King of Faces: Part Two (complete)

Preparations for the anniversary ball were getting underway. I had been kept busy with renovations to the barn and to the animals’ pens to make sure they looked good for anyone interested in seeing them. I had also been working double duty on the horses, getting them cleaned, shined, and polished like gemstones. I had been talking back and forth with Genevieve about costumes for the horses, what sort of headpieces they could wear, how fancy we could make them while having the horses still comfortable.

It was all a lot of work. In fact, the weeks leading up to the big day, I had either been working or asleep. I know Ludovico has been kept busy too. As king, he’s been handling all the major things going on inside the palace. I feel bad for him, he’s not been able to visit with his animals at all and I know they are a comfort for him. We also haven’t been able to meet up like we want, which I know has only added on to things. The exertion of getting ready, mingled with my own loneliness, has been giving me some very powerful dreams as of late. Dreams that have me in shambles come the morning.

The day before the ball is to take place, Genevieve has a meeting and a celebratory feast for all the palace staff. She has put together a wonderful meal and has drinks at the ready.

“I know the celebrations we throw here at the castle are the hardest on all of you. It can be a thankless night of serving and tending to people who are less kind,” Genevieve announces while holding up a glass. “That is why I want to thank you now! And after the ball is over, you will all be given time off to rest and recuperate from the festivities. So for tonight, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves!”

I am eating food by myself, enjoying a quiet corner of the garden, knowing that tomorrow, there will be no quiet. I am munching on some sort of fried chicken when hands are placed over my eyes.

I am struck by Ludovico’s scent and, already, my body reacts to it. “Oh good, Death, I’ve been waiting on you.”

Ludovico kisses the top of my head. “If you’re so willing to die, then perhaps you’d be willing to do me a favor before you are whisked into the afterlife.”

His warm breath on my ear further stirs the aches I’ve felt in my loneliness. “It depends,” I start to grin. “What is it that you want?”

His lips brush against my neck and I shiver. I gulp back a breath and stiffen my back and straighten my shoulders to hide him behind me. Ludovico keeps one hand over my eyes as the other strokes down my chest and snakes its way under my shirt.

“I am getting molested by Death. I am sure there is some irony to this,” I moan and capture his hand on my body. 

His tongue traces my ear and I am melting. “You’re enjoying yourself being toyed with, admit it.”

“Only one person I allow to do such things to me and they get away with it.” I reach behind me, rubbing my hand up his leg and to his side. “And I’ve not kissed him in far too long.”

Ludovico turns my head back and kisses me. I moan for him, turning so I can envelop him in my arms and hold him close.

“You taste like chicken,” Ludovico licks his lips. His lustful face is out, no wonder he is hiding himself here with me.

“You interrupted my meal. Now you’re going to have to become my meal.” I glide my tongue along my teeth while he watches.

“I have been dreaming of nothing else.” He kisses my pink nose. “I am quite hungry myself.”

“Your majesty, whatever do you want?” I stroke his hair as he kneels down between my knees. My fur stands on end and I look over my shoulder, at the party going on behind us. “Are you insane?” I hiss at him as he unfastens my belt.

“I need you,” he whimpers. 

I grab his chin as he starts to tug down my pants. “You lustful little fool,” I growl. “Not here! Not so close to so many people.” I want to give in so badly, especially as I gaze into his heady, amber eyes.

“I’ve barely slept, I’ve missed you so much,” Ludovico whimpers. “Lewis, please!”

I make him stand back up. “After all of this is over,” I whisper to him. “I promise. We just have to get through this one event.”

“Tomorrow,” he sighs as he clasps my face between his palms. “I’ll see you at the ball, won’t I?” He smiles at me. “You’re my other half, remember.”

I nuzzle my cheek into his palm. “Of course I remember,” I purr. “I’ve been thinking about dancing with you and how exciting it will be.”

Ludovico kisses me as I put my arms around his hips. “Sneak away as soon as possible. I cannot take this separation much longer.”

