Yuri manages to wear a pleasant smile but does not meet the gaze of his new intended. Instead he listens to his father's greeting.
"We hope that you will enjoy your stay and that our business will not keep us any longer than is necessary. This is a joyful occasion indeed."
"Joyful, yes." King Hakan takes a step forward. "It is good to finally meet you in person, the pair of you. I've heard much of our northern brethren but have never had the pleasure of traveling to your lands."
King Yakov stands and approaches the royals. Yuri follows, keeping his eyes fixated on the king and his husband. The two kings clasp arms and offer smiles that feel a little too close to challenging for Yuri's taste. He hopes that this engagement will be a smooth one, or perhaps he hopes that it will end with very little difficulty. Maybe this time he won't even have to witness indecent acts…
He feels the hot, persistent gaze of Lord Otabek on him, but he does not look his way until Prince Consort Aysel pulls his son to him.
"Your highness, might I introduce my son. Lord Otabek, former commander of the northern army and third in line for the throne." Aysel gives a sweet smile and his kind eyes seem to have no indication of Yuri's discomfort.
"It is an honor to meet you, my lord." Yuri bows. He flicks his gaze up to Otabek's eyes and feels the deep pulse of his heart against his ribs.
The tiredness is still prevalent but now there's almost a smile behind those eyes; Yuri wonders if his lordship is amused by the irony of an introduction or by the expression Yuri is desperately trying to maintain.
"The honor is mine, your highness." His lordship takes Yuri's hand and gives a chaste kiss to the back of it. Yuri tries not to blush when Otabek gives a small chuckle. He's suddenly aware of the dirt beneath his nails and pulls back his hand a bit too quickly.
"Ah… forgive me, I take it you were busy in the gardens?" Otabek asks with a smirk.
"I-"
"What a sensible hobby, your highness." The Prince Consort gives his son a stern look. "I have heard wonderful things about the grounds here. Perhaps we might see the fruits of your labor sometime during our stay."
"Of course. I must warn you, however, much of the good work you'll see has been done by our staff. I was not blessed with a green thumb…" Yuri answers evenly. "I much prefer to paint or draw flowers than to grow them."
"How interesting. You must share your art with us."
"I hope to."
"Otabek." The Prince Consort nudges his son. "Have you anything to say to the prince?"
Otabek's glazed expression comes back to the present. "I look forward to… getting to know one another in the coming days."
"As do I." Yuri isn't certain that the statement is untrue, and he doesn't like that one bit.
"Dearest, perhaps you and Otabek should retire to your chambers for a rest. I know that you both expedited your journey here by some days on my behalf." King Hakan puts a hand on his husband's cheek.
"Yuri, take our guests to their chambers, please," King Yakov says with a wave of his hand to dismiss his son.
Yuri presses his tongue firmly into his cheek as he escorts the pair out of the throne room. He guides them up to the guest quarters attempting to keep up a pleasant conversation with the Prince Consort. They do seem quite exhausted so Yuri is relieved for everyone's sake when he leaves them be.
There's also a very selfish part of him that is glad to have a moment of solitude because what the fuck.
"Your highness, I drew you a bath," Guang-Hong tells the prince the second he returns to his chambers. The attendant wears something close to a scowl, as close as he's capable, anyhow.
"Thank you… I… I think I've made an idiot of myself."
"Your highness… what now?" Guang-Hong gives an exasperated groan.
"Nothing too terrible! I promise…" Yuri sighs, removing some of his jewelry, "I just may or may not have… met Lord Otabek this morning without our knowing it?"
Yuri awaits his companion's response but the man stares at him with his mouth gaping. The prince explains the situation as he readies for his bath and he blushes furiously when he notices the servant holding back laughter.
"I didn't think you'd find it humorous!" Yuri rolls his eyes to hide his embarrassment.
"I didn't think it would be quite so amusing," he chuckles.
"This isn't even my fault; I was only trying to help and what did I get out of it? Mud-soaked clothes and a sore shoulder."
"And a wounded pride," Guang-Hong chuckles. Yuri scowls as he lowers into the bath.
