Edward looked over at the ambassador and flashed him a quick, hesitant little smile. "This. How did you…how did you know? That I…" he looked helpless for a moment, glancing around the room with a bashful expression. "I don't understand, Sabbas."
"My mother told me that when one falls for another, they tend to pick up on small details that normally would go over their head," He explained. Sabbas cleared his throat. First he lowered his chin to the floor, but he ended looking up at the ceiling. "Your eyes and the way you have looked at me…The way you suddenly change or react to me like when we were fencing or when I interrupted your praying…I suppose little signs like those led to my assumption."
He still looked rather lost. "I still do not…I still do not understand." he admitted, a touch shyly. "What if you had been wrong? You risked your life for the sake of…of this. If you had been wrong, you would have been sent back to Spain, at best." at worst…at worst, Sabbas could have been executed. Still might, if they were caught.
Sabbas shook his head while smiling. Risk has been with him his whole life. In more ways than one it has been at his side this whole time, giving him more reason to be bold and daring. He caressed Edward's cheek with the back of his hand. "I would be like a cat and land on my feet, or more specifically in the arms of the prince…maybe even in France," He answered. "Edward, I will be alright. We will be alright."
Edward studied the other man, then nodded faintly. "Alright." he replied, voice soft as he returned Sabbas's smile. "Though Spain's prince is old. My wife is his youngest sister." his wife. His wife. He exhaled faintly, the realization dawning in his eyes. What might Marie think, if she found out about this?
Throwing his head back a little, he laughed. "Indeed he is. It is not the matter when you've caught his eye and you need it to survive on the court." Sabbas shook his head. It turned rather swiftly at Edward. His pupils widening with concern. "Is there something of the matter?" He brought his hand back, using it to ruffle his hair. Biting on his bottom lip, he thought back to what Edward had said. "Your wife….I can assure you that no one, including her, will never find out about this…about us. And I will do anything to keep it so. Worry more and it will happen." In the moment, he had forgotten about the queen. Actually he had forgotten about everything outside of his chambers and Edward.
He squinted faintly, studying Sabbas as if to read the Spaniard's face for honesty, or lack thereof. He was silent for a long moment, then, seemingly satisfied, he nodded faintly. "Of course." he said softly. "No one will find out." he stepped closer to Sabbas, still seeming a bit nervous about this, but also wanting to give it a try.
Words. What else can he give other than words? Will Edward trust him only using such simple things. All he can do is hope and have confidence. Offering words without meaning would be useless for everyone. If he didn't have any, then he would have heks his tongue. Sabbas took a step towards Edward. He gave a little nod. "No one will find out," He echoed. "No one ever will find out." Softly, he pressed his forehead against Edward's. His hands were shaky, and rather hesitant, but they cupped the king's face.
Edward went still as Sabbas came close, frozen in place as the Spaniard's hands cupped his face, as Sabbas's forehead pressed to his own. "I…" he trailed off, the words turning into only a soft exhale. "No one will find out." he echoed, closing his eyes and reaching up to rest his hands on top of Sabbas's.
"You will be alright," He whispered. "I will see it through." Promises are the strongest and most vulnerable thing in one's life. They can be made as quickly as they are broken; sometimes they can last years and years. Sabbas closed his eyes. This will be one he will keep till he dies. Butterflies fluttered in him as he felt Edward's hands on top of his. He smiled at the touch.
Edward hummed very faintly, not moving from the position that the two were in. It was…nice, really, to be able to be like this with Sabbas. Close and soft and doing nothing but breathe. It was not something he had often experienced in his life, and he treasured the moments he had.
The tranquility of this newfound peace. Sharing silence between gentle breaths with Edward. Their hand touching, on top of each other….Sabbas never knew how much a moment like this could make him happy. All the other previous encounters could not compete. He could feel his face becoming warm, but his breathing and heart beating becoming relaxed. Within his heart, he hoped that Edward felt the same.
He remained quiet, just breathing. Basking in these soft, shared moments. He had not had something like this in…maybe not ever. Not something so easy and so sweet, without any expectations or fear. Well, maybe there was still a little fear, a little apprehension, but he pushed that to the back of his mind. It did not matter, not at this moment in time.
