allowed to hold into his fiancé a little too long. He did almost lose him.

Bel might have thought ut burning but Nico did not. He quite enjoyed it. And enjoyed learning about Bel's hair and how to care for it. He barely even knew how to care for his own hair. It was about time that he learned. "I'm happy to help you any time." And he did mean that. He would drop everything to go to Bel should he need Nico. He watched as his other half moved to their bags and began chasing an outfit. Nico woukd be glad to get out if this clothing that didn't fit him entirely. However, wearing the clothes Bel picked out for him would be an adjustment. He would likely get with whoever made the clothes for the soldiers in the palace and order something similar. At least some training clothes to better fit the climate. The rest of his clothes and things were coming with his people. He just needed to hold out until then.

He hid his laugh though nothing woukd contain his smile as Bel shoved the purple- sorry- lavender shirt at him. He pulled the I'll fitted shirt he was currently wearing over his head. And may have made a show of his muscles by flexing a little too much. He liked to tease his fiancé. Then he pulled on the lavender shirt. "How do I look?"

(akdsf dw man you're good! i started school last week so i'll probably be a little less active than usual)

Bel laughs a little as Nico holds him so close, pushing away finally to find their clothes for the dinner. It almost reminds him of the wardrobe he has back in Araniel, so full of color and fine fabric that Mathilde tells him to get rid of some before his wardrobe would burst. He had suits and attire for literally every situation. Miran had made fun of him once for having three pairs of riding boots. Bel had retaliated by saying that his constant armor did nothing to flatter his appearance. An armored king is a paranoid one. Bel had never been worried. He was behind towering stone walls with an army to protect him. He shot bows but never took up a sword. He had no need to. Or so he thought just three months ago.

Bel looks to his fiancé, the man who had just said he would help him at any time. A small smile plays at his lips as Nico removes his old shirt and opts for the new one. It occurs to Bel that… well… this is a very dangerous relationship. Bel's been slashed. Nico's been injured. Bel's killed a man– And this all started with a fateful kidnapping. And now it's ending with a very dangerous man sitting in the palm of Bel's hand. With a small strike of fear, Bel wonders how far Nico would go… just at Bel's command.

Shaking the thoughts from his mind, Bel takes a few steps forward and smooths the wrinkles from Nico's shirt. "Mm, you look lovely. Just as I thought." He's still in the nice clothes the maid got him earlier, but they itch against his skin. It's odd. He wastes no time removing his current clothes and slipping into the new ones, the silk almost like a breath of fresh air. Call him shallow, but Bel certainly believes proper clothes truly make a man. "As do I." A smile slips onto his lips as he leans forward to kiss Nico gently. "And we should probably be going down or Sella might just send a puma through our door."

(hadfhuashf I started school this week. I promise I'm trying)

Nico knew about Bel's vast wardrobe. He knew his fiancé appreciated the finer things of life. he remembered all the things he found when he had first kidnapped Bel. All the fine clothes and accessories. Nico wanted to give him everything. He wanted to fill wardrobe upon wardrobe with clothes for Bel. The best of what money could buy them. He vowed to spoil Bel for the rest of their lives. They just needed to get through this war, and secure their kingdom, and it would all be theirs.

Bel was giving him a look Nico couldn't quite figure out. It was intense. He parried the look with his own, gentle gaze. Bel was his life. The rebellion and his people were to. But not like Bel. He would do anything for Bel, all he need was ask. He would abandon his cause and let it go up in flames if only it meant it would keep Bel happy. Well, he had faith that his men would take over for Nico in his absence, but he wouldn't look back if he stepped away. If Bel asked Nico to give up the crown, he would. Even though that was his life's mission. Even though he had spent his entire life fighting this, he would give it all up for Bel.

Nico smiled softly as he looked down at Bel fretting over his shirt. He touched his cheek, running his knuckles over his skin. "Thank you love. You look wonderful, my darling. Princehood suits you well. I can't wait to make you my king." He bumped his nose against Bel's before returning the kiss. "I'm ready whenever you are, darling."

