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

[SapphireD910]

The new king smiled, almost smuggly at Samuel's confession on behalf of his sister. Not only did he hear what he wanted, that his affections were truly returned, it was confirmed by Samuel, the last person he expected to openly share such information.

 

Even more shocking to Ezra, causing him to sit back in surprise was the blush that swept over his features. Ezra felt certain his own face was changing shades looking at the other man. Like this; hesitant, softened, and crimson cheeks, he looked so much like Sage. He felt uneasy with the thought that Samuel was almost as cute as his sister like this.

 

He watched Samuel rise and opt to leave the room. For the first time ever he felt tenderness from Samuel. He rushed over to Samuel before he could leave. "Wait! Samuel, I assure you, your sister holds all my secrets, as a token of my feelings and trust." He stepped closer to Samuel to where they were inches apart. "But I know your family is scared to share something with me. Your sister said she'd share with no other than her husband. Would you accept this secret if you were me? I cannot hate someone as sweet as Sage. But how would this secret feel to you if the one you married revealed this to you? I ask because I ask for your sister's hand, to love her completely, and your permission to do so. But if you think you would hesitate in my place, then... dont give your blessing, I dont wish to risk that to her."

 

He stepped back feeling a heaviness in his heart, yet a weight off his shoulders. "Please give this some thought. I'll eagerly await your blessing."

 

Just then there was a soft knock at the door. Gerard's voice came through, "Sire, the meal is ready to be served."

 

"Yes, Gerard, the Prince is with me, we'll alert the Princess." He looked at Samuel, again noting their similarities. "I'll let you have a moment with Sage if you need it. Dinner will be served once you are ready." He stepped out of the room following the butler down the hall.

[Kotorichan]

Relief washed over Samuel as he was told to take him time to answer. He honestly didn't know how he would respond. If Samuel married someone with the same secret as Sage then he wouldn't be upset, surprised maybe but his feelings wouldn't change. But that might just be because he grew up with Sage and saw his twin deal with the fear and pain such a secret brought. Samuel couldn't image how it might seem to an outsider, especially if they refused to listen to the whole story.

 

The prince made his way to Sage's room. He knocked on the door and waited for a moment before stepping inside, frowning slightly when he noticed the princess was fast asleep. "Sage..." He left the door ajar as he walked to his twin's bedside, not wanting to start any rumors. "It's time for dinner..." He gently shook the other's shoulder.

 

Sage slowly awoke with a sleepy whimper. "Samuel..?" A soft gasp escaped his lips and he shot up to a sitting position. "A-ah, I fell asleep? Did I miss dinner?" He stood up and began to smooth out his dress and hair. "I only meant to sit down and rest..."

 

"You didn't sleep through anything, don't worry." Samuel smiled and waited for Sage to finish preening before offering his arm. "Come on, Ezra is waiting."

 

Sage returned the smile and took his brother's arms. The two walked down to the dining room, Samuel keeping a respectable distance between their bodies. He didn't want to tell Sage how bad the rumors were, but if the rumors didn't stop soon it would be impossible to protect the princess from them.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra paced around the dinning table in front of the lowly lit fireplace, anxiously waiting for his two guests to arrive. He suddenly felt warm, uncomfortable, and overdressed, despite knowing it was a cool spring day, the fireplace only providing mild heat and light, he was in his own home as ruler, and he was dressed just as his guests were; for mourning.

 

Gerard off to the side showed his displeasure and numerous times tried to coax his king to sit and relax. Ezra, however could not avoid his concerns that the twins basically held his feelings and reputation in his hands, and he still hand no idea what this dire secret of theirs was. Shame surged through him, to think such things as before might be true. But then again it did allow him to connect with Samuel... unexpectedly. He laughed to himself his comparison of the two. Though different in form certain things were undeniably similar.

 

"Sire," Gerard urged forcefully to snap the young man out of his thoughts. "Your guests." He directed attention to Sage and Samuel.

 

"Please, my honored guests be seated." Ezra guestured to the seats across from each other on either side of his seat. The dishes were already set. His heart was pounding away in his chest, uncertain now more than ever on what exactly to discuss. "I know I took up a lot of each of your times but I hope you both rested well," he smiled at Sage. "We're having a hunter's stew. Maybe its... unsophisticated, but its one of my favorites." He blushed at this revelation as the servers came out with the stew and began serving. Another set of servers arrived with wine and water to fill a glass of each for each. "Don't feel compelled to like any of it. I can always have something else prepared."

