Metas was nervous - far more than he should have been. Fighting? No issue. Diplomacy? Fine.
...A speech in front of the entire kingdom? No thank you.
He paced back and forth and tried to memorize the well-written decree someone had done for him, but his lack of proper speech or having practice being in the spotlight of high society was something that was affecting him.
"Hey, you're going to wear a hole in the carpet if you keep up your walking, you know." Ajax said from the large dresser where he was adjusting his red suit with white trimmings, and tightened his golden tie. His fine, grey hair had grown out a bit in the recent weeks - but just like Metas, he had pulled it back and tucked his small ponytail into a neat, slick loop to make it look nice and fancy.
Truthfully, both males couldn't wait to take off these very tight and uncomfortable clothes.
"I'm nervous... I wanted to say it perfectly for Mandy...." Metas answered pathetically.
"Ah, baby brother; you know she's going to love your words no matter how you say them." He reassured the large male of the two of them, despite their age difference.
"....By the way," Ajax tacked on with self consciousness. "...Can you see like... blonde streaks in my hair? I feel like I'm looking more and more like Silas...."
The Alpha laughed and hugged his brother tight to him and then clapped his hand on his shoulder. "You should look at it this way - you look like mother, not Silas."
"Huh. Well shit, that put things into perspective. So, you can put that worry easily for me, but you're worried about a speech? Really?" Ajax asked incredulously and stuck his lower lip out in a fake pout. "My existential crisis should not have been easier to handle than your speech conundrum."
"You are right. Is just speech, not a worry. Besides...I suppose it is part of me. Not being taught how to write or read well wasn't helpful, and despite that - am still here." Metas grinned and nodded. "We're still here." He corrected immediately.
"Exactly, baby bro."
"....You aren't going to stop calling me that, are you?"
"Nope! Are you kidding me? Not only are we best friends, but I'm your older brother - I have full rights to pick on you ---are you okay?" Ajax read Metas' face as it fell into despair.
"Mandy..."
"Is she okay? What happened now!?" The peridot-eyed male was so paranoid now that any mention of something being off sent his heart into terrible palpitations.
"She's fine...I think she is thinking about Syrana. The pain is heavy, yet...good...relieving. All is well. Lara is with her, and I am sure will help her recover."
"Ah, yep - I'm getting corresponding feelings." The older sibling pointed out as he felt Lara's stress and worry melt into sincerity and love.
"All good?" Metas asked.
"Yeah, all good. I'm sure they'll come and get us any time now to start the ceremony. Lara will kill us both if we go to see them. She's really serious about all this wedding stuff. She said she doesn't want to take a chance on ruining our future because the past was so rough."
"That sounds like Lara. Perhaps her superstitions have been right all along? Maybe we are the fools," the Alpha joked - but felt a twinge of truth in his words, too.
"Well, if you ask her she'd say yes, and since she is pregnant right now, I'll agree to anything she tells me. Holy shit, she's scary when she is upset right now." Ajax looked off to the void briefly as if remembering something very recent.
"Haha! It can't be all that bad. Surely are good parts to it, yes?"
"...Okay, yes... She's in heat constantly and can't keep her hands off of me. HOWEVER - getting her what she wants when she craves it has not been fun, and upsetting her is more unpleasant than the war."
"All I heard was hands all over you, which outweighs all the bad stuff." Metas jested.
"...Whatever, Mets. Wait until Myranda gets pregnant and you have to walk on eggshells in order to avoid being destroyed by her mere glare."
"I think you're being over-dramatic."
"I think you're just under-experienced in the matter."
Then, both mature, fully-grown males stuck their tongues out at each other briefly before they both laughed and enjoyed the moment together.
Sure, they had bonded to their mates, and yes they had shiny rings - but this was going to be 'it'. Dignitaries had been invited. Vincent was waiting in his own room waiting to be Metas' Best Man. Papers were ready to be signed, and crowns to be put on. There would be no running now - even if they wanted to, this was important for both royal siblings - and would be a big representation of their leadership.
It all had to go well. It all had to be perfect.
Most importantly the impression they made all had to last beyond today, tomorrow, and the years to come.
With the wives they were lucky to have, they both had nothing to worry about.
Despite that, the knock on the door made both of their stomachs twist and turn to the door with anticipation.
"Alright you two, let's go. The ladies are almost done, so we need to take our places before they get there." Joss said as he poked his head into the room.
"Have any other royal families arrived?" Metas asked with worry.
"Yes - a lot of them, actually. Queen Adelaide is here all the way from the Chimera Lands - she even brought a few gifts."
"Ah, shit..." the Alpha cursed softly.
"It's going to be fine. If anyone says anything, we'll put them in their places immediately. It doesn't matter what they think. What matters is what our kind thinks of us - and they are very happy right now. So those high and mighty assholes can go smell their own shit elsewhere." Ajax reassured him and shook his brother briefly as if to cheer him on.
"I agree with him, and must insist you stop worrying about it, and get down to the altar before Lara and Myranda see you in the hallway. Come on - outoutoutout." Joss insisted and opened the door wider and gestured into the hallway that was swarming with helpers and employees of the palace.