[But Ryoma is smiling, getting Niles' robes to rights... and then hefting him up into his arms, waiting for Niles to settle before he starts for the door that'll take them to the private quarters. Saizo already has a few servants gathering the pre-offered lunch onto trays, the soiled napkins mysteriously vanished.]
I like it when you want me. You're so self-assured and confident--it's nice to spoil you.
[He nuzzled against Niles, carrying him with ease as Kagero kept a step or two ahead to open doors as needed, a small entourage in their wake as they made their way to the king's private rooms... and what a set of rooms it was.
Ryoma favored a modest sort of aesthetic, neatly kept and occasionally bright, but... the things he kept in his space were nice, without being gaudy or overblown. There were several doors connecting to the antechamber of the king's private bedrooms--one sat open, and clearly contained an office. The other two were traditional doors, with locks on the handle--more Nohrian in style than sliding doors.]
[There were rooms. There were more rooms than Niles had been in. The study was bigger than his bedroom, and he was pretty sure this was bigger than that house he stayed in one time after everyone died and he just took over it.]
...Ryoma, these... these are massive.
[One positive to not marrying a snooty noble. Niles is impressed by a lot.]
[The main antechamber was meant for entertaining or meeting people informally--there were bookshelves and a low dining table, as well as a sitting area next to the fireplace.]
Well, let me give you the tour. The door through the right leads to the queen's chambers, and the door to the left leads to the harem.
[Kagero pulled the door through to the main bedroom--which was, in and of itself, the size of a small house, with another two sets of sliding doors to the left and the right.]
To the left in here is the bathing room and the clothing chests, to the right is a small chamber that locks... and leads out into the private gardens.
[He began to follow around, looking closely at everything that was everywhere. Blinking slowly through each of the doors that was opened and getting a closer look.
It was massive. Niles, for once in his life, definitely thought he could get very easily lost.]
I... see. What is the purpose of the queen's chambers? Don't we sleep together?
[Ryoma doubled back when Niles mentioned the queen's chambers, pulling a key from a nearby bookshelf and undoing the lock, gesturing for his lover to proceed him while the servants set up a table in the bedroom full of their tea and food.]
Well, in Hoshido's past, there have been kings with wives who... couldn't find rest next to their husband, for whatever reason. Or, kings who kept a few other young ladies, and so would rather their wives weren't in the room while they... eugh.
[The hallway to the queen's chamber was a short one--it was beautifully appointed, and had clearly been decorated by a softer, kinder hand. It wasn't as big as the kings rooms, and there were another set of doors on the right--as well as a large window that peered out over the promised gardens.]
I know my mother would occasionally sleep in her own chambers when my father was working later, or if she was tending a particularly fussy baby while he was trying to rest. She'd also dress in here while my father took private visits and reports from Saizo the Fourth.
[Stop focusing on the harem aspect. The doors to the right led into what had once been a nursery, and another bathing room.]
[Niles is planning on not saying anything about the harem aspect. He already brought up his concerns about it, and how he doesn't want it. Ryoma seems to be in the same camp.]
The way you talk about it, it sounds like you're the first king to take a husband.
[Not that he minds, of course. He keeps walking and looking. Particularly at the gardens outside.]
I see the appeal. I do plan on mostly sleeping in your chambers, Ryoma.
[It's trying to keep track of everything. At the very least, if he does get lost, Ryoma is sure to hear him.]
Our chambers, that is. So the gardens truly are just ours?
[Ryoma would find... something to do with the harem room. Maybe a renovated set of guest chambers, or a nursery, or... something. He didn't want to have to use it for its original purpose.]
The first in a very long time, as far as I recall. I can count on one hand how many kings had a male consort... the number goes up if you count the number of acknowledged male concubines, if that makes you feel better?
[Always look on the bright side? The private gardens were... lush. Colorful. One of the public gardens was made of rock and sand, meant to be raked into thoughtful patterns, while another centered around a beautiful pagoda for outside dining. The gardeners had apparently decided to experiment with the family's gardens, looking for exciting new combinations of flora and fauna.]
I'm glad. I sleep easier when you're by my side.
[Ryoma doubled back to the main chamber, going to unlock the door to the little mudroom that led to the garden--a last minute precaution against intruders and the like, as well as a place to change without tracking dirt all over the floors.]
