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Chapter Text

It’s been near over a month now since Ithaqua was declared king of Xadia after he over threw his brother, Nathaniel, for king.

The past month has been rough with a lot of false rumours spreading about Ithaqua, paper work and now his coming of age will be soon. Ithaqua, at the moment, really couldn’t be bothered with all this and nearly thinks he should’ve just let his brother take the lead. Unfortunately he really couldn’t with his brother turning into a dictator. Looking to start unnecessary wars with other nations, nearly even tearing alliances apart for it.

A knock at Ithaqua chamber door. Ithaqua was still tired and trying to sleep. “Ugh… come in.” Ithaqua groaned as he sat up in his bed. The door gently opened to reveal Aesop Carl, a butler in the castle. Aesop had a slim figure, neatly combed black hair and a dead looking expression. Despite his unnerving appearance he was trust worthy with tasks. “Sir Jose would like to see you in his office, promptly, on terms of the kingdom’s future” Aesop nodded and closed the door to leave as the message had been delivered.

Ithaqua gave another groan. He really could not be bothered with dealing with this at what was probably six in the morning. Jose though was a pretty timely man and Ithaqua wasn’t bothered getting an earful from him for being late. So with that he got ready for the day. (His morning star costume).

He exited his chambers seeing Richard Sterling on the other side of the door. “Good morning my king” Richard greeted him. Richard was Ithaqua most trusted and skilled knight so he typically stayed close to Ithaqua at all times for defence. Though Ithaqua is a good swordsman himself, extra defensive does no one any harm.

Ithaqua was quick to notice Richard considering his red armour unlike any other knights in the realm. Ithaqua gave a nod, not in the mood for talking this early in the morning. He walk down the red carpet halls and upstairs to go see what Jose was looking him for. With Richard following close behind of course. Ithaqua knocked on the hardwood door before opening it.

“You summoned me, Baden?” Ithaqua greeted in a near rude demeanour with being woken up so early, especially for work he was uninterested in. “Ithaqua. This is rather important, it’s about your coming of age…” Ithaqua gave him a dead pan look “I already know about the coming of age ceremony approaching in a few weeks already” Jose quickly came into correct Ithaqua “Actual I wanted to talk to you about what happens now you are coming of age. It’s mandatory you pick a marriage partner of Nobel or Royal status.”

Ithaqua looked in shock “I don’t need to get married! Not so soon anyway.” He said clearly very angry at the proposal. Jose sighed knowing it would be difficult to talk to Ithaqua about this properly “Look I know you don’t want to but it is necessary. It can greatly help the kingdom through wealth of a possible alliance. Besides the kingdom might start rumours about no one wanting you which can give off a very bad reputation-“ “I know this already! You think I don’t know? I can’t deal with this I’m struggling enough as is!” Ithaqua raised his voice cutting him off “Look I understand your frustration and you don’t have to come to a decision now but please at least have a look over the names provided” Jose said trying to keep his composure whilst handing Ithaqua a scroll consisting on all the possible names for him to marry to.

Ithaqua took the page and left in a huff trying to compose himself. Richard, this time, was walking beside Ithaqua. “Well I heard all that. Any idea who you might marry to?” Richard inquired. “I’ll think about it some other time” Ithaqua said sighing. Richard signalled for the scroll that Ithaqua handed over so Richard could read over the names. “Well would you look at that, Norton Campbell of Pern is on here too” Ithaqua looked up confused “What? But he’s a man and from a realm with have no association with no less” Richard shrugged handing back the scroll “Well maybe go for him. I mean what’s the harm, I heard they have valuable resources too and having an alliance in the south could be useful” Ithaqua sighed “You’re starting to sound like Jose” “Well I’m not wrong now” Richard smirked, clearly trying to persuade Ithaqua into picking Norton.

Ithaqua went back to his room and thought it over. Deep down he knew he really didn’t want of the women mentioned, mainly for his own preferences, though a king being gay was never a good look on a kingdom. There were rumours he was a girl among his people anyway so he was sure maybe it could be over looked if he did in fact choose Norton. Besides there are a lot of perks to picking him, such as the ones Richard mentioned. Ithaqua took a long hard think before finally circling his name in a red ink quill pen.

