(all good! Glad you're doing better! Woo!)
"perhaps, but I don't think I'll ever get used to that. Not that I would ever want to." He murmured, still smiling at the kiss. He huffed softly, taking one more blissful moment to take in the calm quiet morning before following Lucian's lead and begining the stretches. Abrose told himself he was just being a good student when he watched Lucian demonstrate the stretches. That he wasn't plainly staring, no, admiring the the way muscles tensed or relaxed depending the position, the way Lucian's eyes shut in concentration when he held a stretch and made minescule changes in order to hold a longer stretch. No, he was simply observing and taking in the knowledge. The heat rising to his cheeks had nothing to do with that either. He was simply hot on this cold crisp morning. Thankfully Abrose didn't have to think all that much to do some stretching. The first few were easy, touching his toes, arching his arm over his head, rotating his shoulder, easy. He had a bit of trouble with the more complex stretches, but tried his best nonetheless. The impression of the kisses and Lucian's closeness more distracting than the strain he was putting on his body. "Those don't count, by the way, dearest." He murmured, once he managed to find his balance. "The kisses I mean. I told you I'd finish that kiss." He reminded, unable to help the smirk that spread on his face, consequentially causing him to lose said balance. He managed to refocus for a few moments, take in Lucian's stance seriously this time, and try again. Lucian was right, this was dangerous. But Abrose didn't want it any other way. For so long Abrose dealt with his desire for Lucian alone for so long, even when he had told his siblings, he was still too embarrassed to confess some feelings even to them. While he didn't have the confidence to express all his feelings and desires now, he was excited to spend what he hoped was the rest of his long life with the one he loved, showing him every ounce of love and selfish desire he had kept back for so long.
(I am. Hopefully the crazy is done.)
Lucian never wanted to get used to his kisses either. He liked them too much. Each one was like a gift. A gift he would cherish for the rest of his life, just like Abrose. Abrose was a gift. A wonderful, beautiful gift he never expected to have in his life. Not like this. He would never take him for granted. Each day he would show him just how much Lucian loved him, which was more than Abrose would ever be able to comprehend. He most certainly did not have a hard time focusing as he showed Abrose the stretches. The first few were easy, nothing more than stretching the arms and the neck. But when the reached the back, the legs, Abrose was certainly a distraction. It would get better, he told himself. They had years of pent-up of tension and passion and energy towards one another. Once they were able to get that out, this would be easier. He hoped. If it wasn't, training was certainly going to be interesting and a lot harder than expected. And Abrose might benefit better from having someone else train him, like his brother. Lucian might be too hyper-focused on certain aspects of Abrose he shouldn't be focusing on. At least the blush on his cheeks meant he was suffering as much as Lucian was.
He looked over at Abrose, smirking. "Oh, I fully expect you to finish those. But later, you little minx. You can't tempt me, at least not yet. We have work to do first. We can play later." And that was a promise because he certainly wanted to play. He wasn't just sure how they would get away with it yet. Perhaps he might be able to sneak into his rooms after they finished with their training. He finally stood up, shedding his shirt, his body glistening under the rising sun. He rarely ever worked out completely clothed, and today would not be that day. "We're going to work on your footwork and balance today. We won't touch the swords yet."
There was a self satifying smile when Abrose realized he wasn't the only one becoming a flustered mess, though he did have to admit that Lucian was hiding it ten times better than he was. Though that didn't stop Abrose from catching the lingering glances or from noticing the way Lucian's gaze would unfocus for a moment too long before snapping back and he continued on with the instruction. Abrose bit back a small laugh and made a note to himself to ask Chire for further training lessons when he was available. As much as Abrose was glad Lucian was willing to train him, Abrose hadn't taken into account how distracting they'd be to each other, at least at first. For now, if Chire was able to train him alongside the training he'd o with Lucian, Abrose could focus more on buildng his strength and stamina without ogling at his lover every five minutes.
