Nathan savored the kiss with Mark. His hand reaching up to brush Mark's hair from his face before running it through his hair to pull him deeper into the kiss. A deep throaty moan left Mark as he leaned more into the kiss, turning Nathan just enough to push him up against the tree. Giggling quietly, Nathan started to wrap his arms around Mark's neck, until Lieutenant Mattias called out with worry. "Your highness?" Mark's expression fell as he stepped back from Nate, averting his eyes from him as a small group of guards approached. Straightening himself up, Nathan asked them regally. "Yes? Something the matter?" Lieutenant Mattias bowed to him, then swiftly informed him. "Your highness. Permit me and my men to protect you. I notice that you have no guards, and it is dangerous out here. As the King of Arendelle, it is my duty to keep you safe." Mark puffed himself up a little, informing the Lieutenant bluntly. "He has no guards because this was to be a stealth mission. We travel faster with less men to worry about." Lieutenant Mattias lost a bit of his professional composure when he stated out a bit sarcastically to Mark. "I'm sorry. Who are you? I believe I addressed the King. Not you. My apologizes if you didn't see it that way."

Mark tensed, but Nathan stepped between them to tell the Lieutenant in a warning tone. "Mark is my guide and advisor. I ask that you reframe from speaking to him like that. I would not be here if not for his aid. Am I clear?" Lieutenant Mattias bowed to Nathan, replying in an apologetic tone. "My humblest apologies, my lord. He's dressed like a Northuldran. So, I assumed-" Feeling a little unsettled, Nathan blurted out. "I wouldn't assume anything, if I was you. You wish to protect me, and I accept it. But in the future, I suggest letting ME pass judgement." Lieutenant Mattias bowed more deeply, telling him even more humbly. "Of course, your majesty. Forgive me. I meant no offense." Lifting his chin, Nathan replied in a firm royal tone. "Your imprudence is forgiven. Take care that it doesn't happen again." Nathan then glanced over his shoulder, telling Mark only slightly more casual. "Mark. Let's retire to my tent. I have a few things I wish to discuss with you." Mark bowed his head, answering calmly in return. "As you wish, your highness." Nathan turned on his heel and started walking but gestured for Mark to walk up beside him.

Mark jogged up to walk slowly next him, glancing back at the guards that now followed in unified formation at a slight distance. Leaning a bit close to Nathan, Mark whispered out discreetly. "If they find out that I'm not one of your advisors, we could get in trouble." Nathan flashed him a playful smirk, answering in a playfully discreet whisper of his own. "They have no way of knowing for right now. Besides, this is a diplomatic mission and as my guide... you are technically my advisor." Mark chuckled lightly, prompting Nathan to nudge his shoulder with his arm and add with a warm smile. "Relax. You're with a king. You are what I say you are. My word is law." Mark shook his head, mumbling out. "Careful there. Your ego might get too big for your crown." Nathan grinned, telling Mark openly. "Guess you better advise me to keep my feet on the ground." Walking to the Lavvu, Nathan slipped inside and gestured Mark in. Once Mark was in, Nathan unlaced the leather flap and told his new guards seriously. "I am not to be disturbed. Stay out here and... guard." Mark snorted and Nathan blushed. The guards bowed professionally, taking positions around the Lavvu.

Closing the flap, Nathan turned to tell Mark in a more relaxed and shy tone of voice. "Don't laugh. I... I didn't know what else to call it." Mark playfully bowed to him; his teasing smile clear on his face when he replied sarcastically. "My apologies... You have such a way with words. I was left speechless." Picking up a pillow, Nathan threw it at him. Mark flinched as it hit him, teasing out. "Should I advise you on your unkinglike behavior? Your majesty." Dashing around the firepit, Nathan chased after Mark. The both of them laughing as Nathan tackled Mark down onto the furs. Adjusting over Mark, Nathan whispered down to him innocently. "Don't call me that." Smiling, Mark brushed his knuckles along Nathan's cold cheeks, whispering back so sweetly. "Don't call you what? Your majesty?" Nathan's smile faded as he took Mark's wrists and moved them away from his face. Staring down into his eyes, he told Mark a little seriously. "I don't want to be reminded of that when I'm with you. I want to be... myself with you. Not your king." Mark flipped Nathan over onto his back, laying over him before whispering over his lips lovingly. "But you are my king. So, command me. I am yours."

