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[deniles]

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[lightninglobster]

Too late. I like seeing the delight in your eye when I do things for you.

[Ryoma gives a grin and follows it up with a kiss, taking Niles' hand as he leads him around the screen and to the table. As if by magic (ninja magic, to be precise), the servants filter back in, armed with food and drink to ease Niles' fatigue. Ryoma nods, that fond affectionate look making its permanent home on his face.]

Of course. I'd love nothing more than to spend hours with you, catching up.

[... that would be a bridge to cross when they came to it. Then again, Niles didn't exactly have a maidenhead to protect.]

[deniles]

Hah. And how do you know that's delight for you?

[Kissing him back, he walks out to the main room and moves to sit when directed. A tea and a light bit of fare placed in front of him, he nods to the servants.

Who are clearly uneasy around such a terrible man.]

Good... I do need to talk to you about something important.

[lightninglobster]

I watch your face a lot. You have different glints in your eye when you're playing cat to an unsuspecting canary, or when you're forcing your pleasure so that someone will get out of your space.

[Ryoma speaks as if everything is so matter of fact--for someone that often gets accused of being completely oblivious, Ryoma is far more keen that most people give him credit for. He's a general to an entire army--he has to know what makes people tick, how they actually feel about a situation versus what they'll actually tell him they're feeling.

Looking at Niles' face is a pleasure beyond that, all besides. Even if the servants are uneasy--they'll learn in time, or they'll find a new workplace.]

Mm? Something that we can talk about now, or something you'd rather save for later?

[deniles]

If I didn't know better, I would say you were stalking me. But even if I do know better, that might be the case anyways.

[Niles appreciates that Ryoma knows and watches every move he makes. It makes himself feel better. Although he's afraid of being in trouble should he slip, Ryoma is more the type to help him get back on track.]

Something I'd like to speak about... with no one else nearby.

[So once the servants are done, he'd like for them to depart.]

[lightninglobster]

If I could stalk you without you noticing, I'd be worried about how covert Prince Leo's hand in the darkness truly was.

[Someone had joked once that Ryoma was the Hoshidan equivalent to a paladin... and it was a fair enough comparison. Heavy armor, heavy steps, and little reason to be subtle about literally anything. He stifles a smile even though it glimmers in his eyes, glancing around as the servants start to settle, idle once they're done serving.]

Of course. Thank you, everyone. I'll send for you if you're needed.

[In pairs, the servants bow and make their exits, shinobi guards slipping out of the room on strangely heavy feet so that Niles knows exactly where they've gone off to.]

[deniles]

Hah. Don't worry. I knew where you were every moment.

[Niles could see that. He had heard it too, just never really put much thought into it. But after realizing how close the two were, it made him smirk.

When they were finally alone... except for probably Saizo, he looked at Ryoma.]

...How... necessary is a concubine?

[Yup. That's what this is about.]

[lightninglobster]

Watching my ass from across a room does not make you a master spy, love.

[Excuse you, Kagerou was there too, minding her own business, being out of sight and out of mind in case Niles was the mastermind of a long con meant to kill Ryoma when his defenses were down.

... one could never be too careful.

As Niles brought up his concerns, Ryoma stifled a small sigh, eyes closing as he tapped his fingers on the table. A look of concentration crossed his face, and then relaxed. It would be what it would be.]

I likely have a healthy many years in front of me before I have to worry about a successor. There's also the possibility that one of my siblings will marry and pass a male heir that I could adopt as a ward. If that doesn't come to fruition, however... I have spoken at length with certain women in my inner circle about. Possibilities.

[Kagerou and Orochi were always kind enough not to laugh at the redness in his face.]

[deniles]

The fact that you think all I spy on is your ass is enough for me to know that I am.

[He knows about this con. It amused him. It still amuses him. Laughing a little bit at the though.

He didn't want to distress Ryoma with these thoughts of his, but he also couldn't deny that these were his thoughts he had to deal with. Pausing for a moment.]

...Mm. I see. Whatever the case may be, I'm sure it'll be fine.

[He doesn't sound pleased, but he's also not going to keep harping on it. After all, he's here for Ryoma. Not to deal with his own worries and fears.]

[lightninglobster]

I've heard rumors that it's a good ass.

[Look, there's a betting pool. The longshot is that Niles has actually learned to manifest something like human love and is actually here because he cares about Ryoma. The payout on that option is gonna be sweet as hell for anyone willing to take it.

Kagerou's going to be a rich, sneaky duck.]