(aklsdjf dw i totally understand)

"Why thank you, love," Bel says softly, a smile pulling at his lips. Really, if you asked him, Bel would say that he has never looked worse… yet the best. It's an… odd sort of juxtaposition that even the prince can't quite figure out yet. His eyes are tired, but they no longer hold a foolish naivety to them. He walks with a slight slump, but that's the result of his forced princely habits draining from the muscles. His hair is a mess, but it was a mess that he helped make with a man he never knew he needed. His clothes don't fit well, he's missing his lavish jewels, he's without heavy capes made from rare fur and fine silk–He's bare. He's bare and at peace with it.

Grabbing Nico's hand in his own, Bel leads them through the door–ensuring to lock it behind them–and passes the guard puma as they go down the stairs. Halfway down, Bel realizes that he's thankful that their guard will be an animal with… well, no concept of certain human activities. A guard might gossip. A wildcat won't even care. 

As they make it to the ground floor, a wave of chatter falls over the duo. The smile returns to Bel's face in full force as they walk through the large arch and into a royal dining room. The table is long and made of ashen wood. There are twelve seats: two at the head of the table and five down each of the sides, properly spaced with covered dishes between them. Sella sits at the head, leading the boisterous conversation, with her wife beside her, the redhead leaning against the arm of her chair as she gazes lovingly at the queen. Marcel sits to her right with a woman Bel hasn't yet been introduced to at his side. The two of them are in their own bubble, not even noticing as Bel and Nico step forward to take the last two empty seats across from Marcel and the mystery woman. 

Sella halts her conversation at once, instead turning to the guests of honor. "Good evening!" Her smile doesn't falter. Bel notes that they share their wide grin. "I'm sure you two had a lovely night in town?" 

Where Bel felt underdressed, Nico felt overdressed. Never in his life had he ever worn anything so fine. The fabric was soft against his skin, reminding him of Bel's body naked against his own. He worried if he turned the wrong way, the shirt would rip and unravel right off of him. All of his life it had been simple tunics and armor. His preference had always been leather, but he wore metal as well, depending on the circumstances. He always had a weapon strapped to his side. He felt vulnerable without it. Naked and open for attack. It spiked his nerves. He doubted he would be able to relax at all until they returned back to his rooms where his weapons were stashed. He already had a dagger under the pillow, quick to draw should he need it.

Nico still hadn't gotten used to the pumas acting as guards. He found it unnatural. And though he would never admit it, terrifying. Pumas were animals and animals belonged out in the wild. He hadn't the faintest idea how they had been tamed and found he didn't really want to know. So long as one of them didn't try to bite his hand, he supposed he could live with it in the few short months they would be residing there.

As they entered the dining room, he saw an unfamiliar woman sitting next to one of the cousins he had been introduced to, Marcel. The two looked enamored with one another and he wasn't about to break the little bubble they had going on. So he simply pulled out a chair for Bel before taking the spot next to him. He reached under the table to hold his hand under it, offering a small smile. "Good evening, Sella," he greeted. "We did indeed. I'm surprised I was able to draw Bel away."

(sorry it's long asldjfa it's much easier to write longer responses with so many characters so no pressure to match this length alksdjf)

Bel squeezes at Nico's arm before they leave the room, noting his tight posture and paranoid nature. "We won't be attacked here," Bel says gently. "Blakkast is safe. We're both safe." For as long as Bel could remember, Blakkast's crime rates have always been low, the worst of it often being teenagers believing they're invincible and swiping something expensive. A small philosophy meanders in the back of Bel's brain. Keep the subjects entertained, protected, and fed and they won't rise against the monarchs. Domestic commerce has always thrived within kingdom borders. When the border had been closed a decade prior, Blakkast's economy wasn't even dented by the lack of imports.

The Queen herself is a soldier, well seasoned in the military. She grew up at the head of the meeting table, sitting on her father's lap. She spent her school days between high level classes and treacherous drills meant to carve the best fighters out of teenagers. Sella Bekkard the First of Blakkast is a talented force well suited to govern her kingdom. She smiles at Bel from the head of the dining table.

"I'm sure you loved it," Sella states, voice gushing with pride for the simple morning market. "Every day is slightly different outside the palace. We're scheduled to have performers there tomorrow, but that's not quite my expertise." Her smile turns into a playful grimace before she laughs. "Marcel is usually the one in charge of citizen morale."

Upon hearing his name, Marcel snaps out of his conversation with the mystery woman. "Hmm? Oh, yes! A three-piece musical act should be there in the morning by nine. They're a very skilled trio." And after that, he goes right back to his peaceful bubble with the woman. Sella rolls her eyes affectionately.

