WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE

anon911andbuddie:

  It had been months. He had been running a kingdom himself for months since Shannon left. A Queen abandoning her duties and her family. Abandoning her husband and King, and her 8 year old son. Eddie didn’t care about her leaving him, what got him was her leaving Christopher. 

  Eddie sat on his throne casting a glance at the empty seat next to him and let out a quiet sigh. It had been arranged that he was to be remarried soon. It would benefit both his kingdom and his soon-to-be husband’s. Which would be great in the long run and for the sake of his people however King Edmundo Diaz was not at all thrilled about who he was being wed to. 

  Prince Evan Buckley. Eddie had never personally met him and wasn’t overly keen on doing so. The Elven Prince of Aerio Valtis was a womanizer. Literally notoriously known for sleeping around and not being the brightest star in the sky. He acted more of a manwhore than he did a Prince and he definitely would not have been Eddie’s first pick but under the circumstances he faced he had little choice. Thaocia was on the brink of war with Erealith and Eddie knew that having access to one of the larger forces in the West could put him at an advantage. Aerio Valtis was a powerhouse of a Stronghold and through a lot of hard work and many deals and trades Eddie had gotten Thaocia on good terms with them. Then suddenly Shannon left…and word spread. As soon as it reached the ears of the Buckley’s they had started talking about joining households. Their oldest daughter was already wed and in another kingdom which left them with their son Evan. 

  And that left Eddie where he was now. Alone in his throne room contemplating his and his son’s future. He would marry the Prince for the sake of the kingdom and keeping his son safe. He’d most likely be miserable, people would talk about him…they already did. About how his wife left. How he wasn’t enough to keep her and soon enough about how his husband was most likely sleeping around behind his back…oh the things Eddie endured for his people. 

  Eddie drug a hand down his face and sighed as he stood and the doors to the throne room were opened and he headed out to where his son awaited him in the carriage.

                            —————

  He hated it in here. Truly hated it. Eddie most certainly preferred riding a horse over being in a carriage but he wouldn’t leave his son alone. He looked over at Christopher and smiled at his son. They were on their way to pick up a matching set of crowns recently made for the wedding in a few days. Chimney had been more than willing to deliver the crowns to the castle himself but Eddie declined because he needed to get out and he felt that Christopher probably felt the need to as well.

  "Do you think he’s going to be nice?“ Christopher said as he glanced at his father.

  "Do I think who’ll be nice little man?”

  "Prince Evan.“ He said quietly and Eddie gave his son a small smile as he ruffled his hair.

  "Uh…I’m not certain but…I’m sure he’ll be nice Christopher.“ 

  "Do you think he’ll like us more than mom did?” Eddie felt his heart drop at the words and he leaned forward and took one of his son’s hands in his own.

  "Mijo he’s going to love you, it’s impossible not to. Your mother didn’t leave because she didn’t love you, there were many reasons she left but you are not one of them okay?“ Eddie said and Chris nodded. Eddie leaned forward placing a kiss on his son’s head and was about to speak but a thud made him pause. The carriage came to a halt as one of the guards shouted something out.

  This was bad. Really bad. Eddie had dealt with this enough times to realise what was happening. He quickly shifted onto the same seat as his son and shrugged off his jacket placing it over him and pulled out the dagger from his boots. "Christopher I need you to stay very quiet and very still okay? No matter what you hear I need you to sit tight little man.”

  His son was trembling but managed a nod and a barely audible ‘okay’. He heard what sounded like struggling and fighting, swords clashing against each other and Eddie clenched his jaw. He needed to do something but he couldn’t just leave his son in here alone and risk something happening. He’d let him down enough in his life, he couldn’t do it again. He had to protect him at all costs. The door was opened and Eddie lunged stabbing his blade into an opening in the armor. He yanked the blade out as him and the stranger tumbled to the ground. Erealith were bolder than he had thought, they didn’t even bother trying to hide the fact they were attacking. The armor colors and symbols were that of the Erealithian army.

  Eddie grunted as he felt metal clad hands grab at him and hoist him up, he growled as he kicked off the ground and threw his weight into the person behind him and fought to find a weak link or opening in the leg or hip of the armor. They tumbled to the ground and Eddie growled as he wrestled with the man on top of him. He flipped them over as he yanked off the other man’s helmet and drove his dagger into his throat. Eddie stood as he took in his surroundings and turned as he heard something. He gasped as the Erealithian Knight drove a blade into his abdomen before ripping it out and tossing Eddie to the ground and kicking him in the face. Eddie sucked in a shaky breath as he grasped at his lower stomach. He guaranteed that his nose was broken as well but it could be dealt with later. Christopher. He had to keep them away from-

  "Dad!“ He heard the small voice call out and Eddie’s head jerked in the direction of it. He groaned as he attempted to stand and stumbled as his vision blurred and the world around him began spinning. He heard him call out but couldn’t make out the words as he stumbled towards the sound before falling. He gasped painfully as a hand gripped his shoulder and pulled him to his feet before slamming him against the side of the carriage. 

