Together Forever [Private, 18+] (Pigeon & SapphireD910)

[SapphireD910]

Ezra's expression fell with a mix of relief and still a deeper strain from trying to come to terms with the promise and all the directions of the older king. Tough choices came with the territory, he knew this, but it felt like he was arming himself to always be open to betraying those that were honestly the closest things to friends and even family at this point. Ezra never met with many of his cousins often, even those he got along with, certain they'd come around more once he was officiated with the crown, but for all the wrong reasons. The twins were, sad as it might be, the closest people to him outside of those who served the palace like Gerard. And even Ezra realized that was different, even if it was completely based in sincere care.

 

"Yes, of course. I believe I understand very well now." His features softened with hesitation. It scared him the impression that Samuel and Sage had made of their father, but this man was not quite as he imagined. Perhaps this was only the impression of one king to another, or perhaps it was more. But his gut still felt the pressures of his own father deeply embedded in him, and he would not seem weak or pushed under the weight of the veteran king towards this decision.

 

"I agree to your terms and think it would be lovely to confirm the engagement as soon as possible but want to ensure a wedding as soon as possible upon return. I can give the princess time to prepare to the change, moving any belongings and choosing a few close servants that may be of greatest assistance." His body language was hopefully firm but not combative as he laid out further plans for he and Sage's engagement. "I am king, but my coronation ceremony was being held for the mourning period of my father. His funeral march was only the day before Samuel and Sage had visited. I would like to marry Sage and have our titles announced in unison to the end of the ceremony. I only let the news of my father go so far to prevent, unrest or unwanted proposals."

 

He smiled thinking of Sage as his bride and companion, being able to fully embrace and touch the petite beauty without fear or formality. "My kinghood was an unfortunate surprise, but I deeply look forward to adding husband to my listed roles. I believe Sage will also be good for my kingdom's people." He finally let himself fully smile at the older man. "I thank you for opening your home as well as your family to me. I will hold my promise to you and your people in exchange for what you've offered me."

[Kotorichan]

"I thank you for your patience with my children... As well as you willingness to accept such unusual requests from me." Claudith bowed his head slightly in respect. "I suggest that you take some time to rest in your room before dinner, I am sure that your journey was tiring."

 

The servants reentered the throne room as soon as Ezra left. Leaving the new king with Samuel who had been waiting for him just outside. Surprisingly the prince didn't seem angry, instead his expression showed a deep sadness. As soon as he noticed Ezra he attempted to hide the feeling. Although it was easy to see his true thoughts.

 

"What did he say?" He asked without any hesitation, stepping towards the man.

[SapphireD910]

The sad expression on Samuel's face almost broke Ezra's heart. The other male was truly more emotional than he'd taken note of prior. Before he could think on it too long he watched Samuel wipe the expression from his face and put up his more guarded demeanor. Still he allowed the other to believe he hadn't noticed none the less keeping his face neutral while walking up to him. Before he could muster to speak on his own the prince asked him what was said. He smirked, unable to control himself at this less reserved side of Samuel.

 

"I will point out to you that a discussion from a king to another is not meant for the ears of others." He sighed deeply in relief before smiling softly. "But I will let you know, engagement will be confirmed in a small ceremony here and we may marry in time with my coronation ceremony. I'll receive my royal title as I am also made a husband." He couldn't suppress his wide smile. "And he just wants me to promise to ally your kingdom and stay by your side when you take the throne." He gives the prince a mocking pout. "Were you just trying to make me nervous to meet your father? You can't avoid the fact now, we shall be brothers. I've always wanted a sibling as an only child."

 

Ezra tried not to yawn but his face dropped as his exhaustion crept over him suddenly. "Could you lead me to where I will be staying. I have grown very tired."

[Kotorichan]

Samuel scowled at Ezra's comment about the conversation being private. "You know what I'm asking." His expression turned to one of relief at the reveal of his father's approval. "Ah... Good, perhaps that will help Sage calm down."

 

"What do you mean?" His brow furrowed again when Ezra questioned whether he had just tried to make him nervous. "Perhaps he was more polite to you because you are a guest, but Sage and I were both worried that he would refuse you..." His cheeks flushed softly as he realized what he said. "I just did not want to see Sage crying because she can't be with you."

