[werewolf AU] homeward bound

[tiltingwithlips]

The coronation is done -- and quite an event that was -- and true to his word, the new king Henry, the fifth of that name, provided all that the Percys needed for their journey north. In truth, they needed little; they came from Warkworth with hardly anything in tow, and return the same way.

But they do carry with them the security of the King's pardon, intangible (and if Kate is honest with herself, still somewhat dubious. Henry is sincere in wishing them to be allies, she is certain, but his subjects may not forgive so easily).

It's a few days ride to Warkworth. Kate has spent much of it in thoughtful silence. As they ride up to the castle gate, though, she lets out an audible sigh of relief.

Comments

[valiantrebel]

Harry smiles. "All is settled and accounted for, then."

"No." Lady Percy touches his knee. "We must still tell thy father, Harry. You must speak with him -- I will write him of your return as soon as you are off."

He shakes his head. "'Zounds, I cannot think on him now. Kate and I, we are so worn by the road..."

[tiltingwithlips]

"In the morning," Kate suggests, reaching for Harry's hand.

[valiantrebel]

Over Lady Percy's knees.

She knows her cue. She stands up; Harry immediately stands with her.

"I'll not keep you from rest, at long last. Thank God, we will make time for what remains anon."

She will, however, embrace Harry again, and kiss his cheek, and pull Kate close as well.

[tiltingwithlips]

Kate laughs, startled, and puts her arms around both of them.

"I pray -- I think -- we will have time for all."

[valiantrebel]

Lady Percy lets them both go reluctantly, and even more reluctantly sends them away so she may to her letters.

There are more delays as they make their way through the castle toward the bedchamber -- more members of the household to greet and reassure. Harry hardly lets go of Kate's hand throughout, and by the time they finally near their room, his pace picks up. "The greatest trial we've saved for last," he murmurs after they have finally dispatched a tearful Butler.

[tiltingwithlips]

Amused: "Do you not feel welcome, love?"

[valiantrebel]

"I feel like the dog that everyone must pet," he grumbles.

[tiltingwithlips]

She reaches up to tangle her fingers in his hair, grinning fondly.

"O Esperance!"

[valiantrebel]

Harry makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like pffft.

[tiltingwithlips]

She gives his head a little shake, laughing, and lets go as they finally reach their own room.

[valiantrebel]

Just as they left it.

There's an old, stale scent still in the room: theirs, Harry realizes. That's him from before.

It's not precisely as they left it, though: indeed, within the last hour, someone has very hastily come in and freshened up the sheets. Perhaps there was a reason so many met them in the halls.

He has to laugh, and holds his arm out with a grandiose gesture. "Your bower, my lady."

[tiltingwithlips]

The smell fills her nose, and it is home -- their clothes, their things, their scent from the years of chats and fights and love-making.

She pulls Harry after her as she enters, throws her arms around him, and kisses him.

[valiantrebel]

This -- this makes the world right at last. He pulls her close by the waist and doesn't rush the kissing.

[tiltingwithlips]

When the kiss breaks, Kate presses her face into the crook of his neck to inhale his scent, dogs and all.

[valiantrebel]

He closes his eyes and lets his neck bend forward, his lips coming to rest at the exposed skin on her shoulder. One breath. Two breaths. He brings one hand to her cheek, and strokes it with his thumb.

[tiltingwithlips]

"Didst thou not promise me a year?" she breathes.

[valiantrebel]

A kiss behind her jaw. "I'd call it a hundred, now that we are here."

[tiltingwithlips]

"Nay, promise no more than that thou canst give." She tips her head back, baring her throat. "But promise all thou canst and I'll promise thee the same."

[valiantrebel]

"Anything." A slow line of kisses over her throat. "Deed -- or breath -- or act -- 'tis thine." One finger lingers over the soft skin at her clavicle.

[tiltingwithlips]

One long, slow inhale, and a long sigh to match it.

She's had her fill of taking charge and wrestling for control, for the nonce. They're home and pardoned and safe, with no stripling king to teach or fight or worry over; she may lead or follow as she wishes and stop worrying about the consequences.

[valiantrebel]

Harry brings his mouth back to hers. Being here gives him patience. He can run his hands down over her sides, over her curves, under her thighs, and he can lift her up to his hips with hardly a break in his kisses.

[tiltingwithlips]

Kate laughs, delighted, and wraps her arms around his neck.

[valiantrebel]

The bed is just there, but no need to put her down yet.

No need for so much clothing either, now that they're here. He pulls down the neck of her dress, not enough to ruin it, but certainly enough to expose unkissed skin.

[tiltingwithlips]

Sighing, she presses a kiss to his temple.

[valiantrebel]

He lets himself be kissed. The hand at her breast splays out; he presses his fingertips into her skin, feels her warmth, her solidness.

He takes his lips to her collarbone, and the space just beneath it.