The Sun Also Rises

Marriage, it seemed, was a distinctly difficult topic for both men. Dorian had been, in that singular moment, entirely blindsided by the idea that such a thing was even a possibility let alone the notion that, one day, it might be one he embraced with his lover. There was much to be considered in regards to even the idea of it, let alone the complete and utter circus that was a royal wedding. The idea of that threatening to see the man pale with the sheer wealth of all it would bring and yet in a testament to the very man Dorian so was- he simply moved to press those worries aside. There was no good to be had in worrying himself to distraction over what might be one day. The Fae King instead choosing to offer his lover the truth of his thoughts on just that matter, that while he was hardly opposed to the idea of tying that knot one day that it was something to be discussed when the time was right. Something they would choose together- if they so chose to do it at all. Dorian having failed in that moment to consider the idea with any further depth or realise perhaps, that Sebastian's worries in this ran far deeper than merely the suggestion that they might one day wed. His hand rested upon his lovers arm still, Dorian, while entirely taken aback by the idea, was almost relieved in some sense that it was surely his Consorts mere fear over that unknown future that had prompted his truly obscure behaviour and that they could easily be restored to their regular demeanour once those fears were soothed. The Fae King making every effort to do just that. Marriage after all, was hardly the worst thing to be seen in one of Matteo's visions and while it was nothing short of a truly incredible step beyond what they shared together now he was hardly opposed to the idea sometime within that future. Dorian seeing little need to worry of it now all the same, the Fae so having believed it was that alone that bothered his lover and that surely he had corrected such fears as he offered that man he adored that ready-grin once more. His lips brushing to his companions own in some assurance that this would surely see them right.

The short, simple utterance that they should speak of it later was entirely unexpected, both eyes lifting upward in clear surprise as something heavy seemed to settle upon his chest in that moment. Coiling uncomfortably and coldly there. Any momentary pleasure that had returned to the man evaporating in near the same instant. The Fae King becoming wholly aware in that moment that he had forgotten just how many people were present around them. How consumed he had been with his lovers own worries to forget his own guests! Dorian momentarily abashed as his silver gaze drew upward to glance about that table. The vast majority of his court was thoroughly engaged in their own conversations, their far louder vices echoing about that giant hall until Dorian was wholly assured Sebastian and himself had not at all been overheard and yet it hardly excused his momentary lapse. How hard it was to balance these two worlds he found himself lost within! Several of his more modern habits, it seemed, had breached those conventions of old. Dorian having been so determined this entire evening to display only his delight in those parts of his palace that were functioning and grand- presenting to his court nothing less than his usually pleasant demeanour even though so many of his thoughts lingered upon his difficulties with the President, just what to do with renovations, his nervousness over meeting the public and too just how many of his rooms remained forgotten, empty and covered in dust with memories he was far too afraid to face. Yet still, he had been so assured he was doing well in his return to this role as King. Perhaps he was not. Perhaps he was not even succeeding in his role as boyfriend tonight.

"Very well."

He responded simply, quietly, his tongue feeling overly thick in his too-dry throat. Sebastian, after all, was entirely correct in that this was surely not a conversation for here and now. The Monarch's shock at the idea perhaps having seen him become almost forgetful of decorum. The presence of that cake, in the very least, seemed to see the vampire brighten. A part of the Fae almost inclined to roll his eyes at the notion that chocolate seemed to be succeeding where even he was failing. For all those worries he had off his own court and too what those coming days would bring it seemed he was entirely incapable of focusing upon anything save his Consort. That he could not fix what was wrong with Sebastian, that he had not managed to assuage those fears was terrifying to him and yet he said no more on it as he bit into his own cake. That delightful taste seeming somehow less so and yet he ate it all the same, reaching for his own wine in turn as if downing the entire glass was suddenly a grand idea as he waited for Sebastian to finish before, at last, they rose from the table. The rest of his guests moved to rise immediately in turn, each of them bowing as the pair passed. Dorian content to lead the way back up those stairs to the peace and quiet and privacy of his own suite.

He moved with a purposeful ease to pass the reception room and the parlour, making his way instead to that glorious bedroom with his lover in tow, Dorian shutting those doors and too the rest of the world out behind them. That crackling, glowing fire had spread its warmth throughout the room in their absence, the Monarch finding himself truly comfortable in this room alone, his slate-hued gaze drifting once more to his companion- another sigh falling softly from his lips. There was, a part of him, almost inclined to admit defeat in this- to simply declare he was going to bed and yet while perhaps his nature was so characterized by his often unfailing good temperament there was part to the man that was completely and utterly determined in every sense of the word. Dorian refusing to admit defeat in this. He would return them to their usual demeanour tonight by any means necessary. He would not fail in this role of boyfriend. Not in this. He had never truly had a relationship before and as such this was uncharted territory in a sense, yet surely it was his task to repair this as best he could, surely this was his role even if he need learn still how to perform it? How many years had Sebastian been allowed to simply wallow like this without another to pull him out of it?

"Bastian? I have an idea."

He did not ask, this time, whether the man cared to hear it. Dorian determined he was going to whether he liked it or not. His hand waved softly then, gesturing for the vampire to follow as he made his way to that overly large bed, Dorian removing his shoes to leave at the foot of it before easing himself onto it, folding his legs in an almost childish, cross legged fashion, gesturing for his lover to do the same until they faced one another. The Monarch reached easily then beneath that bed, pulling out two carved wooden game boards with the numbers between one to fifty etched in each square, some numbers appearing multiple times- others only once. One board was handed easily to the vampire, Dorian placing his own in front off him atop those rich red sheets before two soft, silken bags were rested beside them- the man offering no knowledge of their contents though that impish smile still threatened somewhere upon his lips. The Fae leaning then back against the bed post, aware for the first time he had perhaps drunk that wine a little quickly- Sebastian having downed far more than he.

"This is an ancient Italian game, one we play only at special events, like tonight. It is the reason for the red undergarments and I think it is a game you will like very much. I should like you to play with me tonight, after all, you are not in the habit of going back on your word and you did assure me I would be tired tonight- I intend to be."

He smiled softly again, that subtle tease within his words still as he sought to entice the other man- at least a little- yet those other things had not yet been forgotten all the same. Sebastian was not, by nature, a truly talkative being and yet he, as Dorian himself, had been raised in a world in which those deeper emotions were considered improper to speak off. Tonight however, the Fae had so attempted to create a situation in which the vampire might be more willing to speak. His bedroom entirely private, the pressures of that society removed within this room at least as those doors were closed and too- they were nestled upon that bed.

"My idea however is this. Tell me what it is Mon Cher, that is distressing you still. I have said my piece on this notion of marriage. I think perhaps it is your turn- if you are willing to tell me. Then, when you have said these things, whatever they might be, I shall show you my game and help to remind you that there is still delight to be had in this evening if you will let me help you find it. It is only you and I now."

Dorian Aragona