marlowemuses | Fools in Love, for gentry

"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?"

"Of course. We have several tailors, depending on what outfits you find to be to your taste." She gave Laurent a slow look over, as though she just realized that those clothes were very familiar. And not quite like what the prince had arrived in.

"I'll arrange for you to meet them and browse the different styles."

The second question brought out a coy smile. "A game for young people," she said, cheerfully. "There are actually two parts. The first is the hanging pomanders." She raised her hand and lifted her index finger. "Around the ball room, there will usually be about five. When you find yourself underneath one with another person, you must kiss them. Where is up to the person who first notices the pomander. It may be anywhere."

So if someone was feeling chaste or randy, they could get away with a kiss to the knuckles or something dirtier.

She lifted a second finger, "The second is the passing pomander. There is only one of those. When someone offers you the orange, you have the choice to exchange the clove between your mouths and then share a kiss. Then the one who accepted the clove takes both the clove and orange, and finds someone else to pass it along to."

Sitting back in her seat, she signed. "That's actually how I met Richard's father for the first time. I didn't accept the orange from him. He still reminds me of that to this day."

"I expect I'll be most dreadfully jealous," Laurent said, with an amused smile. "But I expect Gansey and I shall manage somehow. I find I'm fortunate in that my betrothed is also inclined to be jealous and possessive. It won't take the court long to figure out that offering either of us any but the most chaste of kisses is not worth the displeasure it will incur."

Pleased by that, because it made him feel exquisitely safe, Laurent lounged a little more comfortably, eyes straying toward the door. He wasn't certain how long it took to reach the town, and he didn't know how far away Gansey's errand was or how long it would take him.

"What of the wedding? Gansey and I are already agreed that we are happy to entrust the matter largely to your wisdom. It's a political affair, and I would prefer to handle it to the utmost diplomatic advantage. The sooner the better to ensure the alliance. We're perfectly capable of conducting our romance on more private terms, so you may consider our personal preferences irrelevant. The interests of the kingdom and the alliance are paramount."

Gansey, on his end, was almost finished up with his errand. Luckily he'd managed to avoid his friends in town or else he'd end up dragged off to the bar; something he was very much not in the mood for when he had a beautiful fiance waiting for him back at the castle. Tucking the package into the pocket of his tunic, he thanked the smith and swung himself back onto his horse, eager to return to the castle. And worried about what embarrassing things his mother might be saying.

The Queen nodded, as though she had already surmised as much. Her son would not care about political wedding plans and she hadn't been completely sure about Laurent. His answer, however, was pleasing enough to her ear. Any excuse to entertain, no?

"Very well. It will be an affair that will solidify several alliances, and put several other families into our debt. Quite useful." She remained quiet for a moment before eyeing Laurent again, "While we are on the subject... what of your own family? Shall I issue them an invitation or would you like to write something in your own hand? I am sure your brother would like to hear from you."

Very sure, considering she had promised to send a message of Laurent's safe arrival to his brother the moment they'd arranged the alliance. Which she had, of course.

"Both, I think, if it isn't too much trouble." Laurent smiled, just a little self-deprecating. "I am very sure that Auguste would appreciate a word or two of correspondence, though I find myself inclined to be distracted, in all the excitement, and I shall have to figure out how to, ah, indicate that I'm utterly besotted without allowing excessive opportunity for my sibling to say that he told me so. He's insufferably smug, as I think most siblings are, whenever he's right."

Wrinkling his nose a moment in fond annoyance, Laurent was soon smiling again. "I trust you'll let me know if I can be of use to you in any capacity. I've already privately expressed my vow of loyalty to your son, and I trust that you and I will almost always be in agreement as to what constitutes his--and the kingdom's--best interests. I remain a prince of Vere, but my loyalty is foremost to my betrothed and my new kingdom."

He had few doubts about his new alliance with the queen. They understood each other, and they had two very significant shared loyalties. He expected that he could trust entirely to her judgement and that, with time, she would increasingly come to trust his in turn. She'd required very little of him so far, though he was interested to see how the details of their new alliance would develop.

"And as long as you remain loyal to us, nothing will ever touch you."

She smiled again, a more peaceful smile rather than one of her coquettish ones. It was a promise as much as it was a fact. Her tone showed no waver, no doubt that it would be so. She knew it would be. If Gansey was as smitten as he seemed to be, he would probably die before he allowed any harm to come to Laurent. Which was cause for concern, perhaps, considering that the well-being of the king was... well, king. But it was also terribly sweet.

Before she could say anything more, there was a knock on the door that was quickly followed by Gansey himself entering the room. His hair was mussed from the wind and his cheeks pink from the ride, eyes glittering and all smiles as he entered.

"I hope I didn't take too long," he said cheerfully, eyes on Laurent first before returning to his lady mother. "Went as fast as I could." Which was obvious from out of breath he was. He'd dashed in from the stables.

His mother shook her head, "Already taking him away? A shame. It's been a delight; thank you for the company." She offered her hand to Laurent as Gansey smoothed down his cloak, more than ready to steal his beloved away like his mother accused.

Laurent lit when Gansey reappeared, unmistakable and undeniable to anyone who was watching. He didn't even try to hide it--their romance made them both more likeable, and secured Laurent's place in the kingdom. Rising smoothly to his feet, Laurent met him with a kiss--as brief as he could bear to make it--and kept hold of him as they spoke to the Queen.

"The pleasure has been all mine. Thank you for taking charge of me while my betrothed was otherwise occupied." All smiles, Laurent bowed and kissed her hand, eyes lingering for a moment on her face with genuine fondness before he let go and refocused his full attention onto Gansey. "Shall we?"

Gansey grinned, happy to be the center of Laurent's attention once more. It was amazing how his heart sang just seeing the other man."Yes," he said, still breathless, but they could not leave before he gave his mother a sweeping bow. "Thank you, mother. We'll see you at dinner."

The Queen waved them off playfully, "Yes, yes. Run along, darlings." There was a sparkle in her eye as she began fanning herself again, pleased that the visit had gone so well.

Gansey offered Laurent his arm, "I do believe I promised you a tour of the castle. We can visit Butternut after, if there's time." He was eager to steal Laurent away from his mother and into the hallway where he could speak more candidly.

"I hope she didn't say anything too... motherly." He laughed, a little breathlessly, wearing the boyish grin that Laurent's presence so easily pulled from him.

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