Chapter Text
Gan stood quietly beside his father, his heart aching over the announcement the king was currently making. Gan had announced at breakfast that morning that he would take Eda’s hand in marriage and his father immediately refused. Apparently the king had never planned on letting Gan marry who he wanted unless he had chosen Katrina.
The command from his father had erupted another fight between father and son and both fought for the rest of the morning. In the end, Gan had no choice but to accept his father’s command and do what he was told. He left in a fury of anger and hurt. He had nothing more to do but tell Eda the news.
She took it stoically, he blue eyes flashing with sadness. She gave him a small smile when he took her hand and apologized to her again. She shook her head, stating that it wasn’t his fault. She wished him luck, kissed his cheek and left Gan alone to prepare for the ball.
Gan glanced at Eda, his frown deepening. Her head was down and she was wringing her hands. He could see a small shake to her shoulders and she hastily brought one hand up to wipe her face. Seeing the woman cry made Gan’s heart twist in his chest. Though he knew he could never love her like a husband should, Gan still felt strongly for the woman he had hoped to call his wife.
His father continued his speech, talking about joining families and how proud he was of his son’s decision, even though he left out the part where he had forced that decision upon him. Gan heard the king pause and knew he was about to announce Gan’s engagement to Katrina. He squeezed his eyes shut and imagined being somewhere far away.
“I am please to announce the engagement of Prince Cadogan a…” The king trailed off when a shout echoed from behind the doors of the ballroom. It was almost eleven o’clock, much too late for any more guests to arrive. The large doors swung open and three men dressed in stunning silver outfits strode into the room.
“What in the world,” the king huffed. “Who are these people who have interrupted my speech?” he demanded.
“Please forgive us, your majesty, but we came to offer you a proposal that could not wait until after your announcement,” one of the men replied, his voice deep and commanding.
Gan watched as the group drew closer, his breath leaving him when his eyes landed on Rainer. The swan prince looked much the same as he had when Gan first met him, the only difference being that he wore a long silver robe. Gan shivered at the image his mind formed. He had seen what hid beneath those robes and his body yearned to touch that smooth skin.
Gan forced himself to look away from the prince, his eyes moving to the man who spoke. Gan could immediately see the resemblance between the king and his son, their matching beauty making his heart race in his chest. The man trailing behind them seemed to be a guard, his own face just as stunning as the others.
“And who are you to think you have authority to propose an offer to me?” Gan’s father hissed.
Rainer’s father stepped forward, giving Gan’s father a low bow. “I am Arvo, the swan king and I come to propose a merger of our two kingdoms.”
“A merger?” Gan’s father asked, looking at the man curiously. “The swan kingdom closed their doors to the mortal realm hundreds of years ago, what has brought you back here so suddenly?”
Gan looked up at his father in surprise. How did he know about the swan kingdom at all? There had never been talk of magical creatures before and his father had always told Gan that fairy tales were all rubbish. What other secrets had his father been hiding from him?
“It is my son that has convinced me of this,” the swan king continued. “It seems he found something in your world he desperately wanted and convinced me to come here tonight to make a deal with you for it.”
“And what exactly is this thing your son wants?” Gan’s father asked, glancing at Rainer.
“He wishes to marry someone of great importance and merge our kingdoms together by doing so,” Arvo answered. Gan began to breath heavier, his heart racing in his chest. There was only one person Rainer could marry that would bring the two kingdoms together.
“And who in this room does he think he can marry that would warrant such a merger?” Gan’s father asked.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Arvo asked, his blue eyes sliding towards Gan. “My son wishes to marry the prince and bring your kingdom and mine together.”
“My son?” Gan’s father repeated slowly. Gan flinched when he saw the king’s fists clench. When he glanced up at his father’s face, he could see anger and disgust. “Your son wishes to marry mine, is this some sort of joke?” he demanded.
“I can assure you this is no joke. I have spoken at length with my son about the subject and he has assured me that this will benefit both our kingdoms.”
“That is absurd, two men cannot marry!”
“Of course they can,” Arvo replied calmly. “My father was married to a man and they ran my kingdom very well together.”
“My son is not one of your people, he does not take men to bed,” the king shouted.
“On the contrary, I believe this idea formed in my son’s mind after he spent a night with your son,” Arvo said, his voice still as calm as ever.
Gan flinched when his father turned on him and a murmur of shock ran through the room. Gan took a step back and held up his hands in a bid for calm.
“Father, please,” Gan heard Rainer say. Rainer took a quick step forward and too Gan’s hand, pulling him down the few steps and stepping in front of him. “Your majesty, I know what your laws state about two men together, but would you really deny our union. A union, I remind you, that will bring together the human and magical world once again.”
