Forbidden Love - Lestappen AU Charles Leclerc x Max Verstappen

Chapter 16 - Help

I'M 16 NOW!! Fyi I went 16 10 days ago :)

Max and Charles managed to escape the country unharmed and proceeded through their neighbouring ally of France. Quickly finding an inn to stay in for a few nights the pair settled down, after welcoming a large dinner from said inn. They made their way to their shared room on the second floor of the inn, keeping their heads low as they did so. 

Separately, they completed their nightly routines before climbing into their shared bed. Charles was laid on the left side, staring at the ceiling. Likewise, Max was doing the same on the right, until he turned to face the brunette, the latter shifting at the movement. 

Max waited a few moments before speaking. "Do you have a plan then on where we go from here?" He posed, the question being left in the air. 

Charles sighed heavily, turned on his side to face Max. "I do." He spoke then turned onto his back again. "Care to elaborate on what this masterful plan may be?" Max retorted clearly irritated by Charles' answer - or per se lack of an answer. 

A short time passed when the Monegasque sighed heavily once again. "Look, Max, all you need to know is that everything will hopefully be fine. Or as fine as it can be. So, don't worry your pretty little head. Okay?" He turned to look toward the Dutchman once again, who replied with a short nod. 

"All will become clear in the morning. Now get some sleep we have a lot of travelling to do." At with that Charles pulled Max closer and drifted off to sleep, not before pressing a light kiss to Max's forehead. 

Max, now face pushed against the Monegasque's chest, began to think. What could this plan be? Why won't Charles tell him? Does he not trust him? Pushing all the thoughts away, Max's body  eventually decided to let him catch some sleep. 

Bright and early did the pair awake. Quickly getting everything ready and packed - that being not much - Max and Charles ate breakfast, paid the inn and set off on their travels to somewhere Max was still unaware of. 

By dusk, the couple were coming close to what seemed to be a large, grand palace. It was clear to Max that Charles had definitely been here before as the Monegasque seemed to be known by the guards and staff. 

They entered the court yard where the palace staff took the horse they'd found in the inn. Max followed Charles hastily to the entrance of the palace, with the urge to grab the hand of his boyfriend but quickly shut it down. 

Charles made his way through the familiar palace, keeping an eye on Max behind him. He had sent a letter the night before, alerting them of their presence and estimating when they would arrive. 

Max was lost in thought, looking and admiring his surroundings in a foreign palace. Abruptly,   Charles came to stop in front of him, Max walking straight into his back whispering a quiet "sorry". 

Charles turned to look at him before speaking. "Max, we are currently in the French royal palace and in there," He turned to point at the large double doors Max hadn't noticed. "are the royal family. I am well acquainted with them and I am aware you do not know them. But listen to me when I say this." He pauses to take a breath. "I need you to explain everything that happened to Australia in as much detail as you can.  They are going to try help us against the Italians." Charles eventually finished. 

Max took a moment to process all that had been said then sharply replied, "I can do that." Before turning to the grand doors, waiting for Charles to open them. 

Inside sat a well respected lady and gentlemen beside two younger princes. Charles moved toward them, max followed behind. He watched Charles greet everyone before they turned to him. 

The princes spoke first. "You must be Max," The taller one spoke. "We've heard lots about you from our Charlie here." This time the other spoke. "Good things I presume." The older gentlemen chirped in. 

"Of course, Laurent" Charles replied. "Now boys, don't be rude and introduce yourself." The lady, who could only be the boys' mother, now spoke. 

"Ah right. I'm Pierre and this is Esteban" The shorter prince replied. He had blonde, whispy hair that raised slightly on his forehead. As mentioned, he was slightly shorter than his brother but his build made up for that. Pierre had broad shoulders much like Max himself, however Pierre had more muscle and looked overall stronger than Max. He wore a navy suit with a complementing royal blue cape. He wore muddy boots, suggesting he'd been on an outing in anticipation of his and Charles' arrival. 

In comparison his brother, Esteban was taller yet slimmer with biceps outlining his light blue shirt. He has dark, brown hair neatly styled in a shirt quiff, showing his forehead. Unlike his brother it was clear Esteban had stayed in all day or left earlier, as he wore dress shoes - much like Max's everyday pair - with black dress pants and his light blue shirt. Both Princes very well dressed - as expected. 

The group of six moved to sit down at the overly large dining table. "Now, what brings you back, Charles?" King Laurent asked. 

Charles briefly looked at Max, the pair making eye contact, before turning to the family in front. "We need some help.  I agreed to an alliance with Italy," Once hearing the name of those responsible for Monaco being in turmoil, Laurent looked to his wife, sharing a look of worry. 

"All was well for a few weeks, we saw vast improvements. However, they attacked last night. We were the only ones who made out the palace - as far as we're aware. They've burned it to the ground. And we are requesting assistance to rebuild in the long-term. But for now we need somewhere for all survivors to stay and be taken care of." Charles explained. The French royals exchanged words between themselves. Words Max doesn't understand before turning to Max and Charles. 

"We will help as you as much as we possibly can."

I will try to put out the next chapter asap.