Work~ lol First day on the floor while not in training~ I'm confident I can do a decent job!
XD I did great! I'm so happy ^_^but my feet hurt so much T^T
My boyfriend is coming to visit ^_^ yays! He'll be here tomorrow (or tonight) or yesterday depending on when you lovlies read this ^_^ ahahaha~
Well without further ado~
Kismet
Chapter Twenty-Four: People Won't Stop Staring
Lovino leaned back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. The guards still hadn't come back and Antonio hadn't come by, not that Lovino wanted to see that cheating bastard! He knew he would have just ended up being some mistress or whatever. Why had he fallen for any of it? Femke had seen his outburst as well as his northerner friends.
He closed his eyes, "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" he growled in his native tongue. He didn't even want to speak the same language as him! The Illonian let her hands cover his face as he sobbed again.
Antonio looked up at the court and glared, "Yes. He's the reason I won't chose a woman. Because I've chosen him. I want to marry Lovino, my Lovi!"
"You can't he's-"
The king's dark glare turned to the man and shut him up, "I am the king! I make the rules! I've already written that Rosana's son will take the throne if I am to die. If I'm to have a queen, only Lovino will sit in that throne." he turned his gaze to meet each of their eyes, "And only him. I do not need your permission, nor do I want it. You're here to advise me and I think your advice can go to hell. You will accept Lovi as your future queen." he stated, "If he'll even have me."
Antonio turned and the dark stare landed on the guard who dared touch his Lovi, "You." he growled, "You will lead me to where you took my Lovi. I should have you punished for touching him, but I'm feeling rather generous today."
The guard trembled and nodded, rushing to show his majesty which cell Lovi was in. The guard unlocked the door and Antonio stepped inside.
Lovino looked up and didn't know what to think. Antonio was before him, his eyes dark and angry. So this is it? Lovino thought, this is how I'm going to die. Maybe he'd be beheaded or forced into slavery or some thing where he'd be even more miserable for the rest of his pathetic life.
The king stepped closer, but if Lovino was going to die, he would at least have some sort of dignity. His eyes met Antonio's and his eyes narrowed, "Come to gloat about your new lady friend?" he snapped, "Come to tell me how you're getting married?" he turned his head away, "I'd rather die."
Antonio dropped to his knees and placed his head in Lovino's lap, "Please forgive me! I didn't … the choker fell from my pocket and she thought I was proposing to her! I'm so sorry! I would never betray you!"
The Illonian looked down in surprise and shock, "What do you mean … propose?" he asked reverting to Sverran, "How would she gather that from you dropping your fucking choker?"
The king looked up, guilt in his eyes, "I've been meaning to tell you this … in Sverran … we choose our brides by making a matching set of chokers to wear. They're made of dragon leather so that they'll be nearly impossible to break … like the love shared between two people." he grabbed Lovino's hand.
"You mean … all this time … you knew and you didn't tell me?" Lovino growled, "You're such a bastard! If I had known, I never would have accepted that gift! Who in their right mind would want to marry you?"
"You … please." Antonio pulled out Lovino's choker and held it up to him, "I only want my Lovi … I need only him … please … marry me?"
Lovino was taken aback and he stared at the piece of leather, mixed emotions coursing through him. Part of him screamed to take the choker and marry the tomato bastard, but another part wanted to just kick him and accept death.
"What about your court?" he asked.
Antonio's face darkened again, "I've already let them know who their future queen is. Either they accept it or I throw them out. I want you by my side, as my lover, as my bride, as my queen."
Lovino scowled, "I'm not a woman and I won't be your bride!" Antonio's face fell, but Lovino's softened, "but I will marry you …" he was slightly unsure of his decision. This meant he was going to become queen … he didn't even know if he could handle that or if the Sverran people would accept a servant as their queen … but he loved Antonio and was feeling intensely happy at that moment.
Antonio cried out joyously and took Lovino into his arms, pressing kisses to his lips and cheeks, nose and forehead, "I love you so much, Lovi~ you make me the happiest man in the world~!"
Lovino blushed but buried his face in Antonio's shoulder, letting tears stream down his face. Antonio held him for a moment, before pulling back to tie the choker around Lovino's neck, "I never want to see that off of you again." the king placed a kiss to the leather.
The Illonian grabbed the other one and placed it on Antonio, "Then I don't want to see yours gone either, bastard …"
Antonio kissed him deeply, and slipped the bracelet back on Lovino's wrist where it belonged and pulled him off the wooden bench, "Come on, my love. I think we should celebrate~!"
