#neither Katherine nor Christopher are happy right now

[not-your-pussikat]

Ode to my uterus

Pain, pain, go away Come again some other NEVER

[gerec]

The Master of Charlton Park

Chapter 3 - Part 5

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

@lachatblanche

Having given his answer, which garnered him yet another warm smile, he allowed the Lehnsherrs to lead him away as the others continued to greet new guests that came through the door.  Erik’s unease was palpable as they crossed the room, his back noticeably stiff with tension that Charles wanted desperately to soothe, though of course it was impossible to do so without being seen by prying eyes.  But then the light touch of Emma’s hand seemed to bring his lover back from the edge of a brewing storm, and he was once again struck by the depth of their bond, and how so much of Erik was still unknowable to him, even if his love for Charles was assured. When they were suitably situated – off to the side of the ballroom, where they could not be overheard – Erik leaned into Charles’ space and then hesitated, a frown masking the array of complicated emotions that flit across his face. When he finally spoke it was with an air of resignation, and perhaps no small amount of disappointment, and Charles realized belatedly just how much these first few minutes of interaction had already begun to weigh on his lover. “You will remember to rest? And not to push yourself too hard, yes?” Erik murmured, and he looked rather desperate, as though he had to physically restrain himself from gathering Charles into his arms. It was difficult to stifle his own instinct to respond, and only a warning look from Emma kept Charles from gently reaching to clasp Erik’s arm. “I will. Now go and enjoy your evening.” Erik shook his head, even as Emma sighed. “I could not. I wish only to be by your side and to dance with you all night.”

“Oh, Erik—” “You must stop this nonsense at once,” Emma said, and though her words were sharp her tone was not unkind, “or do you want Charles feel guilty for enjoying himself? You know what this evening means to him, in the company of his family and friends. As difficult as it is for you both it will be over soon enough, and we will all be home again in just a few hours.” Whether it was Emma’s candid reminder or the thought of returning later to Charles’ bed, he didn’t know, but Erik smiled then, small but genuine as he answered, “Emma is right, as she often is much to my annoyance; it is selfish of me to want to keep you all to myself, Charles. I want you to enjoy yourself tonight, and know that your happiness is what matters the most.” Charles smiled, and wished he could hold Erik’s hand as he answered, “As yours is to me, darling. I will be careful, with myself and the babe, I promise.” He watched then as Emma led the way, guiding Erik towards their mutual friends the MacTaggerts, newly arrived at the ball. Charles himself took a deep breath before heading towards his own family, though by then Raven had already crossed the length of the room to meet him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. “Charles! Oh, you look so handsome tonight. Is that a new jacket? Was it a gift from your lo—” “Shh Raven,” he chided, shooting her a warning glance even as she rolled her eyes. “I was just asking if it was a gift from your lovely sponsors,” she said, with exaggerated patience, “please do give me some credit for knowing what is and isn’t appropriate discussion at a ball.” Charles grinned. “Sorry. It’s hard to remember you’re not a child anymore, dear Raven, since you still act like one.” “Oh, is that any way to speak to your favorite sister?” “You’re my only sister, though I concede that you are indeed my favorite.” Bolstered by Raven’s presence the two set off arm in arm towards mother and Kurt, who gave Charles no more than a perfunctory greeting before going back to their discussion with Christopher and Katherine Summers. Instead of disappointment, Charles was relieved by their lack of interest; his current arrangement with the Lehnsherrs meant that he was free from their match making attempts now and for the foreseeable future. Luckily, Raven was also largely safe from their meddling, for she was both a beta and younger than Charles, and therefore not expected to marry to ensure the family’s continued fortune. It gave her a degree of freedom as well as the luxury of choice, though she had been adamant that neither marriage nor children suited her sensibilities. Charles wondered if it might change her mind if she met the right person; someone who intrigued her as much as Erik had instantly captivated him all those months ago at the MacTaggerts’ ball.