Sebastian had become a constant within his existence. Something decidedly real and solid to hold on to in those moments in which he remained entirely undecided about how he felt in allowing his slate-hued gaze to rest upon that palace he had once called home. How strange it was, that after centuries of independence, of relying on none but himself and his own judgement he had so easily come to rely on Sebastian in a sense. He needed the man like he needed air, the Monarch so unafraid to admit such things to himself, Dorian so having come to decide that so facing the world, in a sense, was a far easier thing to do when not alone. He was anxious still and yet, somehow, his consort so made it bearable though he hardly saw need to inform the vampire of just how important he had truly become, such conversation for another time perhaps, when that miles long driveway did not confront them. It was Sebastian's sudden declaration of the length of just that path that managed to punctuate those rolling worries within Dorian's mind- enough to stir a simper to his lips by way of response, a soft sound of amusement humming within his throat.

"In truth, I did not know it was this long."

It was perhaps the only excuse he so had. After all, he hardly remembered the length of such a path after so many centuries. He halted but once more then, pausing only so long as to assure that medallion that adorned Sebastian's neck might be made clearly visible. It would be utterly dishonourable, after all, to have his lover confused for a servant in any fashion or indeed as anything less than he was. That token alone so speaking volumes to those whom understood it as his court would be given to do. It was only once Emry had recovered enough to open those gates that Dorian moved to start up that never-ending path, the other guard very near content to wrestle those bags out of Sebastian's arms. Dorian so working to hide his amusement. Ah, but how quickly his lover might learn it was simply better to merely let some things occur! The vampire at last seeming to give up entirely, Dorian supressing that chuckle once more before they, at last, reached the end of those manicured lawns and fountains to arrive at the towering double doors. The first true notes of hesitation touching the man now. How much those doors represented. How raw those emotions seemed, Dorian struggling to master them as that quiet admittance of just how much he feared them managed to pass his lips, his heart fluttering in his chest, that ring upon his finger so surely informing his lover of just that if his vampiric hearing had not already noted it. Sebastian suddenly stepping closer, his hand held more firmly, that promise whispered softly to him. In all those months he had known the man, Sebastian never had failed to keep a promise. His gaze held upon the blue of his lovers own for but a moment, lips parting to speak when that door so opened of its own accord.

Benito, so donned in his pyjamas, was perhaps more shocked then Dorian ever recalled seeing the near ancient Fae- both doors thrown open a moment later to admit them into that entrance hall of which he knew every curve and face and polished surface. A small handful of his court were beginning to appear from around pillars or down hallways, their eyes equally wide as hushed whispers danced amongst them. The entire castle would know of his return within fifteen minutes, of that he was sure. Benito's bowing so immediately taken up by the rest of them and yet it was to Sebastian that Dorian was so content to turn in that moment, the vampires gaze cast upward at those towering ceilings with no small measure of awe. A part of the Monarch almost pleased to have impressed his lover so much as to have him declare it may yet be better than Buckingham, a simper finding his lips now, his words holding at least some touch of anticipation.

"Ah, but wait until you might see the rest of it."

It was a simple matter then of merely allowing his hand to flick in but the subtlest of gestures, Benito so immediately straightening from his bow, the rest of the court following suit in those age old customs that were very much alive within those halls. His advisor taking ready control as his hand clapped together. Two Fae men were sent sprinting further into the halls, the ladies in waiting ordered upstairs to assure his Majesties apartments were prepared, another sent to the kitchens with her own staff leaving but a small collection of those high born ladies and a page boy whom looked overly nervous about which off the twelve hundred doors Dorian might choose to visit and he be required to be at to open. Benito so requesting one lady hurry and wake the physician before he so at last returned his attention in full to the Monarch and Sebastian in turn. We have long awaited your return your Majesty, we feared for your safety, the government has been searching tirelessly. If not for Matteo's assurance you were alive and well we would have feared you were dead. There is so much to inform his Majesty off, perhaps I might speak of it as we head to your apartments? I-. His words so halted by Dorians own voice then.

