Chapter Text
The palace was not what he had expected it to be, despite the memories of the old stars dancing through his mind. He had imagined it large and closed off from the rest of the city built around it, but that was nowhere near the case. The walls surrounding it were low, and the gates wide open for anyone who wished to enter. The courtyard was small, and connected to a busy marketplace by a series of low arches, and people passed between the two open spaces with ease. There were guards, dressed much the same as the people that had escorted him there, but most only made sure those entering and leaving stated their purpose before they sent them on their way.
The ride there had been longer than expected, and despite having left the hills near sunrise, it was still late afternoon by the time they entered the courtyard. He had been on the back of the Captain's creature – horse, it had been called by the men – and while the sensation of riding had been strange to begin with, he had found he hadn't been opposed to it. Especially not when he was still uncertain whether his legs could carry him longer distances.
He had already found a fondness for the men he had spent the previous night with, all having been welcoming towards him and not been opposed to teaching him what he didn't understand. There had been amusement at his lack of knowledge of how his own body worked, but also some sense of understanding. They had joked about his inabilities, but also been interested in hearing his experiences and what little he knew of their world from his location in the sky, and tried to explain what had happened since the last star had fallen. It had been long for all of them, and they had told him few still alive had remembered the Queen's fall, but the fallen stars had been a part of their history for so long that everything had been prepared for his arrival for a long time. Stars only fell on certain nights at the end of a year's warmer months, when the moon was bright and full, and so while a century had passed since the Queen's fall, there hadn't been many nights where his fall could have taken place.
Still, the mortals had waited and he couldn't help but to feel guilty, no matter how welcoming they had been. He knew his fall hadn't been his decision, but he also knew he couldn't provide any explanation for why stars had stopped falling as often, or apologise for making so many wait for so long.
No one had held his lack of answers against him, however, and the time spent with the men had even brought him a new name. It had initially confused him why mortals felt the need for multiple names, but there had also been something about it that he had liked. Edward had felt stiff, strange, and he had been uncertain of whether it was one he suited. The Captain had assured him it did, but something about the other name spoken by a dark-haired man introduced as Snafu, had somehow caught his liking.
“If ya don't mind, ya don't really look like an Edward. Mind if I call ya Eddie?” The man had smiled, teeth gleaming in the light of the fire, a friend to his right with flaming red hair looking horrified at his forwardness until others chimed in. Agreeing that the name – nickname, they called it – fit him better.
The Captain had protested at first, reprimanding the men for disrespecting their new ruler, but Eddie had been quick to step in, to assure him he didn't mind. That he preferred the nickname over the full name, and that he didn't mind them using it. Because he didn't, and he couldn't help but smile as Snafu made another amusing remark, which had even the Captain cracking a smile.
“King Eddie. Sounds like one hell of a ruler.”
The words were still dancing through his head as the Captain pulled the horse to a halt in the courtyard, and helped Eddie back onto the ground. His own thoughts had kept him from noticing the sudden stillness of the place, but he was soon made aware as his eyes rose to inspect the area.
He was shocked by the silence of the previously busy place, everyone having suddenly stopped in their tracks to watch him dismount and find his bearings. It once more brought back the uncomfortable feeling from the night before, suddenly feeling as exposed as he had then, despite the clothes he now wore. His skin still gave off a faint glow, and despite most of it being covered up, he still felt like a beacon. Standing out more because of it, than the fact that he was a fresh face that no one had ever seen before.
The silence dragged on as the other men dismounted, horses led off by young boys as they gathered behind their Captain. Their mission done, but still reluctant to disperse before the Captain had assured them they could.
“Let's go.” The Captain was the one who broke the silence, a gentle hand pressing against Eddie's back setting him in motion as the man led him towards the entrance to the palace. Despite the eyes still on him, the hand helped him keep moving, and he was thankful for it. Feeling reassured and calmed by it, while his heart still beat wildly in his chest. Suddenly nervous for what to come and what entering the palace would mean, but a little calmer knowing he wasn't alone.
–
Andrew knew his time by the new ruler's side was only temporary. He had only been tasked with escorting him to the palace, and he knew as soon as they reached the throne room, the mission would be officially finished. His men had already been dismissed to get their well-deserved rest, and he would join them as soon as given leave, but he suddenly wasn't feeling as prepared for it as he had once been.
