marlowemuses | Fools in Love, for gentry

Laurent laughed at that, sweet and joyous, hugging his arms around Gansey's neck and kissing him exuberantly. Gansey made it easy to laugh, and Laurent let himself drop into that feeling, eager to pretend that the past and the dangers of Vere had never existed at all.

"I'm starving," Laurent said, when he could bear to pause in kissing for a moment. "As much as I want to stay in bed and kiss you all day. We should probably eat something. And speak to your mother. And I've been promised a tour of the castle."

Instead, Laurent kissed him again, and then again after that, starting to laugh again when the procrastination became ridiculous. "Lend me some clothes," he insisted at last. "And tell me what you were going to say about lips and applying pressure."

Gansey groaned in dismay at the thought of his mother. She would no doubt try to snag Laurent from him and he selfishly wanted to keep the prince all to himself. Between that and the fact that zero part of him wanted to get out of bed, he was almost depressed. Dramatically, after the kissing, he threw himself back across the bad and slung his arm across his forehead.

"But if we leave we'll have to face the day, and I simply don't want to. Because that means I'll be required to share you." Sighing, he looked up at the ceiling, feeding off of his own sulking for a moment before rolling back up so he could swing his long legs over the edge of the bed.

With a laugh he added, "Really? You want to hear about that? I could tell you sweeter things. Like poetry, or stories." With another groan he stood, heading over to the wooden chest along the wall to draw out some clothes. Laurent, while similarly tall, was not quite the same build as Gansey. HIs shoulders were not quite as broad and his shape was not square. Which was why when Gansey pulled out something he thought wouldn't make him look like the crazy baggy clothes man from town it was from the bottom of the chest.

A pair of fine black britches paired with a soft burgundy linen shirt and black vest. It had been a gift from Helen three years ago, when he was still more slender of a boy and less square. It was too nice to get rid of so he'd just kept it.

"Will this do?" He turned and held the clothes up. No complicated lacing, though they were tailored enough to give a form fit.

Laurent laughed at the sulking, because it was still so good-natured and had so little heat. He gave Gansey another quick peck to encourage him out of the sulk, and then followed him curiously over to the chest. His hand lingered on Gansey's elbow, unwilling to be out of physical contact with him even for a moment.

The clothes offered were lovely, and Laurent smiled as he accepted them. "Yes, thank you." Kissing Gansey's cheek, Laurent stepped into the clothing. It was all much easier to get into than the Veretian clothing, and fit him well enough. It was comfortably loose, and he smiled, stepping into Gansey's arms for a lingering kiss.

"Going to be sorry to lose this view," Laurent teased, giving Gansey's ass a playful grope before he stepped away to let Gansey get dressed. Pleased with his new clothes, he sat on the edge of the bed to watch, lounging comfortably and never taking his eyes off Gansey.

"You—...!"

When Laurent groped his ass Gansey gave a tiny jump, red dusting his cheeks as he spun to look at his fiance, "You fox." Never before had he been so pleased to be the subject of an assgrab—it had happened before, though it was usually 40 year old ladies that were bored with their husbands, or lords that didn't know when not to cross the line.

If his lover wanted to watch him dress, Gansey had no complaints. Other than: can't we just go back to bed? But that didn't count. He pulled on a loose pair of brown britches and a soft green tunic, pairing it with a brown vest of a darker green. Presentable, yet not too stuffy. There would be plenty of time for Laurent to see him in stuffy clothing.

"Let's have ourselves a big breakfast, shall we?" He opened the door, peering down the stairs before glancing back, "I'm sure the staff will be shocked that I'm getting up this late. I'll bet you that there are rumors already."

Laurent laughed at the jump and the blush, watching Gansey with a happy grin as he dressed.

As soon as Gansey was ready, Laurent claimed his arm again, kissing his cheek and basking in the pleasure of having a partner like this. "If there aren't rumors, I shall be terribly disappointed. I want to be the talk of the court."

