Together Forever [Private, 18+] (Pigeon & SapphireD910)

[Kotorichan]

Sage caught Erza's glance and gently squeezed his arm, he wanted to tell the man that he could be open with his feelings. But of course, that wasn't his place.

 

His eyes grew wide at the sight of the beautiful garden. "Oh my..." He breathed. The story made the garden even more beautiful. Even if it wasn't true it filled the space with such a feeling of love and romance. Sage suddenly extremely aware of how close he was to the prince. His heart was beating so loudly he felt like Ezra must be able to hear it.

 

"I'm sure that your highness would much prefer to spend this time with Sage, so feel free to focus your attention on her." Samuel said, noticing the glance they exchanged. "I will merely act as her escort for now. Although I would like to speak with you after dinner."

[SapphireD910]

Ezra smiled with deep appreciation. "Escort, please, you're my guest. Though I'd be lying to say I'm not gifted by your presence princess." He lifted the small hand in his up to his lips. His eyes stared up with an intensity at her. He imagined without her brother on guard he might be able to do more. He aimlessly started to walk the edge of the maze, through the blossoms.

 

"I can sense your concern," his tone flattened suddenly. "I don't want your visit troubled over me. I want to further your comfort and find the things that make you smile." He bit his lip looking over at her through the corner of his eye. Ezra paused, feeling too tense under Samuel's scrutiny. It was like the whole kingdom and its pressure and judgment condensed into one man.

 

"Samuel, I need you to honestly tell me, what worries you most about my interest in Sage? You should know I have full intent to make this a place Sage can call home, to grow comfortable with me, feel for me. If thats to happen, we'll be family as well. Would you be accepting?"

[Kotorichan]

Samuel frowned and looked at Sage, he didn't exactly want to say everything in front of Sage... But it was probably for the best. "What worries me most is that I don't know you. I haven't heard anything bad about you but I'm still worried that you could try to... Push boundaries if you're alone with Sage." He stepped closer and gave his twin's hand a light squeeze.

 

"I know how kind and forgiving Sage is, so if you were to do something to harm her she would most likely hide it from me so that it wouldn't cause any problems." He released Sage's hand. "Once I know that you won't hurt her, I will absolutely be accepting if you decide to marry her.

 

Sage stood in silence, his cheeks bright red from the conversation.

[SapphireD910]

A rush of heat filled Ezra's face in frustration. Normally he had no concerns to touch and push those boundaries that Samuel spoke of, but with Sage he almost desperately wanted to. He didn't want to shame her, but he hardly imagined a marriage from only kisses of the hand. He wanted to see and feel her more intimately. There was something different that he couldn't place, but it had charged his sleeping desire since their meeting. "I can assure you I despise those who harm and disregard those of a gentler nature. Sage's beauty would only add to the sin one would be committing." He refrained from touching her as to support his claim that he would respect her, but simply gave her a soft smile.

 

"I understand what else you mean, but wont say. You're concerned I'll be too forward and harm chances with other prospects if I don't choose to marry. But honestly I've never thought about marriage until the night I met you." He looked softly at Sage as he said those words, a small smile trying to tug at his lips through his somber expression. "It had more or less been a concept forced on me by my father before that night."

 

He suddenly felt very exposed by his words. Turning back to Samuel. "You've traveled a good distance. It's selfish of me to so quickly request your energy and attention. Lets return to your chambers. The two of you can rest, I can have someone warm you water for a bath or anything else you may request. Dinner is probably starting right now giving you time to settle in."

[Kotorichan]

Sage stared up at the prince, his face bright red and his eyes wide. He didn't want to leave Ezra's side after hearing something like that. His heart was pounding as he considered asking if he could spend a bit more time with Ezra. He lightly bit his lip and glanced at his brother.

 

Samuel watched his twin's reaction. He could see the love and desire to spend more time with Ezra, even if Sage wouldn't say it out loud. He let out a reluctant sigh. "Sage has been very worried about you since we heard the news. I am sure you are unable to speak about your feelings while I am present. Perhaps you two would like to take a short walk together while we wait for dinner? I am a bit tired so I can rest while the two of you spend time together."

