Abrose chewed his lip, deep in thought. "I hope you're right. I just hope that arrangement doesn't end in a marriage between us." He looked up at Lucian and gave a little, cheeky smile. "Do you know me, dearest Lucian?" he teased, knowing the answer already. Of course Lucian knew him. Abrose dared say that Lucian knew him best apart from his siblings. He was the one Abose went to for his adventures and when he needed a moment to be normal instead of a prince. While they had never fully crossed the boundry of statuses, Lucian was one of the only people Abrose felt comfortable let all the pretences drop with. He could be informal and voice his honest opinions to without fear of judgement. Lucian was his most trusted guard and more, his friend, despite Abrose wishing they were more.
His smile fell slightly at the mention of going through with the marriage. He knew it was a truth Abrose would have to face sooner than later, his mother seemed adament about the alliance.
"I don't know." He replied softly, the lightehearted teasing gone for now. He would say no again of course. He'd claim his heart was for somone else, the he had fallen in love with someone else. If he had to admit it was Lucian he would. He would make up any excuse to not marry Amire. He'd of course try to make any compromise with amire and his kingdom he could possible save for a forced, binding, marriage. "I'll leave." He decided softly. "If I have to marry Amire, I'll leave. I'll find a different way to make amends with his kingdom some other way, just not as a Prince." He laughed to himself, even as his idea seemed rediculous. "who knows, maybe I'll be able to do something more as a disgraced prince and commoner than I will be as a prince." Even as Abrose said it outloud, he knew it was easier said than done. "Please don't tell anyone I told you this, Luce. I don't need my parents going to drastic measures to keep me here if they hear of my plans. And I don't want Lilly or Chire worrying. They have enough on their plates with their own relationships."
Lucian returned the smile. It was so easy too. Abrose just lit up the room with his presence. When he smiled, everyone in the room smiled. How could they not? He had such a beautiful smile. "Of course, I know you. I think I'm a little offended you have to ask." Of course, he wasn't actually offended. It was just a small tease, the smile said that much if his voice didn't reveal that. Lucian might be the only one that truly knew him outside of his family. Sure the prince was friendly with everyone but was he really friends with any of them? Lucian was the closest one to him. Outside of the family, Lucian was the one he turned to, even if they hadn't spoken in a while. He had been busy with other things in opposite parts of the palace.
He saw the smile drop. He knew what had spurred the movement. The mention of the marriage. Perhaps it hadn't been the smartest thing to say but Abrose needed to have a plan. He needed to be ready in case things didn't go his way. Lucian hadn't been expecting the words that came out of his mouth next. Lucian stopped dead in his tracks. He looked around the hall to make sure they were alone, then pulled Abrose into the nearest empty room and clicked the door shut behind them. He grabbed Abrose's shoulders, making sure the prince was looking at him. "Abrose, you can't." He needed the prince to listen to him. "How will you survive out there? You don't know anything outside the palace. It's dangerous out there. People would be tripping over themselves to take advantage of you. And if they found out who you are, it would be catastrophic. You can't leave, Abrose. Promise me you won't. Promise me you'll find another way."
Abrose blinked as they were pushed into an empty study beside the royal family's bedroom. He looked around quickly, straining to hear anyone coming down the hall, fearing they'd be found out. If anyone were to see Lucian pull Abrose into a private study they'd both be in trouble. Thankfully, that would be the least of Abrose's worries. He turned to face Lucian, coming face to face with man he had loved for so long. He took the rare opportunity to get a good look at Lucian, to take in every detail of his face, his flaming red hair that Abrose longed to run his fingers through, the coppery brown eyes he got lost in so often, his soft lips he wanted so desperately to kiss. Abrose flicked his gaze to meet Lucian's eyes again, his brows furrowing in confusion as he registered what he had said. "What?" He nearly whispered in disbelief. Of all people, Abrose had expected for Lucian to understand his decision to leave if the marriage was forced upon him. Abrose shifted away from Lucian's grasp and took a meaningful step back. "I'll manage eventually Luce. I'm not so delusion to think it'll be just as easy as the life I live now." Abrose conveniently failed to mention the countless time he had snuck out his bedroom window to explore the city at night without Lucian being none the wiser of his escapades. Abose crossed his arms over his chest defensively and looked anywhere but at his guard, focusing hard on a box of ink pots on the desk. "Believe it or not, Luce, I know how to take care of myself. Its good they're defiant then. It means they're ready for change. If I can somehow make changes from out there then I will for their sake. I can learn out there," Abrose gestured towards the window, towards the city outside, towards his people "more than anything I've learned ever learned here. We barely know about the war other than its been going on for years and everyone I try to ask refuses to tell me what really is going on." He took a deep breath, already feeling himself growing angry. Not really at Lucian, he knew his guard was only looking out for him but Abrose wished for five minutes that Lucian would believe in him as a capable person. He slowly shook his head "I can't do that, Luce. I'll look for any other possibility but what are the chances my parents will listen to any alternative other than marriage? We're depserate for an alliance. This is their last hope. I'm hopeing we'll come to an agreement with Amire but even that won't guarentee cancelling the marriage." He tried to reason, glancing up at his guard, a sad smile crossing his features. He reached and gently cupped Luchin's cheek with one hand and took his hand with the other. "Ever my protective guard, hm?" He shook his head fondly. "If I do end up leaving, I give you full permission to follow. But promise me you'll fullfill your dream first. Become captain of the royal guard. Protect the people you swore to keep safe the first day you became a guard."