He had been hesitant to admit it to himself, but watching Edward's – Eddie's – marvel at the city and the palace as it had first come into view, had suddenly made him aware the man wasn't one he didn't want to leave. It was similar to the protectiveness he felt for his men, and how he would never abandon any of them if he had a choice, but it was also something else. Stronger than anything he had felt before, and it had almost scared him at first. Knowing there was no certainty that he would ever be close enough to the new ruler again to ever interact the way they had since their first meeting. Staying close wasn't his choice, and he knew he couldn't expect to have a say in the matter. No matter how much he would have liked to.
The thoughts were quickly dismissed from his mind as the entrance leading into the throne room came into view. Guards were posted outside, but they were both quick to move out of the way as soon as the faint glow the star still emitted because obvious. It had faded significantly since the night before, but was still strong enough to be seen in broad daylight, and Andrew had found himself marvelling at it without even realising what he was doing. Despite having seen the faint glow of stardust-filled birthmarks before, they were nothing compared with the beauty of Eddie's starlight.
Their arrival in the throne room had been expected, and the room was almost full to the brim by the time they passed over the threshold. The silence was almost as thick as the one in the courtyard below, but it was interrupted much quicker, this time by the voice of an expectant Queen.
“Welcome, my dear. I am so glad you are finally here.” Despite her worn appearance, the Queen was still straight-backed, eyes still strikingly blue despite a slight haze, and her steps as she approached the new arrivals still carried a spring. “I trust your journey wasn't too unpleasant.” Her smile was almost as blinding as the starlight had been the night before, and Andrew could notice a slight hesitance in Eddie's stance before he returned the smile. Still seemingly uncomfortable with having so many eyes on him, but not opposed to the Queen's greeting.
“It has been better than expected, thank you. Strange, 'm gonna 'ave to admit, but not unpleasant whatsoever.” A look was sneaked in Andrew's direction at the words, before blue eyes were brought back to meet ones of the same colour.
Eddie's next words was almost inaudible as he spoke, and it took Andrew a minute to realise they were in a different language, before he stopped attempting to understand what they meant. They flowed in a way the man's speech hadn't before, and he couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful it sounded. Completely different from anything he had ever heard before, and it took him until the Queen replied – seemingly pleasantly surprised – to realise it was the language of the stars.
The conversation flowed, back in forth, almost like music, for a few minutes before the Queen nodded and turned to the gathered. Hands clasped together before her, smile a little broader than before.
“Please allow me to introduce my successor: Edward. I am certain you will love and care for him just as well as you have loved and cared for me, and so many before us both. All stars will always be thankful for your hospitality, and we ask that you extend it one last time to one last king.” She paused, eyes flickering to Eddie before continuing, voice a little softer. “We no longer fall as we used to, and Edward has informed me there is no certainty any other will fall after him. He has promised to care for you as long as he is able, but there are also changes that needs to be made, which I hope you will all help him with. I will help him settle in, to the best of my ability, but after his coronation he will be left in your hands. He will require your help to bring change, before too much time is allowed to pass. I am certain you will do well.” She paused again, as confused whispers filled the room, worry evident despite that the Queen's message hadn't been particularly grim. “The word will be spread to the rest of the people in time, but for now I wish for it to stay with only the people present here. I know I can trust all of you with this information.” There was a moment's hesitance after she had finished speaking, but there was soon nods of agreement, none present wishing to deny the Queen one of her last requests.
–
The next few days passed in a blur, making Eddie unable to distinguish between them. Much had happened since the Queen had taken her place on the throne, and most were things he had been unable to witness from above. He was eager to learn, but there was also a part of him that wished for time to adjust. They had tried to give him as much time as possible, but the Queen was old, and he knew she didn't have much time left to return to the sky. The starlight in their veins faded when they were away from the sky, and what little time he had spent on Earth had already made him feel different. He barely even dared to imagine the weariness that had to be in the Queen after being away for so long. To him, it was a wonder she was still standing so strong.
Her strength was what had surprised him the most when he had first met her. She stood straight, eyes still firm despite their haziness, and her voice carried better than he had expected. Despite the age marked on her skin and in her hair, she still looked almost as young as his form, and not like someone who was nearing the end of a mortal life.