He met Gansey's eyes with a smile for a moment and got caught in them, overwhelmed with warm affection for his beloved. "And what about my surprise?" he asked at last, tugging at Gansey's arm and keeping hold of his hand as he made his way down the stairs. "You haven't forgotten, have you?"

"I haven't," he promised, delighting in the fact that Laurent touched him so frequently. It was little things like that, touches and brushes, that Gansey adored. Tokens of affection. Assurances.

"It's something I have to go and get, however."

Partially true. He could send one of the maids to go fetch what he wanted but that seemed so... he didn't want to do that. It didn't suit him, for one. For two? It made it a little less romantic in his eyes.

"So while my mother is drowning you with questions I'll sneak out the back and do just that." He flashed Laurent his award winning smile; it was a thing that had made ladies swoon before. "Sounds like a plan, yes?"

He opened the door at the bottom of the stairs for Laurent with a gentlemanly bow, "After you, my dear."

Laurent grinned back at him at that smile, unable to resist another breathless kiss before he stepped through the door. Realizing he didn't know where he was going, he tugged Gansey forward, kissing his cheek and tucking himself against Gansey's side. "You're going to have to lead the way. At least until I get my tour and a better sense of my bearings."

He was confident that he could find the way, if it was necessary, but it wasn't necessary, and he didn't know what Gansey had in mind for their breakfast. More fun to cuddle and tease their way down the hall, with Laurent flirting shamelessly.

His happiness radiated off of him. Even his brother would have been hard-pressed to recognize this laughing, teasing Laurent. He'd always been quiet and restrained, even as a child. Being with Gansey made him bloom.

"And here I was hoping I'd get to look at you from behind," he flirted, batting his eyelashes innocently as he lead the way. It gave him good excuse to return those light touches, resting his hand on the small of Laurent's back as they made their way through the curious hallways of the castle.

"How about we do the tour after breakfast? And then maybe drop by the stables to see how Butternut is doing?"

No one had come to tell him of the mare giving birth yet, but Gansey liked to visit her at least once a day, if not more.

Curiously, he did not lead Laurent to the banquet hall. He headed straight to the kitchens, where there was a smaller room for private meals. Dinner was the biggest affair when it came to the court; for the most part, otherwise, Gansey did whatever he wanted. As did Helen—she was on her way out of the room, giving the two a curious look and a knowing smile.

"Good morning, Helen." Gansey smiled back, not bothering to remove his hand from Laurent's back. Helen's gaze flicked before she tapped her chin in thought. "Good morning," she said, giving Laurent most of her attention, "I do hope my brother has been treating you well."

"What about your mother?" Laurent reminded him, laughing at their crowded schedule.

He relaxed into the touch at Gansey's hand on his back, surprised at how it made his whole mind feel quiet and calm. The urge to curl into Gansey's arms and kiss him breathless was constant, but Laurent was determined to focus on the important business of seeing them both fed. After that, maybe more kisses. Or maybe their tour.

Declining his head in polite recognition at Helen, not quite a bow, Laurent returned the smile, nearly sparkling with playful charm. "Very well. I think he has a mind to spoil me. My compliments to you on having such a charismatic and well-mannered brother. I can only assume that I have your guidance and wisdom to thank for that."

Helen laughed and Gansey snorted, both finding the notion quite amusing. She gave her dress a pat, "You're quite right. He would be nothing without my gentle sisterly guidance."

To wit Gansey promptly responded, "She sat on my head whenever she was mad at me. Until I was ten."

Helen wrinkled her nose and lifted her chin, giving off the airs of a delicate lady as she passed them, "You deserved it. Have a good day, boys. I'll be attending some other guests of the court." She gave a polite wave as she turned down the hallway to hurry off, never a moment of peace.

Gansey shook his head and held the door open for Laurent. The smell of breakfast was strong: eggs, bacon, sausage, buttered bread, potatoes, and other baked goods. Gansey had even dropped a mention to one of the maids that Laurent seemed to be fond of chocolate; there was a basket of croissants stuffed with chocolate on the table, waiting for them.