Nathan shifted under him better, pulling his head down to whisper into his ear. "Make love to me... only if you want too." Mark smirked, his lips going to Nathan's throat to kiss him tenderly. The feeling of his warm lips on his skin making Nathan close his eyes and arch his head back to expose his neck for him with a little sigh. Kissing a trail up his neck, Mark sucked on Nathan's pierced earlobe before whispering huskily into his ear. "Aren't you worried about your guards overhearing us?" Nathan chuckled softly, rubbing Mark's arms as he purred against his neck. "I command you to do it quietly." Mark's lips moved over Nathan's, whispering so innocently to him. "I shall... but can you?" Smiling wickedly, Nathan wrapped his arms around Mark's neck and chuckled out. "As I said. Find a way to do me... quietly." Sitting up, Mark removed his clothes quickly, while Nathan laid still admiring how the warm glow of the firepit lit up his beautiful skin. Mark smiled down at him, before crawling over him to purr down to him. "Like what you see?" Nathan tapped the underside of his jaw, whispering up over his lips. "Of course. I can't get enough of ya."

Mark's hand unbuttoned Nathan's jacket, slowly undressing as he stole brief kisses from him. Slipping from his clothes, Nathan glanced nervously at the flap of the Lavvu. He didn't think any of the guards would let anyone in, but as a king, he always worried about getting caught doing something. Mark pulled a fur over them as he nestled down over Nathan's chilled skin. The firepit kept Mark from shivering to Nathan's touch, but Nathan enjoyed his warmth. Laying his arms over his head, Nathan arched his back trying to keep a moan from escaping his lips as Mark's hand caressed him. Prepping him, Mark slowly entered, and Nathan clawed at the furs as he tried to stifle a throaty groan. Biting his lip, Nathan raised his legs to wrap around Mark's waist. Mark chuckled, burying his face against his neck when he strained out. "You good?" Nathan nodded, his hands sliding up along Mark's arms to rub the backs of Mark's shoulders to keep him close. One of Mark's arms hooked around one of Nathan's thighs, holding it up against his side as he gently rocked over him. Nathan loved when Mark moved slow like this. It made everything stand out. He could hear the hitches in Mark's steady breathing.

He could feel his fingers digging into the soft flesh of his thigh as he held him, and how his hand would eventually slowly ease down to grip his ass to pull him closer as his passion grew. The way Mark's hair fell over his face or clung to him as he began to sweat. It was all so beautiful to him. Holding Mark's sides, Nathan panted harder and clawed at Mark's hips as he desired him to go deeper inside him. Mark kissed his throat hungrily and whenever Nathan even made a trace of a sound; his lips would find his to capture it in a deep kiss. During a deep passionate kiss that barely contained Mark's lusty grunts, Nathan broke the kiss to pant out breathlessly. "Fuck... I wish I could have your baby." Mark chuckled against his throat, kissing a tender spot under his ear before whispering back just as breathlessly. "Ya? You'd want that right now?" Nathan nodded, gasping as his pleasure started to build up. Mark's hand pulled his ass firmly against his deep thrusts, growling out in a playfully possessive whisper against his throat. "How scandalous of you..." Nathan giggled briefly, before his climax hit, causing his body to lock up and a blissful moan to escape his throat.

Covering Nathan's mouth with his free hand, Mark grunted and pushed in as deep as he could go as his own climax hit seconds later. Nathan shuddered under Mark, his legs pinning Mark deep inside him. When his body finally relaxed and released Mark, Mark pulled out but stayed over him. Kissing his neck, Mark panted out completely exhausted. "Damn... my whole body felt that one." Nathan giggled, wrapping his arms around him as he lovingly whispered into his ear. "I could tell. Mark?" Mark hummed as his only response; his body so tired that it was falling asleep to recover. Kissing his cheek, Nathan whispered into his ear. "I love you. So much. You know that, right?" Mark opened his eyes, bringing his lips to his in a tender kiss that made Nathan's heart skip a beat. Upon pulling away, Mark whispered to him in a deep heartfelt tone. "I know. I love you too. Get some rest. We've got a long day tomorrow." Nathan nodded, then snuggled up against Mark's warm chest. Mark draped his arm protectively over him, his hand rubbing his back until he fell asleep. For a time, Nathan slept peacefully. Lost in Mark's warm safe embrace. Until the voice started to sing again.

Whining, Nathan snuggled closer to Mark, trying to block out the voice. Why wouldn't it let him sleep? He was here. He was on his way. It was almost cruel how pushy the voice was. He just wanted to sleep. He was so tired. In his desperation, he snuggled as close to Mark's chest as he could get in the hopes of him protecting him from the voice. It seemed to work, and he slipped into his dream. He was dancing on the large outdoor balcony in Arendelle's castle with Mark. The stars glittered above them, and soft music played. It was as if no one was around. Allowing them to dance the night away, sharing bright smiles and loving kisses. Mark twirled him and Nathan giggled, watching Mark's body shimmer like a golden rainbow. It was so beautiful. He couldn't look away. Then when Mark twirled him again, Mark looked completely different. He was dressed in a fancy white pelt with a hood that had large antlers. Nathan reached up to touch his face that was hidden under the hood, feeling his warmth and loving smile. Nathan kept dancing with him around the balcony, loving how Mark's strong warm arms felt over his arms as he led him around so gracefully.