Lucian ran a hand through his perfectly combed back hair, ruining its hold and strands falling into his eyes. Run away. The prince wanted to run away. He wanted to escape into the kingdom and try to solve this war like some vigilante or other. And while Lucian had no doubt he wouldn't be able to solve this in his potion of power, as a commoner? He wasn't so convinced. He was overcome with worry over Abrose's safety. It was dangerous out there. Not just on the front but in the cities as well. Crime was littered among the streets. It didn't matter how much they cracked down on it, it was always going to happen. He was worried Abrose was going to get himself into trouble, that he was going to start something with someone that he wouldn't be able to finish. And he didn't want Lucian to follow. Abrose wanted him to stay at the palace and follow his dreams before thinking of leaving and finding Abrose. But didn't he know that Abrose was his dream? There was no way Lucian would let him leave without him. He understood the consequences. He understood he would be deserting his post and would be labeled as a traitor. He just couldn't let himself get caught. But he wasn't letting Abrose go into the city alone. Not without him. Lucian would always protect him.
"No," he finally said. "No. I'm not letting you leave. Not without me. To hell with coming captain, I'm not letting you run the streets without someone to protect you." He meant every word of it. "I didn't accept a position as a royal guard just for fun. I did it because I wanted to be closer to home. Closer to you." His cheeks flushed as he realized what he had just said but he kept going as if it hadn't. "You're my best friend. I can't let you go out there. Not alone." Preferably not ever. Lucian wasn't exactly jumping for joy at the thought of being labeled a traitor to the crown but he would do it for Abrose. "If it- if it gets to that point, you come to me. We go together. And if you leave without me, I'll come find you. And I will find you so you might as well save us both the trouble and come to me first." He made a split-second decision, screwing protocol. He was already in trouble if he got caught in this room with the prince, what did it matter if anything else happened? HE stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Abrose, pulling him into a tight hug.
Abrose's heart sunk for a moment, fearing he would have to go behind his most trusted friend's back to get out of the castle. "Luce this isn't-" he paused, an incredulous laugh escaping him, Luce would go with him. He'd drop everything he had worked so hard for for him. Abrose didn't know hether to feel honored or horrified. What had he done to deserve this sacrifice from Lucian? Abrose's cheeks flushed pink, if only lucian knew just how closse Abrose wishe dhtey could be. Perhaps that best left in Abrose's imagination, especially now as they actively planned an escape.
His breathed hitched slightly as Lucian moved suddenly closer for a tight hug but Abrose quickly recover, wrapping his arms around Lucian just as securely, never want to let go. "You do still realize I can order you to remain here, right my dear guard?" Abrosed teased, having never liked using his authority to make others do his bidding, despite being royalty. "But it seems like you've made up your mind about following me, regardless of what I say or do. Such a stubborn guard you are. Perhaps I'll entertain a little game of hide and seek with you for such defiance against your prince." he chided soflty with a grin as he pulled back slightly and adjusted Lucian's uniform form wher eit had been slightly crumpled from the hug. "Very well, if it comes to the point where we need to leave, I'll go to you, always. If by some chance I need to leave alone, I'll find a safe place and send you my whereabouts as soon as safely possible." he promised, his mind racing with places around the city he knew were safe for him and Lucian, people he knew he could trust, people who were already planning on their own course of action considering the kindom's war.
"Luce, I want you to teach me to fight, please." He said suddenly, though not with uncertainty. "I know how to swordfight but Chire wouldn't teach me beyond the basics. If we do end up needing to leave and help from the outside, I want to know how to defend myself and my people."
Lucian placed his chin on top of Abrose's head. He had to bend his neck a little do to so with their height difference. Sometimes he truly forgot that Abrose had been born a woman until times like this. He didn't care, he never had, as long as Abrose was happy. He just forgot sometimes. "You can order me all you like for me to remain behind but once you're gone you won't be here to stop me." He would have to be pinned and chained to not go after Abrose. Something that could certainly be arranged if the prince wanted it to happen. He lifted his chin from his head to look down at him as Abrose pulled away slightly. Lucian smiled as he fixed his uniform. "I wouldn't suggest sending me out on a wild goose chase trying to find you. That would be very bad," he said in a teasing voice. He moved his hand to hold his sides, just above his hips. It was too low, much too low for a guard to be touching a prince. It was too much touch at all. He shouldn't have his hands on Abrose at all but it was too late. They were alone in this room with no one around them. They were alone. Together. In a room. Lucian was alone in a room with the man he had been in love with for the better part of his life. Had he been a braver man he would have made a move. But he was not a brave man. He was a coward in the face of the love of his life. He couldn't do it.
