The King And His Songbird [A Wolfstar Royalty AU)

The King

Imagine Tangled's lantern scene
Inspired by The Oh Hellos' song, Soldier Poet King

***

The baker rests his hands on his hips and watch as his children help carry the massive baskets that were filled to the brim with fresh bread. He sighs in content but also gleefully anticipating the night's events.

The king has ordered for a spring feast. He has bought food and entertainment from shops all over the kingdom to bring cheer for the start of a new season, away with the cold and bitter winter! In the town square, builders were assembling tables, stages and a bon fire right in the center.

Flags of the kingdom were hung from rooftop to rooftop, coloring the usually plain sight. Regulus looked out of his window excitedly. He was visiting for this purpose only so he had to make the day count! On the bed, James muttered sleepily. Having transporting and guarding both of them safely to Remus' castle, he was more keen on cuddling the day away.

"We have to go James! We can't waste the day!"

James groaned, rolling the other way in fake protest.

"5 minutes?"

Regulus sighs, shaking his head. Yet his legs returns him to the bed, slither back under the covers and into James' arms. The day is exciting but she'd understand if Regulus chose to make her wait.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the castle, Remus was bombarded with requests and chatter.

As soon as he stepped into his office, servants upon servants brought in letters from all around the kingdom. Each of them a unique message from commoners. Remus stacks them neatly in a corner and waits for his special assistant to come help.

"Must you wake me up this early?"

The crow's feet by Remus' eyes deepen with the affectionate smile painting his lips.

"Yes, I must darling. It's a big day today."

Sirius perks up at the reminder and hurries to sit beside him. He reaches over to divide the letters evenly, only to be stopped by Remus' hand.

"What are you doing, your majesty?" Sirius asks with a suspicious upturned brow.

"I haven't had a kiss from my beloved and he's reading letters already?"

Remus kisses the back of his hand, slowly making his way up his arm and to his shoulder. Once he was close enough, Sirius gently pulls his face into a kiss. They kiss a few more times, drenched in the morning sunlight before Sirius pushes the king's face away.

"We have business to attend to!"

***

The sun's flames has fallen from the skies into the bon fire and the stars have found their way into the lanterns in the arms of giddy children. The town square smelled delicious, enough to make any monk hunger and yearn for a bite of whatever's served.

Every corner was filled with laughter and music. Rhythmic footsteps signal dancers moving in a circle, clapping their hands to the beat. Regulus never seen such joy and color in a kingdom.

And James had never seen such joy and color in his lover's eyes.

"Oh that looks so good James!" Regulus points to a barbecue.

"Would you like to have that, your highness?"

Regulus shakes his head, already moving on to the next stall. "No, let's try this one!"

James happily tags along. He doesn't mind his right arm being constantly pulled to a different direction. For wherever he is pulled, if Regulus is there, that's where he wants to be.

They finally settled for fluffy bread dipped in custard. So beautifully made that it melts in your mouth in a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The people recognizes who they were but paid them no mind. Afterall, their own victorious royals are in their midst.

"It is great to see you." Remus greets his florist.

The king didn't look like one tonight. If someone were to glance at Remus, they'd think he was another villager. That is exactly what Remus wanted. He joined the people gathered by the beer barrel.

A crisp cold cup was handed to him which he sends his gracious thanks before diving into conversation. He was at home. He was simply Remus Lupin, a member of the kingdom.

What happened to Sirius? Well, they've decided to split off. Remus wanted something to drink and Sirius wants to explore his options more. Though the king was about to stick by Sirius' side, the king consort pushed him away ushering him to explore on his own.

That was a fair point. Remus didn't worry much either. His hearing was sharp enough to always know where Sirius was. Besides, nobody was brave (or stupid) enough to hurt the king's heart right under his nose.

In the hustle and bustle of voices, Remus catches Sirius' laughter. Erupting with amusement as the bards sang another comedy. The children were glued to his sides, giggling when the foreign prince did.

"How did king Lupin save you?" A tiny voice said.

Remus suppressed a smile. Oh he'd love to hear what Sirius had to say.

"Was he like a knight in shining armor?" A girl asked.

"Did he fight the bad guys and saved you from your tower?"

He hears Sirius' laughter once more.

"Well, something like that." Sirius says.

A little girl presses further. "Tell us king Sirius! Tell us!"

By that point, Remus had turned around. He joined Sirius' growing crowd as more and more gathered to hear what the king had to say about their infamous ruler.

With music accompanying his act, Sirius begins.

"There will come a soldier, who carries a mighty sword. He will tear your city down. Oh lei oh lai oh lord-"

The crowd returns his chant. "Oh lei oh lai oh lei oh lord."

Remus' controlled demeanor began to change. He stood in the far back, not interested in stealing Sirius' thunder. He enjoyed watching him in his element. He firmly believes that Sirius could put any enemy in a trance by telling them a story.

And his voice, his beautiful voice, like a siren. He pulls you in and lulls you just the same. Not to certain death but to a meadow with sunlight and the softest grass.

Remus chuckles, hiding his amusement with each sip of his drink. Oh Sirius loves to exaggerate his deeds, calling him a ruler whose brow is laid in thorn. The people near him giggle at that too, sending Remus knowing glances.

Slowly, a couple at a time, the audience dispersed to dance. Sirius' voice leading them to joyfully take their partner in their arms and sway. The musicians carried his song even when Sirius returned to talking. Remus saw his entry.

"Would my poet enjoy a dance with his soldier?"

Sirius looks away from his group. They blush and fluster at the directness of their usually quiet king.

"Yes," Sirius takes his waiting hand, "I would enjoy a dance with my king."

And, perhaps, that was the difference of a kingdom led with love and without. A kingdom is a home and a home led with hatred is grey and bitter. But in the bystanders' eyes, they only saw grace and love in their leader as he gently twirled his songbird. The bon fire warmed so little compared to the warmth emitted from them.

"Have I told you, you look wonderful this evening?"

Sirius rolls his eyes endearingly. "Yes, you have your majesty. About the 30th time."

Remus furrows his eyebrows. "Only 30? I can do better than that."

Sirius leans his forehead on Remus' steady chest. "You have done far more than that already, my love."

Oh lei oh lai oh lei oh lord,
He will tear your city down
Oh lei oh lai... oh lord!