Chapter 12: Duty and Solace

As Aeryn descended the grand staircase of the manor, his delicate fingers lightly brushing the banister, he found himself deep in thought. His steps were quiet against the stone floor, and when he reached the entrance, he inquired about Eirik's whereabouts from a groomsman. The groomsman, a tall, wiry young man, gave a small bow before speaking.

"Lord Eirik is in his study, meeting with a Council member, my lord," he explained. "He left word for you to head to the stables. He will join you shortly."

Aeryn nodded in thanks, though his mind began to swirl with concern. As he stepped out of the manor, the crisp morning air filled his lungs, and he looked out at the estate's vast gardens that sprawled before him. Rows of vibrant flowers in full bloom, hedges meticulously trimmed, and stone pathways leading through the grounds. It was all breathtaking, but Aeryn's thoughts were elsewhere.

He wandered towards the stables, set just to the left of the manor, his mind racing with thoughts of Eirik. How much does he have to deal with? Aeryn wondered, his brow furrowed. Does it weigh on him? The idea of his lord husband being stressed and burdened with wars and political conflicts unsettled him. He hated the idea of Eirik worrying, but he knew it was his duty, just as much as Aeryn had his own responsibilities.

His thoughts turned inward, back to his homeland, and he stopped in his tracks, a wave of guilt washing over him. What if my people are under attack? What if the rival royals have finally made their move? He clenched his jaw. His marriage to Eirik had sealed an alliance with the Felgons, and part of that was the promise of military aid. But Aeryn realized, with a sinking heart, that he had almost forgotten the looming danger back home in the comfort of his new life.

What if the letter that came was asking for cavalry? Aeryn felt a cold shiver. His brother was still at the frontlines of the war, and although they didn't see eye to eye, the thought of his brother in danger gnawed at him. Was the letter from him? He shook his head, pushing the worry away. He had made a promise—to uphold this marriage and trust that Eirik would honor his vow to help his people.

He resumed walking, nodding briefly to the gardeners who worked nearby, though his mind was clouded with stormy thoughts. Eirik won't let me down. He'll help. He promised. But the worry lingered as he approached the stables.

When he arrived, the stable boy, Case, rushed over to greet him. "Your horse, my lord," Case said cheerfully, before hurrying off to retrieve Aeryn's mount.

Marsa, a sleek, beautiful mare with a pale, almost silvery coat, was brought forward, her hooves clicking softly on the cobblestones. Aeryn regarded her fondly, running a hand down her neck. She was a gift from the Felgon Council, but the gesture had not been lost on him—it was a subtle, albeit pointed, way of calling Aeryn the "female" partner in the union. In Felgon society, mares were reserved for women, while stallions were the mounts of choice for men.

It's obvious to anyone who would be the more submissive partner, Aeryn mused to himself, a smile playing on his lips as he recalled the wedding. Eirik was older, much larger, and built like a soldier, while Aeryn, with his mother's delicate features, dark hair, and green eyes, was slender and soft-spoken. The contrast between them had been apparent, and the Felgon Council's choice of gift had only underlined it further.

Aeryn mounted Marsa, wincing slightly as a flicker of pain shot through him. Those bullies weren't entirely wrong, he thought with a chuckle. Growing up, boys had often teased him, saying that he'd one day "take it up the ass" from some lord. Back then, he hadn't paid it much mind. Bullies were everywhere, whether you were a prince or a commoner. Now, however, as he sat on Marsa's back, his body still tender from Eirik's attentions, he thought that the experience was far more pleasurable than his childhood tormentors could have ever imagined.

Marsa had been difficult at first, but with Eirik's patient guidance, Aeryn had learned how to ride her gently. Eirik had spent time teaching him, showing him how to handle the mare's temperamental nature, and they had taken many rides together around the estate. Eirik on his strong, black stallion, Gauroth, while Aeryn rode Marsa by his side.

He waited now, feeling the comforting warmth of the sun on his back, as he thought about those first rides with Eirik. He had been shy and nervous back then, not yet used to his new husband. But now, Aeryn felt more at ease, and as he sat on Marsa, he looked forward to the ride they would take together.

The sound of hooves approached from behind, and Aeryn turned to see Eirik trotting towards him on Gauroth, the stallion's black coat gleaming in the light. Eirik looked every bit the powerful lord, his broad shoulders and muscular frame commanding attention, and Aeryn couldn't help but admire him. The way he rode, his confidence, and his sheer presence—it was easy to imagine him leading an army into battle, commanding thousands of soldiers with ease.

Gauroth came to a halt beside Marsa, and Eirik looked down at Aeryn, his blue eyes sharp yet warm. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice deep and steady.

Aeryn smiled softly. "Of course, my lord."

Eirik gave a nod and urged Gauroth into a light jog, Aeryn following closely behind on Marsa as they left the stables, heading toward the tree-lined boundary of the estate. The air was crisp and clean, the trees ahead swaying gently in the breeze. Aeryn felt his earlier worries begin to ease as he rode alongside Eirik, the world around them peaceful for now.