Kurt woke the next morning feeling the sort of restful contentment that didn't come often to the young prince. He was always active, always alert, his poor brain working so hard even in his sleep that sometimes he woke up feeling just as tired as when he had gone to bed. But not this morning. This morning he felt refreshed, ready to take on the world, and with a grin he tilted his head slightly to the right to gaze upon the cause of his wonderful night's sleep.
Blaine was lying on his side facing Kurt, face partly buried in the fluffy pillow underneath him, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His jet black hair, so carefully styled during the day, was now a ragged mess, and Kurt noticed for the first time that it actually had a slight curl to it. Carefully, so as not to wake the sleeping boy, Kurt reached over to gently stroke through it, luxuriating in the sensation of soft strands slipping through his fingertips. In response Blaine's smile grew wider, and he burrowed contentedly even further into the pillow.
It was truly a perfect way to wake, and Kurt allowed himself a long moment to simply bask in the satisfaction that surrounded him. He had been dreading this day for a very long time; his first real day as guardian of the realm. And as if his internal insecurities hadn't been bad enough, his disastrous interactions with Sebastian at the banquet the previous night had done absolutely nothing to assuage his fears. Right now though, with beautiful Blaine next to him and the warm sunlight pouring in from the huge bay windows casting intricate patterns across the bedspread, Kurt was struggling to see why he had ever been concerned. Everything would sort itself out in the end. How could it not?
As Kurt quietly marvelled at the sheer perfection of the morning he had woken up to, he allowed himself a moment to fantasize about how the rest of his perfect day would go. He and Blaine would take their time getting up, all coy smiles and soft laughter between them. Blaine would help Kurt into his tunic, and Kurt would tie Blaine's neck-tie for him. He could practically feel the smooth silk against the gorgeous, supple skin of Blaine's neck. And then, once they had joined him for breakfast, Sebastian would be the charming man Kurt had met at the interview proceedings, rather than the sullen brute he had apparently morphed into at the banquet. Kurt would make amends for how he himself had acted the night before - because he was a gracious, mature guardian of the realm, and being at loggerheads with one another wouldn't help them, Blaine, or the Kingdom - and then the two of them would put any and all grudges behind them as they moved forwards side-by-side, working together to create a better future for Aldern.
Okay, so maybe Kurt's optimism was getting away from him a little bit, but at least he could dream. He always had been a strong believer in positive outlooks after all.
With another fond glance over at Blaine, Kurt rolled away and made to slide out of the bed so that he could start his morning routine. Before he could move very far, however, an arm snaked out from behind him, looping around his waist and hauling him back across the mattress so that his back was pressed right up against Blaine's chest. Kurt was momentarily surprised at the sudden gesture, but then Blaine buried his face into the crook of Kurt's neck, nuzzling contentedly against the warm flesh, and everything fell back into perfect alignment once again.
With a smile Kurt craned his neck back and twisted just enough so that he could press an awkward kiss to the the very tip of Blaine's nose.
"Morning sweetheart," he whispered softly, not wanting to disturb Blaine when he was so obviously peaceful.
"Mmmm…morning," Blaine replied lazily, his hold around Kurt's midriff tightening as he dragged Kurt even closer into his embrace. From his position Kurt could feel the warm press of naked flesh all along his back, from shoulder to ass, and he contentedly wriggled backwards into Blaine's soft, sleepy form. Soft, sleepy, and just a bit horny, he couldn't help but notice as he felt the hard press of Blaine's morning arousal dig against the crack of his ass.
"Having good dreams are we?" He teased lightly, grinding back against Blaine's erection as he spoke to truly emphasize his point.
Blaine's eyes snapped open at the movement, and his entire body stiffened as he slowly processed his surroundings. Back jerked his hips, Blaine's ass sticking out awkwardly as - to Kurt's intense disappointment - he dragged that beautiful cock away from Kurt's all-too-willing rear.
"I'm, I'm so sorry, Your Royal Highness," he stammered, clearly embarrassed, into Kurt's neck where his nose was still buried. That, of course, was the next appendage to disappear; neck stiff and jaw rigid as Blaine's head jerked away from it's comfortable pillow. And then, when Blaine's hasty retreat was still hampered by his cradling embrace, that too was hurriedly retrieved, arms drawn back into his chest as he scooted backward across the bed.
In the space of three seconds Blaine had gone from contented lover to skittish submissive, and Kurt was left with his head reeling at the sudden switch.
