PSL for red_peril

[ill_take_bottom]

[Past lives AU. In a past life, Napoleon was the Duke of Suffolk under King Henry the Eighth. Illya was the Prince of Valencia. They had met when the Duke was visiting Valencia to attend a ball in the King's name. Incidentally they met before the ball due to the Duke being on the grounds hunting and rescuing the Prince from an assassination attempt while he'd been out for a walk. The Duke had seen the Prince drowning and dove into a small lake after him. Soon after this they began an affair and fell in love, but it ended tragically when the Duke was killed in battle. Now they have found one another again. During the first chase, Napoleon felt like he knew the man chasing them and this was why he didn't shoot him. During the meeting the next day, when they were fighting, suddenly Napoleon remembered, but he kept it t himself sine he didn't want anyone to think he was crazy. Illya remembered after he almost drowned and Napoleon saved him. Of course, Napoleon knew that he knew when Illya called him by the name of the man he had been, Charles. After this, Napoleon tried to act like it was nothing, pushing Illya away even though Illya tried his hardest to get closer.)


Charles frowned as the rabbit he'd been aiming at turned and took off as the sounds of what could only be a struggle reached his ears. He turned himself, looking back towards the palace grounds before humming and heading in the same direction they were coming from. He'd only been in Valencia for two days and already he'd fallen in love with it. The city was absolutely beautiful from what he had seen so far and the game was plentiful. When he'd been given permission to do a little hunting, he'd certainly taken the opportunity. Though now he was beginning to wonder if perhaps he should have left the palace grounds themselves.

As he was stepping out of the forest he frowned when he saw a robed man hitting another over the head before quickly dumping him over the edge of a nearby bridge and into what looked to be a deep pond. "You there! Stop!" He shouted, running as quickly as he could towards the bridge. He raised his bow, aiming carefully and managing to embed the arrow he loosed into the attacker's leg, though he doubted that would stop the man completely from running. It might still help them identify him later. He turned, throwing the bow and his quiver down then, turning to the edge of the bridge and without a second thought he dove in, grabbing the other once he found him.

He pulled them both above the surface, gasping for air as he tried to force the other man to breath. "Come on. Breath. Breath!" He shouted, but nothing. So he swam for shore, carefully laying the man out and frowning. He was carefully as he tilted his head, pressing against his chest. It was a new technique, one that had recently made news from Amsterdam and he hoped like hell that it actually worked. He pressed a few times before pressing his mouth over the others, blowing to try and get him to breath again.

Comments

Re: No worries! I figured you were busy.

[ill_take_bottom]

"Well, I have been given leave to stay for two weeks. Though depending on how my meeting with the Prince goes as well as what my King says...it could be longer. Who knows." He said, smiling with a shrug.

The time to part seemed to come much too quickly for Charles' liking, but he knew he had duties to fulfill. That is why he found himself at the ball, greeting different members of the Venetian court, hoping to make a good impression for his King. The Prince had yet to appear, but if he were the sort to listen to rumors, he would make his appearance soon.

Charles only wished he could see Andrew. He'd expected to at least see him by now, but the other man was nowhere to be seen either. He briefly wondered if the man had lied about who he was and had never had any intention of seeing him again. He sighed, shaking off the thought before moving to the dance floor. Best to at least look like he was trying to blend in.

[red_peril]

Andrew bit his lip nervously. He was not anxious that he was going to a ball. He'd been to plenty of those over the years. He was worried, that upon seeing him, Charles would be hurt by his deception. That was the last thing he wanted to do.

Once he was at the entrance to the great hall, the attendant announced him. "His royal highness, Prince Andrew Alcott of Valencia!"

All the guests turned toward the door to watch him enter. It was a very large party and he didn't see Charles immediately. He greeted the guests one at a time as he entered. Men bowed, ladies curtseyed to him. Unlike his father, Andrew didn't care for the attention, but tolerated it. He waded his way through the assembled crowd. It helped that he was quite tall. Then toward the end of the line, he saw the dark curls and his heart fluttered. He kept smiling and greeting the guests, though it seemed as all of that happened in a fog. Until he got to his guest from England.

