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 Ialso 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.”