His lips slightly parted, letting a soft breath out. Sabbas didn't wish to disturb the silence between them. All the thoughts and wishes of what to say ran through his head. Compliments about Edward were held back by Sabbas biting the tip of his tongue, yet eventually he had to let go. He opened his eyes just to look at Edward for a second before closing them again. "Are you fond of close intimate moments like this?" He whispered. "Do you like this?"
Edward hummed faintly at the questions, not opening his eyes as he considered them. "Mm…I do." he finally said softly. "I am fond of them. I do not often get them." he didn't. The only one that was usually close enough was Marie, and she…didn't do this sort of thing with him. He was not mad about that, but it was…disappointing.
"Ahh…I see…" Although with eyes closed, the corners of his lips pulled up into a small smile. Edward's hands feels as warm as his presence is. "I would love to give you more if you'll let me." Sabbas tried to use his thumbs to lightly caress the king's face. He is fond of these moments. If it isn't too greedy of him, he is fond of having more with Edward. "We do not have to right this instant. We can stay like this as long as you wish."
Edward's exhale was soft, and he leaned into Sabbas still. "What…" he trailed off, a quiet and slightly embarrassed laugh leaving his mouth. "Ah. I do not know what to do." he replied, openig his eyes finally to look at Sabbas's face. "Explain to me what…what you want from me, Sabbas, and if is within my power to grant it, I will do my best."
He laughed gently then opened his eyes. "I only ask for something rather simple. Well, that is if you find it to be simple too." He laughed. "Let me explain with a demonstration." Sabbas carefully removed his hands from underneath the king's. One went down to Edward's waist, pulling him into Sabbas. The other began to comb through Edward's hair. He smiled, "Your hair must have been touched by King Midas. I dreamed of this close proximity, and just running my fingers through it while fondly gazing at you."
Edward watched as Sabbas moved, inhaling softly as the Spaniard's arm wrapped around his waist, taking in a trembling breath as he blinked up at Sabbas. "Midas…could never have dared come so close." he breathed in response, leaning into the hand in his hair like the touchstarved creature he was, eyes flickering shut.
The breaths, trembling, and touch left him enticed. Sabbas stared back into Edward's eyes. His jaw hung, leaving a gap between his lips as he tried to look for something to say. It was difficult. Between the delicate sensation of Edward's hair and his reaction to Sabbas's touch, Sabbas's mind floated elsewhere and pulled his heart up to his throat. His Adam's apple bobbed. Finally, he whispered, "Nor would his touch leave you in such an alluring state." He tilted his head to the side while continuing to brush through Edward's hair slowly.
He kept his eyes closed, still leaning into Sabbas's hands. "Nor, I do not think, would his voice be as enticing as yours, my Spaniard." he replied, a soft smile tugging at his mouth.
My Spaniard… A funny feeling rested on his lips. They quivered and trembled. "Ahhh. My voice is enticing?" Sabbas lowered his hand so he could lean in to whisper in Edward's ear. "Is it enticing enough to get your heart going?" He asked. "I want to see if even my whispers can keep your beautiful smile to stay." The hand that stayed on Edward's back slowly rubbed against it for a few seconds. Sabbas returned to combing through Edward's hair while gazing at him and that smile of his.
Edward hummed very faintly, a smile tugging at his mouth and a shiver moving through his body as Sabbas rubbed his back. "It is indeed." he replied, taking a deep breath. "Quite enticing, Sabbas. And I'm afraid your mere presence is enough to get my heart moving too quickly."
It felt like his heart almost stopped. If only he could look at that smile under the candlelight in the evening. If only he could stare at Edward for a long time without worry. "Perhaps I should hide then," He chuckled. "I do not wish to exhaust your beautiful heart." Sabbas focused on rubbing Edward's back. The gesture was simple and slow, yet he enjoyed giving it. Meanwhile he had the other hand on Edward's waist. "Just a glimpse of your smile is enough to make mine melt. My chest already feels warm."
Edward smiled, leaning into Sabbas's touch and eyes sliding shut again. "Mm, but if you hide, how shall I see you?" he replied. "No, I would much prefer if you stayed here." he reached to rest his palm on Sabbas's chest, over the Spaniard's heart, the other moving to rest on his shoulder.