It's the royal family's--if you look across the way, there are a few more doors. One of the doors leads to the main nursery, and those three doors lead to my siblings' adult rooms.
[Niles did have an idea for it, but if Ryoma had something better for it, then he was welcome to take care of it.]
I don't feel sad about it, if that was your concern. Rather, I'm curious and amused.
[It was beautiful. And he was thankful for the opportunity to go out and look around. Stepping into the mudroom as it opens, he makes sure his yukata is tied up so that it doesn't accidentally open.]
And I with you. It's been a rough little bit.
[He takes a deep breath, slowly stepping out into the fresh air. This place felt far cooler than the rest of the castle, with beautiful flowers everywhere.]
...Well, there go my ideas for morning plans. I'll have to get dressed first.
[Is he joking or serious? It's truly hard to say.]
[Ryoma was all ears. He'd never been much of an interior decorator, truth be told.]
Hoshido is old fashioned, for better or worse.
[Ryoma smiles over his shoulder, changing his slippers for something more appropriate for the outdoors before he slides the screen leading out. There are plenty of places to sit in the garden--it's been built to be comfortable and cozy, a little slice of paradise just outside the king's door. Ryoma goes to linger by the koi pond, watching the fish swim under the bridge that arched over the stonework pond.]
I look forward to both of us resting easier--and the days when my siblings have things that take them away from the castle.
[Niles stays barefoot. Mainly because his shoes are not appropriate at all for this, and it feels nice to walk through grass. Eventually, he'll get a wardrobe here that Ryoma can approve of.]
Tradition is something to be respected... but it's also something that needs a firm kick in the ass every now and then.
[Ryoma will order him slippers for walking around in the bedrooms, and in the halls, and in the outdoors... Saizo was already on a hunt for some temporary measures. At the mention of Takumi, however, one Ryoma's brows was on the rise.]
What do you have in mind for my little brother?
[... and then he was flushed, smiling and looking back to the fish.]
[He was only partially teasing, kissing Niles' knuckles and tugging his soon-to-be husband close, leaning back against him with a happy little sigh.]
Oh. Oh, I see. Poor Takumi will have no idea what's racing right for him. I feel like I should protest you waggling my brother at your lord like a particularly tasty cut of steak...
Don't consider it a trade... consider it an offering.
[He smirks. Is he serious? It's so hard to say.
The next few days go by fine. Niles starts getting ready for the engagement presentation where all the nobles will be coming to see him for the first time. Niles is unfortunate enough not to have the same tailor as Ryoma... Oboro. Who still does not like him.
So he goes to the in house tailor, and the day before the ceremony, he receives his outfit in his room. Alone.
Minus Saizo behind him.]
...Saizo. What color is this?
[It's pink. Floral. Bright. The exact opposite of all of Niles's clothes.]
[Saizo is silent at first, eyeing Niles sullenly as if he's expecting some trick or trap, gazing hard at the cloth as if there was some secret to be gleaned from it... but it's garishly pink cloth, with no tricks or traps that Saizo can find.
[Well. That's a conundrum, now isn't it? Saizo's brow wrinkles like he's frowning, dead eye opening to a slit as he stares at the pink garment. It is beautifully made, richly detailed
and absolutely meant as an insult.]
There is always time for mistakes to be corrected. The tailor must have misheard you.
[At least, that's what the idiot better say, if the way Saizo is picking the robe up and starting for the door is any indication.]
If it wasn't an honest mistake, it's going to be a problem.
[And you do not want to be Saizo's problem. He cuts a look to Kagero as he passes her, her eyes lingering on the pink garment with an arched brow and a small frown. She matches pace with Saizo for a moment, going the opposite direction from him as the red haired ninja lets himself into the tailor's room.][Target sighted. The tailor is in Saizo's sights.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 05:08 pm (UTC)[But Ryoma is smiling, getting Niles' robes to rights... and then hefting him up into his arms, waiting for Niles to settle before he starts for the door that'll take them to the private quarters. Saizo already has a few servants gathering the pre-offered lunch onto trays, the soiled napkins mysteriously vanished.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 05:10 pm (UTC)[Kissing him on the cheek, he rested in his arm. It's rather nice not to have to do anything here.]
And you will be busy again shortly. Might as well get every moment out of it I can.