 

"Fine, I'll show you to your room." He turned away, grumbling softly. "You must be very tired if you're not even going to ask if Sage is alright..." He didn't give the man a chance to respond before starting to walk deeper into the palace.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra pouted shamefully. "I didn't want to draw attention to that horrible display. Just further reason to give her a new home where such humiliations... will not happen." He caught up in pace with the Prince. "I can't go to comfort or risk the same accusations being made. Perhaps its wrong of me to pressume, but you wouldn't be concerned with my talk with your father had she needed someone. It can't be me as much as I'd want." He felt an ache overcome his heart. He'd honestly felt it would be easier to pretend he hadn't watched his future bride humiliated on account of their growing closeness. That the princess had come to see him in his mourning and was accused of being loose and idiotic to his whims. "I'm sorry. The princess is alright? I would have asked you to take me to see her if it wouldn't provoke further accusations. I don't want her to feel shame around me. As disgusting as that was, it's not the only thing I've heard of like that."

 

He let out a tired huff. Brother or not Samuel would probably always find something at fault with him. But perhaps it was true that his father was manipulating him, but he could see how rash Samuel could be, especially when it came to Sage. He suddenly felt unsettled about the terms that were set in motion. "I only feel more motivated to give something better through this marriage so your father can never judge things like that again." He was solemn and unable to look at Samuel further even as they reached the door that was to be his room for the rest of this visit.

 

"Thank you. I shall see you for dinner." He didn't even pause entered the room, closing the door behind him and slumping into a heap against the door. Ezra had no idea how to really conduct himself to the best of the one he wanted to protect and those he had to endure and negotiate with. He realized then that he truly had no business being a king, and perhaps he would only turn cold and cruel like both their fathers as he tried to maintain himself admist his new responsiblities. Suddenly he felt something trickle off his chin, only to realize he had started to cry.

[Kotorichan]

“I only came to meet you because she's locked herself in her room and refuses to speak to anyone.” Samuel snapped. “That bastard, he-”

 

He hesitated for a moment, staring at the floor as he walked. “He brought back fears that I thought she had overcome…” He let out a soft sigh. “I suppose you're right… That man just puts me in a bad mood.”

 

Finally Samuel glanced at Ezra with the faintest smile. “I do think that you will be able to make her very happy… I know I can be hard on you. But I am glad you two met.” His cheeks flushed softly at his own words and he opened the door to Ezra's room.

 

The door was, of course, fit for a king. But it was also clear that extra effort had gone into making it comfortable and beautiful. Samuel shut the door behind Ezra before turning away and returning to his own room until dinner.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra through his tears of frustration and pain looked around the room. It was luxurious, as the rest of the palace. The thought of it all however just made him enraged and think more about Sage in a similar room feeling horrible and possibly even upset with no news from him. He threw himself to the large bed and shouted into the cushions and pillow underneath him. At some point through the explosion of emotions he found himself falling alseep only mildly comforted by the softness surrounding his form.

 

He wasn't sure how much time passed when a knock came to the door. Upset and ashamed he cleaned up his appearance slightly before answering the door to find Samuel of all people standing there. "I would think you'd have servants do this." He hoped that his eyes weren't as irritated as they still felt. "Is Sage... feeling better?" He couldn't look at Samuel, the only true sign of his emotions coming from his clenched fists.

 

"Lets get through this as best we can. I'm certain it'll be done with soon and I'll spend the rest of our lives together making earlier up to her. Shall we?" He started down the hall without a response from the prince. He knew he'd have to straighten up his expression and emotions before arriving at the table. The man was leery of his own son's emotions, Ezra couldn't give Claudith an excuse to break the engagement or turn Ezra away. Even worse would be if he set someone in motion to act against Ezra a potential mess to clean up.

 

He slowed himself as the got to an unfamiliar portion of the palace, allowing the prince to lead the way to the dinning room. Entering was a room just as lavish as everything else. Seeing Sage his expression instantly brightened up, certain to give her a soft smile in hopes of reassuring her. The king sat at the head, the queen to one side and Sage beside her. Samuel sat across from his mother, right next to his father leading Ezra to sit across from the princess. His heart sunk and the butterflies fluttered taking in her beauty and lingering sadness. "Your highness," he bowed to the king, "your majesty," he bowed to the queen, "princess," he addressed Sage trying to give her the most affectionate looks sitting across from her.

