Coronation

[featheredflames]

It is all far too much attention for Joshua's liking.

He knew this was how it would be, that there would be a certain amount of fussing the be expected...but this was beyond the scope of acceptable fussing surely. So much unnecessary commotion over a fitting of ceremonial robes that he wouldn't wear more than a handful of times at that... Would it not be better to spend time focusing on the clothing he would be draped in when he finally dawned his father's mantle? The day-to-day wear that he would need to sport as Archduke of Rosaria.

That would come later, in time, he had been reassured. This outfit would get at least a few days of wear out of it. The ceremony was to last more than a singular evening, festivities dragging on for nearly a week after the event of the coronation itself. Already Joshua feels weary at the thought. Fancy suppers and meeting with dignitaries were in his future but right now his present reality was a miserable one. Fabric is cinched around his waist as measurements are taken and pins are adjusted. He feels like a doll as he's fitted, made to stand for bells on end. Founder he could only hope that some semblance of reprieve would find him soon, hopefully before his knees gave out...

Swallowing he stares out the window, doing his best not to move as the tailors do their work as quickly as they can. It would be unfair if he told them to stop - they were only doing as they had been instructed to, to rework and refit the robes his father wore on his crowning day. Joshua cannot help but think they don't suit him - Clive would wear (and fit!) them far better than he. Yet it was tradition...and while he may be able to escape the tailors ere long, there was no escaping protocol and the duty that loomed over him.

Comments

[flamebrand]

Clive rolls the both of them onto their sides to avoid crushing Joshua under his bulk, and loops his brother into his chest for a chaste cuddle in stark contrast to the furious rutting they were engaging in just moments ago. He'll need to peel away at some point to let Joshua wipe himself down and wriggle into a clean nightgown, but for now－

－gentle, indulgent kisses. To Joshua's hair, his cheek, the corner of those smiling lips. Slow and savoring, projecting the sort of infatuation that Clive only reserves for Joshua.

"You'll definitely need more than one."

More breeding is definitely in Joshua's future, Fates forgiving. They may be wed in fantasy only, but it's one they can indulge in behind closed doors.

[featheredflames]

Gentle, indulgent kisses are exactly what he needs right now as he soaks up the hazy, light feeling of the afterglow of his orgasm. Every limb is heavy and like a rag doll he lets Clive move him about as he wishes.

Each kiss and sweet touch has him giddy, practically glowing as his heart swells with more love than he thought it could hold for his brother.

Another breeding. Another night in Clive's arms to look forward to, when reality became too much to bear.

"As many as it takes until I'm heavy with child, and then some."

A ridiculous fantasy indeed, but they need not answer to anyone other than each other behind the doors of his chamber.

[flamebrand]

"Beautiful, sun-haired children, I hope."

Twining a strand of blond hair around an index, then smoothing it down. Clive has always liked Joshua's hair－ not because it resembled their mother more closely, but because it felt right for his brother, radiant with love and kindness, to emit so much light.

He ignores the little ache in his chest that says that he's the one who has removed the chance for Joshua to find a partner who could actually have his children. Now is not the time for guilt to cloud their wedding bed.

"Gentle and smart, like you."

[featheredflames]

"Golden children."

He huffs out a laugh at that, relaxing further against Clive into his embrace. He does not think about the fact he may still someday be pressured into having children with a woman he does not love. No, he will simply continue to indulge in the fantasy of having them with Clive and carrying them himself. There is no room for reality between them right now.

"And with a strong constitution, like you."

[flamebrand]

If only Joshua could be the one to bear their children. Then there would be less talk of succession and marriage and which families are suitable; Joshua would be plagued less by internal politics, though Clive realizes that siblings marriages are unconventional, even by Rosarian standards.

That's outside world talk, though. Clive can leave it well enough alone, and so chooses to smile about the talk of his constitution.

"Sturdy as a moat." A funny thought, that. Which reminds him: "you haven't been ill in a bit."

To the tune of I'm so proud of you. Clive blankets Joshua in his warmth, keeping their body heat insulated with blankets and arms.

[featheredflames]

It is so nice to be warm. It is even nicer to be warmed by Clive and not just his own heat, to share is large bed that always felt so lonely and have it feel a little less ridiculous in scale.

Clive points out his health and Joshua blinks, realizing that he has been rather well of late.