"My pride is fine, thank you."
"I should hope so, you have a dinner to be charming at. I won't have you sulking for such an important event."
"I'm always charming."
"Patently untrue," Guang-Hong teases as he allows his charge to wash.
Yuri does not allow his mind to spiral… or at least, he has no intention of doing so. But he can't stop thinking about how mortifying it was to meet his future husband in such a manner. Then, to add insult to injury, this Otabek laughed at him in front of their parents.
Heaven's above, Yuri isn't certain he'll be able to handle a husband who's even half as haughty as JJ. Although… Otabek did attempt to apologize to Yuri upon his initial transgression. Yuri despises himself as his mind reels with the memory of Otabek's beautiful, tired eyes.
"Guang, dinner is my only event today, yes?" Yuri asks as he redresses for the day.
"Yes, your highness. I had hoped that would incline you to remain at the palace for the morning," his attendant teases.
"You're so cruel to me," Yuri pouts. "Will you come with me to the study then? I've a few parcels for the staff I'd like to deliver."
"Of course, highness."
Yuri takes his attendant to the study and gathers the packages he's collected as a bit of a thanks for the staff's hard work. He's not naïve enough to think that this circus surrounding his engagement hasn't impacted anyone else. The palace staff has had their hands full and he wants to extend his gratitude to them for making the experience… bearable.
"You are very kind to do this, your highness," Guang-Hong notes as they descend to the servants' quarters.
"Not at all, you lot put up with my father and I day in and day out, it's the least I can do."
The cook gives Yuri a chiding smile as he accepts the gift (he keeps his teasing about the morning to a minimum to boot), the scullery maids look positively starstruck to see him, and the butlers give him gentle thanks.
"I don't seem to recognize him, Guang, who's that?" Yuri asks as a tan skinned young man descends the stairs into the kitchens.
"I-… I don't know." Yuri catches the blush on Guang-Hong's face as he lays eyes on the man. "I've never seen such a person before."
"Perhaps I should ask him," Yuri smirks. Guang-Hong looks positively aghast but follows the prince. "Excuse me sir, I do not believe I recognize you."
"I should hope not." He laughs, "I am the valet of his lordship, I've only just made it down to these quarters. It's nice to meet you; I'm Leo."
Yuri shakes his hand with a humored smile. "I'm Yuri."
The man seems to choke on his own spit, his face falls so quickly. "Forgive my impropriety, your highness!"
"Not at all, I tend to frequent the servants' quarters, more than most nobility anyway. I must admit, it's quite fun to be confused for someone else. Have you yet met my personal attendant? This is Guang-Hong." Yuri gestures to the man beside him.
"A pleasure, sir." Guang-Hong bows to him.
"The pleasure is returned." Leo's eyes dart between the two men. "I cannot express the depth of my apologies, your highness."
"And as I said, there is no need. Although perhaps I should leave you with my maid so that you do not make such a mistake in the future," Yuri chuckles turning to his attendant. "Guang, show him around the palace please. I'm sure the head housekeeper is busy and you are more than capable."
"O-of course, your highness!" Guang-Hong bows to him, the flush of his cheeks still visible.
"Thank you, your highness, I look forward to my time here." Leo and Guang-Hong hesitate around each other, and it takes all of Yuri's will-power not to cackle at them.
He steals away up to the study and begins to sketch; he reasons that he's had enough of a morning to excuse his lack of work. He spends the better part of two hours sketching different flowers, a few birds sneak their way in there, but for the most part he's settled on the fauna.
There's a part of his mind that implores him to find Lord Otabek and talk to him about this morning. The rational part of him knows that's a stupid idea. It's ridiculous and foolish, Yuri would do well to hope that Otabek forgets the incident entirely.
He cannot help his thoughts from obsessing over it; what if Otabek has told his parents about the whole thing already? What if they decide he's unfit for a marriage because of his silly childish outburst?
