If I see one more person say that Vere/Akielos is “homonormative” I’m going to screammmm
“He knew his father’s nature, his beliefs. He knew exactly the reaction that Laurent would have provoked, if he ever stood before Theomedes at Ios. If Damen had argued for him, had tried to make him see Laurent as… he would not have understood. You fight them, you don’t trust them.” - Princes Gambit, chapter 17, pg. 302.
Like everything else in this series, this has layers to it. On one hand, Damen is talking about allyship. On another…
Damen is talking about bringing Laurent home to his father. They hadn’t kissed just yet, but Damen is already in love with him. He is saying that his father wouldn’t understand it. With all the fics we read, we know his father would want an heir. He would not want him to marry Laurent.
And that’s the thing about the series— we never see any same sex relationships with an equal balance, such as marriage, except Damen and Laurent. They are always slaves or pets. This is intentional.
Edit: Tajmutthall rightfully pointed out two relationships I overlooked; Pallas/Lazar, & Aimeric/Jord! I have reservations regarding Aimeric and Jord’s relationship (see notes for more), but Pallas/Lazar is a perfect rebuttal against my argument. I’m wondering if they can, in a way, represent Damen/Laurent, given their respective countries, or represent their countries uniting. Now I want an analysis on Pallas/Lazar!!
In Ancient Greece, same sex lovers among men was seen as super iffy, I say iffy because some city states allowed very specific types of relationships (pederasty; a relationship between an older more powerful man and a younger less powerful boy. I say ‘boy’ because they were often teenagers. Damen guessed that Erasmus was around 19, who was in training for him.) while others didn’t, and taking on a submissive role was seen as shameful for a man. It appears to be the same in Akielos— same sex sexual intimacy was fine amongst royals, given they were never submissive.
“He wondered if Laurent has ever fucked anyone in earnest, and he realized with a jolt of shock that Laurent hadn’t. The flood of heat that came at that wasn’t comfortable. And then like Laurent he was somewhere he has never been. ‘I’ve’, said Damen, ‘never—‘“ - Kings Rising, chapter 15, pg. 267.
Damen has never bottomed before, and I believe there’s more than preference at hand here, there’s societal expectations in play, and I think the actual heteronormative societal pressure of Akielos (submission being shameful) plays in perfectly with Damen’s overarching struggle with submission in general and general struggle with wanting Laurent, a man (for a better analysis on themes of submission, see theluckyclovergazette’s annoations).
“‘It’s your duty to continue your line.’ He didn’t know why he said it. […] ‘No. I’m the last. My line ends with me.’ […] Laurent’s voice was quiet. ‘I have never said that to anyone before.’” - Kings Rising, chapter 15, pg. 270.
Damen is parroting this to Laurent, he doesn’t mean it, and has likely heard the line himself. This is evident by, “He didn’t know why he said it.” There’s still some traces of his father’s influence within him (and that’s okay at this point, he isn’t a fully realized character yet). Laurent is also admitting to himself and the world that his family line will die out due to him being gay. With the way he said it, I’m wondering if this makes him feel guilty?
This is the perfect example of heteronormativity in both cultures within the series, chefs kiss. Yes, there are royal bloodlines at stake, but Laurent isn’t sexually attracted to women. Damen would never be permitted to marry a man, either (see my previous quote regarding Theomedes!).
(One thing I find interesting is Damen’s sexual activity with a gladiator. Since this was before Theomedes death, we can assume Damen topped, but this also shows that Damen doesn’t have a hard preference for feminine characteristics in men. Now I’m wondering if oral activities is seen as submissive, given that we all know Damen is a very giving lover, who has plenty of submissive thoughts, actions and impulses in every sexual encounter with Laurent. I’m wondering if society was different, if Damen would experiment with sexual versatility/bottoming much sooner.
Damen is very careful with Laurent, one because he subconsciously knows that Laurent was hurt, and two because he states himself that he will only give what he’s allowed. Nothing is without layers in this series. But, there’s a secret third option: Damen likes it.)
I’m getting off track. The issue of heirs and who one is allowed to marry directly correlates with a heteronormative culture. In AU’s where Auguste lives, Laurent is still the youngest son and therefore it doesn’t matter, but Damen would, as an heir, realistically have to abdicate the throne, or fight to marry Laurent and rule his country. That’s why there’s so much meaning in “A kingdom, or this”.
I’m not saying all of this to ruin a fun joke, it is funny that they’re so open with same sex relationships, and so against heterosexual unmarried relationships in Vere. This is only in Vere! Akielos doesn’t care, but there is a legitimacy rule (which is why Damen, the younger, is the heir and not Kastor).
I’m obviously unsure if same sex marriage is illegal in their cultures, because it’s never explicitly stated, and that wouldn’t be very fun to explore homophobia with a series already so complicated, but I believe it’s heavily implied that it’s frowned upon, especially for royals.
Not that it matters after Kings Rising, and we know they get married :)!
