Love? You think this is out of love?

Abrose turned his head and broke out into a smile when he saw Malachi beside him. "It's stunning. I can't even compare it to the beaches we used to visit in Carniel." He exclaimed, gaze going back to the clear blue waters. He slowly crouched down, knees sinking into the sand as he reached out and let the shore lap at his hand.
He pulled away and sat back on the sand, hands braced behind him. "I barely got a good look at the villa before I ran out here." He admitted with a laugh, glancing over his shoulder at Malachi before looking back at the home, studying it from his spot in the sand. A thoughtful smile crossed his features. "I can see why your parents were fond of this place. It's a beautiful, peaceful area to spend time together."
He tilted his head, remembering how his own parents spent as much time as they could at their little cottage when Abrose' father was still alive. He adored that place, had only good memories of the vacation home up until they had to put his father to rest and even that had seemed more lighthearted than it was supposed to.

Abrose shook his head in disagreement but a smile crossed his features. "As much as I would like to agree with you, I think that saying so would make me a liar." Abrose laughed softly with Malachi, watching as he settled beside him. "Getting more comfortable I see," Abrose noted with a proud, if not cheeky grin. "We'll have to visit Carniel beaches soon so I can prove you wrong." He teased, a wavering breath escaping him as he leaned into Malachi's hand, eyes fluttering shut for a moment. "Thank for bringing me. For all your dislike for beaches you seem to be enjoying yourself as well, at least I hope you are." He glanced up at Malachi, head lifting from his hand when Malachi offered the shell shard. He accepted the shell, adding it to the small pile of shells and seaglass he had collected beside him that he planned to take with them back to Atrovia, back home. "I wouldn't mind a day with rain. It'll probably be the only chance I get to properly explore the villa. Maybe find a nice cozy spot ad read some of the books I saw before I ran out here." He laughed, tugging his knees to his chest so that the cool water wouldn't reach him.

Abrose pressed a hand to his chest "I would never, my dear. I'm merely going to prove you wrong, of course gently and with love." He reassured, his eyes growing slightly distant as he remembered the beaches close to Carniel. Technically Carniel didn't have beaches since they were an inner continental kingdom but they bordered a neighboring coastal kingdom. "It is beautiful. It's been a while since we've gone back though. It'd be nice to visit again.
He glanced over, feeling Nalachi's presence over his shoulder. I'll have bto narrow down what I want to bring back," he said sheepishly, starting to sort through pieces of shell and sea glass.
"Then that'll be the first place to visit." He decided, scooping up his slightly smaller pile of finds and putteing them in his shirt to carry back to the Villa. "I'll have to find a jar for these for safe keeping or perhaps a pouch of some sort. As a safe keep of our honeymoon."

Abrose stayed deathly still when he felt Malachi’s breath on his skin. He wasn’t sure if meeting Malachi half way would be too bold or if he was even reading his intentions correctly. In his brief moment of flustered hesitation, he had barely registered Malachi’s laughter. It was rare when he saw his husband laugh in his presence, especially when they were so this was a welcomed treat.
Abrose continued to sort through his little pile, now debating between his collection of pebbles and seagrass. Some pebbles were pretty while others were plain but felt nice in the hand. As for the sea glass most were varying shades of green save for a few chips that he had found that were violets or yellows. He bunched his lips in concentration before deciding on keeping all the chips of sea glass, half of the pebbles and the more whole pieces of shell including the one Malachi had given him.
He glanced back at Malachi, momentarily forgetting their proximity. “Really? That’d be great. I’d love to go in person if that’s alright. We rarely see glass makers in Carniel save for the summer festivals when they visit. They’re products are always amazingly beautiful.” He scooped up the pebbles and sea glass into his tunic and slowly stood so he didn’t drop any. He smiled softly and pressed a kiss to Malachi’s hair before he could chicken out. “Thank you Malachi, not only for this but for everything. Truly. I will forever be grateful to you.” He nodded towards the shells. “Can you bring those in? I think its about time I look around the villa we’ll be staying at.”

Abrose slowly made his way up the steps to the back entrance of the home, making sure to brush off any excess sand that had clung to his clothes and self. As he stepped inside, his eyes widening in awe as he took in the home. How had he ran past all of this? He set down his treasures on a nearby table and slowly started making his way around the rooms. He skimmed a light hand over the books as he entered the library. He stopped in front of the fireplace, looking over the decoration that scattered the mantle, a soft smile falling on his features at the various heirlooms he saw. Beside the fireplace, an expansive window led to a view outside of the beach and ocean. Abrose knew it was the same beach he had just been on but seeing it’s expanse from inside the home still took his breath away. After a few moments of admiring, Abrose made his way across the home to the bedroom, figuring he could also change before he found the kitchen to make something for the both of them to eat. Abrose slowly opened the door to the bedroom, trying his best not to focus too much on what this room meant to both Malachi and him as well as what it had meant for the late king and queen of Atrovia. He sucked in a breath as his gaze lifted to see a large bed, swathed in various blankets and pillows. In that moment, all Abrose wanted to do was lay down and let the bed cradle him in warmth, falling alseep to the sound of the ocean that could be heard from the window across the room. Restraining himself, Abrose found their bags in the corner and dug through until he found a burgandy tunic and pants that seemed that would fit him. He slipped into the bathroom to shower and change, reveling in luxury for a bit before stepping out and heading to the kitchen as well as to find Malachi.