Yuri shouldn't care so much about such a minor transgression. Still, he can't help but find himself horrifically embarrassed by his own actions. This is the second fiancé that he's managed to ruin his first meeting with… at least this Otabek didn't insult his character immediately. There's no telling what he thinks about Yuri, except that he finds some part of this situation comical.
Yuri would be remiss to say it isn't a humorous situation, but it's still at his expense. He'd prefer not to be laughed at, as most people should… right?
Guang-Hong comes to collect him to dress for dinner and Yuri is desperate to hear what his attendant knows of the valet and his charge. The stars in Guang-Hong's eyes cause Yuri to chuckle and tease.
"You look positively smitten, Guang," Yuri laughs behind his hand.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Guang shakes his head.
"I'm certain the tinges of pink on your cheeks are from the heat then?"
"I-it's a hot day!"
"It is indeed and you're positively swooning over his lordship's valet." Yuri playfully taps Guang-Hong's shoulder.
"Your highness, that is totally unprofessional," Guang-Hong chastises him.
"Never you mind about professionalism, I want to hear about the valet and his charge. You spent much of the afternoon together, did you not?"
"We did," Guang-Hong huffs as he regains his composure. "Your intended sounds like a fine young man, his valet had nothing but good things to say. Though he mentioned that his lordship has a tendency to keep to himself and it can be perceived as arrogance."
"Interesting… and how long has this Leo been under his lordship's employ?"
"Some two years now, they met on the field of battle, when Leo… Mr. Iglesia's home was liberated by Lord Otabek's army."
"He said as much?"
"Oh yes… he was taken in by his lordship as an aid. When the war ended his lordship extended the offer of employment to Mr. Iglesia and the man accepted. It was… quite the tale."
"Hmm, and I suppose he was fine on the eyes in uniform."
"Your highness!" Guang-Hong gasps.
Yuri chuckles, "I do hope you'll learn to have some fun, Guang."
"I am in my place of employment, your highness, need I remind you?"
"Are you implying that I'm not fun?"
"No! I am… let's get your hair done, your highness."
Yuri allows his attendant a moment to breathe before speaking once more. "Do you… Do you think this Otabek will be a good match for me? Be honest."
"I have heard of nothing but his strength and good-will, I think you will make a fine couple," Guang-Hong says softly.
"Will I make him happy?"
"I think you will. I also think he will do the same."
Yuri isn't certain he believes that but he readies for dinner all the same. When he enters the formal parlor for drinks, he is relieved to see his father alone.
"Yura, I'm glad you're on time for something today." He greets his son with a tip of his head.
Yuri makes no comment as he pours himself a stiff drink. "How was your meeting?"
"Productive, though I would ask that you do a bit more… charming. You seemed distant this morning and we must have this match secured."
"I'm not in the business of selling myself off."
"That's my job not yours, but you should be making yourself at least a little desirable."
"Ah, yes, every man's dream, to be desirable."
"Yura-"
"I understand, Papa. I do." Yuri tries not to cringe as he swallows his drink.
"Then act like it." King Yakov shakes his head at his son.
"Good evening." The Prince Consort enters the room. "I see the pair of you are getting a head start."
"Not at all, just a bit of light conversation before dinner." King Yakov stands to greet him.
"How was your afternoon, your highness?" Yuri inquires.
"Quite restful, thank you. I'm not sure if my husband told you of his… how should I say… outlandish requests," Prince Aysel chuckles.
"Outlandish?" The prince takes a seat beside his future in-law.
"Oh yes, he sent for Otabek and I the second he decided to pursue this arrangement. We were in the capital city, and well, to make a long story short; he asked us to make a trip that should have taken a fortnight in a week. As you can imagine, we were quite exhausted."
"Indeed, I'm sorry for your tribulations. We were in no such rush," Yuri assures him.
"Well, we are anxious to get our son settled. My oldest child was married six months ago and my fourth oldest just had his first baby. Hakan and I want to ensure our children get established in their family lives soon. Especially seeing as Otabek is so accomplished in his work with the military… I don't want him losing sight of what's important."
"I see." Yuri nods.
"And you have not been in the marriage market long, as I have come to understand."
