(sorry for the wait!!)
Edward sighed very quietly, soft and relaxed and calm, here in Sabbas's arms. It was so…easy. Soft and calm here together and god, he knew he shouldn't enjoy it the way he did. But he did, and what could he do but let it be? He shifted faintly, but did not let go of the Spaniard in his arms.
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Underneath his hand, he felt Edward's heart beating. Its rhythm soothing him. Every little detail assured he will be alright, that they will be alright. Sabbas was unsure of how he would describe what he is feeling being in the English king's arms or this feeling about being with him that lays in his heart. "Do you enjoy this?" He whispered. The side of his thumb brushed above the soft heartbeats. Sabbas hummed faintly.
Edward's breath left him in a slow, soft exhale, and he nodded slightly. "I do." he replied in a soft tone. His skin burned beneath his clothes where Sabbas's thumb brushed against his chest, a tingle racing along him as he processed all that had happened that day. It felt like so much, and yet, was it really?
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Sabbas smiled. He removed his thumb, only to kiss the pad of his thumb. It returned to the king's chest, gently rubbing to the rhythm of Edward's heartbeats. If he listened to them more, he would only be putting himself to sleep. As if he wasn't in a dream already. "Eduardo, mi amor." Sabbas slightly tilted his head, just enough to look up at Edward. "Do you enjoy my presence? Me?"
(read "Eduardo", went "who tf is eduardo" and then remembered that it's just the Spanish version of Edward lmao)
"Did I not just answer this question?" Edward asked in a soft, slightly amused tone, looking down at Sabbas through half open blue eyes. "I do, Sabbas. I enjoy your presence." this was a strange feeling, sure, but not an unwelcome one. Never an unwelcome one, though he wondered if he would still feel the same later, in his chambers that night, alone in the darkness with only the weight of God's eyes on his heart. Would he still feel the same about it then?
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(lmao. i thought it would be cute if Sabbas called Edward "Eduardo" in Spanish)
He did ask the same question, didn't he? Sabbas hid his face in Edward's side. A wave of heat flowed through his face. Once he had taken a deep breath, he moved away to gaze up at him. "You did, and I thank you for answering it twice," He laughed gently. "I do not know why I asked such a question twice." Sitting up a bit, only to stroke the side of Edward's face.
(it is! I'm just Dumb sometimes lmao)
He hummed faintly, closing his eyes as Sabbas's touch grazed against his skin. "I do not know either." he replied softly. He was trying so hard to let himself enjoy this moment, but doubts and worries were already creeping into the edges of his mind, already beginning to make him think. Did he have any meetings he needed to attend? Would anyone be looking for him? Would anyone think to look for him here, and if they did…what could happen?
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Sabbas looked over his shoulder at the door then returned his gaze to Edward. His eyes squinted then softened. "Seems like you are not enjoying yourself in this moment…or at least you were." He let his fingers trace along the edges of Edward's jaw. In a rather rash decision, he stood up from the chair only to gently get on Edward's lap while facing him. From there, he returned to caressing. "What is the matter, my dear? Something seems to be clinging onto your mind, I can only imagine."
Edward inhaled as Sabbas settled in his lap, going almost impossibly still. "I am…only worried again." he replied in a soft voice, leaning into Sabbas's touch and closing his eyes, shaking his head minutely. "This is…if we are caught…" he cleared his throat quietly, opening his eyes to study Sabbas. "I am only worried." he repeated. "I am sorry that I am ruining the mood again."
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The corners of his lips dipped into a faint frown. Worry is such a terrible thing in the way that sometimes it seeps into everything. Getting caught is a fear that hangs over both of their heads. "You will be alright regardless of what happens," Sabbas promised. Smiling softly, he cupped Edward's cheek. "Oh Eduardo," He cooed. "It is fine. I am here for you no matter the state of the mood. I worry for you. I care for you."
(sorry for the wait!)
Edward leaned into the hand on his cheek, exhaling faintly. "Alright." he said softly. "I am still sorry, though. I am…I am worrying when there is no need of that, and it is not helpful or necessary for me to do so." he watched Sabbas, studying the way Sabbas's hair fell, the way his eyes caught the light and the line of his jaw, the swell of his Adams apple. This man that sat in his lap, touching him in a way precious few had ever done before.