 

Sage's face grew an even deeper shade of red at the suggestion, his gaze dropping back to the floor. He lightly played with the pearls around his neck, trying to hide how nervous he was. If Ezra rejected the offer then Sage would have no right to protest. He managed to raise a hopeful gaze to the prince's face, waiting for his response.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra tried to suppress his relief and eagerness to this offering. It wasn't that he had any real fears about Sage or that he couldn't imagine things deepening with the princess, but deep down he felt that Samuel was trying to prevent him from knowing her better. He couldn't be disrespectful, even if he had unexpectedly ascended since meeting them, possibly even more so. But if he and Sage were to continue this courtship he needed time just the two of them. He absolutely dreaded the thought of constantly having to strongly persuade the prince for the rest of their relationship to let him be closer to the princess.

 

"Really? I thank you. I- I promise to treat the princess with the upmost care and if things are to continue as I hope, it'll be important she see the palace entirely and grow comfortable." His smile turned more somber. "I'd also benefit from the peace of her company. I've been much better since the moment you arrived."

 

Guilt poked at him. He was trying to acknowledge the normal feelings one would have at a time like this, a loss like his, but the truth was, he was barely acknowledged by his father more than as a necessary heir. They hadn't bonded for him to feel an added loneliness at his passing. Ezra was just being selfish in his desire to be alone with Sage. But if Samuel was willing to grant him alone time, he had to restrain the deeper excitement that provoked.

 

"Is the princess okay with this?" he turned to her, eyes shimmering slightly with their wetness, deep down praying she'd agree. All he needed was her okay in this moment and he could picture himself sweeping her up and running off with her. It was still rather strange since he'd never felt quite like this. Heart pounding with excitement and already imagining the temptations of their time alone. Ezra wasn't going to complain, but it was still something very different for him.

[Kotorichan]

"Yes, of course!" Sage quickly covered his mouth with his hand, his cheeks bright red as he realized he sounded far too eager. "I-I mean, that would be lovely." His gaze lowered to the ground as he lightly fidgeted with a bit of lace on his skirt.

 

Sage's reaction made Samuel smile slightly. "Then I will take my leave..." He turned to Sage and gently took her hands. "Sage, please come to me if anything happens. I swear I will not overreact and stop you from spending time with his highness again. I just want to make sure everything is alright."

 

"I will, thank you." Sage smiled up at him. His heart was pounding in his chest at the idea of being alone with Ezra.

 

Samuel pulled away, giving Ezra one last glance. "Take care of her..." He murmured before turning and walking back inside.

 

Sage waited until Samuel was inside before looking up at Ezra, his cheeks still flushed. He had never been courted before, so he had no idea what to say or do now.

[SapphireD910]

"My honor depends on protecting her." Ezra bowed at Samuel's departure, "please ask for whatever you need and I'll send word when dinner is served." He kept his posture bent, watching him walk away. As the distance grew he rose up straight. He hesitated to look at the princess, a little unsure his control with finally being able to interact without judging or prying spectators.

 

He felt something sink, yet at the same time a great weight lifted from him. "You seem to have sent me more worry than I need or deserve," he said faintly. "I'm sorry for my father, and I worry for my future over my land," he turned to the princess with a sadness in his eyes, "but I do not miss or really mourn him. I'm sorry if thats all that brought you or that honesty sounds terrible. You have made me very happy by coming here. So please, if nothing else I hope you will stay with me... in my home, this one night at least, even if my honest feeling to the situation is not enough cause." He clasped her small fingers and pulled them to his lips. "I could say your leaving sooner than expected may cause me greater harm though." His eyes flashed something hopeful.

 

Without letting go of her hand he moved to one side of the fountain, taking a seat. His posture was very casual for his class. "I have nothing against your brother, but I must admit to you as your suitor, I keep imaging your lips, and I would love to feel them with my own if you'll accept, but no matter how sweetly I treat you and serve you, I knew your brother might hurt me to try such a thing." He chuckled, mostly teasing. He would not reveal the other thoughts that had crossed his mind, a chaste kiss should seem innocent enough and if she did tell her brother it would seem normal enough of their courtship. But it was by no means where his thoughts stopped.