He slowly straintened from their last stretch and laughed. "I don't think you get a choice in when I can and cannot temp you, my love. It simply happens. I suspect you have enough self control to restrain yourself in any situation. Or at least thats what you had suggested before." He tilted his head innocently, his growing smile suggesting anything but innocence. "I look forwards to it then." he purred, his mischeivous smile slowly dropping as Lucian undressed. If before he was attempting to hide the fact that he was watching Lucian, now all hope of trying to hide his outright staring was out the window. He took in a wavering breath, taking in Lucian's appearance very slowly. "That is completely unfair, my love." Abrose forced his gaze away andpulled the mat over to the edge of the training area so they'd be out of the way, also allowing him a few moments to calm his hearbeat and focus on the next stage of training. Foot work and balance. Both things that required focus…of which he had very little. He slowly walked back to the center of the arena and nodded, not completely ready but willing. He was mildly glad swordwork wasn't on the agenda today, sure that he wouldn't be able to handle the closeness that was required of swordplay to focus on the training and learning portion.
Lucian loathed to admit it, but perhaps he wasn't the right choice to train Abrose. At least in these first few weeks when their lust and passion were at an all time high for one another. They had years to make up for. Years where they could have been loving each other, if only they hadn't been too stubborn. Lucian fully planned to make up for all that time they had spent apart. It was his own fault. If he had just stopped being a coward and told him, they could have avoided all of this. They could have been together of a while now. All because he was too scared to just say a few words. And now here they were, he could hardly focus on anything other than Abrose. Perhaps it would be a good idea to assign someone else to Abrose's guard for a few days. Lucian would only be distracted. He wouldn't be able to bear it if something happened to the prince because of his negligence. He bit his lip. he was overanalyzing right now. He was letting his mind spiral. He closed his eyes and grounded himself. He could deal with such matters later. Right now, he was training with Abrose. Abrose wanted Lucian to train him. So that was what they were going to do. All other worries could be discussed later.
Lucian barked out a laugh as he flung his shirt to the side. He landed in a lump on the ground beyond the mat they were working on. He put his hands on his hips, grinning down at him. "I don't know what you're talking about, your highness." He knew exactly what Abrose was talking about. In truth, Lucian rarely ever worse his shirt during training, unless it was just too cold. In which case they usually moved inside, where again, he lost his shirt. After sweating so much, it just became a hassle and uncomfortable to keep it on. It was better to take it off at the beginning than peal it away from his body with all the sweat. "Let's work on your balance first. Your footwork means nothing if you can be pushed over with a single touch."
Abrose halfheartedly glared up at his guard, though halfhearted may have been too generous, considering his gaze went elsewhere, especially when Lucian stood so close. "Don't you, Callistar? I think you know exactly what you do to me, and I for one think you're enjoying yourself a little too much." Abrose arched an eyebrow in challenge, even as he smiled. His heart was in his throat but for once, Abrose welcomed the butterflies in the pit of his stomach, a sign of his newfound joy and excitement, no longer nervousness or dread at needing to suppress his emotions yet again.
He forced himself to focus on the training for now, using that exhilaration as a way to motivate himself. Motivation to make good on his promise to his kingdom, to carve a life for himself once things were settled, and to make room for Lucian if he so wished to be in that life with him. All of it started here and now.
He backed up a bit from Lucian to give himself room to adjust his stance and fall if needed. He planted his feet firmly, one in front of the other, letting his knees bend slightly before closing his eyes and focusing on holding that stance for as long as possible. "I would like to argue that any touch of yours will make me weak at the knees, but I don't think that's what you meant." Abrose joked lightly, turning his head to hide a yawn. His lack of sleep seemed to be catching up to him and it was only the morning.
Abrose was, of course, right. Lucian was enjoying himself. He was enjoying himself perhaps a little too much for the work they were supposed to be doing. He was supposed to be helping Abrose train. But by the gods was he distracting? With that body of his and his smile. And the look of him flushed and flustered. He wanted to capture this moment and tuck it in his pocket to look at it whenever he wanted to. "How can I not when you look like that, my love? You're addicting. I think you've placed a spell on me. That's the only explanation for this." He was totally, irrevocably in love with Abrose. Perhaps his feelings were a little too intense. But Abrose had admitted his love and now there was no going back. Lucian wasn't letting him go now that he had him. Training might not have been the best idea. And yet it was also the best idea that he had ever thought of. Because it meant that he got to spend alone time with Abrose. Whether that time was spent actually training was debatable but at least they were together.
