In march the war ended and peace negotiations began at the Congress of Paris which resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Paris on March thirtieth 1856.
Finally everyone could sit back and relax. As part of the negotiations, much of the land gained by Britain and her allies was mostly given back to the Russians, as crippled as they had become and all prisoners of war were to be released. Francis stayed in Paris, Sadiq went back to Constantinople and Matthew and his Father returned to England.
Arthur had not been completely happy with the outcome but his was his opinion against the others, who outvoted him two to one. Matthew barely was able to see Ivan before the he was removed from the castle. He had grudgingly released Ivan and his fellow countrymen at the docks to the channel and put them all into a small ship and sent them into the North Sea so they could get back to Saint Petersburg.
Matthew had begged his father to allow Ivan to stay. Seen him off at the docks in spite of his father. Shared a fleeting kiss with the man as he started to board.
"Matvey, I vill come back. Soon. I have to return home first. But I vill return," He had whispered so softly against the shell of his ear. Matthew remembered the feel of his hot breath against his neck, his lips against his. Matthew let out a loud sigh as he rest his cheek against his knuckles and looked out the window of the parlour, a book reading on his knees.
"What are you sighing about?" Arthur asked as he set down his tea cup. "Is there something wrong?" Matthew looked over at him before shaking his head.
"Nothing is wrong father. I am... I am just thinking of the future I suppose," He replied softly.
"Not with that Russki I hope," Arthur said after a moment. "I know your feelings for him Matthew but we need you to marry someone of royalty, of someone with major political sway. An military man does not have much sway, even if they are a general,"
"I know Father. I...I can dream can't I?"
"Yes well, Sadiq is expecting to marry you still Matthew, it is not good to think of other men while you are engaged," Matthew worried at his lip and returned his gaze back to the window.
"Some...sometimes I just cannot help it Father. I will try and stop. Is Sadiq coming to visit soon?" He watched Arthur shake his head in the reflection of the window. "O-oh..." He trailed off.
"Ah," Arthur snapped his fingers. "Speaking of which. I received a letter this morning from Prince on the East. Siberia I believe he indicated. He mentioned only that he had heard that a son of mine was looking for a husband. He said he would write to you soon but would like to make his intentions known so he wrote to me first. I. Approved it. He seemed to be honest. Included his royal seal and all that to prove his nobility. Not needed in my opinion. He would bring it with him when he comes to visit,"
"Did he say when he could be visiting Father? Did he include a painting?" Arthur shook his head.
"No, he did not say or include either. He only stated he would be contacting you within a week or two after we received this letter. Regardless. He will visit before long I'm sure and then you will be able to choose between him and Sadiq. Although honestly, Sadiq has great political gains," Matthew looked towards his father.
"I do not wish to marry for political gain Father. I want to marry for love,"
"This man, I'm not sure if he would have any real pull anyways..." He said with a frown as he thought back. "It looked like the Siberian royal seal but.." He trailed off. "Regardless. I also received a letter from your brother expressing interest as well, did I tell you?" Matthew shook his head with a soft laugh.
"No, why on earth would he send you post about that?" He asked softly.
"Because for some reason he thinks it would be a good idea for you two to marry. I already wrote him back declining his so called gracious offer. I hope you don't mind," Matthew shook his head.
"I don't mind Father. Thank you for responding on my behalf on both cases," He smiled softly at Arthur. "I didn't know that Siberia had a royal family actually," Matthew said, changing the subject off his brother. Arthur shrugged.
"It is small, but they do have one. I have been out of touch with that part of the country since the war really. I had thought to turn them away as well since they are surrounded by those bloody Reds, but I think Francis would murder me," He chuckled.
"But are they not all—,"
"Not speaking of it," Arthur cut him off. Matthew waved his hand in front of him.
"Alright," The pair fell into silence and after a few minutes Matthew picked his book up from his lap and began to read again while Arthur sipped at his cooling tea.
"S-so what else did my Siberian suitor say?" Matthew asked.