Lucian jerked back at the words. Fight? Since when did Abrose have any interest in fighting? He didn't like the thought of Abrose being anywhere near the fighting. Abrose needed to stay clear of the front of any of the fighting. But, if for whatever reason Abrose needed to defend himself, Lucian wanted him to be able to. Lucian nodded. "Alright. We'll start tomorrow morning before breakfast. That means getting up earlier, do you understand that?" He was going to train Abrose hard. He was going to make sure Abrose would be able to get out of any situation that he could have gotten into.
"Careful, beloved guard. That almost sounds like a challenge, one I'm not above declining. But for the sake of the situation we're in, we'll leave that little adventure for another time less harrowing." he teasd back, nodding once he was satisfied with Lucian's uniform, his hands coming to rest on his guard's shoulders. His breathing became unsteady as he hyperfixated on the placement of Lucian's hands on his waist. In any other situation, save for an urgent emergency, any physical contact with the royal family was prohibited. For Lucian to touch Abrose so freely would certainly get both of them in trouble if caught and almost guarentee a demotion for Lucian if not complete removal from the royal guard. Abrose watched Lucian for a long moment, amused by the thought that if their roles were switched, if Lucian was forced to leave the castle, there would be nothing that would be able to keep Abrose from following, not his family nor Lucian himself. He had made that mistake of staying behind before when Lucian had left to become a fully feldged guard, he refused to let him go again.
Abrose's tipped his head at Lucian's reaction at the mention of wanting to learn how to fight. While it was normal for every member of the royal family to learn how to handle a sword correctly, the training was never so extensive as to actually teach them how to fight back for long. Chire had been allowed to learn because he was the crown prince. He would soon be in charge of Avrile's army and possibly join before becoming king so he needed to know combat bt for Llly and Abrose, the less they knew about swordplay the better. They were to depend on their guards for protection. Thankfully neither Lilly nor Abrose were known to follow many traditional rules, especially when it came to swordplay. While they were mostly self taught and could hold their own fairly well compared to most royal children it was nowhere near close the guard's or an skilled attacker's level. Abrose was going to argue he'd learn from someone else if Lucian refused to teach him but Abrose's retort caught in his throat, an excited smile instead spread on his features. He nodded his head with determination though the thought of waking up at an ungodly hour of the morning to fight seemed like torture. He would sacrifice that far more for the sake of his kingdom. "I do, yes."
Lucian wanted to lean in and kiss him. He was almost ready to risk it all. All it would take was for him to lean in just a bit and their lips would touch. That was all it would take. And god he wanted to but he refrained. He couldn't. He just couldn't. There were too many what ifs. What if is someone walked in on them? What if Abrose didn't return his affections? What if they were discovered? What if Abrose rejected him? The list kept going on and on. It was a long list of why he couldn't possibly do this. Even if in this very moment he was fantasizing in his head what it would be like to kiss him. In his head, Lucian cupped Abrose's cheek, tilting his head up. Lucian would dip his head and their lips would connect. Lucian's lips would be dry and cracked. He was guard. Ne never took the time to care much about his body. But Abrose, his lips would be soft and moist. A vast opposite of Lucian's own. Because Abrose cared about himself like that. He was able to care for himself. In this fantasy, Lucian slipped his arm around Abrose's back and pulled them flush against each others chests. It was perfect until Lucian came back to reality. They were not kissing even if they were entirely too close to be appropriate and Abrose was asking to be trained. Trained for combat. Lucian prayed the prince would never need to use it but he did believe everyone should at least know self-defense. And if Abrose insisted on being near the fighting, he would train him hard until he was absolutely sure the prince could protect himself in any situation.
"I won't be easy on you," Lucian said. "You'll likely hate me before the first training session is even over. But if you insist on putting yourself in dangerous situations, I'm going to make sure you know how to survive." He looked at Abrose now, tilting his head. A thought occurred to him and he was worried Abrose wouldn't be able to follow through. "I will teach you how to survive and how to kill someone. Do you think you can do that? Take someone's life? Understand that sometimes it is necessary. It is kill or be killed. And where you're trying to go, a whole lot of people will want you dead if they know who you are."
Abrose's confirmation died in his throat as he gazed back up his guard. There was so much desire in those honey eyes that abrose almost believed Lucian loved and wanted abrose just as much as abrose wanted lucian. But Lucian was committed to his job, no time for relationships. And even if that was untrue, Abose didn't think Lucian would want to be with the prince he looked after day in and day out. But there were moments like these and last night that made abrose think otherwise. Moments of gentle touches, shared jokes, secret plans to run away together, intense yet silent desire that kad eaveose want to pull in Lucian for a bruising kiss and never let go, to entangle himself with Lucian, royal etiquette and whatnot be damned if he could be with Lucian for the rest of his life. He was so close, Lucian was so close. But his kingdom came first. His people's safety and in turn Lucian's would always come first before his heart. Abrose moved forward back into Lucian's embrace and gave a littoe nod, "good, I expect nothing less from you, Lucian. I need to worn down to the bone. All this orincey life has left me scrawny." He laughed softly, burrying his face again's Lucian's shoulder. Now that hadn't been something he had considered. Would he be willing to kill? His immediate answer was yes. But if he thought more about it, thought that there was the very real chance he'd kill his own people or Amire's people who would be out for his head then…he didn't know. "Not yet but I will be." He decided softly. "I know thousands have died, I don't want to add to that number but i will if it'll stop this war."