"Please forgive me, Kurt, Sir, Your Royal Highness. I don't know what I was thinking-"
"Blaine!" Kurt interrupted hastily before Blaine could get too far ahead of himself. "It's fine, honestly, I was enjoying it. Please, come back over here." He held out an arm in invitation. "It's been far too long since I woke up with such a beautiful man next to me; I'd like to enjoy it for a while longer, wouldn't you?"
Blaine hesitated, eyes flicking between Kurt's outstretched arm and his face, before giving a small, slightly embarrassed smile and climbing into Kurt's embrace.
"I guess I overreacted a little bit, didn't I?" he commented wryly as he pillowed his head on Kurt's chest, arm coming out to sneak back around Kurt's stomach as Kurt's arm settled around Blaine's shoulders.
"Maybe a little," Kurt agreed fondly. "But that's okay. This is new for both of us, and sleep does terrible things to your brain."
"Good things as well though, I hope. That was the best night's sleep I've had in ages." Blaine commented lightly, voice far more at ease than it had been moments earlier. "In fact…" Kurt felt Blaine's morning hardness press back against his hip, a small but pointed gesture with blindingly obvious intent.
Kurt gave a short, startled laugh, completely unprepared for Blaine's forwardness given his panicked display moments earlier. Watching Blaine was sometimes like watching two very different submissives battling for control, but the bright, enthusiastic submissive seemed to be winning out more and more often, the more time Blaine spent in Kurt's company. Kurt resolved to do everything he could to make it a more permanent fixture.
"Dear god, I've created a monster!" He teased playfully, pressing a kiss to Blaine's temple to show him how okay he really was with the suggestion. "Okay, give me a second to freshen up, and then you can show me exactly how good you are."
And oh, Baine was so very, very good. By the time Kurt came back to himself after the most mind-blowing of orgasms - with Blaine nestled happily between his legs working his cock over with his mouth like it was the most precious delicacy he had ever experienced - the minute hand of the wall clock on the far side of the room was ticking dangerously towards eight. Even with Kurt forgoing most of his morning routine, the pair couldn't avoid being over twenty minutes late to breakfast with Sebastian.
"You're late," Sebastian muttered petulantly as the two boys were shown into his quarters by the morning staff on duty.
"My apologies Sebastian," Kurt replied, keeping his voice light and amicable as he made to sit at the breakfast table opposite Sebastian. "It was entirely my fault, I overslept horribly, and I have a morning routine that I'm afraid simply cannot be skipped, no matter how hard I try." As he spoke he cast a quick glance over at Blaine to see how he would react to Kurt's blatant fib. The submissive was looking steadfastly at the floor, but Kurt could see the hint of a smile tease at the corner of his mouth, and he felt his own lips responding in kind.
Looking back at Sebastian, he could see the other boy's gaze flicking between him and Blaine, the crease of his brow obvious against his otherwise smooth skin. "Hmmm…" Sebastian muttered lowly, but offered nothing further.
Taking a deep, steadying breath against the wall of anger that had already started to bubble to the surface when faced with Sebastian's seemingly insufferable presence, Kurt forced himself to remember the fantasy he had played out that morning, how he had promised himself this meeting would go. Turning toward one of the serving staff waiting by the table, he made sure to school his voice and expression into something more civil as he addressed the poor man who was only doing his job in what had to be the most awkward of settings. "Please would you bring out a cushion for Blaine here - Sebastian, which side does Blaine usually kneel for you?"
Sebastian's head snapped up in surprise from where he had been determinedly studying his plate in front of him, his expression now one of unveiled confusion.
"I feel like we got off on the wrong foot yesterday," Kurt clarified, voice still overly casual. "I thought maybe we could start again?" Here, here's my olive branch. Please just take it so we can move on.
Sebastian studied Kurt silently for a long moment, as if trying to work out Kurt's angle. Eventually he nodded at the servant, who had returned carrying a plush velvet pillow. "You may put it on my left." Sebastian started to turn his attention back to his breakfast, but after catching a meaningful glance from Kurt he turned back to the servant, flicking his gaze briefly across at Kurt as he finished his sentence "...thank you. I appreciate it."
And maybe Kurt was imagining things, maybe he was simply grasping at anything, anything that might make it seem like they were actually starting to make progress, but he couldn't help thinking that Sebastian wasn't just talking to the servant when he said that.
