Okay, so maybe I'm not throwing these chapters out as quickly as I would like, but I am only human, and a lazy one at that, but never fear I am working on it and continuously writing down thoughts, story ideas, and plot twists, plus some smutty scenes too. So, enjoy and I promise I shall shake the rust off of my fingers and get to typing!
Down the stairs and to the left they ended up in front of huge doors. In fact they were surrounded by hallways and doors. It was a little overwhelming, but Kurt was filled with curiosity at what was behind each one. Blaine stood and watched Kurt take in the circular room. This was like the core of the castle. There were four hallways leading to the West, East, North, and South wings, plus about ten doors leading to various rooms where the maids lived. This wasn't the main route Blaine took usually, but he wanted to show Kurt. Blaine pulled Kurt along after one of the maids came out and giggled at the boys. They both blushed furiously. They took the hallway leading to the North Wing where the dining hall stood. Kurt also noted the kitchen and back door where everyone was rustling around preparing for lunch. Kurt continued to follow Blaine who took him through the kitchens. Blaine moved his arm and took Kurt's hand instead as they made their way through to a cheery bunch who greeted Blaine with huge smiles.
"Blainers. What are you doing in the kitchen?" The cook asked.
"Yeah, and who is your new friend?" A dear little girl asked.
Blaine smiled and looked at Kurt before replying almost shyly, "This is Kurt. Kurt this is the kitchen staff." He then continued around the room introducing the entirety of the staff.
Kurt bowed his head in greeting.
"It's nice to put a face to the name. We've heard a lot about you. If you need anything you just let me know." The cook smiled and hugged the boy.
"Yeah, and if you get bored in this big stinky castle you can come and play with me." The little girl asked.
Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand as Kurt smiled brightly and nodded in agreement.
"We better get going. We have yet eaten." Blaine said.
"Oh, well you better get going. I hear some of the guardsmen are back and you know how they eat." The cook winked.
Blaine and Kurt both waved goodbye and exited the kitchen to another set of stairs. They bypassed them however, and came to yet another door. Kurt had a feeling that he was never going to be able to get around this place on his own. Blaine opened the door and came into a big room that held a very long table with many chairs and a few people filling them. Kurt knew all but two. The King, Queen, and three boys. Kurt knew two of the boys were guardsman from their dress, but didn't have a clue to whom the third boy was.
"Good morning father, mother." Blaine greeted with a smile.
"Finn, Puck, Sebastian, this is Kurt. Kurt these are guardsman Finn and Puck , and my cousin Sebastian." Blaine introduced.
Kurt could tell Blaine must not be fond of Sebastian from the way he gritted his name out. Kurt just smiled anyhow and bowed. He then noticed everyone staring and smiling down at his and Blaine's hands and he snatched it away like it was burning as was his face. Blaine tried not to giggle and took it back leading him to a seat near his parents.
"Good morning son. How did you rest?" The King asked.
"Fine, father." Blaine replied all the while pulling out Kurt's chair for him.
Kurt blushed again but took it graciously. Blaine took his seat and immediately eyed his silver plate. He removed the cover and Kurt followed suit. Kurt's eyes grew big to the feast laid before him. Eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, and an array of fruits.
"So, Kurt. How are you getting along?" The Queen asked. Kurt jumped in his skin at her noticing him.
He just smiled and nodded politely.
"I do so hope you enjoy it here." She smiled at him, "Blaine dear, you are showing him around today correct?"
"Yes ma'am. I promised him I would after I take him to see Charlotte." He replied with a mouthful.
Kurt laughed at his antics.
Blaine blushed and swallowed his food, "Sorry. Forgive me mother. I lost my manners" He said.
"All is forgiven. " She smiled and rolled her eyes at her son.
"Yes, ma'am." He smiled back.
"Excuse us. Your father has some business to tend to as I have a needlepoint I would like to finish." She nodded and rose from her seat. Her husband did the same and they both exited the room. Once they had left it was like all hell breaking loose.
