Chapter VII

“My prince,” Lucian found his husband lying on their bed, staring at a few draws he found in a flower book.

“Lucian,” Axel closed the book and hugged his husband, his hands around his neck, and resting his head on his chest. “Are you feeling better?”

“Much better now that I am in your arms.” Lucian smiled and kissed his head. “I am sorry I could not speak to you earlier.”

“I understand,” Axel whispered. “It must be hard,” He kissed his chest. “I wish I could help.” 

“You are,” Lucian whispered. “Your presence is helping me a lot. Having a husband waiting for you and welcoming you with open arms and kisses. Could I be luckier?”

Axel smiled and faced him, their eyes met and there they are— fireworks. A million feelings were shared at that moment.

“When you stare at me like this, my dear, I lose all my energy,” Lucian whispered. “You stared at me this way the first day you came to the palace, the first time we met, the first time I fell for a man, or no, the first time I fell for someone.”

The young prince was melting with his husband's words. During the last twenty years, the only compliments he ever heard were from his parents and Erik. He was not used to good words, especially coming from the king.

People treated him like any other young man, and they would curse at him for being dirty and would pity him for being poor and they would underestimate him for being uneducated. 

Hearing words of love made his heart flutter.

“Lucian,” Axel whispered. “I believe I fell deeper for you.” He said before gently kissing his husband's lips who responded immediately, without hesitation.

They spent the night in each other's arms, and Axel did his best to make him feel better and forget all the bad things that happened.

The whole nation cried for its king during the funeral, and the new sovereign did his best to keep a tough face in front of the politicians and important men of the country. He wanted to prove to them that he was as strong as his late father was. Andry and Axel were standing by his side, supporting him while they could.

Daniel was surrounded by his guards, protecting him from people and from the politicians who kept bombarding him with a thousand questions over his kingdom and his future projects in collaboration with Virtus.

After the funeral ended, Leon welcomed the royal family with his best dishes. He couldn't comfort them with words, but at least, he could help with delicious food.

“After dinner, the royal tailor would like to consult you over the coronation suit,” Nathan said.

“Alright, Nathan,” Lucian mumbled. “But please sit and eat with us. You too Leon. I don't like this table being empty.”

Both Nathan and Leon stared at the queen who nodded with a soft smile. She was looking gorgeous even with her sad face and black dress.

“You are also a part of our family.” She said. “You all grew up together with my son. You are like my children.” She smiled.

“It is an honour, Your Majesty.” Nathan bowed to her.

“And Lucian is right, a full table is way better than an empty one. Look at how beautiful it looks now.” she said, pointing at the full chairs.

“I am very sorry, sir Daniel. You came here for vacation and we didn't do anything for you,” she told the king. “I was taking care of my late husband while my son was busy with his wedding.”

“No, Your Majesty. Don't say that.” Daniel gently bowed. “I understand your concern and your situation. But I can't say that I am not having a good time here. The weather is fine and you have very beautiful surroundings here. Virtus is a nice country.” He smiled. “And I already have sir Andry.” He said, staring at the blond-haired male who was blushing. “Thanks to him, I didn't feel bored since I came here.”

Everyone at the table shared stares and smirked, getting the situation. Even Maya smiled at them.

“Andry is a kind gentleman, isn't he?” She asked.

“Indeed.” Daniel smiled, not taking his eyes off him.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Andry shyly bowed to both of them. 

“Your Royal Highness, I have prepared three outfits for tomorrow's ceremony, and I would like you to choose one at your preference.” The tailor put exposed three suits in front of him. A simple dark blue one, a white one with a black papillion, and a black one with golden patterns on it.

“My prince, choose for me please,” Lucian told his husband.

“Me?” Axel widened his eyes.

“Which one would suit me the most?”

“Oh, uhm,” Axel rubbed his chin and kept looking at the three suits. “This one.” He pointed at his favourite.

“Perfect!” Lucian clapped his hands. “I will take this one.”

“The prince has good taste.” The tailor smiled. “Perhaps should I prepare a suit for you, sir?”

“I would gladly accept it.” Axel smiled shyly.

After the tailor left, Lucian rested his hands on Axel's waist and kissed his forehead. “It is more interesting to my handsome husband choose my outfit for me.” He smiled.

“I can always do it for you.” Axel kissed his lips. “Can you tell me about the coronation ceremony? I don't know much about it.”

“Of course,” Lucian sat on the couch. “Come here.” He tapped on his lap, and Axel shyly sat.

“Good evening.” Daniel met Andry once again in the corridors of the palace.

“Your Majesty.” Andry bowed.

“Where were you?”

“Taking care of some business for tomorrow's coronation. I was busy during the entire afternoon,” Andry replied.

“I see. Do you have some time now?” The king asked.

“May I ask why?”

“I want you to walk with me. I do not want to go to the garden alone.”

“Oh,” Andry smiled. “With pleasure. but could you please wait a moment? I need to take a bath. I sweated a lot.” He shyly mumbled.

“Of course.” Daniel chuckled.

Andry came back after a few moments, freshly cleaned up, wearing black pants and a long white shirt unbuttoned until his chest, making Daniel gulp.

“Uhm, then shall we?” He said before heading to the giant garden outside the palace.

“How was your day, Your Majesty?” Andry asked.

“Very long. After dinner, I went to the library and read some books until the queen called to have some tea.” Daniel said.

“I see. You must have missed Scarlett today.” Andry chuckled.

“I missed Andry today,” Daniel said, making Andry’ heart explode inside his chest. “I can say that I got used to having you around.”

“Am I a good company for you?” Andry shyly asked, and he thanked the lord that it was dark outside and Daniel could not see his red cheeks.

“Absolutely.” Daniel smiled.

They kept silently walking, inhaling the fresh air and admiring the stars above them.

“Can I hold your hand?” Daniel asked after a few moments. 

“Pardon?” 

“I cannot see well in the dark, and I am afraid to fall.” Daniel lied.

Andry chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Why do I feel like it is not true?”

“Please, hold my hand.” Daniel insisted.

Andry nodded and let them intertwine their cold hands. They both smiled because Daniel's hand was big when Andry's was smaller. They perfectly fit each other.

“How is sir Lucian?” Daniel asked.

“Do not ask me,” Andry chuckled. “I walked in front of their room and I heard some shocking noises.” He laughed and the king joined him.

“Lucky them,”