:: The Joust of Riley's 17th Year ::

[eblouissant]

It was the first time that Riley had been on the field, he'd trained hard for this. Very hard, all around him the area of people watched from their stands and seats. His armor gleamed pristine, the visor over his head, the jousting javelin tucked firmly underneath his arm.

Riding astride on his stallion, he galloped toward the ready line as the Games Crier spoke out his name. "Sir Cyril of House Valiase and his opponent Sir Germaine Moreau, please take your positions." and then Riley was in place, his heart thundering in his ears even while all around him the stadium turned as silent save for a few coughs here and there. The horn was blown and then he dug his heels in, pressed himself forward and started.

Grounding himself into the saddle, his eyes never leaving his opponent. Pounding hoofs the only thing to break the silence. That moment of fear, the way his stomach hit his throat and made him choke, so close so close. Held Breath. And then the sound of armor where he prepared for anything. No thinking, nothing-- head empty.

A clatter behind him as he charged forth. He had expected weightlessness, pain, but nothing as he made it to the end and he turned his horse around to see the attendants on the field rushing to Sir Germaine's side to help him from where he had stopped. Already they were assisting him off his horse, medics and his page. And then the crier called out.

"The Winner, Sir Cyril of House Valiase!" and the crowd went almost wild. Somewhere in the stands, he knew that his father was smiling approvingly, but his eyes did not search for his father. But a pair of eyes that he knew quite well, sitting in the royal box. There he could see them there, clapping along with the crowds-- his father not too far away from King Etienne itself.

A polite smile at his father and his King. And then his eyes searched out his best friend Guillaume with a far more shy smile; he was handed a rose by his page and there was a moment where he tried to figure out what to do with it.. he knew what to do, give it to a young lady of the court as was the proper procedure. A look at best friend, fleeting before he cantered his horse up to one of the young ladies of the Court and he handed her the rose.

--

Parties were like this, the celebrations were massive and with no expense spared. Now Riley could have found much more useful things to spend money on than a fountain of champagne and one of matching chocolate side by side-- but he did not make the rules nor did he hold the purse strings, so he held a glass of wine and watched the dancing.

He'd already done the required dancing with the young lady he'd given the rose to, also had been grilled on his mother on if she would make a suitable 'wife' for him. He did not care either way, if they arranged it then they did, it was not uncommon for parents to arrange matches for their children though he'd heard Guillaume state that his father the King was attempting to change that, to make Olympia more accepting. Trying to bridge the gap between Sylvia and Olympia, attempting to give women more rights.. everything that most Lords balked at (including Riley's father).

It felt like a fairy tale that was told, a fairy tale where magic existed and where women could be knights, where a marriage was only dictated by love. it was such a beautiful fairy tale, but Riley heard his father speak in contempt of such things, and Riley was not sure of the country was ready for that yet.

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[giveanything]

And there went Liam's breath being taken in one rush from his lungs by that butterfly-soft kiss to his palm. His skin tingled in the wake of it, fingers flexed, lingering before he traced his fingertip along Riley's lips, as if following the shape of those words, words he would never forget hearing this first time.

"I love you too. With my whole being." More than just his heart, he thought. His soul sang for Riley too, but how to put that into words? He'd have to settle for showing this gentle knight with sun shower eyes how deeply he loved him for the rest of their lives. Because what could possibly get in the way of that plan?

"I fear the night has gone and gotten away from us. It's late, and I cannot in good conscience allow you to travel home at this hour. You will have to stay the night in the palace, I am afraid." It wouldn't be the first time. They'd had their share of sleepovers as Liam had made no secret of Riley being his dearest and most trusted friend. But there was something a bit different to it this time, wasn't there?

[eblouissant]

There was a solemn nod, he had stayed at the Palace during some of the later events at the palace and there had been no remark, after all to be the trusted confidante of the Prince was something that was looked on with favor and perhaps a bit of envy. Something like this could act as a shield far stronger than his own knight's shield. And he felt the difference, but also there had always been a bit of decorum still.

A couch made up for him, or a pull out cot just underneath Liam's bed from which he slept. He wondered, and perhaps he could not dwell on, if something like that could change. It probably was not the most proper and he was a gentleman above all else and did not want to assume or embarrass either of them with those same assumptions.