"I apologize for my brother. That's his partner, Eliza. They're in the wonderful, rose gold, pre-proposal portion of their relationship." Sella swoons back over the arm of her chair, her head resting against Loven's arm. "There's even a rumor that they're with child, but gods forbid I would spread something as scandalous as that." Sella waggles her eyebrows, causing Bel to laugh.

"Oh, how damning." Bel squeezes Nico's hand beneath the table. "Should we expect a royal wedding while we're here?"

"There's going to be two–" Sella sits up immediately, slightly teetering Loven's chair with the unexpected movement. She holds up two fingers, then points to Nico and Bel with one. "Speaking of which, I want every single plan you two have thus far. You have all of my resources at your disposal. Also, a more public event with our combined kingdoms, or a smaller event with just family and friends? I need to know the proper venue size soon so I can relay information to my planners." Bel looks to Nico, entirely fine with whatever he wishes to choose.

(Mine will definitely not be as long akhsdfhasdjf)

Nico didn't respond to Bel's comment. He merely kissed the top of his head and tucked him tighter to his side. Nico knew that. He knew it was safe here. It was a neutral country with its borders locked down. No one was coming for them here. But it was that unconscious fear that set in. For as long as he knew, he had always been at war. He had always had a weapon in his hand or hidden on his person. And today he didn't. He felt naked without it. It was almost like a security blanket to him. It eased his anxiety knowing he had it on him. And without it, there was nothing to soothe his rising anxiety. Well, perhaps other than Bel that was.

He had a gentle smile on his face as Sella spoke. Or as gentle as he could manage. He still felt tight, even here surrounded by the royal family and more than enough guards. The town intrigued him, even more as Sella and then Marcel spoke about it. It had a charm to it that he didn't know even existed anymore. It was something he would love to bring back to his own country once he took his crown.

"Perhaps Bel and I will take another trip into town to watch." He knew Bel would want to go. And Nico found that he wasn't opposed to the idea. He enjoyed the arts in the few times he had gotten to actually enjoy it. The traveling band, the theater performance, and even the occasional bard in the tavern. He appreciated the skill and time that went into it. And this would be no different.

He blinked as the conversation took a swift turn. From music to babies and now weddings. right, they did need to get married. Nico hadn't put a whole lot of thought into the guest list. Other than his friends, he didn't really know who to invite. And while Bel knew more people here, he doubted it was a long list as well. "Family and friends, I think."

Of course Bel wants to attend the small performance happening in the morning. He's always been a supporter of the arts, spending his monthly allowance his father (unknowingly) gives him to painters and pianists and poets. With such riches, it's the absolute least he could do for struggling artists. Bel's always been fond of a good show. He's even fonder of knowing that such brilliant people enjoy their craft.

"Friends and family, friends and family–" Sella repeats, the guest list already forming behind her dark eyes. "I'll ensure to collect names as soon as the rest of your party arrives." With a quick smile, she then leans back against her chair and turns to her wife, exchanging small, private conversation with the other. 

Out of both respect and slight disinterest, Bel tunes Sella out and squeezes at Nico's hand. "How are you feeling?" Bel asks quietly. All of the sudden luxury, the planning for a wedding, a lack of anything familiar for Nico to hang onto. He must feel entirely out of his league. He must feel similar to how Bel felt within Nico's settlement, mixed among his people with suspicious and biting glares sent his way. Bel doubts Blakkast would distrust someone welcomed so openly by the beloved royal family, but Blakkast hasn't been put through what Nico's kingdom has. Blakkast hasn't had to watch their backs and move at the first sign of trouble. Blakkast has never had to worry about their sole heir dying in battle. As cruel as it is to say it, there are seven additional siblings after Sella. There would have to be a massacre to wipe them all out. 

Before Bel can get too far into the deep darkness of his own spiraling thoughts, a line of waiters march from a swinging set of double doors. They slot comfortably between each and every chair, the lot of them reaching forward in tandem to snatch the cloches from atop the dishes. Bel's mouth instantly begins to water at the savory smells that assault his senses. Spices. Spices, herbs, and all the salts Bel could possibly think of–the waiters step back and return to their hiding places behind closed doors. Sella shoots them a loud thank you! as they exit, the final one offering her a curt nod before following their companions. 