After what seemed like a good twenty minutes of wandering the around the Villa looking for Malachi, Abrose determined that his husband was probably washing up from their little stay at the beach. Deciding to leave him be for now, Abrose wandered to the kitchen, slightly surprised to find servants already bustling about in the kitchen. He still wasn’t used to so many people, let alone servants constantly around. Back home in Carniel, they had fewer servants than in Atrovia. The Nightingale family had always been a bit more independant, they had only kept a few dedicated servants for everyday tasks though they had always been reminded that they could leave at any given time. Even after spending half a year in Atrovia, Abrose was still wary of the servants, always prepared to assist Abrose with any menial task.
Shaking from his thoughts, Abrose entered the kitchen and tugged on an apron to begin prepping for the dinner. Much to some of the servant’s horror, he took up a spot at a nearby cutting board and started chopping vegetables and milling spices in a mortar and pestle. He had lived cooking ever since he was young. Besides exploring the grounds with his father and siblings, the late king of Carniel made a point to teach his children skills in the kitchen. Ambrose had loved every moment he spent in the warm kitchen, either prepping food, or stirring a pot of stew, ambrose could spend as many hours in the kitchen as he could in a library. When the servants realized Abrose wouldn't accidentally stab himself, they let him be, some even started up a casual conversation, asking how he like Atrovia and how he liked his stay at the villa, all of which Abrosed loved so far.
Once he was mostly finished with prep and finally found out what they were making, a local fish with grilled veggies and roasted potatoes, the servants sent him off to find Malachi. Abrose washed his hands and hung the apron up before leaving with the promise he'd be back to help plate the dinner. He walked around the villa a bit, now a bit more familiar with the layout and searched for his husband. He eventually walked into the library and found Malachi sprawled out on one of the chaise lounges, sound asleep. With a small laugh, Abrose knelt beside Malachi and gently brushed aside his hair. "Forgive me, my dear but dinner will be served soon. I doubt you'd want to miss out on the delicious dinner we've worked so hard on."

Abrose patiently wait for Malachi to come around, gazing out the stained glass window behind the couch, that casted a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the room. Intrigued by the small garden behind the villa he could make out from the library window, Abrose promised himself one last even stroll around the grounds before he went to bed.
He glanced down in surprise, lifting his and slightly when he felt Malachi shift awake. There had been no second thought when Abrose reached to stroke away Malachi’s hair from his brow, no conscious thought about what the other would think of physical contact. Yet now, Abrose found that his heart quickened slightly, an apology on the tip of tongue for such a bold action but he held that back. Instead he pulled his hand back and crossed them in his lap. “Positive,” He replied, a light laugh in his voice. “Its been nearly two hours since we were on the beach. You’ve been asleep for a bit now, dear.” Abrose said, slowly standing from his spot on the ground beside Malachi. He could help himself as he reached out once against and pressed his hand to Malachi’s cheek, gently stroking back and forth with his thumb, worry creasing his brow for a moment before he stepped back. “Come now, we don’t want to eat it cold.” He promopted gently. “I promise afterwards you can sleep all you want.”

For a moment, Abrose thought he had made the wrong decision to reach out to touch Malachi. He was going to pulled back and apologies this time, blaming his sudden action on being caught up on the moment or tired.
He was about to back away towards the door when Malachi took his hand. Abrose froze in place, watching almost in a trance when Malachi laced their hands together and pressed his them to his cheek. Abrose felt the warmth from Malachi's cheek seep into his skin at he point of contact.
"O-of course." Abrose replied, hesitantly settling beside Malachi on the couch, pulling legs up so that he could rest his chin on top. "We could have dinner brought here if you'd like. I think it'd be understandable for at least one day." He suggested softly, lightly stroking the back of Malachi's hand with his thumb. "After dessert I was thinking about taking an evening walk, just around the grounds. You're more than welcome join of course." He peeked up and smiled, "though you seem in favor of turning in early on the first day of our honeymoon." He teased gently. "It has been a long few weeks, we deserve a break or two from all the planning and stress."

