He had been trying to stay cautious with his visits to Conrad’s and Sofia’s bedchamber ever since they arrived in Paris. Back at home their particular arrangement was common knowledge among the staff, a secret kept largely hidden outside the walls of their own castle, and from the curious eyes of anyone that should wish to do them harm. Originally this was done as a safeguard against the two royals, but now with the children involved it extended much further than that. Little doubt could be given to Frederick’s legitimacy, what with the blue eyes of his father, but Judith’s was who Will feared for most. So he kept himself distant from his two lovers while traveling abroad, giving himself only the handful of evenings such as this one to find himself in the two’s chambers after dinner.
“I can make an attempt,” Will chuckles, the iron prosthetic he bore for one hand glinting under his one sleeve. Meeting her halfway across the chambers, he takes the end of one ribbon in hand as he bends down to take the other between his teeth. With one short tug the knot comes unloose, and he soon is able to undo the network of ribbon with his one hand. “We’ll have to keep Judith far away from France when she comes of age then. We’re lucky enough she’ll wear a dress when we ask, let alone anything as constrictive as this,” he replies, referring to the bodice he was currently loosening.
He watches with fondness as Will bends down to work on the ribbon’s of Sofia’s bodice. Nights such as this were too few since coming to Paris, and he had no trouble admitting how much of a comfort it was to finally be alone with both of them after seeing them together only a few times since arriving. It was too dangerous, still was, but there were some things worth the risk. And the sight of them together in their element, alone without prying eyes, was worth it a thousand times over, especially in such stressful times.
A little laugh escapes his lips as Will goes on. He could hardly imagine the trouble Judith would get into once older, when she was already such a handful. “The French are full of foolish notions, as great of a help as they can be. I can scarcely imagine her suffering them in a few years, seeing how she runs about now,” he says with a small smile, shaking his head, making his way over to the other two. He stops in front of her, hands moving to her shoulders, guiding the finally loosened bodice off. “I daresay tell of my day would bore both of you near to death, and I do not wish to bring the worries of the world into our peace.”
as will’s face passes hers sofia presses a nimble kiss to his temple, soft smile warm on her lips at the sight of both the men she loves in one place. it has been too long - has felt as though time slowed down while waiting for will to be able to slip into their chambers discretely. it is an arrangement that would be seen in poor light by others, and while sofia wholly understands why secrecy is needed it does not mean she enjoys having to spend nights curled up with one less lover than usual. “i’ve missed you, darling,” she murmurs to will, alongside a tender, “thank you,” as he loosens the bodice. a laugh leaves her lungs at the thought of judith in the same attire her mother dons now, all tightly laced and bejeweled.
“i would not be surprised if our little rascal does not cause quite the stir in the courts with her dressing choices upon becoming a young woman,” sofia would not discourage it, made clear in the light amusement in her tone as she presses a kiss to the corner of conrad’s mouth in thanks for the assistance with the blouse. skirts and corset still remain, though she can take care of the former on her own far easier than the laces of the latter. “as much as i do wish i could say you could never bore me, whatever grim talks filled your day would at least put a damper on things.” there is little severity in sofia, though she does look at conrad a little longer as though seeking the affirmation of his well-being in his gaze. “what of yours, then, will? i do hope it was well enough.”
