"Don't be sorry, Malachi. You deserve rest, something you've been lacking for months, and what I can assume years. For five minutes, let someone else take care of you. Rest your busy, beautiful mind, love. You can go back to being a king after the honeymoon. For now you, you are relax and enjoy this." He murmured, slowly settling into the familiarity of having Malachi so close to him, like at the library. Abrose gently stroked through Malachi's hair, pressing a kiss to his brow.
He opened the book he had chosen, using Malachi's back as sort of a book rest as he found the first page ad starting to read. He kept his voice soft as he read, mostly because he had no clue how to pronounce half the names in the book, but he kept trying.
Occasionally he'd glance at Malachi, looking for a sign that he had fallen asleep before he would continue on, now genuinely finding the overall story intriguing. he liked the characters, finding them amusing and charming. The story itself was simple, a hero's journey but it was lower stakes, taking the Time to look at finer details in the world instead of skipping past them. Abrose really didn't want to stop reading, he even told himself one more chapter, before he promised himself he put the book aside. He had told himself that three times in the span of 45 minutes.
He wants to try to stay awake. Even spite the fact they have all of the week together alone, he wants to take advantage of every single moment possible. Especially for moments like this. His nose scrunched as he smiled at the kiss. "Thank you, my dear. I will relax and enjoy your story."
Malachi did in fact fall asleep, but it was halfway through the reading. It was not in the manner of one going to sleep for the night rather it was like a nap. Faintly, he could hear Abrose reading the story with his gentle hushed voice. He listened even as his chest slowly rose then collapsed. In a way he paid attention, although details of the story are going to end up fuzzy to him. On the other hand, the bits and pieces he will be able to recall sounded lovely.
After rubbing his eyes, he looked to see that the book was set down on the nightstand. "I was ready to assume that you would read the whole book by the morning," He mused, "I hope you found it to be enjoyable as much as I did. Do you like it? I loved listening to your voice as you read it."
Abrose lifted his head from the pillow, having lost himself in thought about the book and the future, not only of Carniel but of his marriage to Malachi. He had started to fall asleep, lying there with Malachi ontop him, a comforting and warm weight. All the while he ran his fingers through his husband's hair. He gave a soft, if not tired smile as he watched Malachi.
"I very well could have it sleep wasn't a priority. But alas I haven't quite figured out how to keep myself awake long enough." He chuckled softly and tugged the covers closer to them to make a pocket of warmth. "If you mean reading to my sleepy husband as he lays on top of me half dressed? I'd be lying to you if I sad no. If you mean the story, I actually like it quite a lot so far."
He gently nudged Malachi's affectionately closed his eyes, ready to give into sleep. "Then I'll have to read aloud more often, seeing as my dear husband enjoys it so much." He murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Malchi's temple.
Seeing Abrose and his sleepy look, Malachi breathed deeply. He was about to apologize for waking him up. If it wasn't for the mesmerizing smile of Abrose, he probably would have. He probably will in the morning. Seeing his husband with a sleepy smile is a sight to see. Malachi wants to see it every morning and night. Hearing his husband's low chuckles is music to his ears.
His brows rose up while he tilted his head. In the midst of trying to jokingly look confused, he yawned. Covering it with the back of his hand, he mumbled an apology. "You make it sound like me being half-dressed is a bad thing. I'll have you know that I enjoy it while sleeping or at the beach," He pointed out. Then with a sleepy smirk, Malachi added, "It is almost as fun when I am not dressed at all."
Somehow he made himself laugh at his own words. It took him a moment to stop. "I am glad you like the story." Malachi kissed the side of Abrose's cheek. "Get some rest, my beloved king consort. We will have time to read to each tomorrow and stay up if you so wish." In the following moments, he fell asleep in Abrose's embrace.
Abrose shook his head, "no, most definitely not a bad thing, believe me." He admitted with a laugh, his hand trailing from Malachi's hair to the nape of his neck then to his shoulder before moving back up to his head in a continuous rhythm.