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A cloudy sky rained over Pern in the afternoon. Fools Gold, or Norton Campbell, who ruled over Pern was wandering the halls when his advisor, Melly Plinus, came up to him.

“My king, stop avoiding me.” She said in a soft voice that at the same time had some venom behind it. “What? Me avoid my dear advisor? Never!” Fools gold said mockingly. “You’ve avoided the responsibility of finding a wedding partner for the past three months. The kingdom has grown worried and me too. With how reckless you are, with no heir, there’s going to be one big scrabble for the throne” She said in the upmost seriousness. “Oh come on I’m not going to die so soon, I’m a really good warrior and we all know that. I don’t need a wife till I feel like it. And I don’t really want a Nobel or Royal one, most of them are stuck ups or don’t want to marry me either.” He sighed.

“Norton. You will take responsibility and do your job. I’ve spent way too much time picking out spouses for you-“ She was quickly cut off “Ap ap ap, I said I’m not looking for a spouse. BUT for the sake of both our jobs I guess I can pick one but it has to be my choice” He said smugly thinking he’d found a loop hole. “What do you mean by that?” She said sceptical. “I mean I send out an offer to someone I think suits best” Melly put a hand to her face as he said that “This isn’t going to go well… but if it causes all these rumours about you to stop then so be it.”

“Huh? What rumours” Fools gold ask genuinely confused. “Words gone around the reason you haven’t married yet is due to failed engagements for various reasons.” Fools gold look distraught as she said that with such a lack of emotion. “Well now come with me, we can discuss who you’d like to apply for.” She said strutting down the hallway into her office.

Fools Gold followed suit. As they got in they both took a seat. The office was rather small, though quite cozy with candles illuminating the place with nice coats of red paint that resemble velvet. Melly pulled out a book that contained names of unmarried royal and nobles. “Here.” She said handing over the large leather back book to Norton. “Read through this it should have all the names of potential spouses. Make sure to bring this back afterwards.” Fools Gold nodded not all that thrilled about having to get married soon but tried to look on the bright side that he got a choice, not a big selection by any means but a selection nonetheless.

For the past thirty minutes Fools Gold was flicking through the pages intent of finding the right one. Then he saw “her”. Ithaqua Norwell. Lovely braided white hair with cold blue eyes and skin the same colour as her hair. And a royal as well. Had Fools gold hit the jackpot? He thought to himself. The fact it was a kingdom that they had no alliance with, it could prove to be useful to have allies in the North.

Now instead of consulting Melly about it, he knew she’d have some complaints about it, sent it straight to the docks to be delivered as private information. As he was on his way he was pretty sure he saw a sails man part of his ships. “Hey, you over there” Fools gold said to a blond hair man. “Are you the captain of a ship?” The man nodded. “Can you and your men take this to Xadia? Confidential so I recommend you not tell.” The man straightened himself up as the king said that nodding firmly.

“Thank you- err what’s your name?” The man quickly pulled out a letter in a carrier bag and pointed at the bottom “Victor Grantz”. “Ah well thank you Mr Grantz.” He said handing over the letter as he trotted back through the castle halls.

Chapter Text

In Xadia Ithaqua was wondering the halls of his castle and went down stairs. It was rather early in the morning of Ithaqua to be up as he’s not much of an early bird. Regardless, he goes all the way down into the dungeon of the castle…

He passed the guards and walked to a rather big cell, looking nicer than the others by a long shot. “Well if it isn’t my dear brother, here to rant to me about being king again? If so, I request some form of ear plugs” A man that looked near identical to Ithaqua said mockingly.

