Chapter Twenty-Seven #2
“Because I finally understand what my place actually is.” Finn smiled.
“I’m never going to be a traditional king consort.
I’ll never glide through court politics or host elegant salons.
But I can solve practical problems. I can cut through diplomatic nonsense and ask the obvious questions.
I can fix things, physically and politically, at times. ”
“You can do all that and more.” Darragh kissed his forehead. “And now you have people around you know who appreciate those skills rather than trying to change you.”
They sat in comfortable silence for several minutes. Through the windows, Darragh could see staff beginning cleanup operations in the courtyard. The castle would return to normal soon, the frantic energy of the summit fading into their regular routine.
“We’re stronger now, though,” Finn said eventually. “Aren’t we?”
“I think so. We’re a team.” Darragh turned Finn’s face toward him, meeting his eyes. “We’re finally, actually, a workable team. That’s what we should have been all along.”
“Better late than never, I guess?”
“Much better.” Darragh kissed him slowly - they were both too tired to do much else. But Finn melted against him with a contented sigh, accepting the affection for what it was.
When they finally pulled apart, Finn’s expression had turned thoughtful.
“I’ve been having some new ideas about infrastructure improvements across Safe Harbor, not just in Winrone.
During the summit preparations, I learned so much about supply chains and resource management.
There are villages that need better roads, bridges that should be reinforced, systems that could be streamlined. ..”
Darragh felt himself smile. This was the Finn he dreamed of – the practical man who was already looking for the next way to help people.
“I think it could be a good idea to reform some of our more elitist court traditions,” Darragh admitted.
“I’d like to make Safe Harbor’s government more accessible to everyone.
I think we can use the summit to prove that formality for formality’s sake serves no real purpose, that respect and authority can happen in a simpler system. ”
“I can mentally see Aldric already sharpening his quill. We’ll have resistance.”
“That’s what advisers do, but I’m not worried. We’ll handle it together.”
Finn grinned. “I might have to go and fix a roof that day. You know, me and council meetings are not always a good match.”
“You know you’ll be in that particular meeting by my side - we both want a more accessible government.
” Darragh yawned, quickly covering his mouth with his hand.
“We should probably move to the actual bed,” he suggested without making any effort to stand.
The sofa was comfortable, Finn was warm against his side, and moving required energy neither of them possessed. “We could take a nap before dinner.”
“In a minute.” Finn settled more firmly against him. “I just want to enjoy this. No delegations to manage, no crises to solve, no one watching and judging every little thing. Just us.”
“Just us,” Darragh agreed. He ran his fingers through Finn’s hair, feeling his husband relax further. “You know, when my advisers first suggested finding a spouse, I never imagined this.”
“What, a carpenter who insults visiting nobility and fixes window latches?”
“A partner who complements me in every way.” Darragh’s voice softened. “Someone who makes me want to be better, not because I’m inadequate, but because being better means building something together.”
Finn lifted his head, eyes suspiciously bright. “That’s possibly the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“I’m working on being more expressive.”
“You’re doing well.” Finn kissed him again, this time with more heat despite their exhaustion. “Though I should point out that I also see the crown you wear. I’m not blind. It’s rather large and sits on your head during formal occasions.”
Darragh laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Cheeky - and you have a crown, too, remember.”
“You love it when I’m cheeky.”
“I love you.” The words came easily now. Darragh had always known Finn was the one for him - from the moment they’d met - but he knew he’d let his own fears for his people and for not being good enough get in the way of those feelings at times. “I love you even when you’re being difficult.”
“Especially when I’m being difficult,” Finn corrected. “That’s when I’m most myself.”
“True.” Darragh pulled him close again, breathing in the familiar scent of him. “We’re going to be insufferable now, aren’t we? Successfully hosting a World Council summit is going to make us unbearably smug.”
“Absolutely. I plan to remind Helena of this triumph every time she gives me that look.”
“What look?”
“The one that says, ‘you’re about to do something inappropriate.’” Finn’s grin turned wicked. “Which I usually am, to be fair.”
“Don’t change.” Darragh meant that in every way. “Promise me you won’t change who you are. Not for court, not for politics, not for anyone.”
Finn’s expression softened. “I promise, as long as you promise the same. No more pretending you’re just the crown. You’re Darragh first, king second.”
“Deal.”
They sealed it with another kiss, this one lingering and sweet.
Outside, the sun was slowly setting over Safe Harbor, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose.
Inside their private chambers, wrapped in each other’s arms, Darragh felt something settle into place - the final piece of a puzzle he hadn’t known was incomplete.
“We should celebrate properly,” Finn murmured against his lips. “When we have actual energy.”
“Proper celebration requires consciousness.”
“Exactly my point.” But Finn still made no move to get up, seemingly content to stay exactly where they were.
“I’m glad you came to that first interview,” Darragh said quietly. “Even if Jericho had to force you.”
“I’m glad you chose me. Even though I tried to fail.”
“Especially because you tried to fail. You were the only one being honest.”
Finn laughed softly. “Look at us. The king who wanted honesty and the carpenter who couldn’t lie. We’re actually perfect for each other.”
“Disgustingly so.”
They fell silent again, Finn’s breathing evening out as exhaustion finally claimed him. Darragh held him close, watching shadows lengthen across their rooms as evening settled over the castle.
Tomorrow, they’d start addressing the infrastructure improvements Finn wanted to implement. They’d begin reforming outdated court traditions. They’d continue building the partnership that had proven so effective during the summit.
But tonight, they’d simply be together - two people who’d found each other against all odds and somehow made it work.
“Love you,” Finn mumbled, already dozing.
Darragh kissed the top of his head. “Love you, too, my impossible, wonderful, perfect king consort.”
“Your husband,” Finn corrected drowsily. “The titles are only useful for paperwork.”
“My husband,” Darragh agreed, smiling as Finn’s breathing deepened into sleep, my amazing husband.