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There is something about Edward's eyes that captivate Sabbas. They glisten in a light of their own. They speak when his tongue is still. Sabbas could see a glimpse of worry in them, but he looked away momentarily once he realized that Edward was staring him. A light shade of pink rose on his face. "Worrying, it is natural for us to do," He whispered. "It is quite dangerous on its own, but I know you will be alright." His finger delicately traced along the edges of Edward's lips and jaw. The softness underneath his fingertip left him sighing.
Edward was still, a faint breath leaving him as Sabbas's finger traced along his jaw, across his lips. No one touched him like this. No one. The sensation was…a strange one, but welcome all the same. More than welcome, really. He almost didn't know how to process it, didn't know how to respond to it other than to lean into that gentle little touch.
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Oh how Sabbas envied his fingertip. The thought sounds absolutely strange. It gets to take in how soft Edward is. It gets to trace along and feel his features. He feels Edward leaning into this. Just thinking about it all makes Sabbas's lips tremble. He couldn't help but think about what if it were his lips instead. He wants it to be his lips. To just incessantly kiss every single inch of Edward, just thinking about it made him shiver.
He couldn't. As much as his heart began to yearn for it, he did not want to force Edward and make haste. "Eduardo, I wish you could see the way you look right now. You are so breathtaking," Sabbas smiled. He held Edward's cheek. "I just want to caress and hold you all day and night. You are divine."
Edward's mouth pulled in the faintest twitch of a smile, and he kept leaning into Sabbas's touch. "Mm, well. Thank you." he said faintly. "I…would like the same." it was not possible, of course, but it was a beautiful dream. A beautiful dream to hold onto, when he was alone in his bed tonight, alone, as he was every night. But those were melancholy thoughts, that he did not wish to entertain. He wanted to stay in this moment, in this time, where Sabbas held onto him and they were oh so close together.
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A man can dream, can he? Sabbas dreamed of having Edward on his embrace late at night. His chin resting over the king's shoulder while his arms were wrapped around his waist. But he cannot dream in a moment like now. Sabbas kissed the side of Edward's cheek. Feeling the softness brush against his lips left him sighing deeply, "A little something to remember me in your dreams as you lay in bed tonight." In the back of his mind, he thought about the times he and previous lovers would always sneak around then end up spending nights wrapped in each other. It gave him ideas, although he wondered if the risks would outweigh the reward. And yet, the thought was tempting. His heart yearned to be with Edward more.
His cheeks flushed faintly at the kiss, and he bit his lip, arms wrapped around Sabbas and holding onto the man in his lap. This day had begun quite differently than it was now, that was certain. "Ambassador, you have read my mind." he remarked softly, closing his eyes and tightening his embrace just a little bit. Sabbas was warm and solid in his arms, and he was so very comfortable.
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Sabbas was sure that his heart had stopped. The sound of it thumping was deafened by the feeling of arms wrapping around him. He just melted in the grasp of Edward. To be held like this is all that he has ever prayed for. He smiled, and swooned, "And you seemed to have read mine, Your Majesty." It was easy to sink into this embrace. Sabbas never wanted to leave it for being in Edward's arms is the only place he wants to remain in. The only thing he hates about it is that he cannot stay in it forever.
Edward kept his arms wrapped solidly around Sabbas, a soft smile pulling at his mouth. He enjoyed this. Enjoyed holding the other man, and just…breathing. Oh, his thoughts were going in circles, but he could not help it. What else was he supposed to think of? It was peaceful here, and Sabbas was a warm weight settled in his lap.
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A knock echoed from the door. Sabbas had nearly fallen on his side while springing out of Edward's embrace and trying to stand up. Who in God's name could disturb him at such an hour? "Ambassador Valiente?" A voice called out from the other side. "Beaulieu has sent me to fetch you for the meeting."
The ambassador rolled his eyes while trying to catch his breath. He put one hand on the door and the other on his hip. "Please let Beaulieu know that I will be late for I am discussing important matters with a guest here." Sabbas leaned against the door, listening as the person had muttered something before walking away. After making the sign of the cross, he went over to Edward. He stands in front of the king, unsure of whether or not he should sit in his lap again. "Are you alright, Edward, my dear?"
(sorry for the wait!)
The knock startled Edward as badly as it had startled Sabbas, the king half jumping from his seat and a flash of panic in his gaze. When he realized that it was just someone there for Sabbas, he sat back down again, folding his hands together to conceal the faint shake in them. The knock had startled him more than he perhaps cared to admit, looking up at Sabbas when he came back. He took a moment to process the question, shrugging a shoulder. "I'm…it only startled me." he replied slowly.
