Chapter Text
Capon woke up in Heaven. Well, if Heaven smelled like straw and sweat – but the first thing he felt was Henry’s arm wrapped around him, holding him warm and safe. Blissfully, Capon nuzzled his face against the side of Henry’s neck, cherishing the contrast of soft skin and prickly beard stubble.
They were still naked, having fallen asleep too quickly to bother getting dressed. Never before had Capon spent a night so close to another human, legs tangled, skin on skin, cuddled together under the same blanket. It felt bewitchingly intimate, even without the heat of last night’s desire between them.
Although that will probably rekindle very soon, he thought and smiled to himself.
With his small motions he awoke Henry, who hummed quietly, tightening his gentle embrace a bit. His hand found Capon’s head and slowly brushed through his hair.
“Morning,” he whispered.
“Good morning,” Capon replied, also very quietly. It felt like any loud noise would call back the real world into this room. And Capon was all too happy to keep it locked out for as long as he could.
Through the closed window shutters, only a few small specks of light made it into the chamber. One fell on Henry’s stomach, illuminating the skin as if it were glowing from the inside. Capon traced it with a finger, watching the little movements from every breath Henry took.
Suddenly, the dot of light fluttered, and a loud knock made both Capon and Henry jolt as someone tapped against the shutters.
“Sir Hans?” a joyful voice called.
“Fucking Godwin, I swear–“ Capon hissed and jumped up, taking the blanket with him to wrap it around himself. Henry, suddenly left completely coverless, dived for their clothes on the floor.
“Are you awake?” Godwin asked again.
“Yes, for fuck’s– just give me a moment!” Capon threw the linen over his bare body as well as he could manage, then made sure with a quick glance that Henry wouldn’t be visible if he opened the door just a crack.
He unlocked the bolt and stuck his head out. It was brighter already than Capon had anticipated; he blinked a few times to get used to the blinding sun. Right in front of him stood Godwin, a smile beaming on his wrinkled cheeks.
“What is it, Father?” Capon asked, only barely concealing his irritation.
The old priest didn’t seem to pay any mind to it. “It’s three hours past sunrise, lad! I wanted to see if everything was alright with you. Is Henry there?”
“Henry? No. Why would he be here?”
Godwin frowned. “You’re sharing the room, aren’t you?”
Fuck. Think before you speak, Capon!
He forced himself to laugh – and hoped it didn’t sound as fake to Godwin as it did to himself. “Ah, yes, sure. What I meant was… he didn’t sleep here. Must have gone off with some wench. You know how he is, our little rascal!”
Jesus Christ, what am I talking about?!
Capon listened to his own blabbering with growing horror. Quickly, he added: “What did you want from him?”
“Actually, I wanted to call both of you down to the inn. Zizka wants to make plans for settling in. Distribute tasks. Also, breakfast.”
“I will be right there. Just let me get dressed.”
Godwin nodded. “Then I will go and look for Henry. Has to be around somewhere.”
“Well – good luck, Father!”
Capon threw the door shut and leaned his back against it, listening to make sure Godwin’s heavy steps were moving away. Then he let out a deep breath.
Henry stood in the opposite corner, now wearing his braies, arms crossed and a teasing smirk on his lips.
“Very smooth display, my lord,” he said.
Without looking him in the eyes, Capon raised a finger. “Shut – up.”
Henry’s grin got wider. Capon waited until his heart stopped racing, then he chuckled.
“Every fucking time. It’s like he senses whenever we are together,” Capon griped.
Hope it’s not God sending him.
“I know. It’s maddening. Well, looks like we should get ready and meet the others,” Henry said. He threw the clothes that he had picked up over to Capon.
“Shame,” Capon mumbled while he slipped into his hose. “You should wait a bit when I’m gone, then sneak out and come back to the Den from the other side. Best you act as if you tumbled with some alemaid.”
“That actually wasn’t the worst idea from you. Gives me something to explain this.” Henry tilted his head and rubbed over the skin between neck and shoulder where Capon had sucked hard enough to leave a red mark – a surprisingly prominent one, too.