Lucian barked out a laugh. That had been the last thing he had expected to come out of Abrose's mouth. Though he was now beginning to think he should expect anything to come out of his mouth. His prince did have a bit of a foul mouth, and Lucian loved it. Perhaps a little too much. As his laughter subsided and there was a gentle smile on his face as he saw the yawn. He had a feeling his prince would be napping after this. Lucian could wait until later to spend some more time with him. He cared about Abrose's health before getting his way with him. And it wasn't as if he would be able to do much, as they were still sneaking around. It wouldn't be until they went to this apartment of his that they would have some alone time together.
Lucian placed his hands on Abrose's hips, adjusting him slightly. Using his foot, he nudged Abrose's back foot to point out slightly and his front foot to point forward. "Find your center and ground yourself. You're a rock that cannot be moved." Ironically, he also had to flow like the wind in order to be fluid with his movements. It was a balance that each soldier had to find and it was difficult to find.
"Ah so the realization finally kicked in, was wondering how long that would take." He teased, playing along with Lucian's joke. While love spells would have been helpful, Abrose knew nothing in this world or another, real or fantastical would compare to what they had now. Granted it may have helped with speeding up the process but that was past them now, thankfully. "Sleep deprived and sweaty?" He questioned with a laugh, flinching when that caused a cramp in his abdomen. He pushed through the pain and went back to focusing on his breathing. Focusing on breathing, despite it being a bit exaggerated, was easier than focusing on his thoughts, most of Lucian. even with his eyes closed he knew where his guard was, behind him, beside him, at his front, Abrose could sense his guard moving around him, assessing his stance.
Lucian had called him addicting, the perfect word for Lucian himself. All Abrose wanted to do was be with him, it's what he had wanted most of his life but now that they were aware of one another's feelings it took everything in Abrose's slipping control not to cancel everything he had to do for the day, call in sick or something, and lock himself away with Lucian. Better yet, sneak away to the apartment, a place he could guarantee they were blissfully alone. Abrose would never tire of Lucian, discovering and rediscovering parts of him he thought he knew in entirely new ways.
Abrose jumped slightly when he felt Lucian's hands on him, his heart thundering in his chest at his mere touch. He used Lucian as support until he could refind his balance from being adjusted and nodded slightly, now a bit more uncomfortable with the unfamiliar stance and the further strain it put on him but eventually settled again into a less stable sense of balance. "More like a pebble that can be thrown but I get the reference, more or less." He half-joked, waving his hands in a slight panic as he lost his balance for a moment again before steadying.
Lucian grinned at him. If only that had been the case. Abrose placed a spell on him long before either of them had even knew it. Lucian had loved him longer than he had even realized. It was embarrassing how long it took for him to realize. And he felt a bout of shame knowing that he had taken other lovers before Abrose. Lovers whom he could never quite connect with, and now he knew why. It was because there was only room for one love in his heart and it was already taken by Abrose. There wasn't room for anyone else in there. It was a shame that he would carry with him for the rest of his life. And a shame he could only pray that Abrose would forgive him for it. "Sexy and distracting," Lucian corrected him. Even if he could tell that Abrose was tired, he was still sexy as hell. Even more so because he was dripping in sweat. It was tempting to try and convince him to take off his shirt like Lucian, but even he knew that would be a bad idea. He wouldn't be able to control himself after that and they would risk exposing themselves. A risk he wasn't willing to take after he had just gotten him.
He looked down at Abrose, standing perhaps a little closer than necessary. He reached out and helped him keep his balance as he lost it for a moment there. He nodded his head, "More or less." He took a step back and watched Abrose for a moment, analyzing his stance. "We'll need to work on your core muscles. Those are essential to maintaining your balance. As well as everything else will need to be worked on as well, but your core will be our main focus for now."