[Kotorichan]

"I'm trying to get along with..." Samuel looked away, lowering his face slightly. "With my future brother in law." He quickly turned away to hide his embarrassment. "Yes... She fell asleep for a bit and that seemed to help her calm down. I was able to speak with her for a few moments..."

 

"She is..." He hesitated or a moment. "Scared of her wedding night... It seems that what our father said made her realize what it really means to be married to a man." His cheeks flushed softly. "I-I am sure that she will just be nervous until you are married. Once she realizes that there is nothing to be afraid of she will be fine."

 

He showed Ezra to the dining room, opening it for the man. The prince took his seat, giving his twin a gentle smile.

 

Sage's eyes were red and puffy from crying, and his lip was chewed to pieces. He still seemed a bit shaky, and couldn't bring himself to make eye contact with Ezra. "I apologize for leaving so suddenly..." He said softly, his voice hoarse. "I hope that you can forgive me."

 

"Please, help yourself to the meal." Claudith said, seeming to ignore Sage's words completely. "I hope that the food is to your liking."

[SapphireD910]

Ezra smiled through a biting sadness at Sage's current state. Suddenly he too realized more so what would follow their marriage, what would be expected of them. It caused an excited and fearful curling in his stomach. At this moment all he wanted was for her to look at him and understand nothing had changed between them, he was only more determined in his goal to get her away from this palace. Everything after he would be careful, kind, and always intend to make her happy. The thought came to mind of Sage's soft, gentle, innocent form touching him as his wife, with desire, curiosity and lustful excitement. She was almost too pure to even imagine having a seductive look let alone touching beyond hands and lips.

 

Sitting across from her his heart felt like it was breaking with her pained voice. "Only if you forgive me, princess." He felt certain that their eyes must have matched in their red and puffy state. Perhaps he was pushing his luck and consent with the other king to address the princess with such affection and concern, but he couldn't help himself, his nerves were already pushing him to that night with anticipation.

 

"I greatly look forward to our engagement as your father and I concluded." He tried his best to stay mild in his emotions while offering up the good news in hopes of consoling his bride to be. "I hate to rush such matters, but I'd like you to think of any things, servants, or otherwise you would like to keep. With your father's permission of course." He nodded to the older man. "It's been a long time since my mother's passing, you will be a pleasant change for the palace, m'lady." He tried to give her a small smile.

[Kotorichan]

Sage finally raised his eyes to look into Ezra's, his eyes filling with tears again when he saw that the man seemed to have been crying. He had to break his gaze away and bow his head. "It is impossible for me to forgive you when you have done nothing to wrong me..." He murmured. "If there is something that you feel you need to be forgiven for then I have already done so."

 

He looked up again when he was told that their engagement had been approved. "Ah..." A faint smile finally crossed his face. "That is not rushing me. I will begin preparing myself at once."

[SapphireD910]

Ezra's features softened and perked slightly at his future bride's brightened attitude. "I'm glad this can all go so smoothly. And we will even be crowned in the one ceremony, making it all... official." He looked over her bashful and flushed features. He had to turn his attention to the other's in order to restrain his thoughts.

 

"Your majesty, this meal, is beautiful," his eyes darted to Sage ever so briefly. "Thank you for welcoming me and bonding our kingdoms. I feel nothing but gratitude and relief." He bowed to the king and queen in respect before they all began to eat. Part of him almost dated a look at Samuel, or rather his future brother, thinking how their relationship too would be changed.

 

---

 

The day finally came, and while a few days felt like years, Ezra was going to explode with anticipation, his nerves were tearing away at him in ways he hadn't ever known. He was standing with a couple of groomers touching up his garments both for the wedding and for his coronation.

 

He had spotted the crowd of ladies heading towards his fiance's chambers. Her an army to create the daily sculpture she had I become. The young king was eager to know Sage's true form without all the decoration. The thought made his heart beat like a prisoner behind bars of a cell. "Finally it's all coming together."

