Work Text:
Inside the grand study of the High King, adorned with intricate carvings of Cair Paravel, Peter hummed softly while reading General Oreius’ report on the pursuit of the White Witch’s remaining forces. Despite the towering stack of documents on his desk, today felt strangely lighter.
Perhaps it was because of the person currently sitting on his lap.
Peter let out a sigh as Edmund shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position.
Casually, Peter wrapped his left arm around his younger brother’s waist, keeping him in place.
“So this is what you meant by a ‘ Personal mental support’?” Edmund muttered, frowning slightly. “I feel more like a cat sitting on its owner’s lap just so they can relax.”
Peter chuckled, his eyes still fixed on the report.
“hmm well, You’re not wrong, this is really helping me relax.”
His chin rested lightly on top of Edmund’s head.
Edmund huffed, clearly unimpressed. “This is humiliating, Peter. Let me go.”
He squirmed, trying to get up, but Peter’s arm only tightened around him, making it even harder to move.
“I don’t see anything humiliating about this,” Peter replied casually. “Didn’t you say you wanted to help me? You’re doing an excellent job.”
Edmund scowled. “I did say I wanted to help you, but I meant helping with those documents over there!” He pointed at the stack of reports sitting in the corner of the room.
"But Ed, youre agree to be my Personal Mental Support-"
"Yes, but not like this!"
Peter just gave him a small, amused smile before leaning down, bringing their faces closer. “Shhh… relax, Ed. You’re overthinking it. This is not a problem. And this is the greatest help you could ever give me, I mean it.”
As Peter pressed their foreheads together, Edmund felt his whole body tense. He could feel Peter’s breath so close—his eyes instinctively fluttered shut before he snapped out of it and quickly turned his face away.
“Don’t get too close,” he grumbled, but his voice lacked conviction. “You’re so annoying.”
Yet, despite his protests, his body eventually relaxed, resting comfortably against Peter’s chest. As time passed, Edmund ended up reading the reports along with his brother, occasionally giving his opinions, until they both fell into a comfortable silence.
Then—
KNOCK KNOCK.
Both of them froze.
Edmund stiffened immediately, holding his breath. “Peter—”
But Peter remained calm. “Come in.”
Edmund nearly jumped off his lap when the door opened, revealing Mr. Tumnus standing at the threshold. The faun’s eyes landed on them before he let out a small chuckle.
“Oh, am I interrupting a brotherly moment?” he teased.
Edmund’s face burned, while Peter remained perfectly composed, as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
“Just ignore it, Mr. Tumnus. Go ahead,” Peter replied smoothly.
The faun still had a knowing smile on his face as he finally said, “The council requests your presence in the throne room, Your Majesty. It’s regarding the kingdom’s defenses.”
Peter sighed, finally loosening his hold on Edmund. “Alright. Tell them I’ll be there shortly.”
As Mr. Tumnus gave them a polite bow, another knock came at the door.
A royal advisor entered, his eyes widening slightly at the sight before him.
“Your Majesty… should I come back later?” he asked stiffly.
Edmund wanted to sink into the floor right then and there, while Peter, ever composed, merely smiled.
“No need. Go ahead,” Peter said, making no move to change their position.
Edmund shot him a pleading look. 'Please, just let me go.'
“U-uh… never mind, Your Majesty. I’ll return later,” the advisor stammered before hurriedly leaving, leaving Edmund burning with embarrassment.
Groaning, Edmund covered his face with both hands. “My reputation is ruined. I can never show my face in the castle again.”
Peter simply chuckled, his fingers lazily tracing circles on Edmund’s waist. “You’re exaggerating. It was just Mr. Tumnus and Lord Caedric.”
Edmund turned to him with a sharp glare. “Peter, I was sitting on your lap like an overgrown cat, and—”
He lost his words.
Peter tilted his head, feigning innocence. “And?”.
Edmund crossed his arms. “You’re the High King, Peter! You can’t just—do things like this!”.
Peter leaned back in his chair, his grin turning mischievous. “And who’s going to stop me? You?”
Edmund clenched his fists, holding himself back from smacking his brother. “I should.”
“But you won’t,” Peter said smoothly, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Edmund’s ear.
Edmund opened his mouth to argue, but Peter had a point.
Without realizing it, he had grown comfortable in his brother’s arms over the past few hours. The tension in his shoulders had disappeared, his body naturally molding into Peter’s warmth. And the worst part?
He didn’t hate it.
Peter noticed the shift in his expression and let out a soft laugh. “See? You are my emotional support human, Ed. No backing out now.”
Edmund groaned and dropped his head against Peter’s chest. “I hate you.”
Peter merely smiled, his hand running gently through Edmund’s hair. “I know. But you still love me.”
Edmund opened his mouth to protest, but Peter beat him to it, gently nudging him up before taking his hand. “Come on, let’s head to the throne room. Duty calls.”
“Peter, I’m not done yet!”
Peter just smirked. “Relax, Ed. It’s not like this is suspicious. Just a king enjoying some time with his brother.”
Edmund narrowed his eyes. “You enjoy tormenting me, don’t you?”
Peter leaned in slightly, whispering by his ear, “Maybe a little.”
Edmund nearly tripped him right then and there, but they had already reached the throne room doors. He held himself back, merely shooting Peter a glare before whispering, “I’ll get you back for this.”
Peter only laughed, his smile victorious. “I’ll be waiting, Ed.”
As Edmund grumbled under his breath, Peter suddenly said,
“You know, Ed, I wish every day could be like this.”
Edmund glanced at him.
“What do you mean?”
Peter simply smiled, but there was something deeper in his eyes.
“It’s nothing. Just… one day, you’ll understand.”
A strange feeling settled in Edmund’s chest, but he chose to stay silent.
♡♡♡
Love you All