"Oh, this looks delightful–" Bel compliments, taking in the wide spread of food with wider eyes. If this is just a regular dinner, Bel can't help but wonder what tomorrow's feast could look like. "Here, love–" Bel's passing Nico a platter filled with lucious meat.

Nico inclined his head to Sella, a grateful smile on his face that it was one last thing he had to worry about. He was more than willing to let Sella be their Bridezilla as she organized and planned the event. As long as Bel had a say in what was done and he was happy, Nico would go along with whatever was done. His groomsmen were easy if that was what they were doing—a conversation to have with Bel later. He didn't want everything aired out in front of his entire family.

Nico stroked Bel's knuckles with the pad of his thumb. He raised their joint hands to kiss the back of Bel's hand, pausing for a moment as he breathed in his scent. He dropped their hands in Nico's lap, holding on tight. He didn't want to let go of him. Not now, not ever. He was certainly feeling out of place. His anxiety would likely ease as the rest of their party joined them, knowing his friends and people were safe and happy. But for now, he felt wholly out of place. This must have been what Bel had felt when Nico had brought him home. Only, his people had been a lot more hostile towards Bel than these people were being towards Nico. Perhaps it would be the safer option to return here and make a life after his kingdom had been freed. Here, Bel was loved and accepted and surrounded by family. Who was Nico to take him away from here?

"I'm alright, my love. As long as I'm with you, I'll be alright." He was not alright. He felt like he was going through an existential crisis. The one thing he had fought for his entire life, had been groomed to take, and now other forces were convincing him that it might not be the route to take. He wanted to do what was right by Bel. But what was right not be the path that Nico had been on all his life.

But before he could get much further down the rabbit hole, a set of doors swung open and a line of waiters brought trays of food. Something he hadn't expected either, but he was too stunned to feel anything other than shock. He only prayed his face remained neutral. He remained still in his seat as the other siblings reached across the table, piling food onto their plates. Luckily, Bel did it for him before they took all the food and left him the scraps. "Thank you, love," he murmured as he took the plate from Bel. "It smells wonderful."

"Okay," Bel answers with a small smile. He isn't, well, entirely sold on Nico's insistence, but Bel isn't going to push, not when there's so many ears listening. He knows that Nico wouldn't dare spill his heart in front of ten very powerful strangers just because they happen to be related to Bel. "Just please let me know if there's anything I can do for you." He squeezes their hands together yet again and turns back to the food laid out in front of him. He reaches across the table to the basket of buttery rolls, already craving the taste of the sweet and savory bread. 

After a moment or two of focused silence, Bel finally finishes dishing his plate full of all sorts of delightful dishes. Potatoes (of course), a green salad, a piece of meat with gravy, bread, fruit, a few things Bel has never heard of before and is excited to try, and a tall glass of cold water. There's not a drop of wine or alcohol at the table. Bel has no doubt that Sella herself requested that. She knows her uncle. She knows what Bel's father has done in his many years as wrongful king. Unlike Araniel, Bel's family here are proper heirs. The Bekkard family has ruled benevolently over the mountainous kingdom for centuries. Sella's mother had been a peasant before she met the former king. She had been a seamstress and had somehow wormed her way into a mass celebration. Well, Blakkast's balls and galas and events have never been closed off to the public, but it was impressive how a woman found herself in the upper floors of the palace and having a fateful meeting with the prince. Sella's mother and Bel's mother had become quick friends. Bel only remembers a few stories of Sella's mother, but somehow the princess and the fiance of the prince were even closer than the fiance was to the prince. 

Bel's saddened that he can't remember what her name was. From what he had heard, she was kind and strong. She urged Sella to go the military route, for Sella to know how to protect herself in times of dire circumstance. At times, Bel wonders what would've happened if he were more like Miran or Sella. If he were more athletic and more ruthless and more proficient with a sword. Instead he found himself in libraries and in kitchens and following gardeners through the fields and courtyards. 