“Yes,” Gan’s father roared. “My son bedding another man is a sin, one punishable by death.”
“I understand your hesitation,” Arvo cut in, “but I must insist you think this over.”
Gan’s father advanced on the man, his eyes filled with hatred. “God would never allow this union to happen. He will strike down this kingdom the moment I agree.”
“That is hardly the case,” Arvo scoffed. “I do not understand your god. How can a man who claims to love all his children punish those who you claim to be different? You son is just like any other human in this room, regardless of whom he goes to bed with at night.”
“I will not have your son defiling mine,” Gan’s father sneered, pointing an accusing finger at Rainer. Gan shivered behind the prince, grasping Rainer’s robes tightly. Rainer’s hand found his behind his back and he linked their fingers together.
“And what about the merger?” Rainer demanded. “You will deny your people a chance at a better life?”
“How can their life be better knowing that in the future they will be ruled by a man who has turned from God? What about children? Two men can not produce heirs for either kingdom.”
“My son and yours may choose any women they want to bear them children,” Arvo replied. Gan’s father opened his mouth to reply, but Arvo cut him off. “Maybe I can ease your concern in a different way,” Arvo stepped forward, forcing Gan’s father to look at him. “This kingdom is in desperate need of aid and money. I am willing to give you whatever you need to pay off any debts if you agree to our son’s union.”
Gan could see the immediate change in his father. He knew they weren’t in debt, his father just made it seem that way so he could add more money to his pocket and continue to refuse aid to his people.
“My lord,” the king’s advisor stepped forward, “may I have a moment to discuss this with you.” The king glanced at him and then at Gan. He nodded and turned to move away from the group. Several people in the crowd were whispering quietly, all eyes focused on the king.
Gan took a deep breath and set his forehead on Rainer’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Gan,” Rainer whispered, turning around. “I asked my father to be subtle, he did a terrible job at it.”
“Don’t get angry with me,” Arvo sniffed. “You said he would be difficult not insufferable.”
“He’ll never allow it,” Gan whispered. “I’m afraid all you’ve done here is sign my death sentence.”
“You will not be staying no matter what your father says,” Rainer replied sternly. “No matter what happens with this merger, you will be coming home with me. I will not watch you die because I took a chance with your life.”
“If he says no, it won’t matter if I die. The kingdom will be lost to whoever can get their dirty hands on it,” Gan said sadly.
“We will figure something out,” Rainer replied softly. He leaned forward and kissed the top of Gan’s head, which caused quite a stir among the people around them.
Footsteps signaled that Gan’s father had returned and Rainer turned around, still shielding Gan with his body. “My advisor has given me counsel. He believes that sacrifices must be made for the good of the kingdom. I will agree to this merger by allowing my son to marry yours, but I must deny him my throne. I can not allow a heathen to rule my people.”
“I can not accept that,” Arvo answered. “This merger will only work if the two rightful kings sit on their thrones.”
“You can not expect me to allow that sinner to sit on my throne,” The king hissed.
“I expect your son to take his place on the throne like his father before him,” Arvo replied through gritted teeth. Gan could hear the anger being to rise in the swan king’s voice. “Keep in mind, your majesty, that your kingdom will have the only link between the human world and the magical world. If I recall, people paid a pretty penny to travel between the worlds.”
“My lord,” the king’s advisor said quickly. Gan’s father turned to look at the man, a scowl etched deeply in his face. “Think about your people and the money it will bring them,” he urged.
Gan huffed behind Rainer. He knew just what people his father was thinking about when it came to taking another king’s money and it certainly wasn’t the people who needed it. Gan’s father muttered something under his breath and turned back to his company.
“I will accept your proposal and allow my son to take the throne when I step down. I’m sure the people of this town will make sure his reign is short lived. No one wants a king that refuses to live by the bible,” Gan’s father muttered.
“Very good,” Arvo smiled, cocking his head. He waved to the guard behind him who brought forward two large scrolls. “I have two contracts for you to sign. One must be signed now before we leave and the other I will leave with you to look over. We will return tomorrow to discuss the terms of our merger. Once you have signed the first contract your son will accompany us back to our home for the wedding ceremony.”
“Wedding ceremony?” Gan’s father echoed. He too the first scroll handed to him and quickly opened it.
“Yes, as a custom of my people, the swan prince must marry on the eve of the new year. Luckily we are a few hours behind the human world and will have time to spare when we return home. I understand if you wish to have your own ceremony, but they must be wed tonight or they will have to wait another year.”