"Well, I have been hoping to find a suitable partner for some time now. I believe it was King Christophe's wedding that endeared me to the idea."
"I heard that their union was quite the spectacle."
"Indeed." Yuri nods, glancing up in time to see both King Hakan and Lord Otabek enter the parlor.
"There you two are," Prince Aysel chuckles. "I was beginning to think I would have an individual audience with the good king and his lovely son."
"Let us go into the dining hall," King Yakov announces to the group.
"Prince Yuri, I would very much appreciate it if you would sit with me," Prince Aysel implores him.
"Of course," Yuri agrees softly before taking a risk in speaking to Lord Otabek. "I hope you are well rested after your tiresome journey, your grace."
"I am, thank you." He gives Yuri the smallest of smiles and it sends Yuri's heart all aflutter. Otabek still looks tired, but in his fine attire he's absolutely stunning. His frame is much more muscular than Yuri had previously realized and that smile is positively disarming.
"Otabek dear, I do hope you'll partake in conversation this evening," The Prince Consort laughs as the group sit around the table.
"Mama." Otabek gives him a pointed look. The Prince Consort gives him a sly grin over the centerpiece.
Dinner is… awkward at best. His lordship does not attempt to converse much while the prince finds himself distracted by his father and King Hakan's conversation. It seems that the negotiation table has transferred to the dinner table. The Prince Consort attempts to scold his husband a few times during the meal, but the evening cannot be rectified.
Yuri returns to his bedroom and feels a bit more conflicted than before. This whole engagement bullshit is so much more difficult than it has any right to be. Why can't this be easy? Why can't he just fall in love and have that love be beneficial to the kingdom?
When the morning comes, Yuri tries to smother his discouraged temperament. He finds not a soul present at breakfast, which is only partially a relief, and he hears from the servants that his father and King Hakan are already in the midst of heated negotiation.
The prince lazily attempts to stroll back to his own study, for work this time, he promises himself, when he sees his lordship and his valet wandering down the hall.
"Might I be of assistance?" Yuri calls out.
"Your highness! I'm afraid I got us turned around somewhere. Lord Otabek had hoped to find the library."
"What for? Respite?" Yuri teases with a fold of his arms.
"I was hoping to find a book on your good country's history." Lord Otabek seems to blush as he answers.
"Hmm… Mr. Iglesia, would you please go down to the servants' quarters and fetch Guang for me? Tell him I'll need my walking cloak," Yuri says.
"Of course, your highness."
"I think the bookseller might have more in the way of what you're looking for. More engaging texts, I mean." Yuri adjusts the sleeve of his shirt with a slight smile.
"I… That is quite generous of you to suggest." His lordship lowers his gaze as he chuckles. "You like spending your time in the village, don't you, your highness?"
"What can I say? I like my people very much." Yuri holds his hands in front of his body. "Now that your valet is gone, let's go."
"Unattended?"
"And why not?" Yuri asks, already walking away.
"Isn't this a bit improper?"
"Is it?" Yuri has a challenging, teasing lilt to his tone as he leads the lord down and out of the palace to the gardens. "I must say, I am surprised you're not included in our fathers' negotiations."
"Why is that?"
"I had assumed that you would be more involved. Is that so surprising?"
"You were not consulted either," Otabek says.
"Yes, but I'm…" The silence speaks to what neither of them will say.
"I see." Lord Otabek nods, "My father is something of… a controlling personality. He likes things done his way and I suppose he felt I would get in the way of that."
"I'm certain that's not true."
"Why did your father keep you from the negotiation table?"
"Oh because as his child I'm prone to theatrics." Yuri huffs so that a stray strand of hair flies out of his eyes. "As if he doesn't also veer towards the dramatic side of things."
Otabek chuckles, "I'm certain he'd hate to hear you say it."
"I… I hope that we might put yesterday's… incident behind us, your grace."
"Hm? Why is that? I found it rather entertaining, more so than a rushed trip halfway across the continent to be sure."
Yuri tries not to pout. "It was unbecoming of me to act as I did."