Abrose gave a genuine laugh of surprise, finding Malachi’s sleepy self quite adorable. “Well, perhaps not just one night. We are on our honeymoon for a week or so. I assume we’re allowed to relax for that amount of time before we inevitably go back to our royal duties.” He reasoned, his amused smile remaining as he watched his sleepy husband.
“If you’re sure. I’m sure the rest will appreciate an appearance from their king at the dinner table at least for one night.” He tilted his head and lightly toyed with Malachi’s hand, tracing over scars and over the wedding band, matching the one on Abrose’s hand.
He looked up as Malachi shifted into a more comfortable position and ducked his head, realizing Malachi must still be exhausted from all the wedding planning and the royal duties he still had to deal with surrounding that. This was probably the first week in a while where he could sleep without a need to worry or wake up early. “We don’t have to of course. You must be tired after all the excitement. I guess the exhaustion still hasn’t caught up to me yet, though I’m sure it will very soon.” He rambled slight, his cheeks lightly flushed. He huffed softly, flustered but he managed to nod. “The Villa really is beautiful. I can imagine any people finding true bliss here, including you and your family. I’m honored you brought me here, thank you.”

“I’m sure a change would be welcomed for everyone, after all this is vacation. Who’d going to say anything if we do things a bit off?” Abrose chuckled softly, rubbing his eyes and humming softly. “You with puffy cheeks and I with dark circles under my eyes, what a sight indeed. Though I doubt anyone will blame us for our appearance with how busy its been for these past few months.”
Abrose tilted his head to the side and hid a small yawn before giving Malachi’s hand a gentle squeeze and standing. “Well, we should probably head to dinner, before we both fall asleep where we sit.” He urged gently, glancing down at the wedding band on his finger “If that is the case, then I am honored to be considered as part of such an amazing family, even if by a marriage of convenience. I don’t think I could ever express how much that means to me.” He smiled softly, clenching his hand to his heart as he took a good long look around at the grand library, one where he could easily imagine the late king and queen with their children, running around with curiosity in their eyes. It was a place Abrose could picture himself with Malachi, surprising though possible.
He slowly returned his gaze to Malachi, head tipped slight in confusion before he pressed his hand to his cheek and gave a light laugh, “That would be due to you, dear.” He admitted truthfully, figuring it easier instead of trying to fib. “Its the first time in month, where we’ve had a normal conversation. No treaties, no formal documents to mull over, no premarital formalities for the public’s sake, just us. Speaking as if we’ve known each other for years. Its nice, knowing you’re not always so formal all the time. Granted I think that has to do with how tired you are but still, I like not needing to be so uptight around you. I hadn’t realized that until now.” He gave a slight shrugged and fiddled with the cuff of hi sleeve, for a moment fearing he had been too informal with Malachi. For a moment it had slipped this was a king, regardless of their relationship. He wasn’t just some man the Abrose could so freely speak with. But fort hat same moment, Malachi had felt like the most normal person he had met since coming to Atrovia in months.

Abrose glanced down at Malachi and sighed "very well, I am a part of your family now. Just as much as you are a part of mine. I know you and Chire butt heads sometimes but I think you two would be good allies. As for Lily, I think she's starting to warm up to you, and surely mother will as well." He smiled fondly and arched an eyebrow.
"Is that so? I can't imagine it being much worse than the state you're in now. Though I suppose alcohol may highten this." He chuckled softly "will i see this side of you this week, dear?" He questioned teasingly, only realizing now that even though he had stood up, he still hadn't let go of Malachi's hand. It felt nice, holding hands with someone, warm and safe.
"Then what would like to do instead, hm?" He asked, gasping when he was pulled in closer. Abrose barely caught himself, using the back of the couch to steady himself, now hovering over Malachi's form. "You say that yet you're the one who look about ready to close your eyes for a long while." Abrose replied, slightly breathless. He slowly eased himself back down onto couch, settling back beside Malalchi with a light laugh. "Alright, theres no need to beg. Rest dear. I won't go anywhere." He promised, and meant it. He wouldn't leave Malachi's side, not now and not ever if it were possible.

Abrose shook his head and laughed "no, there's no need for you to get drunk right now. We'll have time for that later. I have no doubt it'll be quite enternaining for everyone. Besides, this day can't be that bad that you want to get drunk so soon." He pouted, gaze flicking downwards when he felt Malachi's touch at his leg before snapping his attention back up.

He arched an eyebrow, a warm laugh rising up as he shook his head, "oh but of course. Forgive me, my dear. I hadn't meant to imply you were tired while you just yawned and are slowly slumping down quite comfortably. My mistake." He teased, laughing again as he reached over and gently brushed through Malachi's hair.

