Chapter Text
“C’mon Dhurke! You’ve been holed up in this palace forever.”
Datz had come over for the first time in months.
Datz wanted to drag him from the palace for some guy time.
Dhurke didn’t want to go anywhere though.
"I'm busy. I have a meeting in a week I have to prepare for." Dhurke said, waving him off.
“Don’t be an old fart.” Datz said with a whine. “Most days AND nights Amara is super busy with the kid and people needing her channeling powers. You're not 80 and you're not a homemaker so you should go out for some fun with me!”
Dhurke sighed, he HAD been bored.
Being the emperor was a daunting task when all you needed to do was look over laws and go to the occasional meeting.
It didn’t help that he had no cases. Since he became emperor most were too intimidated to ask him for defense.
Dhurke looked out the window with a pout, “Yeah, but I dunno… what if Amara needs me to look after the baby or something? I can’t just leave on a month-long hunting trip or go out to the mountains. It would have to be something I can do where I can still come home frequently.”
Datz hummed, crossing his legs on the floor and closing his eyes as if deep in thought. After a moment, he snapped his fingers and he let out an elated sound, “I know! How about I take you to this bar I know? It’s a little hole in the wall place on the outskirts of town, but I think you’d like it.”
Dhurke glanced to his friend with a frown, “I don’t know Datz, i’m a married man and you know how I get when I drink a lot-”
“No it’s not to get drunk and pick up chicks. It’s for the entertainment!” Datz said with a laugh, “There’s this foreigner at the bar who plays the same song every night. It’s weird though, even if he plays the same song, he gets STUPID tips, and people keep coming back to watch him play.”
Dhurke raised a brow. His country wasn’t xenophobic, but he knew that his people were deeply ingrained in their culture. That his people were so enamored by foreign music piqued his curiosity, as the man must truly be something to enrapture so many with just one song.
Datz saw the pondering in his friend's eyes, and smiled slyly, “Pluuuus, I think he might be your type.” He said with a wink, “Here take a look.” He said, producing a picture.
Dhurke took it, and his breath caught in his throat. A velvet red jacket clad the slim and sinuous body of a male. He was embracing his guitar like a lover would, and his mouth was slightly open, no doubt song spilling from his lips. His hat was tipped low, shadowing thick lashes that were closed over a soft face.
When it came to men, Datz knew his type, and this man fit it to a T.
Dammit Datz.
Dhurke gave in. “Alright, but just ONE night okay? When I drink with you I usually end up drunk off my ass in your quarters till the late hours of the noon.”
Datz whooped, “I’ll tell Amara not to be expecting you at night for a while. Gonna get you some R and R, man-mode style!” He said with a laugh before running out the door.
Holy Mother what had he gotten himself into?
So the two of them made their way down the city streets, going from the regal temples to the more crowded bazaar. The afternoon gave way to night and when they got to the little bar it was brimming with people excited and happy to be in each other’s company.
They sat at a back table and ordered drinks, slowly warming up to the atmosphere. It had been a long time since Dhurke had felt this relaxed, and soon him and Datz were laughing like old times.
“Oh c’mon, ‘I’ll show you a good time in my pants’? How was that a good pickup line? The guy you were going after JUST lost his job and didn't need any cheese. I don’t know how you netted the wonderful Queen as a wife.”
Dhurke laughed, waving the man off before getting out of his seat, “Whatever, i’m gonna go to the bar and get another drink, you need anything?”
Datz shook his head, “Still babysitting this beer, you go ahead.”
And so Dhurke made his way through the throngs of people, trying to get to the bar without drawing too much attention to himself.
That failed, as when he turned to avoid someone he crashed right into someone else and knocked them to the ground.
“Oh sh-” Dhurke grunted before turning apologetically toward the person he knocked over “So sorry… about… that…” His voice trailed off.
The man on the floor was the one he had been interested in seeing that night.
like this though he was completely stunning.
The musician was dressed as he had been in the picture, but his hat had fallen to lie on the floor, and his brown locks were slightly skewed and caressed his face. Those eyes that were closed in the picture, were now open and gazing at him in an equally stunned manner.
Those big brown eyes.
They reminded Dhurke of warm chocolate, softly embracing his senses and lulling him near.
The man who owned those captivating eyes had a name, Jove Justice; but he wouldn’t know that for a long time… much too long a time.