As soon as Helen was gone, Laurent's attention refocused entirely back onto Gansey--and the food. He took a seat and helped himself, eating hungrily. Not content to be separated from Gansey in any way, he hooked his ankle around Gansey's under the table, starting to ask questions about the court and important personages of the kingdom as they ate.

He had done his research and knew all the major noble families and their histories, but he knew very little of the modern spheres of influence within the court. That needed to be remedied immediately. Most of Laurent's ambitions and skills were directly related to navigating nobility, and now that he felt his position to be untouchable, he could begin negotiating his own spheres of power and influence within the court.

Helen and the Queen would be his most important allies, and Laurent expected that alliance would be unshakeable as long as his loyalties were aligned with Gansey. He didn't foresee that being a problem, especially now that his devotion to Gansey wasn't just political self-preservation. Gansey was the center of his world, and Laurent never wanted that to change.

Gansey was more than happy to cheerfully chat as they ate. He picked his preferred foods from the spread: sausage, eggs, and sliced avocado. Once they were settled, Laurent hooked his ankle around Gansey's and Gansey occasionally slid his hand under the table to rest it on Laurent's thigh when he wasn't busy stuffing his face.

He explained what he knew, which was quite a bit. Despite his general disinterest in the social aspect of politics he understood them very well. Playing the game was quite important—and there was a difference between deciding to not play and not knowing how. While not as cut-throat as Vere, their kingdom was not without its barbs.

And if there was one thing Gansey liked to do, it was talk. He explained the current influences within the court and the current positions of the families. Described the relationships between certain members and arguments. All necessary to know if Laurent wanted to navigate without any embarrassing faux pas.

Once he'd explained a great deal, helped himself to a second serving of breakfast, thoroughly hungry after their morning exercise.

"I imagine you'll fit in splendidly," he said before biting into a strawberry. "I doubt you'd say anything tactless. Unless you meant to, of course."

Laurent was very pleased to find that Gansey was more competent and observant than he'd expected in terms of the court. Easily able to get all the information he desired in between flirting, Laurent's smile never dimmed for a moment, eyes only leaving Gansey to make sure his hands didn't miss when he reached for his food.

"The court seems lovely, compared to mine. I'm certain it has its issues, but I'm confident I can handle them. Particularly considering my position--once people see that I have the ear of the crown prince, I'll quickly gain influence and power. As long as I have your favor, my position in court is essentially unshakeable, which frees me entirely to pursue and support whatever avenues I consider to be in your, my, and the kingdom's best interests."

Emptying his plate and swallowing the last of his coffee--into which he had loaded a considerable amount of chocolate--Laurent rose and tugged at Gansey. "Busy day. Shall we begin with your mother? I'm concerned she may feel snubbed by how I appear to be avoiding her."

Coffee and chocolate. How utterly charming. Gansey watched Laurent with a smile that sang about how utterly smitten he was, finishing the last of his tea. Coffee tended to be too strong for him even when sweetened.

"Nonsense," he replied promptly, standing and allowing himself to scoop Laurent' into an affectionate embrace. "No doubt she knows that I've just been selfish and hogging your attention. She saw how we were last night." There was no secret about how well they'd been getting along, sharing constant conversation and giving each other puppy dog eyes the moment the other's attention was turned.

"But if you insist. She'll be in the sitting room with her ladies about now. I hope you like to embroider pillows."

He lead Laurent out of the dining room, pausing for just a moment as he recalled which way her sitting room was. It was rare for him to bother their gossip hour but no doubt they would be amazingly pleased.

Laurent's breath caught as Gansey scooped him close, tense with surprise for a moment before he brightened with joy, kissing Gansey warmly and then letting himself be led out into the corridor. He wasn't accustomed to being handled in such a manner, since he wasn't used to being touched at all, but Gansey's touches made him feel like he was glowing.