Lucian wasn't the only one feeling guilty over his past relationships. He had had short relationships with a few people here and there, most if not all when he had felt at his worst and lonely, seeking out comfort or just another person to relate to. Usually nothing would go farther than a one night stand if he was lucky but nothing would ever match up to what he felt for Lucian. How could it when he had loved him for years? All he had wanted in his past hookups was for some semblance of the man he loved, despite that being impossible.
A wide smile and an embarrassed laugh escaped him even as he found the compliment to be exhilarating. He hadn't know when n just how much he loved words of affirmation until now. Until it was Lucian saying them. "If this is what you call sexy and distracti g I can't imagine what goes through your head on a normal day." He steadied again, occasionally needing to come out of the stance and readjust before going still for the few moment he could handle holding it. If core and muscle strength was what he needed to build then perhaps taking up the dreaded dance classes would be of help to him after all. "'everything else' seems like a very broad place to start." He noted as he struggled to ground his feet into the ground. "But I suppose if everything needs work we won't have to worry about picking and choosing."
Lucian leaned in close to Abrsoe, a delicious smile on his face. "You don't want to know what goes on in my head on a normal day. It's a miracle I can even think straight. You're distracting, more than you think you are." Lucian's head was filled of Abrose, more so these days since he had gotten reassigned back to Abrose's guard. There had been a bit of relief for a time, when he had been stationed elsewhere. Their paths hadn't crossed often. But the moment he had been placed back on Abrose's duty, well, it truly was a miracle he was able to do his job effectively. All he could think about was Abrose. Some thoughts were those of love and pinning, and others that were not so pure. Perhaps even down right filthy. It was a good thing Abrose couldn't read his thoughts.
He crossed his arms. "Everything else is exactly what it seems, everything else. Your back and arms will need to strength to carry the sword and use it affectively. Your legs will need to strengthen to carry the extra weight that you will be holding. And your core is essential to your balance. All of these will need to strengthen before we can do much practice with a sword. I'd be setting you up for failure otherwise." If he was going to train Abrose, he was going to do it effectively, even if the prince was distracting.
Lucian wasn't lying when he said he wouldn't hold back during training. Abrose hadn't quite expected this amount of intensity though. And yet, even as the prince was forced to straighten back to standing normally, bringing himself even closer to his lover and meeting his intense gaze, he knew this was just a small taste of what Lucian was holding back. What Abrose felt reflected within himself. He gently cupped Lucian's cheek and looked up at Lucian. "You should know by now, my love. I want to know everything that goes on inside that beautiful mind of yours, the good, the bad, your desires, your needs, anything you want to share, I will gladly indulge in," he assured, letting go to try and adjust the stance now that he knew what he was doing wrong. It still felt uncomfortable, but just a fraction less than before, a fraction Abrose would gladly consider an improvement.
Abrose had always dreaded the weeks when Lucian was temporarily relieved from his position as person guard. Of course, Abrose understood Lucian needed that time off to do other things and fulfill his other guard duties but selfishly Abrose wished those days never came. It always felt like the days when Lucian and Chire had gone off to the front lines and the dread accompanying that was something Abrose never had gotten over, even now. Some days Lucian would be all Abrose could think of, sometimes his days kept him busy enough to push that away but there was always a constant dull ache in his heart, like Lucian took a part of Abrose away every time he left.
He held the stance for a few more seconds before giving out and struggling upright, his midsection protesting at the sudden movement. "You could never fail me, Luce." He said through a huff of pain. "I think at this point I'm more at risk of doing that, if I'm honest."
Lucian grabbed the hand that was placed on his cheek and kissed his palm. He smiled gently down at Abrose. "But I like remaining a mystery to you. I like to keep you guessing." He was good at schooling his emotions when he was working. But when he didn't have to, well, he was pretty much an open book. About everything except Abrose. He couldn't very well show the desire on his face towards the prince. Lucian was a commoner, a guard at that. Abrose's guard. He wasn't supposed to make eyes or have these kinds of thoughts about the prince. It wasn't right. And he was a professional. He wasn't acting very professionally though. And he found for the first time in his life, he didn't care. He wanted to enjoy the time he had with Abrose because he didn't know how long they would have this time together.
