As the evening approached, Lucas felt his excitement grow. He took one last look in the mirror, straightening his clothes and taking a deep breath to steady himself. When the time finally came, Agatha escorted him to the The table was set with elegant dishes, and flower petals were scattered artfully across the tablecloth. As Lucas stepped into the garden, he was struck by the beauty of the scene before him. Lanterns hung from the branches of nearby trees, casting a soft, golden glow over the space. The gentle scent of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the aroma of the exquisite meal set on the table.
Prince Aric stood waiting by the table, his gaze fixed on Lucas with a warmth that made Lucas's heart race. Dressed in a deep, midnight-blue suit, Aric looked regal and breathtaking, the moonlight catching the angles of his face, softening his usual stern expression.
As Lucas approached, Aric offered him a hand, guiding him to his seat with a soft smile. "You look beautiful tonight, Lucas," he murmured, his voice low and filled with admiration.
Lucas felt his cheeks warm under the prince's gaze. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he replied, shyly lowering his eyes.
They settled into their seats, and the meal began. The atmosphere was light, and they shared small smiles and laughter between bites, each moment filled with a sense of quiet intimacy. Aric seemed more relaxed than Lucas had ever seen him, his usual reserved demeanor replaced by an ease that made Lucas's heart ache in the best way.
When the meal was finished, Aric set his utensils down and leaned forward, his eyes meeting Lucas's with an intensity that silenced everything else around them. "Lucas," he began, his tone soft yet serious. "There's something I need you to know."
Lucas's breath caught as he watched the prince, waiting.
"You've become so much more to me than I ever expected," Aric continued, reaching across the table to take Lucas's hand in his. "You've brought warmth and light into my life, things I never thought I could feel again. And I don't want to lose that… to lose you."
Lucas's heart pounded as Aric's fingers tightened around his, the prince's sincerity evident in his every word. "Your Majesty… I feel the same," he whispered, emotion thickening his voice. "I never thought I'd find myself here, with you, feeling… this."
Aric smiled, his gaze softening. "Then how about we get married when I return from my journey."
Lucas's eyes widened, surprise and joy flooding through him. "But I haven't yet bared your child my lord, how possibly can I be next to you equally without giving you an heir yet my lord." He replied.
Aric's expression softened even more, and he reached up to gently brush a strand of hair from Lucas's face. "Then how about we go make one." He teased.
Lucas lowered his head, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink. He felt his heart race at Aric's words, the teasing yet tender suggestion sending a thrill through him that he couldn't deny.
"Your Majesty," he murmured, his voice soft with a mixture of shyness and excitement. He raised his gaze to meet Aric's, a hesitant smile playing at his lips. "I… I'm yours, whatever you wish."
Aric's smile grew, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. He gently lifted Lucas's chin, meeting his gaze with a look that held both tenderness and a hint of mischief. "Then come," he said softly, guiding Lucas by the hand. "Let's make tonight one we'll never forget."
They walked together toward the privacy of Aric's chambers, each step building the anticipation between them. Inside, with only the soft glow of candlelight illuminating the room, Aric wrapped his arms around Lucas, pulling him close. Their eyes met, and in that moment, words felt unnecessary.
Aric pressed his lips to Lucas, kissing him softly at first, then growing more heated as they melted into one another. It was as if the fire that burned between them could no longer be contained, their bodies pressing close, their tongues exploring one another hungrily. Aric felt a stirring within him, a need to feel every inch of Lucas, to know the warmth of his skin against his own.
Lucas gasped, the heat between them building until it threatened to consume them both. He pulled away slightly, his eyes dark with desire, his breathing ragged. He gazed at Aric for a long moment, then slowly sank to his knees before him.
He looked up at Aric, his eyes filled with a mixture of shyness and desire. Without speaking, he reached up and slowly began to unfasten Aric's tunic, his fingers trembling slightly. He slid the garment off of him, revealing his muscular chest and torso. He gazed at him for a moment, taking in the sight of him.
Aric smiled, reaching out to gently stroke Lucas's cheek. "You're beautiful," he murmured. "And mine. All mine."
Lucas flushed, his breath hitching at the touch of Aric's fingers on his face. "Yours," he whispered. "Forever, if you'll have me."
Aric's eyes darkened with desire. "Forever," he murmured, pulling Lucas closer. "You're all I've ever wanted."
Lucas let out a soft moan as Aric's lips claimed his once again. He pressed his body against him, wanting to feel his bare skin against his own. He could feel Aric's desire, could feel how much he wanted him.
They were lost in the moment, caught up in the heat between them. There was no more room for doubt, for hesitation, only the knowledge that this was right, that they were meant to be together.
Aric ran his hands down Lucas's body, feeling his hardness, his desire. He knew Lucas was ready, that he wanted this as much as he did. He took a deep breath and let his fingers slide into Lucas's breeches, his touch gentle yet firm.
Lucas shivered at the sensation, his breathing shallow and rapid. He felt himself being guided to the bed, the soft sheets cool against his skin. Aric kissed him deeply, his fingers working deftly to remove the rest of Lucas's clothing. Lucas closed his eyes, losing himself in the moment.
Aric moved over him, his hands exploring every inch of Lucas's body. He could feel Lucas's arousal, his need. His own need grew, a fire burning within him, threatening to consume him.
Lucas gasped as Aric entered him, the sensation nearly overwhelming him. Aric's thrusts were slow and gentle at first, allowing him to adjust to the new sensation. But as Lucas relaxed and began to move with him, the rhythm grew faster and deeper.
The sounds of pleasure escaping their lips filled the room, and Lucas gripped the sheets tightly, his body arching beneath Aric's. The intensity was almost too much, but he didn't want it to end. He wanted this moment to last forever.
