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Snow littered the ground of the Slimerites Empire, icicles perched on every tree in the empire and snowflakes falling onto every child’s nose.
Stall and tiny store owners taking it upon themselves to decorate their property with Christmas decorations to brighten up the holiday mood, commoners thriving amongst one another in perfect, cheerful harmony. Things were... peaceful.
Up in the castle belonging to the Imperial family, Avery hung. “As I mentioned before, we need renovations on the training quarters for the soldiers.” He spoke to the royal reconstructors, giving them a fully planned out blueprint that he had a hand in creating.
The funny thing is, no they didn’t. Avery simply wanted to impress his new but secret lover, Head of The Imperial Guard, Derek “Derlord” Hutchins.
It had been quite a while since their night of lovemaking, and let’s just say... things between them have gotten more personal than they ever have been.
Sneaking away at balls and personal family conventions just to lay in the garden, always resulting in Avery’s mindless chatter of either hardships of ruling the entire empire, family theatrics, or other miscellaneous things.
Derlord would listen to every word of it, perhaps even chipping in his own input every once in a while.
They snuck glances at one another, stealthy with their touches, subtle with their intimate moments. Even though, Avery had insisted that they become more revealing to the public eye because, who would dare to testify against the current ruler of Slimerite?
But, Derlord argued against it. In his words, they—most importantly the royal slime,—had to uphold his reputation and public image.
If he suddenly exposed their relationship, only gods know how much backlash that would receive. How many questions would being to bubble, and how many rumors of ‘how long’ and ‘what ifs’.
“Let them speak! Nonsense is bound to quiet after a while.” Avery rebutted, crossing his arms. “The news should not surprise them. Especially after I made a whole spectacle about refusing to marry all the foreign princesses who presences promised riches and land for our great empire.”
“That is exactly what would bring uprise, Avery.” Derlord spoke, eyebrows visibly furrowed as his helmet was removed and placed aside. “You, who remains unconvinced that love isn’t something of importance to you as of right now and that you would need to focus on ruling the empire, suddenly desiring to enter in the realm that you yourself forbade to partake in? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?”
Avery let out a frustrated sigh. “But we’re actually in love and it’s not out of obligation, that’s the difference.”
“Neither are we of the same status. Societally, a simple servant of the kingdom engaging in intimate relations with the crowned prince is absolutely scandalous.” Derlord added. “We can never, and I mean ever, go public.”
We can never, go public.
Those words rung in his head over and over again like a cursed mantra, forever stuck in his head like an intrusive thought.
Fine. Avery thought, laying on his bed, back against the comfortable mattress.
But, that will not limit me Der. I may not be able to flaunt you as mine, but rest assured my love won’t go unnoticed. He smirked, turning over to lay on his side.
Now, fast forward back to him and the royal reconstructors. “And the pillars need better coloring, like a pristine white with golden decorating.” He instructed clearly, pointing at the pillars.
“Would you inquire we begin work today, your Imperial Highness?”
“Mhm. As soon as possible if not.”
“Understood.” They bowed, before walking away with the blueprint in hand.
Avery slowly walked out of his private office area, as if cautious to see if anybody within the perimeter.
Closing the door behind him, he let out a gasp. No one had heard his plans, good. Or so he thought. About to round the corner, he comes face to face with a certain individual. “Avery..”
. ; .
He lets a nervous smile peak through, now sat in one of his comfortable lounge chairs residing in his private chambers, manhandled into them by the one that he loves so dearly. “In my defense-“
“If you think I have not noticed your “subtle” gestures, you’d be quite mistaken.” Derlord cut off softly but strictly, standing before him with a respectable distance between Avery and him.
His arms were crossed like a disappointed mother, curly hair fallen over his shoulder with his helmet removed.
“You shouldn’t feel the need to attempt extravagant operations and actions just to win my attention. Avery,” He neared closely, causing Avery’s head to crane backwards. “you have all of it, undivided. Nothing will change that.” Un-crossing his upper limbs, he reached out. Softly, cupped the prince’s face.
Avery grumbled, eyes diverting Derlords' and turning his head away. "Well. At times, that doesn't seem the case." His arms crossed, pouting like a small child.