[Kotorichan]

Sage took his seat and smoothed out his skirt. "Oh, I do not think I have ever had that before." He smiled up at Ezra. "I am very curious to find out what your favorite meal is like." He took a small sip of his water, doing his best to hide his excitement to be spending an evening with the new king.

 

Samuel sat down across from Sage, staying quiet so that the princess could speak with Ezra. It was nice to see how happy his twin looked. He was still a bit unsure about Ezra, but it was clear that Sage was completely smitten. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he watched Sage's expression. It really seemed that it was inevitable, rejecting a proposal would completely break Sage's heart.

 

"It looks lovely..." Sage murmured, looking over the table. He was clearly waiting for their host to give him some sort of sign that it was appropriate to start eating. It would be rude for a princess to be the first start eating, at least in the twins' homeland it was considered rude. It could also be a bit rude for a guest to start so Samuel was left waiting as well.

 

Sage was doing his best to stay calm and not talk too much. He had let himself relax a bit too much and become very talkative, which wasn't usually a desirable trait in a wife. But it was difficult when he felt so happy and safe around Ezra.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra smiled dreamily over Sage's eager energy over their meal, surprised to see her so talkative and energetic. Usually such a quiet thing, this sudden change was adorable. "You've never had?" He looked at Sage and turned to Samuel as well to confirm that neither had. "Please, please, you must. Can't say you'll love it as I do... but I must say it's a real treat." He smiled sheepishly as he took up his first spoonful. A sigh of satisfaction as he finished his bite. "It's cabbage, differing pork meats, and mushrooms cooked over a very long period. It actually takes a couple of days to be ready. I requested it for your visit special."

 

"After dinner I thought we could have some music back in the garden." He took a sip of his wine, noticing that neither of the twins were touching theirs. He thought about addressing it, but feared that it would feel like he were urging them to consume any. Though he did imagine that Sage would look rather cute with a glass of wine coloring her cheeks. He almost coughed on a sip when the same thought crossed his mind about Samuel. He cursed himself, but there was just something so similar about the two.

 

He looked to Samuel, both with him coming to mind and nervous to leave him unattended or engaged for too long and unintentionally insulting him. "What about you two, what are your favorites? Do you share many?" He continued to eat bites of food. "I'm sure you two get it a lot, but being an only child I'm curious what its been like for you two growing up together. Having family and a friend to grow with."

[Kotorichan]

Samuel began to eat once Ezra did and Sage started shortly after. Sage's eyes lit up once he tasted the food, but he didn't say anything. He wanted to do his best to act properly. He only took small polite bites and chewed slowly, savoring each bite.

 

"That sounds very nice." Samuel smiled politely. "The meal is delicious." He took a sip of his wine, glancing at Sage to give his approval for the princess to drink.

 

Sage took a very small sip of wine, it wasn't often that he was allowed to drink since it might lead to 'unladylike' behavior.

 

"We used to share all our meals when we were children." Samuel explained. "However I have been taking over more of our father's duties. Sage of course has her own lessons in music, sewing, and other such things. So we can only really have dinner together, and sometimes not even that." He tried to hide the sadness in his voice, in a way his twin was already being taken away. He had to quickly move on to keep his composure. "We both enjoy most of our country's traditional foods, I do not know how much you know about such foods. And Sage does have a soft spot for sweets."

 

Sage's cheeks grew pink at the mention of his love for dessert. "I-I do not think I like them anymore than is normal..." He protested.

[SapphireD910]

He couldn't help but note that both had seemed to relax enough to both try their food and their wine. Ezra was definitely not accustomed to hosting, let alone such a small and intimate gathering with such importance and concern for presentation.

 

The new king could tell a bit of melancholy in Samuel's voice as he continued to speak of their shared childhood. It was at the very least apparent that the two were as close as siblings could be and neither was very excited to part, even if he could make Sage happy, it would likely break her heart all the same to be away from her brother. "It sounds lovely to have someone so close and dear to you, grow up and share so many experiences with you. I had a few distant relatives visit with their children, but I'm an only child which meant I entertained myself and my child behavior was quickly unwanted in exchange for behavior becoming of the future king. He only realized as he said it that that had indeed come to be, much sooner than he'd ever let himself consider.