Henry seemed to pick up on Capon’s startled gaze. “Oh no. How bad is it?”
“Um. Just tell them the wench was particularly enthusiastic.”
“Well, someone really was.” Then Henry searched for Capon’s gaze, his tone growing more earnest. “Are you alright?”
Capon snorted. “Alright? I’m feeling fucking amazing! That was the best night I’ve ever had.”
There was unmistakable triumph in Henry’s expression, even if he tried to hide it. He turned away to grab his belt, strap on his sword, and straighten his garment. Then he sat down on his own bed, waiting for Capon to leave.
“See you again downstairs,” Capon said, warmth from inside his heart spilling into his voice.
While he walked down to the inn, Capon was almost vibrating with happiness. He basked in the memory of Henry panting and groaning under him, for once letting go of his iron composure. He seemed to have to struggle for control every time he was inside Capon – and that was absolutely delicious.
Can’t wait for tonight.
He enthusiastically greeted everyone he came across. Half the Pack looked almost as good-spirited as he felt, the other half stumbled around, plagued by having looked too deep into their tankards last night.
And then there was Katherine, back to her usual icy exterior, rolling her eyes and snapping at everyone standing in her way. Her expression softened a bit as Capon wished her a good morning, but she only nodded back. Something seemed to weigh on her – he’d try to talk to her later.
Capon was surprised to see Kubyenka of all people in a great mood. The mercenary was sitting on a table, all his weapons spread out before him, cleaning them while singing a crude little song about sheep. Then Capon came closer and smelled the beer in the man’s breath. He hadn’t miraculously sobered up, quite the opposite; he was still drunk as a carp.
“Ah, our good Lord Capon graces us with his presence!” Kubyenka hollered. “Sit with me, lad.”
I probably shouldn’t let them get away with talking to me like that all the time.
But Capon was well aware that the Pack would probably never respect his title. They did seem to respect him, though, ever since Suchdol. It just didn’t show in the use of honorifics or bows, but in small gestures – like Kubyenka now shoving aside his crossbow bolts to make space for Capon next to him.
It was weird, being regarded as a person, not as future Lord of Pirkstein. The Pack saw the man behind the noble. Just like Henry saw him as Hans first, and everything else second.
Almost scary.
Capon took a seat just as Zizka and Musa stepped into the inn; the scholar was carrying a book and parchments. The Pack’s leader, meanwhile, looked a bit disheveled, with dark circles under his eyes and a reddened nose. That tended to happen to people who played drinking games with Dry Devil.
“It is good to see you, my friend,” Musa said. “How is the shoulder?”
“Actually, I don’t really feel it at all. Is that good?” Capon tried raising his arm. It stung a bit when he moved around, but otherwise, it felt fine, just a little sore.
“It is. But once it starts healing properly, it will itch. I can mix you a salve for that. And also, do not overstrain yourself. If the scab rips, you are risking corruption.” Musa set down what he carried onto another table.
“What’s all that?” Capon wanted to know.
“Stuff we need for planning,” Zizka replied, his voice a bit strained. “Today will be all about lists. What we need to buy, who will go to get it from where. What everyone will be doing here in Devil’s Den for the next few days, so we can settle in quickly.”
Capon pulled himself together so as not to grimace. That sounded dreadfully boring. But it was necessary, of course. Well, at least he had some things to look forward to later. If anyone tried sending Henry away today, he’d simply refuse to let him go.
One of the inn’s maids came in, putting a loaded breadbasket, some sausages, and goat cheese on the table. Capon pulled his fork out of a pouch on his belt and stabbed it into the first piece of meat he could reach. Salty and smoky – perfect. He only noticed how hungry he was once he started eating; his body seemed to still be used to forced fasting.
“Where’s Henry?” Zizka asked. “Musa has an idea he wants to discuss with him.”
Capon shrugged with his mouth full, thankful for not having to think of words to answer. He was glad that Zizka had offered the scholar a place in the Pack, seemingly unbothered by him being a non-believer. Musa was a wonderfully grounding presence – and always pleasant company.
