King and Lionheart [Dreamnotfound AU]

Chapter 23: My betrothed shall be...

George cleared his throat and waited for silence. The hall was full once more of all the visiting royalty who'd come to vie for his hand. They murmured excitedly, but the king didn't give anything away, not even to glance at Clay, who was smiling more than he should.

Once they were quiet, George spoke up. "I have the deepest appreciation and respect to all of you for travelling great distances to meet with me. It was difficult to select one suitor among your many capable and talented heirs, and I sincerely hope that the rest of us can maintain good neighbourly relationships after I have made my choice."

He paused. It was dead silent. Now for the hard part.

"My betrothed shall be Prince Clay Viridian."

He couldn't have said anything more shocking. The hall erupted in noise, largely voices of anger and confusion. George levelled his gaze at the cluster of attendees dressed in forest green.

King Viridian looked bewildered. His head turned side-to-side so fast it could've broken his neck. He seemed not to believe what he'd heard.

Dream, with no subtlety as usual, ascended the steps to the throne with a shining smile and kissed the back of George's hand.

Decorum returned as the spectators started clapping politely, although the applause barely drowned out the waves of surprise rippling through the room.

George let himself smile and lifted their joined hands, as per tradition. The applause increased and a few people cheered. The King noticed some of his would-be-suitors looking relieved and the rest slightly disappointed. The monarchs were already whispering to each other, trying to decipher his reasons for picking his enemy's heir.

It would seem like a foolish choice. Once we marry, he will rule both countries if I die.

Once we marry?? George was hardly giving that a thought now. Anyway, Dream would protect him; he always had.

King Viridian was the only one not clapping, until someone from his entourage reminded him, and even then King Viridian barely tapped his hands together.

Dream squeezed his hand, making George focus on him. His smile was infectious. "What now?"

"Now we dance!" George signalled the musicians, who began a gentle tune. The crowd milled about, gradually forming pairs.

George felt pleased to see other suitors offering dances to each other. I knew it wasn't just me.

Most monarchs stood by the walls; George didn't spare a glance at King Viridian. Dream was all he saw.

"I assume you've been taught to dance somewhere between the lying and stealing?" George giggled, teasing.

"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" Dream drew him close to his smile.

"Nope. And you have to do more to make it up to me." Ordering Dream around was so satisfying.

Dream spun him suddenly and caught him in a dip. He held it for a breath and pulled George up, blushing but smug.

"How's that?"

George tried to scoff, but it turned into a laugh. "It's a start."

They fell into a rhythm and danced comfortably in each others' hold. Somehow despite the music and people, there was a deep quiet and seclusion. George felt unburdened, free to think of nothing except Dream's hand in his and their slow steps.

He even closed his eyes to savour it, but the song ended too soon.

Dream leaned in, but George stopped his mouth.