 

Ezra's mood changed and chuckled at Sage's protest, finding them a bit adorable. "It's alright if you do. I used to talk the chefs into sneaking me sweets all the time as a young child. Most of the time they would only give me a little bit of fruit and cream, but sometimes they were making chocolate truffles, and I could hardly keep from pestering them."

 

He turned to Samuel upon further thought. "I'm afraid it has been some time since I did a thorough review of trade and the commerce of neighboring kingdoms. Please, I do wish to know more. In fact if its at all possible I'd like to both share in our custom foods and for I to have some of yours."

[Kotorichan]

Sage smiled as he imaged a young Ezra attempting to steal sweets from the kitchen. He wished that he could tell the man about how he and Samuel would work together to get treats. Usually one would distract the chefs while the other would sneak in and raid the fridge. But such stories would not be appropriate to tell.

 

"I suppose it is a good sign that you do not know much about our country's foods. Since so many of our dishes require ingredients and spices that are difficult to grow in most other countries, it is seen as a sign of status to eat our cuisine in many areas." Samuel let out a soft sign. "I must admit that I do find it a bit annoying that our culture is so often used as a way to show off one's wealth. So I am glad that you are not one who would do such a thing..." He trailed off, noticing the slightly dazed and flushed expression on Sage's face.

 

The princess had been mirroring his brother while drinking his wine. But Samuel was far more accustom to alcohol than Sage and it was clear that the princess was beginning to feel the effects.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra nodded with a level of intrigue, but his thoughts lingered on Sage and the way she smiled. He could sense that something was on her mind but perhaps she felt restrained to certain courtesies and formalities. While Samuel, in contrast, seemed so comfortable speaking and even directing the conversation. Their similarities and differences as twins was tugging at his curiosity.

 

"When you were younger... did people ever, confuse you?" he smiled, feeling it was a silly question, but he wanted to lighten the mood. Plus he had to admit that his wine was putting him at ease, which usually came with a loose tongue at the very least.

 

Thinking about his own state he suddenly noticed Sage's glass was rather low. He tried to suppress a giggle at the pretty but small princess managing to put down so much. "Well you've sampled one thing our kingdom takes great pride in." He raised his glass to signify the wine. "In the spring the maze out there is overgrown with grapes. We also produce a delicious mead. Unfortunately they are fairly sweet and can be too easy to consume for those unaccustomed."

 

"How are you both feeling? Perhaps I should request a small dessert to be served?" He smiled at the princess, not hiding the fact that he was attempting to spoil her a bit with something he now knew she liked.

[Kotorichan]

"Perhaps when we were infants we were confused for one another, but the way we were dressed made it easy to tell us apart." Samuel replied before taking another sip of wine. "Mm... The wine is truly wonderful, I can see what you mean by how easy it is to drink..." He gave Sage a meaningful look.

 

Sage moved his hand away from the glass, instead playing with the napkin in his lap. "Y-yes, it is..." His cheeks flushed a slightly deeper shade of red. His expression brightened at the mention of dessert but he stayed quiet. A proper lady shouldn't be so excited for sweets, it meant that he would probably get fat very soon.

 

"I think dessert would be wonderful..." Samuel said, smiling at Sage's silent reaction.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra tried to contain his smirk at the hints in expressions and tones between the twins, feeling a warmth swirling deep inside him as an observer to the secret world of twins, feeling more at ease from his previous worries and insecurities the longer they could share these exchanges. He could tell that Sage was now avoiding the wine, imagining it was easy for her petite form to be overwhelmed, but still rather cute in his opinion.

 

He let out a slight breathy laugh. "You'd think it'd more easy for you to trick people by swapping clothes," the young king mused with a chuckle before pressing the back of his hand to his lips. "Sorry." He excused himself but still smiled from the influence of the wine even on him. "Though I have noticed with our closer proximity and having you both close to one another... you must have been hard to tell apart for those just glancing. You're remarkably similar, though there are distinct differences." He fell silent looking between them a bit before signaling a servant over and whispering them orders.