He admired her, and all that she had done over her long reign, but it all also made him fear for his own. She was loved by the people – it was obvious from his first meeting with her – and to take her place was nothing he was looking forward to. Yet, he knew he had to do it. He had made a promise, and he knew he had to fulfil it, together with the task he knew he had to perform.
The knowledge that he might be the last had been luring in the back of his mind, but it was nothing he had been willing to share until meeting the Queen. He hadn't known what to do with the information, but she had helped him understand what it all meant. The mortals had changed since the first star had fallen, and it was obvious to him after watching them from the palace windows that they didn't need the stars to guide them from the ground anymore. It was their time to rule themselves, and he was the one who would guide them in the process. It was a task he wasn't certain of how to do, but the time spent with the Queen and her advisors since his arrival had made it a little less daunting.
However, the preparations had kept him busy, and he had soon started to long for the time he had spent with the Captain and his men. They had all returned to their regular duties in the army, preparing like most of the kingdom for the coronation to come, and he had been unsure of how to find them again. Hesitant questions directed at a palace guard, however, had soon directed him to their quarters, and he had paid a careful visit late one evening. Uncertain of what to say when he saw the Captain again, but knowing the longing in his chest wasn't about to disappear if he kept staying away.
The meeting had been brief, and he had been unable to keep his eyes off the other's face during it, but it had led to more time spent together the next evening, and yet again the next, until it had become a habit for him to sneak through the dim corridors to find the other man.
That evening was different, however, and he was pleasantly surprised to find the Captain waiting outside the throne room when he exited. Momentarily stunned by seeing him there, but soon allowing a smile to find its way onto his lips as he approached. Unaware of the amused looks he was given by the courtiers that had exited with him, and how the faint glow still surrounding him became a little brighter the second he lay eyes on the Captain's now familiar features.
“Careful there, Eddie. That glow makes it look as if you're fond of me.” Despite the Captain's light tone, the words were enough to make Eddie's stomach lurch, smile dropping as he came to a halt. Suddenly all too aware of the glow around him, and how it shone even brighter in the evening shadows.
He struggled to reply, mouth opening and closing a few times before he realised he wasn't certain of what to say. Because it was true he was growing fond of the Captain, but it was nothing he was about to admit to the man's face. They had only known each other for a few brief days, and he doubted it could beat any friendships the Captain had previously had. It was not even certain the Captain considered him anything other than a nuisance, but that the man had appeared by his own free will that evening made Eddie hope for something more than just a soldier guarding a royal.
“No need to look so worried, I'm just joking with you.” The Captain's own smile grew a little broader as he spoke, shooting Eddie a wink before he gestured down the dim corridor. “This way. I have something I want to show you.”
–
Despite taking many walks around the palace during sleepless nights – he struggled with sleeping when the mortals did, and instead spent most of the days fighting to keep his eyes open – Eddie knew he had seen barely a fraction of what lay within its walls. Each corridor seemed to have an endless number of doors leading into new rooms and corridors, and no matter how long he walked he felt as if he never got anywhere. He knew he was from the changing carpets running along the corridors, but in the darker parts of the palace the colours and patterns all tended to look the same. Especially the older ones, that had been worn by hundreds – perhaps even thousands – of feet over the centuries, and that in places had unravelled to reveal the stone underneath. They, like the corridors and rooms, were a part of the palace's history, and at times it almost saddened him to see what had been left to be eaten by time.
The Captain, however, seemed to know the palace like the back of his hand. He explained it by saying he had spent many long hours guarding most of it, but Eddie could also guess it wasn't the full truth. The man had, like most of the people in the kingdom, a birthmark showing his relation to the stars, but unlike most, his had a tendency to shine a little brighter.
Eddie hadn't asked further, but the extra amount of stardust in the Captain's veins was all too obvious to him, mark or no mark. He knew the star the dust had come from, and it had been easy enough to recognise it when he had realised why the Captain had felt so familiar.
“You grew up here, didn't ya, Captain?” His voice was faint as he voiced his question, having tried his best to keep it at bay, but his curiosity getting the best of him. He kept a few steps behind the other man, letting him lead and get his time to think before giving any kind of reply.