I try to keep from smirking, but I can’t help but giggle. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Ludovico scowls at me. “I shall say it does!” He kisses me again and places himself in my lap. “But I cannot take so much fondness!”

I hold him close to me and rest my cheek on top of his head. “I know,” I whisper to him. “If I am not working my hardest, I am thinking about you. I miss you so much. Some nights, I have thought about climbing the vines to your window.”

Ludovico unbuttons the top of my shirt and slips his fingers into the fluff there. “Why haven’t you? Do you know all the things I would have let you do to me had you done something so reckless and romantic?”

I bite my lip as he toys with my chest. “I think I know.”

Ludovico looks up at me with lonesome eyes and touches my cheek. “I have considered just as equally stupid things. I have wanted to run across the gardens and bang on your door and have you take me in the barn loft again.”

“You should see it after the renovations,” I chuckle. “It’s nice and roomy up there. Lots of soft, fresh new hay.” I tilt his chin up, pressing kisses all over his face. “We could get lost up there.”

“Oh,” Ludovico shivers. “Stop tormenting me! Do you know how hard it is to not drag you down into the mud right now?”

I laugh and snuggle my cheek to his. “It feels good just talking to you.”

“I know.” He puts an arm over my back and rubs between my shoulders. “I have missed my parents and I love having them and my sister home. But it feels incomplete when you are not a part of my day as well.”

I kiss him, not out of lust, but out of pure love for him. He presses his palms against my chest, forcing himself away.

“You’re far too good at that.” He catches his breath. “Mother brought me home some new pajamas. I would like you to see me in them.”

“Tell me about them,” I whisper.

Ludovico giggles. “One set is pink, I think it will be your favorite. The fabric is so soft and it includes a matching harness.”

“What is your mother doing picking you out such provocative underwear?” I am trying not to imagine him laying bare in a pink harness with straps pulled down on his supple body. I can’t allow myself to see that, no matter what the cost.

“A designer I fancy was working in the city of Glamour my parents were visiting. I told Mother to pick me up her newest collection.” Ludovico’s lips possess a sinister smirk. “There’s one thing in them I think will suit you as well.”

I shiver and hug him extra tight. “Please, Death, come for me now.”

“Death will come for anybody,” Ludovico whispers into my ear. “I only come for you.”

I set Ludovico down away from me and I stand up. “You’re frustrating me!” I snarl down at him.

Ludovico’s lascivious face gazes at me knowingly. He then opens up his shirt, showing me the pink straps across his chest and shoulders. “If we go somewhere private, right this instant, I’ll show you everything.”

I cup my hand around his mouth. “You’re killing me. Perhaps you truly are death in disguise.”

“I love you, Lewis.” He holds my hands and laces our fingers together. “More than most things.”

I kiss him again and pull him to stand with me. “After tomorrow, I promise.” I brush my fingers along his cheek. “I feel tonight would be risking it.”

Ludovico sighs. “I know,” he grumbles in defeat. His head spins and his usual face peers through the long hair. “I was trying on my new things and I kept thinking of you.” He looks up at me with sad eyes. “The last time we were kept apart this long was when I had to travel to Chessfield.” He pouts at the memory. “But this feels worse. We’re apart and yet we can just walk through the gardens.”

I chuckle and kiss his forehead. “You’re so precious.” I look back into his eyes. “I love you more than most things.”

“I should go back inside. I promised Mother that I wouldn’t keep her waiting,” he sighs.

“Your Mother is waiting on you?” I scoff. “Did you just leave her somewhere?”

A guilty smile paints his lips. “She was sharing pictures with me and I said I would come right back.”

“You naughty fool.” I bite his lip then push him away. “Hurry on back. I will see you tomorrow.”

Ludovico turns and blows a kiss back at me. “Tomorrow!”

I sit down and return to my plate, gnawing mindlessly at the food while my thoughts are wrapped up in how delicious Ludovico is. He is the meal I want, no matter how good this chicken is.

