Chapter Text
"Your Highness, I can't work if you two don't stop looking at each other" - the painter says exasperated.
"I'm awfully sorry" - Wilhelm says, clearing his throat.
It's much more common nowadays to have photographs as portraits or have the artist paint a photo. Yet, old traditions die a very slow death, and the court's painter (who has been painting the royal family for about 70 years now, was commissioned for Wilhelm and Simon's portrait).
The man says he doesn't believe in technology and that there's nothing better than to paint from live subjects.
Now that he's finally been accepted into the family, Simon does not want to be on Kristina's bad side, so he's willing to do it. On the other hand, Wilhelm dreaded having to stay still for forty-five minutes. Forty-five minutes of having to sit next to Simon, but not being able to touch or look at him. Actual torture.
"Please, Prince Simon move your head to the left a little" - Simon complies
Wilhelm sees this man every day. Wakes up and falls asleep to the sight of him, but he will never get over such beautiful features. His eyes, his hair, his tan skin as it glows under the sun. He could stare at him forever.
"Wilhelm!" - Kristina snaps him out of it with a yell, she quickly composes herself - "Don't make Mr. Karlsson's work harder" - she reprimands him.
"Sorry mom" - Wilhelm says almost pouting, Simon puts his hand over Wilhelm's, trying to comfort him silently. Wilhelm smiles.
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After the last paint stroke is done, the men leave the room, thanking the painter. They decide they'll cuddle for the rest of the day. Leaving Kristina and the painter alone.
"Your majesty, can we talk?" - the painter asks, as he puts his glasses away.
Kristina mentally prepares herself for a "your son made my work harder" speech, but what he says it's totally different.
"Those boys are really something" - he says
"I apologize on their behalf"
"Would you like to see the painting?" - he asks her, as he turns the canvas so she can see it.
It's far from a regular official portrait, all so artificial and serious. It shows Simon and Wilhelm grinning, looking at each other as if there's something only both know. Eyes sparkling, hands touching. It must have been from a moment in the posing process.
Kristina looks at him confused. What does this mean?
"In my whole career, I've painted hundreds of newly married couples. Some happy, some not so much" - He says as he packs his brush set inside his bag - "But I have never seen two people more in love, your majesty"
"This" - he points with a brush at the eyes of both men in the painting - "This the look of love"
"Don't be too hard on them, your majesty. After all, they're just kids in love" - it's the last thing he says before leaving the royal art room.
Kristina stays in the room even after the painter leaves, thinking.
The first time Simon appeared in their lives she thought he was a complication, a curse, a bad decision made by her son. But now, she has to recognize he is nothing short of a total blessing. He is exactly what Wille needed. A friend, a partner in crime in all the messes they get up to together, but most importantly, someone who truly loves him, adores him even. Not for his titles or money. And Wilhelm's just so happy now. She sees his eyes light up, seeing his smile is a delightful daily occurrence now. He's even a better prince, but that's beside the point. Wilhelm is now finally happy. And It's all thanks to Simon.
The next day, the portrait is revealed in a press conference, it absolutely explodes on the internet, and the painting becomes so popular people start selling copies of it on postcards.
Wilhelm and Simon's first royal portrait as a married couple is a total success.