He lifted Lovino into his arms and carried him from the dungeon and back up to the ball room, which was void of most people, minus a few court members.
"I'd like to let you know, Lovino Romano Vargas has agreed to marry me. He will be your queen. We will throw a new party tomorrow so alert the guests. I'm going to go to bed, where I will not be disturbed, by you or anyone else. Lovi will not be doing meaningless chores anymore, so have a tutor brought forward to start his training for the day after tomorrow."
One of the court members frowned deeply at his king's decision, "Should we prep the queen's chambers for … Lovino?"
"No, he stays in my room. Good night." he glared, walking with Lovino from the ball room. Servants passing by Lovino gave him odd looks, with him wearing a matching choker to the king and Antonio holding onto his arm.
"What was that about?" Lovino asked.
Antonio smiled at him, "I was letting them know your answer and that I'm not having you sleep in another room."
Lovino nodded. They reached the room and Lovino opened the door with the keys he would probably not be needing anymore, "You really mean I don't have to be a serv-"
Antonio cut him off, "You are no longer some simple servant, but my bride-to-be, my love, my life, my future queen. You are to be treated as such, even if I'm the one to wait on you, hand and foot~" Antonio bowed before Lovino.
Lovino blushed, "Would you cut that crap out, bastard?" he growled, crossing his arms, "I told you, I'm not a fucking bride! I'm a man!"
The king kissed Lovino and smiled, "I know~" he kissed him again and again.
The Illonian pushed him, "I'm … I'm sorry for hitting you in the ball room …" Antonio looked at him, lost. "When I saw you and that girl …"
"Oh! Right! I deserved it for being reckless, Lovi~ I just hope you know now I would never cheat on you, nor would I leave you for anyone else~"
Lovino blushed again and nodded, kissing Antonio. The kissing quickly escalated into a private celebration, which ended in a very comfortable bath. Lovino curled up to Antonio's side on the bed and let Antonio pull him against his chest. But sleep evaded him. So much had happened, it seemed completely unreal. It was hard to believe that any of it had actually happened.
Would he wake up tomorrow to find this was all a crazy dream? Was he really engaged to Antonio? His mind raced with the thoughts and he kept replaying that night over and over. He felt Antonio's lips on his head before he finally gave into sleep.
Lovino didn't awake to that awful buzzing. Instead, he awoke to a female voice, "It's time to wake up, your majesty, lord Lovino." his eyes cracked open and one of the servant's he knew was pulling Antonio's clothes from the dresser. He sat up and looked at the still sleeping man beside him. He gently shook Antonio and the man woke up.
"Today, your majesty must prepare the party and carry on your regular duties," she set the clothes on the edge of the bed, "Lord Lovino, you must be taken to the tailor for him to get your measurements. There is no way a future queen should dress so … poorly." Lovino looked down and turned red, pulling the blanket all the way over his naked body.
She left the room through the door that went into his old room. The servant girl came back with some of his best clothes, ones Tessa had made him for his birthday, "Here. Breakfast will be served in the great hall, where your majesty must formally announce his engagement." she bowed and left the room.
"The hell was that?" Lovino asked, rubbing his eyes. Antonio chuckled, pulling Lovino on top of him, "That was what a personal servant does."
Lovino glared, "What? I wasn't doing it right?"
Antonio grinned, "You could say that, but I preferred that way you did things." he kissed Lovino's neck. The Illonian blushed lightly.
"I love you, my Lovi~"
Lovino let his head rest on Antonio's chest as the man dragged his fingers over his back, "Love you, too, Antonio …" he yawned.
"I should have just proposed earlier~ I'm loving this!" Antonio smiled. Lovino looked at him, "Loving what?"
The king wrapped his arms tightly around Lovino, "Having you as my fiance, my intended! We're going to be married, Lovi~!"
Lovino flushed red, "Y-yeah … we are …" he said, still feeling the shock of it all. He would have to go tell Femke and Tessa! Antonio kissed him softly, "We'd best be getting to the dining hall before the guests start arriving."
"We?" he looked down at his soon to be husband.
"Yes, we! You're my fiance now, meaning you don't have to watch from the sidelines … you'll always be by my side now … I'm never going to let you go now~!"