As Abrose fixed his stance, Lucian took a step back, observing him. He could see how hard Abrose was trying, and how much he was struggling. But he didn't give up, at least not as soon as others would. "You won't fail, love, I won't let you. You can do this. It will take time and patience. Everyone has to start somewhere, remember. The greats weren't always so great. Should I mention how sloppy and weak your bother was when he started?" He had a teasing smile on his lips. "Perhaps I'll share some stories with you another time. You an hold it over his head later. Just don't tell him I told you."
Abrose grinned and shook his head slightly. "Very well then, keep your secrets, beloved. I'll uncover them in time." And abrose would enjoy every moment of it. He would enjoy every moment he got with Lucian like it would be their last but he would cherish those special moments together, where it was just them in their own little world, enjoying each other's company where secrets and sweet words can be shared, the absolute most. He told himseld those days would come sooner than expected, all he had to do was wait just a little longer.
Abrose tried the stance a few more times, trying to distract himself from the struggle by talking. "I'm glad you have enough confidence for the both of us." He chuckled softly, nearly dropping the stance as he turned his head in surprise. "Really? My perfect brother, was sloppy and weak?" Of course Abrose knew Chire wasn't a master at everyrhibg he did. He had heard the struggles he went through training and becoming a warrior alongside the guards but he hadn't expected it to be so bad for him. "I suppose that does offer some motivation." He admitted with a smile, "oh come now, dearest. You can't just tell me something like that and not at least tell me a small story. Though I can't promise I won't tell him it was you. You knows he's going to find out sooner than later considering you two were always training together."
Lucian quite liked the idea of Abrose uncovering those secrets of his, in a very unprincely matter at that. Now, his mind was full of things he should not be thinking about the prince. And certainly not while he was training him. His eyes darkened and he had to take a step back. Abrose's scent was overwhelming and causing more issues than it was helping. Whether the prince knew it or not, he was making this lesson very difficult for Lucian not to think of things. Things that involved the two of them in a bed, short of clothes. or perhaps not even in a bed. He turned around to grab some water, taking the moment that he was turned away from Abrose to try and calm his body and mind. It didn't work. Not when all he could see was Abrose even when he was looking away.
He turned back to Abrose, after discretely adjusting his pants that was, and gave him an easy smile. "And you'll be confident in yourself in no time. You'll find that progress does not take as long as you may think it will." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Perhaps I'll tell you a story later, if you can behave and concentrate. This is a reward system, love, you can't get something without giving anything." He crossed his arms, looking at him. "We'll do some light exercises today to get your body used to it. If we overdo it before your body can adjust, you're going to be sore. More than sore." He listed off a few exercises that they would be doing today. They. As in Lucian and Abrose. He would never make Abrose do something he couldn't do himself.
Abrose glanced up with slight worry when Lucian stepped away again but took the opportunity to shake out his stiff body. If he thought all the formal dance classes and princely etiquette classes were going to get him through the training, he had been sorely mistaken. Even the horseback riding lessons were nothing compared to this, and he thought that those would be the worst of his outdoor activities! Abrose twisted back and forth to get a satisfying stretch in his back before turning back to Lucian.
"Considering how much I'm struggling with the simple things so far, I'm not entirely convinced, but thank you." He placed his hands on his hips, eyebrow quirking and looking Lucian over, "I'd like to argue that I've been an impeccable student, skillset aside. For how early it is, and knowing my track record as a student before this, I'd say I deserve this reward of yours. Besides, I'm not the only one having trouble concentrating it seems." He lifted his head indignantly but eventually relented, not wanting to stray too far from what he would have considered a good flow to their training thus far.
At the mention of more exercise, Abrose was about ready to call it a day and head back inside. Sleep sounded like heaven right now, he didn't even care if he made it to his bed before he closed his eyes. So long as he could rest peacefully for a few hours, the location didn't matter. Just a little longer he told himself, distracting himself with his goal. For his kingdom, for his Lucian, he would do anything. This would be nothing in a few months if they were granted that long at least. He glanced up at Lucian in time to catch their next segment of training and nodded. He was going to argue his body would be sore regardless of how light the next few exercises would be but at the expense of complaining more and sounding like a sheltered prince, Abrose kept his mouth shut and tried to imagine what Lucian described, mentally preparing himself for his next move in the hopes of not straining himself too bad.