 

"This chocolate torte is very rich, but is a good compliment to the wine, especially with the very tart berry sauce. Don't be afraid to enjoy, just take your time." He took a sip of his wine looking at Sage, eyes turning to Samuel. "Then again, it sounds to me you're accustomed to the appreciation of fine foods. I envy you." There was something thick and sweet in his voice at this point. "Are you two still feeling tired?"

[Kotorichan]

"I think it would be lovely to taste the torte, don't you Sage?" Samuel glanced at his sister.

 

Sage nodded and gave Ezra a sweet smile. "And I... I am not too tired if there is something you would like my company for something... O-of course I would not mind retiring to my room if you would prefer to spend time alone or with Samuel." He fidgeted with his napkin, his gaze dropping to the table. He wanted to spend more time with the new king, but it wouldn't do to be too eager.

 

"I feel the same, I would not mind if you wished to spend some more time with Sage." Samuel managed a slight smile, even though it was painful to offer time alone with his twin. He had to let go... Otherwise it would just be more painful.

 

The princess' cheeks went red at the suggestion, he flashed his brother a bright smile before regaining his composure. He gave Ezra a quick, hopeful, glance.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra grinned but tried to hide the fact by tipping his head down toward the table. Sometimes it felt impossible between these two. Sage seeming to want his company, to move forward in this courtship, but too good the princess to fully act on those desires. Maybe Ezra was too friendly with commoners and snuck off to pretend he was one of them that bolder and less formal behaviors still came to mind for him.

 

Then there was Samuel, his wants were almost a mystery, even against his words Ezra couldn't be certain what he was really looking for. He of course could be more outspoken if he wanted, as with Ezra, he was in line to rule and though he still needed to be careful it was more so that certain people needed to be careful around him. The new king, though king already, felt that he was still someone who had to be careful around Samuel. Their wonderful exchange before didn't mean he didn't feel like he was still tip-toeing through a field of glass in order to still have his permissions with Sage. Her brother was still the final blessing after all.

 

His eyes shone bright with a quick glance to Samuel, almost blushing when he met the other's hopeful glance and he turned to Sage with a large smile. "You're company is always a gift princess. Nights like this... especially when we are in times of... remembrance... the castle and garden are illuminated with such beauty for a little time after sunset. You can hardly tell it's night for a time. Just a nice evening walk, especially following the wine, would be very nice." He bit his knuckle to suppress a chuckle looking at the young beauty. Sage's dark complexion was barely hiding the blushing cheeks, eyelids were heavy showing off thick lashes, and he could just imagine the other's skin was warm and sensitive as his always felt after a couple of glasses.

 

Before his thoughts drifted too far in that direction three servings of the tort were presented in front of each of them. "Ah, wonderful... please be honest with me of what you think." Though saying it to both he looked mostly at Sage as he spoke.

[Kotorichan]

Sage's eyes lit up at the sight of dessert, it looked delicious. If Ezra wasn't there he would have started eating right away. But instead he waited until Samuel took a bite.

 

"It's very good." Samuel said, giving his twin a smile. "You should have some Sage."

 

That was enough for Sage to allow himself a small bite. His eyes fluttered closed and a soft sound escaped his lips. It tasted so wonderful. The twin's parents were both very controlling of Sage's diet. They believed that Sage's beauty was their primary concern, at least until the princess was married. Things like dessert were saved for special occasions and only in small portions. So being given such a generous portion made Sage feel like he was in heaven. He silently savored the flavor of the tort as it melted in his mouth.

[SapphireD910]

"Well... " Ezra smiled at the princess in anticipation. "I can make my guesses, but I'd rather let you tell me what you think." He chuckled, clearing hearing the soft hum of appreciation escape her as she savored the smallest of bites. Ezra found himself ignoring his own plate watching Sage endulge.

 

Suddenly he became aware of how strange he might appear barely touching his own dessert that he had spoken so highly of to watch the others eat. Ezra quickly took a bite himself, startling himself in the process at the rich flavor. The chefs were putting in extra effort causing the young king's nerves to shiver a bit at the thought of others trying to make this union. He could taste subtle mixes of chocolate and what seemed to be a berry and liquor flavor added to the cream. The more he analyzed it the more he sought servants to give a judgmental look to express that their efforts were overkill. All the same it was delicious and didn't disappoint, only that it was even more than they typically served. Deep down he supposed it was the special nature of his guests and the recent events mixed, leaving the staff on edge and seeking positive things that could blossom from the visit.