"Not too much all in all. Just that he wished to visit you in person in the near future. He said that he had seen pictures and though.. well... perhaps you should just read the letter yourself. It's in my office in the top drawer,"
"Okay. Pardon me then Father," Matthew set his book down on the chair after he stood and left the parlour to go to his fathers office. He felt guilty even with permission to be in here; it wasn't a place he was normally allowed. He slipped into the room and went over to the oversized desk, switching on the desk lamp so he could see more clearly. He opened the top right hand drawer and saw a stack of open letters addressed to his father, and a few to himself that he had not seen. He pushed back the the chair and put the stack of letters on the desk. "Father..." He muttered as he rubbed at his temple with the pad of his thumb. He picked up the envelope on the top of the pile and pulled the letter out. This letter had been addressed to both of them; it was from Alfred. It was short and to the point, stating simply that he would come over and get Matthew and take him home to America with him since he was the one that loved Matthew the most. Doubtful in all cases, Matthew thought to himself. If he really loved me he wouldn't have started a war with Father and left me here all alone for as many years as it had been. Matthew shook his head and put the letter back into the envelope. The next letter in the pile was a short letter from Sadiq. A letter of niceties and polite words. Nothing of interest to Matthew so he set it aside as well. The next letter was signed from the Siberian prince Alexander but it seemed to be more than that to the letter.
Lord Kirkland,
I wish to express an interest in wedding your young son, Matthew. I have heard of his striking beauty from other colleagues and since I am looking for a wife I thought I would write you a letter and hope to be able to meet him in person.
I am sure if he is as beautiful as I have heard, he most likely has had many proposals and I hope that I will be the right one for your son.
I know I do not much political sway at this moment, with my brothers issues to the West, but hopefully you will be able to see past that.
If you require a dowry of any sort, please, let me know what you would be requesting and I will make it happen as so.
I await your correspondence.
Prince Alexander.
The letter was signed with a seal. Matthew felt his cheeks flush lightly. The man didn't even know him yet he seemed to speak so endearingly about him. He set the letter aside and can though the remaining ones. Most of the rest were between Sadiq and his father, both prior to the end of the war and after, in regards to the treaty, but not a mention of himself so he left them after skimming over the contents and put them back in the drawer from which they came from. He took the letter from Prince Alexander with him back out to the parlour. Arthur was still sitting in front of the windows with his tea on the side table, freshly renewed it looked like and slowly working his knitting needles together to make what was looking to be a scarf.
"F-Father, may I keep this letter?" Arthur glanced over at him.
"Hm? What letter?"
"The one from Prince Alexander," Arthur turned away.
"Yes, that's fine," He replied after a moment. Matthew smiled at him.
"Thank you Father. I think I will go study in my room if that is okay?"
"Yes Matthew. That is fine," Arthur replied again. Matthew turned and left the parlour and went up to his bedroom. He let his body drop to the bed, the hand holding the letter dangling over the side. He let out a sigh. It had been a few weeks since the war ended, a few weeks since he had last seen Ivan. His heart ached when ever he thought about the Russian man and he longed to see him. He had asked his father if he could travel and go see the world, but he had been refused and he got the inkling that the Brit had known the real reasoning behind his request. He was still waiting on a response from Francis as to whether or not he would be allowed to go to Paris for the summer. Arthur had not liked the idea but it was closer to Constantinople and it meant that Arthur would not have to travel and that was something he did not like to do.
Before long, April showers had brought on the May flowers and warmth returned the the British Isles. Matthew had received a number of parcels from his suitor in Siberia; gifts of silk, of gold and silvers. Matthew could no longer stop the quick rush of pleasure that shot though him every time his father grunted out that he received another letter or parcel.
When Matthew went downstairs for breakfast there was a small box and a letter sitting on the island in the kitchen for him. His father sat at the table sipping on tea with a plate of scones in front of him. Matthew picked up the small package and looked it over. His name was scrawled across the front in cursive but nothing else on it. The letter was the same.
"Father, who are this from?" He asked. Arthur placed his tea cup back onto its saucer.
"That would be from Alexander, again. He sent your things as part of a larger package, that's why the address is not on it," Matthew nodded in understanding and brought the two items to the table. A maid brought him a steaming cup of tea as soon as he was seated and he added a bit of sugar before taking a sip. "He seems quiet taken with you for someone whom he has not met,"
"Indeed," Matthew murmured in reply as he began to remove the brown parchment paper from the present before him.
"He wrote that he would be leaving his homeland shortly after he sent these to us. I suspect he shall be arriving in the next few days," Matthew's smile brightened. "Sadiq is also going to be arriving soon," Arthur added, which dampened the smile somewhat.
"B-both of them will be here? Wouldn't that case problems?" Arthur shook his head.