“I did, yes.” The answer was short, and Eddie was initially disappointed before the man continued speaking. “My father's family is descended from the last king. He was the one before our current Queen, and she allowed us to stay after he left. I never knew him of course, but he was supposed to have been a good king. A heritage like that doesn't mean much, however, and I always focused more on the military history of my mother's side than anything else. It felt like a better path than being yet another courtier.”
“Perhaps. Either way, I know ya would've done well.” Despite the short time they had known each other, Eddie had already been able to see that the other was a capable man. He had shown no sign of struggling with any situation he had been put in during their time together, and Eddie was certain the Captain was a man that could have done anything he put his mind to. “'m sure ya would've made a great king, just like your ancestor. A better king than I'll make.” His voice was low, eyes trained on the floor, and he therefore almost missed the Captain coming to an abrupt halt.
“That's not true.” The Captain's voice was almost sharp as he spoke, back still turned to Eddie and face hidden in shadows. “You will make a good king. You wouldn't be here if you weren't.” His certainty almost took Eddie aback, eyes wide and mouth hanging open in surprise. Unable to reply, and instead staying back to watch as the other man pulled a key out of his pocket to unlock a door in the wall before him. “I know you don't believe me, but I believe in you, and I know you will do better than you think.”
The Captain gave him no time to reply or protest, and instead pushed the door open, revealing an unexpectedly large hall on the other side. Eddie had barely even noticed where they had been going, but the corridor was one he doubted he had visited before. It was on a lower level, resting in the very centre of the palace, and like the hall revealed, the rooms along it had no windows. It was the kind of corridor he had hurried through, uncomfortable with the lack of natural light, but the presence of the Captain had made him forget.
The hall did the same as soon as he stepped over the threshold, taken away by its size and the candles burning in the centre. Despite seemingly being a secret that required a key to reveal, it was obvious the room was kept in immaculate condition, and he was quick to realise why as soon as he reached its centre.
“It's the old kings and queens. Each has a portrait painted, and it's hung here to help mark their spot in history.” The Captain came to a halt by his side, footsteps silent on the thick carpet that covered the floor.
“They're amazing.” Eyes moved from portrait to portrait, taking in the faces of stars that had long since returned to their space in the sky. He could feel them in the room, sense their faraway presence when reading their names and seeing their faces, and a part of him wondered if any of them had doubted their abilities as much as he was. “'m guessin' that's your ancestor?” The name Haldane had been easy to spot, and the man portrayed above it carried a resemblance to the Captain in more ways than just the name. They were in no way identical, but there was enough of a resemblance there for Eddie to have known they were related even without the name revealing it.
“It is. And soon you will be up there with him.” The Captain shot him a smile, eyes gleaming in the light of the candles as he turned to face him. “Everyone portrayed here were like you once, but they all did great things, just like you will. It will just take some time, and time doesn't pass as quickly down here as it does for you up there.” A thumb was jabbed towards the roof, and Eddie couldn't help a smile of his own.
“I suppose you're right, Captain.” His words caused a huff to escape the other man's lips, before his shoulder was gripped tightly.
“Call me Andy. You're not one of my men, and even them ever call me anything else than Ack Ack. You calling me Captain makes me feel like I'm being scolded.” His tone was humorous and his smile bright, and Eddie was quick to nod, almost ready to apologise before he realised there was no reason to.
“'m not scolding you. Yet. I might, if I find out this room isn't one we're supposed to have access to.” His smiled widened, a hand reaching out to grip Andy's arm as the other started to lower his hand from his shoulder.
“No need. The key for this room is readily available, I just had to ask for it.” A surprised look was shot at the hand gripping his arm, but Andy didn't move, almost enjoying the warmth of Eddie's hand through his shirt. It had been a long time since a touch had made him feel any kind of enjoyment, and he couldn't help but take a small step closer. Almost unaware of it, eyes now fixed on Eddie's face. “Besides, this is your home now. You can go wherever you want.”