He was suddenly very glad Malachi wasnt able to see his face at the moment, seeing at how quickly Abrose had turned red, though he could probably feel his heartbeat quicken in his chest. He huffed softly and shook his head, trying his best not to imagine Malachi without clothes, as tempting as it was. "You are a menace." He muttered in mock annoyance as he glanced down when he felt the kiss at his cheek. "We will indeed, my dear. For that and far more, I promise. Sleep well, my love." He pressed his lips to malchi's brow in a lingering final kiss before he curled among the sheets, pillows, and most importantly of all, in his husband's embrace. He slowly let his head relax against the pillow, letting the sound of the ocean waves and his husband's breathing finally lull him into sleep.
For once, he did not wake up in the middle of the night in a state of panic. He didn't even have any nightmares let alone any dreams. It was nice. Malachi slept comfortably with Abrose being in his arms. The soft sounds of his husband breathing mixed with the faint whispers of the ocean waves soothed him while he was asleep. This was different compared to the silence he sleeps in alone back at the palace.
He woke up when the sun peeked through the drapes. Looking over to see Abrose still asleep, he decided to cautiously slip out of his husband's embrace. Once he was out of bed, Malachi tip-toed to go the wardrobe and opened the left door. When they first arrived to the villa, he pulled one of the servants to the side and asked them to place a small box in the wardrobe.
The box was a gift to Abrose from Malachi's mother. She wrapped it in a sky blue silk scarf long ago. From her kingdom, it is tradition for the groom's parents to give gifts to the spouse-to-be and their family. His mother had put aside some simple gifts for whoever her children's spouses to be, knowing her condition was unfortunate. Malachi remembered when Thaleia, his sister, had given hers to the crown prince of Brastilux and Sohan had given his to Princess Vera. He doesn't remember what the gifts were for his memory is not the best.
It was difficult to combat the giddiness of this little tradition. Malachi was worried about making a sound then waking his husband up. So he quietly tip-toed to place the gift on top of the book. Then he had slipped back into bed and Abrose's embrace. Before returning to sleep, Malachi kissed Abrose on the cheek.
Abrose had fully expected to have a hard time sleeping with another person in the same bed, let alone his new husband. Thankfully that wasn't the case at all. Malachi's presence in his arms was a constant comforting reminder that he no longer needed to hug a pillow as a replacement for another body.
Early on in the morning, what Abrose could only guess later on to have been at sunrise, he did notice the adsence of warmth around him gone. Suspecting Malachi had gone to use the bathroom or check the villa, Abrose didn't bother to fully wake up. He shifted slightly and fell back into a light light sleep, only relaxing fully once he felt Malachi back in his arms. He mumbled something incoherant, close to 'are you alright?' but Abrose couldn't recall if Malchi had responded or if any of what he was thinking actually happened.
Later in the morning, much later than Abrose was used to waking up at, he slowly opened his eyes to glorious morning sunlight streaming in from a part in the curtains, painting the already gorgeous room in oranges and golds. He glanced down at Malachi and smiled in relief. At least that hadn't been a dream. He hummed softly as he took in every detail he could about Malachi, every dip and curve if his shoulders and back, every birthmark, even the steady breaths he took while still asleep. He pressed a light kiss to the top of his husband's head and looked towards the window, the view of the beach stealing his breath away just as it had yesterday when they had arrived. Then something else stole his attention, a small box on the bedside table where he had set the book aside last night. He didn't remember either of them ptutting that there. Had it been a servant early in the morning? Abrose studied the intricate designs of the scarf maticulously wrapped around the box, ornate and pretty. He could even recognize some of Atrovia's favored symbols amongst the swirls and patterns. It was beautiful, perhaps he had over looked some of the decoration in his excitement to spend time with Malachi last night, though he was almost positive he would have noticed and asked about such a pretty heirloom.
Somehow he managed to get more sleep in a brief amount of time. He was conscious enough to know he was kissed on the top of his head by Abrose. It was this little kiss which made him wake up. His eyes flickered open, but when they landed on his husband, they immediately shut. When it comes to surprises and giving gifts, he does not want to ruin or leave out a single detail. He does not want to give anything away.