He tipped his head curiously. Malalchi had never really come off as the physically affectionate type so this was a surprise to Abrose. "Alright," he replied softly, taking off the robe Malachi had given him before, leaving him in a loose blousy shirt and riding pants he had though comfortable for the long ride to the villa. He sat down and scooted closer to Malachi, hesitantly letting his head drop against his shoulder, slowly relaxing against his form. "Is this okay?" He asked softly, tugging the thick robe over them both for warmth.

"Hm, I suppose that is true. Perhaps a late nightcap is in order as a way to celebrate." Abrose mused, huffing a laugh when Malachi winked. He was determined not to be even more flustered by his husband that night, though Abrose knew he was only lying to himself when he told himself his heart didn't flutter at the little gesture.

After shifting around and trying to not fall off the couch, Abrose had managed to nestle himself against the back of the velvet chaise and Malachi. He had also somehow managed to level himself with Malachi's length, now being able to reach up and continue brushing through Malachi's now tousled hair, though Abrose was pleasantly surprised to find that it had little to no tangles. He gently pressed into the hand at his cheek, eyes fluttering closed for a moment. Malachi wasn't the only one who had missed physical affection from someone else.

Abrose had only had a few partners in his teenage years, those of which he hadn't particularly missed as he had grown into adulthood. Despite not missing the actual person, he had missed the small moments shared between each other, the ones he had stored away in his memory for particularly lonely nights to reminisce on and eventually fall asleep to. But now, comfortingly, he had someone to replace that lonely place in his heart. At least he hoped he did for a while. It didn't escape Abrose, though now a small voice in the back of his head instead of a constant, forefront reminder, that this marriage was all for convenience. Malachi was not someone Abrose had fallen in love with beforehand, they had not courted, nor had they even initially wanted a marriage until a request had been made for an alliance to form between the kingdoms.

Despite all of that, this moment of mutual subdued desire for one another, felt genuine. More than that it felt nice, just the two of them for once in months of not being left alone. He felt as if he could take a deep breath and be himself for more than five minutes around Malachi, even if he was a king. "More than okay," he replied softly, gently ruffling through Malachi's hair and smiling in amusement. "very warm and much less determined to eat now, thanks to you."

"I fell for or you pulled me into?" Abrose questioned teasingly, "I wouldn't necessarily call practically begging me to stay with you a strong argument but I suppose I am here regardless." he chuckled softly as he started toy around with the white white streaks of hair on Malachi's head, twisting and braiding them then untwisting and unbraiding until he was satisfied with the look.

He tipped his head along to Malachi's touch, sighing softly and pressing a soft kiss to his hand. "I mean, I wouldn't mind having dinner but this is better, I must agree." He picked his head up from Malachi's shoulder and lightly tapped his nose to get his attention, if only for a few more moments before he was allowed to take a nap. "Will this last?" he asked softly. "Whatever this is now, will it last beyond these walls? or will everything go back to how it once was once's we're back at the castle…the distance and the formality."

Abrose thought back to his own parents. While they were by no means comparable to what he had read about of Malachi's family, they were still monarchs. But to Abrose they had always been more than that. They had been in love and no matter where they were or whom they were in the presence of, their love shined through. Formalities be damned to them. It was beautiful seeing the small gestures they always complimented each other with, a brush of the hand, a teasing comment here or there, the time they'd take out of the day to spend with each other and their children. Abrose now supposed that had more to do with the decline of the kingdom and the lesser need to rule so much as sustain what they had but it was still something they had clung to, something that made an otherwise crumbling kingdom beautiful. Abrose had hoped he would be able to resurrect that sort of relationship with his own partner one day as well as the kingdom itself.

"I like this," He muttered softly, not doing to look up at his husband now. "I didn't know you could be this gentle or even enjoyable to be around. Before at the wedding and even before that, having a relationship seemed like the last thing you wanted to do." He explained, resting his head back on Malachi's shoulder. "I hope that want to be close remains, even if its just briefly more."

For a fleeting moment Abrose feared he had been too forwards with Malachi. Perhaps now, in a new marriage where both of them were still unsure of everything happening was not the best time to dish out his own complex emotions, much less to someone he barely knew. Barely knew but somehow desperately wanting to get to know.

He was about to apologies, he didn't particularly know what for but it seemed like the natural response to the moment of silence between them. He looked up when Malachi began to speak, his 'I'm sorry' now dissipating. He slowly nodded and let out a nervous laugh. "I'm glad, even if neither us know exactly what's going on."

He blinked at the small kisses, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment before he was able to focus on his husband, then again he was all that Abrose could focus on. Every touch, every soft word shared between them, would capture his attention almost immediately. Its probably why he was here now with Malachi instead of eating dinner. "As do I, my king. No matter how long this may take, I do know I want to know and learn to love you. you and this kingdom." He smiled softly and lightly brushed his hand along Malachi"s cheek.