(I'm so sorry. I was moving into my apartment)
Lucian tightened his arms around Abrose as the prince leaned forward back into his arms. He wanted to freeze this moment and stay here forever. He loved this. He loved just holding Abrose. But his poor heart was silently wailing. Because they both knew that this was all Lucian would ever get. He would never be able to kiss him and be with Abrose like he wants to be. He couldn't. And as lovely as Abrose's fantasy of running away was, Lucian knew it would never happen. Abrose would figure out a way to get his mother to back off on the marriage and all would be well. Lucian would continue to silently love Abrose from afar, guarding him with his life. And sure, they may train for a while but how ling until Abrose called it off? He didn't know. All he knew was that his heart was going to suffer.
Lucian smiled and shook his head, placing his hand on the back of Abrose's head, running his gloved fingers through the strands. "There is nothing wrong with being scrawny. You look fine the way you are. But if you want to train that will change. We will train hard. You're going to be uncomfortable most of the time but you will learn to embrace it." He looked down at Abrose. "And i will changing your diet. You need to eat more and healthier. Otherwise, this training will be for nothing. You won't even be able to complete the exercise if you don't have the right nutrition." He was already mentally making a checklist of the things he could eat. It didn't mean he couldn't ever have sweets or his favorite foods. It would just have to be less often. Abrose needed more protein to be able to build his muscles. Nothing was going to progress without that. "Let's hope it never comes to that." Killing changed people. It had certianly changed Lucian. He didn't want Abrise to change at all. But he wanted the prince to be prepared if he was ever in a situation that needed it.
(its all good, no worries at all!)
Abrose hummed, and gave a slight shrug, "I've been more uncomfortable in other situations. It can't be worse." He glanced up at lucian and grinned, "I see you're already getting used being the one in charge." he teased, giving a slight pout, "But Luce," he whined, "you know how much I love my sweets." he chuckled softly, trying his best to make light of the situation. No matter what, happened, if they left or stayed, Abrose wanted to learn to fight effectively. Despite being far away from next in line for the crown, Abrose wanted to help his siblings the best he could when the time came for them to assume their places as King or Queen. As a prince or commoner, Abrose wanted to help his kingdom. He sighed rather dramatically, "Very well. If I must, I'll give up my chocolat mille feulles and pan au chocolates for now." he relented resting his head back against Lucian's shoulder as he looked around the room, both nervous and excited for his future. He wasn't even sure if he would stay even if his mother called off the wedding. Clearly being a prince did nothing to stop the war so what difference would it make if he faught from the outside. Over the course of Lucian's time away Abrose had aquired an apartment for him to stay in during the extended stays he'd take in the city. He had found informants and good friends in his time away from the castle, people that Abrose planned to contact if the whole marriage situation didn't pan out. He had a plan. Or at a good foundation for one. Oddly enough, he had never created that plan with someone else in mind, much less his royal guard. He nodded slightly and enjoyed what little time the hug would last. "Go easy on me the first few practices. I'm still new to swinging around a sword."
Lucian almost laughed. Oh, it would be worse. It would be so much worse. He was going to make Abrose run until he puked. He was going to train him so hard he would be constantly sore. Lucian wasn't changing anything. If Abrose wanted to put himself in danger, he was going to make sure the prince was equipped to handle it and come out alive. This wasn't about being in charge, it was about making sure Abrose coukd protect himself. Though he only just smiled softly at the words. "Oh, I know. You used to make me steal them for you all the time." He chuckled, shaking his head at the memory. "You can't never have then but it'll be less than what you're used to. You need to eat better before you can indulge."
He placed his chin on the top of Abrose's head as the man laid it back on his shoulder. Lucian squeezed him softly, sighing in content. This was nice, hiding away in a room. It was like their little secret. He never wanted it to end. But he knew it must and he knew they could never speak of this around anyone. No one could know. "The first few days will be seeing what you know and what you can handle. From there, I'll make workouts set around your physical capabilities." He looked down at the prince. "I don't want you to feel bad if you're not as string or as fast as the others. You're starting off at a disadvantage as it is. We all started training much younger than you are now. And because of your biological physique, it's just not possible for you to be as strong as the others. But that doesn't mean that you can't fight them and win. I'll teach you how to use their body against them. You can win against someone larger and stronger than you are."