"I think you acted rightly; my driver was reckless – which, by extension, makes me culpable. Your ire was not misplaced… I am a bit embarrassed to have only given you coin in response, however," Otabek admits with a laugh.
"Oh yes, the insult of all insults, paying off the man who's been slighted." Yuri bumps his shoulder playfully. "Well… I hope I have not insulted you."
"I am made of much sterner stuff than that, I assure you."
"And you are good humored I take it."
"Not as much."
"No?"
"I appreciate a good irony, but I would not say that I am… humorous."
"You seemed to find me quite funny yesterday."
Otabek smirks. "An irony."
"Indeed."
Yuri takes Otabek to the bridge project, where the leader laborer approaches looking a bit disheartened. In the midst of trying to solve the problem, it is Lord Otabek who gives a suggestion that seems to hold water (pun intended). Then Yuri takes him into town to the bookseller and to the schoolhouse, where the children eagerly ask for a story as always. Yuri ensures that his lordship is not bothered by the time it takes for them to complete his rounds; his lordship assures the prince that he is content to follow and observe.
Otabek is quieter than Yuri is used to, but he's not certain he minds such a thing. When Yuri insists on bringing him to see the paving project, he sees Otabek's stature change. The man openly apologizes to the laborers about the previous day's activity and offers to help in any way he can.
Yuri is pleased to see it, even if admitting such a thing would be improper.
"Have you heard much about the agreement for our union?" Yuri asks on the way back to the castle.
"Just that your bloodline is very old and that we will benefit greatly from the alliance," Otabek admits.
"I see… well, here's hoping this union pans out well for all parties."
"How romantic." His lordship seems to tease.
"Is it not romantic to hope for the good fortune of our people?" Yuri challenges him.
"And our happiness is included in that?"
"It's a bonus, I do believe."
"Ah."
"You think differently?"
"Why shouldn't I? In an ideal world, this benefits everyone; we are not excluded from that."
"I think that… yes, I suppose you're right."
Otabek looks at him oddly, "You don't seem to believe that."
"I haven't… I haven't taken the time to think about myself in all of this, frankly. I am the least important person in it all," Yuri admits feebly.
"You don't mean that."
"But I do… I'm certain you heard of my brother's… selfish indulgence that has led to our match."
Otabek bristles at the thought. "I have."
"Forgive me, I just… it's hard for me to think of my own happiness when that is all my brother thought about with no regard to the kingdom."
"I understand."
"I do hope for this union to be a happy one, make no mistake. And I do not want to seem ungrateful or holier than thou… it has simply been a strange path I find myself on," Yuri is quick to explain. "I'm sorry, I've insulted you-"
"Not at all." Otabek takes his hand. "I think you should know, however, that I have every intention of giving you a good life, your highness. I hope to give you both a happy life and one that is prosperous for your kingdom."
Yuri nods and gives a whispered, "Thank you." The feeling of his hand in Otabek's is enough for his face to fill with a pinkish tint and his heart quivers in his chest.
"I should also tell you, that I intend to ask for your hand on my own accord. Regardless of how quickly our fathers agree to a pact. I think it's only fair that you accept on your own terms as well. For no one else." Otabek's gaze is intense as he kisses the back of Yuri's hand.
His mind reels as the words wash over him. Otabek wants to ask him for his hand… Why is such a simple thing so desirable? Why does it make Yuri's breath shake as he exhales?
"But you already know the answer, your grace."
"But I don't. I expect you to answer honestly when the time comes," Otabek tells him, taking a step back.
"What if you don't like the answer?"
"We will have to see when we reach that bridge, wouldn't you agree?"
Yuri finds himself nodding as they return to the road. The prince will swear he sees a blush color Otabek's cheek that is similar to his own. Regardless, the pair continue their trek in silence.
When they finally return to the palace, Yuri can't help but grin at the sight of his frazzled attendant.
"Your highness, where were you? Mr. Iglesia and I spent the better part of two hours searching for you!"
"I realized it was a warm day and a walking cloak was unnecessary. My apologies."