“But the ball, the prince can not leave just yet. What about this woman he is supposed to choose?”
“Ah, yes,” Arvo turned to look at Gan, a small smile spreading across his face. “I believe you were supposed to be announcing your engagement to a woman tonight. I assume she is the woman you want to bare your children.”
“No, she isn’t,” Gan said loudly. He looked around at the shocked faces, his eyes landing on Katrina. She looked scandalized and glared angrily at him.”
“Cadogan,” his father warned. Gan looked at his father with narrowed eyes. “We agreed.”
“You commanded and I had no choice. But now that your plans have been spoiled, I will choose the women I originally wanted to marry. Eda will be the woman I want raising my children. She is a good woman and will raise them properly.”
“And where is this young woman?” Arvo asked.
There was a lot of shuffling among the crowd and Eda was shoved forward. She stumbled and Rainer reached out to steady her, giving the woman a gentle smile when she thanked him. Rainer took a moment to look her over before he turned to Gan.
“Who is the woman you were supposed to marry?”
“I was.” Katrina rushed forward, stopping beside Eda and giving the swan prince an exaggerated curtsy.
Rainer looked her over and then looked back at Eda. “I can see why you chose her,” he said, reaching for Gan. Gan stepped forward and let Rainer’s arm slip around his waist. “She’s lovely to look at and has not been spoiled by her status.”
Katrina scowled at the notion that she was spoiled and glared at Eda. Eda ignored her and bowed her head. “It would be an honor to carry the prince’s children,” Eda said softly.
“Would you mind carrying both prince’s children?” Rainer asked. “I should think you and I would have beautiful children too.”
“I would like that,” she said with a small smile.
“Then it’s settled,” Arvo clapped his hands together. “Please, sign the first contract and I shall return in the morning to discuss the other.”
“Wait,” Gan piped up, stepping forward. “There is one more thing.”
“And that is?” his father growled, taking the quill that was handed to him and scribbling his signature over the first scroll.
“I want to oversee the town until I take the throne,” Gan replied. “I will control the taxes, aid and listen to their concerns.”
The king snorted and shook his head, his smile turning cold. “I will appoint you the position, but as I have said before, no one will listen to a sinner. Maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll drive a sword through your chest for me.”
Arvo glared at the king as he walked towards Eda. He held out his arm and gave her a charming smile. “You will be accompanying us to the palace as well. I can’t let the future mother of my grandchildren out of my sights now can I?” he gave her a wink when she took his arm.
Rainer’s hand slid in Gan’s and he tugged him forward. Before Gan could stop him. Rainer cupped his face in his hand and kissed him on the lips. The shocked noises that came from the people around then made Gan shiver.
Rainer pulled away. Glanced at Gan’s father and gave him a small bow. “I will take very good care of your son.” He tugged on Gan’s hand and led him out of the ballroom. The front doors were opened when they approached and Gan swore the doorway was shimmering.
He realized it was a portal to the other kingdom when the swan king and Eda stepped through it and disappeared. It wasn’t as disorienting to walk through the portal this time and Gan relaxed the minute they stepped through.
“Now we must work quickly, we only have two hours to prepare for the ceremony,” Arvo said, glancing at his son. “You two get to the baths.”
Rainer nodded, leading Gan down a long hallway. The palace was brightly lit by candles and large windows showed the clear night sky outside. There was a fresh blanket of snow on the ground and Gan could see a heard of elk in the distance shifting through the snow for food.
Rainer gave Gan’s hand a sudden jerk and he pulled Gan onto a small room. “Gan,” he whispered, cupping Gan’s face in his hands and kissing him. Gan returned the slow kiss, opening his mouth and coaxing Rainer’s tongue inside. Rainer pulled away second’s later and looked nervously down at Gan.
“You don’t have to do this,” he said in a rush. “We can call off the wedding if you want.”
“What?” Gan asked in confusion. “I don’t understand. Why do you want me to call off the wedding after all you went through to get my father to agree? Did you suddenly change your mind?”
“No, I didn’t change my mind. It’s just… I’m sorry for springing all this on you. I wanted to talk to you about this, but is took me days to convince my father this was a good idea and then Faun told me you were being forced to announce your engagement tonight and I couldn’t let that happen.”
“You are a better choice then any woman in that hall,” Gan replied softly. “Besides, you did what you had to for your kingdom.”
“No, Gan. I did this for only you,” Rainer replied.
“I don’t understand.”