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Of all the things he forgets today, he had to forget about his meeting with the French ambassador. Surely it will just be the two of them talking while having tea, but he has heard that Beaulieu is not keen on people being late. Oh Lord, guess the Frenchman has to wait a little longer.
"It is alright. No one ever expects a knock as such," Sabbas assured. His hand combed through Edward's hair. He deeply exhaled while turning his head to look at the door. Those damn Frenchmen anyways. Always expecting things but always laying around. He placed his hand on top of the king's. "That reminds me, I do not wish to keep you here longer than you want to. It is perfectly alright with me if you wish to. I know you are a busy man."
Edward leaned into the hand in his hair, exhaling softly. "It is quite alright." he said slowly, looking up at Sabbas again. "And I do not…I do not have many plans right now, for today, other than staying here with you. But if you need to go to that meeting, then I shall not stop you." he glanced down at his hands for a moment, still trying to steady his racing heart.
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"Frankly, I am not sure what Beaulieu wants. Either he wants to discuss buisness or he wants me to hear plans for another soiree of his," He exhaled shaking his head. The sounds of his heart beating echoed in his mind. He looked towards the door, but his gaze returned to Edward. "I do not wish to leave, yet I must go see what it is needed of me. My apologies, mi Eduardo." He swears to God if it is for a party, he is going to kill the Frenchman. The corners of his lips sunk into a frown. He does not wish to part with Edward just yet.
He looked up at Sabbas. "It is quite alright, Sabbas. If you need to leave, then do not let me stop you." he replied. "I will head back to my own quarters and concentrate on my own responsibilities." he gave the Spaniard a soft smile, trying to reassure the other man that he did not mind. He knew that Sabbas had duties to attend to for the sake of the country he represented; Edward did too, to be honest.
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"Sí…Sí…" Alas, he must go, but just as he was about to turn towards the door, he stopped. It would be considered highly rude if he, the host, were to leave before Edward who would be considered the guest in this situation. A guest who happens to be the dashing king with a smile that rivals the sun. "Shall we walk out together then?" Sabbas asked. "I will have to make a left when stepping out, but I worry about leaving you in here and being a bad host."
(I'm so sorry for the wait!)
He stood from the seat, absently brushing his hands along his thighs in a quick, nervous little gesture. "Yes, that is a good idea." he responded, giving Sabbas another quick, but bright smile. "As I said, I have my own things to work on." he didn't know what else to say. This new…development was not quite something he knew how to process.
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(It's all good! :D )
Sabbas had his arm out, gesturing towards the doors. "Well, Your Majesty…." He started while making his way over, "Parting is such sweet sorrow. What can I do when I am not basking your light?" He held the door handle down as it clicked. While he peaked his head out, he found the hallway to be filled with nothing but silence. Sabbas smiled at Edward. He always hated goodbyes. And there are thousands of things he would have said in English. But he was not able utter a single word. All he can do was stare at his dear Eduardo.
(skdhb sorry againnn)
Edward's brow twitched in recognition of that little Shakespeare reference, but inclined his head towards Sabbas and returned the smile. "Ah, well, we shall have to make do." he replied. "We will…I will try to find another time that we may see each other." ah, but they both had such busy schedules. Sabbas, as an ambassador, and Edward as king. Both of them had roles and responsibilities that they could not just abandon and walk away from, and especially not now. Even if most of his duties were decidedly less pleasant than this time with Sabbas had been, that did not mean that he could just ignore them in favor of Sabbas. No, he had to attend to those, and Sabbas, likewise, had to attend to his own.
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"I am sure that we will be able to. You will find time for it should not be a Herculean task," He sighed. Returning back to his duties as ambassador is something he wished he could delay for a little longer. Even if this silly meeting he will be attending is just to plan some sort of masquerade soiree, Sabbas wished he could not show up. There were a million things he would rather do, and every single one involved Edward. As much as he would rather run away, he must have been running late. He shook his head then said, "As we say in Madrid, te veo pronto. See you soon, Your Majesty." And although he didn't want to, he began to walk away. Sabbas did not turn his back until he reached the end of the hallway. From there, he turned around on his heel then continued his stroll.