Henry took his time, but halfway through breakfast, he finally walked through the inn’s door, together with Godwin and Mutt. The dog ran up to Capon and licked his hands, whimpering and tail-wagging.
“Sorry,” Henry said and reached for Mutt’s collar.
“No, no, it’s alright, I’m happy to see him too. Sit, boy!” Mutt obeyed, tongue hanging out of his maw; he knew there was a reward coming. Capon gave him a generously large piece of sausage. The poor dog needed to gain weight back after the hardships of Suchdol.
“He actually listens to you?” Henry asked.
“Of course! We are the best of friends now. Well. At least when I have food at hand,” Capon replied with a smirk. He looked up to Henry and enjoyed the little jolt in his chest when their eyes met.
Over the next half hour or so, the rest of the Pack found their way to the inn. Janosh and Dry Devil already countered their hangovers with fresh ale; Zizka gave them some disgruntled looks, but he didn’t say anything. Katherine came last. Her dress looked a bit cleaner than the day before, and the largest gashes were now sewn together. Capon saw some fresh needle pricks on her slim fingers – she either was a terrible seamstress, or she had been distracted by something.
“Alright, listen up, people.” Zizka made sure everyone was looking at him before he went on. “We need to stock up on almost everything – food, armor, weapons, tools, medicine. Good thing we got some of that silver. That should cover everything and your wages for the foreseeable future. But not forever. So, once we are back to full strength, we’ll need to find ways to make money. Today, inventory. Let me know what you need. Tomorrow, Janosh and Kubyenka will drive the cart to Kuttenberg – so I want you sober by then.”
He shot them a burning glare. Kubyenka nodded and raised his tankard in approval; Capon had to bite back a chuckle.
Zizka sighed and continued. “Janosh, Katherine, I need you to take stock of the kitchen. Godwin, Hynek, take a look around and see what needs repairing. Henry – Musa had an idea and needs your help with it. And Lord Capon, are you feeling well enough to help out?”
Capon cleared his throat as suddenly every pair of eyes darted to him. “Aye. I… could go hunting?”
“Good idea.” Zizka nodded. “Everything we don’t have to pay for will help.”
The little praise from the gruff captain felt like a warming ray of sunshine. It was always a pleasant surprise when he showed genuine approval.
Henry looked like he wanted to raise an objection, but then he stayed silent; he just looked at Capon’s shoulder with obvious concern.
“Henry?” That was Musa’s melodic voice. “I was thinking about creating a garden behind the Den, where we can grow the most important herbs. To always have them in reach. You are well-versed in the local medicinal plants, yes? Would you help me choose the best ones and collect them?”
Henry seemed very happy with that idea. “Of course! Just – what will the innkeeper say when we dig holes in his backyard?”
“Nothing,” Zizka said. “I bought the place. At least until winter. As long as we don’t tear down buildings, we can do whatever we like. I wanted less prying eyes around us all the time. Innkeeper Treadlight will still live here, in his shed, but I trust him. One of his maids and a stable boy are also willing to continue working. We will still all need to pitch in if we want to keep the place running.”
“That’s good,” Henry said. “Then let’s make the list!”
“Thank you! I’ve already begun. Here, this is what I have been reading – but I am not sure I got everything right, I still struggle with your strange letters.” Musa shoved the book he had been carrying over to Henry.
Capon took that as a signal to leave them to their study for a while. “I’ll check my gear, and yours too,” he said to Henry, squeezing his shoulder as he stood up and passed the sitting man. A friendly gesture he had made a hundred times before. Now it carried so much more meaning.
“Come, Mutt, the smart men are talking amongst themselves. You can help me,” Capon said, and the dog happily trotted behind him.
Zizka also followed them outside. “Lord Capon, a moment. I wanted to talk about your involvement in all of this.”
Oh, finally something interesting from you today. And I also have some things to say.
“Sure. What’s on your mind, Captain?”
“We never agreed on the precise terms of our... collaboration. I need to know how long I can count on your support – and what exactly that entails. Also, about Henry. Do I pay him a wage?”