Rainer smiled softly and kissed Gan’s lips. “After that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. My father thought it was just an infatuation, but you were taking up all my thoughts. There was so much we talked about that night and I realized that I wanted to spend more time with you. I enjoyed laying with you and I saw you every time I closed my eyes. I went to my father with this proposal and at first he refused, telling me he wouldn’t take the risk over some crush. But I persisted and he finally relented.”
“So you convinced your father to bring the magic and human world together just so you could marry me?” Gan asked. His stomach fluttered at the knowledge that Rainer had gone through all this just so they could be together.
“Yes, but while we were standing in that room, among all those people, all your people, I realized that what I had done was no better then what your father had done. I am forcing you into a marriage with me. I don’t even know if you care for me as much as I do and I don’t want you to resent me.”
“Rainer,” Gan said softly.
“I know,” Rainer continued quickly. “But I don’t want you to think you have to marry me. I searched out all the men you were with these twelve days and spoke with them. All of them told me about their time with you and that you constantly mentioned Faun. It didn’t occur to me that you might be in love with him until now. I know Fay don’t marry, nor do they keep one partner for life, but if he is who you wanted I wouldn’t keep you from him. I will warn you that Faun is not the best choice to get involved with but…”
“Rainer,” Gan said a little louder. Rainer looked at him and closed his mouth. “Faun was the first man to take me to bed. I only wanted to see him again to thank him for all he’s done. I love him, yes, but not the way you think. As for you, I would be honored to marry you.”
Really?” Rainer whispered, his eyes widening.
“Yes,” Gan chuckled. “You told me I would remember what we did that night and I did. Yes, we don’t know each other as much as we should, but we will. We’re smart men, we will find a way to work through anything we encounter.”
“Yes, we will,” Rainer whispered, pressing his lips to Gan’s. He jerked back suddenly and looked down into Gan’s green eyes. “Are you completely sure this is what you want?”
“If it wasn’t, I would be marrying that spoiled woman right now instead of standing here with you,” Gan replied.
“Thank the gods,” Rainer breathed. He took Gan’s hand and pulled him out of the room. “We should get to the washroom before they discover we’ve gone missing.”
Gan followed closely behind Rainer, his eyes staring up at the high ceilings and beautiful arches carved from white stone. The castle was magnificent, just like everything else in this world.
The washroom was empty when they arrived and both men stripped naked and climbed into the warm water. Rainer wrapped his arms around Gan once he was submerged and pulled him up to kiss him again. They shared several long kisses until Rainer was suddenly swatted in the back of his head.
“You two stop that. Save that for tonight,” an older woman scolded. “We’re already running behind and the two of you are groping each other instead of washing.”
“I can’t kiss my future husband?” Rainer scowled.
“Not when it’s going to lead to the two of you doing something debauched in my washroom,” the woman replied, setting her hands on her hips. She waved to two young men who rushed forward and climbed into the water. One moved to Rainer and the other began to scrub Gan’s arms with a sweet smelling soap.
Rainer sighed and let the man wash him, his blue eyes watching Gan with a fond expression. “I suppose I should explain the ceremony to you.”
“Will there be a swan performing it?” Gan teased.
Rainer looked at him with a blank face and shook his head. “You do know we are born in these bodies and can’t change into our swan forms until we are two?”
“I didn’t, but that doesn’t answer my question,” Gan smiled, shifting when the young man poured water over his head.
“No, there will not be a swan performing the ceremony. There will be two priests and the ceremony will be done in our old language. I don’t even know what they’ll be saying because only the priests learn the old language. Most of the ceremony will be you and I holding hands while the priests sing and wave incense at us. Then we share a cup of sweet wine, say a few words to each other if we choose to and just like your tradition place rings on each other’s fingers while repeating our vows of marriage.”
“Will the vows be in another language?” Gan asked, stepping out of the tub and taking a towel from one of the young men. He dried himself off, watching Rainer run a towel over his chest. Nerves bloomed in his chest and he shifted uncomfortably.
He was getting married to a man he had spent a wonderful night with and he hardly knew anything about him. He was enjoying the idea of marrying Rainer, but he was still unsure they could they keep the relationship going once they got past the sex.
“No, they will be in the common language,” Rainer replied. His blue eyes studied Gan and he frowned. “There is still time to call the wedding off.”
“There is no need for that,” Gave waved a hand. “I just want to make sure you’re not going to regret this in a few days.”
Rainer stepped forward and slid his arms around Gan’s neck. He leaned down and kissed him softly. “You and I spent a lot of time talking that night, you are very intelligent and I enjoy being in your company. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible with me, which means we need to talk to each other about things that upset us.”
“I know,” Gan whispered, tilting his head up and brushing his lips over Rainer’s. “I want this to work.”