The next day, everything is cranked into high gear. I wake up early to feed and ready the horses, I help clean and decorate the barn. It is all mad dash until the sun begins to set. At that point, I have to disappear from sight. I go to my room, finding my costume stashed in the overhead space of the closet. Inside, the perfectly white suit shimmers while the bits of red glow. 

I get myself dressed and, as I watch myself in the mirror, I strap the mask around my head. I am a Cheshire Cat, but the costume makes me look like a white rabbit. I sneak through the gardens and mingle in with the guests who are already here. The former Kings and Queen are greeting their guests. They look ageless and perfect, like they haven’t changed since their wedding day.

I look around, trying to find the red outfit similar to mine in the crowd. I move about, taking a glass of champagne with strawberries inside. I sip at it, sighing deeply at how delicious it is. 

I glance back around the crowd, hoping to find my spot of red. I find my back against the wall, turning into a wallflower as the music starts. People begin filling the floor and dance with their partner. I am still looking for my dance partner as I am on to a new glass of champagne, this one is filled with cherries.

My fur then begins to prickle as I feel eyes upon me. I look around and spot Queen Primrose standing near the dancefloor and watching me. Her mask is layers of sheer fabric, creating a shadowy effect around her eyes. She looks at me with a curious expression, using the same eyes her son has. 

Ludovico then stands beside his mother, handing her a glass of a creamy looking beverage. I see them whispering and she then turns and points towards me. Ludovico looks up and, through his mask, I can see a mild panic to his eyes. He turns to his mother again and laughs, shaking his head. His fathers then approach, both of them taking Primrose out onto the dance floor. As she is whisked away, Ludovico quickly comes over to me.

“There you are!” He grabs a tight hold of my hand. “I have been searching everywhere for you.”

“Did your mother find me?” I whisper.

“I told her it was a trick of the light.” He squeezes my hand tighter. “You promised me a dance,” he urges. “The song is almost over.”

I put my hand around his waist. “There will be more songs.” I lead him onto the dance floor and take his hand into mine. I gaze into his amber eyes as we sway along the floor. I spin him around, watching his expression go wide as I lower him into a dip.

I lift him again and he presses himself close to my chest. “You scared me!” He laughs as I spin him again.

“Did I?” I squeeze my arm around his waist.

“On purpose,” Ludovico’s hand rubs up my back.

“Only to make you hold tighter on to me,” I purr to him.

Ludovico sighs. “I want to kiss you so much right now. Don’t do that to me!” He rubs his fingers up and down my spine. 

“Look who's talking!” I whisper into his ear as we spin again. “The way you’re touching me is sending me mixed signals.”

Ludovico’s smug smile reveals all of his intent to me. “You’re the one who is making me want to touch you. It’s all your fault.”

“Shh,” I hiss at him. “Keep that pretty mouth shut or we’ll get in trouble.”

“My pretty mouth?” Ludovico teases. “What about yours?”

We’re both laughing and enjoying ourselves. We continue to dance through several songs, simply happy to be so close and to hold one another. As the music dies down, Ludovico drags me off the dance floor. He gets us drinks and we stand towards the back of the room, watching as the anniversary banquet is being served.

“I have to go sit at the head of the table.” Ludovico rubs his thumb at the center of my palm.

“Do you have a big speech to give?” I ask.

Ludovico nods and glances up at me through his lashes. “I do. Something to honor my parents with.” He looks around us, noticing the room is almost empty. He tilts his chin up and I close my eyes. I feel his soft lips against mine all too briefly.

As my eyes open, I see Primrose standing at a distance behind us. I gasp and my arms tighten around Ludovico’s arms. He notices my strange expression and turns, glancing behind to see his mother. All color fades from his cheeks and he steps towards her, standing stone still as he doesn’t know what to do. I put my hand on his shoulder and squeeze gently.

“Ludo, darling,” Primrose says with a bright voice. “We’re waiting on you so we can start!” She holds her hand out to him.