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Date: 2018-04-01 05:30 pm (UTC)[He nuzzled against Niles, carrying him with ease as Kagero kept a step or two ahead to open doors as needed, a small entourage in their wake as they made their way to the king's private rooms... and what a set of rooms it was.
Ryoma favored a modest sort of aesthetic, neatly kept and occasionally bright, but... the things he kept in his space were nice, without being gaudy or overblown. There were several doors connecting to the antechamber of the king's private bedrooms--one sat open, and clearly contained an office. The other two were traditional doors, with locks on the handle--more Nohrian in style than sliding doors.]
These are my rooms. Well. Our rooms.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 05:32 pm (UTC)...Ryoma, these... these are massive.
[One positive to not marrying a snooty noble. Niles is impressed by a lot.]
Pretty sure I'm going to get lost.
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Date: 2018-04-01 06:00 pm (UTC)Well, let me give you the tour. The door through the right leads to the queen's chambers, and the door to the left leads to the harem.
[Kagero pulled the door through to the main bedroom--which was, in and of itself, the size of a small house, with another two sets of sliding doors to the left and the right.]
To the left in here is the bathing room and the clothing chests, to the right is a small chamber that locks... and leads out into the private gardens.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 06:03 pm (UTC)It was massive. Niles, for once in his life, definitely thought he could get very easily lost.]
I... see. What is the purpose of the queen's chambers? Don't we sleep together?
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Date: 2018-04-01 06:10 pm (UTC)Well, in Hoshido's past, there have been kings with wives who... couldn't find rest next to their husband, for whatever reason. Or, kings who kept a few other young ladies, and so would rather their wives weren't in the room while they... eugh.
[The hallway to the queen's chamber was a short one--it was beautifully appointed, and had clearly been decorated by a softer, kinder hand. It wasn't as big as the kings rooms, and there were another set of doors on the right--as well as a large window that peered out over the promised gardens.]
I know my mother would occasionally sleep in her own chambers when my father was working later, or if she was tending a particularly fussy baby while he was trying to rest. She'd also dress in here while my father took private visits and reports from Saizo the Fourth.
[Stop focusing on the harem aspect. The doors to the right led into what had once been a nursery, and another bathing room.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 06:13 pm (UTC)The way you talk about it, it sounds like you're the first king to take a husband.
[Not that he minds, of course. He keeps walking and looking. Particularly at the gardens outside.]
I see the appeal. I do plan on mostly sleeping in your chambers, Ryoma.
[It's trying to keep track of everything. At the very least, if he does get lost, Ryoma is sure to hear him.]
Our chambers, that is. So the gardens truly are just ours?
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 06:51 pm (UTC)The first in a very long time, as far as I recall. I can count on one hand how many kings had a male consort... the number goes up if you count the number of acknowledged male concubines, if that makes you feel better?
[Always look on the bright side? The private gardens were... lush. Colorful. One of the public gardens was made of rock and sand, meant to be raked into thoughtful patterns, while another centered around a beautiful pagoda for outside dining. The gardeners had apparently decided to experiment with the family's gardens, looking for exciting new combinations of flora and fauna.]
I'm glad. I sleep easier when you're by my side.
[Ryoma doubled back to the main chamber, going to unlock the door to the little mudroom that led to the garden--a last minute precaution against intruders and the like, as well as a place to change without tracking dirt all over the floors.]
It's the royal family's--if you look across the way, there are a few more doors. One of the doors leads to the main nursery, and those three doors lead to my siblings' adult rooms.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 06:56 pm (UTC)I don't feel sad about it, if that was your concern. Rather, I'm curious and amused.
[It was beautiful. And he was thankful for the opportunity to go out and look around. Stepping into the mudroom as it opens, he makes sure his yukata is tied up so that it doesn't accidentally open.]
And I with you. It's been a rough little bit.
[He takes a deep breath, slowly stepping out into the fresh air. This place felt far cooler than the rest of the castle, with beautiful flowers everywhere.]
...Well, there go my ideas for morning plans. I'll have to get dressed first.
[Is he joking or serious? It's truly hard to say.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 07:00 pm (UTC)Hoshido is old fashioned, for better or worse.
[Ryoma smiles over his shoulder, changing his slippers for something more appropriate for the outdoors before he slides the screen leading out. There are plenty of places to sit in the garden--it's been built to be comfortable and cozy, a little slice of paradise just outside the king's door. Ryoma goes to linger by the koi pond, watching the fish swim under the bridge that arched over the stonework pond.]
