"Now now! Give him some room won't ya?!" The physician insisted as all five people seemed to crowd the now alert boy. Samuel made sure to check Lance over for any signs of lingering sickness but the only thing that remained was dehydration, hunger, and exhaustion. All three luckily easily curable.
"By God Lance you had me so damned worried" Maria sniffled wiping at her eyes. Lance just smiled weakly at everyone around him.
"I couldn't allow myself to be sick any longer. Not when the King is expecting smooches." Lance said pointedly looking over at Keith with a small playful smirk and everyone erupted into laughter as he had overheard their conversation on the other side of the door. Keith was too relieved at the boy's recvery to be embarrassed and just nodded.
"Many smooches are owed for making giving us such a fright." Keith smiled. Lance smiled a bit but it was obvious he as barely staying conscious.
"Alright, let's let the poor boy rest. Bring him some bread and water please. He needs to regain his strength." Samuel instructed and the people filed out each each saying a fond farewell as they exited. Once out of the room the physician got Lance tucked in after eating and drinking something so he could rest and recover. Shutting the door behind him, Samuel entered the room.
"The boy should be just fine. Let him rest, make sure he drinks plenty of water. If anything changes, come get me immediately. I do not know if in his weakened state if he is not able to just catch the sickness again. For now I will go check on Luis and prepare for your arrival back home. Take care." He said his own farewells before loading up into his small carriage and driving away the hoof beats of his horse slowly fading away. Everyone sat down around the table in a comfortable silence and Maria was about ready to fall over herself. Keith grabbed up the wool blankets and placed it around the woman's shoulders gently.
"Rest now. Everyone is safe." He said and she just nodded having to agree. With Maria now resting the cottage stayed quiet as card games begun. Shiro always had a new game to teach the children to keep them occupied. Keith watched with a small yawn and kept doing off from time to time. Now that Lance was healing he was bone tired and dreading now going back to the castle and the many surely angry faces that awaited him behind the gates. It was going to be a long holiday.
A week has passed since Lance's miraculous recovery and the halls of the castle were bustling and lively as ever. The sickness had burned out and the remaining bodies had been burned and the people were on their way to recovery as well. Too many people had died but King Alfor of Altea had happily agreed to join in the upcoming war with Zarkon. News must have spread of the King's male guest at the ball as Alfor had not brought up a marriage treaty. King Lubos had still been silent in his reply which worried Keith and he had sent a diplomat to the country a while ago and has yet to hear back. Something was going on over the border and it made Keith uneasy.
"No word from King Lubos?" Keith asked once again and Shiro could only shake his head.
"Silence Your Majesty." He replied and Keith sighed and resumed his gaze out the window into the gardens. The same gardens he had held Lance in not so long ago. His arms yearned to hold him again and was ecstatic that Christmas was only days away. He had invited the whole McClain family to the festivities of Court. Luckily they all accepted. It took a few days for Lance to heal enough to stand let alone resume normal activity and today must be so hard on the whole family as it is Sophia's funeral that day. Keith had not been invited and understood it was such an occasion only family should attend. He still sent his warm wishes hoping to lend them aid in the dark times that will surely follow. His heart ached for their loss but it also rejoiced that it had not been two more joining her in their earl graves. With Christmas in sigh Keith was worried that Zarkon may be waiting for the perfect distraction to strike, and a large holiday celebration was the perfect one. He has already planned for the attack to happen then and made sure his men as well as Alfor's were ready. Alfor would attack from behind hopefully boxing in Zarkon between two fronts and ensuring a victory. Having Lance and his family at Court during that time also gave Keith relief knowing they would be most protected by his guards here. He felt like nothing could touch him and his people and was ready to celebrate his favorite time of the year. Especially with Lance.
"Don't you look just lovely!" Keith commented bowing as Veronica stepped from the carriage. Her smile widened and she bowed and gave a twirl with a small giggle. Keith beamed at her joy and was glad to see them enjoying their newest wardrobe additions. Everyone looked amazing in their velvet, the boys in blue and the ladies in maroon. Lance looked exceptionally handsome in his own matching set with Keith's own set of red.