[Kotorichan]

"Ah, I would be happy to stay. Even if you were not terribly close to your father I am sure that the sudden change must be stressful..." Sage followed the prince to the edge of the fountain, delicately sitting down. He continued to hold himself very properly, although he noticed how Ezra seemed to relax.

 

His eyes grew large at the man's words. "A-ah..." His gaze moved away from the prince's face as his cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink. "S-Samuel is just worried because he will not be able to protect me if I marry a man who would hurt me... He merely wishes to be certain that my husband will not harm me in any way. Although he may be a bit too overprotective."

 

He lightly bit his lip, looking up at Ezra again. It would be improper to kiss before they were even engaged... Sage hadn't even thought that it could happen anytime soon. But now that the idea was in his head he just couldn't stop imagining it. What would the prince's lips feel like? Would Ezra hold him close or just hold his hands? For a moment Sage's mind moved even further, wondering what Ezra's hands might feel against his skin. He quickly pushed those thoughts away since they would just lead him to think about his fears.

 

"I... If it is only a kiss..." He finally said, his voice quiet. "I would not tell my brother... B-but anything more would be very improper." He dropped his gaze to their hands again. For the first time he gently held onto Ezra's hands instead of just letting them rest still. Sage felt as though his face was on fire with embarrassment, and for a moment worried that he wouldn't be able to hear Ezra's response over the sound of his own heartbeat.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra felt his face stretch into a grin. "No, I don't suppose any of it is proper. I've tried to always be nice and polite, but my mannerisms and approach to things has never been commended as very proper. I'd like to kiss you very much, but in all honesty I'd want to touch you as well." His eyes fell heavy drawing closer to the lovely princess. His eyes drew over the places her dress sinched tightly over her thin frame. Ezra was almost lewdly attracted to the pearls rolling slightly from where they hung around her throat. This close he could swear he heard her heart beating like the fluttering wings of a bird.

 

"I will have to do better for my position, and hopefully for you." He changed his position to one more dignified of his new title. "I grew up a little less than royal-like." A heaviness seemed to sweep over his features. "It comes from my mother I suppose. She was very gifted, but that made people fear her. She was not noble in class, and people thought she tricked my father. Eventually everything he did out of love was her manipulation. Even this maze. I remember he first told me the story I told you, but later it became some token she'd tricked him into making." A wetness came over his eyes. "He came to distrust her and when she fell ill refused to treat her. I had to hide the gifts she passed to me, but he still regretted that his only heir was born from her."

 

He blinked his eyes clear. "I'm sorry. I just want you to know why I can't mourn him. And..." He leaned in close. "...to show you this." Ezra pulled a chain around his neck with a purple jewel at the end. "This was my mother's. Only those we promise our trust and honesty to may see and hear of it. She did have a power, but she revealed it to my father very late and felt that he could not trust her for it. I want you to always feel you can trust me, even if we don't marry." He paused, wanting so badly to cup her cheek, hold her by the waist as their lips touched. "I want you to believe I'd never manipulate you to get what I want. I've heard I can't even do it if I share with you such a power to change minds exists." His voice strained slightly. "But I find myself wanting you, very much. I want to be certain you'll want me too, and that theres no temptation to push you to accept me." With those words he leaned in and restrained himself to a gentle kiss on Sage's delicate and soft lips, he nearly clawed the stone they sat upon keeping his hands off her.

[Kotorichan]

Sage averted his eyes when he noticed the man's gaze wandering over his body. He didn't want to admit it but he really did want to be touched. One hand raised to fidget with his pearls, unaware that Ezra had been focused on them. It was so strange to be this close to anyone besides Samuel. Ever since they were children they would snuggle together and read stories to one another, but that was nothing like this.

 

He looked back up to meet Ezra's eyes when the subject changed to the prince's mother. The story made his heart ache in his chest. Whoever Sage married would most likely hate him much as Ezra's mother had been hated.