It was such a beautiful dream, until they stopped dancing and Nathan turned in Mark's arms to face him. Reaching up, he pushed Mark's hood back to see his painted face with the elemental symbols over his cheekbones. Mark cupped his face, whispering out so wispily. "Isak..." Nathan furrowed his brows, mumbling out. "What...? Mark, that's not my-" Nathan was cut off by the image of Hans creeping up behind Mark with King Runeard's sword. Before Nathan could say anything, Hans raised the sword and plunged it toward Mark's back. Nathan screamed, jerking upright to find that he wasn't just screaming in his dream! Mark was covered in snow and shivered as he shook Nathan's shoulders and called out to him. "Nate?! NATE! It's ok! Calm down!" Nathan relaxed, glancing around at the snow that was swirling around inside the Lavvu. The flap to the Lavvu was yanked open to reveal the faces of the worried soldiers and a few Northuldra. Mark tensed, covering himself up a bit. Nathan panted heavily, still trying to collect himself as Lieutenant Mattias yelled out to Mark. "What did you do?!" Lieutenant Mattias started to step inside, drawing his sword as he asked aloud. "Your highness? Are you-?" Before he could finish, the ground violently shook.

The ground shook so violently that everyone standing, staggered to their knees or fell flat to the ground from lack of balance. Lieutenant Mattias fell back out of the Lavvu, shakily asking over the rumbling ground. "What's happening?!" Mark scooted closer, pulling Nathan protectively into his arms. While outside, a Northuldran woman stated aloud. "Sten! The Earth Giant! He's moving!" The ground slowly settled back down, allowing Yelena to calm everyone a bit by saying aloud. "It's alright everyone! Sten was shifting in his sleep. We're ok." Lieutenant Mattias huffed darkly, snapping out. "Ok? How is that ok?! I've NEVER felt that much shaking in... a while!" Yelena clutched her walking stick better, informing him seriously. "Sten has been slumbering. He hasn't moved in years... but I fear his dreams are starting to wake him. He's as restless as the other Spirits. Something is distressing him... We should go to the cliffs and check on him." Lieutenant Mattias climbed to his feet, muttering out gruffly. "Check on him... HA. Yes. Cause how can you miss a twenty-five feet tall giant?!" Yelena stopped short in her attempt to walk away, whirling around to snap back. "Maybe if you gave us the Shaman. We wouldn't have to worry about the Spirits so much."

Lieutenant Mattias groaned, rolling his eyes before sternly retorting. "How many times must we go through this, Yelena?! We DO NOT have your Shaman!" Yelena huffed doubtfully, bitterly shooting back. "I don't have proof that you don't. And I wouldn't expect you to tell the truth if you did or didn't have him. That would be asking too much of you to be honest!" Lieutenant Mattias hefted his sword, pointing it at her aggressively as he told her darkly. "It would not surprise me if your Shaman is not the man you think he is! He probably caused all this in the first place!" Yelena puffed herself up, but Nathan got to his feet, wrapping a fur pelt around himself as he shouted out to them. "Can you both stop?! Pointing blame is going to get us nowhere." Yelena exhaled, turning to look at the rising dawn as she told them. "Right. After breakfast, we'll pack up and head out. We have some distance to cover." Lieutenant Mattias composed himself, then looked over Nathan and Mark with disapproval. Mark shrunk into the back of the Lavvu and out of sight, while Nathan stared down the Lieutenant and uttered out in challenging tone. "Do you have something you wish to say to me, Lieutenant?"

Lieutenant Mattias shook his head, lowering his eyes but his jaw tensed like he wanted to say something. Nathan reached out to grab the flap, telling the Lieutenant seriously. "Fine. Then as you were, Soldier." Slamming the flap shut, Nathan exhaled all the confidence and bravery that he'd built up. Turning slightly to look at Mark with fragile eyes, Nathan asked him timidly. "Are you alright?" Mark nodded, moving closer to wrap him up in his arms beneath his own fur blanket. Kissing his cheek, Mark whispered to him as he shivered a bit. "I'm fine. See?" Nathan's hands ran over Mark's torso and back to confirm it, then relaxed in his arms until his breathing leveled out. To Be Continued...