"Normally I'd say yes, however I wish to see how the two act while they're both vying for your attention,"
"You mean you want to see if they'll fight," Arthur shrugged casually.
"I wouldn't say that but it is no good to have a husband that gets angry when someone tries to flirt with you. You are very beautiful Matthew, surely you know this?" Matthew flushed and went back to opening the box in front of him. He pulled the paper off of it and opened up the box to reveal a necklace. A choker to be exact. Matthew carefully set the box back on the table and pushed it towards his father.
"I cannot accept this father. It's too much,"
"Hmm? What is?" He asked as he set down the paper in his hands. He looked over at the small box. Inside, pinned down was a pearl choker, spaced by vertical rows of diamonds every two pearls. In the centre of it all was a large sapphire surrounded by two rows of diamonds. "My now, isn't that quiet the gift," Arthur chuckled. "This bloke really seems to want you to like him Matthew,"
"Father... do I have to accept this?" Matthew asked as he picked up the necklace. "It is rather lovely isn't it?"
"It is your choice to keep it or not, but remember. Returning a gift to a suitor means refusal. Oh, and there is something else he sent too, I've sent it to the dressing room. He requested you wear both the dress and the necklace once he arrives. I told him I could not guarantee it so if you do not wish to.. it is up to you," Matthew eyed his father as he took a sip of tea.
"What is wrong with you? Are you sick? You are never this generous," Matthew questioned.
"And it is not every day I have two men fighting for your affection now is it?" Arthur mused. "I suspect after Sadiq sees everything that Alexander has bestrode upon you, he will spoil you with gifts as well so best be prepared," Matthew groaned and swapped the necklace in his hand out for the letter, opening it.
"I do not wish to be spoiled like this," Arthur didn't reply and Matthew began to read the letter from Alexander.
My Dearest Matthew, it began. As you are reading this letter I will made it half way across Europe. I cannot wait to see you in person and tell you just how beautiful you really are. I am sorry that I have not been able to make it sooner than this but hopefully this small token of my affection that I have enclosed will convey how sorry I am. I cannot wait to see you.
I understand that you have another suitor as well, and I can only hope that my feelings can reach deeper within your heart than that of the other man who vies for your affection. I have seen a painting of you that was done a few years back before the war when my cousins had been asked by your father and you were just stunning. I can only imagine what you look like now. I'm sure you take after your French side more than your English.
But alas, I have buzzed your mind too much.
Sweet dreams, my sweet, sweet dear.
Alexander.
Matthew worried at his bottom lip for a moment. "May I be excused?" He asked. Arthur waved his hand and Matthew scooped up the box and letter before heading back up to his room. He had no idea who this Alexander was but it was sweet. He had yet to meet the man but he already was beginning to like him more than he like Sadiq. He was excited to meet the man that made his heart skip a beat.
Of course, his words had nothing on Ivan who he still thought about constantly, who he had not heard back from since he left that first week in April. He set the items in his hands down on his night stand and sat down on the edge of his bed before plucking the pearls from their home. He pressed it against his throat before undoing the clasp that was hidden behind the sapphire and slid the pearls around his neck before refastening the clasp. The stone was heavy against the hollow of his throat and moved each time his swallowed a breath. Matthew glanced down and brushed his fingers against the coolness of the stone and let out of soft sigh before he took the choker off and put it back into its box before stowing it in the small drawer, along with the letter in his night stand. Matthew looked towards his desk and got up with a sigh, moving on to the oversized piece of furniture to study.
During dinner with his father a few nights later, there was an unexpected interruption of the doorbell ringing. The maid, Anne, quickly excused herself to see what the racket was. She returned a few minutes later and announced that Sadiq had arrived. Arthur rolled his eyes and snorted.
"Put him in his normal rooms then and tell him to come join us," Anne nodded before bowing, and leaving the pair in the kitchen. "Well I expected the other fellow to show sooner than Sadiq, but whatever works I suppose," He said with a sigh. He looked towards Matthew. "Are you worried?" He asked as he seen Matthew's downcast expression. Matthew shook his head.
"No. Not really. I'm sure he will be not too far behind. He did have a longer distance to travel after all," Arthur shrugged.
