Life In Audrilluria

Before Ever After

Recap:

Hours passed since they'd arrived in Blythenon. The sun had set moments ago, allowing the stars and moon to light up the sky. The children were each given a room in the vast castle and told where to go if they ever needed anything. Amelie was given a room of her own and Y/N settled for sharing a room with Thomas. It's part of the life's sentence, he argued. Not that Y/N minded. They were finally allowed to retire to their room for the night, choosing to deal with luggage tomorrow. Thomas carried Y/N through the door of their now shared room. Setting her down on the bed softly, he turned to the small table near the door and grabbed two glasses, handing one to Y/N.

She took it carefully, smiling at her beloved king. "So this is how we start our new life together in Audrilluria," she pondered as Thomas sat down next to her. "I couldn't think of a better way to start. Or perhaps I could," he replied, giving her a devious smirk as he leaned into her neck. Y/N giggled, moving away slightly. She raised her glass a little higher, "Here's to a life sentence in paradise with you by my side." Their glasses touched and they both brought their glasses up to their lips. Y/N looked into Thomas's eyes as she took a sip.

The morning air felt welcoming in her present state. Y/N didn't open her eyes yet, deciding it was best to indulge in the moment. She felt an arm wrap around her middle and pull her closer to a warm chest. She smiled, turning her head to kiss the man whose bed she began to share yesterday. "Good morning, my love," Thomas croaked in a deep yet smooth voice. "Good morning," she replied with a smile. Turning around in his arms, she cuddled closer to him, basking in his warmth and smell. Y/N looked up to meet his eyes, realizing he was already looking down at her. "What's on your mind?" she asked, noticing a distant uneasiness in his eyes.

"I have to give an official address later this morning. I'm on edge about it, but I don't want you to worry," he whispered calmly. Y/N's smile dropped, "It's about me, right?" Thomas placed a hand on her cheek, "It's not, it's about the thief who stole the replica of the heart." Y/n sighed, shifting slightly, "It's about me. I'm the thief that stole the replica." Thomas pulled her in closer, shifting his weight to accommodate her proximity, "You're not to blame for it. You were a pawn in the vicious scheme of a horrible woman. You shouldn't be blamed for something you couldn't control."

"That's not going to stop people from thinking that I was the one at fault," she argued. Y/N knew that there was no way people wouldn't see her primarily as the reason for the kingdom's recent unrest. It was going to be nearly impossible to convince everyone, even with the king's word. "I can talk to them. I know not everyone will agree, but frankly, I don't care," he lifted her chin to meet his eyes, "Bringing you back here was my decision. I don't give a damn if I'm criticized or if I'm called a bad king. I chose to follow my instincts. I chose to listen to my heart. I chose you."

Y/N sighed, giving him a loving smile. "You silver-tongued, charming devil," she whispered, leaning into him to place a small kiss to his lips. Thomas smiled lovingly, touching his forehead to hers. "I made you a promise the day I brought you back. I promised to stay by your side no matter what we had to face. I intend to keep that promise until my last breath," he whispered in a serious, sincere voice that made Y/N melt. "I love you, Thomas," she whispered, closing her eyes and just taking in the moment. "I love you too," he replied into her hair. This moment was everything each of them could have asked for. It was perfect. Y/N wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the day like this, in each other's arms.

"Your Highness," a voice called from outside the door. Damnit. "The address begins in an hour," they concluded, ruining their perfect moment. "Thank you. You may carry on," Thomas called back. When the sound of footsteps faded, Y/N looked at Thomas once more. "You have to get ready," she said, more as a statement than a question. "Unfortunately," he mumbled, "But I promise to make it up to you for lunch." Y/N nodded, "If we can spend the rest of the day like this, I'll settle for lunch in the gardens." Thomas took her hand in his hand and brought it up to his lips, placing a soft kiss to her knuckles, "As you wish, my love."