The younger man blushed, but smiled. It felt good knowing he wouldn't have to watch Antonio dance with girls who wanted to be his wife, he wouldn't have to do anymore chores … he smiled and kissed Antonio, "Good. Because if you do, I'll have to kick your ass."
Antonio laughed and helped Lovino out of the bed. The two got dressed up and Antonio took Lovino's hand in his, "Together~"
Lovino blushed and squeezed Antonio's hand, "Together …" the word seemed so weird on his tongue. They walked towards the dining hall.
"Oh, I forgot, your things … clothes and the stuff in your room are going to be moved to mine today~ well … completely." Antonio smiled, walking through the doors. Antonio pulled out a large decorated chair for Lovino. The Illonian sat down and looked around, feeling out of place. Antonio sat at the chair next to his, but at the head of the table. Guests began arriving and being seated at the table, each staring at Lovino with odd expressions and they talked amongst themselves.
He sipped his drink and tried to calm his temper. Antonio wouldn't mind if he yelled at them, but it still … it wouldn't help their situation any.
Antonio grabbed his hand and smiled. Soon the table was filled with all the guests and the servants brought out the food and placed it on the table in front of them. Lovino scowled at the nobles looking down on him. His eyes glanced up and he was nervous to find the former queen sitting in front of him on Antonio's other side, where she usually sat.
"Morning, Lovino," she hissed, sipping her wine. Her eyes were cold and angry.
"Good morning …" he growled. Antonio rubbed his thumb over Lovino's hand and rose from his seat, "Before we eat, I would like the thank all of you for coming to last night's party, however I am regretful it fell apart. Tonight we shall party again, but for much more exciting purposes! We are to celebrate my engagement to Lovino Vargas." he motioned to Lovino to stand up. Lovino bit his lip and rose from his seat. He had to squeeze his hand, digging his nails into the flesh to keep from yelling at them to stop staring at him.
"A tremendous occasion … enjoy your meal!" he sat back down and Lovino quickly dropped into the seat as well.
Lovino fought the urge to stand up and serve Antonio his food as he'd done nearly every day for the passed six, almost seven years. However, this time, Antonio filled Lovino's plate, then his own. A man walked up and tasted the food for Antonio, then the former queen and the future queen. The Illonian scowled lightly out of annoyance, but began eating.
He shifted in his seat and felt eyes on him. It was beginning to drive him insane. If this was what being married to Antonio was going to be like, he was about to rethink things. After the meal was finished, Antonio dismissed himself and his 'bride-to-be' and they walked together through the halls.
"How was your first meal as a noble?" he asked, kissing Lovino's cheek.
Lovino hit his arm, "Not in public, bastard, and it was horrible … people wouldn't stop staring at me!" he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Of course~! You are the most beautiful thing in this castle~ even I can't help but stare sometimes~!" Lovino hit him again and turned away, "Stop saying such weird things!"
Antonio laughed and kissed him softly, "You should head to the tailor's now. Meet me outside for lunch, okay?" Lovino rolled his eyes, "Whatever, bastard. I'll think about it." Antonio smiled, kissed him again and walked down to his office, leaving the Illonian to head to the tailor's room.
He knocked on the door and it was opened to reveal the tailor, "Ah, there you are! Come in, my lord." the man led Lovino to a small stand, "I need for you to stand here so I can get your measurements."
Lovino nodded and stood on the thing, wishing he could just let Tessa make his clothes. The man wrote down several numbers after molesting him with the measuring tape.
"Thank you, my lord." the tailor smiled, "You are free to go." Lovino nodded, confused, but left the room and decided now would be a good time to sneak to the servant's quarters, before anyone else needed him for anything. Today was supposed to be both of their day off, so he wasn't surprised to see Tessa open the door and Femke tackle him.
"Oh! Lovi~! I'm so happy for you!" She exclaimed. He was suddenly taken into Tessa's arms as well, "I can't believe he finally proposed to you! Oh, Lovino, I'm so proud of you!"
They dragged him into the room and Femke made him some hot chocolate. Tessa ran her fingers through Lovino's hair, "I knew this day would come soon … I just hope I can get things ready in time!" Femke laughed, "Mama freaked out when she heard the news! We both did! After what happened in the ball room … I was worried for you, Lovi … I thought the worst … but the next thing we know, Ara comes running in here saying Antonio made the announcement this morning about getting married. To you!"