Lucian smiled as he looked back at him. "Everyone has to start somewhere, my darling. You can't start off being the best. You have to build up to it. You're doing just fine today. I'm proud of you. You got up on time and showed up. Already you're doing better than a lot of people do. Not everyone can even it make it to the courtyard." He made a face as Abrose made a comment about his concentration, or lack there of. It wasn't his fault that Abrose looked very attractive covered in sweat. Or that he couldn't wait to be the reason he was causing that sweat. Apart from training, that is. He flexed his stomach, perhaps being a little petty as he showed off his abs. He just wanted to prove that it wasn't just him with concentrating issues.
He laughed at the face that Abrose made. "I know, darling, just a little more." They hadn't even been out there for an hour. It would go faster the better Abrose's body acclimated to exercise. Running would get easier and faster. Balance and exercises would get easier and faster. At least until he added more on to it. He wouldn't ever be able to improve if he didn't make it harder and increase his workouts. "We'll take it easy today. Just some body weight exercises." And a full body exercise. "I'll do them with you. It won't be so bad." At least he hoped. He did also have to remind himself that he was a lot better off physically than Abrose was. And while he did help with training sessions, most people came to the palace already somewhat physically fit. He had very rarely been with someone who wasn't fit. Today would just be a good gage on how to adjust their workouts for the future.
Abrose sighed softly even as a smile flitted across his features. "It feels like the least I can do. I want to do more. My mind is ready to do more, but my body isn't necessarily there. At least not yet." He explained, trying his best to be more positive about the training. He took a deep breath, brushing aside the self doubt and finding new motivation. He playfully glared at Lucian, purposefully giving him a very slow and appreciative once over. Of course he'd have problems concentrating. It was Lician in front of him half dressed in front of him after all. How was Abrose not supposed to blatantly stare and the person he had loved for so long. "You deserve so much more than my distracted gaze, love. I only hope I match the beautiful fantasy you have in your mind one day." He said softly, looking up Lucian andeeting his gaze, nodding. "I trust in you, my Lucian. If you think I'll be able to handle this then let's continue." As little confidence Abrose may have had in himself, he couldn't deny the impact someone else believing in him did for his own mentality. More so that it ce from Lucian. It felt like this whole thing would be possible, beyond training, even beyond what was going on between the kingdoms. Abrose had never given much thought to his future beyond his late 20s, leaving it all to chance but now, he wanted to plan for his future. Wanted to have a good future. One with his family and Lician in it for decades to come.
"And that's all the matters," Lucian said. "You will never progress in your training if you don't have the right mindset. You're on the right track, even if you don't want to believe it." He leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead when he made sure the coast was clear. He smirked at Abrose as he noticed the prince eyeing him up. He flexed more for his lover. How could he not want to show off for him when Abrose was looking at him like that? He would show off his body all day if it meant that Abrose looked at him like that. One day, perhaps, when the world was right and they could lie in bed for hours and appreciate each other's bodies and minds. "Oh love, you will be better than anything I would have ever dreamed of. Because you won't be a dream, you will be real." And oh how he was so looking forward to having Abrose. Any way his prince would let him.
For the next twenty minutes, Lucian showed Abrose a round of exercises to do, keeping the repetitions short. He didn't want to overwhelm his prince. He just wanted to see exactly where he was at physically. Tomorrow, they would start with their run and then immediately go into their workout. Abrose needed to build up strength before he could wield a sword. However, it didn't mean that Lucian couldn't teach him how to use a knife or a little self-defense in there as well. But building muscle was the main concern. Nothing could follow until he put some meat on his bones.