I look forward to both of us resting easier--and the days when my siblings have things that take them away from the castle.
[Ryoma is joking. Probably.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 07:15 pm (UTC)[Niles stays barefoot. Mainly because his shoes are not appropriate at all for this, and it feels nice to walk through grass. Eventually, he'll get a wardrobe here that Ryoma can approve of.]
I already have ideas for Takumi.
[He smiles and turns to look at his fiance.]
...You look more handsome here in the sun.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 07:27 pm (UTC)[Ryoma will order him slippers for walking around in the bedrooms, and in the halls, and in the outdoors... Saizo was already on a hunt for some temporary measures. At the mention of Takumi, however, one Ryoma's brows was on the rise.]
What do you have in mind for my little brother?
[... and then he was flushed, smiling and looking back to the fish.]
I do all right, I think.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 07:32 pm (UTC)[Giving a quick nod and a chuckle. That is what he's best at.]
I think he would quite enjoy spending some time in Nohr with Leo. Helping improve trade routes.
[He moves closer to Ryoma, reaching to touch his hand lightly.]
More than alright... my love.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-01 09:19 pm (UTC)[He was only partially teasing, kissing Niles' knuckles and tugging his soon-to-be husband close, leaning back against him with a happy little sigh.]
Oh. Oh, I see. Poor Takumi will have no idea what's racing right for him. I feel like I should protest you waggling my brother at your lord like a particularly tasty cut of steak...
[And yet, the thought was entirely too funny.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-02 06:26 am (UTC)[Niles always prefered the moon over the sun. Dawn compared little to dusk for him.]
Ex-Lord, Ryoma. You snatched me away from Leo, after all... so cruelly.
[Not denying it in the least.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-06 01:37 am (UTC)[Ryoma smiles, curling fingers in Niles' hair and playing with the pale strands, brushing a kiss over a lock of hair as he drew him close.]
What can I say, I only strive for the best and the brightest. Perhaps Takumi is a fitting trade--a prince for the love of my life.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-06 04:05 am (UTC)[He smirks. Is he serious? It's so hard to say.
The next few days go by fine. Niles starts getting ready for the engagement presentation where all the nobles will be coming to see him for the first time. Niles is unfortunate enough not to have the same tailor as Ryoma... Oboro. Who still does not like him.
So he goes to the in house tailor, and the day before the ceremony, he receives his outfit in his room. Alone.
Minus Saizo behind him.]
...Saizo. What color is this?
[It's pink. Floral. Bright. The exact opposite of all of Niles's clothes.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 04:28 am (UTC)It's definitely not his color.]
It's pink. I didn't think you cared for pink.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 04:29 am (UTC)[He looks at it and lets out a sigh as he sits down and carefully looks it over. It's...]
...There's not even time to make a new one, is there? We go out tomorrow.
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 12:21 pm (UTC)and absolutely meant as an insult.]
There is always time for mistakes to be corrected. The tailor must have misheard you.
[At least, that's what the idiot better say, if the way Saizo is picking the robe up and starting for the door is any indication.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 02:40 pm (UTC)Misheard me. I'm sure that's it.
[Considering he never brought up the word 'pink', he's starting to believe that this was the first of the many sabotages he'd experience here.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 03:10 pm (UTC)[And you do not want to be Saizo's problem. He cuts a look to Kagero as he passes her, her eyes lingering on the pink garment with an arched brow and a small frown. She matches pace with Saizo for a moment, going the opposite direction from him as the red haired ninja lets himself into the tailor's room.][Target sighted. The tailor is in Saizo's sights.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 03:21 pm (UTC)Ah, hello Saizo and Niles. Is there something wrong?
[Niles pauses and frowns, looking from the outfit to the tailor.]
This... isn’t what we discussed. I didn’t want pink.
[The tailor just smiles and moves over.]
I think pink would be better for the event. Have you even tried it on?
[Which was proof enough that the tailor actively went against Niles’s wishes. Which leads to him frowning.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-10 03:38 pm (UTC)[Saizo is not here to play this shit, son. His eye narrows when the tailor opens his fat gob, straightening up as he stares the man down.]
Pink was not what was asked for. Why did you deliberately choose against his highness' wishes?
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