Sebastian spent a long time rearranging the pillow on the floor to his taste, moving it inch by inch until he was completely satisfied. Only then, for the first time since they had entered the room, did Sebastian turn his attention to Blaine. For a long, long moment Dominant and submissive simply stared silently at one another, a conversation entirely made up of the smallest of non-verbal inflections. Finally, Sebastian nodded his approval. "Come, kneel," he commanded, snapping his fingers in the direction of the pillow.
Blaine instinctively started over toward Sebastian, but caught himself before the first foot-fall, turning toward Kurt almost as if he suspected the whole scenario to be trick. Kurt gave a small nod of encouragement, and the corners of Blaine's mouth twisted upward in gratitude. He gave a tiny nod of deference in Kurt's direction before quickly walking over and sinking gracefully down onto the pillow next to Sebastian, head bowed and hands palm-down on his knees in his standard position of submission.
"Good boy," Sebastian said approvingly, hand coming down to card through Blaine's hair as he spoke, and Kurt was almost sure he heard a hum of contentment from Blaine. Before he could give himself a chance to feel jealous at Blaine offering himself to Sebastian like that, Kurt quickly made to grab a roll from the big basket of freshly-baked goods in the center of the table, busying himself with filling the plate in front of him as he spoke.
"So, its been less than eighteen hours since our claiming, and I'm sure the naysayers are already complaining about inactivity. Quite what they were expecting I have no idea, but I guess that's beside the point. I was thinking that after breakfast I could give you and Blaine a tour of some of the closer villages. It would be a good opportunity to help you get to know the local area a bit better, and maybe showing our faces will put some of the gossip-mongers to rest, for a little while at least."
It turned out that, differences in opinion over submissive training aside, Kurt and Sebastian were actually capable of getting along reasonably well when they put their minds to it. Even though this was his first real visit to the royal castle, Sebastian quickly proved himself to be surprisingly astute regarding court politics. As they discussed which of the nobility they needed to work extra hard to woo, Kurt was happy to discover that that Sebastian's take on some of the more unsavory characters from the previous night's banquet lined up pretty well with his own - possibly more tactfully put - opinions. Conversation flowed easily and naturally between the two Dominants, and Kurt was pleasantly reassured to notice that Sebastian was offering Blaine regular tidbits of food from across the full range of eatables in front of them - even during his most passionate of speeches.
As the serving staff cleared the last of the food from the table, Kurt caught himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, this arrangement wouldn't be so bad after all.
Sebastian had expected a sizeable entourage to accompany them into the village - what with Kurt being the crown prince and he the new political consort after all - but Kurt simply laughed at the suggestion when he brought it up.
"We're only heading into the village, don't tell me you're scared Sebastian," Kurt teased as Sebastian scowled.
"I'm a realist; there's a difference," he huffed a little petulantly.
"Most of the villagers I've known since I was a little boy. I think if they wanted to do me harm they would have been better placed to do it when I was a toddler always running away from my guardians," Kurt chuckled in response. Sebastian noticed some of the older serving staff hiding their own grins behind their hands; obviously the prince had been a bit of a nightmare child when he was younger. Now why did that not surprise Sebastian in the slightest?
"Still," Sebastian persisted, "It is our first day in public, maybe some propriety wouldn't go amiss just this once?" He was not about to be the political consort who let harm come to the realm's guardian on his first day. Not going to happen.
"Propriety is overrated," Kurt said, waggling his eyebrows at Blaine, who laughed softly into his chest. When Sebastian opened his mouth to argue, Kurt followed up more seriously. "The royal guard will be patrolling every part of the market, and they'll be more than enough to keep us out of harm's way. I just think it would be good for people to meet you and Blaine without having to fight through eight layers of escort to do it, don't you?"
As much as Sebastian hated to admit it, Kurt did have a point. He took a second to really consider the alternative, before quietly nodding his assent. Kurt gave him a broad smile before clapping his hands together excitedly. "In that case, shall we be on our way?"
As the the three boys made their way into town, Kurt took his time explaining to Sebastian and Blaine the various intricacies of the lands surrounding the royal castle.
"Unlike most estates, we don't have separate holdings surrounding the royal castle to look after the smaller villages," Kurt explained as they walked down the long, winding road that led from the castle to the market village at the foot of the hill. "Officially it's because the royal estate is so large that we can quite easily keep an eye on a number of villages without needing the assistance of intermediary holdings, but in reality it's because royalty of old were uncomfortable with nobility and their armies claiming ownership of land quite so close to the castle walls. I like to think we've moved past such outdated fears now, but the old traditions still stand I guess."
