marlowemuses | Fools in Love, for gentry

"I dreamed of Castle Cove," he said, turning so that he could press himself against his fiance. "Ah—that's the castle that was built along the ocean, just inside our borders. The Raven King had wanted a private place to take his lover so he had it constructed out of one of the caves inside a private cove. It was where they went after their marriage and they traveled there every year after. It's said that sirens live in those waters."

Gansey closed his eyes, "In the dream, I was showing you the castle. I took you down into the cave it was built out of and we sat together, watching the waves, from lover's rock. The Raven King cut out the stone into a seat for two when his lover commented that he would love to watch the sea from there."

"I think we can make that come true," Laurent said, tangling their legs together. "Tell me more about this lover of his. Someone beautiful? Did they prove loyal?"

He wanted to get up and start their day, determined to tour the city today, but cuddling with Gansey was a far more tempting prospect, and it was proving nearly impossible to detach from his beloved.

"Yes and yes," Gansey answered happily, more than happy to talk about history, even if some of it was fairytales. "Very beautiful. Story goes that when our King first saw him, he tripped over his own shoes and fell right on his face in front of the entire court. And seeing such a clumsy act charmed his future lover instantly."

Peeking up at Laurent, he continued, "And very loyal. When The Raven King was poisoned by one of his enemies, his lover hunted down the rare ingredients needed to make the antidote, and then beheaded the one who had poisoned him with his own sword."

Yawning, Gansey finally pulled himself up, much as he wanted to remain in bed.

"What would you like to do today?"

Laurent's mind worked differently. He immediately wondered whether this beautiful, ambitious lover had himself carried out the murder. In either version, the supposed guilty party would have been someone with a claim on the throne. If it had been him, if he'd had neither Gansey nor power, Laurent would have been glad to seduce a king in exchange for safety and comfort. He wondered whether he would have been willing to kill.

He liked the story, despite his doubts. He liked that the lover had been male, and liked the love story aspects that Gansey told. He loved the story because Gansey loved it.

"I think we should go into the city. Your people ought to see us. The court has seen me and been adequately charmed by us, but your people have only rumors that a beautiful foreign prince arrived. You promised me a tour, and I wouldn't mind a bit of shopping."

Kissing Gansey's cheek, Laurent got up. He considered the clothing that he had available, and grimaced. He didn't want to wear his own clothing--now wrinkled from lying on the floor--or the outfit from yesterday--similarly neglected--but his new outfits had yet to be delivered. After a moment's consideration, he borrowed a set from Gansey, even though the belt was on the tightest hook and the shirt draped around him. "I suppose we should stop by the tailor first to see if he has completed anything."

Gansey soon followed, stretching his arms over his head as he glanced out the window at the town in the distance. "Quite right. I have no doubt that the people will be similarly charmed." Laurent, after all, was very charming. A tour and shopping it would be. It would be nice to spend a day out of the castle.

Dressing, he glanced at Laurent, giving a nod of agreement. "Knowing him, he was probably up all night sewing the most fashionable clothes he could think of. At least one piece must be ready."

With a short laugh he plucked at the shoulders of the shirt Laurent had donned, "But you do look very cute in my clothes."

Reaching for his satchel, Gansey drew the strap over his shoulder and headed for the door. "Let's see what the tailor has to surprise us with, hm?"

When they arrived at the tailor's rooms, they discovered that Gansey's guess had been correct. The bags under the man's eyes told them that he hadn't slept, but he was clearly too excited to show his new model the brand new selection of clothes for him to wear. Shades of blue, browns, and a few greens as it was the traditional color. Pants, vests, tunics, so much that Gansey laughed.

"You've never made me so many stylish outfits." Which got a snort from the tailor and a, "You never wanted them."

"Which would you like to wear today?" Gansey asked his fiance, looking quite amused.

Before they left the privacy of Gansey's rooms, Laurent caught his elbow briefly. "We'll want to be circumspect. Many of the people will know how short our acquaintance has been. Were I among them, I would be suspicious of any beautiful prince who had charmed you so thoroughly in such a short time, especially if I knew of Vere's reputation. Everyone should be charmed by us seeming flirtatious and infatuated, but not much more than that."