"If Matteo so informed you of my being alive why did he not disclose my location?"

How curious it might be, that Matteo might seek to prevent a country from knowing the whereabouts of its King, Dorian frowning but slightly in this consideration and too an attempt to understand how the other Fae had known at all what the government and the Hunter Council so evidently had not. Benito recovering quickly to speak once more, his eyes travelling to Sebastian now. He informed us you should not be interrupted. That you would return in time. It was evident, entirely, that Benito has so concluded Sebastian was the 'interruption' his eyes having come to rest firmly upon the medallion about the vampires neck as Dorian merely allowed that touch of a simper once more.

"Ah, might I present his Lordship Sebastian Ellington. The Baron of Belton, England and my Consort. Sebastian, this is Benito, my advisor and advisor to my father before me."

It was a truly rare thing indeed to so see Benito at a loss for words, the aged Fae so seeming to attempt for several different sentences and failing entirely. Dorian caring little for the abruptness of his announcement. After all, he held no shame in slightest at his choice in consort regardless of their shared gender and indeed that affection between them was hardly something they were capable of hiding, nor did he desire to. That small collection of women having broken into a flurry of whispers the way women were want to do before a single glance from Dorian himself so silenced them, at least for now. High-born or otherwise they were positively bursting with this newest gossip- and thoroughly shamed to have let it be clear. Benito at last recovering to immediately offer his hand to Sebastian. It is of the utmost pleasure. We are honoured to have you in our presence. It was with a nod of agreement and a moment to so allow those two men their introduction before Dorian gestured towards the towering staircase before them that led into the upper levels of the palace and his own private floor with every intention of retreating there. His feet however, had remained upon that threshold throughout, hardly daring to cross fully into that room for that same illogical fear perhaps that he might somehow become ensnared within these halls once more and yet with the eyes of his court upon him he hardly desired to falter. Sebastian alone surely aware of that thudding of his heart as he allowed himself but one step within and another. Those doors remaining open behind him, a relief of sorts flooding his system, his overly tense form relaxing notably before he moved to take his place at Sebastian's side once more and follow Benito upstairs, those women curtsying as they passed. The advisor speaking as they walked.

Your private suite has been completely refurbished your Majesty, the ball room, dining room, kitchen, throne room, servants quarters and one of the receiving rooms have also been done and fitted with this electricity, it is the most marvellous thing! We have over seven hundred rooms however that I fear remain in an aged state. The government has promised to assist us though. Perhaps when it suits, you and Lord Sebastian might go over plans for refurbishment? I shall leave you to rest now but the prime minister is already on his way, he should be here by morning, he is returning from abroad. Geoffrey is on his way too. Your Majesty, your Lordship. Benito paused then to bow once more, the page boy hurrying to open those doors at the top of the stairs, closing them behind the pair and at last leaving them in peace. Dorians 'room' so encompassed the entire floor, complete with receiving and living room, a parlour, a study and bedroom itself. It was, as the rest of the palace, so constructed of the most finely polished marble, the furniture a deep mahogany wood, those fittings all made of gold with curtains of the richest red. Each and every item within was polished to a state of immaculate. The suite entirely lavish. Dorian so reaching now for Sebastian's hand once more, guiding him easily towards that parlour that connected to the bedroom.

"Oh my, I do not think they knew what tea to make you."

Situated upon that ornate coffee table, surrounded by those plush sofas, was a golden tea tray fitted with no less than five induvial cups of tea, each with a note card attached so explaining how the tea had been made. Water first, milk first, tea first and in any number of other combinations so that Sebastian might choose which tea was to his liking. A plate of pastries beside it. The kitchen so evidently attempting to display that they, once again, had food. A certain measure of pride so afflicting Dorian once more as he collapsed onto that sofa, tugging Sebastian down beside him to allow them both a moment to simply breath, his words holding a note of tease as he offered them.

"How do you like my room?"

Dorian Aragona