But waiting is a dreadful thing. Patience is a skill of his, yet there are times where he ignores it. This is one of those times. And while he still sleepy, he is excited already. Malachi tried to keep his eyes closed and pretend to be asleep, but it was only bearable for him for so long. Ultimately, he decided to open his eyes and sit up in bed.
His hair was disheveled. He stopped to rub his eyes so they could get used to the sunshine that was coming in through the window. Everything is really bright. When he finally was able to see normally, he turned his head to glance at Abrose. He said in a low-raspy voice, "Good morning, my love."
Pretending to not know the gift on the nightstand, he leaned a little bit over to see it. His brows rose. "Oh. What is that?" He squinted his eyes. "It looks like a gift of some sorts…Why not open it?"
Abrose glanced up in surprised when Malachi sat up and pulled out of his embrace. He smiled softly as he gazed up at Malachi "good morning, dearest." he greeted warmly, stretching out and yawning before looking back towards the box. Abrose sat and gently picked up the box and setting it in his lap.
He looked up to Malachi again, suspicion rising about his husband's knowledge about the box. He narrowed his eyes even as an excited smile spread on his features. "You're sure you don't know anything about this little box that mysteriously appeared at our bedside table, my dear? By any chance it wasn't you waking up earlier this morning?" He questioned, even as he carefully unraveled the beautiful scarf from the little box.
To tease Malachi's patience and to take the time to enjoy their first morning as a married couple, Abrose took his time neatly folding the scarf, trying his best to get the wrinkles out from being tied for so long. "Its beautiful," He said softly, nodding to the neat little square he had folded the scarf into. "just as its owner is." Abrose now recognized where he had seen the scarf before. In his studies of Atrovia, he had seen many portraits of the royal family. One in particular he had favored was one of the the Queen, regal and proud, with the scarf used to wrap around her head. In other portraits he had seen her wearing it as a shall or a sash. She had looked stunning and could easily see her as the strong and loving queen her family as well as her subjects had known her as. Abrose was glad that there was still a physical reminder of her influence throughout the kingdom and even in the small things like the scarf. He set the box on the bed in between him and Malachi and slowly lifted the lid.
He shook his head. "I am sure that I do not know anything about that box…Well aside from the fact that it must be a gift to you." Looking the other way, he covered his mouth using his hand to cover a yawn. He kissed the side of his husband's cheek. "I did not wake up earlier this morning. I was sleeping in your arms."
Is he good at hiding his excitement or the truth? He does not know. Still, he is quite impatient in moments like these. While watching Abrose gradually folding the scarf, Malachi bit the inside of his cheek. He moved closer then placed his chin on Abrose's shoulder. From there, he observes the scarf and its details. "It is beautiful," He concurred, "Just like its new owner."
When the lid was completely lifted off, he peered a little bit over to see what it was. The gift is two bracelets made of red silk threads. In the middle, each bracelet has a knot symbolizing luck. They come from his mother's homeland, Maehwa. Maybe she had made them a long time ago or she had them delivered from a ship. Underneath the bracelets were a pair of mittens with the same matching blue as the scarf.
One could tell that they have been in that box for a long time. Malachi could see some dust on the bracelets and mittens. His eyes softened. "I do wish that you would have had the chance to meet her," He mused. "She would have loved you and treated you as her own. She would have showered you with more gifts too."
Abrose tilted his head when Malachi rested his head against his shoulder, pressing a kiss to his temple as he set the lid on the bed and looked inside the ornate box. His breath hitched as he carefully lifted the pair of bracelets, silky red thread wound and twisted together to make an intricate braided cord, neatly tied together with a knot. He carefully put the bracelet around his wrist, adjusting the size before wrapping the remaining cord around the bracelet itself so it didn't hang loose. He then gently took Malachi's hand in his own and put the matching bracelet on his wrist.
He peeked into the box again and carefully took out the mittens matching the scarf he had folded. "Was she by any chance clairvoyant? I've been looking for a pair of gloves since I arrived in Atrovia" He asked with a light smile as he brushed off the dust and looked over the mittens, already picturing himself wearing them everywhere, the wool soft despite how long Abrose assumed the mittens have kept away for and the fur inside was still fluffy. He carefully tugged them on to see if they fit. "These will be put to good use, these and the scarf, I promise." He pressed the gloves to his cheeks, loving the softness and warmth they provided, despite them being in a relatively warmer part of Atrovia.