 

His chest tightened even more as the prince continued. Trust... Ezra actually trusted him to the point where he would share something so secret. He spoke of honesty as if he was certain that Sage was completely trustworthy.

 

The kiss made Sage's mind go almost completely blank. His eyes fluttered closed as he completely gave in to the man's touch. They were barely touching, but somehow it felt like his entire body was enveloped by Ezra's presence. After a few moments he remembered what Ezra had said before. He trusted Sage... Actually trusted him...

 

Sage slowly pulled away, his eyes watering. "Your highness..." He dropped his gaze to the ground, trying to stay calm. "I... I think that p-perhaps I got carried away. I enjoy your company so much that I tried to convince myself that I could make you happy were we to marry." His eyes shut tightly as he tried not to cry. "But... T-there are things I can only tell my husband, and I am sure that you would hate me if I told you those things. I-I wish I could be someone you could truly trust... I am truly sorry." He shakily rose to his feet. If he stayed here then he would no doubt start crying in front of the prince. The longer he waited to tell the truth the more difficult it would be.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra lept to his feet in a panic, cursing himself, yet nervously smiling at the same time. She was too sweet, soft, worrisome, and beautiful. "I don't care if you don't think yourself trustworthy, princess, I've already given it to you." He reached out his hand to barely touch her fingers and urge her to hold his in return. "What can I do to earn your trust? I can vow to marry you right here and now! I've never wanted anyone like I find myself wanting you!" He felt his face flush and his heart beating rapidly as though his very being were under attack.

 

"We both know what its like to not fit what those around us want just for being born to this life. Sage... I don't care what others have against you, you already have the ability to make me happy at such a time even. I want to know you, I wanted you to know me better, because I only saw this visit ending with my proposal to you." He paused, eyes wide, he worried that his admission would only scare her away. So many marriages were just arranged with little to do with love, but he wanted Sage to desire to marry him.

 

Maybe some of it came from his current vulnerabilities, that he almost felt desperate to keep Sage from leaving him, especially on a note that suggested that marriage would be ill advised completely. Her presence comforted him and even distracted him to funner and lighthearted thoughts and behaviors; those that were unbecoming of a prince let alone a king, but he felt he'd never be judged by the princess for.

 

Still he felt shame at the desperate pressure he'd suddenly loaded on her in his fear and loneliness at even the thought of her leaving. "I... I'm sorry. I can't just make you trust me or have affection for me. You're probably tired and need to rest before dinner. Just please don't doubt me." His eyes were silently pleading with her as he took one of her hands between both of his. "Please continue your stay with me."

[Kotorichan]

Sage knew that he should pull away. He should refuse and insist that they shouldn't be together. Ezra would definitely hate him when the truth came out. But his heart fluttered at the idea of the prince proposing.

 

"I..." He hesitated, this was the wrong thing to do. He knew it was the wrong thing to do. But he wanted it so badly. "I do trust you... And I have a d-deep affection for you..." His cheeks flushed again and he averted his eyes. "I would be happy if this trip did end with a p-proposal. I just... I cannot stand the idea of you hating me, and I'm afraid that may happen if we were to marry."

 

He thought for a moment. How much did he trust Ezra? They hadn't spent much time together but for some reason he felt so comfortable with the man. As if Ezra would never hurt him. Finally he took a deep breath, keeping his gaze on the floor. "I could tell you the reason you might hate me." His hands trembled as he spoke. "But if you were to tell anyone then it is possible that my entire family could be killed..

[SapphireD910]

"You worry me. I don't understand you in the best possible way, as I can't imagine anything about you I could hate," he exclaimed with a mix of nerves and pain watching the way in which Sage's whole posture shrank and twisted under all the worry and fear. "I wont, I can't hate you. I refuse to continue on with this topic just continuing to cause you distress." He pulled her into a firm embrace. He knew that this contact could be perceived as too intimate, but he held her nonetheless, one of his hands finding the spot between her shoulders to gently stroke. "As your husband I would want nothing before your happiness. Even as your husband I would not force you to share something that makes you this fearful. But I would do everything in my power to protect you and your family, on my honor princess."