"Mayhap it has been because I have been eating my veggies." Not carrots though. Never those.

[flamebrand]

Ah. Clive can't help it: he responds to that sweet observation with a full-throated laugh, one that rustles along Joshua's bangs. It's rare for Clive to be so open about his mirth, so tightly self-controlled as he usually is, but it's always been easier for him to be honest in his brother's company.

"You have, have you." He flashes teeth, charmed and amused in the same breath. "My good boy."

An index flicks under Joshua's chin.

[featheredflames]

His good boy.

Joshua cannot help but be ticked pink at his brother's affectionate teasing, wriggling even closer, if it were even possible to do so. Clive's laugh is music to his ears, and to know he was the cause of it makes his hear thrum in his chest.

"I am trying to behave...and be healthy in turn. It won't do if Rosaria's Archduke is always in bed."

[flamebrand]

Flames, his brother is so endearing. Clive, who trusts Joshua to be able to take a bit of affectionate ribbing, holds his brother close and hums in mock consideration.

"You want to behave, and you don't want to stay in bed." His brow hikes, conveying doubt before he leans in to nibble at Joshua's earlobe, where his earcuff should be. "What do you call this, then?"

Misbehaving, and lounging in bed. Clive is a bad influence, clearly.

[featheredflames]

"Being tempted by a devil, that's what I would call it."

He wriggles, halfheartedly, unable to help keep the grin off of his face as his ear is toyed with.

"But right now I am more than allowed to enjoy my bed and brother. I have done all that needed to be done for the day. The hour is mine to make of it as I wish."

[flamebrand]

"You've done all that was required of you, and then some." A smoothing of Joshua's hair, like setting bird feathers in place. "You were perfect at the ceremony."

Again, Elwin would be proud. If only he'd been here to see it: his son, resplendent, commanding space in a way that many members of the high houses didn't expect him to when he was still a small child prone to his coughing fits.

"Do you have everything you need right now?"

[featheredflames]

"I've you," he chirps back, albeit with a lulled, rounded tone. "You know that's all I need, Clive." It's all he's ever needed in the world. Everything else could be stripped away from him, but so long as he never lost his brother he could endure any tribulation.

"I'm glad you think it went over well though. I was worried for a bit...but we got through it together."

[flamebrand]

They both ask for so little from a world that demands so much of them, but that's the way of things. Clive can tell that Joshua is starting to fade, however, and understandably so― it's been a long day, not to mention that the past moon has been dedicated to preparation and practice. Joshua must be exhausted.

"You did most of the work. I only stood and scowled."

Making sure that the blankets are snug around them, Clive settles his weight on their now slightly-rumpled bed.

"...I'll speak to Lord Murdoch in the morning about giving you the day to rest. The others should be too busy sleeping the ale out of themselves to mind terribly."

[featheredflames]

Exhausted is putting it lightly. His body is so relaxed both from his romp with Clive and the fact his coronation is over the stress has practically melted out of him. He hums in agreement, happily tucked in and swaddled. Clive is warm, his bed is warm...everything is right with the world within this room, at least until they would have to break their fast and face the day anew.

"Thank you, Clive, for putting in a good word for me. I would much prefer to sleep in if given the opportunity."

Rest was something to be cherished, even if he didn't like staying in bed, Joshua had never been an early riser if left to his own devices.

[flamebrand]

Joshua is grown now. An Archduke. But the way he folds into Clive is no different from when they were children, and Clive holds to that feeling of evergreen affection for his source of perpetual strength. Now and forever.

"My brother's worst enemy," he murmurs fondly. "The morning sun."

With everything that Joshua is bade to do during the day, he deserves to be a bit fussy before he's forced to leave his bed. A gentle kiss for Joshua's trouble, and Clive pats him between his shoulders.

"Rest, Joshua. I'll be here with you in the morning."

[featheredflames]

It truly is a terrible thing, the morning sun. Especially when it so rudely tries to wake him. That's what the curtains on his bed are for, and on the windows...but now there's another use for them too - to hide them both away from the rest of the world until he decides to come out.

Clive kisses him and soothes him in a way no other can, as he settles against his brother's chest. A soft murmur of goodnight falls from his lips, along with three little tender words - I love you - until sleep finally drags him under.