Chapter Text
At last, you're mine
The wedding was to happen at twilight. The last ray of sunshine would embrace the future husband and wife and be a sumbolical blessing. Simon witness a little wedding when he was a kid but it had been from afar and he wasn't one of the guest. Now it was different, royalty, in the middle of other guests and with a Knight by his side.
He was fiddling the hem of his robe nervously while Raphael was pulling out some ceremony clothes. He knew that he was officially Raphael's lover so he had to live up to it but the idea of wearing noblemen clothes didn't make him feel confortable. Just when he put another shirt in his arms he mumbled:
“Are you sure I can't just go like this? I will sit in the back if I'm not presentable!
“You will be by my side Simon. It's a royal wedding, even at the back you can't be in your normal clothes. Here try this.” he handed him a long dark red tunic. “Also, everyone while be expecting you to wear my colors now that you're my lover.
“Do they also expect me to swoon at your each and every word? Are there more rules about being a knight's lover?
“There are no rules, stop panicking.
“I'm not panicking!” Simon said open his hands as to show it. What he didn't calculate was the wall not far from him and he hit his hand against it.
Raphael didn't comment but raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. The druid made puppy eyes while rubbing his hands.
“Ok maybe I am.
“It will be fine. If anyone has got something to say they'll have to answer to me. But more seriously. Stay away from anyone you don't know. With Camille lurking about she could have implanted her spies everywhere.
“She wouldn't attack during the wedding would she?
“Oh she is smarter than that. Believe me.” he brushed a strand of hair out of Simon's eye and smiled. “I need to do something before going to the ceremony. Clary and Isabelle are already there by the way.
“I'll join them then!” he gave him a quick peck on the lips before turning the clothes Raphael picked for him “Ugh, I'm going to look weird in those clothes.
“Not you won't. If you really hate them you can ask Magnus for advice.”
He started to leave but stopped at the door. He unclipped the broch holding his cape and went back to Simon. Without a word he just left the red cloth in his hands before rushing out, cheeks slightly red.
The druid stroked soflty the cape and smiled. He picked a simpe shirt and tried it on with the cape on. If his sister and mother could see this, they wouldn't believe it. He breathed in and chuckled, still a bit nervous. He wonder how was Magnus doing...
It was tradition to go, as a knight, give you blessings at the future king but he really didn't want to. 'Congratulation, you managed to break my friends heart and you are now making the biggest mistake of your life.'
Santiago bit his lips, no, not a good way of saying it. He mustn't forget he was going to adress to royalty and he was just mear knight. Finally he arrived at the chambers.
The sleepless knight breathed in deeply, calming himself down and knocking on the wooden door. He could do this and be polite. Being polite didn't mean to smile so it shouldn't be such big of a deal. The second the Prince appeared, all dressed in white and gold, Raphael corrected himself. No smile. Not possible.
“Santiago? I wasn't expecting you.”
The knight bowed down.
“I am here to pay my respect and wish happiness in your union.”
Alexander nodded, his face falling at the thought. He mumbled a thanks before quickly changing the subject.
“I'm not the only one tying the knot. I've heard about you and the druid. Congratulations.
“I bet the whole castle is gossiping about it.” Raphael complained. At the same time he didn't mind, people knew now that Simon was his and messing with him meant messing with the knight. The problem was everyone knew and so did Camille.
“It's unusual. Druids aren't really considered as a wise choice.
“Love isn't wise.” Raphael snapped. “When I met Simon I tried to be 'wise', to not let myself fall for him. I pushed him away and then he nearly died from a stupid attack.”
The knight meet the futur king's gaze and he asked.
“You know what's the worse in a tragic tale? It's the “what if”. Not to know if we could have work it out, not to know the first kiss or the first night we could have shared. The so many adventures that were awaiting us. All of this I could have lost it because I was trying to be wise.”
He stopped to take a deep breath. Alec was looking at him, his expression unreadable.
“I'm no adviser. I can't even hope to change your mind, but you know as well as me that it's Magnus that is supposed to be waiting at the altar. Not Branwell.