"Your royal highness, I would like to introduce to you our guest from England, the honorable Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk."
Andrew smiled, and hoped Charles wasn't too angry with him.

[ill_take_bottom]

When he heard the court attendants calling to announce the Prince he turned, stopping in his dancing and smiling.

Though, that smile didn't last long when his eyes fell on Andrew's face. He frowned for a long moment, confusion obvious on his face until he seemed to understand that the other had kept the truth from him. He swallowed shifting a bit when he realized the man was approaching, his jaw tight before he cleared his throat as he was introduced, smiling back knowing. "Prince Andrew, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard...many wonderful things about you."

He raised an eyebrow, holding his hand out and squeezing just a bit tighter than was strictly needed when Andrew took his hand. "I have much that I would like to discuss with you. If you would grant me an audience."

[red_peril]

He tried to calm his pounding heart when he saw Charles' expression and he took the man's hand in greeting. The squeezing he wasn't sure if it was an angry challenge or if Charles was trying to be reassuring.

"Thank you. It is also a pleasure to meet you," He gently gave Charles' fingers a squeeze, trying to let him know that it was alright. "I hope you won't take offence that I've been keeping you waiting so long." He wished he could take Charles aside and talk with him right this moment. To explain himself and to kiss those beautiful lips. "If you would join me tomorrow morning for breakfast."

[ill_take_bottom]

He took a breath, his eyes locked on Andrew's before he squeezed again, softer this time as his features seemed to soften slightly. Certainly the man would explain. He hoped anyways.

As it were, he could feel his heart fluttering as he reluctantly released the other's hand. "That sounds lovely. My King has bid me stay for at least a couple weeks. It would honor me if we could speak often. Henry wishes...I meant King Henry wants to know more about Valencia. About the culture, the people."

[red_peril]

He let go of Charles' hand, sure from his expression that it would be alright. "I would like that, very much." Andrew gave him a shy smile, then reluctantly moved on to greet the rest of the guests.

Then the music swelled and the dancing began. Followed by several hours of mingling with his other guests and dancing with women who hoped to marry him. Andrew caught himself watching Charles dancing. Though he tried not to watch him too frequently or too intensely. Nor to smile at him too much. Especially since his uncle, Ferdinand was watching.

"You are curious about the Englishman, I see," Ferdinand said to him.

"I cannot deny that I am," Andrew admitted. Many of the ladies flocked to the Englishman. Charles danced very well.

"Whatever promises he makes you in Henry's name, it would be good for you not to trust," Ferdinand said, taking a sip from his glass of wine. "The English king has broken many treaties with the French. He certainly won't keep his promises to Valencia."

"I will consider your advice, dear uncle," Andrew walked away from Ferdinand, knowing better than to take anything the man said as wrote. For some reason, Ferdinand seemed to fear an alliance with England. His uncle's fear somehow made Andrew willing to build such an alliance.

The hours seemed to crawl and Andrew was happy when the ball was over and all his guests were leaving. As Charles was leaving, Andrew bade him goodnight. "I will see you at breakfast tomorrow morning."

[ill_take_bottom]

Charles spent the night dancing with many different ladies, talking and charming the women of Valencia and even the men. Even though not many here were familiar with him or the English court, it wasn't hard to tell that he had not been born into it as so many had, and yet the King obviously trusted him.

He felt like he'd really made a great impression with the court, smiling as he moved through the crowd. At the end of the night he moved towards Andrew, taking his hand and giving it a firm squeeze. "You will. I bid you good night, Your Highness." He bowed, his eyes flicking just briefly to the side to see Ferdinand standing close by. "We certainly have much to discuss."

[red_peril]

After the party had gone, Andrew went to visit his father. Horrified to find that the physician was bleeding him again. His father was barely conscious. His skin pale as marble.

"Stop and get out," Andrew ordered. When the physician objected, "I'm sure that when you've bled him to death, he will be completely cured." He sat on the edge of the bed and took his father's hand. Blue eyes fluttered and it took a moment for his father to recognize him.

"Andrew, I dreamed of you," he said weakly. "Soon you will be king of Valencia."