"Don't be like that," Derek spoke gently, slowly kneeling before Avery, one knee hitting the ground. "I truly mean it."
Averys' resolve crumbled at the sight of his lovely knight kneeling before him in such a considerate but gentle manner, eyes slowly meeting his.
With a small huff and a slow lean forward, planting his hands on his kneecaps, Averys head turned towards Derek once more. He suddenly spoke up, a mischievous smile growing on his face. “You know what we need?”
Derlord tilted his head slightly,—half with confusion and the other with interest—letting out a hum of acknowledgement that he would like to know.
“A walk outside.” Avery stood, taking Dereks hand and making his way out of the room before grabbing cloaks and scarves for the both of them.
“Avery! But the publicity-“
"Hush! We can worry about that later.”
Avery led them outside from an old secret door installed many years ago as an emergency evacuation for threats inside of the palace, leading them to the outskirts of the towering walls surrounding the castle.
Easily, they made it past security guards standing their outposts and sneaked out into the village. Townspeople intermixed of monster and human alike flooded the streets, snowy footprints pressed into the frosty water like it belonged there. They mingled amongst one another, aimless interaction ranging from commoners buying fruit and items from sellers to familiars conversing with one another.
“... From these cloaks, I can tell this isn’t your first time.” Derlord noticed.
“Correct.” Avery smirked, looking up at the handsome man beside him as he placed his hands on his hips.
Derek almost jumped out of his own skin when he realized, he wasn’t wearing his helmet. “Oh gods, I am without coverage over my face.” He shielded his face with his hand, covering it from the side.
Avery let out a small chuckle to his reaction. Seriously, this is the strongest soldier to the Imperial Guard growing flustered over something as simple as forgetting his knightly helm.
“Oh, fret not. If you look at it from a brighter perspective, that is a good thing.” He smirked. “Had you been walking around with that piece of gold over your head, commoners would recognize you within a blink of a second.” Avery reached up, gently tugging the others hand away from the side of his head.
With a begrudged grumble, Derek held Avery’s hand tighter, protective and seeking warmth from the slime. “I wasn’t informed you were developing an optimistic viewpoint on things.” He retorted.
Avery responded simply. “There is a first time for everything, my dear knight.”
They continued to walk mindlessly around the village, comfortable without direction or navigation of where they had to be.
.
“Der, come!” Avery tugged his hand excitedly, smiling brightly as he dragged him along to town-square.
Night had fallen over the empire, and stars lit the sky. Painting it a beautiful onyx-black with white sprinkles. “The annual lighting of the great Christmas tree is beginning soon! We must get there on time!”
“You said we would be heading back after a quick stroll! this DOES NOT seem quick!” Derlord retorted, although he allowed himself to be dragged by the jogging gelatin fellow.
“It’s the main event, we would be considered one total bore if we missed it!” Averys boots finally came to a halt when he met face to face with the fully decorated, at least 14ft tall forest green Christmas tree perched in the middle of the village like an honored monument.
Avery gasped. “What a beauty.”
Soon, villagers began to gather and communize, chatter bubbling and sound filling the air as they unknowing waited alongside two important aristocratic figures. A loud, announcing voice cut through the noise of numerous conversations, silencing them.
“Today stands the 25th year of the great Oak Christmas Tree, as it has been residing here since our older generations. Per tradition, we honor it by allowing its light to brighten up the nightsky every Christmas Day.” The person explained, stepping towards the switch taking place beside the tree. “With that announcement, I wish you all..”
The lights on the giant tree began to flicker in suspense, as if it had been waiting all its life to shine. “A happy Christmas.”
With a push of the Redstone switch, the lights beamed to life, illuminating fiercely. Cheers erupted, some even began to cry tears of joy. Snow began to fall lightly, making the moment even more gravitational.
Avery leaned his head against Dereks shoulder, fingers interlaced with his. The action made Derek scoot closer, grasping Avery’s chin to turn it slightly.
In return, he turned and tilted his head slightly, placing a soft kiss on the beloved prince's forehead. Avery melted into the soft gesture, converting into a lovely pinkish red color.
They may have not been inside of a house, but that didn’t make where they were feel any less like home.