Chapter Twenty-Seven
Darragh stood at the head of the grand hall, watching delegates file in for the summit’s closing ceremony.
It was finally over. After nine days of negotiations, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic maneuvering, it had all culminated in one final gathering.
His formal coat felt heavier than usual, or maybe it was the sheer exhaustion that weighed on his shoulders.
Finn appeared at his side, looking equally tired but composed.
His husband had barely slept the past week, managing every detail of the summit with a focus Darragh admired and hated all in the same breath.
Dark circles shadowed his eyes, but Finn stood straight, ready for the last official function.
“Ready for this to be over?” Finn murmured.
“More than ready.” Darragh squeezed his hand briefly, a gesture hidden from view by their formal robes. “Though I suspect you’ll miss the organizational chaos.”
“I absolutely will not. I would be happy if I never saw a seating plan again.” Which Darragh could fully understand. Being on his “best” behavior all the time was wearing on him, too, and he’d been born into the role he was expected to fill.
Emperor Hadrian was the first to deliver his closing remarks.
The elderly emperor rose slowly, his dignified bearing commanding immediate silence.
“I have attended thirty-two World Council summits in my lifetime. This gathering demonstrated something I have rarely witnessed - courage. The courage of our hosts and this country to be authentic rather than imitative. Safe Harbor has shown us that diplomatic excellence does not require abandoning one’s cultural identity. For this, you have my deep respect.”
Applause rippled through the hall. Darragh felt Finn tense beside him, probably still not entirely comfortable with public praise.
Queen Cressida followed, her friendly smile still evident as she addressed the assembly.
“I told King Darragh privately that this was the most genuine diplomatic gathering I’ve attended in twenty years.
I stand by that assessment. Safe Harbor’s hospitality has been exceptional, not because it mimicked other courts, but because it remained true to itself.
The organization has been flawless, the cultural presentations enlightening, and the atmosphere conducive to real dialogue rather than performative diplomacy. ”
More applause, and this time several delegates nodded their agreement.
Even Queen Valdis rose to speak, her elaborate hairstyle somehow still perfect after nine days.
“When I accepted this invitation, I confess I had reservations about Safe Harbor’s capacity to host an event of this magnitude.
I am delighted to admit I was entirely wrong.
” Her sharp gaze swept the room. “Safe Harbor’s approach demonstrates there are multiple paths to diplomatic excellence.
Sometimes the most sophisticated choice is rejecting sophistication in favor of substance. ”
Darragh caught Finn’s startled expression from the corner of his eye. Queen Valdis had just publicly reversed her earlier criticism, essentially admitting her initial judgment had been flawed.
The formal remarks continued. Lord Castellan praised the fishing rights resolution.
King Dimitri commended the summit’s organization.
Princess Marielle remained conspicuously silent, but then it was clear she was the only person in the entire room who didn’t appreciate Safe Harbor’s culture and traditions.
When the ceremony finally concluded, Darragh stepped forward for his closing speech.
He thanked the delegates for their participation, acknowledged the castle staff and Safe Harbor’s people, then turned toward Finn.
“And finally, I want to offer public thanks to my dear husband, whose organizational skills turned what could have been a disaster into a triumph. Thank you, Finn. You’ve been incredible. ”
The entire room rose to their feet, applause thundering through the hall.
Finn’s face flushed red, his shoulders tensing as he managed a stiff nod of acknowledgment while clearly wishing the floor would swallow him whole.
Darragh would’ve dearly loved to have hugged him, but there were some things kings did not do in public.
Fortunately, the farewell banquet that evening was less formal.
Most of the delegates were already thinking about heading home, and with the bulk of the work done, the atmosphere was relaxed.
Darragh circulated through the room, accepting congratulations and finalizing last-minute details.
He watched Finn do the same, his husband moving with confidence now, no longer second-guessing every word.
Emperor Hadrian approached Darragh near the wine table. “Your consort is quite a remarkable man. My advisers have been most impressed with his practical approach to problem-solving.”