Sebastian briefly considered revealing that he did actually know much of what Kurt was explaining - lapse in judgement over the contract aside, Sebastian was nothing if not thorough - but eventually decided to leave the prince to it. He seemed so animated about it after all.
Kurt's eager chattering kept them occupied until they reached the main market square, where the morning hustle and bustle was in full swing. As they wound their way between the myriad of different carts and stalls, the townspeople would pause to greet their crown prince, bowing and curtseying with a deferential 'Your Royal Highness'. Kurt obviously visited the market often, as he greeted many of the men and women by name.
"Rufus, how are you?" Kurt said happily to a middle-aged man behind a cart selling huge wheels of cheese.
"Very well, Your Royal Highness," Rufus replied with an easy familiarity towards the prince that completely startled Sebastian. "Except Maryanna is refusing to let go of Bobby long enough for us to bathe her, the little scamp."
Kurt gave a high, musical laugh. "Oh, I am sorry! Well tell her if she's very good and does what her Da and Ma say, there might be a new outfit for Bobby next time I'm in town." Turning toward Sebastian and Blaine who were looking on, thoroughly confused at the entire exchange, Kurt explained with a wry smile. "Bobby's a wasn't exactly a lot to do as a young prince who hated ball games, so I got pretty handy with a needle and thread. It helps me to think, even now, and I've had a lot to think about recently I guess."
It was a slightly sobering statement, a reminder of exactly why Sebastian was here, walking through the village next to the Crown Prince of Aldern. A brief moment of silence followed, and Sebastian made a pointed attempt to really take in the market around them, with all of its morning activity, before the silence grew too awkward. There really was nothing like a village on market day; Sebastian had almost forgotten. It had been far too long since he had last taken the time out to appreciate the areas he was in charge of. He couldn't help thinking that Kurt possibly had the right of it, making sure to visit as regularly as he so obviously did.
"Would you like to try some, Your Grace?" Rufus' voice brought Sebastian's attention back to the cart in front of them, confused by the man's more formal tone. Was he talking to him?
Blaine looked up startled from where he had been inspecting one of the huge wheels of cheese that had been stacked high near the front of the cart. "Oh…" he stammered, caught off-guard at being addressed so directly. "I was just … these are truly impressive wheels you have here?" His voice flicked up at the end almost like a question as his gaze flicked nervously between Kurt and Sebastian, like he wasn't quite sure if he was allowed to speak.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Rufus easily skimmed over Blaine's sudden hesitance as he reached over to grab his cheese wire and slice a sliver off one of the closest wheels. "It's the diet we feed the cows, best in the land it is," he explained as he offered the slice to Blaine with a small, half aborted bow.
Blaine accepted the cheese, and obligingly nibbled at the edge. "This is really very good," he exclaimed, voice growing more confident as he offered Rufus the genuine praise.
"The missus will be so pleased to hear you think so." Rufus replied, practically beaming with pride.
"Lotty churns all the milk for the cheese, she's incredibly talented." Kurt supplied as he accepted another slice of cheese from Rufus, breaking it in two and offering half to Sebastian.
"I used to help the milkmaids back at the Anderson holding; we never could get the wheels this large without cracks appearing though." Blaine replied, addressing Rufus but keeping one eye on Kurt as he spoke, taking his cues from the prince as he found his footing in the conversation.
"Would you like to visit the farm some time, Blaine?" Kurt asked, voice encouraging. Blaine started at the suggestion, brow furrowed slightly as he turned back to Rufus.
"I mean, if it's not too much trouble?" He offered cautiously. "I would love to meet your family, and maybe even see these famous cows for myself!"
"But of course!" Rufus replied so enthusiastically that Blaine jumped a little. "You are most welcome any time, any time Your Grace!"
"Oh, just Blaine is absolutely fine," Blaine replied with a wry smile, and Rufus grinned back all the wider for it.
Blaine, it turned out, was a complete natural. Everywhere they went in the market he made friends, chatting with the royal guard and the tavern-girls alike. The further into the market they progressed, the more Blaine flourished, and Kurt seemed happy to let Blaine direct their route as they wound through the moderately-sized market village at a leisurely pace. Sebastian, for his part, was happy to take a step back and assess the goings-on of the village from a distance, as was his habit.