 

He flickered a look to Samuel thinking back to their prior conversation. While he could tell the other man had some hesitation in his offer it all seemed to be out of care for Sage. "So shall I have company for my after dinner walk?"

[Kotorichan]

"It is absolutely exquisite," Sage said brightly. He quickly caught himself from getting too excited. "T-thank you very much." He brushed a loose curl back into place and glanced at Samuel, hoping for permission to join Erza for a walk.

 

It took a moment for Samuel to respond, he didn't want to respond. "Of course..." He said finally. "I am sure that you will prefer if I leave the two of you together. I simply must ask that you do not keep her for too long. I will be unable to sleep until I know that she has returned to her room."

 

Sage's face lit up at the words. "Really?" His cheeks flushed as he noticed his own tone of voice. "I-I apologize, I did not mean to interrupt."

[SapphireD910]

The young king bit his lip to resist his laugh at the siblings' exchange. It seemed a thought he should feel guilty for, but all he could think was that they were cute. It reminded him how he'd often wished for a sibling or someone close of his own age at least.

 

Ezra hadn't realized he was holding his breath in anticipation until he heard Samuel's response. He suddenly smiled brightly at the taller twin. "Don't feel obligated to trouble yourself, you are my guest too." He suddenly stood and bowed to the prince, fully aware how out of place his gesture was but all the same needing to present his best to the other male even now. "I would not keep her long or in any manner that would trouble you or her." He turned to Sage with a soft smile. "A short walk to let things settle before bed." He walked closer to Sage's seat, offering his hand to help her out of her chair.

[Kotorichan]

Sage's cheeks flushed as the king stepped closer. His gaze dropped to the floor for a moment as he tried to hide a smile.

 

"I am glad to hear that..." Samuel bowed his head slightly in thanks. He stood and gave his twin a gentle smile. "Enjoy your walk together."

 

"Thank you Samuel." Sage breathed, lightly taking Ezra's hand. He delicately rose to his feet barely putting any weight on the man's hand. "Please lead the way your majesty." He curtsied lightly. Despite his best efforts to keep composed there was a bright sparkle in his eyes that showed how happy he was to spend time with the other man.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra smiled at Samuel with a small bow, appreciative of his recent trust of him. He then turned his immediate attention back to Sage, noting her cheeks ever so red through the bronze like color of skin. "We are alone once more," he said softly, trying to not make it a detail of concern or draw attention to his joy and relief.

 

He stuck out the crook of his arm for her to grab. "Though you're brother was welcome of course." He averted his eyes trying to make it less obvious that he said the words to be polite, but still preferring this moment as it was. "Though he might find it a challenge to hear me deliver his twin any endearments I can muster in an attempt to truly word feelings." When he felt her touch he resisted his urge to clamp his grip to her limb and not let go. Sage's gentleness was something so comforting to him with the weight of all his nerves.

 

"You're going to love this, I'm certain," he tried to pace his steps, gently leading her to the garden again where they had strolled earlier. Now the yard was shrouded in darkness, but the path and maze twinkled with candles and torches. He looked to the side seeing the faint glow over the princess's features. "Maybe I spoke too highly of it, but it's definitely highlighted the beauty by my side." Turning to face her, heart pounding in his chest, "M'lady... may I kiss you?"

[Kotorichan]

Samuel returned the bow and gave his twin a smile before returning to his room. He was still a bit worried about leaving the two alone, but he knew it was time for him to take a few steps back.

 

Sage happily took the king's arm and leaned up against him. His eyelashes fluttered up towards the man. "Ah... I do enjoy the time we have to be alone together. It seems that you don't have to be quite as formal without Sam here."

 

He followed the other outside, his eyes growing wide at the beautiful sight. "Oh my goodness... It is even more beautiful than you described..." He breathed. His attention was pulled away from the garden as Ezra stepped in from of him. His heart began to pound at the question and his cheeks flushed.