Ithaqua rolled his eyes “Very funny, Nathaniel. But in fact it surprisingly good news.” Ithaqua said it like it was an achievement. “What could possibly be so good you feel the need to tell me?” Nathaniel asked with genuine interest. “Well I had to choose a spouse, unfortunately. I think I might’ve hit the jack pot with it” Nathanial spoke again “Brother getting married off so soon? *sigh* they grow up to fast. Any who I still don’t care. Who is it anyway?”

“Norton of Pern, or you may know him as Fools Gold” Ithaqua said this as if it’s normal to say you’re marrying a man, a whore as well. There was silence for a moment before a sudden “What.” From Nathaniel. “WHY WOULD YOU PICK HIM?!” He was laughing but was so angry at the same time. “It’d be good for the kingdom-“ Ithaqua argued before being rudely interrupted “Oh yeah like having a faggot as a king is empowering” He laughed. Ithaqua rolled his eyes “Oh please they’ll live with it” Nathaniel spoke with a more serious tone “You most certainly won’t, they’ll have your head for it. Besides why’d you choose the whore?” “What?” Ithaqua said genuinely confused.

“God even I’ve heard the rumours and I live in a dungeon listening to guards up above speak. It’s pretty much he’s failed a few engagements and was, so they say, “clingy” if you know what I mean…”
Ithaqua looked at him with disgust “Seriously?! Ugh…” He groaned hearing that genuinely hoping that would not be the case. “God I’m not going to listen to your poppy cock, I’m sure he’s a respectful decent guy!” He said confidently as he got up to back up stairs.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Nathaniel shouted back up with a smirk finding this whole thing hilarious. “Guards, go tell the chef that Nathaniel will only be eating bread for the week” Ithaqua stated loudly to the guards making sure Nathaniel could hear and in response, at the same time he heard. “Yes my lord!” And “Dick!” In a drowned out echoey sound coming from the dungeon and Ithaqua chuckled to himself with a smirk of victory.

Chapter Text

A small fleet of boats were crossing the Northern ocean. It was much more colder in Xadia than it was in Pern. Fools gold stepped out onto the deck of what appeared to be the main ship with its big size and the look of a wooden dog head carved onto the front of the boat.

“Captain!” Fools Gold called to an albino man wearing a uniform with various shades of blue along with a tall blue cap. “Yes, my king?” He said with a hint of nervousness as he was abruptly approached by the king. “Are we arriving to Xadia soon? Colds definitely getting to me, the crew too I imagine.” He said in his normal tone though internally he was pleading they were close. “Yes, I fact there’s the docks now” The captain nodded forward to signal towards the docks.

Many people were gathered near the docks after hearing the news of Fools Golds arrival to Xadia. The boats settled down at the dock and first the crew got off to tie up the ship to the wooden poles whilst the knights got off to help clear up the area to make way for Fools Gold.

A horse and carriage awaited them at the docks, clearly King Ithaqua sent them to come pick of Fools Gold and his knights. Everyone nearby whispered to each other as Norton got off the boat to walk towards the carriage. All of a sudden with the new silence each creak and clank of armour could be heard.

Fools Gold entered the carriage with two knights he brought along with him. The carriage was lead by a man with one big hat and two white lines streaked across his face under his eyes. Unusual, Norton thought to himself. After a bit of chatter amongst the city folk and the clopping of the horse leading the carriage they arrived at the castle where Ithaqua, and his knight, Richard, were waiting.

“King Campbell” Ithaqua greeted him formally. “Great to see you arrived just fine, hopefully…” Fools gold looked confused and this just made Ithaqua look confused and nearly angry with how disrespectful Fools Gold was being. “Uh yes yes, pleasure is all mine- king Norwell” He hesitated when saying “king” he swore Ithaqua was a female. “Is something the matter, Campbell? If so please do tell.” Ithaqua said in a near threatening tone. “N-nothing! Just you’re a man?…” Fools Gold said so confused. “Do I look like scrawny girl to you?” Ithaqua said starting to get irritated with this man, he knew now he made a mistake picking him and was going to despise him…

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He’s a man?! Like actually a male?! I can’t believe I thought he was a girl! I’m such an idiot! Norton screamed in his head as he walked through the grand double doors into the main entrance hall in the castle.