Abrose giggled softly and nodded, "yeah, you were pretty good at it too, that or the chefs knew in advance to leave some extra out. Guess we'll never know." He sighed softly but nodded "you're right. of course you're right." He nestled against Lucian, reveling in the warmth and safety of his guard's arms. Depsite his promises of training hard and a severe lifestyle change, Abrose knew the safest place was right here with his Luce. From early on in his transition, Abrose knew there was no guarentee he'd fully achieve the physique of a male in its entirety. There were some limitiations not even the best surgeons could pass and Abrose had accepted that. Fighting had never been a goal of his during his transition so he hadn't worried too much about it back then. Now that he would be training with other guards and with Lucian he was suddenly very self conscious of hismself. He felt a bit better knowing it'd be just him and Lucian training for a while until they could figure out what Abrose was capable of but eventually they'd need variety in apponents for Abrose to truely show growth and learn. Most of the guards knew he had transitioned either through Chire with his permission or eventual common knowledge but it would be the first time Abrose would go against any of them. He bit his lit in uncertainty but gave a determined nod. "I'll try my best." He reasured, a mixture of excitement and nerves swirled inside him. He sighed softly, and started to gently break away from the hug and head towards the door. "We should probably be heading back. I need to change before we meet with Amire and I want to at least speak with Chire and Lilly." He didn't want to tell them about everything, at least not yet. He knew they would catch on eventually to their plans, But Abrose wanted them to hear it from him instead of worrying until the last minute and then finding out too late.
Lucian looked down at the prince as Abrose moved his head. He smiled sown at him softly. He almost reached his hand up to pull his lip put between his teeth. Almost. He kept his hands firmly on Abrose's hips. "I know you'll do your best. When have you ever halved anything?" He didn't know a time the Abrose didn't give it his all. He mourned the loss of his touch as the prince stepped away from him. He was right of course, they did need to move on. The linger they stayed there the more they were risking being caught. But Lucian didn't want to let him go. Lucian wanted to stay there, wrapped in that hug. But it was time for them to go. He took a step back, allowed himself a moment to clear his head, then nodded. "Let's go."
He cracked open the door and made sure there was no one in the hall before opening the door all the way. He gestured for the prince to exit the room first before stepping him out himself. He straightedge his back, push back his shoulders, followed behind the prince back to his room.
"I would never dare to halve things. It'd go completely against my very conpletist personality." He grinned and stood on his tip toes to peek over Lucian's shoulder, praying the hallways were emty. He didn't have the will toe xplain their situation to anyone. He skipped back as Lucian backed into the room and allowed him through. He glanced at Lucian for a moment, weighing his options. Would it be worth pulling Lucian back into the room and lock the door, letting them have the privacy he so desperately wanted? Abrose knew despite his desperate desire, to do so, he had something more pressing to do before he focused on his personal relations. He smiled softly, gently squeezed his guards hand before breaking contact completely and then made his way out of the study and then to his room. "I'll be back in a bit." He promised, closing the door behind him. He took moment to gather his thoughts before he began raiding his closet in search of something more appropriate than sleep clothes. He eventually settled on a whine red shirt and deep navy blue pants, going for a more mature look instead of his more playful outfits like last night. He hoped he'd be taken more seriously by Amire. He threw on some pieces of gold jewelry last minute, feeling more like himself with a bit of jewelry. He toussled his hair a bit to make it less flat and pulled on a pair of black boots before he stepped back out into the hall. "Okay, I think we're ready." He waved to himself, suddenly nervous about meeting the prince one on one. What if the prince wanted the marriage after all? What if he wasn't willing come to a compromise? "Too much?"
Lucian softly clicked the door shut behind them and then they were on their way down the hall. It was as if it had never happened. As if they had never been in that room together. Never had been in each other's arms. No one knew that other than the two of them. He didn't know about Abrose but the memory would be burned into his head. He would never be able to forget those few precious moments they were in that room. Those were memories he would hold on to forever. And they were memories that would only hurt his heart more. Lucian nodded to the prince, taking up position outside his door while the prince changed. The minutes ticked by but he never once wished for Abrose to hurry. He knew the prince cared about his appearance. And Lucian would never fault him for it either. Outside of uniform, Lucian liked to care for his appearance as well, even if it wasn't as extravagant. He made sure his clothes matched and then he did something nice with his hair. He stepped back as the door was opened and turned to face Abrose. He looked at his appearance and smiled gently at him. "No, it's not too much. You look like a prince." And that's what Abrose needed for this meeting. Hopefully, it would go alright. Hopefully, it would go the way Abrose wanted it to. Because Lucian did not want the prince making good on his promise. No matter that the two of them could be free to be themselves. No matter that Lucian could express his feelings. They would always be on the run, hiding for those looking for Abrose. It was better this way if everything worked out.
