Nick pulled himself up and crawled on top of Mel. "I also instructed you to take a break, yet you still almost finished the dishes. Mel…" Nick pulled back and sat beside him. "You know I love you." Nick tucked a strand of hair behind Mel's ear with a delicate touch. "No buts. I admire the way you work so hard to achieve a goal. That goal that you've been reaching is almost there. It's practically in the palm of your hands. I also don't want you overworking yourself, so you don't make time for yourself." Nick glided his hand down to Mel's and interlocked their fingers. He pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "I know you say you don't, but from what I just heard, it sounds like you do. I want you to pace yourself when it feels too much; walk away from it all. Literally like getting up and taking a walk. I don't know go eat something for no reason." Nick chuckled. "That's an older mister, okay?"
"I took that more of a suggestion." Mel argued lightly, resting his head against Nick's hand. "I love you too, dear." He murmured, glancing up and sighing softly. He knew Nick and Veda were right, there were times where he could barely get to bed in time before collapsing into sleep. But he knew what he signed up for when he became a rebellion leader. He knew he'd miss countless nights of sleep for his goal, hoping he'd catch up on all that once the queen's rule was over. Mel sighed softly and gave a slight nod. "I can't promise it'll happen but I'll try." He glanced up and smiled. "I wasn't aware your position as my sentinel cane with giving me orders." He shook his head in amused disbelief before gently tugging Nick down with him. "Very well, my dear. I'll do as you ask. If I feel myself growing tired I'll try and find some time for myself to relax and regain strength."
"Well, when the client is in trouble or needs guidance, I give orders. They're more like suggestions. It's up to you on whether you take my orders." Nick relaxed into Mel's hold. "Thank you, my love. All I want is for you to be healthy. Physically and mentally." Nick pulled the blanket over his shoulder and pulled Mel close. "Now, time for bed; we have a long day tomorrow. However, if you wake up before me, you should go alone. I wouldn't want you hindering your plans because of my unwillingness to move. Since it's nighttime, it's time for cuddling and sleeping. Good night my love. I'll be seeing you in my dreams."
And I will be forever grateful for your concern, sweetheart.” Mel reassured, tangling his legs with Nicks and twining his fingers into his hair. “If I do end up waking up earlier than you, I’ll most likely be doin ga short riding session with Malian. We must keep her healthy while Abrose Isn’t here. I want to see how well trained she is, after all she used to be a palace horse. Perhaps I’ll take her out to town as well.” He thought outloud, words slurring together as he slowly let sleep take him. That way you can get used to riding Gishlain before we leave as well.” He murmured, tucking Nick safely beneath his chin. “Good night, my dearest. May sleep well.”
It had to be one of the night Mel slept immaculately that he had to wake up the earliest. Mel blinked awake in the early hours of the morning, still tangled up beside Nick. He glanced over at his beloved and smiled tiredly. “Such a beautiful creature. Hat did I do to deserve you, hm?” He murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Nick’s brow. “Awaken. Sweet love. We have many things to do before Roi arrives.” He murmured against Nick’s ear. He slowly detangled himself from Nick’s side and quickly got dressed in his closet, pulling on navy blue riding gear with silver trim. He pulled on some tall boots and quietly exited the bedroom to find an already waiting stableboy prepared to assist Mel with Malian if he needed it.
Nick groaned and grabbed a pillow that he could hug. Soon enough, he realized it wasn't Mel. He sat up and looked around the room. His hair was messy, and his eyes were half open. He pulled himself out of bed and stretched for a long time before starting his morning routine. He took a nice, long, hot shower and yawned as he came out. He got dressed in clothes that he could go into town with. "Maybe he left without me…" His thoughts could reach him if he were still in the area, right? "My dear, are you still here, or have you left to go into town yet?" Nick rubbed his eyes and fixed his hair while he walked down the halls. "Just how long was I asleep for?" Nick walked into the kitchen and prepared something quick for him to eat. It was only toasted bread with butter on it. While eating his toast and butter, he looked around for Mel.