“He is remarkable,” Darragh agreed without hesitation. “Though he’d probably argue that point.”
“The best leaders usually do.” The emperor’s expression turned thoughtful. “You chose well, Darragh. A strong partnership is worth more than a dozen political alliances.”
Darragh nodded. “I’m beginning to understand that, too. Thank you.”
/~/~/~/~/
By mid-afternoon the following day, delegations departed one lot after another.
Darragh and Finn stood together in the courtyard, offering formal and not-so formal farewells to each party.
Queen Cressida embraced Finn fondly, thanking him again for the accommodation considerations.
Emperor Hadrian clasped Darragh’s hand, expressing hope for future cooperation.
Even Queen Valdis departed with gracious compliments.
Apparently, her chef had been particularly impressed by the quality of Safe Harbor’s seafood.
Gordon appeared as the last carriage disappeared down the castle road. Their personal assistant looked as exhausted as Darragh felt, but his expression was triumphant.
“Every single delegation has sent positive feedback, Your Majesty. Several have already requested information about hosting future diplomatic gatherings here.”
Finn laughed, the sound slightly hysterical. “Absolutely not. Not for at least five years.”
“Seconded,” Darragh said firmly. “We’re done with summits for the foreseeable future. Next year, we can plan to attend some other country’s disaster of a summit, and let our hosts worry about all the details.”
Helena approached with three individuals, Darragh recognized as World Council representatives.
They’d been observing throughout the summit, evaluating Safe Harbor’s performance as host nation, and ensuring that no one country would threaten to go to war with another.
The World Council had very strong policies against doing something like that.
“King Darragh, King Consort Finn.” The lead representative, a severe woman named Magistrate Thorne, inclined her head respectfully.
“The World Council wishes to formally commend you both for hosting one of the most successful summits in recent history. Your organizational standards exceeded expectations, your cultural presentations were both enlightening and appropriate, and several significant treaties were achieved through your facilitation.”
“The Council also notes,” another representative added, “that Safe Harbor’s approach to diplomatic hospitality offers a valuable alternative model. Not all nations need to replicate traditional court formality to achieve diplomatic excellence.”
Magistrate Thorne’s expression softened slightly. “We understand there were challenges leading up to this summit. The fact that you overcame them and delivered such exceptional results speaks to your capabilities as leaders and partners.”
After the World Council representatives departed, Darragh looked at Finn. His husband was swaying slightly on his feet, exhaustion finally catching up.
“Bed,” Darragh announced. “Now.”
“I should check with the housekeeping staff about…”
“Gordon can handle it, before he takes a well-earned week off. You’re going to collapse if you don’t rest.”
They made it to their private chambers, but no further. Finn dropped onto the sofa with a groan, pulling Darragh down beside him. They sprawled together, too tired to even remove their formal jackets.
“We did it,” Finn said softly, his head resting on Darragh’s shoulder. “We actually did it.”
Darragh pulled him closer, wrapping an arm around Finn’s waist. “You did it. All of it. You proved Thomas wrong, proved everyone who doubted you wrong. You took a potentially catastrophic situation and turned it into an amazing triumph.”
But Finn shook his head against his shoulder. “We did it together. I couldn’t have done any of this alone. And I shouldn’t have tried to.”
The admission settled something in Darragh’s chest. They’d both learned hard lessons over the past months, nearly lost each other in the process of trying to prove themselves individually rather than working as actual partners.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.
I was na?ve,” Darragh admitted quietly. “About how difficult court life would be for you. I kept telling you to be yourself, that you were perfect, but I didn’t prepare you for how politely savage this world can be.
I should have been a true partner from the beginning, not just someone who patted your shoulder, gave you a hug, and offered you empty reassurances. ”
Finn shifted to look at him. “It wasn’t all your doing. I was just as bad. I was desperate to prove I was worthy of this position, and worthy of you. I almost destroyed the person you fell in love with, in the process.”
“Almost.” Darragh touched his face gently. “But you didn’t. You’re still you, just...more confident now. More certain of your place.”