No, I... I understand your hesitation. I'm still hoping another option will present itself, though what that option could be... I couldn't begin to know. Other than hopeful thinking, I suppose.

[Ryoma reaches out to take Niles' hand in his, squeezing his fingers lightly as he gazes at his beloved.]

I still want to marry you--more than anything I've ever wanted in the world.

[deniles]

I could show you in a mirror if you wish.

[He knows about the pool and has asked for a 25% share of it so he can get Ryoma something nice.]

Mmm. Leo has said not to worry about it. And normally I wouldn't. But I think that this is something to worry about.

[Squeezing him back, he moves in to kiss him on the cheek.]

Soon, yes? I know you have to present me to Hoshido before the wedding, but it's not too far away, is it?

[lightninglobster]

[Ryoma would appreciate a shred of his dignity back. He's so happy to be in love with such a dear person, but at the same time, the teasing can go launch itself off a cliff. Ryoma... in theory, would like to be a private person. In practice, he's a king.]

It is something to worry about, but... not so much that we can't enjoy each other, right?

[It can be tomorrow Ryoma's problem. Right now Ryoma is nuzzling into a kiss and tugging Niles into his arms, brushing a kiss over the side of his neck.]

It's not. I was aiming to be married before the last change of the seasons--I'd like our Nohrian friends to be able to attend, before the winter sets in. Hoshido is beautiful in the autumn. We just need to finalize a few things, get you measured for certain ceremonial clothing pieces...

[deniles]

[Niles barely teases. He prefers flirting and kissing overall. Maybe light teasing now a days now that they're engaged.]

No. I'll drop it for now.

[He smiles and kisses him back. Tilting his head to the side so Ryoma can kiss it.]

Ah, then we don't have much longer. And seeing as I have nothing really to do for a while, I can get fitted into everything when you're willing. Mmm, and when are you 'presenting' me? Or is that just a Nohr thing?

[lightninglobster]

[Light teasing will keep Ryoma humble in the days to come.]

We'll find something somehow, I swear it to you, Niles.

[He steals another kiss over Niles' throat, wrapping thoroughly around him and just... luxuriating in the feel of his lover being so close, so warm, so solid and real and here.]

I figured you could settle in for a few days and then we'll... well, present you, for lack of a better term. Our wedding is non-negotiable, but the nobles should at least know who they really shouldn't trifle with these days.

[deniles]

[And that is what Niles does best.]

I believe you. I'd never doubt you for even a moment.

[He lets out a heavy breath and just relaxes into Ryoma. How many years has he been needing to just relax?]

Mmm, I don't do very well with just doing nothing. So at the very least, tomorrow, I can start getting ready. Just let me know what needs to be done.

[That is retainer talk again.]

[lightninglobster]

[Some day the people of Hoshido will come to appreciate a royal spouse that keeps his husband's own magnificence in hand. Ryoma already does, smiling against Niles' shoulder as his fiance settles in against him.]

Even if Hoshido has no answers, perhaps Nohr knows a thing or two...

[Ryoma had been diligently trying to learn about his enemy-turned-ally in the months after the war, and had found that they were... quite creative, and perhaps not as formal as Hoshido when it came to bloodline and the continuation therefore of.]

Very well. I'll be asking Yukimura to go over the details of the wedding ceremony with you, as well as to teach you the finer points of what being spouse to a king entails. There are certain duties that the royal consort is expected to perform.

[deniles]

[They'll appreciate it even more when Niles does it to the nobles. He'll take no shit from anyone here. Period.]

I can talk to Leo again after we're married.

[He doesn't want to push things, not when there's so much to do.]

...Ah, good. Leo told me that I'd never stop being a retainer, just have a higher position. Good to know that's still very much true.

[lightninglobster]

[Little does Niles know, he's about to build an empire out of being himself. Somewhere, somebody's going to lose a bet in a major way.]

Then we'll let it rest for now. We need answers... eventually. I'm more than happy to enjoy your presence until it's time to revisit the topic.

[... eventually. These sorts of things needed no strong timeline, or at least that's what Ryoma was going to tell himself. He laughs, rocking Niles side to side and kissing the back of his head with a grin.]

I mean, in a way, yes... only on a much larger scale. As the king manages the kingdom, his partner manages their household--or, the palace. The king's spouse acts as their confidant, their advisor--a second set of eyes that sees what the king might not when his eyes are turned high towards the overall goals of the kingdom. It's their duty to remind their lord of his compassion, his care--to keep him mindful that every one of his choices has meaning and weight for someone even if it's best for the bottom line.