[Kotorichan]

Sage's hands trembled in his lap, the rest of his body forced to hold perfectly still as he was prepared for the ceremony. His face was covered with a much thicker layer of makeup than usual in order to hide the dark circles under his eyes. It had been incredibly difficult for him to get any sleep the past few days due to his fear.

 

The reality of the wedding was horribly overwhelming to him. Tonight he would have to tell Ezra the truth and he couldn't imagine it possibly going well. He lowered his head slightly as his veil was lowered over his hair and face. His breath caught in his throat as he tried not to let tears form in his eyes.

 

A soft knock on the door made him raise his head again. Sage managed a slight smile as Samuel entered the room. "How are the preparations coming along?" Sage asked softly.

 

"They're going well..." Samuel walked over to his twin, smiling sadly. "You look beautiful..." He gently took Sage's hand and helped the princess to his feet. "The ceremony is about to begin. We should wait by the door."

 

Due to the king's poor heath Samuel was going to be the one walk Sage down the aisle, which would be some comfort to the princess.

 

"Ah... Okay..." Sage gently took his brother's arm. He had to focus on breathing to keep from panicking as they walked through the empty halls and stopped by the door to the chapel.

 

The voice of the priest was just loud enough to be heard through the door. So as soon as the pair heard the right cue, Samuel pushed open the door and led his twin out into the brightly lit room.

 

 

 

((I drew Sage's wedding dress. I forgot the veil though >>; ))

 

[SapphireD910]

Ezra was led silently to the chapel by Gerard, constantly wiping his sweating palms along his formal coat. He feared he'd appear unkept as Gerard periodically turned to him to straighten something, smooth his hair and properly wipe his hands on a handkerchief. The soft and patient smile of the older man made him feel like a small boy again.

 

"I apologize, Gerard."

 

"Your majesty, there is nothing to apologize for." He let his fingers comb back a few strands of the young king's dark hair.

 

"You're still doting over a prince rather than a king. How am I to be a ruler and a husband all at once?"

 

The servant did not offer any words, only a comforting hand upon Ezra's shoulder and a knowing look. This on any other day, any other moment might comfort him, but right now, with that chapel ahead of him, it made his fear seep in further. The man had nothing to offer because they were reasonable doubts. Besides, while a good man, how could anyone is Gerard's position feel he had a place to make any such suggestions to him.

 

Entering the room, he was stood up front before anyone but the priest were to arrive. Gerard was standing near him and ready to present the crown and septor that had been carefully guarded until now. Ezra had not seen them since his father's passing where they were locked away for his coronation. A pale almost white gold. Across the other side was a much smaller and more jeweled crown that would be given to Sage upon their exchange of vows.

 

He tried not to fidget as people arrived and he was set to make his approach for his walk to the head of the isle. He knew only shortly that Sage would be walked in, escorted by Samuel, one of few things to calm his nerves, not having to see her father's eyes looking at him with warning anymore.

 

When the music began and the doors were opened with a heavy sound, he tried to not gasp as he took the princess in. Her garments nearly drowned her as always, a gown with a huge train. The fabric was white, but so much of her accented ribbins and embrodiered flowers were a pure pink that she seemed to glow a pinkish hue. Often such a thing would be scandelous, not sticking to a pure white, but his kingdom appreciated and prized their flowers that she seemed a perfect figure already.

 

A smile spread across his features in awe of her beauty and perfection, until he looked at her eyes, seeing those all too familiar signs of tears. He had no way of addressing it, asking her, leaving him feeling helpless to his new bride. He could only hope that she had not cried about marrying him.

 

He looked to Samuel as he escorted and gave Sage away, releasing her arm for Ezra to take her other, but the other man did not reveal anything in his expression. All the young royal could do was grasp her arm with a soft squeeze and stand before the official as he ran off the list of vows and promises. He didn't care about them really, he had special promises to Sage and her family that matter more between them.