Abrose nodded slightly, still a bit unsure but felling a bit better. He glanced down at himself, anxieously smoothing over the wrinkles in his blouse. "Thanks Luce." He smiled softly and took a deep breath. "Now lets hope Amire is more willing to not get married as I am." he laughed but it was more out of nerves than complete confidence. With that he turned around and started walking down the hallway towards another study in the castle, larger than the one he and Lucian had been in and oftentimes used more for conferences and meetings with political leaders. For this time of day and year, Abrose hoped his parents had moved the meetings to the greenhouse to take advantage of the wamr weather and beautiful flourishing plants in bloom.
He opened the door and peeked his head in, and took a quick look around, sighing in relief when he saw only Amire by a bookshelf, observing the titles and trinkets that adorned the shelf. The foreign prince glaned up and blushed, as if embarrased to be caught intrigued by his enemy's home. "From my sister, mostly. She's the msot well versed in travel out of the three so she brings back souvenirs for us." Abrose explained as he stepped into the room and shut the door after Lucian had entered.
Amire nodded thoughtfully, "It is a wonderful experience to travel. I would suggest it to you as well, Prince Abrose. Though from what i've seen of your parents I can tell getting out of here is next to impossible." He chuckled softly and Abrose silently decided to ignore the jab at his parents for now, knowing he himself agreed entirely. Amire flicked his gaze to Lucian, seeming for the first time to acknowlede his presense. "You trust your guard not to report back to the king and queen?" he asked, not necessarily out of distrust but more out of surprise that Abrose would allow a lowly guard to witness something as private as this. At that Abrose stiffened defensively. "I trust him with this and far more. He stays or we both leave." Amire tilted his head slightly before bowing slightly. "whatever you may wish, your highness. IF you say he is to be trusted, then I believe you." Abrose released a small breath and nodded back before motioning to the sitting area by a large stained glass window. "Shall we begin?"
Lucian only returned a tight smile in answer. Yes, he only did hope the other prince was less willing to get married. But even if Aimre didn't, it still boiled down to their parents. Their parents were king and queen of their own countries. They had absolute sovereignty and they could very well order the two to get married. And if Aimre did not stand up to his parents, Abrose would be stuck marrying the prince. That was, of course, if he didn't actually run away. It was going to be interesting to say the least how that was going to play out. Not in a good way. Either Lucian was stuck watching the man he loved marry someone else or he was chasing after Abrose as he fled the palace. Neither were desirable outcomes so he only hoped for the best.
Lucian had to restrain from making a face as Abrose opened the door himself. It should be Lucian who should be opening the door. He was the prince's personal guard and as a prince, he shouldn't have to open anything himself. That was what the staff was here for, not that Abrose ever really fit the traditional life of a prince. It was one of the many qualities Lucian loved about him. He clicked the door shut behind them and went as far as locking the door. The prince would want absolute privacy and to not be interrupted. Locking the door would ensure that. He took up post but the door, keeping his head straight and his gaze forward. They were around a prince. Lucian needed to act as a guard if he wanted to keep his position as a guard. He couldn't risk this other prince running and blabbing that he was too familiar with the prince and get dismissed. However, he had a sense of pride swell in him as Abrose vouched for his presence. He didn't let it show on his face, not even the tiniest of smiles. No, he needed to keep his composer and he would.
Abrose settled across from Amire in the velvet chaise and began recounting the plan he and Lucian had come up with, Of course he ommited Lucian from the plan. "If we can't somehow convince my parents to call of the wedding, I'll leave and try and help from the outside." He explained, watching the other prince intently. His heart was in his throat as Amire sat quietly across from him, his brows creased in deep thought, his hands folded and tapping lightly against his lip.
"It seems you're just as aposed to marriage as I am," He noted after the few minutes of silence. Abrose's eyes softened slightly and he dared a small smile. "Please believe me when I say it is not becuase of you." Amire glanced up and matched Abrose's grin. "I'm glad, considering I made a terrible first impression." The princed flicked his gaze to Lucian then back to Abrose, arching his eyebrow slightly. He leaned forwards and lowered his voice. Abrose stiffened but didn't move. "Yu have someone dear to you. I wouldn't blame you if you chose them over me. In fact I would encourage it." Abrose's heartbeat quickened but he managed to keep his voice even. "I don't know what you mean, your highness."
Amire shook his head. "Fine, deny it all you want but I saw that little glance at your guard. You both share something deeper than merely a prince and his guard, whether you choose to acknowledge that now or later."
Abrose's eyes fluttered, praying silently that Luce couldn't hear Amire's claims, or better, his own confirmation. "Yes." He said quickly "Yes I don't deny anything but he can't know, no one can until this is all over, until I can guarentee he is safe." Amire slowly backed away with a nod of understanding. "That I can agree with, your highness. Though I think you'd be surprised with what you're guard may truely think of you and this situation, if only oyu two were honest with yourselves."
Abrose huffed a small laugh, he ahd asked Lucian already, more or less. He knew his guard's tance in all of this. None of which included cofessing any notion with being with Abrose in the capicity the prince dreamed of.
"You seem to know what you're talking about. Am I right to assume you are going through something similar?"