"Thank you, my love. It would have been my greatest honor to meet your mother as well as your siblings. In a way I still get to do that, through you and the kingdom they all have had such a great impact on." He leaned into Malachi and closed his eyes for a moment, truly wishing he could have met the Atrovia royal family before hand. From what he had read and the little he had managed to learn from the older palace staff, they were wonderful people, even greater rulers, just as Malachi is now. Abrose was grateful he could at be a part of this family, despite not being able to meet any of the family now. "Can you tell me more about them? Even if its something small for now?" He asked carefully, knowing when it came to the topics about his deceased family, Malachi was reluctant.
Blush rosened his face. Malachi looked into the box then watched as Abrose took the bracelets out. His husband put one on himself and then the other on him. The weight of the bracelet felt heavy around his wrist. Rarely did he ever wear something like this. He adjusted the cords so it would fit snuggly around his wrist without sliding off. It is beautiful. Seeing him and his husband wearing the matching accessories is beautiful.
He shrugged, "Maybe. I was told that she was good at making predictions." The gloves surely will come in handy by the time the winter season returns to Atrovia. Every year, delegates, diplomats, and visitors from other countries would always tell him how cold it is here. Funny enough, his mother had told his father the same. Malachi does worry about Abrose getting used to the bleak weather. "Of course. You look lovely with them on."
It would have been amazing if everyone in his family was still around, especially so Abrose could have met them. He lightly grinned at his husband's words. "Is there anything that you want to know about them?" As much as talking about his family is still a sensitive matter for him, he felt the need to ask such a question. Half of him had no idea what to tell Abrose while the other did not want to say anything at all. Regardless, he cannot avoid this forever. He should be able to talk about his parents and siblings to Abrose or anyone else for the matter. And yet, it is still a struggle for him. It is likely that it will always be.
Winter had never been a priority worry for Abrose or the rest of Carniel considering they were closer to the south than Atrovia. Their winters came rarely colder than an overnight frost. Sure there were times where crops would be lost due to an unnaturally cold period but it was nothing even close to a full season like he had heard Atrovia experienced. He wasn't fond of the cold but he was excited to see a good amount of snow, having always thought that snow covered anything looked pretty. He was sure he could find ways to find ways to warm up beside a nice fire and with plenty of blankets.
Abrose carefully put the mittens back in the box as well as the folded scarf, keeping them both safe for now. He set the box back on the night stand before shifting on the bed to be able to look at Malachi. He shrugged slightly, toying with the bracelet at his wrist. "Anything really. I read a lot from the books at the palace but most of it was based on history. Not that Atrovia history isn't interesting! It's just not the same hearing about them from someone close to them. The books don't tell me about Her Highness's favorite recipe from her homeland or how Prince Sohan and his wife met and fell in love. Their favorite shared memories or even how the three royal children grew up. I've learned about the court politics and the history and the finances but when it comes to the personal life of the royal family it's a bit more convoluted." He flicked his gaze up for a moment and flinched. "Its understandable of course. Still, it'd be nice to know something."
There is only so much about the family in books. Anything personal about them is hidden in journals and letters that are hidden; even he does not know where some of his family's belongings are. He managed to find his mother's only because he searched high and low. His father probably burned some things to protect the family from any possible enemies. He just wished that he had more time with them all so he could learn about them and to be with them more.
His hand combed through Abrose's hair. "Well, let us see what I know, hm?" Malachi reclined against the backboard. His head pressed against it as he looked up at the ceiling. "My mother's favorite recipe is a stew made of tofu, vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, pork, and chili paste served in a large stone bowl." Biting his bottom lip, he thought about Sohan and his former bride-to-be. He exhaled deeply then continued. "Sohan and Vera were betrothed since they were four, but they first met at a ball celebrating Vera's father's birthday when they were sixteen. It wasn't love at first sight. They disagreed on a lot of things, and Vera thought Sohan was stern yet sensitive. But they courted and their relationship miraculously blossomed. It was love till Sohan's last dying breath."