Mel pulled Malian to a stop as he heard Nick in his head, a soft smile crossing his lips. He had been training her since that morning, getting her used to his weight and the tug of reigns. Kira had joined him outside in case Malian decided she didn’t like Mel as much as Abrose and threw him off. Thankfully that only happened twice before she relented to his presence. “Look who’s awake, good morning dear. I’m outback with Malian and Kira if you wish to join us.” Mel smiled softly before turning Malian around and having her go through a small obstacle course they had set up for the other horses they often trained with. He was actually quite proud of the progress he as making with Malian, considering this was the first time he had ridden her since Abrose had left.
Nick rushed to the back where the stables were. He spotted his lover and rushed to pick Mel up and wrap him in his arms. "Good morning, my dear! I was drained before, but when I saw you, I guess I was no longer tired, you could say." Nick placed a hand on Mel's cheek and kissed his forehead. "Did you have a good rest? I know I did. I even had a dream about you. A very fun one, might I add." Nick started to pepper Mel's face with kisses. He noticed the purple bruises on Mel's neck, which only made him smile harder. "Those love bites are coming in nicely." He teased.
Mel dismounted Malian and gently brushed her down, grinning when she nudged her muzzle into his hand. "Ah now you like me, after throwing me across the ring three times." He glanced over his shoulder before he was picked up by Nick. Mel yelped and wrapped his arms around Nick, "I did, as short as it was. How much coffee did you have this morning? I've been awake for hours and I still feel exhausted." Mel laughed, trying his best to return each kiss. A light flush appeared on his cheeks as he tugged the collar of his shirt and glanced down. "Paired with the bruises the one gave me this morning, I'm going to very sore by the end of the day." He said, nodding the mare behind him. "I'll wear them proudly, at the ones from you, my love."
Nick pretended to think. "Not one drop of coffee. I'm telling you, it's just you make me feel so alive." Nick looked to the mare and glared. "I guess ridding horses is harder than it looks. When the day is done, I'll give you a nice massage. It feels like you need one, my love." Nick pressed a kiss to Mel's forehead. "Those shoulders of yours carry the weight of the world, don't they?" He tilted Mel's chin with his finger. Nick pressed his lips to his. "That's my good morning kiss," He mumbled against his lips before deepening the kiss. He rests his hand on Mel's cheek before pulling away slowly. "Waking up alone is never fun. When are we leaving for the city?"
Mel laughed and pressed a kiss to Nick's brow. "Don't be mad at her, dear. She just misses Abrose and doesn't approve of a new rider so quickly." Mel cooed, brushing aside strands of Nick's hair from his brow. He sighed and relaxed again Nick. "That sounds lovely dear, but don't feel obligated. You'll probably feel just as tired after today." He hummed softly and wrapped his arms around Nick's waist, drawing him in closer. "Believe me it took all of my self control not to immediately go back to our room and lay back down beside you." He murmured, glanceing down momentarily to check a small pocket watch. "We probably should be heading out now if Roi is to come on schedule."
"It's taking all my self-control not to pull you back into that bed." Nick placed his hands on Mel's shoulders. "Well, if it's time, then lead the way, wait. Did you eat breakfast or like something today? Do not tell me you have been on an empty stomach in these stables all morning." Nick slid his hands to Mel's, which were on his waist. He gently took them off so he could intertwine their fingers. Nick pressed a kiss to his forehead and leaned back so he could look at Mel.
Mel smiled softly and lightly bdushed his thumb along Nick's cheek. "Would you believe me if I had planned for us to eat breakfast while we were in town as a reason forbnit eating?" Mel asked sweetly, pressing soft kisses to Nick's lips in hopes of distracting him. He who we whined softly when Nick leaned back out reach, but gently squeezed their interlaced hands. "I promise you we can go anywhere you'd like in town to eat. It'll give a chance to bring food to the others as well." Mel reasoned with a cheeky grin.
Nick scoffed. "You…" he pulled Mel in by the waist. "You are so hard to say no to. You little-" Nick cut himself off by kissing Mel. "Oh, in case you were wondering.." He mumbled against his lips. He deepened the kiss and walked forward, pushing Mel against the stable wall. "I will be scolding you about that later. You did not get off the hook, mister. Your excuses will get you nowhere. However, since we're going into town, I guess we can get food there. You better eat a large breakfast. You've been working in the field all day with no fuel. So eat something that will fill you up." Nick trailed his kisses down to his neck and then to his lips. "This is your punishment," he chuckled before kissing Mel against the stables.