"I suppose so. Pity he did not send a painting. It would have been nice to see what the bloke looked like. For all we know he could be hideous,"
"Who is hideous? Not me I hope," Rumbled a deep voice from behind them. Matthew's cheeks redden slightly as he turned around and seen Sadiq.
"O-of course not," He stuttered out. Matthew pushed himself out of his chair and over to where Sadiq was leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. Matthew smiled shyly at him. "Y-you are very h-handsome Sadiq," Sadiq chuckled softly and leaned closer to Matthew as the blonde took another step closer.
"May I?" Sadiq murmured, as he brushed his lips against Matthew's when the younger man was close enough. Arthur pointedly ignored the pair this time and allowed Sadiq to press a soft kiss to Matthew's lips in greeting. Matthew blushed in response and pulled away after a moment.
"W-would you like to have something to eat? I can have Anne make you something if you wish?" He asked softly. Sadiq shook his head.
"No, I am fine. Thank you for the offer. Perhaps once you are finished with your meal you could join me in your parlour and we could converse over some tea?"
"Of course. Father, out you like to join us?" Matthew asked, turning towards the elder blonde man. Arthur shook his head.
"No, I am going to retire. I trust you to keep your hands to yourselves," He sent a pointed glare at Sadiq, who swallowed and nodded.
"Of course sir," Arthur made no comment as he got up from the table and and motioned to the maid to clean everything away. "Have a good night,"
"You as well," Arthur walked by the pair and out of the kitchen, continuing on upstairs to his bedroom. Sadiq turned back to Matthew.
"Shall we?" Matthew nodded, smiling shyly before turning to Anne.
"Anne, could you bring some tea and cake when you are done here?" He asked softly. She nodded and bowed to the pair before going back to her work. Matthew took Sadiq's hand and linked their fingers together before leading him into the front room parlour. The sat down together on one of the couches and chatted quietly until Anne brought in their tea. The conversation paused as the both made tea to their personal preference, Sadiq adding a small amount of creme into his and Matthew adding a little sugar and milk. Matthew turned his body at an angle so that he could face Sadiq but still have easy access to his tea cup on the table.
"So I hear that you have another suitor now?" Sadiq asked. Matthew nodded in agreement. "What is he like?"
"I don't know really. I have yet to meet him. He is on his way to visit as we speak,"
"I overheard your father saying that you have not seen what he looks like yet. Is that right?" Matthew nodded once again.
"Yes. He did not send any paintings of himself so I have no idea. I only have his letters to go by. He seems quiet kind. He sent me a—,"
"That reminds me," Sadiq interrupted, as he dug into the pocket of his waist-coat –It was odd to see him in such British clothing, but it seemed like he wanted to make a even better impression on Arthur with this visit—"I have something for you," Matthew shook his head.
"Please, you do not need to bring me things, honestly," Matthew muttered softly. Out of his pocket Sadiq pulled a small ring box and opened it up for Matthew to see. Inside was a ring of course, a gold ring, with a emerald in the middle, simple; yet elegant. Matthew bit at his lip. "Thank you," He held out his hand, to which Sadiq quickly took. He slipped the ring out of the case and onto Matthew's right hands ring finger.
"S-Sadiq that is awfully..." He trailed off when he seen Sadiq's face; the happiness in his face, the tiny smile pulling at his lips from seeing the ringer on Matthew's hand.
"I hope that we will soon be changing this ring into a wedding ring," The Turk murmured softly before leaning in and pressing his lips to Matthew's. Matthew whimpered softly as the older man pressed his tongue against the line of his lips and pressed it against his teeth until he opened his mouth to suck in some air. Sadiq brought his hand up and cupped the back of Matthew's neck, pulling the blonde boy closer to him. Matthew pushed a hand against the brunette's chest and after a few moments he released Matthew from his hold. Matthew turned away from him and reached out for his tea cup with shaking hands; the cup clattered against the saucer as he picked them up and took a sip of tea. "I hope I did not startle you,"
"N-no," Matthew whispered out as he set his teacup back down on the coffee table before he turned his attention to the darkening night sky though the large windows. "I should retire for the evening,"
"Alright. Goodnight Matthew,"
"Goodnight," Matthew murmured, as he walked out of the parlour and made his way to his room. He sat down on the edge of his bed, staring down at his hands—or rather, the ring on his finger. He pulled the ringer off and quickly hid it away in his nightstand with his necklace before stripping down and sliding between the sheets and bedding, hunkering down for the night.