 

The two were directed to kneel and receive their crowns. He couldn't remove his eyes off Sage, off his wife, as the crest shaped crown was worked into her natural crown of hair. His heart sunk at the thought of how Sage was no longer a princess, but a queen, his queen, to take care of, to not disappoint. A certain set of words rang in his head after the priest spoke them. They were now directed to kiss. He'd almost forgotten how it felt the time they had kissed before, and now they could whenever they so chose to.

 

"M'lady," he gave a gentle smile, taking both her hands waiting for indication he could lean in.

[Kotorichan]

Sage’s heart ached as he approached the young king. He so badly wanted this to be a happy moment, one that he could fully enjoy. But his fear and dread made that impossible.

 

He took Ezra's arm, holding it tightly in hopes of finding some comfort there, and clung to it as he followed the proper steps. Make his own vows, kneel, rise. Finally he was looking up into Ezra’s eyes. The expression he saw made him want to cry again. So gentle and caring, so kind… He couldn't help but this about how by doing this he was betraying the one he loved.

 

The princess took a deep breath, his eyes closing as he raised his chin for Ezra to kiss him. Perhaps he could enjoy these last few moments together, keep them as something to remember when he was no longer able to experience them.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra's heart clenched when he felt the way his bride, his wife, clung to his arm as though with fright. He looked to the side at Sage with concern. It didn't subside when he glanced at her, nerves clearly showing on her lovely features. The young king tried to give her a reassuring smile as he turned to face the former princess. They were together now, no one else could step in between them, and to confirm this was their ceremonial kiss. He knew it wouldn't be enough, and that he would have to keep it timid for ceremony, but he still let their lips meet and linger under his swelling desire.

 

They weren't going to remain for any further celebration, the two of them being led to the path to their new shared bed chamber. It was more important between royals to concemate the marriage, as embarassing as it was in deeper thought, he could deny his growing sense of eagerness. Ezra could hear his heart beating in his ears as they walked arm in arm. In this moment of near aloneness he took in the loviness of her dress against the lovely shade of skin. He brought one of her hands up to his lips to kiss, no longer concerned way over see them.

 

"You seem troubled my dear," he paused letting it soak in a brief moment, "I can wait however you need or want. We can sleep in each others arms dressed as we are if that will make you comfortable. I just need to be close to you, as my queen." With those words they had reached the room, pushing the door open. Only two guards were stationed at either end of the hall as the newly married couple were left alone.

[Kotorichan]

Sage remained silent as he was led through the halls, his body shaking visibly. The closer they grew to the bedroom the more he trembled. He could barely process the words Ezra was saying. He couldn’t hide from this forever… Even if they went to sleep fully clothed there was no guarantee that his skirt wouldn’t ride up, or Ezra might not ‘accidentally’ touch him. Besides there was no way that he could sleep like this, no matter how tired he felt.

 

The door closed behind them and Sage’s gaze fell on the bed. His eyes began to fill with tears, he just couldn’t take it anymore. “E-Ezra…” He pulled away from the king, unable to look at him. “I-I’m sorry, this w-was a mistake… I-I should have refused, I shouldn’t have l-let myself become so o-optimistic. I-I truly- I truly love you.” His gloved hands moved to cover his face. “I-I like myself imagine that we could be h-happy, that you could l-love me… B-but all I can ask is that you d-don’t tell anyone. I-if you wish for me to die o-or disappear then I will do so. But p-please, if the truth comes out, t-then my mother and S-Samuel will both be executed.” His sobs became more panicked as he spoke.

 

“P-please, I-I beg you…” The new queen’s legs finally gave out on him, leaving him to collapse to the floor in a weeping heap. “I-I never wanted to lie to you, I never wanted to be b-born, o-or even allowed to live… I-I’m sorry that I didn’t end my own life, I’m sorry that I was such a c-coward…” He hiccuped, his gaze finally rising to look at the man before him. “I’m sorry… I-I can’t be your queen, I-I can’t be anyone’s queen…”

[SapphireD910]

Ezra's smile crumbled upon laying eyes on his new wife and the way she trembled. "Sage..." He tried to move, to find words, to seek a end to the display in front of him. Her words came tumbling out, each twisting his gut and heart in luch a terrifying manner.

 

His own body shook as he listened to her explain how she shouldn't be, let alone expressing that everything up to this point were a mistake. It wasn't until her knees gave out that he was able to rush forward, dropping to his knees before her, clasping both sides of her lovely face.