Jove kept his gaze for a while still, before flushing and glancing down “S-Sorry about that, I wasn’t paying attention.”
God his voice was even more alluring.
Dhurke stammered, scratching the back of his head. “N-no it’s fine-”
“How dare you run into his excellency?!” a man shouted from the side.
“You are in the presence of his eminence, show some respect!” Another man said.
Suddenly the whole bar was on them, people murmuring at Jove and his rudeness.
Jove suddenly paled, shifting into a kneeling position and bowing his head low, “I-I’m sorry, y-your um… E-Eminence I-”
Dhurke sighed. So much for a normal introduction.
“It’s fine, raise your head… the fault lies with me.” Dhurke said softly, offering his hand out with a smile, “Can you stand?”
Jove flushed, and he looked up at Dhurke, their eyes meeting.
Those brown eyes... God Dhurke hoped he wasn’t the only one feeling this magnetism.
Jove hesitated, before taking Dhurke’s hand and allowing himself to be pulled up, instinctively gravitating close to the king as people glared at him from around the bar.
Dhurke sighed, before wrapping an arm around Jove’s waist, keeping him near before turning to the crowd. “I came here to enjoy a night out with a friend, and to enjoy this man’s music. Rumors of his skills have reached even my ears, and I wish to partake in his song.” He announced with a frown, glaring slightly at those around him as he watched people begin to back down apologetically. “If anyone has a problem with this man, they can answer to me, i’ll judge whether or not it’s okay for them to be offended on my behalf.”
Jove stared at the taller man with wonder and astonishment, before shyly fidgeting as he heard his little speech. When things calmed down he smiled shyly, “Th-Thank you your um… eminence.” He said quietly.
Dhurke smiled at him, giving his hip a small squeeze as he kept him close, “Its no problem, It was an accident, and i’m just another human being after all…” He said with a laugh, "No need to treat me like a god."
"Ah s-still thank you... you're a good man." Jove said quietly as he gazed up, relaxing significantly as he smiled.
There was so much warmth in that smile.
Dhurke felt he would drown in it.
Jove seemed to feel the same way, unconsciously leaning toward the man until the side of his body brushed Dhurke’s. It was then he snapped out of it, flushing and pulling away slightly. ”S-Sorry” He said with a shy smile, “I’ll um… i’m going to go set up.” He said with a small wave, before grabbing his hat off the floor and going to the stage.
Dhurke watched him go, a tugging in his chest as he gazed at the man’s retreating back. With a sigh, he ordered his drink and went back to sit with Datz.
“You like him.” Datz said simply.
“I’m married.” Dhurke said with a frown.
“Holy Mother you’re absolutely smitten.”
“Datz.” Dhurke warned. “Don’t you start.”
“You should totally talk to him after the show.” Datz said brightly, “Did you see the way he fell all head-over-heels like that?”
Dhurke groaned, placing his head on the table. “Just stop, I’m too committed for flings like that-”
“What?! The empress can have multiple consorts if she wanted, I don’t see why you can’t have a mistress or two… it just so happens that mistress has a dick-”
“Datz.” He said with a frown, “I don’t want anyone else.” He said, doing a poor job of convincing both Datz and himself. “L-look it doesn’t matter if I find attraction in him, I love my wife-”
“And she loves you too, but I thought you talked about having multiple consorts with her and you were both cool with it if you found people you liked… Besides.” Datz smirked, “You also love the ass on that stage.” Datz said, pointing at Jove as he bent over to plug a mic up.
Oh Holy Mother he did have a nice ass.
“J-Just shut up Datz, he’s starting.” Dhurke said as he shoved the other man’s face away from his. He took a sip of his drink as Jove sat on a chair in front of a mic.
“Ladies and gentleman.” Jove said as he let his eyes flicker over everyone in the room, “Thank you for having me at your wonderful establishment again tonight.”
Restraint. Dhurke needed restraint. The man’s voice was going to haunt him if he didn’t find any.
“Now, I wish to share with you a tune I’ve been writing since I got here. One that I haven’t shared with anyone yet.” He said quietly, gazing in Dhurke’s direction with a shy smile. “I hope you enjoy it.”
Datz whistled, “He’s never changed up his songs before, this is gonna be interesting.”
Dhurke felt his heart skip a beat. He knew it was probably just coincidence, but there was something in his head telling him to be honored. As if the song was being shared specifically for him.