As the pleasure built within them, their movements became more urgent, their bodies straining against one another. They clung to each other, as if afraid to let go.
Aric felt his release building, and he gripped Lucas tightly, his eyes never leaving his. "I love you," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion.
"I love you, too," Lucas breathed.
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As the days of Prince Aric departure got closer They spent all nights together lost in their own desires, savoring the last few days they got together. As each evening faded into night, Lucas and Aric held each other close, seeking comfort and connection in every moment they shared. They found solace in each other's embrace, as if time itself slowed just for them. Every whispered word, every touch, held a meaning that words alone couldn't express.
One evening, as they lay together under the dim light, Lucas rested his head on Aric's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "Will you promise to write to me every day?" he asked softly, tracing gentle patterns along Aric's arm.
Aric smiled, running his fingers through Lucas's hair. "Every day," he replied, his voice a quiet promise. "And every word will be just for you, a reminder that no distance could keep you from my thoughts."
Lucas tightened his hold on him, feeling the ache of impending separation already. "I'll be waiting for your letters. And I'll keep them close, as close as I keep you here." He touched his heart, his gaze filled with emotion.
Aric tilted Lucas's chin up, their eyes meeting. "I'll be back before you know it, and when I return…" He paused, a soft smile curving his lips. "We'll start our life together. Properly. As consorts, as partners… and maybe as parents, if the stars are kind."
...…
Days turned into weeks, and each time Lucas met with the doctor, he found himself brimming with hope, only to feel it shatter with the familiar, dreaded words: "I'm sorry, sire, but there's no sign of pregnancy." The emptiness that followed each disappointment felt heavier than the last, a constant reminder of his inability to fulfill the role he so wanted to embrace for Aric.
As he returned to his chambers after yet another appointment, Lucas sank onto his bed, his fingers clutching the edges of his tunic as he fought back tears. He had always known he didn't come from nobility, that he lacked the refined bloodline or esteemed lineage expected of someone in his position. But he had hoped that, at the very least, he could give Aric a child—a symbol of their union that would mean something to both of them.
Agatha entered quietly, her face soft with sympathy. She'd seen the sorrow etched in Lucas's expression each time he returned, and today was no different. She moved to sit beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You know, sire," she began gently, "there's more to being a consort than bearing an heir."
Lucas shook his head, his voice choked. "But this is what Aric wanted. And I wanted to give him this… a part of us, a future together. Without it, I'm not… enough."
"His highness chose you because he saw something special in you," Agatha said firmly, squeezing his shoulder. "A future with you isn't dependent on just a child. He chose you because he loves you."
Lucas looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. "What if that love fades because I can't give him what he deserves?"
Agatha's gaze softened as she brushed a tear from his cheek. "True love doesn't fade over something like this. And when he returns, I know he'll tell you that himself."
Lucas took a shaky breath, nodding slowly. Despite the ache in his heart, Agatha's words brought him a small measure of comfort. He could only hope that, when Aric returned, his love would indeed prove stronger than the expectations they both carried.
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Later that same Evening in Aric's chambers as he looked through his stuff making sure he was ready for tomorrow's journey Lucas sat on the bed his eyes the prince every move, as he looked at him he couldn't help but feel disappointed in himself.
Aric glanced over his shoulder and noticed Lucas sitting silently on the edge of the bed, his gaze following him with a sadness he couldn't ignore. Setting down the items he was packing, Aric walked over and sat beside him, gently placing a hand on Lucas's knee.
"You seem distant tonight," Aric said softly, his thumb tracing small circles on Lucas's leg. "Is there something on your mind?"
Lucas hesitated, biting his lip as he looked down, unable to meet Aric's eyes. "I… I just feel like I've let you down," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aric's brows knitted in confusion. "How could you possibly think that?" he asked, reaching to tilt Lucas's chin up so he could look into his eyes. "You've done nothing but bring me happiness, Lucas."
Lucas swallowed hard, his emotions barely in check. "But I haven't been able to give you what you deserve. A future… an heir. I know how important that is, and I just…" His voice broke as he struggled to continue. "I'm afraid you'll regret choosing me."
Aric's expression softened, and he cupped Lucas's face with both hands, his eyes searching Lucas's with a deep, unwavering affection. "Bearing a child is not an easy process, it will come in due time. But if the stars don't allow it then it's fine you don't need to give me an heir."
"But you will leave me and find someone who can provide you an heir."
Aric shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "Lucas, I wouldn't dream of it. I chose you, not because of what you can or can't give me, but because of the person you are. If an heir was all I wanted, there were countless others I could have chosen from the beginning. But none of them could ever be you."
Lucas looked down, fighting back a mixture of relief and lingering doubt. "But… what about the future of the kingdom?" he murmured. "They expect you to have a successor, someone to carry on your legacy. I don't want to be the reason you're burdened with their disappointment."
Aric's hand gently lifted Lucas's chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. "I don't care what they expect. They may talk and question, but my legacy is not defined by heirs alone. My legacy is also defined by the life I choose to live, the love I choose to embrace, and the person I choose to stand beside me." His thumb gently traced Lucas's cheek. "And that's you, Lucas. Only you."
Lucas felt tears pricking at the corners of his eyes, and his voice trembled as he spoke. "You mean it? Even if… even if I can never…?"
Aric leaned forward, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss to Lucas's forehead. "Yes. Even then." He wrapped his arms around Lucas, holding him close as if to protect him from all the doubts weighing on his heart. "All I ask is that you don't give up on us, Lucas. I need you by my side, and I won't let anything come between us."
They stayed in each other's embrace, Lucas's fears melting into the warmth and certainty of Aric's arms.
TBC