Abrose breathed a soft laugh, leaning into Lucian and letting himself indulge in his closeness for half a second before he pulled away. "I'll try and be as positive as you, dear. Its not easy but I'm glad I have your support." He murmured, breaking out laughing when Lucian flexed even more. Lucian was nothing if not absolutly stunning, even if he was making a show of himself, Abrose couldn't help but drink him in, to silently appreciate every physical aspect of his lover as he deserved. "I love you more than just your body, dear, I hope you know that despite my staring." He assured through another fit of laughter. "I only aspire to live up to your expectations of me." As much as Abrose wanted lucian, he couldn't help ut be nervous for when the time came. For all his talk about desire and fantasies, Abrose was nervous when it came to pleasing Lucian. Someone that actually knew him and wanted him outside the fact that he was just some prince. He felt like he had to prove to himself that he was someone worth having beyond his status, that Lucian could care less about his title and still love him. And on Abrose's part, he wanted to prove that he wanted Lucian as much regardless of his status as a guard and commoner.
He took in a deep breath, pushing those thoughts aside for now and focused his attention on the rest of the training, pushing himself to get through the rest of the excerizes even if he wasn't doing them perfectly. He was silently grateful to Lucian for the accomadations, even if it frustrted him any had to be made at all. He reminded himself he was no where near even the begining levels of guards or soldiers and that for his body and skillset, this was more than enough just until he got stronger.
Lucian grinned, practically beaming as Abrose said that he loved him. Love. Abrose loved him. He didn't think he would ever tire hearing those words. He wanted to hear them every second of every day. He would cherish them and hold them close to his heart. "And yet I quite enjoy your staring, love. It's only for you, darling, no one else." He wanted to grab Abrose and pull him in close and kiss him senseless. But he knew if he did, they wouldn't finish the rest of their training. And they did need to finish. It would say something about his self control if he couldn't even keep his hands to himself during a training session. "You already do, my love." Abrose had lived up to his expectations. He did better than what he had expected of him, when Lucian had knocked ont he door and Abrose had already been up and dressed. And he was proud of him. So proud.
Lucian finally finished up their last exercise and got to his feet. "Alright, love, I think that's enough torturing you for today. Let's get you back to your rooms. Take a warm bath to help you with your muscles so you won't be so sore tomorrow. And the bath before you go to bed." He knew Abrose well enough that he was likely going to crawl back in bed and take a nap that would likely be too long to be considered a nap. He held out his hand towards Abrose, smiling down at him with a soft expression.
"I would argue that would be a crime against the kingdom, depriving the world of someone so beautiful, but in this instance I think I think my kindgom would forgive me for being selfish with you." Abrose glanced away as blush creeped up with neck and cheeks. He only hoped his lack in skillet wasn't a burden for Lucian. Surely there had been beginner soldiers more compent with a sword than him. He couldn't even pick up a sword, let alone weirld it properly. Abrose took a deep breath in then out. He would keep going. He had no other choice. He would get to the strength he needed to defend his kingdom. He would work with Amire and Chire to learn more about the politics that welt on in their respective kingdoms. He would try and do right by his people so long as he was prince, and maybe even beyond that.
Abrose slowly straightened from their last exercise and gave his body a good long stretch, reaching his arms over his head. "I doubt a shower would do much for me regardless but I most certainly won't be turning it down." Showering and sleeping sounded like absolute heaven to him. He would sleep for all eternity if given the chance. But he had taken those books from the archives last night for a reason. He wanted to study them more, take more notes to show Chire later. Then maybe after he could take a nap.
"You didn't torture me, dear. I'm just not used to training. Thank you for letting me train with you." He pressed a gentle kiss to Lucoan's hand before pulling himself up.
"Would it be too bold to ask you to stay?" He asked softly. "If you feel it'd be too risky then of course you do not have to but…I wouldn't mind if you stayed."
"I think I'm alright with you being selfish in this instant, love. In fact, I want you to be selfish. I'm yours, Abrose. Only yours." Gods it was so tempting to kiss him. to ignore the rest of their duties and push aside anything that demanded their attention and give in to one another. Give in to their desires and lay around all day in bed. It would be so easy to do and yet it wasn't what was in store for them. he was playing a dangerous game and he found he quite enjoyed it.
Sweat was glistening off his skin as they finished their workout. It wasn't that he had particularly strained himself but the sun was hitting them directly and his elevated heart rate, of course, he was sweating. At least he wasn't drenched in sweat after doing a hard workout. He doubted that Abrose would want anything to do with him had he been drenched in sweat and smelling perhaps a little too much like young boys who didn't know what proper hygiene was yet. "You'd be surprised what some hot water can do for a person. It will help you relax."