And so, the soft sounds of his guitar filled the air. The melody was soft, and the small sounds like his fingers brushing the string and his palms on the wood added to the piece to give it a whole and complete feeling. Dhurke found himself entranced, and soon he was relaxing as the tones brought him into a state of peace.
Too soon it was over, and the clapping from the people around him was enough for him to know it wasn’t just his bias. This man was something else, to sway so many with a simple acoustic tune.
Dhurke felt his heart fluttering.
This man was truly special.
Datz smirked as he saw Dhurke’s expression of awe. “Go talk to him. He always stays behind to have a drink or two before going home.”
Dhurke frowned with a sigh, “I really shouldn’t.”
Datz whined, “Whyyyyy, it’s a bar, it’s not like it's weird-”
“I should get home. I had a wonderful night Datz.” He said with a smile, “We can do drinks another time.
Datz frowned, “I’m planning on coming again tomorrow! You better be here or i’m gonna charge everything to your tab!” he yelled after his king.
Dhurke smiled and waved, “Yeah yeah…” He said with a laugh.
Then he caught a sinuous red frame in the corner of his eyes and paused, turning to gaze at Jove from across the bar as the man packed up his guitar. Jove stopped and turned to look at Dhurke, flushing shyly and giving him a warm smile.
Why why did this man made his heart beat so fast?
Why was his breath catching in his throat?
He returned the smile and waved before leaving the bar.
That night, Dhurke made love to his wife. He thought only of her and in the morning he knew that he still loved Amara with all his heart and soul. His being was completely hers, and that would never change.
But when he found himself alone the next day, his thoughts were filled with red velvet and sinuous fingers on glossy wood and strings.
His daydreams didn't go unnoticed.
“So Dhurke.” Amara giggled as she held their child in her arms, “Datz tells me you’ve become quite smitten with a foreign musician~” She mused.
Dhurke flushed and looked down in shame, “I cannot lie to you, Amara… I-Its not love or anything but…” He sighed as he rested his chin on his hand, “His gaze was so warm, so inviting… it drew me to him like a mortal to a succubus.” He laughed, “I fear if you met him he would steal you away from me.”
Amara laughed at that, “Now Dhurke, just like you wouldn’t denounce your love for me, I wouldn’t for any other.” She said as she hugged him, “mm… besides… even if I did fall head over heels I probably would only make him a consort.You are quite the good king so I wouldn’t get rid of you THAT easy.” She teased.
Dhurke laughed, “You wound me, my love.” He said as he scooped her up into his lap. “As stunning as he is… You are my one and only.”
She hummed, “He IS a foreigner, so he may find our ways strange, but…. I believe in the ways of our kingdom.” She gazed at him warmly, “Our love is pure, and I believe in it with all my heart… If you wish to court him I would not be opposed to it.” She mused, “If you wanted to take him as a consort, I may not be so opposed either if he turns out to be a good man in heart as well as in bed~” She said with a giggle.
Dhurke stared at his wife with wide eyes, “You do not jest… you are not angry with me….” He breathed out, “You would… allow me to… with him?”
Amara smiled as she rested against him, “I have your heart and your devotion to me and my kingdom… That is all I will ever ask for from a man as wonderful as you.”
Dhurke hugged Amara tight.
His wife was too good to him.
“I love you so much.” Dhurke said quietly against her hair.
Amara smiled and closed her eyes, “Mm… I love you too dear… now go show him how a dragon courts its prey~”
So that night he got ready, He threw on his robes and ended up with Datz at the bar again.
“So what are you gonna say to him?” Datz said giddily
“You’re acting like we’re teenagers.” Dhurke said with a sigh, “I’ll… just ask him out for a drink and… t-talk to him and… stuff.” He said quietly.
Datz gave him a thumbs up. “Well he’s almost done with his show, maybe you should go up to him after? Just no cheesy pick-up lines.”
Dhurke flushed and let out a frustrated sigh, “Yeah yeah…” He murmured.
So Dhurke let himself be serenaded by the wonderful man at the front of the bar once more.
When he was done, Dhurke got up, clearing his throat and trying to steel himself. Datz gave him a reassuring nudge and he was making his way across the bar toward him.
Jove clicked the strap on his guitar and turned Dhurkes direction. The man’s chocolate eyes locked with his, and Jove’s eyes lit up happily.