"Have you ever considered rearranging the layout of the stalls?" he asked Kurt curiously as they side-stepped a bustling cart full of heavy, earthenware pots. "If you moved the ropework stalls further inland toward the castle then the ships landing for repairs would have to walk through the entire market to reach them. You'd bring in much more incidental trade that way."
Kurt cocked his head sideways as he considered Sebastian's suggestion, running his lower lip through his teeth as his eyes took in the scene in front of him. "You know, that's not a half bad idea. I'll discuss it with Tobias and Suzanne, see if they wouldn't mind trading places. I'm sure Tobias would much prefer his fish stall to be closer to the waterfront as well." The prince smiled appreciatively at Sebastian, who couldn't help the intense feeling of gratification in response to the gesture. It was nice to feel like he was actually starting to do things right in his new role.
"We could visit them both on our way back." Sebastian suggested. "I wouldn't mind taking another look at those braided ropes Suzanne had for sale. They really were impressive."
"I didn't know you sailed?" Kurt asked curiously.
"Oh I can't stand sailing." Sebastian replied casually. "Wind and waves and saltwater. I honestly can't think of anything worse."
"But then why would you need rope?" Kurt pressed, and Sebastian couldn't help smirking at the prince's painfully obvious innocence.
"Oh, there's more than one use for rope, especially good, strong rope like that." Sebastian replied coyly, throwing a grin in Blaine's direction. "Isn't that right, Blaine?"
And honestly, Sebastian wasn't sure what he enjoyed more; the hot embarrassed flush that coloured Kurt's cheeks as he realised exactly what Sebastian was referring to, or the hum of appreciation from Blaine as the submissive ducked his head in response, his whole body shivering in heady anticipation.
"I might not have any interest in the open sea, but I could rival any sailor with my knowledge of knots," he purred, voice dropping low so that only Kurt and Blaine could hear him. "What do you think Blaine, have you been impressed by my skills?"
"Yes, Master," Blaine replied, voice quiet and filled with promise.
"Isn't that right, boy." Sebastian practically mouthed the last word, thoroughly enjoying the hoarse whine that was Blaine's only response. He could practically see the desire coursing through his submissive's body. Oh yes, he was going to have fun with his new purchases tonight.
"Okay…Well, we can see if we have time at the end." Kurt's voice, loud and clear, cut through the air, and Sebastian turned with a slight scowl towards the prince for interrupting. Kurt gave a pointed nod over at Blaine, who was looking more than a little dazed, shaking his head from side to side as if in an attempt to clear it. Maybe the prince was right; any further and Blaine would have been on his knees right there in the middle of the market.
They walked for another fifteen minutes in companionable near-silence, taking in the sights and sounds around them, offering up tidbits of conversation when the mood struck without feeling the need to provide a constant stream of entertainment.
"He really is good at this," Kurt commented idly as they both watched Blaine compliment an old lady on her brightly-colored rugs and shawls for sale.
"He always has been, ever since we were children." Sebastian agreed. "When we were six he used to charm the Smythe milkmaids into giving us the cream off the tops of the barrels. Our nursemaids could never understand why we were never hungry!"
Kurt's laughter drew Blaine's attention, and he turned towards them curiously, obviously wondering what the prince was finding so entertaining. Kurt simply grinned and waved Blaine back to his conversation. "Yes, I can definitely imagine that," he agreed, and Sebastian couldn't mistake the fondness in his tone. Instead of feeling jealous though - as he suspected he probably should feel given the circumstances - he simply felt happy that others saw Blaine's bright spark like he did.
"I've always thought that if Blaine hadn't been a submissive he could have had a great career as a political advisor. I might have even had some competition!" Sebastian said with a grin at Kurt.
Kurt raised an eyebrow. "Blaine not a sub? I'm not sure I can imagine that; I don't think I've ever met a more perfect submissive."
"Oh I don't deny that," Sebastian agreed adamantly. "It's just an interesting thought exercise I do sometimes, to consider the different paths that life might take a person."
"But why change Blaine's designation? Why change something that makes him so fundamentally him?" Kurt queried curiously, eyes flicking back towards Blaine with a fond smile.
"Well, that's the thing that everything hinges on isn't it?" Sebastian explained. "There isn't a whole lot of variance in a submissive's story. Get your designation, find your Dominant, live happily ever after. A Dominant has more options, more routes available."
"Hmmm, that's a pretty narrow viewpoint you've got there. There are no laws against a submissive taking on any job they choose." Kurt argued, his tone now laced with the hint of an edge.
