God, at this point, I should just compile all my King Lupin AU into one new book. What do yall say ? I think it would be easier to read.
***
On a normal day, King Lupin's expressions don't vary. Unless King Sirius was sitting next to him, Remus kept his true emotions behind a stoic mask. The servants and guards standing alert around the meet room glanced at each other nervously. Because their king looked livid.
He sat pin straight and his jaw clenched. The servants thought with King Sirius seated next to him, holding his free hand on the table, the meeting would go smoothly. But with every governor's accusation, King Lupin was half way to snapping the quil in his right hand.
"Perhaps King Sirius should not go to the North to represent our kingdom," A portly governor of the east suburb said. "Remembering his lineage and history, his presence might ruffle a few feathers."
The other high ranks siding with her nodded solemnly as if the alliance of the Northern Kingdom hadn't personally asked for Sirius to attend their winter ball.
Even though Sirius had been favoured by the people, the governors aren't easily swayed. The peope who doubted his intentions during the war, doubts him again. This time, they've made themselves obvious.
While the other generals sided with Sirius and fought against their unfair prejudice, Sirius said nothing to defend himself. Afterall, their points are true. What good would his presence be if he makes enemies for Remus ?
"I see." King Lupin finally said. "Let us end our meeting for tonight and continue tomorrow."
The governors smiled and raised their glasses to their kind king, thinking he's siding with them. Remus didn't return their cheerfulness.
"But, before we part, I must raise a few questions." Remus' gaze was stony. "Had King Sirius not proven himself enough ? He saw to the Black King and Queen's punishments himself. He helped our generals construct the attact. He gave us information that none of you have and were willing to get."
Some of the officers shrunk in their seats.
"Will his presence ruffle the Nothern Kingdoms' feathers ? Or is his presence ruffling yours ? If so, why is that ? What do you have against his honorable deeds for our kingdom ?"
Remus stands and the officers rush from their shock to follow suit.
"In the meantime, I will take your words into consideration. This meeting is over. Good night." The king bows, picks his journal up and offers his arm for Sirius to take.
Sirius does and they stride out of the stuffy room.
***
"I'm sorry." Sirius says the moment their bedroom door close. "I've caused you trouble... again."
Remus roughly pulled his outer jacket off and threw it on his desk. Sirius flinched at the sound of his books getting knocked over. He's done it now. Remus must be tired of defending him all the time.
"I should have him hanged." Remus muttered, pouring himself hard liquor. "I should have all of them hanged."
Sirius carefully came closer. "What are you saying ?"
Remus looked at his husband and, instantly, his gaze softened. His furrowed eyebrows relaxed and the frown that settled so deeply, loosened.
"I'm sorry, my love." Remus said, reaching for Sirius' hand. "Did I scare you ?"
"No." Sirius answers truthfully.
He allows Remus to pull him closer. Close enough for the taller to circle his arms around Sirius' waist and rest his hand behind his back.