“You can count on us for at least a few months. I may need to return to Rattay in autumn, as Hanush will have told you.” Cold dread threatened to writhe itself into Capon’s stomach, so he quickly continued. “And no, you do not need to pay Henry. He’s still my page, and I cover his wages.”
“Yes. He made sure to remind me of that, too, when I asked him to join the Pack. His service to you comes before all else.” Zizka didn’t seem too thrilled about it.
But it delighted Capon’s very soul to hear Henry had made his loyalty clear. “You also don’t need to pay for me, Captain. I’ll cover my and Henry’s costs of living while we are here. Just let me know the sums. Oh, and congratulations on your acquisition of the Den.”
Zizka scoffed. “Well, it’s something, at least. Good place to train new men, with the archery range and the combat space. Also close enough to ride to Kuttenberg whenever we need to. And when we are not staying here ourselves, we can still earn some money from the inn. Bit more reliable than robbing merchants on their way to Sigismund’s camps. Not as exciting, though.”
“I’m sure excitement will find us again,” Capon said.
“Probably. Now, just one question remains. I’ll ask it bluntly. Will you follow my command while you are with us?”
That was blunt, indeed. Not the kind of noble dance around rank and power that Capon was used to. But it was refreshing to not have to wrap everything in silken words with Zizka. He looked at the older man, meeting the piercing, unwavering gaze.
“I will – when it comes to battle. With everything else, I am willing to follow your lead, unless it goes against my better judgement. And your commands to Henry need to go through me first. I have the last say about what he does.” Capon crossed his arms. This was non-negotiable.
Slowly, Zizka nodded. “Alright. Then I thank you for your support, Lord Capon.”
“Just Capon will do.” He surprised himself with the offer. “I don’t call you Lord Trotznov, either. And, strictly speaking, I am not Lord of Pirkstein or Rattay yet, just heir. Huh. I suppose you actually might outrank me until then?”
Zizka gave him a rare smile. “I am not very educated about those finer details. Well then. Thank you for your support, Capon. And for lending us the aid of your page, too. You have an invaluable servant in Henry.”
“I know.” Oh, if you only had the faintest idea how well I know that.
A bit later, while he was sitting on a chair in his room and rummaging through chests and bags, Capon repeated the conversation with Zizka in his head.
“I think that went quite well,” he said to Mutt, who was lazily watching him. “Did you see his face when he talked about Henry and his loyalty? I think Zizka actually tried to recruit him away from me. Ha! As if he could just do that. But it’s still nice to know that Henry rejected the offer. Here, hold that for a moment. Hold, not eat.”
He held out a dusty rag to Mutt and the dog gently took it in its maw.
“Thanks. And thanks for not scratching at the door last night. You are much more considerate than Godwin. Well, unlike him, you know about Henry and me, of course.” Capon lowered his voice. “We did it again, Mutt. It was even more wonderful this time, can you believe it? I think he might even feel the same as I do... I haven’t asked him, though. Oh, don’t look at me like that. I will! Just not right away. I don’t want to scare him, you know how he is.”
Also, I am afraid of his answer.
The dog wagged his tail, simply happy that someone gave him attention. Capon took the rag from his jaws, scratched the mongrel’s ear, and returned his focus to the task before him. Right. Inventory.
He’d need arrows, most of all. There was not a single one left – each and every one was stuck in some Prague soldier or in the grounds around Suchdol. Maybe a bit shorter than his usual ones, since he wouldn’t be back to his old draw strength for a while? Sure, two inches maybe.
His gambeson had seen better times, too. Best to get a new one and send the old thing to some tailor in Kuttenberg for cleaning and repairs – those gashes were way beyond what Capon was willing to fix himself. He took a look at his hauberk. Still good, just needed a deep clean and some small mends. Same for his chain collar. Henry would certainly be more than happy to help with that.
Capon looked over his page’s equipment next. It was in pristine shape; he must have gotten it repaired while waiting for Jobst’s troops to assemble. But Capon would see to it that he got some more gear – cuisses and greaves that covered his entire legs, steel gauntlets, a bascinet instead of his skull cap. He’d be damned if he would let Henry ride into battle with anything less than the best protection he could buy for him, now that he finally had enough groschen again.
