Fit For a King <Lashton>

30; Ariana

True love doesn't happen right away; it's an ever-growing process. It develops after you've gone through many ups and downs, when you've suffered together, cried together, laughed together. ~Ricardo Montalban

Ashton's POV

I stepped out into the night's air as I took a deep breath and turned to Luke. I gave a small smile to him as he stretched outward. "It is really nice up here." He announced.

"Definitely." I smiled. I looked out in the distance. "I hate this castle."

"What?" Luke asked, clearly a shock to his tone.

"I always hated being royalty, so trapped. So confined to live a certain way. You were born to rule, is the thought. Now that I am King, I am worried I will not be able to help my citizens. That I shall fail them." I muttered as I leaned on my hand. "I am thankful though," I turned to Luke and smiled. "That I at least get to do it with you."

"That is true." Luke smiled. I sat down on the stones and Luke sat down beside me. There was a newfound light in his face over the past few days, I put my fingers just below his chin and kissed him gently. Luke let out a laugh as he leaned on me, as a result I let out a hissing noise as I pushed him back and he went wide eyed.

"I-I am so sorry! I-I forgot!" Luke scooted towards me as I clutched my lower abdomin. He looked scattered and I bit my lip in order to keep all other noises silent. I ran a hand down my face.

"Tis okay." I said quietly. "Just be more careful, would you love?"

"O-Of course.." Luke mumbled. He had a look on his face like he was about to start crying. I laughed and shook my head. "What are you laughing about?"

"Why do you look so sorrowful?" I asked.

"I-I hurt you!" Luke huffed.

"Do not pout." I rolled my eyes. "Hey, this is an excuse though."

"An excuse for what?" Luke sighed.

"Well, let me just say, I am not feeling well. I would like to rest and we can go back to our room and leave the party." I smiled.

Luke nodded his head and stood up, helping me up. "Ashton did you say our room?"

I went wide eyed as I felt my face flush red. "You mean.. You will not sleep with me at night?"

"No, I will, I just.. Did not know you would want me to." Luke shook his head slowly, and I shot him a heavy glare as we began down the stairs. "What?"

"I married you! You think I would not wish to share the same space as you?" I rolled my eyes. Luke shrugged his shoulders and gave a shy smile. We walked back into the party and I remembered Griffon and Faye coming up to us with a King and Queen from Wrenmore. The King was rambunctious and loud, his Queen was calm, collected and sweet. They were a long-time ally of Solaris, and were new to the throne themselves.

"King Ashton, King Lucifer." King Saith smiled. "You remember Elwyn of course." I bowed and kissed her hand. King Saith and I spent a lot of time together in our adolescence, which including rough playing of noogies, punches, and spit.

"How are you doing!?" He shouted as he squeezed me tight and lifting me off the ground, then I felt the burn in my stomach and let out a sharp yell. "Wha.." He let me go and I immediately leaned on Luke whose hands rested on my waist. "Oh my gosh, I recall your injury now! I am so terribly sorry, King Ashton!"

"I-It is perfectly fine." I put my hand up as I clenched my teeth.

"Do you want me to get you some medical attention?" Luke asked. "Or..Or Michael?"