“It will,” Rainer smiled, rubbing circles over Gan’s back. Gan smiled softly and kissed Rainer again. This man was willing to give his all for Gan and he would do the same. “We need to get dressed so I can make you my husband.”
Gan chuckled, stole one last kiss before he pulled away. Rainer took his hand and they entered the adjoining dressing room. Gan and Rainer were clothed in matching white robes and silver crown were placed on their heads.
“I like seeing you in our clothes,” Rainer whispered, hooking a finger under Gan’s chin and tilted his head up for a kiss.
They turned their heads when they hear a scuffle outside the room. “I need to see,” someone said, pushing through the door. Faun leapt across the room and threw his arms around Gan’s neck. He kissed him hard, laughing against Gan’s mouth. “I told you I would fix everything,” he whispered.
“You didn’t fix anything,” Rainer huffed. “I had already convinced my father that marrying Gan would strengthen the kingdom. All you did was tell me about the engagement announcement.
“And if I hadn’t done that my little prince would have been married and you never would have had your chance,” Faun replied. “You’re welcome.” Rainer rolled his eyes and muttered something about annoying fairies. “It will be nice having you here. I won’t have to sneak into bed with you anymore.”
“Faun, I’m getting married, you can’t take me to bed anymore,” Gan whispered, setting his hands on Faun’s hips.
Faun frowned and cocked his head. His sliver eyes slid over to Rainer and he narrowed them. “You didn’t tell him?” His lips slowly curled upwards and he tisked. “Bad swan prince, keeping secrets from his little husband.”
“I didn’t have the chance to tell him yet, I’m not keeping secrets from him,” Rainer sighed. Gan could see the amusement in his blue eyes when he looked at Gan. “Faun and I have shared a few nights in bed together as well and one thing he made me agree on was to let him and whoever else wanted to joins us in bed. So long as you want them to join us.”
Gan laughed and stepped up to the swan prince. “Thank you,” he whispered, curling his hand in Rainer’s robe and pulling him down for a kiss.
“I’m going to beat the both of you if you don’t stop kissing and get to the great hall,” the old woman warned. Gan pulled away and gave her an apologetic smile.
He followed Rainer towards the great hall, laughing as Faun danced beside them. “This is so exciting, the little lord getting married,” he sang.
Arvo and Eda were waiting for them by the doors of the great hall; along with a woman Gan assumed was Rainer’s mother. She stepped gracefully forward and kissed both his cheeks, then turned to her son and did the same. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Cadogan,” she said, her voice gentle. “I must thank you. My son has jumped between men and women for so long, I never thought he would settle.”
“I will treat him well,” Gan assured. She smiled softly at him and looked at her son. She took his hand and they both exchanged several quiet words. Gan turned to Eda and took her hand, pulling her away from the others. “Are you alright?” he asked her, holding her hand against his chest.
“I’m fine,” she replied, kissing Gan’s cheek. “I’m just happy to know you’re not marrying that terrible woman.”
“But I’m not marrying you either and I announced that I would be taking you with me to turn you into a child bearer.”
“I am honored that you and your future husband chose me to carry your children. I’m not going to refuse, Gan. I knew from the start that was all I would be for you. You didn’t like women and you would never be able to force yourself to love someone you had no interest in.”
“That’s not true,” Gan whispered. “I loved being with you and you would have been my wife, Eda, not just a woman that gave me children.” He released her and and cupper her face, “I love you, Eda and I promise to take good care of you.”
“I love you too, Gan, now go marry your prince.” Gan nodded, leaning forward and kissing her lips.
Gan moved back to Rainer’s side and took his hand. “Are you ready?” Rainer whispered. Gan nodded and moved towards the door with Rainer. Arvo guides both his wife and Eda into the room when the doors opened. “Last chance to change your mind,” Rainer commented.
“I think that old woman needs to smack you again,” Gan muttered. Rainer snorted and walked into the room. Thousands of people stood in the large room, all watching them excitedly. Gan took a deep breath when they started moving, his eyes looking up at the arching ceilings. There were gold carvings of swans on the walls and glass windows in the ceiling revealed the clear, starry night.
Gan dropped his eyes when he heard familiar laughter and spotted Mael and Teg standing with the group. Mael gave him a small smile and Teg practically climbed up the man to wave at Gan. Hal was next to them, smiling smugly at Gan, his arm thrown around Juda. The man gave him a shy smile and pushed himself closer to Hal. Fi stood with Cato, both watching Gan with the same soft expression. Several steps later Gan smile when he spotted Percy in a beautiful red silk dress. He gave Gan a small curtsy, his brown eyes shining with delight.