"Don't worry about that, father," he leaned down and kissed his father's forehead. "Just rest now. Tomorrow if you're feeling stronger, perhaps you can meet our guest from England."

He left his father's bedchamber and told the guard not to let his physician's back in.

Andrew went to his own bed then, well after midnight. He worried about his father. And He was completely unable to get the day and night spent with Charles in the cottage out of his mind. Let alone he liked the small bed there better than the fancy soft mattress he was trying to sleep on. He missed the Englishman. His beautiful eyes, his lips his body, his touch. He tried instead, imagining Charles lying beside him and holding him. It helped and he slept a little.

In the morning, he dressed and visited his father, who was feeling better and sitting up to eat, though he was still very weak.

After that, he had his servants fetch breakfast and set it up on the balcony outside his chambers for he and Charles to enjoy. Then he sent a servant to bring his guest. The view from the balcony was over the orange groves for which Valencia was famous.

[ill_take_bottom]

Charles dressed, spending the early morning wandering the parts of the palace that he was allowed. He ended up running into Andrew's uncle, eyeing him as the man greeted him. He was polite, but obviously distant and obviously relieved when the servant came to retrieve him.

He smiled as he entered Andrew's quarters, waiting until the door was shut and they were in private before moving closer to him. "You have no idea how tempted I was to try to sneak into your chambers last night. Even if just to talk. To find out why."

[red_peril]

Seeing Charles, brought a smile to his lips. Once the door was closed, he was tempted himself, to greet his lover with a kiss. Instead, "I was sorely tempted myself." Andrew lead Charles out to the balcony. Where breakfast was set up for them. "Please, have a seat."

"We will still have to be judicious with our conversation." Andrew had sent the servants away and would serve his guest himself. He poured a glass of orange juice for his guest and himself. There was also tea, eggs, sausage, rice with saffron. "I have heard that you do not have oranges in England."

[ill_take_bottom]

He took the juice, looking at it and at Andrew with a raised eyebrow. "No. I mean, I know there have been times the King has managed to get a couple, but I've never had one myself." He said, taking a sip of the juice.

He looked surprised after, licking his lips. "Its good. Very strong though. I like it." He smiled, starting in on the food. "I do hope we have the chance to...meet again. Before I leave." He said, unsure if possibly someone could hear them.

"How is your father feeling? I was told you had gone to see him this morning."

[red_peril]

"He is doing better," Andrew sat and served himself. "He was sitting up and eating some broth when I visited this morning. He even managed a smile." Andrew tucked into his own breakfast. "The groves you see on the hills there," he indicated the vista of green and orange orchards. "Is where we grow the oranges. I'm glad you like it. It's the juice of our oranges."

He ate for a moment, enjoying the view. Andrew leaned close to Charles so he could speak softly, "When you saved me, I did not know who you were. If you were working for my uncle. I had to be very careful." He sighed. "I hope you will forgive me for the deception."

[ill_take_bottom]

"Thats good. I'm glad he is feeling better. I do hope that I can meet him at least once during my time here." He said with a soft smile, turning his head to look out over the orchards. "Its beautiful."

Then he looked back, nodding as he spoke quietly. "Yes I had a feeling. I did foil an assassination attempt, after all." He said pointedly. "You have nothing to fear from me, Andrew."

[red_peril]

"Thank you," he said in normal tones after Charles remarked on his father. "I know, Charles. I trust you." When he'd said that he hated politics, it was true. He had no wish to be king. Nor could he let his uncle take the throne. Ferdinand would be a tyrant. "We have many more things to trade than just oranges. Our tiny country is an excellent trade port for goods from the east and from Africa. "When we are done eating, I will see if my father is up for a visit. After that we could go riding, if you have no other engagements."

On horseback away from the palace, they would have better chance to talk more openly.

[ill_take_bottom]

"I would love to go riding. I want to see more of Valencia. Not just the palace and the city. So it will be a wonderful opportunity." He said, smiling warmly and nodding. "Plus, I know my King has discussed, if an alliance can be made and agreed upon, possibly coming for visits. We have heard Valencia has many festivals. He is very interested in learning of them."