 

"Ah..." Sage dropped his gaze to the ground, trying to hide his embarrassment and excitement. "T-that would make me v-very happy..." He said softly.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra bit his lip. "Do I really make you so happy and yet so nervous?" He let out a small laugh as he reached a hand out to pet the other's cheek softly before leaning down to press their lips together. The contact made a swell of emotions and sensations build up inside of him. He felt an urge to deepen the contact, letting his hand brush over Sage's slender neck.

 

He pressed deeper, wanting to go further. Before daring to part lips to deepen the kiss, he pulled back. A sensation of intoxication filled his senses more than his wine earlier. He could still taste the wine and chocolate now. "I'm so sorry, that was so forward of me..." He didn't know where to look, pulling his hand back by his side. "This walk is to help with the wine and I'm losing my senses and manners instead. The danger of being alone with you." He meant only to tease, but deep down he did feel a lust swimming through him.

[Kotorichan]

"You make me feel all sorts of emotions in ways I never imagined possible..." Sage breathed as the man leaned in closer. He knew it was wrong for him to be enjoying something like this so much. It wasn't right to even be kissing before they were married, but he couldn't help it. The wine had fogged his thoughts to the point where he found himself pressing into the kiss, eager for more.

 

His entire body moved closer against Ezra's as his arms lightly wrapped around the man's shoulders. It felt so good...

 

When Ezra pulled away Sage had to stop himself from leaning in for another kiss. His cheeks were flushed and for a moment he stared up at the other with a dazed expression. Finally the man's words brought him out of his trace and he jerked away, his eyes widening and cheeks turning a bright shade of red. A burning sense of humiliation rose in his chest as he realized what he had done. Did Ezra think that he usually acted like this with men? Or that he was so easy that he might sleep with someone other than his husband? Tears stung at his eyes as the thoughts continued.

 

"P-please excuse me, I-I f-feel a bit faint..." He mumbled, lowering himself in a curtsy. "I-I should return to my r-room."

[SapphireD910]

The young king saw the tears that threatened the princess's eyes, a deep fear rising from the bottom of his gut. "W-wait! Sage... I would never... not until I am your husband. Please believe me." He reached for her hand. "I apologize for making you uncomfortable. Please don't leave me. At least allow me to escort you. Its dark and you've only walked to your room a couple of times."

 

He dropped to his knee still grasping her hand, fearful of letting it go and never holding it again. "Maybe it's too soon. Maybe your brother will seek my head despite what I can only call a blessing earlier." He paused trying to coax their eyes to meet. "Sage... will you marry me?" He gasped for air, not allowing himself a breath since dropping to his knee. He urged her hand to his lips. "I promise until we are married to only put my lips on you in this manner. My hands only to touch yours. Whatever you are comfortable with... just please answer me with a yes."

[Kotorichan]

Sage's hands were shaking as he was grabbed, he didn't know what to expect. His mind was so overcome by panic that he couldn't think straight. His fear slowly melted as the man smoke to him with such kind words and he allowed their eyes to meet.

 

His cheeks turned bright red and his eyes widened at the man's next words. "Y-your h-highness..." His legs went weak and he allowed himself to crumple to his knees so he was on the same level as Ezra. "I-I cannot formally accept your request... N-neither can Samuel, y-you will have to ask my father... However..." He smiled shyly, squeezing the man's hands. "I-I can say that nothing would make me happier than to accept."

[SapphireD910]

Ezra's features mixed with uncertainty and rejection at first at the realization that of course, the princess would need the twins' father's blessing as well. He had to control his breath with the growing impatience inside of him. Panic rushed over him when he watched the princess collapse into a heap in front of him. "Sage!" However, his features melted into a heated gaze with a rush of relief at her following words. "You wish to accept my proposal?"

 

The young king's features split with a wide smile, pulling Sage's hands held in each of his up to his lips. "You can't give me such hope and expect me not to see you as my bride already." He feared to remove his lips from her knuckles that he'd only desire to press his lips further along her skin.

 

"L-Let me escort you back to your room. It is becoming so late and I should not keep you out," he voice was deep and lustful. Sage's perfume was suddenly stronger than he recalled, tickling his nostrils. Her eyes were sparkling in the small sources of light. He could faintly see the rosey color on her bronze cheeks. "I need time to calm myself." Ezra was sure he was blushing at this point.