Malachi blinked the tears away. He looked around at random things in the room, trying to distract himself. "Sohan was twelve years older than me. He always was out traveling as a diplomat or spending time in a military base. I only ever saw him maybe three times a year before he became an advisor for our father. Thaleia was ten years older. She would play with me sometimes, but she overlooked the palace till she married Prince Matteo. No matter where we all were, we wrote to each other. I still have some of their letters."
He looked over at Abrose with a light grin. "Is there anything else you would like to know?"
Abrose happily let his head drop into Malachi's hand. He closed his eye and rested against Malachi as he tried to picture the countless portraits of the royal family he had seen in the books. First was Her Highness, someone Abrose took a liking to the moment he had first read about her. A kind yet straightforward queen who took no nonsense from anyone. She was a wonderful ruler that adored both her homeland and Atrovia deeply. He hoped to visit the late Queen's homeland one day to learn about its history.
Perhaps a step towards that would be finding the recipe Malachi had said. Abrose by no means an expert in cooking, in fact he known to burn many of the dishes he had tried to make, much to his siblings dismay, but he liked to experiment regardless.
Abrose glanced up as Malachi shifted his attention to his siblings, his heart clenching as he recalled the tragic way both the crown prince and princess, as well as their spouses had died for seemingly no reason other than being monarchs. He knew very little of the eldest sibling Sohan or the princess Vera but he imagined they were very much like his own family, at least in terms of dynamic. Abrose couldn't even begin to imagine what would happen if he lost Chire or Lily in such a way. He had barely gotten through losing his father. Losing his mother or his siblings would kill him.
Abrose sucked in a shaky breath, not realizing tears had formed until one slid down his cheek. He whipped it away with his sleeve and nestled himself closer to Malachi. "Is that why you wanted to get through the wedding so quickly? Were you afraid of something like what happened again?" He asked softly, finally looking up at Malachi when most of the tears had dried.
Again, talking about his family and the tragedies that seems to always plague the Leeros dynasty is terrain he would rather not step on. Occasionally it is brought up whenever he runs into King Matteo or Princess Vera's brothers, but he really hasn't seen either of them for years, especially since he took on the crown of Atrovia. Then again, it would be foolish of him to avoid these topics forever. Whatever opportunities he has to relieve the pain, he intends to take them.
After talking about family, he lowered himself while sighing. His head was pressed against the pillow. It was strange. The first time he has ever talked about family without this dreadful feeling pulling him in so many different directions. Still it had taken a toll on him, and yet, he was fine. He may be a little tired from everything, but still fine nonetheless.
He nodded, "It was one reason why. Of course, Sohan was killed in the early morning before the ceremony, but still…." His eyes glanced over at Abrose. There was a faint light against the tear stains on his husband's face. His bottom lip curled back while he used his thumb to wipe the tears away.
"I was afraid," He admitted, "I am afraid of a lot of things actually. The secret is is that I try not to admit them to many people…in hopes that they will not happen to me or to anyone…ever again. It may be foolish with me being king and all, but it is the truth."
Abrose took Malachi's hand in both of his own and gently squeezed his hand, lightly tracing the lines of his palm and offering a grateful smile. While Abrose hadn't been afraid of being killed on their wedding in particular, he had still been a bundle of nerves the entire morning beforehand. Marriage, especially so sudden was never part of his plan for his own life. Living as prince of Carniel with Chire as King and Lily as crown princess was all the life Abrose had planned for himself for a long while. It was only when Carniel truly had become desperate, Abrose snapped out of his naive dream of living a peaceful, carefree life and actually took some responsibility. He had been scared the entire year leading up to meeting Malachi and soon becoming engaged. He was still scared, now having two kingdoms rely on him as well as external threats. He knew he had his sibling's and Malachi support but it was still a lot to take on. He only now realized how lucky they both were to have made it out alive of the wedding, considering the suspiciously consistent pattern of death at a Leeros wedding was.
