for Dorian (makingmyway) - Prince Dorian /Palace Guard Orym AU

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Orym spends too much time watching the prince. In fairness, it is his job to do exactly that, but it's gone so far beyond just the act of guarding a young noble. Of course it has.

When he'd first been assigned to this position -- the personal guard to Prince Brontë, a promotion really, after he'd managed to be in the right place at the right time to thwart an unexpected assassination attempt against the King and Queen -- he hadn't known much about the younger Prince Wyvernwind, save what he could tell from afar -- that he was beautiful, fair-faced and strong-shouldered, that he always managed to look the part of dutiful and perfect prince.

As he got to know him though, he'd seen more. So much more.

The prince is genuinely kind, not only for show in public. He's gentle and soft spoken, surprisingly down to earth for a young royal who's been sheltered in his kingdom all his life. He's funny too, clever and quick-witted once opened up. It took some time, really, but they've both let their guards down around each other. Orym has to remind himself again and again that he's nothing more than bodyguard, here to keep the Prince safe. Not to keep him company.

But oh he likes his company, has come to look forward to hearing that musical laugh, come to treasure when he's managed to convince Brontë to play or sing for him. There's a warmth in his chest when the Prince confides in him, when he's given glimpses into those surprising insecurities, his hopes and dreams.

It's several months into spending day after day with the Prince that he realizes he's fallen for him. It's foolish. It's utterly foolish and it can never be anything. So he wraps those feelings away and pushes them down as deep as he can.

Today they're in the palace courtyards. The sun shines bright from a sky that is a perfect shade of blue interrupted only by a few white clouds. Orym is rolling his wrist to let his sword dip and then rise, the familiar heft and weight of the blade comfortable in his hand.]

You know, you're good with a blade. I've seen it. But I could probably teach you a few tricks, if you'd be interested.

Comments

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Perfect. Exactly where he wants to be. He lifts a hand to brush back some of that wet hair from his face, fingertips lingering at his cheekbone.]

I love you too. Desperately.

[He spends a moment looking at the handsome face before him.]

It'll be like this all the time, someday soon. No worrying about anyone watching us or catching us. Just you and me.

[makingmyway]

[ His smile softens, and he leans into Orym's touch with a soft sigh before leaning to rest his forehead against Orym's. ]

I can't wait. Just the two of us, being able to love each other without anyone or anything to stop us.

I want nothing more than to be with you.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[The halfling shuts his eyes as their foreheads touch, just enjoying the moment, the closeness and the warmth of it.]

Me too. You're all I need. Always. My stolen prince.

[They'll carve out a life for themselves. It's still a thrilling, terrifying idea.]

[makingmyway]

[ Brontë shakes his head. ] No...when it's just the two of us, I'm not anyone's prince.

I just want to be yours.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

You are mine. My love. My world. My everything.

[Orym smiles, tilting his chin so he can brush his nose along Brontë's, a soft, tender gesture.]

But I am stealing you away. [He teases gently.]

[makingmyway]

[ Brontë hums softly, nuzzling into Orym in the same gentle gesture as he smiles. ]

I know…I can’t wait.

Because you’re mine too…my love, my life.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

That's right. I'm yours. All of me.

[A promise, their own private vows traded to one another and the forest around them.]

This was... a really amazing surprise, you know. All of this. Having this day with you, without anyone else to worry about. Thank you, Brontë. I've never felt so special.

[makingmyway]

[ Traded promises that he'll keep in his heart until they have a chance to make them freely, spoken out in the open without worrying about who might hear.

With a smile, Brontë leans in to capture Orym's lips in another kiss. ]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know you don't mind all our stolen moments back in the castle, but I hate that we don't get to spend as much time together as we'd like. And I just wanted to do something to show you how much you mean to me.

[bigmoonlittlemoon]

[Someday soon. That's what Orym tells himself. He'll steal away his handsome prince and they'll run. They can find a small home somewhere, live a simple life. Marry under the moonlight, grow a small garden. And he'll do whatever he can to make sure that Brontë is happy.]

I know. I hate it too, not being able to let everyone know how much you mean to me. But I still get to be with you, and that will always be enough.

[No matter how or where. So long as he's by Brontë's side, he can be happy.]

[makingmyway]

[ Brontë nods. ] I know. I just want to be able to say how much I love you without worrying about what will happen if anyone hears.

But someday, we won’t have to worry about that. [ With a small smile, he brushes his nose against Orym’s. ] And until then, as long as you’re with me, I know I can get through anything.