Maxima Priscus

“The same to you, my love.” Kisses him.

“Yes please.” Kisses his nose.

Grins against his mouth, nuzzling his nose. “That’s right. I pray the chocolate is good.”

“Wonderful!” Reaches into his pouch and pulls out a chocolate frog, grabbing Estinien’s hand and putting it there with a little grin.

“I suppose you’re right. Do you have some time to spare to rest with me?”

Nods. “A little.”

“I didn’t. I forgot.” Lowers his head.

His eyes widen slightly. “Meteor, I’m indebted to you. I promise I’ll take good care of myself.”

“Hmm. I will have to procure a heat pack and try to lay down for a little bit. You don’t suppose Lucia would mind if I take a day off, despite this being my own doing?”

“Aside from being unable to sleep and the tummy being a little wonky still, okay!”

“I just wanna be a grown man but tummy says no.” Sigh.

“Despite the lactose intolerance, I did in fact have a bowl of ice cream for dinner last night. No I did not tolerate it well.”

“I know exactly what you want, no guessing necessary.”

The onslaught of kisses continue. Between the brows, the crook of his nose, his temple, the tip of his ear, corner of his jaw, the peak of his cheekbone, finally landing on his mouth.

“Well, I wasn’t until you mentioned it! It’s fine, though. The important thing to me is that she came to me for help.”

Grabs his chin and peppers his cheek with kisses.

“Oh yes. That gets you a little pumped for the day, doesn’t it?”

“Gigi decimated her Animal Crossing island and asked if I would help rebuild her cliffs and rivers.” He laughs. “I’m happy to help her!”

“Ah! Cuteness overload! I just want to grab your face and kiss it all over!”

“Good!”

“I’m just admiring someone beautiful. Who can have anything his heart desires, especially on his special day.”

Smiles warmly.

“River building is hard, but so am I!”

Crosses his arms.

“Does such unfinished work present such dire attention that it’s a life or death matter? Or something that can’t be delegated to a trusted second official in command?”

“Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord Commander, and author?” His eyebrows raise, the flicker of a smirk on his lips.

“I do think you ought to take some respite soon, Lord Commander.”

He gasps. “You’re right, my friend. I’d love nothing more than to marry that sweet man.” A little giggle.

— powerless to have done more to stop them, like I’ve failed. Usually I’m proficient at keeping the anxiety at bay, but I feel it strongly these days. Heavy on my chest where I struggle to draw in a breath,” a pause to suck in some air, his eyes glistening.

— to beat slightly harder to keep up with his continual falling in his love for this man.

He swallowed. “You would be right. I’m exhausted, Estinien. It’s finally catching up with me, having to hold myself together every day I witness the shambles my homeland has become. The weight of feeling —

“Hang on, need to catch my breath.” He takes a few measured breaths. Half from being overwhelmed with emotion, half with having his breath stolen by how gorgeous Estinien is, especially when he smiles.

Seeing that charming little dimple on his right cheek that’s always hiding forcing his heart —