The dinner with Riven's friends—the laughter, the camaraderie, and the protective threats—left a warm, solid feeling in Riven's chest. It was the confirmation he needed: his life on this earth wasn't just as Vaelorian's lover or the political strategist; it was rooted in real bonds with real people.
Later that night, the friends dispersed, and Vaelorian found a moment to draw Riven away. He led him back through the silent corridors to the sanctuary of his chambers. As the heavy door shut with a soft, final click, sealing them in the quiet luxury of the room, the day's events—the royal politics, the Emperor's expectations, and the friends' protective warnings—slid away.
Riven leaned back against the door, letting out a heavy sigh that was pure contentment.
"What a day!" he said in retrospect.
"Your friends are terrifying, my love," Vaelorian said, his voice a low, teasing sound.
Riven grinned, pushing off the door as Vaelorian walked towards him.
"They are the most amazing people in this Empire, Your Highness. And they are all mine as I'm theirs. Their loyalty is absolute."
"There's no doubt about their loyalty, my love." Vaelorian conceded, a visible shiver running down his arms. "Although, truth be told, I was a bit scared Mira Lune was going to set me on fire."
"She would have," Riven confirmed, his gaze intense as he met Vaelorian halfway. "And I would have held her hand while she did it. I mean, like weeks ago, but I don't wanna hurt you anymore. I was really in a dark place back then."
Vaelorian pulled him into a tender, immediate embrace. "I know. And it hurts knowing that I was responsible for that. I wish I had done things differently. You didn't deserve to go through that, my love." He rested his chin on Riven's shoulder, taking a long, deep breath that was both an apology and a promise.
"We need to work on communicating with each other better, Your Highness." Riven shared his opinion, his voice muffled against Vaelorian's neck. Vaelorian nodded gently.
"You're right, my love," he agreed with a relieved sigh, pulling back slightly to look into Riven's eyes. "Today was good. My father is satisfied, my mother is happy, and your friends threatened my life. I think we're improving. Everything is perfectly in place."
"It is," Riven agreed, rubbing Vaelorian's tired back with soothing motions. "But I think we both need a break from being what everyone else expects us to be."
Vaelorian looked up, his eyes softening with deep affection. "Agreed. I am done being the perfect crown prince for the day. I want to be entirely self-indulgent tonight."
"A sound strategy, Your Highness," Riven murmured, his fingers already working on the delicate fastenings of Vaelorian's tunic. "I'm in the mood for something...different," Riven said, giving Vaelorian a mischievous look that promised distraction.
They made love slowly, quietly, their movements reflecting the profound sense of safety they felt in each other's arms. It was a ritual of reconnection—a necessary return to the simple, truthful core of their relationship, away from the complex charade of court.
Vaelorian, after the height of their passion, pulled Riven close, tucking his head right over Riven's heart, listening to the strong, steady rhythm.
"You know," Vaelorian whispered against his skin, "my father thinks you're the key to my stability, because of your genius ideas with the supply lines."
"And you disagree?" Riven teased, running his fingers through the Prince's long, blonde hair.
"No. I agree completely," Vaelorian murmured, shifting to look up at him. "But not because of the timber contracts. It's because right here, with you, I don't have to worry about a war, or the throne, or being judged. You're my safe space, Riven. My anchor. The only place in this entire Palace where I can just be Vaelorian. I love how it feels when I'm with you."
Riven held him tighter, realizing the weight of Vaelorian's responsibilities—a weight he helped carry just by existing. "And I love how it feels when I'm with you too, stable or otherwise. Now stop talking politics and expectations before you ruin the moment."
Vaelorian chuckled, a deep, satisfied sound, before pulling Riven up for one last, sleepy kiss. They settled back down, tangled together, finding their true stability not in the Emperor's decrees, but in the unbreakable strength of their shared bond.