He huffed a small laugh and shook his head. "No, I don't think its foolish at all. I think if I focused all my energy on what scared me I'd never leave this room. But acknowledging that there are things we will have to face sooner or later, but keeping the positive at the forefront helps keeps us all sane. You're allowed to be afraid and not know what to do, I think that only natural for anyone, including a king. Reminding yourself that you are not alone, that you have people who care about you can also be a comfort for when all you can think of is your fear."
Fear is a funny thing. Malachi was not even sure what he really is afraid of. It was not death, exactly, but rather what would happen to the kingdom afterwards. As of now, no one has been crowned heir apparent. Many amongst the palace and even the rest of the world still think of him as some sort of madman. The eyes of history, that is what mattered to him the most. He still worries that someone will try to kill him, and he would not be able to do anything. If anything, he is afraid of not doing anything as king and being known as the last reigning member of the Leeros dynasty. If anyone remembers him or the family at all…
But that does not matter now. He is here laying in this bed with his husband. Very much alive, very much well. That is all he needed right at the moment. Fear cannot reach him.
"Yes, all of that is true," He hummed. Malachi looked at their hands, admiring the sight of them conjoined. "I have you, don't I? A handsome, kind, and lovely husband. And you have me. We have each other in times of peace and turmoil. Fear will have nothing on us for we will be unstoppable."
"I couldn't have said it better myself, dear." Abrose murmured, smiling proudly at his husband. For the first time in months, he felt that statement to be true. They had each other, no matter what. Even if death haunted the Leeros family, Malachi was still here and despite his limitations, Abrose would be damned if he let the same fate befall Malachi. He gently squeezed Malachi's hand and rested his head against his husband's shoulder, glancing at the window and taking in a deep breath, looking out onto the beaches below and watching the waved pull in and back out.
"I hope you know I don't plan on missing another meal for the sake of staying in bed." He warned teasingly, reluctantly pulling himself out of bed and gently tugging at Malachi's hand. "Besides, I do believed I had intended to take another walk around the grounds last night but someone had other plans. Not that I'm at all apposed to locking away with you for hours on end but I also hope to enjoy other aspects of our lovely honeymoon. He pouted softly and knelt by the bed, resting his head on Malachi's knee. "please, darling, surely some sand and water won't deter you from enjoying this beautiful place." He gestured towards the window to the beach outside.
Oh, he wondered what he had done to deserve to see such a mesmerizing smile. With the light from the sun, Abrose's grin was beaming. His husband is light itself. Malachi wondered while soaking in every single moment he can, staring at Abrose. Surely a sight more beautiful than the sun and ocean. He wouldn't mind just being in bed all day while staring at this lovely man he is married to. Sounds like a perfect day to him.
Malachi was pulled and somehow managed to sit up at the edge of the bed. His head felt funny at first. First thing he thought was how much he wanted to go back to bed already. "That someone sounds to be a bit rebellious if you ask me." He bit the inner corners of his mouth to suppress his laugh. What can he say? His husband's pout made his heart shiver.
Slowly, he combed his fingers through his husband's hair. His eyes lovingly gazed down at Abrose before looking out the window. A smile swept across his face. "Well, Your Highness…." He cooed, glancing back down at his husband, "if it will make you happy, of course. I only wish to have His Highness be content on this honeymoon after all."
"Only a bit, if not a tad sleep deprived as well. Though I can't say it wasn't immensely enjoyable." Abrose agreed with a laugh, tucking his legs beneath him as he returned his gaze to the window. The beaches here were truly beautiful. They reminded Abrose of the beaches bordering Carniel, though those were more rocky and rugged, the ocean choppy and grey most of the time. Regardless, Abrose and his siblings would go down there any chance they could after a storm to see the beautiful turmoil of the sea and collect treasures to bring back home. Thinking about that made Abrose a bit homesick but he was comforted by the thought that they would visit soon after everything was in order with their kingdoms. He'd show Malachi the beaches and the summer home his family used to spend their time in before the king's death and the fields of Foxgloves that bloomed near early spring. He'd show despite it being small, Carniel was worth saving.