Lovino blushed, "Y-yeah …"
"So how did he propose? Please tell me?" Femke begged, so Lovino rolled his eyes and told her. She remarked that it wasn't very romantic but still sweet. Tessa gave him the present she wasn't able to give while she was out working the day before and he opened it up.
It was a brand new set of winter clothes, "You didn't have to, mama." he smiled, hugging her.
"I know, but you'll be needing new clothes now more than ever! You both will! Oh, I'm so glad I got to see this day! All my babies are growing up!" she hugged Femke and Lovino close.
Lovino grinned and went to change into the new clothes, "I don't know how you do it …" he muttered, "You always make them fit me perfectly."
Tessa laughed and made sure everything was really fitting him right, "It's my own special magic," she winked.
The sat and talked about old stories, some kind of embarrassing like when Antonio had left for a horse back riding lesson without telling Lovino, he'd come back to a very upset nine year old Lovino. Turns out, Lovino had been upset because he couldn't find the chamber pot and had accidentally wet himself.
Then the story of when Femke and Lovino had been playing outside and both slipped in the mud and ended up covered head to toe in dirt. Tessa had to spend an hour on each child, just making sure they were squeaky clean.
Lovino regretfully had to leave to meet Antonio for lunch and bid them goodbyes. He made his way outside to the outdoor table and sat down. The air was chill and he frowned, waiting for Antonio.
The king finally exited the castle and sat down next to Lovino, leaning over to kiss him softly, "I missed you so much, my love. This engagement ball will be the best ever~"
The ex-servant rolled his eyes, "You're putting too much work into this. It's just a stupid engagement …"
Antonio pulled Lovino into his lap, against the younger man's will, "Just a stupid engagement? Aw, Lovi, you wound me~" he kissed him gently and ran his fingers down Lovino's back, causing him to shiver lightly.
"Okay, so it's not stupid … but why are you putting me through this embarrassment, bastard?" Lovino asked, trying to keep Antonio from kissing him again.
"It's traditional and I want the very best for you, my Lovi~!" Antonio said, breaking passed Lovino's defense and crushing their lips together. Lovino moaned softly when Antonio slipped his tongue into his mouth and explored him.
"Ahem." Lovino jumped and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. The woman who had woken them up that morning was holding two trays of food, "lunch is served, your majesty, my lord." she set down the trays and bowed, before leaving.
Lovino hit Antonio's chest lightly when the man refused to let go of him. The king reached over and lifted the food to Lovino's lips and the younger man reluctantly opened his mouth to be fed. He managed to get to return the favor at least, but not without Antonio sucking his fingers (as he did every time Lovino tried this!) and effectively turning Lovino on.
Unfortunately, neither could act on those feelings because they had to prepare to go to the ball room for the party. Antonio kissed Lovino in their parting and Lovino was left to go back to the tailor for the clothing.
The tailor picked out a long sleeveless robe and long sleeve shirt to go under, tied around the waist with a belt. The sleeves on the shirt were made of that weird see through fabric, showing of the golden armbands he still wore.
A circlet was placed on his forehead, a small golden band that rested over his hair, "What's this thing?"
The tailor looked at him, "Well, if you recall, princess Rosana and king Antonio wore them when they were still crowned prince and princess … it's basically a symbol of your upcoming power. Anyone in your shoes would be wearing it. You should wear it everyday until your coronation as queen." he explained, putting on any last minute details. "There, you look wonderful, my lord."
Lovino looked at himself in the mirror and had to agree. He looked pretty fucking gorgeous in the outfit, if he said so himself.
He took a few extra minutes to stare at the choker, which held more meaning than he could have possibly imagined. His fingers brushed the leather and he let a soft smile grace his lips. "That sneaky bastard …"
"You said something, lord Lovino?" Lovino shook his head, "No, just talking to myself. Thank you. The outfit looks wonderful."
The tailor nodded and waved him off to the party. He bit his lip and walked towards the ball room doors. He stopped and stood in front of them. Lovino chewed his lip and took a deep breath.
"Nervous, Lovi~?" Lovino jumped and turned to see Antonio standing behind him.
"Don't sneak up on me, bastard!" he growled, glaring.
Antonio apologized and grabbed Lovino's shoulders, letting his hands slide down his fiance's arms to his hands and grabbed them, "You look just like my queen already~!"
Lovino blushed and Antonio leaned forward to kiss him, "You ready?" the Illonian nodded and Antonio smiled, "Just hold your head high."
TBC
~Lady Pyrien