With that he left, not turning back. Leaving the prince in his own thoughts and choices.
Alexander Lightwood wasn't feeling happy about all this. He wished he could just lock away his feelings and do what was right. But what is truly right? Living a lie and give himself heart and soul to his kingdom? Or give all of it to the one man he loved?
He let out a shaky breath, fist clenched and stomped out of his room. He felt like dying. At least that would put him out of this situation.
Be careful what you wish for my Lord...
“Raphael!
Simon took his hand, eyes gleaming. He was all in white and red, the cape around his neck giving him more prestance. Raphael ranked his eyes up and down the man with a smirk, before catching up with the constant babling of the druid.
“You are so handsome! When you came in, like, all the ladies were staring! And look at me! I look ridiculous, Magnus put some green glitter in my hair. Green? When I'm wearing red! I think he wanted to mock me. Glitter doesn't even suits me, I -”
The knight cut him by putting a finger on his lips.
“It's good on you. Don't worry.” he sat, pulling his lover at his side. “How is Magnus?
“He said he'll stay in his room but he's waiting outside to try and talk to the prince one more time. I said we could still try to kidnappe the prince but...
“Kidnapping is not a way of seducing someone. There isn't much we can do now.”
Simon pouted sadly but decided on admiring the place where the ceremony was being held. The place was pitch clean, which that alone impressed the druid and his usual villagers ceremony. He nervously glanced around and when he saw Meliorn he waved at him. His friend smiled back but choose to stay at the back, not really found of meddling with the nobles who were whispering between them about the few druids and warlock here.
Raphael pulled him down, glancing around. He couldn't see Camille and he didn't know if he should be happy or worried about it. People seemed careless in this room, chatting and laughing out loud. Politics are never that innocent. In this place the knight didn't have enough hands to count every person that wouldn't tear a whole city down for a moment of glory. The reason why he became a knight was to stop people like Camille from doing so and he hated to play the hypocrite with all these snakes around him. He must have shown his displeasured because Simon caught his hand and brought it to his lips, calming him down and earning a smile from the nobleman.
While they waited in silence, they notice the sun settling down. Soon the wedding while begin. The King and Queen arrived with Isabelle, and sitting near the altar. Normally then the future King should be there too.
But Alec was nowhere to be seen. The king had a worried expression and made sign to a guard to come. He whispered something and sent him away before rubbing the queens hand reasuringly. Simon sent a look aroun realizing something.
The prince wasn't coming. People were getting impatient and muttering about his absence. If they waited too long the ceremony couldn't take place. Raphael sent a worried look at Lydia who shrugged helplessly. The king and queen were frowning even more now and the king Robert whispered into his wife ear before leaving discretly the scene. The knight nibbled nerously his lips, hope blooming in his chest for Magnus. Did Alexander choose to listen to him and follow his heart's desire?
Ragnor arrived, jumping above the empty chairs. Raphael frown and got up. He didn't have any problem with his way of living but all the royal guests where eyeing him and at this moment, they didn't need attention.
The old druid seemed relieved when the knight arrived. He made sign to follow him outside. Simon awkwardly looked them leaving and decided to wait. Meliorn seeing the empty spot took place and streched his arms.
“What's going on?” asked the youngest.
“How should I know? I'm just waiting for the free buffet after the ceremony.” he yawned. “I did notice a few strange guys sneaking around, but nothing worrysome enough to make a huge fit out of it.
"We should follow Raph and the others no?"
Meliorn tensed and narrowed his eyes. His gaze followed someone also discretly leaving the room and he look back at the younger man.
"I think I know who we should follow..."
Ragnor guided Raphael to Isabelle who managed to slip away too, she seemed worried. Clary was by her side, rubbing her arm gently. She took a deep breath and announced directly:
“Alec's missing. We went to see Magnus but he doesn't know either.
“Right.” the man said carefully. He cleared his throat, not really knowing what they expecting him to do. “You think it's a bad sign? He could be reconsidering the wedding.
“He isn't in his chambers, nor he is with anyone we know!
