Many stories told of the overwhelming passion that the First Emperor felt for his Empress. To demonstrate all his affection and devotion, he created several events that became a tradition for his successors and subjects. For some such stories sounded like a beautiful fairy tale, not expecting less from the most powerful person of that empire. Others thought that they were only lies to hide true goals behind the traditions.
Even the current Emperor, Rehael Saint Richmond, proved to be a worthy heir of the First Emperor, for he followed in the same footsteps as his ancestor and dedicated several awards from such traditions to his present Consort. Their story was well known and would certainly go down in as an example of rulers who actually loved their fellows.
Indeed, it was a beautiful love story.
Only that when Lucian got into the carriage with his husband to go to the hunting camp where the festival would be held, the last thing he would think about would be the beautiful love stories that tradition carries. On the contrary, his mind was full of worries and anxiety, not knowing for sure what to expect.
Turning his eyes to his husband sitting on the bench in front of him, Lucian noticed that the crimson eyes were focused reading a letter. Desiring to cast off any shadow of worry for mere minutes of peace, Lucian went low.
"What are you reading, dear?"
"I received a letter from that casino's owner."
Lucian raised his eyebrow, slightly intrigued by the contents of the letter.
"Is he ordering any compensation for the damage you caused that night?"
"Not directly. Read for yourself", said the Grand Duke calmly, handing the letter to the prince.
Intrigued, Lucian picked up the letter and read the brief lines of an elegant calligraphy. To his surprise, the sender thanked Magnus for ridding him of a troubled client, despite pointing out that he had several financial losses because of the late Count Moutuni's debt and the negative repercussion that Cassino received for investigations into the case.
It was expected.
Lucian raised his head slightly noticing that his husband remained calm and serene even after all the mess that occurred because of his hunt. Nor did it seem that he had to hear the Emperor berating him in the throne room for hours, and being obliged to take care of the situation of the Count's title and his properties... If there is any left, since Moutuni sold everything to continue the addiction to gambling in the casino.
"What do you intend to do with this casino owner? He seems to be someone very insistent, since in the letter he made clear how much it shook his business. Will you pay the Count's debt?"
"Huh? Why the hell would I do that? That worm is not my problem.", he claimed the omega, crossing his arms and raising his eyebrow clearly offended by Lucian's proposal.
"Someone has to pay him something. You know this guy can sue you in court."
"Humpf."
Lucian sighed at his husband's stubbornness. Of course, Magnus' pride would prevent him from doing anything in the Count's name. He would not blame him, neither would Lucian considering the filth that he tried to do with the innocent Eugene. However, having an unknown owner of a casino put a target on Magnus' back did not make the prince very comfortable, especially if his goal was to help Magnus survive.
"What do you think of answering him that you're willing to a negotiation to repair the damage? "
"That's what I answered this morning."
"Well, have you answered the letter? I thought you had just received it, so why did you bring it?"
Magnus did not answer him and just turned his face to look outside. A somewhat strange behavior coming from his husband. But then, reading the letter, Lucian understood something that made him smile slightly.
So proud, but so careful.
Smiling behind the letter, Lucian wanted to steal a kiss from his husband. He could not believe that Magnus made this little act only to arouse Lucian's curiosity and let him know the situation by reading the letter.
So lovely.
"You know you don't have to do all this just to tell me something, right?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about", mumbled Magnus glaring outside, still with his arms crossed and frown.
Magnus could pretend as much as he could, but Lucian saw the slight red tone on the cheeks beneath those dense layers of pride and irritation. Your favorite villain was adorable.
Under provocations and libidinous thoughts of possessing his omega just to see his angry little face, the Grimwood couple finally arrived in the village near the mountains a few miles from the capital. If from his old abandoned palace Lucian always admired the mountains far away from his window, he could now see them up close when the carriage finally stopped in front of a mansion.
What a beautiful landscape, if I may say so. An open field with trees blowing a cold wind from the beginning of winter. Still, the sun that shone warmed the nobles already gathered there. When they noticed the dark and elegant carriage with the Grimwood's brand, the nobles turned to receive them. They were curious to see the new couple after their honeymoon, the first appearance of the new Saint and responsible for the horrifying gossip of the last days.
Only with the horses trotting slowly until they stopped was enough for the whispers and gossip to be directed to the carriage door. Magnus jumped out of the carriage, with that stoic posture and serious look stealing the air with his dark beauty. He turned to the carriage and reached out his hand to help Lucian leave, and his delicate beauty was a respite for the curious.
What a couple full of contrast.
The serious and cold omega with its delicate alpha like a flower.
Shouldn't it be the other way around?
"My brother! "
The cheerful voice of young Eugene caught the couple's attention. He ran to the two and smiled delicately, receiving a tender embrace from his older brother.
"You're early, Eugene."
"Hehe, I thought in stop by the mansion first, but I thought it best to give you guys some privacy."
Lucian smiled appreciating the gesture of his brother-in-law, but what really caught his attention was the young boy's excitement. It was as if he was... Relieved? He seemed happier and smiling compared to the last time you saw him at his wedding party.
"Did you have any problems while you were here alone?", asked Magnus.
"No, I stayed with Jesse and my sister-in-law. They're already at the Grimwood tent."
"Very well", Magnus sighed caressing the hair of his younger brother. "Ignore the comments that the worms make and always stay close to Jesse and Lucian while we hunt, right?"
"Yes, brother!"
Eugene then ran through the crowd and went to the farthest area, where Lucian could see some tents set up. For some reason, they had two that were so tall and big that he could see from afar, and Lucian suspected one of them was the Grimwood. In fact, the whole place was vast. The carriages were taken to the mansion where Count Vauhnir's coachmen would take care of, this being the host of the hunting camp and responsible for protecting that small village.
"Will I have to sit all day while you hunt?", asked Lucian when he offered his arm to the husband.
Magnus naturally held the prince's arm and the two were able to walk among the curious glances that gossiped about them. Turning around the field, they went to near the foot of the mountain where the tents were set up.
"You could have tea with other nobles, but... I don't want you to."
Surprised, Lucian looked at him discreetly.
"Why not?"
"Because of your vision. I told you that I asked the Emperor to improve the security of this place."
Blinking stunned, Lucian looked around and realized that in fact the hunting ground was full of imperial knights standing guard. In the beginning he ignored, because being a social event organized by the Emperor, it was expected to be well protected.
However, as they approached the area of the tents, Lucian noticed the personal knights of the Grimwood duly uniformed. More specifically, the riders who mounted his personal guard. Seeing them around him left him slightly moved and grateful for the act. Magnus really increased security because of what Lucian said..
"Oh, no."
"What was... My gosh!"
To the surprise of the couple, and to feed the gossip of the nobles who followed them, guards in white uniforms were mixed between the imperial guards and the Grimwood knights. In the huge white tent, sitting next to Cassander was Skyler, who waved only to provoke Magnus.
"What do you think of receiving the head of a dove as a prize, Lucian?"
"Don't say such scary things, my dear."
"Oh, Your Highness!"
The sweet and lovely voice that came from behind frightened Lucian. Looking over his shoulder he found those eyes clearer than the heavens and the innocent smile. At his side, the muscular alpha with a frown approached the couple. Lucian had to make an effort not to roll his eyes. Good boy mask, never forget the role to be played in that story.
"Sir Stephen, Maverick, it's have been a while!" said Lucian smiling, biting his own tongue.
Why the hell did the original protagonists come to him?