Gan searched for Pan, but he couldn’t find him or the ten lords. “Did you invite all of my gifts?” Gan whispered to Rainer.
“Faun did,” he replied, “all but the ten men who spent the night with you. He said they didn’t know you enough, nor did they say much about you the next day. I believe there is another Fay that isn’t here either because he is off doing some sort of fairy thing for the New Year.”
Gan nodded, looking straight ahead of him. A large alter had been made for the ceremony and two elderly men stood side by side, waiting the Gan and Rainer. When the two finally reached the men, they turned to face each other. The room quieted and the priests began their chant, placing a piece of silk over their hands.
Gan stared up at Rainer quietly, listening to the men chant. Rainer smiled at him, his eyes speaking to Gan about a promise for a future together. The chanting quieted down and Rainer was handed a cup of whine. He brought the wine to Gan’s lips and tipped it up. Gan drank the wine, the sweet taste making his tongue tingle.
When Rainer pulled the cup away, he handed it to Gan, who mimicked Rainer’s movements. When the cup was empty the priests took it from Gan and set it on the altar. “Would you both like to say something?” the priest asked.
Rainer nodded and slid forward. “Cadogan,” he whispered. “When my father asked me to be your gift, I never thought I would meet a man like you. I couldn’t keep you from my mind after you left and I had planned to visit you as much as I possibly could. Then I realized that could have you every day of my life. I know how selfish it sounds, but having you here fills me with so much joy that I would do it again if I had to.”
Gan laughed softly, and stroked his cheek. “Rainer,” he breathed. “You were so gentle with me that night and all I could think about was how lovingly you cared for me. I wanted to feel like that for the rest of my life and I when I took the time to think about it, you were the only one I wanted to treat me like that. You were right that night. I would think about you during the day and it would make me smile. I was so happy when you arrived at the palace tonight and when your father brought up the merging of the two kingdoms; I nearly jumped in your arms. You’ve saved me from my misery and given me the life I never thought I would have.”
Rainer smiled and pressed their foreheads together. The priests began chanting again and a young man stepped forward with a small box. The priest took the box and set it on the altar, opening the lid. He pulled out two rings made of white gold and handed one to Rainer and the other to Gan. They repeated the vows the priest chanted and slipped their rings on the other’s finger. Once the chanting died down, music erupted around the room.
Rainer rushed forward and wrapped his arms around Gan’s waist, kissing him hard. Cheers erupted from the crowd and Gan smiled against Rainer’s lips. “Welcome to your new home, my husband,” Rainer whispered, kissing Gan again.
Gan laughed when they pulled back and he glanced around the room, wiping tears from his eyes. They were directed to a side door and moved into a small room where new clothes waited for them. Gan changed into a silver robe and followed Rainer back into the great hall. The room was empty except for the group of men that had been gifted to him for the past twelve nights.
They all greeted him with a kiss and a hug. “I’m glad you’re all here,” Gan said softly.
“We wouldn’t miss this,” Hal replied, wrapping Gan up in a hug. “Besides, I made your rings.” Gan glanced at the simple ring on his fingers; the only design a small twist at the top.
“Thank you, they’re beautiful,” Gan whispered, kissing Hal’s cheek.
“I want a kiss from the prince,” Teg leapt forward and wrapped himself around Gan. Gan laughed and gave the eccentric shifter a kiss. Teg leapt back towards Mael, wrapping him up in a hug. Mael chuckled softly and hugged him back. Gan noticed that the two wore their own rings and he smiled at them. “Faun says we can come see you anytime we want.”
“Not anytime,” Mael rolled his eyes. “Anytime to you means all the time.” Teg groaned and turned his wide green eyes towards Gan.
“I would love for you to come visit, but my husband and I do need time alone,” Gan said softly.
“Time alone to make babies,” Teg giggled, burying his face in Mael’s neck.
“You should be careful,” Fi piped up. “Your husband might think your children are possessed and boil your eggs.”
“We don’t lay eggs,” Rainer sighed.
“Well good, then you’ll just have to worry about him trying to get them exorcized.”
“Like I said,” Gan huffed, sliding his arms around Fi’s neck and stealing a kiss. “That wasn’t my idea and I promise not to do that to my children.”
“You better not,” Fi muttered, kissing Gan again.
Gan shook his head and pulled away, turning to Percy. “You look beautiful in that dress.”
“And you look stunning in those robes,” Percy smiled. He hugged Gan and kissed his cheek. “Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you.” Gan glanced at Juda, watching the man watch Hal. “It seems to me I’m not the only one who found someone.” Juda blushed and pressed his face to Hal’s shoulder.