“We could ask Meliorn to look around in a bird form?” Ragnor made a face at the suggestion.
“He doesn't know the castle. Plus, if there are assassins lurking about it's too risky to be a small animal
“Look, he can't be that far! Maybe Lydia knows something?
“Well Jace asked her but she didn't seem to know anything.”
Raphael sighed, hands on his hips. Magnus arrived, his face extremely pale.
"Camille was supposed to be one of the guest, am I right?
"Yes?
"Then why isn't she there?"
Raphael put a hand on his friends arm. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. With their ennemy around they didn't know how to act. And it wasn't the prince style to just disapear. if there was a rpoblem he would make a decision but not leave everyone in the black. Suddenly a voice drawled, interrupting his thoughts.
“Well, well... The party tourned sour it seems.”
Raphael turned around, hand reaching for his sword, sadly he hadn't worn it for the wedding. He cursed himself for it before taking a step forward.
Camille was in gold and black. The dress falling to ground like the sleeves, hiding her hands. The knight frowned, she could be holding a dagger under it no one would notice. She was elegant and smiled politely to the person around her. Her eyes ended on Magnus and the dangerous glint in them made the whole group tense. She must feel extremel confident to just show herself to them without anyone around.
“Bellecourt... If ever you-
“If ever I waht? Please! You gave me too much credit. I can't plan such a theft just like that.” she laughed sweetly. “I just came to look around. I've got eyes everywhere, maybe I can help?”
Isabelle clenched her fist and stomped forward.
“What are you waiting for then? Tell us where he is!
“Darling! Our future King maybe needed some time alone don't you think? After all, he is making a serious decision. I don't want to just go spy on him and disturb him!" She made a fake-shoked voice but the smile appeared again.
“What do you want Bellecourt?”
She fake-sighed. Studying her nails.
“I don't really want you to disturb him. Oh, but we can find a compromise?”
Raphael calmed down and straightened himself.
“I think I'm seeing where this is going.
“You managed to steal a town from me. Fine, have fun with these rascals. But I want your word to stop tracking me, you and your other little lords. Swore it on your name Santiago and I'll give you a hint of where our dear Prince is.”
“If I don't.
“Then I guess we'll leave the prince to rest.” In peace her smile meant. She was carefull. Each one of her words implying but never denoucing herself.
“I gave you my word.
“Raphael don't -” Clary tried to stop him but he raised a hand.
“Until you make another mistake. The next time, I won't miss you.
“You could still miss more Santiago.” she threatened. “I saw the prince going to the little chapel, the one where there is a ceremonial well. I think he wanted to clear his mind.”
Raphael took Isabelle's hand and dragged everyone in the direction.
“Ragnor, go fetch the others!”
They ran .
Simon pulled the head of the prince in his lap. meliorn was prearing the potion with the few samples he had with him. The prince seemed peaceful, his quiet breathing becoming weaker... and weaker... The druid looked around helplessly. His friend was too deep into the healing to spare more time to the energy weakening in the other man's body. The brown headed guy had to do something. A blueish light enveloppe his fingertips and he poured his magic in the other's chest. He closed his eyes and tried to slow the poison even more, giving his own energy to keep Alec with them. He felt his own heart skipping a beat when he tried to give more of his energy but he felt Meliorn's hand pullign him away. He heard a 'don't need you faiting as well' and saw the healer pouring the remedy into the victim's mouth.
"Good thing we saw that guy snooping around! By the way, how do you know how to fight? You're a healer!" Simon commented.
"Being a healer don't necesseraly mean helpless." the man smirked. "He should be out of danger but we need to give him a bed and a peaceful..."
Magnus arrived banging the chapel's door and rushing to the unconscious prince. The two druids just had time to step away before everyone else arrived panicking.
“Alec? Alec it's me Isabelle! Please my brother, my big grumpy brother open your eyes!” she pulled him in her arms. “It's me, everything is going to be fine.”
"What can we do? Was he poisonned?" Magnus had tears in his eyes. "Please, tell me he's fine."
Meliorn put his hands on his hips and looked at the pack that arrived. Which a very offended voice he declared.