 

"My love... w-where is this coming from?" The fear in his voice matched hers and he became aware of the wetness streaming down his cheeks. "Stop speaking this way." The young king pressed his thumb to her quivering lips, letting it tenderly brush across their softness. His eyes darted around her features in a panic seeking some form of understanding. "Please, sit on the bed and rest. I would never harm you. I love you and those dear to you are dear to me that I would not do anything to harm them either."

 

He took in a shakey breath leading his queen to her feet and towards the bed. "I don't even have to lay beside you tonight, just allow me to watch over you while you rest. A lot has transpired and I would not blame you for being uncertain and fearful. But please find calmness."

[Kotorichan]

Sage weakly shook his head as he tried to resist Ezra’s attempts to help him off him the floor. “N-no… You don't understand- I-”

He paused for a moment, his gaze falling to the floor as he tried to fight back his fear. If he continued then this would be the end, all that happiness would disappear into thin air. He would not only be crushing his own dreams, but also Ezra’s. Ezra couldn't possibly be happy after something like this. Even if Sage died in an ‘accident’ then it would be a permanent source of anger and regret for the young king.

“Please…” Sage’s eyes finally screwed tight. “Please don't tell… I don't want my family to suffer for this…”

His entire body seemed to go limp, accepting of whatever fate Ezra might decide for him. “I wasn't born a princess…” He said, his voice weak with fear. “I was born a prince…”

He had never had to tell anyone himself. And no one had ever figured it out. At a young age he had been castrated to prevent him from developing any masculine features. Then the years of corsets had forced his body into a perfect hourglass. The result was a perfectly acceptable, although flat, female appearance.

[SapphireD910]

"Sage, dear, you must breathe or you will risk your health. I will not share anything between you and I that you do wish me to. We are husband and wife now. The deepest of trust and protection comes with that."

 

Ezra paused with Sage's continued words. "You what?" He smiled through his confusion, still holding the other's hand. "I don't understand. You need to calm yourself and continue to breathe." Despite his reassuring words tears seemed to still wet his cheeks. "A prince? A-are you feverish!?"

 

The young king rose with a slight panic in his features. "Let me get some cloth and water. We can get someone to check on your health in the morning." He rushed to a side table with a basin of water and a few handkerchiefs, soaking one. "Of course they'll all understand if you've fallen ill that our marriage has not been consummated, so don't worry about that either."

 

He returned with hastened step with the dampened cloth. "I love you Sage. So please stop all this worry." Ezra reached a hand out to Sage's cheek, fingers still damp as he caressed the soft skin. "Please?"

[Kotorichan]

“I-I’m not feverish… Ezra please…” Sage tried to protest, but he couldn't bring himself to push the matter any more. “I love you too Ezra.. I love you so much it hurts…” He leaned into the man’s touch, his eyes slowly closing to hold back tears. “No matter what you decide to do to me, I'll always love you.”

 

Sage’s body limply leaned forward against Ezra for a moment before he forced himself to sit up. “M-may I change into my night clothes…?” He asked softly. If possible he wanted to avoid showing Ezra his body in order to prove himself, but if there was no other way… He shook the thought away, his gaze dropping to the floor.

[SapphireD910]

Ezra took in a deep breath as Sage seemed to finally allow him to settle her nerves. He almost felt sick and worried that maybe he had pushed her, like all the rest, into a role she didn't want and feared. That was until he felt the small and delicate form press to him for safety and comfort. The young king and husband rubbed his hands down the lithe form pressed to him.

 

"Of course," he pulled back to look into his wife's eyes. "I want you to get comfortable." Ezra felt a blush and tried to keep his voice even as he continued. "Do you need help? Do you want me to step outside? We are married now, but I will do what you ask of me." He caressed her cheek once more. "I'll do anything for you."

[Kotorichan]

Sage chewed his lip trying to decide what would be best. He could try to hide his body… But really he should, he wanted Ezra to understand the truth as soon as possible. He wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible. He didn't want to keep feeling this fear and dread for any longer.

