Put back together

71. Eleventh hour in the Shadow of the Sun

They had made the journey quicker than Patton had anticipated, having walked late into the nights. Later than Patton usually did when he traveled to the capital at least.

The streets of Corin were full of life.

Merchants and workers mingled, all going about their business.

There weren't as many children as there had been in Onsteda and the people seemed busier.
Though Logan was pretty sure that could be blamed on the fire damage everywhere. Everyone was probably eager to fix their homes.

Furthermore many of the citizens recognised Roman while in Terona Virgil had passed nearly unseen.
Again Logan could easily guess why. Virgil spent most of his time on the Cursed Islands, Roman had always lived here and was the crown prince, rather than the youngest.

The people recognised Roman and let their eyes wander over the rest of them, curiosity and silent questions almost tangible in the air.
Some whispered among eachother, but were quiet enough that Logan couldn't pick up on their words.

As soon as the castle gates came into sight Roman sped up. Logan wasn't sure if he was even aware of it.

The guards lowered their spears when they noticed them approach but hastily pulled their tips up again when they recognised Roman.

"Your Majesty!" the younger exclaimed. "You're alive!"

"Hello, Theodore," Roman greeted, but didn't bother to stop. "Could you have someone inform my father that I'm back? Thanks."

The guard nodded rapidly.

Logan and the others followed Roman into the courtyard and Logan took a moment to look around.

The castle was so different from the Teronan one. The windows were slimmer, the stone darker and the decorations were less delicate. They held their own beauty, but more in the way of a mountain's beauty than a forest's.

"Babe!" a shout from somewhere above made Logan jump.

He looked up, trying to find whoever had shouted in the windows but couldn't see anyone.

Moments later the door to the main building burst open and a man came barreling through, running directly for Emile.

"Remy!" Emile lit up, lifting his arms for a hug.

Logan barely managed to connect the dots that this was his husband before Remy collided with Emile, not slowing down in the slightest.

Somehow - Logan assumed that it was a skill learned through trial and error - Emile managed not to topple over, but instead caught Remy and spun him around until the pair lost their momentum.

Remy clung to Emile like a monkey, showering his face in kisses. Emile kissed back with just as much enthusiasm, grinning brightly.

"Sweetheart," he finally interrupted the kissing session, "shouldn't you be working right now?"

Remy got off his husband, still standing as close as physically possible and rolled his eyes.

"Who gives a fuck? The king can wait for all I care," he pulled Emile even closer somehow and pressed their foreheads together. "How can I care about an assassination attempt when I've got someone as beautiful as you in my arms?" He pressed a kiss against Emile's cheek, earning a giggle. "I missed you, my fucking cinnamon apple."

Logan looked away in discomfort. He noticed people walking by as if this was completely normal, giving little to no attention to the pair.
They probably repeated this whenever Emile came home.