[red_peril]

"I have heard your King Henry likes a good party," Andrew said, smiling. He told Charles of the several festivals they had throughout the year and they continued talking about trivial things until they finished. He set down his fork when he was done. "I think I would be very interested in signing an alliance with your King. For now, let us go see if my father is up to meeting you."

He rose, leaving his napkin over his plate. The servants would take care of the table. He lead Charles to the door of his father's private chambers. "Wait here, I will ask if he feels well enough to entertain a guest."

[ill_take_bottom]

"Oh yes, that he does. His queen does as well." He same, making a very slight face before smiling.

Once they made it to the king's chambers he nodded, letting Andrew go in before him and waiting politely. He looked around, studying the different artworks in the hallway as he waited.

[red_peril]

He came back out quietly, "Come in, Charles. He would like to meet you."

Andrew took him inside the king's chamber. In a large bed, there was a thin, frail old man. His hair was white. The man looked like a small shriveled version of Andrew. "Father, this is Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. He's the emissary of King Henry of England."

"Charles, this is my father, Phillip III, King of Valencia," Andrew said.

"My son tells me that you saved his life," He gave Charles a weak smile. "Thank you. He is my only child and heir to the throne."

[ill_take_bottom]

Charles followed Andrew into the room, smiling when he saw the king. He bowed low, moving to take the man's hand. "It is an honor to be able to meet you, Your Majesty." He said softly, stepping back a moment later. "Yes I did. I'm happy that I was able to be at the right place at the right time. He has been a gracious host."

"Your kingdom is so beautiful and I'm so glad to have the chance to learn about your customs. I hope that I can come to see more and perhaps even come back again."

[red_peril]

"It is a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad you have been enjoying your time here. Henry made a clever choice in sending such a charming young man as his representative. If it weren't for Henry's contemptible treatment of our cousin Katherine, we might have had a treaty with England long before now," Phillip said, his voice full of regret. "I have come to a time in my life when courtly intrigues are more tiresome than interesting. I know you are not responsible for the actions of your king. Times are changing and such things I will leave to my son." His mind was obviously still sharp. "Thank you for coming in to see me. Do tell Henry I send him my greetings and wish him well."

"Let us go now and let father rest," Andrew said.

[ill_take_bottom]

"Yes I know. I have....tried to speak with him on the matter, but there is absolutely no trying to convince him that he is taking the wrong actions. I am truly sorry that Katherine has been through the ordeal that she has." He said, bowing his head again. "I will do just that. He will be happy to receive them."

He turned then, looking at Andrew and nodding, following him out of the room. "Now, I believe you mentioned something about going riding?"

[red_peril]

"So I did," Andrew led the way to the stables and had two of the horses saddled for them. He leaned close to Charles before mounting his horse, "And I think conversation will be less likely to be overheard." He mounted his horse and waited for Charles to do the same. When a retainer brought out another horse, Andrew stopped him. "I would ride with our honored guest without an escort."

"Yes, your highness," the man led the horse back to it's stall. He wasn't a child, nor was Andrew incapable of defending himself. Besides, Charles would be with him and had saved his life once already.

[ill_take_bottom]

He nodded, mounting the horse he'd been given and waiting as the attendant went back inside. Then he turned his horse, riding after Andrew.

He smiled, laughing as they urged their horses to run through the fields and forests. He wasn't sure how far they had gone, but he slowed after a time to allow his own horse to rest for a moment. They reached a stream and he dismounted, walking around. The lands were beautiful.

[red_peril]

It was a beautiful day. They had ridden for quite a while, through olive and orange groves. Andrew dismounted too, letting his horse drink from the stream.

"You ride well, Charles," Andrew said, petting his horse's neck. "I'm sure we are far enough it would be safe to speak of private things without being overheard.."

[ill_take_bottom]

They had stopped close enough to an orange grove for him to walk to a nearby tree. He looked at Andrew before reaching up and picking one of the large fruits. Then he walked back to the prince.

"I want to see you again. I don't want...that to be our only night together." He said softly, moving in even closer as he started peeling the orange. He sectioned it out, the juice dripping over his fingers as he held one of the pieces up for Andrew.