 

He tipped back her chin, looking into those sparkling eyes, wet and fretful. They were still so beautiful and yet they made his chest ache. "People would want to kill me for what I told you as well. I wont ask it of you now, but if you are finally able to tell me why on Earth you think I could hate you, know that...," he paused with a pained expression crossing his face, "...know that if I do you any harm or betray your family, you may tell others what I shared with you. Not only would it turn fear and hate upon me, it would discredit anything ill I've said about you or your family." Ezra dropped to his knees, burring his face to the princess' skirt, a sick turning of his stomach at realizing what he was saying. "I pray you will safeguard me as you hope I will someday for you. I don't regret giving you that power either."

 

He chuckled nervously. "How unbecoming of me, I must appear a lecher trying to weasel my way under your skirts like this. I'll keep hope no one has seen to at all question your honor or purity. Although perhaps I should just stay this way and propose to you now." His eyes were dilated his mouth falling open in slight shock at his own suggestion before a soft and shy smile spread over his features. "I've never been this way with anyone before." His eyes fell heavy and affectionate looking at the princess, unbridled desire coming through, despite his best efforts to contain those thoughts. He wasn't even sure what thoughts he was having, only that he wanted to kiss her lips again, trace her entire body in those kisses, embracing her small form against his and feel her shyness melt away into even a portion of the affection and desire she'd admitted to having for him.

 

"Are you certain your secret isn't some power of temptation over me?" He teased, but his tone was still deep, revealing deeper passions. He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. "I will stand if you ask me and we can go to dinner and carry on, this conversation being one more step in our forming bond. Or you stop with all this fear of me and we can stop pretending that all this courtship is anything more than mere delays."

[Kotorichan]

"Y-your highness?" Sage's voice came out as a surprised squeak as the prince dropped to his knees. His cheeks stayed flushed as the man spoke. He lightly fidgeted with the pearls around his throat. His heart was pounding so hard it felt as though it might burst out of his chest. There was nothing he wanted more than to accept Ezra's proposal, at least then he wouldn't have to worry about another princess snatching the man's attention away.

 

"I am afraid I disagree with you on one thing... This courtship is not just a delay." Sage said in a quiet tone. "If my future was in my own hands then you could have proposed before leaving on my birthday. But I do not have the power to decide who takes me. In a way it is my brother you are courting, he is the one who will decide my answer."

 

When he realized what he said Sage covered his mouth with his free hand. "Ah, I-I apologize your highness, that was too bold of me. I must be more tired than I thought. Perhaps I should take some time to rest before dinner is ready, I do not want to make a fool of myself any more than I already have." For some reason he felt so comfortable with the prince, so much so that he kept saying whatever was on his mind. He couldn't continue to do that, if he did then he really would say something to make Ezra hate him.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra was startled at first and then smirked in a rather immature way. "Did you say courting your brother?" He blushed slightly thinking of his current situation but with Samuel instead. Part of it made him laugh and part of it made him squirm. "Well I guess its good I never forced my stance on him. Though I could kidnap you under royal decree, like some pirate," he jumped up excitedly. "I claim the prettiest as my bride under the name of the crown!" He gave a goofy grin, of course teasing, feeling overwhelmed to the point of letting out his less mature side.

 

"Although, what if I spend too much time charming him that he falls for me instead?" He knew he was being too much, practically a brat, but in a way the laughter was to cover the tears threatening to spill. "Well fair princess, I'll just have to return you to your chamber, let brother see you are still well." He gently petted her cheek. "Don't worry so much about holding your tongue with me. As you can see by now I'm a terrible prince and probably worse king. If anyone should talk openly to me its you." He bit his lip. "I do ask you once more, to guard my secret as I promise to never use it with you. I always want you to have a choice with me." With that he stuck out his arm offering it to the princess.

 

They walked slowly and quietly back to the castle, Ezra noting for a moment that he would show her more of the garden in due time. In the halls he introduced her to most of the servants and coyly suggested she keep in mind a maid she liked the most if there were none she intended to keep from home when she eventually married. He smiled knowingly at that, as he was determined now more than ever.

