To say that Paolo was unprepared when he assumed the position of Emperor is an understatement. His father had been ill way before the first wave of attacks were known to The Capitol and the healers said it was only a matter of time. As the only son, he had been trained in combat and politics early on, for which he was grateful, as nothing really compares to the pressures of war.
It was winter when his father succumbed, but not before they made allies with the Iron Fist of the South. Despite their differences, both kingdoms wanted peace and prosperity above all, hence a pact was made to defend the center seat at all costs. A few weeks later, an army of not less than ten thousand marched into The Capitol, led by none other than the Southern King’s heir to the throne himself, Sebastian.
“Your highness,” Sebastian bows with exaggerated flourish “as promised.”
Paolo scans the faces of the soldiers, pleased with the turnout yet unable to shake off the tinge of regret at youth so prematurely wasted. This senseless war has got to end soon. With a new resolve, he orders for his generals to gather the troops and disperse them to their palace quarters. First, a good night’s rest. Then, they face The Solid Walls of the North.
“I am still bowing you know.” Sebastian calls from behind him, once all but his personal guards have left. “You haven’t ordered me to un-bow yet, Your Majesty.” Paolo can almost hear the smirk in his tone.
True enough, when Paolo turned around, Sebastian (who looked as rugged as ever), was indeed wearing that infuriating smirk that he ever so hated.
“Seriously? Did you even take a bath since I last saw you? As Emperor, maybe I should start a ban on unkempt people on palace grounds.”
“OI! Is that how you greet an old friend?” Sebastian acts affronted. “After all that long and winding and troublesome journey just to get here I’d expect at least a warm and fuzzy hug!” He finishes, clutching his chest.
Paolo rolls his eyes at Sebastian’s antics. He did miss the man (though he’d be dead first and freezing before he admits to that). After all, he was the closest to a brother he’s ever had growing up.
He walks up to a sniggering Sebastian, whose arms are stretched wide in a mock invitation for an embrace, and kicks his shin hard “OW! What the heck Pao-” before turning in for a hug.
“Thank you.” Paolo wants to say more but the risk of breaking down in front of the palace guards is not one he wishes to take. He buries his head in Sebastian’s neck and clutches tighter at his back “I, ever since father died, I -”
“I know, Pao, I know.” Sebastian sighs, suddenly subdued. “That’s why I’m here. I won’t leave until everything gets sorted out.” Sebastian clutches back once and breaks the embrace. “Now I believe you owe me a real hug.” The prince adds with an eyebrow wiggle.
Discreetly wiping the tears in his eyes, Paolo moves to swat at Sebastian’s arm. “No hugs from you in that state; I wouldn’t allow my subjects such horror. I mean it, Seb, you are in dire need of a shower!”
“Hey!” Paolo watches on fondly as Sebastian sniffs his armpits, grateful for the brief moment of reprieve. Trust Sebastian to take his moment of weakness in stride instead of using it against him. As soon as this war is over, he vows, whatever grievances their grandfathers had fallen into, he will amend somehow - if only to protect this friendship he almost lost once.
“And besides,” Paolo continues “I’m not sure Brian will appreciate you in that state. You know how prissy he is.”
As predicted, Sebastian freezes, and straightens up. “B-Brian?”
“Yes, Brian. You do remember? Smart, unapologetic, beautiful, fair-skinned Brian..” Paolo couldn’t help but snicker. Sebastian looks like he’s one shade of ash away from fainting. “The look on your face, Gods!” Now Paolo is outright laughing.
“You are so dead, Pao!” Sebastian shouts as he makes a move to pounce on the young emperor. Paolo knocks over some copper jars as he makes a break for the door.
“And just what is this racket?”
Both royalties stop dead in their tracks, slowly turning around to none other than-
“Brian.”
“Sebastian.”
(TBC)
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