He tilted his head into Malachi's hand, his eyes fluttering shut at the sensation of his husband brushing through his hair. Though it had only been two days on the honeymoon, Abrose was quickly beginning to realized he loved physical affection, particularly from Malachi, not that he had much experience from anyone else but this, the small moments in each other's company was heavenly to Abrose. At hearing his husband's voice, Abrose glanced up "Food always seems to do that," He joked, reluctantly standing from his spot on the ground and lacing Malachi's hand with his own. "Believe me, my love, you have done nothing short of making me extremely happy over the past few days."
"Enjoyable?" Malachi laughed along. "The only part that was enjoyable was listening to the sweetest voice reading a story and laying next to him in bed." It all was enjoyable. All that he wished was that he was not so sleepy. Lowering his lips, he kissed the side of Abrose's head. With his other hand, he tried to cover his yawn while still combing his fingers through.
He already wanted to be back in bed with Abrose's head resting against his chest while running his fingers through those delicate crimson locks. Wishing to be in bed all day with his husband on their honeymoon is not the best thing. On the other hand, Malachi only wants to be snuggled up against Abrose. He wants to spend all the time in the world with his husband. Is it a strange thing to want?
"But I want to make you happy forever," He whispered underneath his breath. Slowly, he got up from bed and stood in front of Abrose. "I do not know what kind of husband I am, or will be, but I know I desire to be the one who makes you content. I desire your happiness and well-being."
Abrose tilted his head up to look as Malachi stood from the bed. He chuckled softly and reached up with his free hand to cup Malachi's cheek. "I wouldn't necessarily consider this," he genstured around them, "as content. If anything thats an understatement as to how I feel when around you. I am not just content to sit and read to you late at night curled up in bed with only you and a heap of blankets for warmth. I am not just content being to married you and begining a whole new life by your side. Content doesn't even begin to describe the joy and excitement I feel just being at your side." He took in a much needed breath and reached up on his toes to press a kiss to Malachi's cheek. "You make me beyond happy." He smiled and guided them both through the door to find breakfast.
Content doesn't even begin to describe what he is feeling at the moment. Why did he use such a word? His husband's words both soothed him and fuled his excitment. Seeing Abrose get on his toes made Malachi blush as much as the kiss on the cheek did. What has he done to deserve such a person like Abrose? He was not able to formulate words to describe how his heart was all over the place. Its fluttering gave him shivers as they walked out of the bedroom.
When they were down the hallway, he felt a cold breeze. It prompted him to look down and…"Oh, right," He mumbled to himself. "Excuse me, Abrose. I will be back." Letting go of Abrose's hand, he dashed back into the bedroom to put on a robe. He returned to his husband's side within a few minutes; now with a long dark crimson silk robe on. "My apologies for that. I did not want anyone to see me in a state only reserved for you," He chuckled a little. "Not to mention it was a bit cool without some sort of covering."
Abrose tilted his head in slight confusion before he realized while it might feel normal to Abrose, perhaps seeing their king half clothed wasn't as comfortable for others at the villa. Abrose wondered when he began to feel that comfortable with Malachi, surely not long. But it had felt like they've been together for years with how normal the night before had felt. He loved getting to know Malachi on a more personal level without needing to skirt around formalities and things like that. It had been relieving to be able to joke around and tease with Malachi, to know that he didn't have to be so tense around him just because he was the king. And to know that Abrose could be trusted, not only with his kingdom but with his own personal experiences was something Abrose honestly hadn't expected in the marriage but was very welcoming.
He glanced up as Malachi approached, now dressed in a red robe, and smiled before gently taking his arm and starting to walk again. He rested his head against Malachi's shoulder and laughed, "No need to apologies, dear. I hadn't realized you were still undressed until you had mentioned it." His smile turned into a smirk as he looked up at his husband, "all reserved for me? Surely I'm not so lucky to see you in all your glory just yet," he took a peek around the villa, still finding himself surprised by the small details he hadn't noticed before. "It is getting a bit cold. I hadn't expected that considering we are near a beach, it's nice though, the air has a refreshing crispness, instead of the humidity we're used to in Carniel."