Also, the colors of Henry’s gear didn’t fit together all that well. Not that Henry cared much about these things; he was way too practical. But Capon did care – not only because his page’s appearance would reflect on him as his lord. Henry just looked so damn dashing when one put him in decent clothes. A few new garments would do wonders. One set in yellow, to show his allegiance to the Lords of Leipa. And one in blue, because it made his eyes shine.
Lastly, he drew Henry’s sword out of its scabbard. The handle felt familiar after having fought with the weapon on that last day of Suchdol. Gently, he traced the edge, still mostly sharp even after battle.
There’s the dent from the helmet I hit.
He knew Henry would want to fix that himself. If they stayed here longer, Capon would have loved to commission someone to build a little forge for Henry – it was beautiful to see the blacksmith’s son in his element, forming raw steel into blades with his strong hands.
God, those hands.
But they wouldn’t live here long enough for that, of course.
The wedding…
Capon shook his head as dark clouds threatened to shroud his mind. No. He wouldn’t even think about it for as long as he didn’t have to. Maybe it would just vanish, like a bad dream in the morning.
Mutt’s head perked up and his eyes darted to the door. Had the dog not moved, Capon wouldn’t have heard the quiet little steps outside. But now, he recognized the sound of Katherine’s wooden soles. He jumped up and went outside, hoping to get a few moments to talk to her alone. She acted less gruff when no one else was around.
He only saw her back as she walked to the edge of the balcony. “Katherine!” he called.
She stopped in her tracks, her shoulders visibly tensing. “Yes, my lord?” she said without turning around.
Oh no, she is in that mood again.
“Are you alright?” Capon asked.
As she finally spun around and glared at him, he knew it had been the wrong question – though he didn’t understand why.
“What do you need?” She put her hands on her hips.
“I – I don’t need anything. I just wanted to talk to you. See how you were doing.”
Katherine scrutinized him. Her posture softened a bit. “That so?” she asked – it sounded uncannily like Zizka. “I wasn’t sure his lordship would still speak to me after that mess was over.”
Her accusing tone hurt him a little. “Why wouldn’t I?” he said, trying not to sound like a scolded boy. “You were really kind to me when I was… you know. A bit lost.”
“Men are not great at remembering kindness once hardship has passed. Especially nobles.” She sighed. “I shouldn’t assume. I’m… just tired.”
She is even worse at apologizing than I am.
Maybe it was time to try and return the care she had shown him in his weakest moments. He had never earnestly attempted to be caring to a woman before, so he tried to imagine what Henry would do in his place – he easily got along with everyone, man or woman.
“What’s bothering you?” he asked, fearing he would wake her wrath again.
But she just blew air through her nose and shrugged. “Nothing.”
Blessed Mother Mary, help me. What am I supposed to say now?!
“Is it… because of you and Zizka?”
Her eyes narrowed into glinting slits; the air around her seemed to cool as if the sun suddenly had lost some of its power. Wrong question again. Very wrong.
“No! It’s not because of Zizka! It’s because all of you!” she hissed and threw her hands up. “Why am I even – ugh!”
Capon flinched back, confused by the sudden outburst. Before he could say anything else, she turned away and stomped back down the stairs. Kubyenka made the fatal mistake of existing in her path. She pushed him aside, muttering something undoubtedly waspish. The mercenary jokingly bowed to her back, then looked up to Capon and said: “Wenches, huh?”
Wenches, indeed.
Thankfully, Henry turned up soon after. He came into the room, saw Capon sit on his bed with a bowstring in his hand, and smiled.
“Hello you,” he said.
Capon quickly put the string down. “Done with your studies?”
“Aye.” Henry grabbed his leather gloves and searched for something. “I’m going out, find some of the plants Musa wants. Plenty should be growing around the area.”
“Great, I’m coming with you!”
Henry frowned. “Since when are you interested in herb collecting?”
“I’m not. I’m interested in spending time with you. And I told Zizka I would go hunting, didn’t I? I’ll shoot us some hares while you pick flowers.” Capon winked at him.