"How are you two lovebirds doing?"
"Have you shown him the balcony yet?"
"Have you seen his rose garden?"
"What are you two going to be doing today besides touring?"
It was like a bombardment of questions neither boy was prepared for. It was all coming from a very excited Puck and Finn. Sebastian just sat back with his arms crossed and a smug look on his face.
"Guys! It's his first day out. Will you give him a break?" Blaine asked annoyed.
"Sorry. We just wanted to know." Finn said.
"Yeah, don't get your bloomers in a twist." Puck added.
Blaine rolled his eyes at the boys and Kurt just looked at them oddly before finishing his breakfast.
"I do hope you two have fun today. I'm sure Blaine will show you his lover's spot." Sebastian finally spoke.
Kurt looked at him with hatred. He didn't know who this guy was, but his tone, face, and everything just irked Kurt to no end.
"Excuse him." Blaine whispered to Kurt, "He's just jealous because you are here."
Kurt turned and looked confused. Why would he be jealous?
"Don't worry though. It's been cleaned since the last man Blaine has laid in there." Sebastian spat as he got up to leave.
Kurt looked at Blaine with pleading eyes hoping what he heard was wrong. Blaine grabbed his hand.
"Don't listen to him. Like I said he's jealous. He's always thought that we would get together so he would have closer ties with my father, but I don't like him at all. He's made it up in his head that I would rather sleep with every boy in the kingdom instead of commit to him. Truth is I only commit to one person, just not him." Blaine chuckled.
Kurt chuckled too and let his body relax from holding Blaine's hand.
"Yeah, don't let pretty boy there scare you. He's just a whiny baby who is after Blaine's ass and his daddy's crown." Puck laughed.
Blaine rolled his eyes, "Are you almost ready? I've already had too much and the day hasn't even started yet."
Kurt nodded and let Blaine help him up from the table. All the while they held hands like two children in love. They exited the dining hall and reentered the kitchen where it was quiet. They headed back into the hallway to the core.
"So, that was basically all of the North Wing. It holds the regular dining hall and the castle kitchen. South Wing holds another dining hall called the Great Dining Hall, a cater kitchen, as well as a ball room. That is where we hold our balls. The West Wing in all of the bedrooms for the knights and guardsman plus the royal children and their hand maids. The East Wing is where the King and Queen stay. That is also where my father's study, library, music, and weapon room is." He ticked them off on his fingers one by one, "Where would you like to start?"
Kurt shrugged. There was so much to see and do.
"Okay. Do you trust me?" Blaine asked.
Kurt looked at him skeptically before slowly nodding.
"Good. Close your eyes then."
Kurt did as asked and bit his lip nervously. He jumped in surprise when he felt Blaine wrap his hands around his shoulders. He shivered when he then whispered in his ear, "I'm going to spin you and you just take a step in a direction. That will be where your heart tells you to go."
Kurt smiled before feeling his body turn in circles a few times before Blaine's hands retreated. He stopped to regain balance and then turned one step to the left and forward. He opened his eyes when he slammed into something. Blaine laughed and held Kurt before he fell.
Kurt looked up in apology.
"I guess you heart wants you in my arms."
Kurt's heart stopped and Blaine became breathless as he held Kurt and looked into his eyes. Before Blaine realized what he was doing his lips were on Kurt's. Kurt felt wrapped in a warm, snug feeling that overtook his whole body. He never wanted this kiss to end. It did though, and all too soon, when a maid came through and screamed a bit in surprise.
"I am so sorry my Lord." She giggled before turning around and leaving.
Both boys looked scared and they blushed. Looking at each other they then smiled and giggled themselves.
"I guess we better go before it gets around the castle and everyone comes to see." Blaine caressed Kurt's cheek and slid it down his arm to capture his hand before pulling him along to the East Wing.
Kurt just followed behind smiling like a fool while replaying the kiss again and again.