Well, those are all thoughts to visit another time. This is the time to eat, to celebrate, to gorge himself on everything the palace cooks worked so hard to craft. As Bel takes his first few bites, he wonders why he even bothered eating anything else in his lifetime. Everything is buttery and flawlessly cooked and better than anything he's had in a very, very long time. "It's good," Bel mumbles to Nico, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

If Nico went to Bel, it would be because he had absolutely reached his breaking point and would no longer be able to hide it anymore. Something he highly doubted would happen. He was generally excellent in keeping his emotions to himself, when in regard to himself. Last night, while out of his comfort zone, usually wouldn't have warranted a reaction from Nico like that had it not been for the circumstances. Had not been because he thought Bel was going to die for hours and his emotions were already thrown out of balance. Today he was doing better. Bel was in good spirits and acting like his normal self so all was well. Which meant he was able to hide his dismay exceedingly better than the night before.

The food was wonderful. Nico only wished he had been able to enjoy it more. He felt rather put out around the family as they all engaged in conversation with one another and Nico was sitting there excluded. Half of it was spoken in a language he didn't understand. He really did need to ask Bel to teach him. He would only accept lessons from Bel. He didn't want some middle-aged man thinking that Nico was stupid because he was twenty-five years old and hadn't bothered to learn the languages of the countries that bordered his own. What kind of king would he be if he didn't put in the effort to learn the language and culture of others around him? Well, excuse him for being preoccupied with over a twenty-year rebellion. It doesn't leave much time to learn other languages amongst the battle training and strategies.

Despite his own personal turmoil, he picked up on Bel's mood almost instantly. It was like he was hyperaware of anything that Bel was feeling, especially after yesterday. Perhaps he was a little too in tune with Bel but he wasn't going to risk missing the signs of his illness again. He wouldn't neglect Bel like that ever again. He didn't say anything about the change in Bel, not wanting to voice anything with the others around. But he did place a comforting hand on Bel's knee, giving it a small squeeze. He followed up with a small smile of his own.

"We're getting you that spice rack immediately," Nico said, his voice light. "If you can cook anything similar to this, I think you might just fatten me right up. I won't ever be able to get enough of your cooking."

Bel tries to split his attention from cousin to cousin to cousin, but their conversations are all so different and mixed and Bel's brain is buzzing trying to keep up. Sella and Loven are speaking about something military related, far too somber for the current mood at the table, so Bel tunes them out and tries to figure out what Eliza and Marcel could be discussing. They're speaking very quietly and in a language only semi-familiar to Bel, stuck in their own little bubble where Bel is not welcome. With a sigh, he moves his attention down the table to Ianna and Olipher. Ianna is missing her breathing mask, the plate in front of her divided into very small portions. Olipher is going on some grand tirade about his most recent experience at his improv group. It's amusing, but the language is something that would hit home with court jesters, not a sheltered prince.

The youngest four of the set of siblings are playing some sort of table game, each of them saying a few words before passing it down to the next person. They'll stop and laugh before going back to their rounds. Bel doesn't understand the rules, but something pulls at the back of his mind. He's probably played it before, with Marcel and Ianna and Miran and Val–but it's been far too long. He'll have to ask them to reteach it to him sometime.

Bel turns back to Nico with a smile. "I don't know if I can make anything this good–" but it's nothing that practice and time won't be able to help. He's sure the Blakkian chefs will be far more welcoming than the ones back in Araniel. Bel had to sneak into the kitchens when they retired for the night. Sometimes he caught wind of them complaining about missing ingredients, but luckily Mathilde and his siblings kept his secret hobby well.

The rest of dinner passes with relative peace, Bel rising once his plate has been cleared and the last bit of desert has been served. He extends a hand to Nico, his eyes tired from a day of recovering.

There was too much noise buzzing around Nico to truly pay attention. No one engaged him in conversation and as such, was left up to his own devices. Which was the food. He ate his fill but found his appetite lacking with each passing minute. He ended up leaving the plate half full. He just couldn't bear to stomach it anymore. Not that he would admit that to Bel. If his fiancé asked, he was feeling full from their breakfast still. He didn't want Bel to feel guilty about any of this. It would get better once the rest of his party arrived. When he had his friends to sit amongst and talk to. Versus here where he was isolated at this loud dinner table.

He reached his hand under the table after he had finally finished and placed his hand on Bel's knee, stroking the inside of it. It was truly an innocent touch. He just needed to touch him. It was that reassurance that he craved that Bel was alright. That the nightmares of last night weren't going to be reoccurring and they were safe. "If you make it, it will be excellent, my love." He would eat anything Bel gave him, even if it were burnt to a crispy and inedible. He would still eat it if it meant bringing a smile to Bel's face. What he wouldn't do for that smile? The smile that brought him to his knees. And don't even get him started on that beautiful laugh of his.