“Hm.” Henry’s expression grew more serious. “Your shoulder still needs rest. Using a bow could worsen the injury.”
“I’ll borrow a crossbow then. No arrows left, anyway.”
Henry didn’t seem fully convinced, but it looked like he wanted Capon to come with him.
“Alright. But only if you let me bandage it. Should have done that right this morning. Sorry.”
“Not your fault, Henry. It’s Godwin who owes me an apology. Several, actually.”
Capon pulled his shirt over his head and offered his shoulder. Henry walked over, already pulling out a linen cloth from his pouch. He touched Capon’s cheek first, softly caressing it with his rough, but gentle fingers. The tenderness made Capon’s heart flutter.
Then Henry quickly dressed the wound, testing if the bandage would withstand some movement. He seemed pleased. “Don’t take it off again.”
“Right, right. Can we go now?”
Henry huffed a laugh. “Want to get out of here so badly?”
“I want to get away from people. I’ll take every bit of alone time with you that I can carve out. Come on.”
It felt so good, finally walking through open meadows again. Capon realized how much he had missed the rustling of grass and the rich smells of wildflowers. Summer was in full bloom, luring out birds and buzzing insects. Poppies and dandelions sprinkled the fields in spectacular colors. Everything seemed more bright and vivid – Capon wasn’t sure if that was because he had been locked in the walls of Suchdol for so long… or because he had Henry by his side.
Capon had to resist the urge to bounce around like a child. He contented himself with whistling a song while he watched Mutt chase butterflies.
“It’s great to see you both in such a good mood,” Henry said. “Wished you could give Katherine some of that. She looked like she bit into raw horseradish when I walked past her.”
“Oh. That… might have something to do with me.” Capon scratched his chin.
Henry glanced over at him. “With you?”
“I tried talking to her before and… I don’t know. She just got mad and ran off.”
“Right, I meant to ask you anyway. What is between you two? You seem closer now than when I left.” Henry’s tone stayed light – a bit too light. “Did you…?”
“What?! No! Jesus, no.” Capon cringed from the thought. “She is–“ like my mother, he wanted to say. But then he changed his mind; it felt too vulnerable to say it out loud, even in front of Henry. Instead, he went for: “Old.”
“She’s not that old.”
“Alright, maybe not, but still. No. We just… found an understanding in the siege. She was very kind, in her own way. And she actually pulled her weight just like the men did, taking night watch and everything. She even wore a helmet once.” He chuckled at the memory.
Henry laughed, too. “That must have been a sight. Katherine is impressive. Reminds me of Theresa. Maybe we should start teaching women like them how to fight. Sigismund would have fled the country much sooner.” He looked at Hans again. “So, if you didn’t try to get with her, what did you do to anger her?”
“I don’t know. I just asked her if she was in such a bad mood because of Zizka.”
Henry groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Oh, Hans.”
“What?! They seem to have some sort of, I don’t know, tension?”
“Yeah, I think you might have hit a sensitive spot there. Maybe you should apologize.”
Capon snorted. “But I didn’t do anything!”
“Sometimes, women want to hear it anyway.”
“She should apologize to me for just storming off! That’s not proper behavior around nobility at all!”
“Hans. If you value her friendship, don’t let your pride get in the way of mending things. Sometimes, it’s better to be gracious even if you think the other person is in the wrong.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Capon said. “I can’t apologize to her. She is a common woman.”
“What does that matter?” Henry asked.
“What does… well, because…” But Capon couldn’t put into words why that was impossible.
Because that’s how the world works. Why? I actually don’t know. Friendship, he says. With a woman. Jesus Christ, that sounds so strange.
He sighed. “Fucking hell. I will think about it. But I’m telling you, it’s a bad idea. She will just get mad at me again.”
“If she stabs you, I will patch you up,” Henry said with a disarming smile.
It took a while until Henry found a meadow that was to his liking, mumbling something about the soil. He cheered as he saw some herb with violet blossoms. Capon couldn’t help but grin. Seeing a strong, burly man like Henry – who was a brutal fighter when he had to be – get excited over some flowers was strangely endearing.
