Work Text:
“You need a break.”
The Captain of the Guard turned their head to scan the side-entrance as a ploy to hide their smile. This was not the first time he suggested a break, nor would it be the last.
“If you’ll remember, it was you who assigned me to this post, Your Lordship.” They risked a glance over their shoulder. The Gerudo King held his cheek in his palm, elbow propped against the arm of his throne. A grin stretched across his face. It was so rare for him to display his emotions so openly when at work; they were almost transfixed by the sight. “It is my duty to protect you at all hours of the day, from anyone who should dare to threaten His Majesty.”
A deep chuckle rumbled low in his chest. “The Kingdom went to sleep hours ago.”
“Nighttime is the perfect cover for an assassination.”
“We are surrounded by layers of protection,” he countered, teasing. “A slew of warriors between us and the front gate, all prepared to deal with intruders. If anything did happen, they would raise an alarm.”
“Your Highness has not retired for the night.” They faced forward once more. Their ornate, golden spear glinted in the moonlight pouring through the sandstone windows and open doorways. The only other light came from torches scattered throughout the room, keeping the chill at bay. “I am not permitted to leave my post until my King does so.”
He chuckled, a deep, warm rumble. “And if I choose to remain here all night?”
“Then I shall guard you all night.”
They listened as he stood from the chair, heavy footfalls carrying him closer and jewelry clinking together gently with every motion. His large chest hovered close behind them, radiating heat like the desert sun so close to their skin. His nose pressed lightly against their hair.
“And if I asked you to join me?”
Even after all this time, their heart picked up. They could imagine his smirk as he realized this as well. “If that is what His Majesty wishes.”
He hm’d. Golden eyes watched carefully as he slid a large hand around their waist. As expected of his Captain, they did not flinch away or fall out of formation, even as he brushed against skin left exposed by their armor. Professional to the end of their shift, always. He dropped his head to their shoulder and nuzzled his large nose into their soft neck, pressing against the pulse point just beneath their jaw.
“And if I asked what you wished?” he purred lowly.
They smiled. Finally, their muscles relaxed beneath his touch. It was intoxicating to feel their trust fall implicitly into his hands. They turned around in his arms and carefully undid the elaborate jewelry keeping his hair up.
“I wish to spend the night with my husband.”
Oh, the love in his eyes. His smile rivaled the warmth of the burning sun, and the softness of fine, Gerudo fabrics. For a moment, he rested their foreheads together and lingered, basked in the presence of his beloved. He could not imagine another soul filling the spot reserved in his heart as perfectly as they did, and he did not wish for anyone else to try.
They shared a brief kiss in the moonlight. It was late enough already, there was no point in delaying rest any longer. “As you wish, my love.”