They made it to Charlotte's room almost out of breath, but giggling. Charlotte opened the door to the sight before her.
"And what shenanigans are you two getting up to?" Charlotte put her hands on her hips in full mother hen mode.
"We were just exploring." Blaine answered.
"Mhm. Exploring. Well, come on in I have Kurt's medicine and some news I think you'd like to hear, Kurt." She stepped aside and let the boys in.
They took a seat in Charlotte's medical room where Kurt spent most of his time.
"I see you're feeling well, all this running about. Just be careful with your lungs and all." Charlotte warned with a stern look.
Kurt nodded.
"Good." She smiled while handing him a glass bottle filled with a brown-ish looking liquid.
Kurt didn't question, he just drank it. He almost spit it out, but got it down forcefully. It was disgusting, but it made him feel wonderful.
"Good boy." Charlotte commended, "Now for the good news." She took a seat.
Both boys shuffled a little in anticipation.
"I went into the woods last night and visited a dear friend. She is a woods women and a botanist. She knows of a plant that might heal your throat enough for you to speak again." She smiled.
Blaine looked at Kurt who was smiling in delight. Blaine smiled thinking about how adorable he looked when excited.
"She said it's just a leaf that you steep in water and drink. Then you tie the wet leaves in a bandage around your throat. If you are wanting to try it I shall go into the woods tonight and pick them up from her."
Kurt nodded, but Blaine was a little apprehensive.
"Is it safe? Is it a guarantee? Who is this lady? Can she be trusted?" Blaine asked.
"Calm yourself dear. It is safe, it's kind of like tea leaves. It's not a guarantee that it will work, but she has seen it work so there is a good chance. She is my friend. She lived next to me for years before I moved here and her parents died leaving her on her own. She took to the woods and learned about the plants and different ways they could be used. She is very trustworthy and loyal." Charlotte answered.
"Well, if Kurt wants to try it then I am for it as well." Blaine grabbed Kurt's hand and squeezed it.
Kurt smiled and nodded.
"Then it's settled. I'll go and see her and get the leaves. We'll start the treatment tomorrow evening. Now you two can go and finish your gallivanting, and stay out of trouble." Charlotte stood to shooed them out.
Kurt hugged Charlotte and was feeling so blessed.
"So, how about I show you my favorite part of the castle?" Blaine offered.
Kurt nodded and Blaine grabbed him by the hand once more and ran them in the direction of the doors.
"This is the garden area." Blaine explained as they walked outside and around the castle yard.
They turned a corner and he was faced with a beautiful and colorful garden filled with roses and a fountain.
"This is my favorite place because, aside from Saturdays, there is no one out here and I can roam around by myself and my thoughts. This is also where I write music. Some of my most memorable moments even took place out here." Blaine explained.
He cuddled up a little more next to Kurt as they continued around the hedges.
"Over there," he pointed to the fountain, "was where I had my first kiss, with Rachel. Needless to say that did not work out. And over there," he pointed to the bench, "was where my father first told me about knights and how one day I too would become a knight. And right here," he stopped and faced Kurt, "is where I tell you that I love you."
Kurt stood there stunned. He has never had anyone like him let alone be in love with him. There was that one time his friend Mercedes had a crush on him, but that was different. Was it not?
"I know I am being bold in my statement, but I feel so strongly about you and I just could not hold it in any longer. I apologize if I am being brazen." Blaine looked down heartbroken.
The look switched something in Kurt; in his heart because he lifted Blaine's chin, met his eyes and kissed him full force.
'Now who is being brazen?' Kurt thought.
Blaine moved his lips against Kurt and his heart stopped. This is where he wanted to stay forever. They parted, breathless and Blaine laid his forehead against Kurt's, caressing his soft cheek.
"I shall win your heart Kurt. Will you be mine?" Blaine whispered.
Kurt bit his lip and nodded. His heart soared. This exploring got more and more interesting at every turn.