Watching Gansey's eyes briefly, earnest because it was now his job to monitor Gansey's public appearance, Laurent smiled and stole a kiss. He made it a deep one, to help tide them both over for a day of more chaste and flirtatious kisses.

Eyes wide at the array in the tailor's rooms, Laurent blushed with pleasure. "They're lovely. I didn't mean to make you push yourself so."

He consulted with the tailor as to the selection, though he was perfectly capable of choosing for himself. A day in the city, walking and shopping amongst the people. This one? I trust to your expertise.

Stepping behind a provided screen, Laurent dressed quickly, feeling much more comfortable in fashionable, tailored clothes that had been designed just for him. Much though he enjoyed wearing Gansey's clothing and getting called 'cute'. He gave Gansey a smile as he stepped out from behind the screen. "What do you think?"

Much as Gansey hated the idea of not proudly proclaiming just how much he adored his future husband, he agreed, merely biting his lip to express his displeasure at it. It was understandable—they hadn't know each other before this arrangement, and while the Queen had no issue with their obvious growing affection, the people would be more protective over their future king. Especially since he was known to be idealistic and want to trust.

Clothes were a good distraction. When Laurent stepped out from behind the screen, Gansey grinned, clearly charmed. "Very nice," he said as he stepped around his fiance to get a look at the back. "The colors suit you, and the clothes fit well. You'll be the most striking man in town."

Stepping back, "How do they feel?" Looks were one thing. Comfort was another. The day would be long and if they weren't comfortable, it would feel even longer.

"They're lovely. It's wonderful to have clothes fitted to me, of course, and your fashion is quite a bit more comfortable than my Veretian styles." Laurent smiled at Gansey and took his arm, giving earnest thanks to the tailor for all his hard work.

"Will we be taking a carriage?" Laurent asked, as they made their way out of the palace. It was a gentle suggestion--it would have been by far the best option for touring Vere's capitol, as horses would be too high-strung and difficult in a busy city, and the city was too large to walk. He didn't, however, know the Raven Kingdom's capitol, and trusted to Gansey's judgement.

Normally when Gansey did go into town he took his horse to the outer stables and then walked it, but that wasn't the best idea for touring. That was when he was hanging out at the local tavern or meeting up with some men his age that he'd befriended. Not appropriate for a formal escort, and introducing the people to Laurent.

"I think that would be a good idea" he agreed, leaning in to give Laurent a soft kiss on the cheek. "I'm sure the people would love to see your carriage. They love excitement." Even if theirs was a more tame capitol, it would still be too much for horses.

Slipping his hand into Laurent's, he gave his fiance's hand a squeeze.

"Shall we go?"

Laurent nodded, gladly clasping Gansey's hand. He trusted to his lead as they made their way downstairs and climbed into the carriage prepared for them.

His demeanor cooled, and then shifted into something more sparkling and crystalline as they climbed into the carriage. Aware of being watched, his flirtation became more performance, every move and every statement designed to play his part. It was still Laurent, still his humor and flirtation, but the true Laurent was locked away, and his smiles rarely spilled into laughter.

Likewise, Gansey donned a new outward persona. His eccentrics and small, genuine smiles were swiftly covered by a dazzling grin and all around genial attitude. For the sake of his kingdom he was always effortlessly polite, gallant, and kingly. On an official outing he could be seen as nothing less.

As their carriage passed by the people on the outskirts of the capitol stopped what they were doing and waved, excited to see an official royal outing, and Gansey waved back. The epitome of princeliness in the eyes of the people, they were dazzled, and equally dazzled when they saw the incredibly beautiful man in the carriage beside their eventual king.

It's Prince Richard! The shouts became more and more frequent and were quickly joined with curiosities about his new fiance.

They stopped frequently, often on Laurent's insistence, so that he could accept flowers and small gifts from the people. He gave golden Veretian coins in return, which were treated like precious marvels, and when he was asked to bless children, he did so with perfect earnestness.