 

Walking up to the door to her chambers he opened the door staying outside, but letting the fragrance spill into the hall and bringing a smile to his face. "My room is at the very end, only my study is next to your room and Samuel's on the other side. You don't need permission to use the study, you may find some books to enjoy while you're preparing for bed." He took both hands in his and brought them up to his lips . "I will send notice when dinner is ready." His expression turned more solemn as he turned to leave the way they had come.

 

Downstairs he immediately found Gerard overseeing the table preparations. It seemed the butler was the closest thing to a friend he could really claim to have. "I noticed you escorting the young princess around. I hope all was in order your highness. Should there be more to this dinner perhaps?" The slightly older man smiled as only he would in privacy of the new king, the suggestion in his tone. He'd watched the former prince move about and talk of how taken he was with the princess Sage. He'd lost his father, but the lack of love there was easy to see how he'd be swept away by the promise of love.

 

"Make sure the prince receives the best attention," Ezra noted curtly. "He of course has final say in matters of her hand."

 

Gerard didn't seem at all surprised but seemed to offer his sympthies nonetheless. He knew well enough how unaware of most traditions and expectations his master was. As a child, due to his mother, he was sheltered from most of the ways of royals, being his mother was not of nobility and his father all but regected him aside from being a necessary heir. Even more so when his father fell ill and chances of a new bride were no longer, he had to accept his son, though he always suspected something inhuman about him from his mother.

 

"Sir, I hate to say, but if you linger here the servants will become flustered, you are their king now."

 

"Yes of course, they shouldn't see me differently, but I will leave you all to do your best. Thank you as always." He offered a weak smile.

[Kotorichan]

Sage laughed at Ezra's jokes and teasing, it made him feel so much more comfortable by the man's side. He curtsied and thanked Ezra as he was left at his room. As soon as Ezra was out of sight, Sage went to his brother's door and knocked lightly before entering and practically throwing himself on his twin. "Sam!"

 

The prince jumped, catching Sage in his arms. "Sage? Is everything alright?" His mind immediately went to the worst possible scenario until he saw the expression of pure joy on the princess's face.

 

"Yes~ Everything is wonderful. He's the one, I just know it." Sage buried his face into his brother's chest, completely giddy. "He said that he would love me no matter what secret I am keeping, and even told me something about himself that I could use if I needed to discredit something he said. So we'll both be safe if I marry him."

 

Samuel frowned slightly, it did sound like the perfect situation... Of course it was hard for him to imagine letting Sage go off with this man. "I see... And do you want to marry him? Or are you just willing to marry him because you're scared of not finding someone else?"

 

"I love him, I really do." Sage looked up, his cheeks pink. "I want to marry him, even if I wasn't afraid of marrying someone else I would want to marry him. He makes me feel so happy and so loved..." He trailed off and looked away. "I know that may not last after the wedding, but I do feel that there is a chance..."

 

"I understand..." Samuel gently squeezed the princess in his arms before letting go. "If he comes to me then I'll arrange something, I'm not going to stop you from being happy with someone." He lightly kissed Sage's forehead. "For now you should get some rest before dinner."

 

"Thank you so much Sam!" Sage hugged his brother tightly before going back to his own room to lay down. After just a few moments he drifted into a light sleep, exhausted from the long day.

[SapphireD910]

The new king moved to exit the kitchen, even in his own home uncertain of an exact location to put himself. Right now to return to the garden would just lead him to thoughts of Sage and he'd overthink their prior interaction and feel growing embarrassment and fear over the exchange. He opted for his study despite that only being a wall away from the princess, or maybe it was because of.

 

As he was leaving he overheard whispers, causing him to pause. "Well, I went up there and I know the two of them were in his room."

 

"My god, you don't think...?"

 

"Well they say twins are strange and a bad omen, but twins of different genders are suspected to be attracted to each other. Those two are supposed to be very close and secretive. I'm surprised the king even got close enough to propose all this. He just lost his father, he doesn't need an incestuous wife."