Jose and Richard stood next to King Ithaqua with Jose giving a slight judgmental look to Ithaqua as if asking “why him?” But he never said it out loud, out of courtesy.

Aesop then approached them and Ithaqua spoke up “Carl, show Norton to his room” Aesop looked hesitant before saying “Actually your majesty I’ve been called, along with the other butlers, to go down to the dungeon at once by the guards…” “Huh? What for?” Ithaqua said confused. Aesop shook his head indicating he didn’t know. “Jose, Richard, can either of you-“ The two both quickly said “no” obviously lying just for the fact they didn’t want to be around him.

“As your advisor, I suggest you show your fiancé to his room. Maybe get to talk? I’m very busy right now.” Busy my ass, Ithaqua thought and before he could call out Richard and his reason he was already gone.

Ithaqua took a deep inhale and sighed he tried to hold back a growl in the back of his throat as he said to Norton “Let’s go, shall we?” Norton nodded still in shock.

Norton then tried to brew up some small talk as they walked down the halls. “So… Xadia is normally this snowy, huh?” Only to be left with silence. “Uhh may I asked why you picked me? I’m a man after all…” He said and Ithaqua turned to him with a snarky attitude “For alliances in the south, obviously. For someone who has more experience than me you sure are dense.” Fools Gold was shocked and angry at this response “Well personally I feel there were better, women, options. I mean is an alliance really worth being called a fag by your kingdom and the others.” Ithaqua looked pissed “You sent out a proposal to me first! If anyone this is your fault!” He gritted his teeth. “Well not my fault you look like a woman!”

They bickered the whole way down to Nortons guest chambers. Ithaqua genuinely would’ve knocked Fools gold senseless if it wasn’t for his muscular figure and attempted murder on a royal doesn’t look good.

“Here.” They stopped at a door in the hall, which clearly lead to Nortons room. Ithaqua was about to quick walk down the hall again before Norton said “Not even a good bye kiss?~” Fools Gold said to get under his skin, he realised Ithaqua was easy to rile up and it was very funny to him. Ithaqua looked at him with disgust and fury before slamming the door in his face.

Ithaqua mumbled to himself angry and was tempted to bite down on his arm to relieve stress, but refrained himself. Instead making his way into the dungeons…

Chapter Text

Richard was glad had of made an escape so quickly before being made to escort King Norton to his room. Richard walked down the cobble stairs in the dark and damp pit known as the dungeon…

The guards let him go by, as he’s well trusted by Ithaqua. He whistled on his way down to signal to Nathaniel he was there.

“Honey, I’m home!” Richard said brightly is a fancy voice. Nathaniel looked up, slightly happy to see him. “Hello, Sterling… what are you doing down here? Last I recalled king Norton should be here today, correct?” Richard shrugged “Ah well yes he is here I just didn’t want to escort that man and it was also one of my few opportunities to see you without the risk of your brother seeing us. I know he frequents here.” Nathaniel hummed in response.

“How is King Norton anyway?” Richard hesitated not fully knowing what best to describe him as “Well he’s tall and rather muscular… Personality wise I haven’t seen much but he was shocked finding out Ithaqua was a man” Nathaniel and Richard both laughed at this fact. The two talked about the current situation for a while before Richard went serious.

“The plan is in motion, you’ll be back on that throne in no time, my love. Just give it a few months and it’ll all be yours yet again” “You flatter me” Nathaniel said quietly. “Is Jose still going through with this?…” He said cautiously not trusting Jose that much. “Definitely, as the days go by he grows even more tired of Ithaqua.”

After a bit Richard stood up from the cold cobble flooring and bid farewell to his “lover” blowing him a kiss on the way out. As Richard walked up into the hall way he couldn’t help but smirk to himself trying not to laugh at how genuine Nathaniel looked at him. In his head he was mentally mocking Nathaniel for being so naive. Passing King Ithaqua looking pissed as ever on his way.

