Damien brushed a piece of hair out of his face as he leaned against the castle gate. Today, he and Remy had gate duty. Could be worse. For example, they weren't the poor suckers dealing with the east. Wild party cries kept coming from that direction, though nothing at all existed to be celebrating at the moment.

A few minutes later, Remy appeared in his usual spot. "Hey. Sorry. Boyfriend needed me."

"It's fine!" He sighed and looked up at the sky happily.

"... You're strangely chipper today. Who did you stab?" Remy stopped fixing his helmet and looked at the other.

"No one! Why would you think-??"

"Did you finally stab the-... You know..."

"No!! I would never!! He's our ruler!!"

"You hate him, Dee."

"... Well, yeah... But Remus doesn't..." Damien shrugged, fiddling with a leaf.

"Ohhh..." A look of realization came across Remy's face. "Did he actually-??"

"Yeah. Yeah. He did."

"Awww!!" The other smiled widely and covered his mouth. "That is ADORABLE!!"

"Whahatever." Damien shrugged. "I just... He..."

"You're so happy! You can't even make up excuses!!"

"Rem, I'm going to THE royal masquerade. With a prince."

"Not just A prince- Remus."

Damien pulled his helm off and ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah... Remus... Wow..." He was smiling widely. "Pat won't believe it."

"Sooo- are y'all gonna do anything together beforreee that?" Remy questioned, nudging him.

"He asked if I wanted to go horseback riding this evening..."

"What did you sayyy??"

"Yeah. If he wanted to."

"God. Stop acting all calm. Just squeal."

"I don't want to squeal-"

"You know you do."

"I have work."

Remy rolled his eyes, then fell silent. "... Will I still be your best friend when you're a Duke?" he asked quietly. Damien's eyes widened.

"Yes! Of course! Why wouldn't you??"

"..." Remy only smirked, looking over at him.

"..." Damien realized and covered his mouth. "Fuuu-"

"You didn't deny you becoming a duke. Which means you'd have to marry Remus."

"Shut up!!"

"Dee, you're serious about this!! OMG!!" Remy hopped up and down.

"It doesn't even matter. He's a prince. I'm not legally allowed on so many levels, Rem." He put his helmet back on.

"That's bull. Roman will be king. You know he won't allow those dumb rules to stay around much longer."

"About that..."

"... What?" Remy looked at him questioningly.

"Roman talks of changing so much... but how are the people gonna react?"

"What do you mean?"

"I just... don't want to see him hurt..."

"Aw, Dee. He'll be fine. We're his guards, after all, right?" Remy nudged him, which caused Damien to smile slightly.

"... I guess you're right." He shrugged.

"Mhm! Now tell me all about your date with Prince Remus."

NEW CHAPTER COMING LATER TODAY!!