 

Ezra's heart was beating so hard he felt his lungs tighten and his hears seemed to muffle any further statements from the unidentified servants. Was that what the princess was hiding? Is she truly in love with her brother? He rushed upstairs in a panic before anyone could see him in his shock stricken state. He immediately ran to his bed chamber, burring his face into the sheets, letting out a guttural cry. He only now realized that that was what so many had been trying to tell him earlier. But he didn't want to believe it. Were the twins just trying to find people to accept them, to marry, while they deep down desired each other.

 

His stomach twisted in anguish that it all made so much sense now. She thought he'd hate her if he knew. She could only reveal it after their marriage or otherwise not be married for the truth of it. Her brother had final say and was more so than any brother he knew, been very protective and reluctant to have any man grow close to his sister. She feared her family would be harmed, at the very least they'd be turned against and any child would be seen as illegitimate and cursed, especially from twins. What else could it be?

 

So why did he still want to bury his face into the fabrics of her dress, press his lips against her skin, look at how his olive skin contrasted with her dark complexion. He felt his body start to shake before he realized the tears falling, that he was in fact sobbing.

[Kotorichan]

After a few minutes Samuel left his room to find Ezra. He wanted to speak to the new king about Sage. While he was walking through the hall he heard a couple servants whispering. It took a moment for him to realize what their words were implying, and as soon as he did rage rose inside him. His hands clenched into fists and he knocked loudly on Ezra's door.

 

How dare Ezra allow his servants to talk about Sage in such a way? What kind of host allowed his servants to gossip about not only a guest, but a princess he was courting?

 

Samuel wanted so badly to trust his twin's decision, but he also knew that Sage had fallen into such deep love with Ezra that he may look over any flaws in the new king.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra was startled from a loud pounding on his door. He cursed into the sheets. He had a feeling, no he knew that a knock like that had to be from Samuel. He didn't want to look at him with this pit in his stomach. He wished he hadn't allowed himself to hear those disgusting words and he could recall the things he used to hear about his mother and even himself. The only things that seemed to put any rest to such cruelty was using his power which got exhausting. In an overly emotional state he couldn't even really manage to convince anyone of anything.

 

He felt stupid and ridiculous as he cleaned up his face and stood straightening himself up. If he wanted Sage to truly be his he'd have to be able to face her brother as an equal. He may not have been in his position of power very long, but he'd have to claim it and hold strong in front of his potential in-law.

 

He opened the door calmly to which the other man entered, his anger and tension evident from head to toe. It made Ezra nervous of whether or not this was aimed at him. He swore that Sage had left him in a more than pleasant mood. So it didn't seem that it was that.

 

"Samuel," he swallowed, discomfort building in the other male's presence. "What is the matter?"

[Kotorichan]

Samuel glared up at the man for a moment before taking a deep breath and forcing himself to relax. "I wish to speak with you about Sage. I know that I can come across as a bit harsh and perhaps judgmental, it is not meant to offend you in any way."

 

He looked away, lightly brushing his hair back. "May I come in? I think it would be best to speak about these matters in private... Away from those who may try to spread rumors." He shot a meaningful glance over his shoulder at the servants cleaning the hallway.

 

It really would be wonderful if Ezra was the right person for Sage, if they could marry and live happily together. But Samuel couldn't bring himself to trust the other man so easily.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra's voice dropped seeing the way that Samuel looked over his shoulder. Suddenly his home felt very shameful and embarrassing, no matter how shocked and pained he may have felt, he didn't want his guests to feel shame or anger. "Of course, please come in." He paused for a moment before closing the door, looking at the servants. "Just a moment please."

 

He deep down couldn't believe the things being said, but he also knew that Sage and Samuel were keeping something, and these rumors unfortunately felt like they fit the equation to make sense of the result. Sage was fearful, hesitant to his affections, she was closer to her brother than he'd ever seen... Now he was getting furious with himself.

 

Ezra walked up to the servants who nervously bowed deeply before him. As they stood Ezra spoke in a whisper to them. His back was to the room and Samuel, otherwise the other man might have seen the way his eyes seemed to change, though not as intensely as he'd been able to many times before. Both servants seemed to listen intently before bowing once more with apologies and rushing off.