They made a little better progress once they reached the actual city, though a crowd gathered outside of the little coffee shop where they stopped for breakfast. Laurent greeted the crowd and waved, staying pressed against Gansey's side with hints of shyness that he allowed to show through his kindness and charm.

After that, they got to visit some of the artisans of the city. Laurent was delighted by everything, making several purchases that he wanted to send back to family and acquaintances in Vere. He was particularly charmed by a carver who specialized in jewelry boxes and interlocking wooden puzzles. Taking the puzzles apart was one challenge, and then putting them back together was exponentially harder. "Gansey," Laurent said, laughing and trying to hold a half-deconstructed wooden puzzle as he attempted to put it back together. "Help."

Edited 2016-10-15 06:56 (UTC)

Gansey was thrilled that the people were so taken with his fiance. Not that he had been worried—Laurent was charming, kind, and handsome. At Gansey's side the people felt more comfortable approaching him, so they did, and were not disappointed with what they found.

And how he loved showing Laurent around the capitol he so adored. There was much to see, and the artisans were just one stop. Trying his own hand at the puzzle box, Gansey laughed, shaking his head after a good five minutes trying to figure it out.

"Maybe if you gave me a few hours," he laughed, bowing to the craftsman. "Your boxes are very well made, my good sir." The craftsman blushed bright red and thanked them both, flattered and shy in front of two handsome princes.

"Would you like one?" Gansey asked his lover, looking at him with affection. "My treat."

"No, thank you," Laurent said, kissing Gansey's cheek. "As lovely as they are, I don't think I have that sort of patience. I'd like to send one to a contact of mine in Vere, though. I'm sure it will make him swear very colorfully for a day or two."

Laurent paid for that, leaving instructions with the artisan for its delivery, and then dragged Gansey on to the next shop. He picked up a single sapphire earring for his pierced ear, pleased with how it captured the light, and gave Gansey a playful little smirk. "What do you think?"

Gansey very much liked being dragged. The shop had several lovely pieces of jewelry, but he had to admit that sapphire looked the most striking against Laurent's fair skin and light eyes.

"It suits you," Gansey answered, admiring the complimentary color. "Does having a pierced ear mean anything in Vere, or is it another kind of fashion?" he asked, curiously. Gansey had no piercings or anything of the like.

Browsing, his fingers skimmed over a bracelet with emeralds, and admiring some precious stones that had been attached to rope.

"It does, somewhat. It's fashionable that nobles don't wear much jewelry, but that they drape their pets in glittering gems. I wore an earring more often when I was younger. I suppose I could start whatever fashion I pleased here, if I liked." Laurent tilted his head, leaving the sapphire in for the time being. "And here? Is there any significance to me wearing this, if it pleases me?"

"Oh, that's just fashion here," Gansey confirmed as they moved through the wares, admiring what was offered. "We export a lot of jewelry because many of our people excel in making. So wearing it doesn't mean much outside of enjoying it."

Laurent would look marvelous in any of the necklaces, gems, and rings there were, Gansey thought. "There's meaning behind wearing your lover's jewelry though," he continued. "And different implications depending on how you wear it. It's actually an excellent way to know the romantic state of affairs at court."

"Oh, tell me all about that," Laurent said, returning the earring to its place with only a slight pang of regret. "That sounds both valuable and fascinating." Smiling flirtatiously, Laurent browsed through some more of the wares, often asking questions about the stones and the artisan's process. Picking up a jeweled tiara, he set it on Gansey's head with a playful grin. "That's very becoming."

Gansey looked in one of the mirrors at his reflection and laughed joyously, giving Laurent a flirtatious wink. "I do look dashing, don't I?" It sparkled as though joining in his humor. Delicately, he raised it off his head and placed it on Laurent's instead.

"For the prince of my heart," he teased.

"Anyway—it's a big deal for a lover to give their beloved jewelry. Particularly if it's a piece that belong to them before passing it on. To wear your lover's ring on your finger is obvious. When you wear it on a chain around your neck, it means you're in a spat."

