The Unexpected

It was precisely because Yozak hadn't been after Yuuri that he got him.

The pressure had built with the years of Yuuri's reign over Shin Makoku. Wolfram grew ever more insistent about their engagement. Gunter gushed unabashedly at each correct answer given in his lessons and some of the incorrect ones too. The maids kept tabs on all of the visiting nobles who grew taken with the young king, often posting the results for all to view.

The worst of it came when Yuuri overheard a conversation between Murata and Conrad. It was an odd mix of commiseration and game play as the two men made veiled references to each other's feelings for the king which neither denied as the hidden Yuuri had hoped.

There were too many people he cared about who cared too much for him. He didn't want to let anyone down, but it seemed as though he'd disappoint everyone in the end.

It was on those days when he was ready to burst from frustration that he'd take solace in Yozak. It was just easy to be with the spy. He was laid back and being with him had a calming effect on the king.

Neither of them expected the inexperienced Yuuri to press against the larger man's body—lip to lip and hip to hip. There were no expectations with Yozak. No wedding plans. No soulmates. No political arrangements.

He couldn't escape the others with this kiss. But for the moment, there was only the moment.