  "Any last words before you die King.” The soldier growled out as he pulled his sword out and leveled it with Eddie’s chest.

  "Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing you Erealithian filth.“ A voice said causing the two to glance next to them.

 "That’s certainly no way to treat a King.” The stranger said as he drove his blade into the soldier who crumpled in front of Eddie, Eddie nearly following before being caught by the stranger. 

  "Easy there, take it easy. Looks like you’ve lost a bit of blood already.“ Eddie shook his head as he tried to step away only for his legs to give out.

  "C-christopher.” He managed to get out.

  "He was with you?“ The stranger asked and Eddie could hear the frown in his tone. Eddie weakly shook his head before the stranger gently hulled him to his feet and into the treeline. 

  "Stay here, I’ll come back for you." 

  "I-I have to…to” Eddie tried to gasp out painfully as he grit his teeth.

  "Your majesty, with all due respect you stand no chance in doing much in this condition. Stay here. Stay hidden and I will get you your son back.“ Eddie looked up at the stranger crouched in front of him. His black armor polished to the point Eddie could see his own reflection, delicate silver outlined the armor marching the silver cape the stranger too off and draped over the King. Piercing blue eyes were the only thing that could be seen behind the helmet, intense and glued to him. Eddie nodded weakly wincing at the pain as the stranger whistled for his horse and rode off in pursuit of the Prince.

                       ———————

  Eddie opened his eyes as he felt a hand on his shoulder. 

  "Welcome back to the land of the living Your Majesty.” The soft voice of the stranger said as he helped Eddie sit up. 

  "Chri-“

  "His highness is safe and sound, he’s currently keeping Zorren company. The horse has taken quite a liking to him.” The man said as he turned his head and glanced at Christopher sitting on the ground next to the laying horse. Eddie smiled slightly at the sight.

  "How are you feeling?“

  "Tired. Sore… relieved.” Eddie responded and the stranger nodded.

  "I did what I could. The abdomen was easier to deal with than your nose, it’s broken for sure but it’ll heal. His highness was thankfully unharmed. And he did not witness anything violent. He’s great at I Spy, though.“ Eddie let out a laugh at that and winced as he placed a gentle hand over his stomach. 

  "Thank you." 

  "For what?" 

  "You saved my life, more importantly you saved my son’s. So thank you.” Eddie said as he gazed into blue eyes. He wished he could see the face they belonged to, the face that the kind voice belonged to. 

  "Your majesty y-you don’t have to thank me.“ The man stuttered out as he looked down. Eddie sighed and shook his head.

  "There is, most people probably would have just left me for Dead. Not that I blame them, I’ve not been the best King I suppose. I’m trying my best though…hopefully this marriage will help me become a better leader to them..” Eddie said a bit sadly. The stranger looked at him as he continued to kneel by Eddie.

  "You’re a good King, a good man. A marriage to the Elven Prince doesn’t make you a better leader. Sure it might ensure that they’re more protected but…it won’t change who you are. A great King and a good father. If anything maybe this marriage is more so…the Prince wanting to become a better person and learning to be a good leader himself. It might be to join the households, but I’m sure he had a say in the matter with how the Buckley’s are. They discuss matters such as that, he had a say in whether or not he was to marry you.“ The man mumbled and Eddie furrowed his brow. He never thought he was a good leader, nor a good Dad yet here this stranger sat telling him otherwise. What he said about the Prince…was interesting. Perhaps it was true, but Eddie doubted it from the things he had heard. 

  "You have a name?” Eddie asked as he watched his son braid the horses mane.

  "Everyone has a name.“ The man stated, a hint of amusement to his voice.

  "So I take it you wish to remain unknown… certainly there must be something I could call you?” Eddie said as he leaned closer.

  "Call me…call me a friend. I’d prefer that over what everyone else seems to be taking a liking to, The Assassin of the West…doesn’t have the best ring to it.“ The man said sadly. Eddie raised his brows momentarily, he’d heard the name whispered some even referred to the man as The Bone Collector for…reasons that the name might explain. Sitting here in front of him now though, Eddie dismissed nearly every rumor he’d heard. 