"I am always amazed at how well you wear these clothes." Keith smiled as Lance stepped out. His cheekbones were still a bit too hollow for Keith's liking and he looked frail but is smile was warm and bright and his eyes were shining with their usual light.
"Thank you Your Majesty." He bowed slightly and Keith held his arm out for him. Lance took his arm and stood at his side with a large smile and the group was escorted in. Gasps of amazement were heard as they entered the great hall seeing the decorations about. The kids ran around looking at everything as Maria chased them down trying to remind them of manners. Keith and Lance trailed behind slowly just watching them fondly. After losing Sophia it was a welcome happiness that they all surely needed.
"It is truly amazing. I never imagined seeing the inside of the walls let alone so bright and lively." lance admired the candles and wreaths strewn elegantly about. Keith just shrugged.
"I do try my hardest to impress you." He said earning a small eye roll from the boy on his arm.
"You mean to tell me you decorated this whole castle to impress me? Somehow I doubt the authenticity o that statement." Lane snorted softly but Keith just shrugged again.
"It is true. I've never cared about it before but this year, I had to make sure it was perfect. Because of you." He smiled earning a small blush from Lance.
"Well. You have succeeded. I am very impressed." He admitted.
"Oh. You haven't seen the tree yet though." Keith lead him to the gardens so he could see the best part. Once the sun set and the gardens were explored and the tree admired everyone filed into the ballroom for an evening of music an laughter. It wasn't long before the clock struck midnight alerting everyone it was officially Christmas morning. Maria had taken the children to bed much earlier in the evening and Keith was saying his farewells to people around the room but was more eager to steal Lance away and give him his gift he had prepared for him. Lance was talking with Shiro when Keith finally caught p to him.
"Good evening Your Highness" Shiro greeted with a bow and a warm smile.
"Shiro, I hope your night has been marvelous, I am surprised I do not see Adam?" He commented having not seen the other man at all that evening.
"Apparently he had to stay behind and finish a git for me? Silly really, I never expected him to miss such a night. It must be important." Shiro said with a small shrug.
"I was also wanting to meet the infamous Adam I have heard so much about." Lance said sipping his wine. He may have had a drink or two few many as he was far too warm and fuzzy for his own good. Keith seemed to notice the slightly tipsy smile on the boy's face and excused them for the evening.
"Tell Adam I send my best!" Keith called out leading Lance from the ballroom.
The two boys walked in silence down the large hall their hands brushing each other's. It was proably the alcohol that had boosted Lance's courage as he grabbed Keith's hand entwining their fingers. Keith did nothing but squeeze back in reassurance as they strolled.
"Lance." Keith started getting lance's attention. "Will you.. um. Come to my chambers? I have something for you." He said and Lance's face grew redder by the second.
"O-of course. " He sputtered and Keith reddened too and they walked again in silence both too awkward to look at each other. Keith broke to into a smile at their immaturity and soon was laughing as Lance looked over at him as if he had grown an extra head.
"This is the first time I have brought a boy to my chambers." Keith said grinning over at Lance who just smiled shyly back.
"It is the first time I've been in another boy's chambers." Lance laughed softly and followed Keith through the many halls and up the many stairs leading to the large door at the end of a winding hallway.
"You live awfully far away." Lance said as his breathing was a little heavy. The sickness had taken so much out of him the stairs had winded him slightly. Keith frowned and hurried to open the door and let Lance in. Once they entered he shut the door before pulling Lance over to a chair.
"Sit and rest. I'm sorry. I should have carried you." Keith said feeling Lance's face gently making sure he had no signs of sickness about him. Lance swatted his hands away softly with a smirk.
"I am quite alright. I will take some water if you have it? I may have drunken half my weight in wine tonight." he laughed and Keith gladly poured him some water. Lance drank some before setting his cup down. Keith was rustling through some things in the bed chambers adjacent to the waiting room Lance was occupying.
"Alright, I have two things for you! One is more..um.. special than the other." Keith said carrying two cloth covered mounds into the room.
"Oh Keith! You really shouldn't have. The clothes and invitation as plenty!" He gasped slightly seeing them. He had not expected gifts. Keith just shook his head and laid them down.