“Hey, Itha. How’d it go? You don’t look so happy” He said trying to hide his amusement. “Don’t call me that, Richard, just this Fools Gold guy is one massive imbecile.” He gritted his teeth walking past Richard and into the dungeon himself.

Chapter Text

After passing Ithaqua in the hallways from the dungeon, Richard quickly ascended up the stone stairs to reach the advisors office.

Richard did a heavy knock on the door before entering without given permission. “What’s the point of knocking if you’re going to come in before I say anything?” Jose complained with a hand to his face. “Well you were going to let me in anyway, weren’t you?” Richard replied smugly. “I might’ve not because I’m actually busy right now, I wasn’t lying back at king Nortons arrival when I said I busy. Unlike you.” He said coldly.

Richard rolled his eyes “oh please, I’m still only doing what’s best for us. I don’t have time to deal with Fools Gold either. Had to go reassure my ‘boyfriend’ on the plan…” He said it like calling Nathaniel his boyfriend disgusted him. “It’s Nathaniel for god sakes, he doesn’t need comforting from some cocky knight” Jose said judging. “It’s Nathaniel, he needs reassurance on things like this or else he thinks about it too much and his loyalty starts to waver.”

A moment of silence passed before Richard spoke up again. “What work are you doing anyway?” Jose looked at him skeptic. “When did you care about the work I did?” Richard shrugged. “First time I’ve seen you do your work without a glass of alcohol next to your side.” Jose got annoyed at this response. “I’m not some damn alcoholic.” He gritted his teeth as he spoke.

Richard chuckled again, proud of getting Jose all worked up. “If you say so… now isn’t dinner starting soon? I’d quite like to meet King Norton properly this time, and I’m rather hungry.” Jose shrugged. “Not hungry and besides I’m too busy, bring me up something if you could.” Richard sighed “oh come on don’t leave me by myself, there will be wine and beer~” Richard said trying to tempt Jose into going. “I guess a drink or two wouldn’t hurt…” Jose said standing up from his desk as he followed Richard out of his office to head down to the royal dinner.

Chapter Text

Ithaqua was preparing in his room to look good for dinner, after all he was sharing it with his future husband. Ithaqua braided his hair as he applied a faint layer of red blush on his cheeks and put the mask back on his face to cover so far as his eyes.

Norton, on the other hand, was panicking in his room wondering what he got himself into. Muttering to himself about how Ithaqua was a man and not actually a woman. Not to mention how he hated Ithaquas cold attitude towards him when he was trying to make light of the situation.

God he hated him.

Soon a knock was heard at Nortons chamber doors. “Come in!” Norton called. Aesop, the butler, opened the door “Dinner is ready, if you’d care to follow me” Aesop announced. Fools Gold nodded in response and followed the butler to the dining hall.

From what Norton saw it was rather big, nice dark wood table with wooden chairs that had a red cushion on each. Ithaqua sat at the head of the table and Richard, from what Norton could recall his name being, next to the door holding a glass of wine whilst another man stood next to him gulping down a glass of beer.

Aesop pulled out a seat for Norton to sit close to Ithaqua. Norton took his seat and started eating at the meat prepared for the two.

Norton spoke first. “So… how’s running a kingdom been so far? Coming from a fellow king, if you can even call yourself a king, I think I’d understand your hardships.” He said smugly taking a sip of his wine. Ithaqua gave him a cold hard look. “What do you mean by ‘if you can even call yourself that’?” Norton just shrugged. “I mean as in you look more of a queen than anything. Though I guess the appearance explains why you chose a man as your marriage partner.” He shrugged.

Ithaqua gritted his teeth about to lunge at Norton before Richard interrupted with a chuckle. “Hey come on you two, be nice. Your majesty, I think it’s a rather funny joke. King Norton, ever considered being a court jester?” Richard smirked still holding his wine.

This pissed Norton off but before Norton could say anything Ithaqua spoke up. “You’re not helping, and I must say you aren’t doing your job very professionally if you’re just standing drinking wine. You’ve been dismissed.” Ithaqua stated clearly annoyed at Richard’s statement too.