"I hope she'll forgive me if I haven't the first idea how to embroider pillows. Do you suppose I'll gt a lesson?"

Staying close against Gansey, Laurent turned a charming and diplomatic smile on the group of ladies as they entered. He cut a deep bow, cheeks flushed slightly with nerves. "Good morning, I hope you'll forgive our interruption."

Gansey grinned, not giving an answer. Oh, Laurent would see. And soon. Soon they were at the door and entering, Gansey giving the same charming and diplomatic smile as his fiance. The younger girls cooed and giggled at their appearance, clearly quite excited at the appearance of the two handsome princes, and the older ladies look pleased to have a visit. The Queen waved her hand after leaving her pillow and sewing needle on her lap, "Oh, please, you're interrupting nothing. We've just been talking about the weather."

The younger girls giggled again, this time because they had not just talking about the weather.

Gansey eased into the room, staying by Laurent's side. "Laurent wanted to visit you," he said smoothly, waving his hand and kissing a few that belonged to various older ladies, who expected it from him, "He said I shouldn't hog his time and that he simply had to get to know his future mother-in-law."

"Really?" The Queen smiled, a smile that said that she did not believe her son at all. "My dear," she addressed Laurent, holding out her hand, "if you're tired of my son, I will save you from his company. Have you ever done any sewing? It's quite relaxing."

Laurent took her hand and kissed it gallantly, giving the queen his most charming smile. "I'm afraid I must confess that I have never done any sewing, and I am utterly besotted with your son. I do not imagine I could possibly tire of him. I simply feared that I had neglected to pay suit to his lady mother and deliver my regards and compliments for the admirable job you've done raising such an irresistible son."

Releasing her hand, Laurent reached for Gansey so that he could kiss his lover's cheek, wanting the reassurance of his company, even though they'd discussed the likelihood of Laurent remaining with the Queen while Gansey ran his errand. Now that the time had arrived, Laurent loathed the thought of being parted from Gansey.

A few of the younger girls sighed, clearly quite taken with the pair themselves, and the Queen looked even more pleased. "Then," she laughed, "I think it safe to assume that the wedding plans I've begun aren't at risk of being for nothing. While this is an arrangement, I think a marriage without any sort of friendship would be a poor one for the Kingdom."

Gansey raised a brow, "You're lucky you have excellent taste, mother." He kept close to Laurent, smiling from the kiss to his cheek and not at all inspired to take his leave. Slipping his arm around Laurent's back and pressing his palm against the small of it, Gansey pressed a kiss against his fiance's temple in return.

And the ladies sighed. "My wife never does that," one complained as she fanned herself with a satin fan, and another rolled her eyes.

"At least your wife hasn't gained so much weight that she busts out of her britches when she sits. My husband really doesn't try anymore."

"Ladies, ladies," the Queen chided, flapping her own fan in their direction, "there's no need to bore the boys with our marriage problems. Will you be joining us for a while?"

Gansey blinked, recalling his plan. It was really now or never; if he didn't part from Laurent with this grand chance, he never would, half because of their later plans and half because he would give into his desire to not. He cleared his throat, "I have an errand to run in town," he admitted, but the pressure of his hand on Laurent's back remained firm. "I was hoping you would get to know each other in my brief absence."

All cordial smiles, Laurent turned his head to murmur in Gansey's ear. "I love you," he said, smile turning a little bit smug because he was sure Gansey would blush, and the room would be left to wonder what he'd said. "Hurry back," he said, audibly, reluctantly letting go of his betrothed.

One of the ladies moved to offer him the place of honor at the queen's side, and Laurent accepted it, taking a seat and beginning to comment pleasantly on the skill displayed by the embroidery projects. His eyes lingered on Gansey, hating being apart from him even for such a brief period of time. Promised surprise or no, courtesy or no, he wanted to insist that Gansey stay, so that he wouldn't have to suffer the heartbreak of being without him, even for an hour.