"Absolutely not! It's Christmas. I love giving people things, to show my admiration. There is plenty more for the rest of your family. They have to wait for tomorrow though. I want you to have yours tonight. " He smiled but was in fact nervous. He had never really done gifts and was worried Lance would hate them. Lance shook his head slightly in disbelief but let Keith present him with the first present.
"I had this custom built just for you." Keith said as Lance carefully unfolded the soft velvet that covered the item. His eyes widened as the last flap fell revealing a jewel encrusted steel sword and scabbard. A lions head decorating the hilt.
"Oh.." He breathed his fingers grazing the surface. The hilt and scabbard embedded with Sapphires that shined magnificently in the candle light of the room.
"Keith.. It's.." He tried to find words but nothing came and Keith was even more worried.
"Do you like it?" he asked nervously and Lance just hopped out of his chair.
"Like it? Keith! It's stunning! Can I see the blade?" He asked and Keith smiled and handed off the sword to the other boy who carefully pulled the weapon from it's case. A satisfying noise sounded as the metal slide past metal and he voiced his awe at the swirling design that decorated the blade.
"This is absolutely remarkable!" He said as he twirled the blade in his hand unable to tear his eyes away. Keith felt so much relief at his enthusiasm.
"I'm glad. I chose Sapphires because they're almost as dazzling as your eyes." He sighed and showed him a few stances and helped him hook it up to his waist so he could carry it with him.
"I know your mother may not be as enthused as you are but I felt better about you having something to protect yourself and your family with." Lance threw his arms around Keith and pulled him into tight hug.
"Thank you so much! It is such a wonderful gift I can not think of how I can pay you back" He said and Keith just returned the hug resting his face in the crook of his soft warm neck breathing in his scent with a smile. He had needed this for so long.
"Now. There is one more remember!" Keith said pulling away even though he never wanted to. Lance looked at him in disbelief at the prospect of another gift.
"This one is the more special one." Keith smiled picking up the much smaller bundle.
"More special? If this isn't special I can not fathom what that may be." Lance said but took the small bundle from the King. He started unfolding the soft cloth and soon revealed a small box no bigger than his palm.
"Keith.." He started realizing very soon what type of box it was. Keith was quick to jump in a reassure him it was not a wedding ring.
"Don't worry! I promise not to ask for your hand so soon." Keith laughed at Lance's panic. Lance opened the lid revealing a small trinket on a chain. Lance carefully took it out and admired it. A small metal design weaving in between three loops each holding a small dangling charm. One of a swan, one of a lion, and one of an apple. Each charm tinkling as they move, small bells inside.
"Keith..it's beautiful" He exclaimed. Keith smiled and sat down patting the remaining space beside him. Lance sat down and Keith took his hand holding the trinket and pointed out the different charms.
"This was one of the first gifts my father gave to my mother." He started. Lance immediately looked up shocked but Keith continued. "Each charm represents who they were and how they met. My mom, beautiful, graceful, was standing by the castle's pond watching the swans when my father." he pointed to the intricately carved lions head. "The big fierce King, bumped into her. He said after looking into her eyes after the first time he was a goner." Both boys laughed a bit. "So, I thought, after meeting you, and buying an apple." he said gently stroking the small apple charm" And feeling the same way my father must have, I wanted to add it. And start our own story. And maybe, pass it along, to be filled more."
"With our kids' stories?" Lance asked looking over. Keith's cheeks were burning at the prospect of a future and kids with the boy next to him but the way Lance was gazing at him, his eyes so open and hopeful it made Keith hopeful for that to become a reality.
"This..is amazing. I can't believe you could come up with something so.. special." Lance smiled and clutched the charms to his chest "I absolutely love it. And I can not wait for more to be added possibly by our children.' he grinned leaning in leaving the softest kiss on the King's lips. Keith returned the kiss resting a palm on the boy's cheek. He was so relieved Lance hadn't laughed at his gifts but instead accepted them so openly and lovingly. He wondered if this is how his parents felt. If he was feeling the feelings they felt knowing they were with the one. Lance pulled away with bashful smile.
"Now, my gifts are no match to yours but I have two things for you as well. One is..more special than the other." Lance smirked slightly and Keith's heart in that moment skipped a beat seeing the devious light in Lance's eyes.