“Found what you are looking for?” Capon asked.
“Aye, it’s a good start.” Henry took the trowel he had been carrying from his belt. He knelt down and tested how hard it would be to dig here.
“Why are you digging out the entire thing? Why not take some seeds?”
Henry looked at him with infuriatingly charming astonishment. “Seeding in the middle of summer? That’s… not how plants work. No, I will take them out with roots and all, to replant them. Maybe you should talk to more peasants to learn about these things, my lord” he teased.
“Why would I? That’s their job to know about such matters. My job is to make sure no one chops their heads off. So, I will keep watch while you play in the dirt.” Capon took the crossbow that he had borrowed from Kubyenka and checked the bolts in his hip quiver.
“If you would help me, we would be done much faster.” Henry chuckled while beginning to dig. “Oh God, we are having this conversation again.”
“What, and get these noble hands dirty? I’ve only just gotten the soil out from under my nails. No, thank you, I’ll leave the hard work to you.” But Capon softened his words with a wink.
“Touching some dirt won’t hurt you, you know.”
“Oh, I know. Believe me, I did my fair share of digging in Suchdol. Just ask Musa. I won’t be touching a shovel for a very long time. I’ll just enjoy watching you getting all muddy.”
Henry picked up a piece of damp earth and chucked it half-heartedly in Capon’s direction. It splattered in front of his right foot. With playful indignation, Capon picked some of it up and lunged towards Henry to smear the dirt on his cheek.
“You’re getting damn cocky, blacksmith’s boy,” he laughed.
Henry stood up, grabbed Capon’s wrist with one hand, and put the other on his waist to pull him in. “Looks like I am,” he whispered, and kissed him.
Capon melted into it, parting his lips to let Henry’s tongue slip past them. The light scraping of Henry’s newly grown beard made the kiss feel even more intense, more real. Far too soon, Henry pulled back, not letting go of him – but with a surprised look in his eyes.
“What?” Capon asked.
“Huh. Just noticed. First time I’m kissing you in daylight.”
Capon trailed his fingers over Henry’s jaw, brushing away some dirt crumbs. “Oh. Well. I think you should do it for the second time. You know. To get used to it.” Warm blood rushed to his cheeks as his own words flustered him.
With a smile, Henry cupped Capon’s back of the neck, gently but firmly enough to hold him in place. He came closer until just an inch of warm air was left between their lips – and then he stopped, dragging the tension out until Capon’s head started spinning. He clutched Henry’s coat and pulled on him until their bodies pressed against each other.
His mouth found Henry’s, this time greedier, breathing into each other. The heat emboldened Capon; he sucked Henry’s lower lip between his teeth and lightly bit on it, drawing a small hiss from the other man. He felt the reaction in both their bodies, grinding himself against the hardening bulge in Henry’s trousers. Overcome by sudden impatience, Capon tugged at the fabric, seeking bare skin – until Henry caught his fingers and smiled against his lips.
“Hans, wait. Wait.”
Capon grumbled, chasing Henry’s lips as he pulled away.
“I have a job to do,” Henry said with this damn grin of his. “And so do you. You can hold on until later, right?”
“Barely,” Capon murmured. “You’re terrible. Making your lord wait.”
“My lord volunteered for hunting. And I have to play in the dirt, remember?”
“Alright, alright,” Capon said. “So damn sensible. I’ll leave you to your beloved plants. Anything I should keep my eyes open for in the forest?”
“If you see bugleweed, remember where it grows. I’d like to dig up some of those soon, too.”
Capon only vaguely remembered what bugleweed looked like. Well, if it made Henry happy, he’d search for some.
“Later, then.” He gave Henry a quick peck on the part of his cheek that wasn’t covered in dirt. Somehow it felt even more intimate than the hungry kisses before.
He picked up the crossbow and headed for the nearest tree line.
“Don’t shoot at boars!” Henry called after him.
“Kiss my arse, peasant!” he replied with all the warmth of a love declaration.
Because it was one, of course.