"You are too kind, I will accept your invitation in the way that it is tendered." his hands itched to hold the other man's hand, wondering if anyone would notice if they stole in through the palace hand in hand.

[giveanything]

Liam did indeed reach out to take Riley's hand. Perhaps not through the palace, but in the moonlit gardens at least? The stars would keep their secret; they understood too well the whispered hush of wishes spoken to them in hopeful confidence, what was one more? He started on their way back then, making certain that he had the little bouquet of peonies and forget-me-nots.

"I am entirely selfish," the prince corrected, glancing over at Riley with that flicker of mischief in his eyes that was likely a familiar sight for the other man, one that had gotten them into trouble when they were younger -- though Liam had a knack for charming their way out of the worst of it. "I am hoping you'll share my bed tonight."

He seemed to realize how that might sound as soon as he spoke the words, and added, hurriedly, hiding a flush, "Only to sleep, of course. I just... I am convinced I would very much enjoy having your arms around me while we slept." Liam was just a boy, standing in front of another boy, asking him to be the big spoon.

[eblouissant]

Gods and Magic were non-issues in Olympia, so there was no grand guilt that informed behavior within that direction. All propriety came from societal expectations that had been built by those who had money and power; if you had enough money you could get away with quite a bit or you could change the narrative.

The thing was that Riley would've cared a great deal more about what a higher power said as opposed to someone purporting to be a peer; so if Liam had asked him to bed in that way, he would likely have thrown caution to the wind. But Liam said 'Only to Sleep' which was fine too-- more than fine really, he liked the idea of nuzzling into Liam while they were sleep fuzzed and cuddly.

To be able to kiss him upon waking up felt very much like a dream.

And if Liam where to charm them both into trouble, he'd accept his fate gladly. "You do not have to explain anything, Liam-- I would share your bed, if you would have me in t." so very proper of his acceptance, as if the honour was a treasure that he intended on holding reverently to him. He did not specify that he would be glad whatever capacity it was because it would mean being close to his Prince-- he knew that he did not need to.

[giveanything]

Liam could feel the flush on his cheeks darkening, hotter than it was before. "Of course I'd have you in it. Each and every night, if I could. And also... each and every way." Shy virgin that he was, he was also a healthy young man who was very interested in the gorgeous blond he was currently walking hand in hand with.

"But I would not want to rush you into anything! Not before you wanted to. This is... you are too precious not to be treated like a treasure. And properly wooed, at least as much as I can given the need for discretion." Riley deserved the world. And romance. Maybe rose petals and candlelight.

Maybe just Liam's unending adoration that bled into every gaze and every word.

[eblouissant]

Oh no, this was just too sweet for words and Riley found it very hard to ignore the way that his heart gave a patter at the mere mention of romance, as well as other things-- yeah, the idea that Liam wanted him in other ways that made him duck his head just as shyly. Two virgins who were quite into each other but also more than a little bit horny, perhaps Liam may have been more so than Riley...

But RIley could make a good showing if the right person.

"Why don't we take it as it comes? Whatever happens happens.." there would be mutual consent and respect, and he was quite happy with that. But the idea of Liam's hands on him did not repulse him at all. "Properly woo'd-- well I am honoured, I happen to know for a fact that there is scores of people who would enjoy such a wooing." and so Riley being on the receiving would be a dream come true.

[giveanything]

Liam was indeed quite horny, without a single doubt. But he was also, at his very core, a hopeless romantic who wanted the fairytale and all it came with, the deep and abiding love that would be the foundation for that physical desire. And he did love Riley, without a single reservation, in the way that only someone young enough and not yet jaded by the world, could manage.

He nodded his agreement. "Whatever happens, happens," he agreed. "I have faith in us."

A laugh at the mention of other people enjoying the wooing. "Most of them would just want to be wooed by a prince. What would they do when they discovered all my quirks and terrible traits?" All the ones that Riley had to have learned by now -- his tendency to believe he was charming enough to get himself out of whatever trouble he got himself into, his questionable sense of humor and love for teasing and tricks, the way he struggled to admit to any troubles or problems were too heavy for him to carry alone. Among others.

[eblouissant]

Those traits that made Liam absolutely endearing to the Knight, the jokes that were so patently terrible and the way that he knew the exact way to play to get himself out of trouble, but also how he cared about his family with such a strong passion and now-- Riley could count himself a fortunate one indeed. "I do not need wooing, because I am already won." he laughed softly as he squeezed Liam's fingers with his own.