  "Don’t think I’ve had many friends, not true ones at least. So I’ll call you a friend. If there’s any way I can repay you-”

  "Your friendship is plenty but I suppose I’ll ask but one thing of you.“ He said as he looked at Eddie who nodded. "Do not judge one too harshly before you get to know them, no matter what might be said about them or how they might appear at a glance. That is all I ask of you your maj-”

  "Eddie. Call me Eddie.“ 

  "Well okay…think you could do that for me Eddie?” He asked quietly and Eddie nodded.

  "I give you my word.“ 

  "Thank you.” The man tilted his head and sighed as he stood up. “This is where I take my leave, may we soon yet meet again Eddie." 

  "Wai-”

  "With all due respect I would like to be gone by the time your guard arrives. I wish you and your son a safe venture back home.“ The man made his way towards the horse he called Zorren. "Sorry buddy but we have to get going, take care of your dad for me yeah?”

  "Okay, bye mister. Thank you for saving me.“ Christopher said as he hugged the man.

  "Of course bud. See you around little man.” The man turned back to face Eddie and bowed before standing straight and giving a two finger wave. “Catch you around Eds." 

  "Yeah, I hope so.” Eddie said as he struggled to his feet as Christopher came over and threw his arms around his Dad. Eddie hugged him tightly and kissed the top of his head and watched as the man mounted the horse and took off. 

  "You okay Dad?“ Christopher asked as he looked up at his dad and moved a hand to touch his face, careful with the broken nose.

  "I will be Christopher, it’ll heal up in no time. What’s important is that you’re okay.” Eddie said and looked at the bag that was on his son’s side. “Whatcha got there little man?" 

  "The crowns. He asked what we were doing out of the castle and after he fixed you up we went to get them. Chimney went to get the guards at the castle after we told him what had happened.” Christopher said, still glued to his father. Eddie let out an amused sound. That man was something interesting, he’d have loved to get to know him more…he hoped they’d meet again soon down the line. Preferably under better circumstances. Eddie cocked his head as he heard his Royal Guard approaching. He’d have to break it to a few people about what happened to the others earlier, but for now he was just grateful his son was alive and still had his father.

  Eddie groaned as one of them dismounted and came over to examine him, pestering him with questions about what had happened. Once both he and Christopher were looked over and declared relatively okay, they began the journey back to the castle. Eddie couldn’t wait to go to sleep.

                           ––––––––

  Eddie bit the inside of his cheek nervously as he stood in the hall waiting for the arrival of his soon-to-be husband. He was nervous, of course he was. He kept reminding himself of the promise he had made days prior, he’d meet Evan and he’d get to know him for himself. 

  Eddie turned as the doors were opened and his breath caught in his throat. There were his guards, Christopher between them happily chatting away with one of the most beautiful people Eddie had ever seen. 

  Evan was tall and well built, Eddie would certainly give him that. He wore black leather pants that clung tightly to long legs and disappeared into black boots. He wore a silver shirt under a dark blue vest that was nearly as tight as his pants were. His delicately pointed ears caught Eddie’s attention first…well after he pried his eyes away from the outfit. An intricate crown sat atop his head, a few soft curls fell over a bit of it. Evan finally turned his gaze from Christopher and looked at Eddie. Eddie’s gaze flicked from the birthmark over his eye to meet his bright blue eyes and a wide grin. Evan laughed at something Chris said before winking at one of the guards as they said their farewell and left the three.

  He’d been around him all of two seconds and Evan was already winking and batting his eyes at someone else. 

  "Your son is quite the kid…your majesty.“ Evan said as the two got closer. Eddie hummed in agreement as he furrowed his brows at something strangely familiar about the phrase his him.

  "You know technically I’m also your son now.”

  "Is that so?“

  "Yep…well I guess in a few days I will be.” Christopher said as he sat down on a chair and looked out the window. Evan arched a brow.

  "Yeah I guess that’s true, with the wedding and all.“ Evan said in realization as he took to standing next to Eddie who noticed the other was a hair taller than him. "Who would have thought I’d be getting married…let alone having a son.”

  "No need to sound so enthused.“ Eddie muttered earning a look from the other.

  "I meant no harm in saying that, your son is a great kid. I just…I never thought I’d be getting married to a decent human. Never thought I’d eventually have someone to call my son. It's…”

  "Gonna take some getting used?“ Eddie asked and Evan nodded. Eddie pursed his lips and gave a slight nod. 

  "How are you doing? I heard about the attack not long ago.” Evan said as he turned his head to look at Eddie closely.

  "I’m fine, it’ll all heal. It looks worse than it is Evan.“

  "Buck.”

  "I’m sorry?“ Eddie replied.