 

"Apologies, I didn't want them to be lingering, even outside the door. I try to still treat them with patience, otherwise they grow inattentive to their duties and I'd have to replace them." He looked up at Samuel, feeling like he'd said too much and was rudely delaying what the other man had to say to him.

 

"Please, I should hold my tongue and listen to your concerns about Sage." He swallowed nervously. "I must be honest, she was overly worried. About your family. About me. She seems to think all her choices will hurt someone. Without knowing why I tried my best to comfort her. I don't need to know what troubles her, only that something does."

 

Ezra pulled up a chair for Samuel near a small table at the window and took a seat in the chair across. "So what is it that is troubling you, and what can I do to relieve either of you?"

[Kotorichan]

Samuel waited inside the room, his eyes wandering around as he tried to gain more information about the man. When Ezra reentered he didn't look at him. Samuel felt that he would give away too much of his thoughts if he did.

 

He stayed silent for a moment before finally speaking. "Sage is the sweetest, more forgiving, and most loving person I have ever known. If a man were to hurt her then she would no doubt find some way to put the fault on herself. For my entire life I have done my best to protect her from the cruelty of this world. But once she is married I will be unable to protect her, not even from her husband." He finally lifted his gaze to Ezra, his eyes filled with sadness. "I do not want to see my sister in pain, I do not want to see her cry or become broken and depressed."

 

"As I came to your room I heard your servants spreading rumors about our relationship, personally I am not affected by those things. Anyone who believes such an obvious lie is far too foolish for me to waste my time worrying about them. Sage and I are close because she is so delicate and needs someone to confide in when she is worried. But if she heard those rumors she would no doubt be devastated." Samuel took a deep breath in an attempt to keep his composure. "I do not want her to live in a place where she will be surrounded by gossip. However... She has truly fallen for you. When she came to my room it was to beg me to give you my approval if you were to ask for it, and I do not want to prevent her from being happy."

 

"I suppose what I want to say is if you do want to be with her I want to see that you will protect her. In every way possible." He let out a soft sigh, hoping that Ezra could understand even a portion of his feelings.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra felt a pain in his chest, coming to terms with his own guilt. "You're absolutely right," he said solemnly. "I need to instill I higher standard of respect to members of this castle, whether your sistet joinsnme here or not." He turned his eyes to look directly into Samuel's eyes. "That was a mistake that I will amend henceforth."

 

He relaxed a bit, knowing despite any missteps that he was sincere and would try to fix this issue before letting Sage get any closer to him or making this her home. "I do feel my heart is truly at the mercy of your sister after our time alone. She knows my wish is to protect her and her family, both from harm and in reputation." He knew this could potentially mean nothing to Samuel, but he felt it was important to earn his trust and respect. Things that seemed harder and harder the longer he knew the man. "I trusted her with something meaningful and I gave her no expectation to share any4hing in exchange."

 

He tried to express determination rather than any hesitation. "I dont deserve pain for my trust. But I want the word of an honorable man and someone who knows her better than anyone else... does she have affection for me? What can I do to make you embrace me as worthy of such affection? Will you ever accept me as a brother?" He was surprised he'd gotten the words out and maintained his eye contact with Samuel.

[Kotorichan]

The earnest expression in Ezra's eyes brought a slight smile to Samuel's lips. "Ezra..." He did't even think about how he was addressing the new king so casually. "Do you really think I would be so judgmental of your every action if you hadn't stolen my sister's heart? I am simply making sure you are as perfect as she thinks you are. After hearing her go on about you as if you were from a fairy tale I can't help but worry that there is something you have hidden from her or she has overlooked."

 

"If you are the man she says you are then I would be happy to accept you as a brother." He felt his cheeks flush slightly as he realized how honest he had been. "Ah, well, I think I will return to my room until dinner is ready." With that he turned to to leave. It really wasn't his place to confess Sage's feelings for the man, but he knew that the princess would probably be too shy to say anything so forward.