"And those quirks and traits are the icing on the cake, even if you were not the Prince.. I would still love you." this was said with such ardent devotion. "You could have nothing, be just a farmer and I would choose to spend my days with you, I would even learn to make bread if pressed to do so.. or make wine, that could be fun too-- to make wine."

[giveanything]

Oh. It was beautiful, to hear Riley say those things. He knew it though, knew that Riley saw him as a person beyond the title and the crown and the expectations he'd been born into. A step closer as they walked, his own fingers squeezing Riley's in return, and Liam shouldered into him lightly. Playfully.

A thoughtful hum. "I could see that, you in an apron, all flower smudged. Or lips stained with grapes... it could be fun. Making it, drinking it." Very fun, actually. It was nice to dream of a simpler life. If he weren't who he was, they could steal away to Sylvia, maybe, and be together properly. But Liam wore the mantle of his duty everyday, had come to understand and accept that he bore a responsibility to the people of this country to be the leader they deserved, to make sure that he did right by them.

Though if anyone could tempt him away from it, it was this beautiful, stormy eyed man who would always have the only true claim on his heart.

[eblouissant]

"Of course you would think that drinking wine would be the best part." though Riley had no real care for alcohol, it did make an excellent hold when he was at a party and needed something to do with his hands that gave him an excuse not to ask any young ladies to dance (though he certainly did his duty here or there). "But we are born who we are, and perhaps one day I will manage the Valiase royal vinyard and see it prosper."

There was a pause, "Or Lysander will decide to manage it and drink all the reserves dry." his brother who was already showing hedonistic tendencies at the age of fifteen years old.

"I would give you a tour of the grape fields, perhaps we could take a picnic out there.. and cuddle underneath the stars." among other things, if they were continuing to be a little bit horny about it all.

[giveanything]

"The fruits of our labor are made and meant to be enjoyed, Riley." Liam informed him with as serious and somber a tone he could manage before he broken out into a smile, and then into a full laugh. "That would be a terrible business model." But Lysander would probably have a good time drinking the vineyard dry, so Liam couldn't fault him for it.

And then Riley mentioned tours and picnics and cuddles, and the gaze that he turned up to his knight was nearly star-filled itself as he pictured what was a very sweet, very romantic date. "I would like that, very much."

He was on the verge of blushing again. They were young and in love and together, and the world was still a kind and merciful place full of potential and future. And in this moment, Liam could not imagine being happier than he was right here at Riley's side.

[eblouissant]

The good thing about the palace after a ball was that most of the servants were busy cleaning up so it was a fairly easy sneak-in. The proper attendants to the royal family were otherwise occupied, the kitchen staff was far too busy cleaning up and there happened to be a set of secret stairs via the palace that allowed for quickly getting to the royal chambers, known only by a select few, primarily the chatelaine.

And while it nearly ached to draw his hand away, he knew they would soon be in Liam's room where they could then hold hands.

Even if it meant he'd have to sleep in his tunic, or perhaps he would borrow some nightclothes from the Prince, that may be nice-- to fall asleep surrounded by Liam while he surrounded him?

[giveanything]

Liam found it hard to release his hold on Riley's hand as well, but he did console himself with the fact that soon there could be a great deal more than just hands that were holding. He'd invite himself right into Riley's arms.

His heart was fluttering rapidly and erratically, but in a thrilling and wonderful way. He was so in love he couldn't believe that his body could contain all of it without it spilling out in every direction.

Up through the quiet hallways and towards his chambers. Anyone they passed did not think twice about the prince and the young knight who had been his dearest friend and closest confidant for as long as anyone could remember being together, even at this hour, after the grand occasion of the ball.

He led them both up to his room, opening the door and rather immediately moving to his wardrobe to find nightclothes. For both of them. Because of course he wouldn't have Riley sleeping in his fancy ball clothes, even just the tunic.

Also Riley should be careful he left tomorrow with all the pieces of his ball outfit because Liam was not above stealing something that bore Riley's scent to keep tucked away. Shh.

[eblouissant]

His hands felt empty without the other man's to hold though it was a matter of patience that they would find their proper place once they reached the Prince's patience-- the way that they snuck past Patrice's room, knowing that if he heard even but a few footsteps he would be out like a curious wild boy animal.