"Okay yes, technically there are no laws against it." Sebastian conceded. "But practically, it just doesn't work like that, you know that as well as I do."
"No, no I'm not sure I do," Kurt countered, his voice now decidedly icy.
Sebastian gave a small huff, wondering why Kurt was being so obtuse about the whole thing. "Submissives just aren't suited for roles of importance, it's just not in their nature. I know it can be hard to understand as a Dominant sometimes, but really most submissives don't even want anything more than to be claimed."
"As much as I'm sure you'd like to believe that you're the absolute authority on all things submissive, that just isn't true Sebastian." Kurt bit back, making sure to keep his voice low so that passers-by couldn't hear their steadily more heated discussion. "Maybe people thought like that a hundred years ago, but here in the modern day we're just that little bit more progressive."
"It has nothing to do with being progressive," Sebastian sighed, wondering how Kurt could possibly be so naive about how things worked in the real world, outside the walls of his beautiful, high-gated castle. "It's just the way things are. Always have been, always will."
"Maybe so if nobody ever thinks to take a stand against it!" Kurt exclaimed, and then a look of sheer disgust flittered across his features. "Please...please tell me you haven't been feeding Blaine drivel like that all his life. Have you ever even asked him if wants to do more than simply be your submissive?"
"Why would he ever want to be more than my sub? I provide well enough for him, and Blaine knows the way the world is," Sebastian replied hotly, starting to take offense now that the discussion had turned personal.
"Maybe so, but that doesn't mean he has to just take it! And it certainly doesn't mean you should either! Why aren't you fighting for your sub? Or do you prefer it this way, your own personal sex-slave, available any hour of the day?"
Sebastian threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. "Why are you so convinced that I'm an awful Dominant?"
"Because so far you've not given me the slightest indication to suggest that you're not!" Kurt hissed venomously, only just managing to avoid the attention of the villagers around them. It was enough to draw Blaine's focus though; he had stopped his conversation with the older lady, and was now looking over at the two Dominants in concern.
Sebastian sighed, rubbing his temples in sudden exhaustion. This constant barrage of abuse from the prince regarding his style of Dominance was growing very tiresome very quickly. "If you'll excuse me, Your Royal Highness, I think I'm finished with the tour for today. Blaine, come on, we're going back to the castle."
Blaine's gaze flicked from Kurt and Sebastian back toward the stall behind him, and if Sebastian had been looking closely he would have noticed the unhappy expression that flickered across his submissive's face as the prospect of leaving. As it was, though, Sebastian just wanted to get back to the castle, and all he saw was time-wasting hesitation. "Now, Blaine, or there will be consequences."
"Blaine can stay here if he wants." Kurt interrupted. "He's clearly happy here, Sebastian. I can bring him back to the castle when he's finished meeting the rest of the village." Kurt's voice was placating, but Sebastian was having none of it.
"I will not say it again. Now, Blaine," he commanded, his voice laced with threat. Immediately, Blaine's back snapped ramrod straight, and he quickly hurried over to Sebastian, eyes fixed determinedly on the floor in front of him. "We will be having words about your behavior later," Sebastian said, low and angry as Blaine seemed to shrink in front of him at the hint of punishment.
"Sorry, Master," Blaine all-but whispered in response.
"No. Absolutely not!" Kurt interrupted, voice high and angry. Moving quickly, Kurt positioned himself next to Blaine, one hand resting possessively on the submissive's shoulder. "If you want to go back to the castle Sebastian, by all means go ahead. But Blaine is staying here with me."
Sebastian was too angry to even speak, much less form any sort of coherent argument. With one last furious glance between Kurt and Blaine, he gave a growl of frustration, so laced with anger that it had Blaine taking a step backward, before spinning on his heel and storming back along the long, winding path back towards the castle.
Not thirty minutes later, Kurt pushed open the door to his bedchambers and allowed Blaine to slip silently into the room in front of him, before closing the door behind them with a soft sigh.
Blaine had barely spoken more than a few select words since that awful confrontation down in the village, and then only ever in response to a direct question from Kurt. Try as he might, Kurt hadn't been able to draw out the bubbly personality that had been in such vivid presence earlier, and eventually they had called it quits and returned somewhat dejectedly to the castle.
Walking over to the armchair in the corner, Kurt slipped down into its soft, cushiony embrace with a sigh, suddenly exhausted from the day's activities. He motioned toward the chair next to him - the two seats slightly angled so that they were facing one another. "Would you like to sit, Blaine?"