Guang-Hong can see that he doesn't truly mean what he says but he doesn't comment on it outright. "You could have waited for us to find you, at the very least. You know your father insists on your being accompanied to the village and you still could have caught cold."
"We were fine, Guang, I'm sorry to have riled you up," Yuri says honestly, putting his hands on his attendant's shoulders.
"Your grace, I believe their majesties have been looking for you." Mr. Igelsia says sheepishly.
"Thank you, Leo. Your highness, if you would excuse me."
Otabek skirts passed the pair and follows after his valet.
Guang-Hong gives his charge a sigh. "I hope he did not take advantage, your highness."
"Of course not! If you do not trust him, do you really think I would indulge in something like that? In the village? With a man I just met?"
"A man that is to be your husband," Guang-Hong reminds him.
"I would not jeopardize this family," Yuri assures him. "And yes, I did have ulterior motives, but I assure you they were not for me."
"You… Your highness, the valet and I are not an item," Guang-Hong blushes.
"But did you enjoy your trek through the castle together? The better part of two hours can be quite a good bit of time," Yuri teases.
"Oh the gall of you!" Guang-Hong swats a hand at him.
"I was helping a friend."
"The valet is kind and polite. As well as strictly professional."
"I'm sure. how very boring for you," Yuri chuckles.
"And his lordship was a perfect gentlemen I take it?"
"He is… more generous than I felt I had a right to hope for."
"That is good." Guang-Hong squeezes his shoulder comfortingly. "I am happy for you, highness. I hope you and his lordship can settle into a healthy relationship… but please do so through more acceptable avenues next time."
Yuri nods, his mind still stuck on the image of Otabek impossibly close, vowing to ask for Yuri's hand. Properly. His heart flutters every time he thinks about the notion.
The evening follows in a similar fashion to the previous night, although Lord Otabek speaks a bit more freely. In the morning, Yuri finds himself accompanied to his study, and Otabek asks if he might write his letters. The pair sit in comfortable silence, both of them working and Yuri eventually finishing his painting of a garden scene before moving onto the next project of a similar subject matter. Guang-Hong sits comfortably in the corner, working on his sewing and keeping a watchful eye on the pair.
It is during the second consecutive day of this easy sort of interaction that Yuri chances the question.
"Might I ask what you're working on?" Yuri asks, glancing from his painting towards the man sitting at Viktor's desk.
"I have directives to write for my officers stationed along the eastern borders," Otabek answers.
"Directives? I thought the war was over."
"War is never over," Otabek says blandly. Then he looks up from his writing with a smirk. "I'm kidding."
"Oh." Yuri gives a breathy chuckle.
"These are instructions for training city guard and for rehabilitating one of the fortresses we reclaimed."
"I see," Yuri nods. "It was mentioned to me that you are a military commander, but I was under the impression that was no longer the case."
"I am no longer at the front lines, but I do still hold a… bureaucratic position of authority over the northern branch of the army. The territory has only recently been reclaimed and the northeastern towns were most heavily affected by the fighting."
"It is fortunate that you still have such strong ties to a cause you care about. It must make your work much easier."
"Easier I would reject, but it's work that I feel matters, which more than makes up for the logistical nightmare."
Yuri chuckles in response, lowering his head back to his palette.
"Might I ask what you're working on?" Lord Otabek asks, a bit sheepishly.
"You can come see." Yuri offers, tilting his head at the image as he tries to decide what color will best draw out the dimension of the magnolia bush. This new canvas lacks some bit of depth that Yuri can't name, the diversity of the fauna is fine and well, but the colors just don't bring the piece to life.
Lord Otabek rises from his seat and comes up behind the prince to observe the painting.
"Is this a portrait of the grounds here?" he asks.
"No… it's somewhere else, I just don't know where." Yuri responds.
"It's beautiful."
"Do you have any particular interest in art?" Yuri turns to glance up at his lordship.
"I haven't had much of an opportunity to enjoy the arts," Otabek explains.