[He recites his Mother's lessons dutifully, squeezing Niles in what he hopes was a reassuring manner.]

... I know you'll never let me sacrifice my people--our people--for the greater good in commerce, industry, or something of the like. I trust you.

[deniles]

[Thank god he's not a betting man.]

Eventually. Maybe after we're married we can look into it.

[And he doesn't mind it. Certainly, he would enjoy having a difficult topic out of the way.]

As I said. I'll continue to be a retainer. Just a married one. ...And one with servants, I assume?

[Not that he'll know how to deal with servants, being from his position, but he certainly knows how to talk to them.]

Oh god no. Commerce and industry are not worth it. That's the few over the many.

[lightninglobster]

[If only Niles had some way to profit from all of the bets being made at his expense. Ryoma smiles, pressing soft, sweet little kisses over the nape of Niles' neck, up the side of his throat--if he had to move heaven and earth to find a way to keep him happy, he would.]

I mean... you're in the right vein of things. The royal spouse is more than just a retainer, however--your influence is second only to mine. You are the direct superior of all of the domestic help in the palace, and will often be asked to champion the people's causes.

[He chuckles, resting his forehead against Niles' shoulder with a soft hum as he squeezes him.]

I agree... Hoshido has a lot of complicated legislation and things in place, however. It's going to be fine work to slowly change certain agreements and assumptions that were in place because of the perpetual war we were in... not that I'm not willing to work for peace.

[He'd been willing to die for peace, after all.]

[deniles]

[Oh well, time to skim their pays.]

So a retainer with power. I'm mostly saying this not to worry too much. Because I fear I'll let you down.

[He lets out a little sigh, shutting his eye and resting against Ryoma's body.]

Fortunately, you have someone who has an 'in' in Nohr for anything like that.

[And it goes without saying that he will happily rip apart any Nobles.]

[lightninglobster]

[They'd have no room to complain, considering Niles was to thank for their wealth in the first place.]

If that's how you need to frame it for now. A retainer with power--like King Xander's hand, if...

[Well. If Laslow weren't Laslow.]

Like Saizo.

[Better. He's playing with Niles' hair, nudging him towards the set table and all of the delicious little treats and drinks there.]

I have a feeling King Xander doubts my sincerity, and on some levels I don't blame him.

[deniles]

...Were you about to say Laslow? Because I would have been concerned about how capable you thought I was.

[But he agrees. A retainer with power. It shouldn't make him too concerned... should it?]

Trust me. He doubts mine as well. However, he trusts Leo, who equally trusts me.

[And that's more than enough.]

[lightninglobster]

I didn't want to compare you to Saizo, due to some of the things Saizo does for the benefit of Hoshido. I'd thought, perhaps, that certain other retainers served their lords in certain capacities, but... maybe it's best if we let the thought drop.

[Niles was probably more like Saizo, if Ryoma truly thought about it... but part of him wished that he wouldn't have to be. Niles had his hand in the black underbelly of the world, same as Saizo--and Ryoma was still grateful for all of the bleak things the ninja did so that Ryoma's path could remain unimpeded.

He'd still work for a world with no need of shinobi.]

I wonder how easy it'd be to get Prince Leo to trust me...

[He murmurs, teasing in his tone as he picked up a sweet from the plate, offering it to Niles with a hum.]

I probably have to do things the hard way by being honest and generous. Kind. It's such a trial, being king.

[And while his voice was dry and completely serious, by the gods he was joking.]

[deniles]

Ryoma. Trust me. I've done just as much as Saizo has done sometimes.

[He has murdered many a man. He has dug deep and done what he needed to so he could survive the next day. And he wonders if Ryoma realizes that or simply suppresses it.]

It'll be far easier than you think. He trusts me more than most other people. If I trust you... he'll trust you.

[He takes a bite of the sweet, humming lightly.]

Mmm. Maybe set up a date for him and Takumi.

[lightninglobster]

I know.

[He didn't know exactly how dark the stain on Niles' hands was... but he knew it was there, acknowledged it, and resolved to make it so that Niles didn't have to live that life if he didn't wish.]

That can be arranged. I'm going to need a longterm diplomat for Nohr's court... and Takumi needs polish on his political skills.

[His brother had taken well to his government studies, but he was still too known to the Hoshidan court--too brash, too young, too easy to sniff derisively at since they'd known him as a brattier child.]

I suppose that makes my decision for me.