Amire leaned back casually and shrugged. "I may have some I wish to protect. If I need to be married off to ensure their safety and happiness so be it. Of course I would rather not. My heart is theirs but like you, I am in a tight situation where committing to that relationship would feel like I'm abandoning my kingdom." Abrose nodded and settled into the couch. "I don't want to abandon my kingdom. I love it. But I love…him…as well. Its unfair to choose one over the other."
Lucian was listening to them talk. He knew it was a breach of privacy to listen to them but well, how could he not? They were speaking loud enough that he could hear every word they were saying. Perhaps it was jealousy that drove him. He was jealous of Aimre even if he didn't admit it. The foreign prince had the opportunity to marry the greatest man in the kingdom. Likely the world. Because Abrose was amazing. He was soft and kind. He was playful. He had the most amazing smile and Lucian melted anytime the prince gave him those doe eyes. This prince had a chance to marry him and Amire was giving it up. Amire should be honored to be given the opportunity. Lucian would snatch that up in a heartbeat if it was ever offered to him. Given that Abrose agreed. And that was the harder part. He didn't know how the prince felt about him.
The two of them quieted down, whispering to one another. They were speaking low enough hat he couldn't make out the words. He didn't like that. He wanted to know what they were saying. What if Amire said something to disturb Abrose and he wasn't able to stop it? Lucian shifted uncomfortably on his feet, eyes glancing at the two conspiring princes. Perhaps this wasn't a good idea. He didn't like how close they had gotten. Amire was leaning towards Abrose. He didn't like this. He couldn't hear what he was saying. What if the prince had a change of heart and was trying to woo Abrose? Lucian needed to have faith that he was going to stick to his plan. As much as he knew the prince needed to stay in the palace where it was safest, the idea of running away with him was becoming more appealing every second those two were close together.
Lucian wasn't sure what was taking over him. He was jealous. He was more jealous, he was possessive. He had no reason to be. Abrose wasn't his. They weren't together, not even in secret. They were nothing but friends. He shouldn't be possessive. Lucian has never been before. Not for anyone. The few relationships he has had was nothing more than something in passing. It lasted no more than a couple months and it had been nothing worth mentioning to anyone. It was casual. He had never wanted anything more. Not until he truly understood his feelings for Abrose. That was the day he swore off anyone. He hadn't been with another person in over two years. Not even just to bed someone for his needs. His whole life was riding on Abrose and he wasn't even sure if the prince liked him back. And even if he did, they could never be together. It wasn't done.
Amire occasionally flicked his gaze to meet Lucian's, keenly aware of the stoic guard, even as he never missed a beat in conversation with Abrose. "You will soon find out that life itself is unfair, my dear prince." He murmured.
Abrose nodded slightly and took a deep breath. Whether he had meant to or not, Abrose had admitted to loving another to the very prince he was supposed to marry. On top of that, he admitted to loving his guard. Abrose's head spun already and they hadn't even negotiated anything yet.
"You mentioned loving another." He said softly, tilting his head curiously.
A soft smile appeared on Amire's face as his gaze grew slightly distant. "Mhm, a kitchen boy I met years ago." His gaze met Abrose's and in his eyes, Abrose could recognize his own desire and desperate want to be with someone else. Not someone else, the one. For Abrose that was Lucian, for Amire, this kitchen boy. Abrose leaned back and relaxed against the couch, as if they were old friends and were just gossiping about life. He rested his head against his hand and twirled his free hand in the air. "And this lovely man's name is…." He drawled with cheeky smile, laughing when Amire playfully glared at him. "Oh come now, I told you of my love, now out with yours." He reasoned.
Amire sighed softly but seemed to relax around Abrose "now I suppose would be a bad time to ask for wine?" Abrose shrugged "perhaps a bit early. But you're stalling."
Amire huffed a laugh "I see why your guard likes you. Very well. His name is Ziri."
Lucian took a deep breath, shifting on his feet. Had he been in the presence of anyone else, or just out and about the palace, he wouldn't have dared to move an inch while on guard. But he was with Abrose and they were in the confines of this room and it was safe. He doubted that Amire was going to go snitching on Lucian's movements. Not when he was actively conspiring with Abros. Or at least, was supposed to be. All he could pick up from where he was stationed was that they were gossiping. He felt his body tense as he overhead Abrose mention something about his love. His love. Who could it be? Abrose had never mentioned such a thing to Lucian and he knew everything about the prince. Why was he keeping a secret from him? He thought they were friends. And even worse, his heart was squeezing at the thought of Abrose loving another. Maybe that was why the prince wanted to escape the palace. Because he had a lover waiting for him in the city. But then why ask for Lucian to follow him? Perhaps Abrose saw only wanting a friend with him. Perhaps the fates meant to torture him for loving the wrong man.
But at least Amire wasn't a threat. Not as he heard the prince mention his own lover. While he could relax over that small detail, he was still fretting over who this mysterious lover was. Abrose was gay, he knew that. So who was it that he had fallen for? Maybe it was a kitchen boy? Or a scribe? Or maybe the son of a lord? That would be the most appropriate which meant it likely wasn't true. Or maybe it was true that was why he was keeping it under wraps because he didn't want to love someone his parents would approve of. He couldn't be sure. All he knew was that his head was swimming and he was falling down the rabbit hole. He wouldn't rest until he found out who this lover was.