“I played matchmaker for them,” Faun chuckled. “Couldn’t do it for anyone else, though.”
“Some of us grew to love ourselves after we met Gan,” Cato said softly. Gan’s smile grew and he hugged the elf. “I promise to dance with you tonight.”
“I’ll hold you to it,” Gan chuckled.
“Speaking of dancing,” Rainer stepped over to Gan, “but we do have a ballroom full of people waiting for us.” Gan nodded and took Rainer’s hand. The group moved to the ballroom where people greeted them with cheers.
Gan spent the night dancing with his husband and the other men who taught him the pleasures of a man. By the time the night was over, Gan had danced more then he ever had in his life and he enjoyed every minute of it.
“I hope you don’t mind coming to my room. We didn’t have enough time to get our room prepared,” Rainer said, pushing open a door.
“It’s fine, but I want a say in hat goes into our room since it’s not ready yet,” Gan warned.
“Don’t you dare,” the old woman form earlier that evening hurried up to them. She shoed Rainer away from Gan and set her hand on her hips. “You two must be prepared.”
Rainer huffed and waved his hands in frustration. “Do we really need to change again, we’re just going to take them off.”
“Don’t try to get around tradition,” she scolded, taking hold of Gan’s arm and pulling him down the hallway. Gan looked back at Rainer, who gave him an apologetic look. “Go on, you need to change too,” she called; dragging Gan into the room they had been in before.
Gan was stripped, bathed and dressed in something that tied several pieces of fabric to his body and covered from his chin to his toes. It was the most uncomfortable thing he had ever been put in, but apparently this was tradition and he was not about to question the woman throwing around commands.
A servant led him back to Rainer’s room, leaving him at the door with a low bow. Gan raised his hand to knock, realizing that he didn’t have to do that with his husband and pushed into the room.
Rainer was pacing in front of his bed, his pale blue robes flowing behind him. He stopped when he caught sight of Gan, his mouth hanging open when he looked him over. “They put you in that?” he snickered.
“What is it?” Gan demanded, walking further into the room.
“It’s what they put the women in who have remained untouched before their wedding night,” Rainer replied, circling Gan. He stopped in front of him and took a step forward, sliding a hand over the string that tied the cloth over Gan’s shoulder.
“So I’m the woman?” Gan raised an eyebrow.
“No,” Rainer chuckled. “It’s used to slowly undress a person.” He tugged at the string, exposing Gan’s right shoulder. “It’s to help those who have never been naked in front of a man before. I think they did it to create the illusion.”
Rainer leaned forward and kissed Gan’s exposed skin. He pulled at the tie around his neck, his lips sliding over the skin when the fabric fell away. Gan closed his eyes, his cock twitching. He liked that Rainer could only kiss certain parts of his body, revealing only one part of his body with each tie he undid.
A sleeve fell away and then another and Gan ran his hands over Rainer’s shoulders and buried his fingers in his blond hair. Rainer pulled the tie at the center of Gan’s chest and began unlacing the string. He kissed over Gan’s collarbone as he pulled the fabric away, exposing one of Gan’s nipples.
He bit the tiny nub, sucking on it gently as he pulled the fabric down further. The makeshift shirt fell away, leaving Gan in the tied trousers. Rainer kissed across his chest, teasing the other nipple as he cupped Gan through the fabric.
Gan gasped and closed his eyes. Rainer tugged at the string at Gan’s waist and opened the crotch of the trousers, his fingers sliding in to tease Gan’s cock. Gan moaned and pushed his cock into Rainer’s hand.
The ties laced up the sides of Gan’s legs were pulled and the last of the fabric slid off his body, leaving him naked. Rainer groaned, sliding to his knees. He ran his tongue up the inside of Gan’s thigh and over his cock, mouthing the shaft and sucking gently at the skin.
“Rainer,” Gan whimpered, fisting Rainer’s hair in his hand. Rainer hummed, taking the head of Gan’s cock in his mouth. He slid his hands up the backs of Gan’s thighs and dug his fingers into his ass.
Gan arched his back, pushing his cock into Rainer’s mouth. Rainer’s fingers tightened against the skin again, encouraging Gan to thrust into his mouth. Gan moaned and tightened his hold on Rainer’s hair. He pulled his hips back and pushed forward, rolling his hips.
He looked down at his cock sliding between his husband’s lips and moaned again. Rainer looked up at him through his lashes and dragged his teeth over Gan’s cock when he pulled out. Gan couldn’t stop himself before he snapped his hips forward and pushed his cock down Rainer’s throat.
