Monster Anthology [MxM]

Once Upon a Dream

CONTENT WARNING: Multiple partners, rope play

Alatheus

Duchess Liuva Lyonshall fussed with my half cape and medals, polishing some nonexistent fingerprint off the metal. She smoothed down my hair and used a handkerchief to scrub at my cheek. Groaning, I leaned back from her touch.

"Mother, please," I muttered, taking her hand in mine. Her brown ochre cheeks tinted with blush as she smiled, emotion wetting her dark brown eyes.

"Let me fuss," she insisted, gently extracting her hands from my hold.

"The servants ensured I'm presentable," I replied, dodging her handkerchief. "I'm just getting married, it's not like you'll never see me again."

Duke Sigeric Lyonshall laughed, crossing his long legs as he leaned back on the plush couch in the antechamber. "That's not going to stop her fussing."

The Duchess sniffed, not deigning to even glance in her husband's direction. "You're marrying the Princess. I might as well never see you again once you're named Heir."

I bit into my cheek at the mention of the Princess. Yes, Melisande remained the most sought after woman on the continent—but she wasn't what I desired.

Not anymore.

Maybe a year ago, I'd have no issue with this arrangement.

A knock on the door followed by the Duke's call to enter drew my eyes to the servant who entered and bowed low.

"They're ready for you, Your Grace," the servant said, keeping his eyes down.

"Liuva, my dear, come. It's time we take our seats," the Duke said, standing from the couch. He smoothed down his formal uniform before holding out an arm for the Duchess. She reached again for my cheek, but I dodged her.

"Dear," the Duke rumbled, a frown twisting his bronzed skin. Liuva sniffed again, but tucked her handkerchief into her clutch. She stepped delicately over to her husband and threaded her arm through his.

"As you like, dear," the Duchess said, smiling brilliantly at Sigeric. The Duke patted her hand and guided her from the room, brushing past the waiting servant.

I turned from the door to the mirror for one last look. My gold-trimmed white uniform drew out the red-brown of my ochre skin, accented the deep black of my plaited and braided hair, and illuminated the dusky brown of my eyes. Gold, silver, red, and purple honor medals decorated the left side of my uniform, highlighting over a decade of service to the Crown.

Taking a breath, I tugged down my jacket uniform. I turned on my heel and strode towards the open door, past the still bowed servant. Striding down the hall, servants scampered out of my way and bowed low. Fresh flowers and drapes of fantastical colors decorated the hallway leading to the gargantuan, iron bound chapel doors.

The Knights on duty snapped to attention at the huge entrance, before grinning at me.

"Congratulations, Commander," one of the Knights—Garian—said.

I mirrored the Knights' smiles, doing my best to hide my trepidation. "Thank you, Sir Garian."

The doors opened then, allowing entry. The smell of rose perfume and the chattering of attendees hit my senses hard, forcing me to steady myself before I could even take a step forward. Brilliant light filled the chapel in a multitude of colors as the sunlight filtered through colored stained glass windows. The largest of the windows depicted the Holy Mother giving life and blessings to her children. All the windows within the chapel told the stories of their gods and saints, who watched over their world and guided the royal family.