"Ziri," abrose repeated with a smile "what a lovely name.
Amire nodded as his eyes softened "and an even lovlier of a man. You two would get along quite well, I predict."
Abrose laughed as he toyed with pillow. "That would be wonderful. Perhaps in a time where we are not currently at war."
Amire blinked and then straightened, seemingly have forgotten their entire purpose for meeting when Ziri had been brought up. Abrose couldn't blame him when he had the one he loved behind him a few feet away, listening to their conversation. It was, in a way a relief to talk about his feelings to Amire, to someone who knew how hard it was to love another so precariously. Abrose saw when Amire's gaze flicked to over his shoulder again, to Lucian, and slowly shook his head, mouthing a 'please, not yet.' Amire sighed softly but calmly leaned back again. "Do you have a safe place to stay if by chance you are forced to leave your position as prince?" Abrose flinched and nodded. At least one secret would be out rather than another. "Yes. I do. I have an apartment on the east side of the kingdom. No one knows if it save for my siblings. And now you and Luce." He muttered, clutching the pillow to his chest. Amire nodded his approval. "Rebellious little prince." He teased, to wich abrose blushed but couldn't find it in himself to deny. "However does your beloved guard keep track of you?" At that abrose smiled as he stood and gather some parchment and quills to begin writing out their plan in detail. "I make it hard but he's our best for a reason."
Amire grinned and tipped his head to the side thoughtfully. "And what say you to this plan of your prince's, guard. He claims you to be just as involved in this yet you've said nothing. Surely you have your own opinions. Not only on this but on our conversation. Some must have been a reasurancec surely."
Lucian's eyes snapped to Abrose, his jaw tightening as he listened. he couldn't believe the prince had an apartment. How many times had he been there? Had many times had he sneaked out of the palace? Why didn't he tell Lucian? He was definitely going to have to talk to Abrose after this little conversation was over. He was scold going to him on the dangers of the city, grill him on he how got the apartment, and how he had been sneaking out. He didn't know what he would do next. He wouldn't rat him out. Not for a multitude of reasons. First of being was that he didn't like the queen all that much and he knew what she would do to Abrose. He thought he had Abrose's trust to tell him these sorts of things but apparently, he didn't. And that hurt. First, Abrose was in love with someone else, and now this? His heart couldn't catch a break.
Lucian turned his head to Amire, the foreign prince. He still didn't like him all that much but at least he wasn't a threat to him anymore. No, just someone else was. He didn't feel all that inclined to talk. He had spoken to Abrose. The prince knew his wishes and his opinions on the matter. He didn't quite feel like speaking with a foreigner. Especially not with a prince they were at war with. "I trust Prince Abrose with his decisions." He didn't speak any more on the matter. He didn't want to. Not when he was so consumed with his own internal turmoil either. His eyes flickered to Abrose briefly before looking away. Evnn the seconds he had looked at him only hurt him more. Only squeeze his heart a little more. Only threatened for the tears to well in his eyes. He wasn't emotionless despite that he was supposed to be.
Abrose didn't know what was worse, his own sudden self doubt about the situation, after all they were conspiring with the enemy on an alternative plan, or, his guard's reaction and lack of response. Abrose glanced up at his guard, cathing his quick glance. Now that hurt, hurt more than Abrose thought possible. In one single, short glance, Abrose saw his betrayle and then nothing, back to that well trained emotionlessness Abrose had always hated but knew was required of all guards. They would talk. They always talked. Abrose would explain the apartment. He would explain anything Luce wanted if only to get them to talk like normal, not whatever this was.
He eventually looked away from his guard and settled back down across from Amire. The prince scooted forward to better see what Abrose was writing. He'd occassional ask questions or ask for clarification on details, some Abrose wasn't entireley able to answer but Abrose made sure to write them down in case he was able to get answers later. After an hour or so, Abrose wasn't sure how long they had been cooped up in the study but Amire rose from his seat and stretched out his back. "This has potnetial, young prince." Amire said, bowing slightly when Abrose stood as well. "I hope it does."
Amire nodded and offered a reasuring smile. "I pray in working with you and your guard, we stop the fighting between our families. Preferably not in marriage though. No offense at all but you're not my type in romantic partner. Though I wouldn't mind having you as a friend and ally." Abrose blinked and gave a light laugh. "i wouldn't either, your highness." Amire smiled softly and bowed once more. "We must get together again then. For now, I'll leave you and your guard in peace." At the mention of Lucian, Abrose nodded slightly but a slight frown crossed his features. Amire gently rested a hand against Abrose's shoulder and gave a wink before taking a step back and heading towards the door to the study.
once the room fell silent and Amire was gone, Abrose released a long breath and turned to his Lucian. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."