 

“You don't have to leave…” Sage spoke in a soft tone. “But… My body is disgusting so I don't know why you would want to stay…” He slowly rose to his feet and found his nightgown.

It was made of pure white, semi-sheer fabric that had been layered so that his skin wouldn't be seen. It was trimmed with white lace and emerald green ribbons. The skirt reached the floor and the long sleeves were loose and almost fully sheer. It was somehow modest but also sensual and alluring at the same time.

Sage took out a few enchanted pins which allowed his hair to fall loose. The long chestnut locks were wavy and reached his thighs. The princess kept his back to Ezra as he hesitantly began to remove the layers of his dress.

He was terrified of what could happen, but he needed to do this. His hands trembled as he undid his buttons. Tears burned at his eyes again as he struggled to undress.

[SapphireD910]

"Is this what all your fear and fretting is about? Someone has convinced you that you're disgusting and you think I'd agree?" He swallowed audibly. "You're the most beautiful person I've ever set eyes on." Ezra watched Sage gathered up a long flowing gown of bridal white. He blushed, suddenly feeling emboldened with his new spouse. He began to undo the fasteners on his own clothes.

 

"Then perhaps you'd find me disgusting too?" He only did his shirt, not wanting to terrify Sage with suggestion he would advance things despite his previous words. His bear upper body did reveal very minor scaring, so faint to show they were place on him in his youth. Crisscrossing scratches and what appeared to be subtle burns that were hard to place, so small and odd shapes as though something had spilled to burn him.

 

"People told me I was evil because they thought my mother was. Other children would cut me. The adults splashed me with burning liquids to purify me. My father only stopped them when I was the only heir he could have." He still had his pants but he felt so naked. "Do you agree? Are we never to look or touch one another as we are married for the things others have done to us?"

[Kotorichan]

Sage hesitated for a moment before turning to Ezra. His clothes were still on, just unbuttoned enough to reveal a sliver of skin. His eyes widened at the scars he saw on his husband's skin. “Ezra…” he hesitated again before walking back to the bed and sitting down next to him. “You aren't disgusting…” he said softly. “You were hurt, that isn't disgusting…”

 

“But me…” He folded his hands in his lap. “In my country it is a terrible omen to have twin princes. If it happens then one of them is to be k-killed… But my mother c-couldn’t bear to kill one of her children. S-so she lied to everyone, even my father.” His eyes filled with tears. “I-I am a disgusting freak. They did t-things to my body to make me more like a woman but…” Sage’s body slumped in defeat. “I-if you don't believe me then y-you can check for yourself…” He finally said in a fearful whisper. “I don't want to k-keep tricking you like this… I never wanted to lie to you…”

[SapphireD910]

Ezra's eyes drifted to the sliver of skin exposed through the gown. He then looked I his own olive tone with the pink scatterings of scars. As Sage sat down he moved closer to approach the bed, perhaps hoping that his wife was calming to a point he might be able to touch that sliver and more.

 

"Twin princes?" he paused, an uncomfortable smile spreading over his features. "Y-You're...?" The young king's features sunk in a mix of realization and bewilderment, absorbing the previous confession better now. He looked to that strip of bare skin, focused on the very flat plane of Sage's chest. "Male and female twins are so very rare." A disheartened frown crossed his lips and he pulled his shirt loosely up over his shoulders. Ezra considered feeling for himself at the offer, but couldn't bring himself to touch Sage with that intent.

 

"I believe you without such... intrusion to your person." His voice was cold and firm as he let his body flop roughly into a side chair near the bed. "So much work, care, humiliation..." the words were more musings than directed at Sage. Eyes drifted to Sage's petite form in that gown and his mind started to wonder still what the body under it was like.

 

"Is this what you wanted Sage? To marry me? Or were you just scared?" There was an audible tremble of pain in his voice. "Were you simply going to accept my touch, even at your discomfort? Just because you were raised this way does not mean you would desire..." Ezra turned away. "I could have this annulled, but my guess is your family would be furious with me and turn on you."

 

He rose to his feet in frustration and walked to te window looking out over the courtyard. The same courtyard he proposed to Sage in only weeks ago. He began to sob ever so slightly. "Show me. Show me who I've married."