Mel gave a little gasp of surprise when he found himself back against the stable wall. Hw whimpered slight, the brush of Nick’s lips against his own and his closeness making it all very hard hard to focus. “Who said anything about an excuse, my dearest? I merely saw an opportunity and took it. No harm in that.” He defended feebly, fairly certain that if nick weren’t holding him, he would have melted into a puddle by now. “I will, my love, I will.” He promised, gasping sharply and squeezing Nick’s hand when Nick kissed over the bruises on his neck. “Nick-“ He murmured before he was cut off by his kisses. “So mean to me,” he teased, hungrily kissing back, managing to get one of his hands free and wrapping his arm around Nick’s neck. “What breakfast Ould I possibly need if you’re enough?” He gently pulled back and nodded his head towards the horses. “We can continue this later, sweetheart. We have to get going now if we’re to bring breakfast back and meet Roi on time.” He urged gently, pressing one more sweet kiss to Nick’s lips before gently nudging him back.
"Mmmmm, fine, fine. I'll get on the back of your horse again." Nick back away, letting Mel get the horse. "Last time I check, I am not edible. As delicious as I may be, you can't devour me. Well, I'm edible, but it depends on how you eat me." He mounted the horse after Mel and put his hand around his waist to secure himself. "I could've sworn we were like this yesterday. Somehow, it ended with you on my lap, and you got those bruises on your neck. Of course, it all could've been a dream and would never happen again." He teased. "Since we need to work today, I guess it really won't happen. Today that is. Who knows what tomorrow brings?"
Mel nodded his thanks as a stable bou brought out Gishlain and put Malian back in her into her pen. Mel mounted easily, letting Giahlain get used the his weight before steadying him so Nick could get on. "Oh you most definitely are, my dear. And yes, this does feel familiar, comfortingly so." He turned Gishlain towards the door and guided him towards the forest. "Oh I don't think it was a dream at all, I have the bruises to prove it." Mel reassured, gently nudging Gishlain into a comfortable trot since they were on a schedule. "Patience my love, we'll have plenty of time to ourselves when we finish things up with Roi and finish packing for the move, I promise." He leaned back and tilted his head to press a kiss to Nick's jawline.
A shiver went up his spine when Mel kissed his jawline. Nick hummed and closed his eyes. "I know, I know, I'm only teasing. I can be patient, don't worry. However, there is only so long for which I could be patient." He warned playfully before resting his head on top of Mel. "I love how you fit in my arms perfectly. I can't imagine anyone else I would be like this with. You do something to me that you have no idea about. I don't plan on telling you either. You're going to have to wait for that one." He gave a content sigh, and he watched the trees pass by slowly. He smiled, thinking about Mel and how he felt about him. Yes, he was right here in front of him, but that didn't stop his mind from imagining scenarios that could happen between them.
"not long now, sweet love. Don't worry." He murmured, leaning onto Nick's embrace, tempted to close his eyes and curl up in Nick's warmth forever. He nuzzled against Nick's chest, suddenly hazy with affection and warm. he loved being encircled in Nick's warmth, loved being so close to him that he could feel his even breathing and his strong heartbeat, loved that his scent was surrounding him. "Hm? And what is it that I do to you dear?" Mel pouted, straightening slightly as the city came into view. "Such a tease," Mel muttered with a smirk as he tugged a cloak hood on. "Lower your hands to my waist, my sentinel. As much as I love having your hands all over me, guards are on higher patrol now. Any suspicion we can avoid I'll take." He murmured, finding a cloak from a pack on gishlain's side and handing it over to Nick. "If anything happens, you know the back road back to the estate." He gave a single nod beforereluctantly pulling his body completely away from Nick's and straightening his posture, falling into his little act of being a lord as they entered the capital city.
Nick sighed and frowned. "Fine…I would hate to get you in trouble." Nick glided his hands to Mel's side and sat up straight as they entered the city. He pulled the hood over his head, hoping no one would recognize him. He was rarely in the city, but still, people knew him. He used to be by the queen's side, giving orders when she couldn't or putting magic users in jail. So many of the guards here would recognize his face if they saw him. "Where are we going first, my love?" Nick bowed his head slightly to the guards as they walked into the city. He could relax more once they were in, but he kept his posture.