He made a show of being perfectly relaxed, even a little bit indolent, among the queen's women, hiding his nerves behind a screen of flirtatious insouciance. "I hope I shan't be terribly in the way. I'm afraid I share your son's weakness for books and horses rather than any kind of productive handiworks, and I fear I shall be irredeemably clumsy, but I am at your service, my queen."

Laurent was right. Between the feeling of those lips he'd become so familiar with brushing against his ear and the words themselves, a light dusting of pink colored his cheeks and the tips of his ears. It was faint enough that, under normal circumstances, no one would notice. These, however, were not normal circumstances. The ladies were paying rapt attention to the pair and noticed when Laurent whispered and how Gansey blushed. On top of that, Gansey noticed when the women noticed. Which made him blush slightly more.

Tugging on his collar like it was simply warm in the room, he cleared his throat again and gave a dazzling smile. Everyone was too polite, to courtly, to say anything. Doubtless, it would be the topic of gossip at dinner that night. What had the foreign prince said that made the heir blush like a maiden? Which was a gross exaggeration, in Gansey's opinion, but gossip tended to do that. Get grossly exaggerated.

"Oh, my dear, you won't be in the way at all. And I'm quite aware of your interests. That was what struck me the most, when considering the match. I thought you two had quite a few things in common." The Queen tapped her fan against her chin and smiled at Laurent before turning her attention back to her son. "Be along, won't you? The prince and I have much to discuss, and you must not keep him waiting longer than you need to."

Gansey bowed grandly, "Of course. I won't be long, I promise." It was difficult to leave. Especially when he felt so cold, so empty without Laurent at his side. He gave his fiance one last longing look before turning, striding out of the room without looking back. If he did, he would cave. He moved as quickly as possible, calling for his horse and grabbing his cloak, intending to keep that promise.

Not that his mother seemed to care. She turned back to Laurent once her son was out of the room, observing him with bright eyes. "So, now is the chance to ask me anything you'd like about my son, if you'd like. Or anything else, for that matter. I'm sure you've guessed that Richard isn't quite up to speed with all the courtly games." By which, of course, she meant the backstabbing. No court was without it. Gansey, bless his soul, was often kept out of the crossfire.

Laurent's posture stayed lazy, but his lips tilted with mirth and his brows lifted slightly at her suggestions, watching her in return with sharp intelligence. "I'm confident that anything I wish to know about your son I can extract from him myself. He has taken me entirely into his confidence."

Dragging his teeth briefly over his lower lip, Laurent dropped his eyes, allowing a hint of uncertainty to show as he confessed weakness. "I am forced to commend you and to offer my thanks for your acumen at securing the match between myself and your son. I expect you're aware that I was initially... resistant to the idea." Cheeks reddening slightly, Laurent allowed his hands to fidget, knowing that lowering his guards and showing earnest emotion in front of the queen would help to earn her trust. Particularly since he knew that she was aware of his reputation from the Veretian Court. As much as Laurent had liked the queen when they'd met before, he'd felt betrayed by being sold into a marriage alliance.

"He... has allayed all my concerns and won my devotion to a degree that I never imagined myself capable. I feel deeply indebted to you for entrusting me with a place at his side."

It was the most honest speech he'd ever made in a room full of courtiers, and Laurent's cheeks were flaming by the end of it. Swallowing, Laurent relaxed back into his chair and fidgeted with his hands, trying to save some face and restore the courtly levity. "That said, I would very earnestly be grateful for any information you can provide about the aspects of the court dynamics that Gansey may not have noticed."

The girls seemed to have enough sense to not stare while their lady and her soon to be son-in-law spoke. There was no such thing as privacy but they entertained themselves otherwise, either sewing or playing games, or whispering and giggling to one another about one of the single Duchesses that was currently in look for a wife.