Trying a handsome bracelet against his wrist, the prince continued, "Wearing your lover's necklace wrapped around your wrist means that you're committed and not to be flirted with. To wear their bracelet on your left arm means you've had relations the night before. Wearing it on the right means you haven't, and that you're salty about it.

"For women, wearing their spouse's wedding band means that they've recently discovered that they're pregnant. For men, wearing their spouse's wedding band means they're considering children. Ah, but it has to be the index finger. The other fingers mean other things."

"I suppose I'll need to be appraised of all the details," Laurent said. "I wouldn't want to indicate something incorrect. And I haven't any necklace to wrap around your wrist but this one," Laurent said, touching the heart with a fingertip and giving Gansey a promising smile. "Shall I take up the habit of wearing some other necklace for a few days so that I can loop it around your wrist?"

He browsed through the jewelry, considering what Gansey had said. "I might take up the habit of wearing a piece or two just to take advantage of such signals. Any additional significance to earrings? I admit I'd gain considerable satisfaction from making you wear one for me."

"You could. The importance would be for people in court to see you wearing it and know it's yours, and then to see me with it around my wrist. It symbolizes being tied down or otherwise entangled. That's where the necklace around the wrist bit comes in."

Gansey hummed and then glanced to his fiance again. "Helen would be able to give you excellent lessons. She knows more of that than I do. She's always on top of everything subtle."

At the mention of earrings, Gansey nodded. "Putting your earrings, or earring, on your lover is considered a possessive act. Claiming them as your own. It's a promise. It can also mean engagement when it hasn't been formally announced. Giving your lover a new pair has a similar meaning but loses some of the possessive feeling."

"I like the sound of that," Laurent said, with a playful smile. "Would you be willing to pierce an ear for me?"

He returned to the table with the earrings again, picking up the dangling sapphire and paying the artisan for the pair of earrings. He hung one of them from his ear and pocketed the other, flashing Gansey a little smile as he did so.

Then he picked out a necklace, gold and set with emeralds, and looped it experimentally around Gansey's neck. "It's handsome," he teased, "but it would look better around my wrist."

"I would," he admitted, skimming over the selection of earrings as Laurent paid for the ones he wanted, "as long as you are the one doing the piercing. My ears are very sensitive. I wouldn't trust anyone else."

Having Laurent wrap something around his neck gave him a thrill. More than he expected. "I have a necklace for that already," he said, wearing a pleased little smirk. "The more loved the piece, the more loved the one it's tied to. But I suppose I could tie this one around your other wrist. Make my point very clear with two."

Oh, he wanted to snake his arms around Laurent's waist and pull him in for a deep, loving kiss. That, however, would be too much for the public eye. So he settled on flirting with his eyes, glancing between Laurent's lips and up.

Laurent laughed happily at that, putting the necklace back and giving Gansey a lingering smile in return, heated and playful.

"Come on," he said, taking Gansey's hand and pulling him along to the next shop.

A few artisans later and Laurent expressed an interest in a leatherworker's shop, tugging Gansey inside. He let go of Gansey's hand as soon as they were through the door, innocently considering the intricate leatherwork.

"Gansey, look at these collars," he said, tone as polite and innocent as it had been three shops ago over some chintz. "They might be just the thing to send to my brother. I've told you he keeps dogs? Very handsome animals. There's a pair he's favored lately, two males." Picking up one of the collars, Laurent ran his fingers over the patterning. "What do you think, the brown or the black? They're both tawny, one of them a pale yellow and the other a handsome fawn color."

While Laurent looked around the shop, Gansey studied one of the leather saddles on display. It was a lovely piece of work, with excellent design, and soft, supple cloth woven alongside the leather. Something like that would be good for when Butternut gave birth, and Laurent could eventually ride the result.

But then Laurent called him and he slid into place beside his lover, glancing over the various collars. Somehow he managed to keep from allowing any color to creep up on his cheeks by convincing himself that Laurent was indeed talking about real dogs. He studied a few, running his fingers over the patterns, twists and grooves.

"I like the brown," he finally settled on. "The black might be too harsh. I think the brown would flatter either one." Running his finger along one, he smiled, "It's very soft. Excellent work."

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