Richard sighed before leaving the dining hall. Ithaqua sighed as Norton spoke again. “Not even going to apologise on your knights behalf?” Ithaqua turned his head up. “Seriously? Why would I do that? He wasn’t wrong where your place should be.” Before Norton snapped his decided to compose himself instead to avoid any conflict.

They ate their dinner in silence with maybe the odd word thrown In there. “Your meat tastes different from my kingdoms.” Norton suddenly said. “Well we’re eating venison meat, not beef.” Norton looked slightly surprised at Ithaqua response. “Oh venison, we don’t have that often.”

The two ended up bonding a bit over the differences of their two nations before it was time to head back to the chambers where this time Ithaqua voluntarily decided to take Norton to his chambers rather than Aesop.

“Goodnight, your majesty” Ithaqua said.

“Goodnight to you too, princess” Norton teased.

This left Ithaqua pissed so he just slammed the door in his face before wondering down the halls back to his own room, this time it felt off though. During dinner he felt like he was going to be sick talking to Norton and there again after he was called a princess. The thought alone made him sick, not like the feeling in his stomach was any help.

He ignored these feelings and went to bed, not thinking much of it.

Chapter Text

Dim light of the morning sun seeped through the windows into the kings bedroom. The light hit his closed eyes as he started to wake up with a groan and stretch.

A knock was then heard at Ithaqua’s door. He sighed and spoke up groggily. “Come in!”

Jose, his advisor, came in. “Your majesty, there’s been a delayed response from Lord Dm about his request for land. So with that we plan on sending someone to his estate, any personal message you’d like to send?”

Ithaqua shook his head. “No… any other boring stuff I need to know?” He said sarcastically. Jose sighed “No, in fact you don’t really need to rush any work for the day so maybe take some time for yourself or even associate with King Campbell. Wouldn’t be a bad idea now would it?” Jose smiled encouragingly, he just wanted Ithaqua out of his lazy state when offered no work.

Ithaqua took a moment “Thanks for informing me, now please leave.” Jose nodded in response and gently closed the door.

Ithaqua decided to kick back and sleep in for a bit with this now rare treat of having time off.

After about two more hours of rest he finally got up and ready for the day. He already planned out his day, for the most part anyway. He decided on doing some sword fight practice, relax in his room and just maybe talk to Norton.

As for Norton he didn’t really know what to do in this new environment, he thought of exploring the castle further although he may not be allowed to without supervision.

Maybe he can grab Ithaquas supervision if he wasn’t busy enough. Genius, Norton thought.

Luckily Norton just so happened to see Ithaqua outside his window down below doing sword fight practice in the courtyard. Norton went through the castle halls and down sets of stairs as he finally found the door that lead to the courtyard.

“Hey, Ithaqua!” Norton called from across the yard. Ithaqua looked over at him with a face saying ‘kill me now’.

Norton ran over to him. “What are you doing here? Snooping about the castle?” Ithaqua said quickly. “Hey I just wanted to come see my future fiancé, is that really so much to ask?” He said tauntingly. “Yes it is.” Ithaqua said bluntly hoping his demeanour turned him away.

Ithaqua started packing up his stuff. “Hey where are you going?” Norton inquired. “Back to my room.” Ithaqua responded. Norton quickly stopped him. “Hey, instead maybe you could show me around the castle?” Ithaqua looked dumbfounded. “Excuse me? I’m a king, I will not put myself down to the position of a butler, how dare you!” He said genuinely pissed off.

Norton spoke up defensively. “Oh come on I only mean to get to know you better, maybe it’ll even make me more tolerable for our wedding day.”

Ithaqua stayed silent for a moment actually taking this into consideration. Still looking annoyed he reluctantly agreed.

With that the two wondered through the castle, Ithaqua showed Norton the kitchen, a peak into the dungeons, the throne room and now finally they were in the gardens.