He helped Abrose up as he took his hand. He didn't let go of his hand immediately. Instead, he pulled Abrose into his chest, leaning down to nuzzle their noses together before taking a step back. "You can train with me whenever you want to, love. I like having you around me." He cocked his head to the side. It was risky to join Abrose but he couldn't say no. He could never say no to Abrose. He wanted how long it would take for the prince to realize, and how long it would take for him to take advantage of it. Lucian would gladly let him take advantage of that. "Of course, I will stay." He murmured.
"are you really alright with not seeing anyone for days, maybe weeks on end? As much as I love you, darling, I don't think that's healthy." He teased, lightly shaking out his shirt to unstick his clothes from his sweaty body. Despite his words, Abrose could see very little wrong with spending endless days and nights with Lucian. In fact, only something beautiful could come from just them together. In the end Abrose knew he'd want his family to share his happiness as well. His sibling already knew about Lucian, now all that was left was convincing his parent and the rest of his kingdom that a prince and a commoner together was a good idea. For now, they would enjoy the moment they were allowed together in secret. And Abrose was planning on enjoying every moment he possibly could out of any time they'd spend together. "Even with all of my insisent complaining? I appreciate it, dear." He laughed, affectionately nudging their head in response. He was genuinely surprised when Lucian didn't hesitate to say yes to his request. There were so many risks with the two of them being together. Abrose nearly had a heart attack this morning when Chire came to his door despite the crown prince knowing of his feeling for Lucian, he couldn't imagine what it be like telling his parents, especially knowing they were set on the arrangement with Amire. He hoped to tell them soon, when he was sure they'd at the very least listen and consider his decision. But for now, sneaking around would be the best they could do. "It'll get easier." He reassured, more for himself. He squeezed Lucian's hand and gently tugged him towards back towards the castle, a certain bath and bed calling his name and he certainly wasn't strong enough to resist much longer.
Lucian didn't think that was quite healthy either, but the idea of locking himself away with Abrose for days on end was quite appealing. They had their entire lives to make for, for being apart. He was ready to start whenever his prince was. He briefly wondered if this was partially the reason Abrose was inviting him back to his room after this but he quickly shook the thought from his head. He had no expectations for Abrose doing anything else other than being himself. Lucian would be just fine with whatever they did. Whether after a shower, they enjoyed each other's company or even took a nap together. Well, Abrose could nap and Lucian would watch him. It would be to much of a risk to fall asleep in the prince's rooms. If they got caught, it was Lucian who would be in the most trouble. And he wouldn't risk and emotional turmoil befalling Abrose either.
He nodded his head in agreement with Abrose, even if he knew his dear prince was speaking to himself. "It will, give it time." He didn't know if they would ever have a life where they weren't sneaking around. While he had a feeling Abroes's siblings wouldn't care, he doubted the king and queen would feel the same way as the rest of the family. He worried about being forced apart from Abrose. He worried about losing his position and everything he had worked so hard for. Lucian wanted to be here. He wanted to be here and protect Abrose and be with him. He would do everything to make it work.
Abrose brushed his thumb against Lucian's hand as they passed through the halls of the castle back his room. He had Lucian, finally. He would let him go so easily, even if it was against his parents wishes. Would he have the courage to outright defy them that would be still yet to be seen but for Lucian he would try. He glanced around, making sure the halls were completely empty before pressing down on the handle to his bedroom door and stepping inside.
The moment Abrose entered his room and found it completely empty, Abrose visibly relaxed. He turned back to Lucian and gently brushed his fingers through his hair, "as much as I want you in ever conceivable way," he murmured softly, reaching up on his toes to reach Lucian's hight and speaking against his lips. "You're going to stay here while I shower." He gave a teasing look, knowing it's be as much torture for Lucian as it was for him. "I promise I won't take long, then I can hold my word from earlier if you so please." He grinned and kissed Lucian before pulling away to find clothes to change into and take a well deserved shower.