  "Please call me Buck.” He said quietly as he met Eddie’s gaze with a familiar stare and it clicked. 

  "How’d you hear about the attack?“

  "People talk, it’s not very hard to listen. Even a simpleton like me can acquire decent listening skills.” Buck answered and Eddie snorted.

  "Walk with me?“ Eddie asked and Buck nodded. "Chris you gonna be okay on your own for a second?”

  "I’ll be okay Dad, I’m not going anywhere.“ Chris said as he watched some birds outside the window overlooking the garden.

  "Okay kiddo.” Eddie kissed his head before he walked down the hall and turned, Buck close behind. Eddie stopped and opened the door to the balcony and motioned for Buck to step out. 

  "Did I say someth-“

  "How’s Zorren doing?” Eddie asked and Buck furrowed his brows. 

  "He’s fine but what does my horse have to do with anything? Why do you even know his name?“ Buck said confused.

  "You mentioned it the other day… now I’d like to know why you didn’t mention who you were there other day.” Eddie said and Buck opened his mouth sightly.

  "You know.“

  "Clearly. I just want to know why you didn’t say anything.”

  "How do you tell the man you’re set to marry that you’re the one everyone calls The Bone Collector? Which if I might add is a load of bullshit. I’ve never collected any, Elven bones you’re supposed to scatter if they dishonor the royal families. That’s why bones were missing.“ Buck mumbled as he looked away from Eddie.

  "So you’d rather me think you’re some simpleton manwhore Prince?” Eddie asked and seen Buck flinch slightly at the words. 

  "Look I…it’s better people thought of me as that over what I am and have done. I asked you to keep an open mind and not,“

  "Judge before I know, and that’s why I’m here with you right now. I want to know.”

  "Because no one would like the real me…so I acted in a way to fit in where I was. I hate it, I hate acting like that but…it kept people from knowing the real me and knowing what I did. I only ever went after people who harmed others, mostly those targeting Royal families. So yeah pretending to be stupid and sleeping around was preferred to people looking at me and hating me.“

  "I like the real you.” Eddie said as he stepped closer to Buck. “I’d rather you be honest with me, to be yourself with me. Buck you saved me and you saved Christopher and who you were back there…that’s someone I know I can trust and that’s someone I can love and run a kingdom with.”

  "Eds there’s things I’ve done-“

  "Buck we’ve all done things we might not be proud of, we’ve all got skeletons in the wardrobe. They’re best left there and I’m okay with leaving them alone if you want that. But I don’t want you to pretend. For the sake of us, our marriage and running a kingdom together. For the sake of raising our son. I need you to be you. That’s all I ask of you, do you think you could do that for me Ev?”

  "Yeah…yeah I think I could.“ Buck said as he looked down at Eddie who was barely an inch away from him. 

  "Then I think we’ll do just fine.” Eddie mumbled before Buck closed the distance between them and carefully kissed him. Eddie sighed happily as he ran a hand through Buck’s and tugged gently earning a soft groan from him. Buck’s hands clutched at his hips pulling them against him as they kissed each other. Eddie could have stayed like that forever but sadly a Kings duties wouldn’t allow it.

  "Your maj-“ Hen said as she opened the door to the balcony and trailed off before clearing her throat. The two broke apart and Eddie flushed as he glanced at the captain of his guard. "Sorry to interrupt but you do have a meeting to attend, it’s about the new trading routes and treaties recently formed. I’d suggest you both be present considering it’s soon going to be both of your responsibilities. Christopher is with Bobby currently, they’ll be in the study no doubt reading or playing with that new chess set.”

  Eddie nodded and glanced at Buck before they followed her back into the castle and towards the meeting.

                           –—––––––

  Eddie stood looking at Buck and he swore he’d never seen such a beautiful sight. They both wore nearly identical suits but god did it look ethereal on him. He smiled at Christopher who stood up by them and his excitement as the two men knelt in front of him.

  Buck smiled softly as the young boy placed the crown upon his head and he stood as he watched Christopher place Eddie’s crown atop his head. Eddie stood and before the words were spoken to them, pulled Buck into a kiss earning happy hoots and clapping from the large crowd. 

  Eddie pulled away and stared at guys husband. Evan Buckley-Diaz was the best thing to happen to him, aside from Christopher. He may not have known him very long but they’d been inseparable since he arrived and they felt like they’d known each other for a lifetime. Eddie hadn’t believed it was possible to fall in love with someone almost instantly but here they both were.

  It might not always be a perfectly happily ever after, but they certainly would walk through anything life, or Erealith, would throw at them together.

- Clover ☘️

Hope you like it 💚 sorry it’s so long guys