Rainer moaned, the sound vibrating up Gan’s cock and into his balls. Gan pushed forward again, working up a rhythm. Rainer continued to hum, making Gan’s body tremble. Gan forced himself to pull his cock out of Rainer’s mouth and stepped back.
Rainer smiled up at him from the floor, running the back of his hand over his mouth. He stood up and tugged at the robe, dropping it to the floor. His cock stood stiff in front of him and he strode up to Gan, bringing their mouths together again.
He wrapped pushed Gan to the edge of his bed, curling his fingers under Gan’s thighs and lifting him off the floor. He pushed between Gan’s legs and deepened the kiss.
Rainer pushed forward, forcing Gan back until he was laying over the bed. He wrapped his legs around Rainer’s waist and lifted his hips to rub his cock against his stomach. Rainer groaned when his cock slid over Gan’s hip.
Rainer pushed Gan’s legs open and bent down, retrieving a bottle of oil from god knows where. He coated two fingers and slid them into Gan, cocking his head curiously. Ramsay had used more of that liquid Faun had used before he left the night before, making Gan tighter then he had been the first time Rainer had laid with him.
Rainer stretched his fingers, widening Gan’s passage again. Gan moaned at the feel of being stretched again and tightened around the fingers inside him. Rainer used his other hand to oil hos cock and slid forward, replacing his fingers with his cock.
Gan moaned, sliding his knees up Rainer’s thighs as the man pushed into him. Rainer’s hips met Gan’s and he rolled his hips to help Gan’s body adjust again. When he pulled out, it felt much different then the last time Gan was with Rainer.
This time the man wasn’t holding back and he wasn’t being gentle because someone had left several bruising marks on him. Those bruises were now mostly faded and Rainer was determined to add his own when he bit roughly on Gan’s neck. Gan gasped and moaned, arching into the man above him.
Rainer’s hips moved, his cock sliding over those spots that made Gan writhe beneath him. “Rainer,” he whispered, dragging his fingers down his husband’s arms.
“I don’t want you to ever stop saying my name like that,” Rainer whispered, the speed of his hips increasing. Gan arched into him, a pressure starting to build in his stomach. “I love your voice, let me hear it more.”
Gan began pleading and begging, whispering Rainer’s names in ways that had the man above him shuddering. Gan liked that he could control Rainer even though he was beneath him. Rainer seemed to like it too, because he couldn’t keep his rhythm any longer and he snapped his hips forward.
Gan yelped and moaned, his voice growing stronger with each thrust. He pushed his hand down his stomach and took hold of his cock while he continued to scream Rainer’s name. Rainer’s mouth covered his, swallowing each cry as he drove his cock in harder then before.
Gan’s breath left him when he came, his voice echoing in the large room. Rainer’s cries mixed with his when he came, filling Gan with each stuttering thrust. Come coated Gan’s fingers and his cock ached in his hand when he squeezed it, drawing out more come. He tightened around Rainer’s cock, smiling when the man gasped.
He slid out of Gan and crawled onto the bed next to him, collapsing onto his side. Gan turned his head to look at his husband and he slid his fingers over his cheek. Rainer blinked open his eyes, the blue shining with what Gan could only describe as love.
Rainer scooted forward and cupped Gan’s cheek, kissing him softly. “I’m so glad your father conceded to our marriage.”
“I don’t think your father was going to give him a choice, I just hope my people don’t shun me because of it.”
“We’ll figure something out, I promise. For now, we need to get through negotiations with your father tomorrow and go from there.”
“You get to go with your father?” Gan asked, pushing up onto his elbows.
“Of course I do,” Rainer replied, looking at Gan in confusion, “and so are you. How are we going to know what they agree on if we don’t?”
“My father hardly ever let me sit in on meetings and those he did, he ignored everything that was asked of him. I was going to have to learn how to rule through experience once I took the throne.”
“You probably would have been good at it. You’re good at thinking on your feet,” Rainer chuckled, pulling Gan against his chest. “I’ll help you with your kingdom and you will help me with mine,” he whispered.
Gan smiled and tilted his head back, kissing the underside of Rainer’s chin. Rainer shifted so he could kiss his husband, pushing Gan until he was on his back. “Right now I need your counsel on something entirely different,” he growled, rolling his hips.
Gan snorted and pulled Rainer’s head down, crushing their lips together so he wouldn’t say something so stupid again. Rainer’s hand slid between them and he took both cocks in his hand.
Gan sighed and closed his eyes, feeling Rainer stroke him. There would be time tomorrow to worry about his kingdom and if his people would accept him. Right now he just wanted to focus on his wedding night and his new husband.