"Hmm… then have you an opinion about the color of the lilies back here?" Yuri gestures to a colorless bundle of flowers in the foreground.
Otabek puts a hand on the back of Yuri's chair and leans in to look a bit closer. The warmth on his back leaves the prince feeling something close to breathless.
"Have you ever seen a lion's heart lily?" he asks.
"I have not."
"They're a favorite of my mother's… and mine. They've got dark, almost purple centers and yellow tips on each of their petals."
"Eye catching," Yuri chuckles looking up at his lordship. The pair of them are much closer than Yuri had anticipated; their faces are only a foot apart and the position of Otabek's hand is nearly at the back of Yuri's neck.
For a moment, they stare into one another's eyes, soaking a blissful sort of contentment. Yuri's nerves tingle the inside of his chest and he thinks a similar feeling must overcome Otabek as well, with the way his breath hitches.
"Ahem." Guang-Hong clears his throat. He looks at the pair of them from beneath his lashes as if to indicate, 'I best not be seeing what I'm seeing'.
Otabek chuckles nervously as he steps back.
"Thank you for your recommendation, your lordship. Perhaps my next light study will be for such flowers," Yuri says coolly.
His lordship nods mutely as Mr. Iglesia enters the study.
"Your grace, I have a message from the Prince Consort. He would like to request an audience at your earliest convenience." Mr. Iglesia bows to his charge.
"Of course, thank you Leo. And please post the letters on the desk for me." Lord Otabek exits the room swiftly after issuing the instruction.
"Right away… Good afternoon, Guang-Hong." Mr. Igelsia nods to him before remembering the prince is also present. "And of course, good afternoon your highness!"
"Good afternoon, sir," Yuri chuckles.
"Have you the directions to the postmaster, Leo?" Guang-Hong asks shyly.
"I have them, heaven knows if I'll make it there in one piece," Mr. Igelsia laughs with good nature.
"Should I pray for you then?" Guang-Hong teases as the letters are retrieved.
"I would be most grateful." The pair of servants share demure smiles before the valet exits the room.
"Pft," Yuri scoffs. "You two are something else entirely."
"Don't start with me." Guang-Hong shakes his head. "I thought his lordship was a perfect gentleman."
"And he was, he did nothing untoward." Yuri bristles as he turns back to his painting.
"Indeed," Guang-Hong chuckles. "Make no mistake, your highness, I am happy for you that you are so comfortable with your fiancé. I simply hope you two will restrain yourselves-"
"Guang!"
"Until the wedding, I'll not have your honor coming into question."
"Now who's thinking indecently?" Yuri blushes at the thought.
"Hmm, who indeed?" The servant teases.
There's a knock at the door and in enters Mr. Igelsia once more. "Might I inquire about those directions again, Guang? My apologies."
"Not at all…"
"Go on, Guang, I'll be here." Yuri rolls his eyes.
"I hope you will be alone upon my return." Guang-Hong sets down his sewing and corrals the valet down the hall.
Yuri turns his attention back to the lilies. He's never seen such a flower as Otabek described. Still, he attempts to do the richly colored flora justice. It almost looks fantastical, like the palace gardens of a fairy-tale prince. Soon, he falls into the theme of such an image, coloring each flower with bright non-sensical colors.
I wonder if the grounds of my new home might look something like this. He thinks with a smile. It is unlikely that he would find such a diverse garden, but the thought is lovely. The thought of a new home that's busting with life and color; it's a daydream he's never indulged before. He hasn't allowed himself to think that this new home might be beautiful.
That evening he sits with the idea for so long he has almost totally constructed an estate for him and Otabek to live in. The world around them is in eternal late summer blooms, just on the cusp of autumn; it's a softer world than the one in which they live.
For once in his life, Yuri revels in the idea of softness. For once in his life, he's built up a world in his mind that he wants to live in. At the center of that fantasy is one beautiful man that he calls husband.
He hopes, above all hopes, that this engagement be the start of a good life.
Growin', but I'm just growin' tired; Now I'm worried for my soul
And I'm so used to letting go; But I don't wanna be alone;
You are good to me