Eddie didn't even know what to say in return, unable to take his eyes off the other man, transfixed by the way his features looked in the candlelight. His hand slipped as he took a step closer himself, skin soon coming in contact with skin, the sensation almost sending shivers down his spine. It was a new experience, to feel that way, but it was one he didn't loath, fingers almost moving by their own accord as they intertwined with the other's. Palms pressing together, and breaths mixing as Andy moved another step closer. Face now only inches away, and before Eddie knew it, he was reaching out. Free hand cupping the other's cheek, thumb trailing along the smooth curve of the cheekbone. Inspecting what he had previously only seen from a distance, but that he was now suddenly allowed to touch. Any fear of being pushed away disappearing as Andy leaned closer, lips hovering teasingly close as they both took a second to breathe. Dragging breaths into their lungs before they leaped, lips crashing together in a shower of unseen sparks. Eddie for the first time since his first meeting with mortals not even caring if anyone saw, only wishing to focus on the man pressing close to him, each kiss pressed to his lips enough to set every part of him on fire.
He hadn't expected to feel so much for someone in such a short time, but the kiss made it all make sense, and helped properly ground him. Whatever part of him that had still longed for the sky was reduced to nothing, making him realise there was nowhere else where he'd rather be.
They were both breathless by the time they pulled away, Eddie unable to conjure anything but a breathy laugh, his mind slow to find the right words to speak.
“I know I don't know much 'bout love, but I think I love ya, Andy.” Each word was a struggle to speak, lungs fighting for air as his heart hammered against the inside of his chest. Suddenly so full and warm that he felt as if it was going to burst. He had only ever seen love from a distance, and never been able to understand how it felt, but the emotions running through him at that moment made it obvious that love was what he felt. That in that moment, there was nothing he wouldn't do for the man before him, as long as he was allowed to feel the same forever.
“I think I love you too, Eddie. I think I have, since the first moment I saw you.” Andy couldn't help a breathy laugh, certain the beating of his heart was loud enough for the other to hear.
“Likewise.” Eddie let out a laugh of his own, hand tightening its grip on the other's, unwilling to let go just yet. His mind still trying to preserve the moment and make it last for longer, even though he knew no amount of time would feel long enough in the end. Choosing instead to speak his fears in another moment of bravery; “Don't leave me.”
Andy's reply was better than he could have ever imagined, as the other leaned in to press another kiss to his lips. Allowing it to drag on before he spoke, a single word only meant for Eddie leaving his lips as he pulled away again.
“Never.”
–
Just as predicted, King Edward became the last star to rule the kingdom, and it was a time that was filled with change. The initial fear for what would happen to the land without the stars was soon replaced by interest in what was to come. Traditions had been such a great part of the kingdom that none had realised how outdated much had been, and the king's time on the throne helped bring the kingdom into a future that would bring nothing but success. It had been a land that had previously been closed off from the rest of the world, secluded and hidden among tall mountains, but the changes brought helped open it up, and made the people realise how much that existed outside that they had never previously heard of. The people hadn't had anything against not knowing much, as long as the country had been left alone, but the new connections made outside its borders sparked an interest in the rest of the world that also helped with the necessary changes that had to be made.
What had started slow in the king's first years on the throne, soon picked up speed, and by his twentieth year on the throne, most of his duties had been passed on to councils formed by the people. He was still king, but the crown on his head was nothing but a symbol of the old, and within another five years it had been stored away together with the old rulers' paintings. He had worn it enough, and while his reign hadn't been long in comparison to his recent predecessors, he didn't mind. He knew he had done enough, and the time he now had gave him the chance to explore the country and the world in a way no star had done before. Andy was by his side the entire time, and after giving over the command of his company to one of his men, he was quick to join Eddie on his travels. The two exploring new countries and continents, using their new freedom to bring back stories and information to their home to help it continue it's progress forward.
In the beginning, their returns were more frequent, but with time they stayed away for longer, and the people soon stopped waiting. Their eyes had long since turned from the stars to the land they now cared for without the help of the stars, and by the time another star fell, it was an event that was barely noted. The star was welcomed to the kingdom, just like the hundreds before it, but unlike those before it, it was left to live a life of its own choosing, just like any that came to follow. They were still a part of the kingdom's future by simply being there, but they were no longer needed to rule and keep the peace. Just like the kingdom, their mission had changed, and with time no one could barely even remember a time where the people had had stardust in their veins...