Reaching out gently, the Queen barely touched one of the marks under Laurent's chin that had certainly not been there last night at dinner, "I see. It's rare for my son to take someone so fully into his confidence." Dropping her hand, she began to fan herself with the fan again, nodding her head slightly when Laurent began to fidget.

"If you were adverse to the idea at this point, my dear, I would have absolved the arrangement. From what you say, it sounds like that truly won't have to be the case. Even with Richard away you still sound quite taken with him." She fanned herself a bit more, "And I can only think you honest, your cheeks have gotten so red. It's quite sweet."

The Queen snapped her fan shut. "I will be frank. I proposed this alliance precisely because I know what sort of man you are. The sort of partner Richard needs. He's perceptive and fair, yet tends to trust too easily and is quick to forgive. He's charismatic and attracts all sorts—especially those that are better kept at arms length. There are those in this very court that know his weaknesses and will use them against him. Not to mention that he keeps how he truly feels to himself, often isolating because he feels like he's quite different from the rest of us. Of course, he doesn't think I notice, but I'm his mother. A mother always notices."

She tilted her head, "I'm sure you see how you're the puzzle piece that matches with his, yes?"

"Yes," Laurent agreed, eyes alert and gaze steady on her face. "Even if I felt nothing for him, I would support this match. We'll be loved by the people. I can play the court in a manner that he would not, protecting him and freeing him up to lead. I'm protected and freed in return simply by being at his side."

He sat forward, engaged and attentive, satisfied with their initial plays. He felt he could trust the Queen, and was confident that the two of them could work deftly together. Remaining aware of the courtiers around him at all times, Laurent kept half an ear on them, careful to neither offer nor hint at any delicate information and allowing the Queen to determine what details were discussed aloud.

"I need to know the threats and enemies that he faces, particularly the ones he doesn't see. I've studied the history and bloodlines of the court, and he's given me some introduction to the present factions. What I lack is knowledge of the underside of the court, which he cannot see and which I have not yet encountered."

"I will give you a book to read," she said, lightly, not oblivious to how some of the ladies were pretending not to listen when they very much were, "filled with the most delightful people at court. I imagine it should keep you entertained for a while." One of the girls glanced away when the Queen smiled at her before returning her attention back to Laurent.

"A gift." That was all she was willing to say in front of her entourage; she loved them well, but trusted them as much as she trusted their husbands and wives that were not present. Which was not at all.

"And speaking of! Darling, did Richard mention my masquerade ball? I throw it every year when the leaves begin to change colors. Of course, this year you will be a guest of honor—I would throw a party just for your arrival but I wasn't sure if you would enjoy such a thing." She sat up straighter, eyes sparkling at the prospect of two grand parties, but decided to focus on the masq.

"It's tradition. Everyone arrives without a partner and in fantastic dress. Dancing, food, games... plus the tradition of the kissing orange and clove. That's always popular. I hope that you will attend. Once that's over we can really focus on planning the wedding."

"I'd be delighted," Laurent said, relaxing into the courtly gossip and chatter now that they'd both shown their hands. "He said nothing of the masquerade ball, of course, you'll be not at all surprised to know that our conversation has been dominated by history and horses." He grinned with fond pleasure, resting his head on his hand and stretching out his legs in front of him: one bent, the other extended long. "If you think it advantageous and pleasant to throw a party for my arrival, I'd be delighted, but I will hardly mind if you do not. We have plenty of other events to plan."

Laurent liked the idea of cementing his new place in the court and showcasing their budding romance, not minding being the center of attention now that he knew he could count on having Gansey at his side. The thought of planning two grand parties and a wedding was overwhelming to him, but he was aware that he had the easy excuse of attending Gansey so he could escape from most of the preparations. Only the wedding was likely to require their direct input, and even that Laurent was happy to leave in the Queen's hands if it pleased her.

"Can you recommend a tailor for me? It's becoming clear that I'll need to adopt local fashions sooner rather than later, and I shall want to begin planning my wardrobe for the masque. I'm terribly curious, what is the kissing orange and clove?"

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