Norton whistled “One nice garden you have.” He said taking in the more forest like vibe it had to it. Ithaqua looked somewhat surprised. “You don’t?” “Ah no it’s just I like the more forest look it has to it than a big clean cut, you got taste in men and scenery” Norton joked.

Ithaqua rolled his eyes as they continued their stroll which lead them to a white stone fountain that had a mermaid state pour water from a type of basket.

“I’m beat.” Norton sighed dramatically sitting down on the edge of the stone fountain. Ithaqua sat down beside him.

After a moment of silence and Ithaqua taking in the surrounding scenery he felt a splash of cold water on his clothes. He quickly turned around to see and hear Norton laughing with his wet hand.

Ithaqua was furious. “WHAT THE HELL!” He quickly delivered a bigger splash back to Norton out of malice. With that the two kept going back and forth till eventually Ithaqua pushed Norton into the fountain leading to Norton pulling Ithaqua in by his sleeve leaving Ithaqua on top of him.

It was until this moment Ithaqua didn’t realise how much fun he’d been having, having physical banter with somebody. Ithaqua was left with the same sickly feeling in his stomach again like the one from dinner last night.

He quickly got off of the other and went back to looking pissed. “Didn’t know you were capable of doing a genuine smile.” Norton teased. “Shut it.” Ithaqua said blankly before the two walked back to the direction of the castle to go get into fresh clothes.

Chapter Text

Norton barely slept a wink during the night, despite the long day he had yesterday with King Ithaqua. All he could think about was how the water made Ithaqua shirt partially see through oh and how well his chest looked.

“What am I thinking?!” Norton said out-loud to himself with shock and disgust. How could him, king Fools Gold one of the strongest warriors in the realms, see another king as attractive?

Norton purely came here thinking Ithaqua was some cute lady, not some cold lifeless man and could he really be starting to fall for the man more he did than to a woman before?…

Norton tried clearing this sinful thoughts out of his head by getting up early than usual and washing himself off before deciding to step in the castle halls to have something productive to take his mind off of things.

“Your majesty, up early now aren’t we?” A man in a red suit of armour approached Norton. “Your Ithaqua’s personal guard, aren’t you?” Norton inquired. “Why yes I am, Richard Sterling at your service” Richard said extending a hand with a calm smile.

Norton took his hand into his own and gave it a firm shake trying not to leek that he was having a whole break down just an hour ago. “So, how’s your stay been so far? Enjoying the company of Ithaqua?~” Richard asked teasingly knowing well how the two behaved together.

Nortons cheeks flushed a bit at the mention of their relationship. “Ah yes well it’s been quite a nice stay and King Ithaqua is ok in himself…” Norton tried not to go into too much detail of his real opinions.

“Really? I didn’t expect him to take to you so well then, if, you’re telling the truth of course.” Richard said with a smug smile. Norton looked confused “What do you mean? ‘Not take well’?” Richard tried looking surprised. “I’m surprised you didn’t know, he’s a bit distant and cold. I mean to the point he is just cruel to people. It’s a shame really, imprisoning his own brother like that…”

Norton looked shocked. “He did what?” Richard played acting confused. “Oops, I guess I’ve said too much. Oh well have a good day, your majesty” Richard smiled and waved before quickly booking off.

Norton was left in shock. Ithaqua through his own brother into those cells? From last he heard Nathaniel died in battle, did Ithaqua really have something to do with his disappearance?

He knew Ithaqua wasn’t the kindest but was he really that cold he’d do that to his own brother?…

Before Norton could even think further into it, Ithaqua approached him from behind and Norton had to play off his shock and confusion with his typical annoying personality.

“Seeking me out? That’s new, finally growing fond of me?~” Norton teased struggling to hide his true thoughts and feelings as of the moment. “Don’t think I like you all that much. I just thought I’d tell you breakfast is ready. Now hurry up.” Ithaqua rolled his eyes as he walked down the stairs to the dining room where Norton had no choice but to follow.

