Encircled by cold white snow, the capital looked serene as if this city wasn't the one that would be bustling with gossip and shouts of cheering children. Gentlemen walking sideways with elegance, from brothel women whistling at the walking gentlemen who would turn red due to shyness. For a long time, everything was chilly and silent. But today it is not still. The beautiful well-built buildings are now covered in flake. Aaron wearing a depth black robe led the enthusiastic soldiers behind him in the capital. Right after their stepping a thunderous cheering went aimlessly. Whispers could be heard. Parents were tearing up watching their son return intact without any injuries. The fact that with General Danniel none of the soldier die was very admirable.
"Ah, look at the young General! He is so handsome. Ayia, look at his perfect strong body. He is still very young."
"Don't just look at his face. He brought countless victories to our country. This time, South Shenoy wouldn't have been well rescued if not for General. I'm his long-time fan."
"Yeah, I heard General having a special soft place for ladies. Is that true?"
"Yeah, whosoever marries him would be a very lucky girl."
"Huh, what girl? Our General won't have any women, you don't know that General is our Crown Princess."
"What!!!" The middle-aged man cried out and shook his head moaning depressed, "Ayia, the era has changed. The new generation changes the liaison. I'm very old to understand this. Ah."
The young man at his side snickered, "What new generation changing romantic way? Huh, the third king also had a male queen. Have you ignored it?"
The old man scratched his bald head and sigh walking away, "I'm so old to remember anything. You can't reproach me for it."
The ladies were still peeking shying gazes toward Aaron and the man was too. But Aaron had his eyes glued on the golden-dressed substantial figure far away. Ace standing at the front gate of the palace saw everything. He wanted to run and hide Aaron, but he couldn't. He is now the king; his manners should be elegance not gauche. Likewise, he already waited for so long a little more wouldn't make any difference. But he seemed to underestimate his patients.
Aaron approached him in a beat as he kneeled and greeted, "Long live your majesty." He didn't look up to him. It's considered rude to do so.
Ace who was a while ago prepared to be elegant stood dumbbell saying nothing. How should he behave? Should he say something like a monarch or just take him away? He stood perplexed.
The courtier felt baffled seeing the king not reacting. He saw, a moment ago, apparent happiness and eagerness on his face. Then what happened? Is the emperor shy? But why?
The courtier at his side spoke, "His Majesty has a cold. It's uncomfortable to speak. General Daniel, don't take it to heart."
Aaron said without much thought, "How can it be? I'm okay. The majesty has to take care of his health."
His personality is very reserved. He felt bitterness. Ace didn't seem like want to speak at all. Did Ace miss him? Is there a shift of heart? Is he displeased? But why? He wanted to say more, but it appeared very awkward, so he shut his mouth and didn't say anything.
Ace however felt sad as he asked, "You remember your promise, right?"
Aaron reflective asked, "What promise?" but he regretted it right after saying it. He doesn't remember, but Ace appeared so gloomy that Aaron wants to go back and jump from the mountain. Should he hug him and kiss him to appease him? Would he be angry with him? Would he accept him? What's he forgetting? Do I have amnesia?
The air turned awkward, the General has a complex look, and Ace is sad. After a while when the tea was about to be frozen, Ace said appearing pitiful, "You don't remember our marriage promise."
Suddenly everything stopped. The ministers and the eunuch. All of them who had praises at the tip of their tongue stopped.
Aaron "…" Who thought so many possibilities himself.
Courtier "…" Who thought The King was sheepish?
Aaron took a moment to process his thought and saw Ace changing his facial expression like puzzled. He said softening his voice, "I remember."
How can he forget his first marriage of two lifetimes? He was very keen to meet him, and he overlooked the commitment. Ace smiled cheerfully. He threw away all elegance he was maintaining. The Ministers felt elated seeing Ace smile. He hasn't had a hint of joy since the death of King and Queen. Remembering those moments, they felt sad.
Ace held Aaron's hand and said to the still-shocked Courtier, "I'm returning with the General. Reward every soldier and make arrangements for them."
He didn't wait to reply and walked away tugging Aaron towards the biggest and most comfortable imperial carriage. His action stunned the officials and citizens, but soon they disperse having thought of their immense love. They still remember the heart-touching confession of the King.
'No one can give him what Daniel can. If he can get him in exchange for his crown, then he can give up the crown too.' This love confession is spread across Shenoy.
In the carriage, Aaron isn't given a chance to speak. His lips were covered by Ace. Several minutes later they separated. Just returned Aaron was all flustered as he said maintaining his unstable breathing, "I want to say something, give me some time, okay?"
Ace darted his flushed cheeks and misty eyes. Both were panting and the fog from their breath is dancing between them. He could barely restrain himself. He let out gasping, "Sorry I was so excited."
Ace took him in his embrace and closed his eyes and made stable breathing. Aaron said taking a deep breath, "I miss you."
Aaron felt like a blockhead, he chuckled saying, "Ace I missed you so much." Looking straight into his black eyes, "All these six months seemed like a century. I missed you when eating, drinking, and sleeping. It's as if you were there with me. The breeze, moon, and sun remind me of your existence." He said in one puff looking stupor. Like a child telling the parents about his day without them. "At that moment I just wanted to see you, feel you, and embrace you. I'm so happy that I finally met you-" I was looking forward to meeting you every single day. He wanted to complete his words, but he failed.
Ace interrupted him saying, he hugged him closed, "Don't say anymore. You're driving me crazy. I wanted to say something too but…" If you say everything, what would I say? I also missed you too, okay? He didn't say the last sentence.
The carriage was silent. It would have been normal for others to say this. But to these two it isn't. Because they never had an intimate relationship with anyone before. So, sugary words like this they never uttered before.
Aaron smiled slightly as he patted the grown-up King in his embrace. He said, "I couldn't stop myself. I was desperately waiting for this moment. You know what, my happiness can't be reserved now. Missed you so much."
Ace said choking, "I missed you too." so much that he ended up going half away to the south. But the moniker of King and his responsibility couldn't let him go all the way to meet Aaron. He was helpless and angry at that time.
Ace said, "I heard you were yearned by Barbarians. Is that true?" He said and poked at his shoulders making Aaron frown in pain.
"Hiss, it hurts." Aaron made a painful expression making Ace terrified, "They said you were fine. What happened to your shoulders? Can't you stay unharmed for some time?"
Hearing his nagging Aaron smiled shocking Ace with his handsomeness. He stuck out his red tongue pressed by his cherry-like lips. With an emoticon, expression said, "I was joking. Don't stare at me like this."
Ace didn't react for a long time. He stared and stared. His heart seemed like thumbing out. His mind became disheveled. Sudden heat developed in his body. But when he was just close enough to take action, Aaron said, "Let's go fast. I want to eat something good. I'm exhausted of this long journey."
He finished saying and started dozing off. His eyelashes flattered. Ace wanted to devour him right away, but he didn't want to disturb him. He had worked tirelessly for six months. Thinking about the reason for his work Ace felt ardency. He took Aaron in his embrace and let him rest in a comfortable position.