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Józef glanced at him from his bed.
Mornings after long nights were the worst, because they were supposed to pretend in public again that Joachim was king* and he was his right-hand man.
"Do you really have to wear that awful uniform to every meeting?” he finally asked. His voice was still drowsy, and he felt dehydrated, and his throat hurt, from who knows what. Getting sick was the last thing he wanted at the beginning of August.
"Yes, Poni" Joachim replied, proudly adjusting his uniform in front of the mirror, observing his reflection from every angle. He had to make sure he looked stunning. If not for himself, then he wouldn't be wearing these clothes to attract the attention of Polish women, but to have one particular, handsome Polish prince kiss him goodnight every night.
"Well" Józef stood up and opened the windows. Warsaw near the Castle was bustling with activity and noise today. Well, Joachim's coronation was in three days, and the whole country was flocking here right now to see it. He would see it too, see the love of his life crown himself, and then crown his wife, and he would only see it from the side of the chapel. Oh, how happy Pepi would be to find himself in Caroline place, legally falling asleep next to that incredible peacock he'd somehow dragged into his room.
"At least tie up your hair" he finally said, and began searching for his pipe. Although he couldn't find it, Joachim always confiscated it when Józef entered his bedroom. He explained that he disliked the smell of tobacco in the room, and that his beautiful Polish boy wasn't allowed to smoke in bed. After a fruitless search, he approached Joachim, and the other man saw the reflection of his beloved behind him, wearing only a shirt and trousers.
"Really? How am I supposed to pin them up?" he asked, smiling. Pepi only took a gold comb from a small, ornate cabinet and carefully inserted it into Joachim's black curls, which had been previously tied into a bun.
„For example, you finally look like a man, not like a beast from Siberia” Józef said, kissing Joachim on the cheek, his mustache tickling the future king of Poland's cheek.
„Oh, yes? Maybe you like this beast” Joachim murmured, and slowly embraced Józef, placing his hand on his back.
„You know, I can wear this bun, but only for you...” he added, chuckling, and finally planted a kiss on Józef lips, pleased for him, and the other man returned the kiss. After a moment, they both pulled away, gazing into each other's eyes.
„Very well. As your right hand, I suggest you wear the bun to bed” Józef murmured, and finally began to dress properly.
„Now let's go. We have the whole day ahead of us” he said after a moment of silence.
„Oh, remember” he began as they emerged into the castle corridor.
„You promised me wine today, Joaś**, and an evening in my palace, away from prying eyes.” Józef smiled and, after these words, went straight to his office.
The day couldn’t have started any better.