In the dining room it was just the two of them with Richard on the other side of the door. The air was tense. “Heh, want us alone to eat seriously? If you want to date me just ask, prince” Norton said mockingly. “I think we’re past the dating phase already or else I would’ve taken us into town.” Ithaqua said like Norton was stupid.

Norton was taken off guard by this response and expected him to shout at him or something else, not him flirting! “Hah… yeah…” Norton tried to play it off cool.

The rest of breakfast was in silence with the word of Richard mentioning Nathaniel being in the castle ran through his mind. He had to ask about it.

Norton put his cutlery down and with a more serious expression spoke. “So what did you do with your brother’s body, if you don’t mind me asking?” FUCK HE COULD’VE WORDED THAT BETTER OH HE’S DEAD FOR SURE NOW.

Ithaqua paused for a moment. “Buried it. I must go do some work now. Go back to your room.” Ithaqua didn’t snap surprisingly or act confused just a calm response. Although Norton swear he saw a flinch when he first mentioned it.

Norton nodded as the two left for the butlers to clean up the table.

Chapter Text

Norton sat at the desk in his room still confused about the whole Nathaniel situation. He didn’t know what to make of it…

Two voices were then heard outside Nortons door, Norton being curious pressed his ear to the door to try listen.

“I told you, Jose, Joseph’s just going to build more pointless houses no one can afford!” A turn voice said, sounded like Ithaqua. “Please, your majesty, just discuss with Lord Joseph. And uhh he’s already here.” Another voice, which of one Norton didn’t recognise.

Norton backed away from the door knowing it was just some boring kingdom discussion. He sighed sitting back down in his seat just thinking to himself. He just thought to himself for about an hour or two till his doors swung open.

Ithaqua stood centre of them. “Come with me, some people would like to see you.” Ithaqua said before quickly rushing out the room.

Norton was a tad surprised but quickly got up and tried to match Ithaquas pace. The two went through the halls and finally reached another wooden door of which they entered.

A man on the shorter side sat down on the opposite side of a desk. A desk of which contained many different types of papers. The short man had silky black hair tied in a pony tail whilst also wearing a monocle. Another man who sat opposite of the shorter man gave a polite smile to the two who just entered.

“Lord Joseph, this is my future husband King Norton Campbell.” Ithaqua introduced Norton to the other man. Ithaqua sat down opposite the black haired man and urged Norton to do the same.

“Ahh, so this is our future king. What a pleasure to meet you, your majesty.” The man nodded and extended a hand to Norton. Norton took it with his natural confidence. “My names Joseph, if Ithaqua and Jose haven’t introduced me yet. It’s great to get to know each other before the ceremony, right?” Joseph smiled, a pretty smile that gave a weird vibe.

Norton paused confused thinking of what ceremony Joseph was talking about but thankfully Jose spoke up. “Ah that’s right, King Campbell. Ithaquas coming of age ceremony should be coming up soon. Lord Joseph should be there and you should too.” Jose cleared up.

Joseph nodded towards Jose’s words. “I can’t wait to tell my partner about you. He’d be happy to know King Ithaqua is marrying a man, it’d make life so much easier for us two. Considering it’d have to be accepted.” Norton looked a bit annoyed at Joseph’s words. “Oh you’re one of them. Didn’t know Xadia had so many in higher powers.” Norton joked.

Joseph and Ithaqua just kinda looked at Norton with a ‘seriously?’ Look. Joseph cleared his throat. “I guess you’re then added too then?” Joseph gave a light chuckle. “Oh no I’m not like that I just… did it for the better of my kingdom.” Norton quickly cleared up trying to hide his panic.

The three others just looked at each other, tired of Nortons behaviour. “Well that’s enough Norton, you may leave now. These are private matters. I only called you here because Joseph wished to see you.” Norton nodded. “No worries, see yah in a bit then.” Norton smirked giving Ithaqua a quick peck on the cheek before leaving the room.

Jose and Joseph held in a laugh. “You want the land or not, Joseph?” Ithaqua said aggressively. Joseph followed up with a final light chuckle. “Ah yes, back to the main topic then.”