“Mother, I-” Ludovico’s voice catches in his throat. I notice his hair feather at the bottom and it starts to twitch. I rub my hand up and down his back.

“You have the speech, right?” Primrose asks. Her expression is sad but kind. 

Ludovico steps forward and takes his mother’s hand. “Yes, I have the speech.” He taps his breast pocket.

Primrose puts her arm around his back. “No need to be so nervous. You give speeches all the time.” She then turns and looks back at me. “Come join us. There is more than enough room at the table.”

“I uh-” I can’t quite catch my breath.

She waves her hand at me. “It’s ok.” She turns back to her son as they walk into the banquet hall.

I follow them inside after a spell. Everyone is taking their seats and already eating. Standing in the doorway, I watch as Ludovico stands up and taps his fork against a champagne glass. 

“I want to welcome you all here,” he gazes across the room. Our eyes lock and I see the nervous expression flickering there. “And thank you,” he says gently, “for coming to celebrate something that in this world is so wonderful.” He swallows as tears begin to spring into his eyes. “Tonight is about love, and it is one that I have heard is for the ages. “ He glances back down to his parents. “True love doesn’t need to be announced,” his voice is soft and beautiful. “True love is something that comes through the door, unexpected, unplanned. It whisks you away and it holds you tight.” I see his tears hanging from his lashes. “It keeps you safe, it bandages your wounds. It is there through the ugliness, as well as the most beautiful.” He rubs at his eyes and laughs. “Sorry, it is never pretty to see a king cry.”

A soft wave of laughter ripples through the crowd.

I feel tears begin to slip down my cheek.

“True love doesn’t need to be celebrated with big parties and a fabulous meal,” Ludovico’s voice trembles. “Because if it is true, then it is celebrated everyday. In the little things, in the giant moments. Even a kiss-” his voice breaks as our eyes meet again, “is the triumph of this momentous affection.” More tears trickle down his cheeks. “My mother, father, and papa, you know this more than anyone.” He raises his glass again. “To those celebrations we do not see.”

There is cheers and applause and I excuse myself. I go out onto the balcony and take my mask off. My tears flow freely down my face and they splash onto the stone banister. The mask clatters to the ground as I rub at my eyes. 

A small hand rests on my arm and I turn around to see Primrose standing there. Her smile is gentle and affectionate and she holds her arms open to me.

“Your majesty, I-” I sob.

Primrose taps her finger to my lips then brings me down so my head can rest on her shoulder. She rubs the back of neck with all the grace and love of a mother. “You love my Ludo, don’t you?”

“More than most things,” I whimper. “More than anything,” I quickly correct myself.

Primrose rubs the tears from my cheeks. “You think I do not know this?” She smiles knowingly at me. “You think my son is subtle? You know better.”

“I am sorry, your majesty,” I cry. “I have played ignorant all this time.”

“I haven’t,” Primrose holds my hands. “I have watched you two blossom together. You are two vines who have bound themselves together, growing and thriving as your lives become one.” She smiles sadly at me. “I have staved off any suitors to protect my son’s heart. I know that you have helped him quell the anxiety and pain in him. You have protected him in times I couldn’t.” Her expression is still sad. “And yet, I don’t know how long I can protect my son anymore.”

“I know,” I whisper to her. “I knew this day would come. I knew we would have to-” I stop myself. “I just ask for one more day, your majesty. One more day and I will leave the stables. I will try to make this as easy as possible on him.”

“You have thought about this,” Primrose murmurs. She then looks down at our hands. “Come with me,” she says. “Come eat, enjoy the meal and something to drink. I have a seat for you.”

“I would rather not, your majesty.” I sniffle and rub at my eyes. “I don’t feel like joining the party anymore.”

“For me, please.” Primrose leads me along, taking me into the dining room. I see an empty chair and think it is the one reserved for me, but we pass by it. Primrose takes me towards the head of the table and I begin to panic. 