Finally into Liam's room where he started to shed his overcoat and leaving his tunic of which he rolled up the sleeves, baring temptingly fit forearms from sword training.

"I just realized I will get pastries in the morning.. your palace chef makes the best chocolate croissants.." there was Riley, suddenly thinking with his sweet tooth.

[giveanything]

Mm. Forearms. Liam was looking, almost respectfully. Maybe the way he bit at his lower lip as he turned around to give Riley the once over ruined the whole respectfully image, but oh well. He shook himself from his momentary stupor and wandered over to Riley.

"Here... for you." He held out the offered pajamas.

And then Riley brought up pastries and he couldn't help a fond laugh. Riley and his sweet tooth were well known in the palace. "They do, and if word gets to the chef that you are passing the night here, she'll make a double batch." Riley had a knack for being so polite and kind and sweet that people fell over themselves to do little things like that for him, especially since he'd never ask of his own accord.

[eblouissant]

"Well I would not want to make extra work for her, but if she makes them I will eat them." and also take some home and do as best as he was able to hide them from his siblings since they loved sweets just as much as he did. Once the Prince came close, he surveyed the man with a soft glimmer in his eyes- accepting the pajamas and then laying them very carefully and neatly on the chair before he lifted his hands to softly undo the buttons of Liam's waistcoat.

"It is not proper for the Prince to ready himself for bed without his valet so I suppose that I shall have to do in his place."

Was this a furtive excuse to get his hands on Liam? Perhaps, but he was only going to admit it very lightly; not to mention was there any greater joy than to serve his Prince? His Love? There really was not, and Riley was by nature one who took his responsibilities very seriously as well as the loyalty to his future King.

Oh no, the collarbone had no right to look that delicious and that ready to be assailed with kisses-- the storm of his eyes darkened only a little bit. The question became did he do it now or did he wait until Liam was properly dressed in his night things? Oh this moral quandry.

[giveanything]

Liam's smile only widened as Riley proved his point about being that exact considerate and courteous gentleman. See? No one could resist that at all, including Liam. He watched as the pajamas were set down and then, well, then Riley went and tried to murder him.

So maybe the idea of those hands on him was suddenly forefront in his mind. Maybe the thought of Riley undressing him had him simultaneously blushing and thinking entirely sinful thoughts, that he was certain that Riley would be able to read in suddenly wide, dark eyes. His dedicated, loyal knight.

"That is, ah, very kind of you. Heaven knows I'm a disaster left to my own devices." He was also a disaster left to Riley's devices, clearly, but he was not complaining in the least.

[eblouissant]

Riley was no man of the cloth, thank goodness for nobility of an earthy sort, and that was how just at that moment Riley ducked his head in order to brush his lips reverently against the collarbone presented; perhaps Riley may not worship a god, did not understand that gods did exist-- but he did worship Liam, his goodness and kindness. This man would be his reason for doing better, being better.

Even as his fingers unbuttoned each fastening slowly to reveal skin that looked even more kissable than the last.

For all about taking it slow, he really just wanted to slowly kiss Liam and that was what was occurring to him, that maybe he would be allowed that bit of decadent worship. It felt as natural as breathing to do so, and Liam was not stopping him.

If they made it through the night without making love, they would deserve medals of mutual self-restraint.

[giveanything]

Oh. The first touch of those lips against his collarbone, he could feel a heated twist low between his legs, a stirring of his arousal and a warmth that seemed to settle at the base of his spine. Liam was becoming very quickly aware that his own self-restraint was not anywhere near as good as he might have hoped, at least when it came to Riley.

His fingers found their way into soft, golden hair, all encouragement in every movement he made, every hitch in his breathing.

"That feels nice... so nice..." He murmured, low and soft, fingers carding through Riley's hair.

[eblouissant]

"You like it?" which was probably a rhetorical question, where every breath was a prayer spoken against skin, the arousal sharpened and made it far more apparent than it had been; but at least they were in it together.. fully and surely. He could tell by the whispered hitch of Liam's breath that he was enjoying the kisses. "I could do it more, if you wish." sliding his gaze up to look at Liam, a smile on his face that was shy and yet also...

Certain.

"So I think that it may have been a error on our part to think that maybe only sleeping would get done.. especially like this." and then he slowly pushed Liam's shirt off the shoulders until they fell in a whisper to the ground.