"He is fine, but he won't be if you keep cackling like geeses around him! Simon and I found him and cleared whatever was in his blood."
Raphael turned towards Simon. He didn't know if he had to be happy or annoyed.
"That easily?
"The poison didn't seem mortal. It's something easy to recognise: it sends people into coma but if you find him quickly it doesn't make much pain. Two days without help and it can get complicated but as we arrived like what... Half an hour after? He's going to be back on track in no time."
Raphael saw the prince blinking and his shoulder fell down.Of course Camille wouldn't threatened the Prince life. She made it look like it for them to be scared and to give her exactly what she wanted without risking anything for herslef.
"That clever devilish bitch." he muttered.
Alec looked around quite confused. Meliorn was puling people away to let him breath a bit but the prince noticed one person who resisted and stayed by his side. He grabbed the warlock's hand, a weak smile on his lips.
“Magnus...
“I'm here Alexander. I not leaving your side.” he kissed his forehead. “I was so scared...
"You don't have to be. I'm not going anywhere. Not anymore."
The king and Queen weren't happy about the situation. Their heir to the crown arrived past nightfall with his warlock lover and declared that he was the one he wanted to wed. Lydia was actually quite happy about it even if she didn't say anything. The king did complained about kids and how they never know what they wantbut he gave his blessing anyways. Maryse narrowed her eyes at Magnus, suspecting that he was the one who stopped Alec from coming to the wedding. Camille left shortly after having Raphael's word. He was going to stick to it, he wasn't one to just lie and go behind people's back but he felt like a fool. He kept cursing and grumbling about what he should have done instead of falling head first into her lies. Simon took him back to there chambers, trying to lift his spirits up.
After all... Magnus has never been this happy. Their 'quest' was finally coming to an end, a happy end lucky them.
"Now what?" The knight said arms flailing around. there were back in their romm and Raphael still was angry. "She away, I gave my word about it and she's probably planning a new way to drag me down!
"There is no witness of your deal. You can still go after her.
"But I know I gave my word. If it wasn't a stupid trick of her I would have keep it nevertheless. It's just..." he breathed in deeply, trying not to scream in frustration. "It's not finished. I'll get her."
“In that case, next time, you'll have me to fight with you. Well, I'm rubbish at fighting so maybe not. Damn I saw Meliorn kicking someone's butt, it was impressive! ”
The knight smiled at the energy his lover had said those words. His eyes were gleaming and he had been a bit lost with all the moving about of the group. The knight pulled him in his arms, feeling himself calm down when he felt his warthm against him.
'Yes. You of them all will stay by my side.'
"I love you Santiago. Do you know that? I don't care if some crazy evil queen is after you: as long as you want this cranky druid that I am I'll cherish you until the day I die.
"My little damsel in distress." he chuckled ignoring Simon protesting high pitched coment. 'I AM NOT a damsel!'. "When did I get so lucky.
They moved together and their lips collided. Wandering hands gripped hips and soft gasp escaped from both of them. Simon felt panick rise in his chest when Raphael hand's went under his shirt.
"The marks... Wait!" he sighed. "they don't hurt but they're pretty ugly I..." He gulped. "I don't want you to see me like this.
"Nothing about you is ugly Simon. I want to kiss each one of your scars.” he whispered against the druid's lips. “I want to feel every inch of your skin under my hands and lips.”
Simon relaxed against him. He smiled shly when, slowly, he undressed himself. He shivered at the look the nobleman had, as his clothes reached the ground he stepped out of them. “I'm yours Lord Santiago.”
“I'm yours Lord Santiago.”
The knight eyes settled on the marked torso. He brushed his hands against a scar that climbs near his ribs before pulling the man against him. Tonight, he could finally hope for a happy ending. For him, Magnus and every lover in this castle.
“But you won't escape Lewis's family dinner! I still need to bring Robert back to his true master. he sulked this morning! After all the things I did for him! Heaven, I miss Touchwood...”
The druid would never change. Luckily for Raphael, he knew exactly how to shut Simon up.