Mel tugged the hood farther over his eyes but remained sitting straight, not willing to flinch away from the guards passing by. No matter the situation, no matter what had gone on, in the public's eyes and hopefully in the queen's Mel was still a lord. Albeit discgraced and considered a scoundrel but he was a lord no less, one that would use his unwanted position to the fullest to screw over every single person who had caused those who came into his care harm. He didn't need anyone else's support so long as his family was with him. And Nick. He had Nick backing him up. He took in a wavering breath, surprised by just how much that meant to him. He barely heard the question in his mind over his heartbeat. "A friend of mine within the city. He technically works for Roi but we stayed in touch when me and Roi didn't work out. He'll know more about Roi's intentions with the estate. And he has some supplies we'll need for the move." Mel replied after a moment, pulling Gishlain into a slow walk as they entered the capital gates, keeping his head bowed until they made it safely inside. "Almost there. Don't look anyone in the eyes." He muttered softly as he drove Gishlain towards the skims of the capital.
"Okay," Nick said only loud enough for Mel to hear. He followed orders and kept his head down. He listened to the sounds around him, picturing the city around them. It was beautiful to him. All the people who didn't know what was going on were just living their lives to the fullest. Others did know but didn't care. They just hoped their family members were okay. Reading people's minds has its perks. Sometimes you get warm messages of endearment. Other times, you get death threats. Either way, it's beneficial to know what someone may be thinking. Of course, he has boundaries. Nick never dives too far in. If he does, the person might recognize him, or he might learn something he really shouldn't know.
Mel glanced up when he found an open stable spot and slowed Gishlain to a stop as a man came up. Mel dropped down from his saddle and offered a small satchen of gold coins. "Just for an hour." He said softly, winking when the man's eyes widened in recognition. He slowly nodded before nodding towards the small brick building down the street. "He won't like your guard." The man grunted. Mel glanced back at Nick and shrugged. "It's a good thing he likes me well enough for the both of us, isn't it?" Mel gave a twinkling little smile before he turned on his heal and started towards red brick building. He gently knicked three time before being let in by a fae man, tall and broad shoulders, white hair framing his youthful face. "Melisande," he greeted, silver eyes flicking up to meet Nick. A low growl rose from his chest, sharp canines flashing in defense.
Nick followed inside the building. He didn't look at anyone in the eyes just like Mel instructed. However, he still caught the growl, which made him gulp. The man Mel had spoken to previously was not kidding about not liking him. Nick calmed himself and tried not to draw attention to himself. He wasn't sure if it was okay to show this man in front of him who he was. Nick leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. He then came to a realization. "Am I the only one who calls you Mel?" He tried to show a shocked expression or any expression at all. However, his face showed a look of confusion.
"Ezra," Mel warned, gently patting the fae's shoulder. "He's no threat to you."
"He's the queen's second, a threat not only to you but to the rest of us in your cause." Ezra growled in disbelief as he reluctantly led Mel and Nick inside, closing the door behind him. "He is my mate. That's all that matters. He has sworn to protect this family. Not the queen's. If you have an issue with him, you have an issue with me." Mel replied sternly, eyes flashing in annoyance. Ezra glanced away, teeth still bared even as he ground out a "gorgive me, your grace. I over stepped."
Mel relaxed slightly, before giving a slight nod. "Thank you, Ez. I wouldn't bring him here if I didn't think he would keep our secret." Mel glanced back at Nick and laughed. "No, but for safety, no one but other lord's would call me Nel outside of the estate. It's safer that way." He explained, waving a hand to Ezra. "Nick this is Ezra, Ezra, this is Nick." He introduced as they sat at large roundtable in the lessure room of the apartment. From the outside, the building looked old and decrepid but on the inside, Ezra had decorated it lavishly. "Ez is Roi second, much like Veda is mine. If anything happens to me, Veda's in charge. Same with them." He explained as Ezra moved about the apartment, gather papers and quills.