"But I.. I did say I was open to whatever happens.." to clarify.

[giveanything]

"Mmhmm..." Liam answered in a distant, blissfully distracted hum, even if it were a rhetorical question. Yes, he liked it. And yes, by all things holy and unholy that existed, he wanted more. He wanted Riley.

He let his shirt be slipped off, freeing his hands from the sleeves and letting it fall from his fingertips. The blush still rode high in his cheeks as he stood before Riley, shirtless. Liam was lean and athletic, skin fair but with the promise that the sun would be gentle with him despite.

His fingertips brushed oh so softly against Riley's cheekbone, down and along that strong, smooth jaw. "I wish. I very much wish," he began because wow did he wish for Riley to do more. His fingers caught Riley underneath his chin, urging him to look up so that Liam could steal a kiss from those lips again.

Riley was right, of course. The idea of not chasing this shining thread of desire seemed an impossibility. When Riley's touch sent sparks shooting through him, when the heat of those plush lips graced his skin, all he could possibly think about was this beautiful man and being closer to him, close as he could get, as two separate people could be.

"You did say that..." He murmured the words to Riley's lips in between kisses. Riley had said that and oh Liam was in full agreement. So he let himself stand at the metaphoric edge for only a breath and he leaped. "Make love to me?"

[eblouissant]

The mouth that felt better than the sun, a warmth he was privileged to soak up with every sense that he possessed; gods he would make up senses if he did not have access to them just so that he could bask further in the sensory pleasure. His mouth met Liam's softly, the sensual whisper of tongue as they swayed together-- delicate and yet still full of promise.

"It would be my pleasure and my honour to do so." Then Riley reached for his Prince and started to undo the belt, then he was easing fabric over hips to fully bare Liam's lovely body to him.

"You are exquisite." And Riley always wanted to be able to see this, to bask in the beauty of his Prince but more importantly his love. Sorry Liam, but Riley was terribly romantic, there would be time for filthy disrespectful sex between them later but now he just wanted to treat Liam like the treasure he was.

[giveanything]

Liam wasn't entirely certain how he'd wound up entirely naked while Riley was still wearing all his clothes. When had that happened exactly? He'd been so deliciously distracted by that mouth and those hands.

There he was, naked and with no way -- or inclination -- to hide the effect that Riley had on him, his cock hard and straining up as if seeking Riley's attention and approval. The blush on his face darkened at being called exquisite because how could Riley be saying that to him? What had he done to deserve something so amazing?

His knight was terribly romantic, and Liam adored him for it, among so many other reasons he loved him. His own romantic's heart was racing away inside his chest, as he reached up to curl his fingers into Riley's shirt and pull him closer. "You're still dressed... how are you still dressed? I want to see you, too. All of you."

[eblouissant]

"I am still dressed because it is my duty to make sure that you are taken care of first." not that Riley minded, he found that there had always been a need deep within him to seek approval from the Prince-- every smile, every hand touch was as precious to him as breathing, and as natural to accept it. "But you know that I cannot resist anything coming from our mouth."

And he punctuated it by pressing an open mouthed kiss to Liam's lips.

"Will you.. undress me, my heart?"

He knew that he would start the melt when those hands were upon him. The nightclothing were forgotten, on second thought they would not be needed at all and could pass the night undisturbed on the chair where Liam had settled them, and he felt his own face flush with anticipation over the other man ridding him of everything that kept his body away from Liam's

[giveanything]

"I see. Well then, you are... exceptionally dutiful. And should be properly rewarded for it." Clearly Liam would be very interested to provide that reward -- extremely fucking interested, thanks. Anything that Riley wanted, whatever would make this beautiful man in front of him happy, Liam would give it to him without hesitation.

He would also return that kiss with the same level of eagerness, utterly breathless as it broke. And his lungs would not be recovering when the breath was stolen from them again by that invitation, and that endearment.

"Yes. I... yes. I will. I would like that very much."

He set about unwrapping the most delectable present that he had ever seen, carefully undoing fastenings of all Riley's finery. He slid waistcoat and tunic off those strong shoulders, fingers dragging along skin as he pushed the fabric down and away. Then there was nothing stopping him from leaning in and kissing along the line of that shoulder as he moved his attention to Riley's trousers. "You are impossibly beautiful. I wonder if you ever noticed me looking at you... too closely... too long."