Moving Forward (Angry Birds. Left Behind series)

It's All About the Jewels

"I don't see why I have to wear this?" Red grumbled, staring at himself in the mirror. The 'crown-thing' was pretty, but far too delicate for his tastes.

"It shows that you are my Queen and Consort," Leonard insisted.

"Again, I'm not sure why I need to have two titles. One is more than enough," Red sighed, throwing his husband a look.

"The title of Queen indicates that you are married to the King. The title of Consort means that you are male, not female. A 'consort' normally has less power than the Queen, so both titles indicate that you are male, and have the power of a Queen in our kingdom," the pig explained calmly.

"All this royalty stuff seems needlessly complicated. Do we have to dress up for the portrait? We don't normally wear clothes; and everyone here knows who we are," Red complained.

The bearded pig clasped his blue cloak around his neck, before letting out a deep sigh. He truly did adore his avian mate, but sometimes Red argued over the silliest things. Striding across the room, Leonard came to a stop behind the petite bird, his hoof coming to rest firmly on his silk-clad shoulder. "Do you really hate it that much, or are you just complaining for the sake of complaining?"

Red blinked up at him, then ducked his head in embarrassment. "Sorry, I just... don't see why this is necessary."

"I know," Leonard said, squeezing the bird's shoulder for support. "Being a member of the royal family comes with certain expectations, and you're not used to it yet. I appreciate you doing this for me. The crown isn't that bad, is it?"

"It's just... not my thing. Although, I'm pretty sure it's something Chuck would wear," Red stated, frowning into the mirror at the glittering crown on his head.

"Your little yellow friend does seem the type to enjoy shiny jewelry," Leonard chuckled. A troubling though crossed his mind, and he was quick to add, "Please don't give him permission to wear your crown... or mine."

Red threw a smirk over his shoulder at his green-skinned husband. "Don't worry, your crown jewels are safe with me."

Leonard couldn't help chuckling at that. Good thing they were alone in the wardrobe room.

"What? Did I say something weird again?" the avian asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't worry about it," Leonard stated, leaning down to give his adorable bride a kiss on the cheek.

***

He should have explained the joke. He really, REALLY should have explained the joke.

"Chuck, get back here with those! Leonard specifically said you weren't allowed to touch his crown jewels!"

"Come on, Red. I'm your best friend. You should learn to share!"

Around the table, Leonard could hear his advisors beginning to chuckle under their breaths. A yellow blurr raced into the room, leaped onto the main table, and came to a stop inches from the king's seated form. "Come on, Leonard. You don't mind if I touch your crown jewels, right?"

Every pig in the room went silent, hunching down in their seats as the king rose to his feet to tower over the idiotic bird. "Chuck..." Leonard began slowly, his anger simmering beneath the surface. The childish avian was perched on the edge of the table, his long beak inches from the pig's face. Around his neck were several priceless necklaces, and perched on his head was his queen's personal crown.

"Wow, you do not look happy. Is Red not giving you enough lovin' in the bedroom? Chuck jabbered mindlessly.

"Red is not the issue here, Chuck," Leonard growled.