Nick sighed with relief and took off his hood. He sat down as well and folded his hands neatly in his lap. "Ah, I see. Sometimes it feels like I'm the only one who calls you that. Back at the estate, I didn't hear much of what I call you." He turned to Ezra and bowed his head. "Hello, a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." He nodded slowly as Mel explained Ezra's position. "Well, even if that were the case, I would never let something happen to you. Never in a million years…" Nick refrained from kissing Mel even though the urge was eating away at him like a parasite. Instead, he just held his hand under the table and decided it was time to focus on what they came for. That was information and supplies.
Ezra breathed a laugh as he settped across from the pair at the table. Mercifully, if not a bit reluctantly, Mel brushed it off and gave a gentle squeeze to Nick's hand. "thank you, sweet love." Mel murmured softly , scooting forwards in his seat when Ezra slid over a few papers. "So what's Roi planning, an inn and tavern?" Mel asked with a sigh, scanning over the papers and tipping his head in confusion. "Nothing?"
Ezra nodded "Roi wants to keep the estate as is. He knows how much it means to you. Besides that, he wants to continue your work here. The estate will be under his name to not rise suspision but everything else will be kept the same as how you've ran it."
"Surprising considering all his talk about business opportunities." Mel muttered.
"He's changed you know. After what happened between you and him, he took time to change for the better." Ezra said, offering a small smile. One Mel couldn't return. All he wanted to do was scream, scream why had Roi changed now? Did he think this sudden act of kindness would get him in Mel's good graces again? Did he think mel come running back and forgive everything?
"Good for him. I'm glad he's doing well." Mel replied curtly. "And about the supplies?"
Ezra frowned, gaze flicking between Mel and Nick. "Coming soon, two days time." Ezra replied just as curtly. Mel nodded again and passed back the papers. Mel relaxed slightly, rubbing Nick's hand with his thumb. "What do you think, dear?" He asked softly
Nick looked back and forth between Ezra and Mel, looking confused, but soon got the just of it. He didn't like that this Roi guy had changed, but he couldn't do anything about it. All he had to do was trust Mel, which would be enough. Nick gave an almost mischievous smile. He was thinking about what he had done to Mel's neck, which made him happy. When Mel called his name, he snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Mel for a second before nodding. "Yeah, that-that sounds excellent to me. I don't care how long it takes as long as you are not in danger, and I get to stay with you."
"the danger part might come from Roi, seeing how close you and your sentinel are." Ezra muttered, narrowing his eyes slightly. Mel shrugged "my relationships are none of yours or Roi's concern. If he wants to threaten my Sentinel, he's going to have to put with me as well. After what he did, I don't think he's in the position to be making any oppositions as to who I do or do not sleep with."
Ezra glared away before tapping the papers and standing. "I'll send notice when the supplies are ready to be picked up." Mel nodded and stood. "Thank you Ezra, and send my thanks to Roi as well for all the help. Despite our past I truly to appreciate what he's doing for the estate." Mel let go of Nick's hand to hug his friend. "I'm okay now, I promise." He whispered softly before taking a step back. Ezra gave a small laugh for the first time that day. "I'm glad Mel. Truly. I just hope Roi can come to terms you're happy with someone other than him."
"He better be okay with it…" He mumbled to himself. He rolled his eyes just thinking about that man. He shook his head, realizing it was Mel's issue to solve, not his. Nick pulled the hood over his head, waving as he opened the door for Mel to leave. "It was nice to meet you, Ezra." He bowed his head. Besides, no one's going to threaten me and get away with it…..hehehe. He wore that mischievous smile again, completely forgetting that two other people were in the room as he went back into his thoughts of Mel.
"you'd be surprised how hard it is for Roi to let things go, sentinel. Especially when it comes to Melisande." Ezra shrugged with a heavy sigh.
"he let me go when he put his position and himself first when I needed him most." Mel said softly, gently taking Nick's hand again and gave a gentle squeeze. "But again, I am glad he's turning over a new leaf." He gave a small wave to Ezea before following Nick out the building, tugging on his hood again. "What's that smile for, dear?" Melbas with amused suspicion. He gently pressed a kiss to their linked hands and offered a small smile of his own, even as his memories of Roi made him nervous for Roi's arrival. "Thank you for coming with me, Nick." I apologies for Ezra's bluntness. I ha t realized how brutak he'd be." Mel shook his head with a laugh.