Blaine looked up from where he had been standing by the doorway, hands clasped behind his back and head bowed. He have a small cough before replying. "Actually, Sir, would it be okay if i knelt?"
Kurt gave a small start. Of course, of course Blaine would want to kneel; he was clearly upset, his entire being had been screaming of submissiveness for the past half hour. "Yes, of course. Would you like a cushion?" He asked.
Blaine shook his head. "I think I need the stone, Sir." Without saying anything further he walked over and sank to his knees on the cool stone next to Kurt's chair, a small sigh of relief escaping him as his knees hit the hard floor with a thump.
For a long while they simply sat in silence, Kurt's hands carding through Blaine's hair as Blaine leant into the warmth of Kurt's leg. And in the silence, Kurt's brain had the opportunity to play back his argument with Sebastian in great and vivid detail, his temper rising higher and higher with each replay.
"You don't have to stay with him, sweetheart," he eventually said, unable to keep his feelings inside any longer. Blaine turned his head to look at Kurt, eyes curious. "Sebastian." Kurt clarified, although he was sure he didn't need to. "Claims can be dissolved, you know that right? It wouldn't affect our claim, or even Sebastian's position in court if that's what you're worried about. You don't have to put up with how he treats you."
"Sebastian's a good Dominant." Blaine replied simply, expression open. Kurt started at the response; it was just so unexpected. He scanned Blaine's face to see whether it was fear talking, but for the first time since the village Blaine seemed to be speaking with absolute conviction.
"Sweetheart," Kurt tried again, wondering how he could get through to Blaine. "It's not right…" But Blaine was shaking his head, and Kurt was so surprised by the idea of Blaine - submissive, submissive Blaine - actually disagreeing with him, that his mouth slammed shut.
"He's never broken my limits, not once. Yes, he pushes me. He pushes me hard, but never so much that I can't handle it. I need to be pushed, to be the best that I can be, and he knows that. He knows me, better than I know myself sometimes."
"But Blaine," Kurt persisted, "You're perfect. Completely and utterly. You deserve a Dominant who shows you just how perfect you are."
Blaine gave a small shrug. "And sometimes that's nice, but sometimes it's not enough. Sometimes you need the chance to earn it." He paused, and looked up at Kurt, expression earnest. "I know he hasn't been a great Dom recently, but he can be, I know he can. It's been hard on him, this new set up." A small pause, and then much, much quieter. "It's been hard on all of us."
And there it was, smacking Kurt right across the face. He had been so worried about Blaine, so determined to keep him safe, that he had completely neglected to consider how Blaine must actually be feeling - a submissive of two masters, never knowing who to defer to. It must be absolute torture.
Kurt opened his mouth to speak, but at that moment the door burst open, and there in the doorway stood the subject of their conversation; eyes wild and determinedly ignoring the harried protestations of the doorman.
"We need to talk," Sebastian said abruptly, without any precursor.
"Yes, yes we do," Kurt agreed, as Blaine started to rise to his feet. "Blaine, you don't have to go," he began, but for the second time that evening Blaine was shaking his head at him, this time with a small, fond smile.
"This is something you need to work out Dominant to Dominant, Sir." Blaine turned toward Sebastian and nodded his head in deference. "Master," he said simply, before ducking out of the door and leaving just Kurt and Sebastian in the room, the air between them cracking ominously.
For a long while the two boys simply stared at one another from across the room. Sebastian's expression was positively murderous, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides as he breathed heavily.
Eventually Kurt tried to break the horrible tension. "Would you like to sit-"
"You can't override me like that in front of Blaine, it's just not right!" Sebastian interrupted harshly, his voice edged with frantic urgency. "I've been Blaine's master for three years now, three years! I'm sorry, your Royal Highness, but prince or no prince, you can't just come in and destroy three years of a bond with a wink and a pretty smile. I deserve better than that, Blaine deserves better than that." He trailed off into silence, panting heavily, and Kurt had the feeling Sebastian had been practicing his speech on the way over.
He waited a long pause before replying. "Well at least you think I have a nice smile, that's something I suppose. Are you quite finished?"
Sebastian opened and closed his mouth a few times, as if searching for more bitter words to throw at Kurt. Kurt took the silence as opportunity to motion toward the couch opposite him. "Please, come sit Sebastian. Let's at least try and discuss this like adults."