Ludovico stands up as Primrose gives me the seat right beside him. We look at one another, afraid and cautious to even acknowledge each other.

“Everyone! Everyone!” Primrose hammers her spoon against her glass. “I have an announcement for all of you!” She looks around the room then grins down at her equally confused husbands. “As some of you know, I was no princess before I married Bianco and Rosso. Their mother chose me because she thought I could handle her horrible sons.”

The two brothers pout and try to laugh it off.

“Long ago, I did the same for my son.” She places her palm over her chest. “Although little Ludo found the person who handled him best, I made sure the two of them had room to grow. I kept my eye on them and watched them turn into the marvelous young men they are today.” She smiles at Ludovico and me. “It is my pleasure to announce that I no longer have to watch over them. They’re happy.”

“Mother,” Ludovico whispers in urgency.

“I am proud to introduce to you Lewissabeecarol, or as we lovingly call him, Lewis. The man my son loves, and I am certain, your future king.” Primrose starts clapping and soon the confused room joins in with her.

I stare into Ludovico’s eyes, bewildered and stunned. Ludovico’s baffled expression melts into a massive grin and he starts to laugh. I smile and I pull him into my arms as I join him. We press our foreheads together as we laugh, eventually kissing as Genevieve releases streamers and party poppers that coat us in confetti. 

“I love you more than most things,” Ludo whispers to me. “No,” he then shakes his head. “I love you more than anything.”

I kiss him again, spinning him into a dip, which causes louder cheering from Primrose and Genevieve.

After the meal, Rosso and Bianco take me aside. The two former kings put their arms around me and lead me outside for a talk. I do notice while they try to give me the tough treatment, Rosso has tears in his eyes and Bianco’s chin quivers. 

“You won’t have it easy, no, sir,” Rosso scolds while trying not to sniffle.

“Just because Primrose has stood up for you won’t mean this is all a pass for you.” Bianco wags his finger while his voice chokes up.

“Look, I never even expected this,” I tell them. “I love your son, and I know that is all I can offer him. But I think you two understand that more than anyone. Didn’t Primrose come in with nothing but give you everything?”

I am suddenly ambushed. The two former kings have me wrapped up in their arms, embracing me and holding me close.

It takes Primrose and Genevieve to pry them off me and I am able to join Ludovico again. He takes hold of my hand and presses his face against my chest.

“I think they like me, but I am not so sure.” I kiss the top of his head.

“I was so scared!” Ludovico whimpers. “Damn my Mother! That was a cruel joke she played!”

I rub his tears away and plant a soft kiss to his lips. “She took several years off my life. But at least what remains is going to be spent with-” I am cut off as Ludovico drags me down into a hurried and hungry kiss.

“The party is over. You have promises to keep.” His voice is hushed and urgent as he whispers into my ear.

“I’ve not been in your bedroom before,” I smirk. “I hope the bed will hold us.”

He grabs my hand and pulls me down the hallway with demand. Once we reach his room, he slams the doors shut and pushes me against the wall.

“My, my,” I laugh. “I’ve not seen you like this in a long time.”

He grabs my collar and pulls me down to him. We stumble and trip, collapsing onto the floor as the fire sparks and roars to life. As we break from our kiss, Ludovico has big fat tears roll down his cheeks. He buries his face in my chest as I rub his back.

“It’s all ok. No need to get so worked up,” I try to coax him.

“I’m not upset.” Ludovico sits up. “I’m happy. Blissful and happy!” He wipes his face and grins down at me. “We get to have one another! We don’t need to worry. There is so much weight off my heart, I could dance.”

I sit up so Ludovico is sitting in my lap. I press my forehead to his and let loose a deep sigh. “I’m still in shock,” I whisper. “I don’t know what to do with myself.”

“I know what to do with you.” Ludovico tilts his head back as his hair spins wildly. When he looks at me again, lust is painted as his expression. “I know lots of things I want to do to you.”