Nico took the hand that Bel extended to him, offering him a small smile. He stood, pulling Bel up with him and wrapping an arm around his shoulders to keep him steady on his feet. "Straight to bed for you, my darling," he murmured into his hair as he pressed a gentle kiss. However, he couldn't quite remember the way to their bedroom just yet and relied on Bel's guidance to get them there. He should memorize the way soon enough, another trip or two and he would have it down.

Straight to bed. That sounds like the most perfect plan of them all. "I'm so tired," Bel whispers to Nico as he lays his head on the other's shoulder. Bel twines their fingers together, holding them tightly between them. He can't wait to lay in bed, to fall asleep safely, to hopefully be free of any dreadful dreams. The prince leads them through a wide arch and into a hallway. The staircase lays just up ahead, but a thunderous set of footsteps rapidly approaching causes Bel to halt in his place, looking over his shoulder–

Bel practically squeaks when he's suddenly swept up into the large arms of his older brother. Dropping Nico's hand in favor of wrapping his arms around Miran's neck, Bel holds on tight.

"My gods, you're alright–" Miran's voice is gruff, stiff with emotion he's been restraining for so long. Bel nods into his shoulder. "I was so worried, you have no idea, Bel." Bel's feet finally touch the ground again. He releases his arms from Miran's neck. Miran's crying, an act Bel never thought possible. Miran stares at Bel for a moment, a myriad of thousands of thoughts crossing through his dark eyes. Sighing, he forces his attention off of his younger brother and to Nico. "I just wanted to thank you, for being able to assist Bel when I couldn't."

Bel's heart swells. He knows that Miran and Nico have been… icy towards each other in the few short days that they've known the other. This could be the first small step towards civility, towards a truce of sorts. Both men desperately want the throne that has been denied to them for centuries. Both men would go to all costs for Bel. Two powerful warriors, intelligent leaders, kind souls–both of them sitting in the palm of Bel's hand. What had he ever done to obtain just a dangerous persuasion over two dangerous people. "How is everyone?" Bel asks. "Val, Treya, Nico's men and citizens?"

Nico skimmed his lips across Bel's forehead. "I know, my love." He murmured against his skin. He too, was exhausted from the day's events. He had gotten next to no sleep last night thanks to the nightmares that plagued him. Then there was the stress that little Arlo gave him, taking about ten years off of his life. They had a long day in the square and dinner had been even more mentally draining. Falling into that humongous bed, clothless of course, sounded like a dream. He wanted nothing more than to curl around Bel and slip off to what he hoped would be sweet oblivion. He supposed it would also depend on how tired his fiancé was if he was able to woe him into some bedtime activities tonight as well. But after yesterday, he was in no rush. Bel's body had been through enough these past couple of days, he wouldn't add to it if Bel wasn't up to it.

Just as they rounded the corner, loud footsteps were heard coming towards them and then Bel was ripped from his arms. Nico reached for a weapon that wasn't there and stepped forward the fight with his bare hands before he realized who exactly it was that had taken Bel from him. He relaxed, fists dropping to his sides with a loud sigh. That could have gone bad very quickly. A second later and he would have attacked Miran. A little warning next time would have been appreciated.

Nico took a step back to give the two brothers their privacy. While Miran and he may have been at odds, he knew how fierce Miran's love was for Bel. He was safe with him and they deserved a moment to one another. Miran likely needed that physical reassurance that Bel was indeed alright. Seeing him unharmed and uninjured in person would help ease that panic he must have been feeling. It was a panic that hadn't quite eased away inside of Nico. Not when the possibility of another attack was just on the horizon. Nico had made a silent vow to himself that no matter the situation, he would be there every morning to make sure Bel took his medicine and was feeling alright. He would always go home to Bel. Always.

Nico inclined his head to Miran. "You do not need to thank me. I would do anything for Bel." And how true that was. He would move oceans for him. He'd climb the tallest mountains and even learn to bottle the moonlight if it meant keeping Bel safe and happy. He decided this was the time to approach the two, stepping back into the conversation. He did want to know how his people were doing. He placed a firm yet gentle hand on the back of Bel's neck, offering some support should he need it.