Sebastian looked like he might balk, but eventually acquiesced with a small huff. He stalked across the room and slumped into the sofa with an undignified thump, cocking an eyebrow at Kurt challengingly. It was a long time since anybody had treated Kurt with such open disrespect. Kurt wasn't sure how he felt about it. Yes, he usually tried to encourage a casual familiarity amongst his peers, but this was bordering on contempt.
Giving a small sigh, Kurt kneaded at his temple with his index and middle finger as he tried to work out how best to proceed with the conversation. "Why is it that you're so angry Sebastian?"
Sebastian spluttered incredulously. "Do you even have to ask that? Blaine is is my submissive and you're taking him away from me!"
"But you knew that was part of the agreement when you entered into this relationship. You must have known the difference between advisor and consort before applying... didn't you?" Kurt waited for Sebastian to give a reluctant nod before continuing. "So it can't be that, or at least not solely that, that's gotten you so riled up. Do you think I'm a bad Dominant, is that it?"
"You're soft on Blaine. It's not good for him," Sebastian replied vehemently, and Kurt could tell that he genuinely believed every word he was saying. "It's not good for any submissive, they need rules, and discipline, and control..."
"You might not agree with my methods, Sebastian, but I certainly don't agree with yours either." Kurt cut in before Sebastian could really get going. "There also has to be reassurance, and comfort. You have to be able to make them feel safe, protected, and right now you're doing anything but that. Blaine was so stressed after the village today that he had to ask to kneel-"
"Wait," Sebastian interrupted, eyes glittering dangerously. "He had to ask to kneel? You didn't see that that was what he needed?"
"Of course I saw that he was upset, that you had upset him, but there's more than one way to comfort a distressed submissive-" Kurt began, but Sebastian was having none of it.
"See, you don't know Blaine like I do, you don't know what he needs like I do. Maybe if you'd been focusing more on the submissive in front of you as opposed to all your high and mighty ideals about the "right" way to Dominate," Sebastian punctuated his angry words with a sarcastic laugh, "then maybe you would have seen that the only way to comfort a distressed Blaine is to get him to kneel. This is what I mean, you can't look after Blaine like I-"
"Okay enough, Sebastian." Kurt practically seethed, his emotions riding high on his cheeks as he glared at the other boy. "Like it or not, you offered yourself to me as well as Blaine when you became my consort, which means I get to decide what you do and do-not do." Sebastian opened his mouth to argue, a look of sheer panic in his expression, but Kurt continued onward quickly before he could interrupt again. "Now, I won't force you to do anything you are truly uncomfortable with, I promise you that, but while Blaine is my responsibility, I do get to decide how he is Dominated, and by whom, and that is not up for discussion."
"You...you can't do that to me. You can't do that to Blaine, he needs what I can give him." Sebastian argued again, looking genuinely distraught at the suggestion.
"While I highly doubt that claim, I will admit that Blaine was your avid defender earlier. Now maybe Blaine sees something in you that I just can't, but I will take his wants into consideration, like a good Dominant. Sebastian look at me," Kurt paused for a second, waiting until he had Sebastian's undivided attention. "I care very deeply for Blaine. If you believe nothing else I've said this evening at least believe that. Everything I do here is for Blaine. His well-being is my number one priority." He waited for Sebastian to grudgingly nod his acceptance before continuing.
"I don't want to keep you away from him, I really don't, but we need consistency going forward, for all our sakes. This constant arguing between the two of us is only hurting Blaine, and I don't think either of us wants that." Kurt paused, and then continued with a slightly softer tone. "Work with me here, okay? Show me that you're the Dominant that Blaine claims you can be, because right now, I'm afraid just don't see it."
Sebastian held Kurt's gaze for a long, long while, and the anguish behind his eyes almost made Kurt crack. There was something about Sebastian's demeanour, the way his emotions seemed too great for his body, like they were threatening to shake right out of his skin and tear him apart in the process, that reminded Kurt of... well, of a submissive in crisis. It was messing with Kurt's Dominant urges in all the wrong ways given the fierce battle of wills they were currently engaged in, and he forced himself to bury the revelation, catalogue it in the back of his brain to process at a later, less stressful date. Right now, he needed to focus on Blaine, and what was best for him. He forced himself to keep it together, breathing deeply as he maintained his cool exterior in the face of so much hurt. It was better this way, it really was. Blaine would know exactly who to submit to, and Sebastian would have the chance to prove that he could be a better Dominant. Sometimes a bit of pain was worth the reward, wasn't that what this was all about anyway?