The elder brother sighed as he dreaded what Prince Takumi would have to say when he returned home. "Leo, you do realize that he's a Hoshidan prince and our guest. If he goes back and tells King Ryoma of his treatment here, that could spell trouble for Nohr."

Xander sat at his desk and pinches the bridge of his nose. He already had too much to worry about as it is, and now he needed mend diplomatic relations with a disgruntled prince. "Tell Takumi that I need to talk to him, and I don't care if you have to lie about why."

"Laslow has the day off and is probably flirting with the maidens in the nearest village, and I sent Peri with Arthur and Effie." Serves his brother right for causing this mess.

"What is it, Leo?"

😒

🥴

It means that you confuse me at times.

😐

I did no such thing.

Well that's no good. Was he so focused on the paperwork the he didn't notice anyone come into his office until he felt the blanket being laid on his back. "Oh. It's you, Laslow. Forgive me, I didn't hear you come in."

"... Try to be at peace." #FireEmblem

Xander's eyes widen with surprise and he can feel his cheeks grow warm. He smiles softly as he reaches for Laslow's hand to pull the smaller male closer. "Don't think I can let you get away with that without me returning the favor."

"Forgive you for what? Giving me a kiss?" Gazing into Laslow's eyes, the crown prince rubbed his thumb over his retainer's knuckles before lifting his hand to kiss his fingers. "But you're right about one thing, I really do need a distraction."

"You know me too well." Xander let out a soft sigh as he guided his most trusted companion over to sit on the small couch. "There's been rumors of small skirmishes in some outlying areas that involve townsfolk and bandits."

Reaching over, he covered Laslow's hand with his own, giving it an appreciative squeeze. "Thank you, Laslow, and with you by my side, I know we can end this problem quickly. Maybe I'm asking for too much in wishing for a more peaceful Nohr."

"You're correct in that regard, and I cant help but feel anxious, like I'm expecting something dreadful to happen." Slipping his arm behind the smaller male, Xander held the other close and kissed his temple. "You know you don't have to be so formal when it's only us."

Hearing that brought a smile to the crown prince's face, and another kiss on his beloved's cheek. "I'd like that very much. Besides, you can't keep calling me 'milord' once we're married."

Who would have thought that for someone that was just as flirtatious as Leo's retainer, Niles, could blush so easily? "Good. I can't wait for the day to call you my husband instead of my most faithful retainer."

Now it was Xander's turn to blush, but he would gladly endure it just to hear those words everyday until forever. "Laslow, it's you who I should be thanking. You've been a loyal retainer for me and my best friend. I couldn't envision anyone else by my side."