Dhurke was blown away by the pure love and brightness in them, so different from the day before. Suddenly Jove was running toward him and he took a step back in shock.
Until Jove ran past him.
“Thalassa!” Jove said happily, “There you are, and you brought little Apollo too.” He said with a laugh.
Dhurke turned around, and his heart fell.
She was beautiful. Clad in white and jewels. Her eyes were kind and soft, and her hair framed her face in all the right places. He watched as they kissed and cuddled slightly, before pulling apart.
It was then that he noticed the little bundle in Thalassa’s arms.
A little baby.
Dhurke closed his eyes and let out a small sigh.
What was he doing?
He went back to his seat and plopped in it with a frown.
Datz scratched the back of his head apologetically, “Sorry man, I didn’t realize he was taken.”
“Its alright.” Dhurke said dejectedly, sulking to himself.
Datz sighed as he leaned back, “Well I mean, there’s always the wife. She’ll always...be there… for you” Datz trailed off.
Dhurke sent Datz an annoyed look, “What, cat got your tongue-”
“E-Excuse me…”
Dhurke froze, turning to look at Jove, who was standing at their table.
Jove flushed and gazed down with a shy smile, “I wanted to thank you for coming by again, your eminence…” He said quietly, gazing at him with a warm smile, “You really inspired me last time I played, and… I think I can make wonderful music so long as I keep seeing you.”
Dhurke felt his heart flutter in his chest once more.
The Holy Mother was definitely playing with him at this point.
Jove brought his hands up defensively, “O-Only if you could… I-I know running the country must be hard I just…” He stuttered, shifting shyly, “It would make me happy… to see you more.”
Those big beautiful eyes were going to be the death of him.
“Of course, I want to… I'll come as many times as I can.” Dhurke said with a bright smile, "Watching you play brings me... a joy I can't put into words, Justice."
“R-Really?” He clasped his hands in front of his chest and nodded. “Thank you your eminence, I-I look forward to…” He flushed and glanced down, “To playing for you in the future…” He said with a warm smile.
“Honey, the baby is getting a little fussy, we should head back~” The woman a ways away called with a smile.
“C-Coming honey!” He said with a bright smile toward her, turning and waving, “Well I gotta scoot… goodbye, your eminence.”
Dhurke watched the man run off, slightly dazed as he watched his frame till it disappeared out the door, “Bye…” Dhurke said as an afterthought, the man already gone as he spoke.
Datz stared at Dhurke, dumbfounded before scratching the back of his head, “Dhurkeeeeee… I know what I said but-”
“We’re coming back tomorrow.” Dhurke said airily
“Dhurke no. He’s married.” Datz pouted.
“So? I’m married.”
“To the empress whose allowed to have consorts! He’s a foreigner, and has a wife and kid-”
“It’s not a sin to watch.”
Datz rolled his eyes, before letting out a soft sigh. “Alright, we can come back, but ONLY looking and maybe talking. No touching.” Datz said, waving his finger at Dhurke.
“Fine.” Dhurke agreed.
So they came back again and again. Dhurke and Datz would sit at that little table and listen to Jove play.
Every night Jove would come and say hi to them.
Every night Dhurke would grow more enamored with the man.
One day, Datz was called out on a mission, he would be gone for a few months.
Even with Datz gone, Dhurke still went to see Jove. He went every night just to watch him play, and it was harder to stay away without his friend acting as his conscience.
One day, he threw caution to the wind.
“Have a drink with me, Justice.” Dhurke said to the man as he packed up.
Jove jolted, turning and looking at Dhurke with wide eyes. “P-Pardon, your Eminence?”
Dhurke cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head. “A drink… I-I want to have a drink with you.” He repeated, looking up shyly.
Jove bit his bottom lip in thought, looking down shyly.
“I-If you can’t its alright” Dhurke said quickly, “I just figured I would ask-”
“I’d love to.” Jove interrupted, gazing up at Dhurke with a weak smile. He looked nervous.
Dhurke gazed dumbfounded at the man before him, taking note of his timidness before smiling, “A-Alright, c’mon. We’ll sit at the bar this time.”
Jove tipped his hat and swung the guitar over his back, following Dhurke to the bar.
Dhurke knew this was a terrible idea, but he had to know more about the wonderful musician before him.
He just prayed this didn’t end terribly.