“Wait.” I whisper as I capture his hand. “Before you send me spiraling into a night of pleasure, I know one thing I want to do.” I have him stand up and I kneel down on my knee before him. Ludovico’s eyes are wide and baffled again as I take hold of his hand. 

“I don’t have anything to put in your hand except for my own.” My hands are starting to shake. “But I know it is enough for you.” I gaze up into his eyes. “Ludovico,” I whisper his name with all the passion inside me. “Will you marry me?”

“I can only cry so much in one night!” Ludovico kneels down and kisses me. I tangle my fingers in his hair as his kiss lingers. “Of course,” he sobs. “I’ll marry you! I’ll marry you everyday, if I must!”

“Nothing so extreme.” I pick him up and carry him to the bed. “Everyday will be a celebration.”

Ludovico stretches his arms out and pulls me down into his body. I remove his clothes as he strips away mine. We press our naked bodies together, feeling each other’s heat and passion. I can barely stand it, feeling him all around me and knowing he is mine and our hands are forever bound. I listen to his voice begging and pleading to me, whispering my name over and over as he is drowned in my love.

“You’re so rough tonight,” he sighs. “Never stop.”

“I can’t get enough of you,” I growl. “How can I possibly stop?” I look down at him, stroking his hair as his eyes open. I roll my hips and watch his mouth open in a pleasured gasp. His sharp fingers dig into my back and a smile blossoms.

“When you’re inside me like this, I get so happy,” Ludovico whispers. “Knowing we’re one-” small tears sparkle on his eyelashes.

I lick his cheeks and start to move again. “When you talk like that-” I snarl and my voice cuts off. I can’t speak when I am wrapped in so much pleasure.

“Lewis-” Ludovico cries as his fingers dig harder into my back. “Oh, gods! I’m cumming!”

“Me too,” I kiss him and suck his tongue. “Cum with me.”

Ludovico’s body seizes and his back arches like a cat. His chest presses against mine as his cum splatters along his belly and chest, and I lick him clean. I have left my mark inside him and he is enjoying the warmth it leaves.

We make love several times that night, excited at the prospect of not having to hide anymore. We can share and take part in one another without the fear of doubt grabbing hold of us.

As we lay in bed, very much like that night in the loft, Ludovico lays beside me and curls up against my chest. We’re both breathless and exhausted, but not yet sated on one another.

“What kind of wedding do you want?” Ludovico whispers dreamily.

I chuckle and rub my palm up and down his back. “I’ve never thought of such a thing,” I confess. “Why? Do you know something you want?”

He lays his chin on me and gazes up at me with the most beautiful expression. “I want to surround you in flowers.” He kisses my chest and plays with the fluff. “I want to see you dressed all in white again and holding a bouquet of roses.”

I cup his cheek and run my fingers through his long hair. “Will you wear pink for me?”

He kisses my palm and clasps it to his cheek. “I will,” he whispers. “I’ll wear pink for you and only you.”

I sit up, capturing a kiss from him. “I want a family more than I want a wedding.”

His eyes sparkle and grow wide. He nods and cups his hands around my face. “That is what I want too.”

We hold each other tight as we both cry a little bit more. I kiss him again, pushing him deep down into the bed. All I have ever wanted is within arm’s reach now and I do not know how to contain my joy.

“Make love to me again,” Ludovico pleads as I kiss down his body.

“I’m not sure I can,” I moan. “You’ve already taken so much of me.”

Ludovico grabs the back of my head as I kiss his stomach. “You dare to disobey your king?”

I grin, having been waiting for this moment. “You forget, your majesty,” I purr. “I am also the king.”

Ludovico’s cheeks blossom bright red and his eyes go starry and enamored. “Oh, wow,” he sighs.

“No,” I purr as I lay on him again. “Your king will be ready to serve you in a moment.”

Ludovico smiles and kisses me. “I love you more than most things.”

My heart is fit to burst. “Yes, my love,” I whisper. “I, too, love you more than most things.”