Chapter Text
The God-King awoke at the faintest hint of the dawn breaking the sky. Soon, the palace would come back to life as the twilight graced the horizon. And then, with a ring of the bell, the attendants would flood in to assist their master in his preparation.
In the long millennia of his rule, Nanook's morning routine had always been the same: He would rise with the daybreak and make ready in the lamplight. And then, just when the first sun ray shone upon the palace's walls, the heavy front doors would be open, respectfully sending their master off for the day. The Blemished One's preferences had never changed; his habits remained the same.
Until a certain golden bird graced the sands of Adlivun.
These days, instead of leaving the bed at his earliest convenience, the God-King leisurely sat up, turned the light on at its smallest setting, and observed the said golden bird to his side. There, his one and only consort, Khaslana, remained peacefully asleep, with a relaxed posture and even puffs of breath. Some tuffs of his dishevelled hair had gotten in the blond man's face, inviting the God-King to reach out and gently uncover that lovely look.
In recent years, Nanook had come to enjoy any small opportunity to observe his consort in repose, given how disparate their schedules had become as his conquests marched on, while his consort took on more imperial duties.
Yet, the moment did not last long. Just within a few minutes, the faint light and Nanook's small gesture roused Khaslana from his rest. He watched how those big, blurry eyes immediately searched for the culprit of the touch with annoyance, and his own lips reacted with subtle mirth.
"Good morning, beautiful sun." He greeted in Adlivunian.
Despite a small frown etched on Khaslana's left brow, which Nanook gently smoothed out, the blond man caught Nanook's fingers in a slow caress as he closed his eyes again with a small sigh, trying to wake up. In the meantime, God-King rang for their usual cups of coffee.
With both parties properly awakened, they quickly took a wash before being escorted back by two separate sets of attendants. While Nanook's side helped him dress appropriately for official meetings and braid his hair, Khaslana's attendants dressed his consort beautifully for their God-King's eyes, using priceless jewellery, unique accessories, and meticulously woven gowns - all tailored to accentuate Khaslana's attractive body while accommodating his needs to move and fight comfortably. Having finished first, Nanook strode over to feast on the sight of the smaller man, who was being given some final touches to his makeup.
Khaslana was wrapped in navy blue for the day, matching perfectly with Nanook's ivory robe. His body was further adorned with silver or platinum accessories set with diamonds, just like those the God-King wore. While his hair was kept plain and free of ornaments, its simplicity had been offset by the paint put on his beautiful face: Thin black lines on the upper eyelids, a stroke of dark blue added to the lower lashes, some tint to his elegant brows, and a neutral shade of pink on those lips.
"How is it?" Khaslana asked as soon as the paintbrush was put away.
Nanook gave his consort a satisfied look of approval before extending his hand to lead Khaslana to the outer room, where they partook of breakfast as the light stretched beyond the horizon. Afterwards, Khaslana continued to accompany the God-King outdoors, exchanging dialogues in the beautiful view of the garden. They parted at the entrance of the outer palace, where Nanook bid his consort goodbye with a kiss on that pale hand. And then he headed off to the conference room, while Khaslana made his way to the library.
*
At some point, the story of their God-King and his betrothed had gone on for longer than a century, long enough to be told in books and songs.
Khaslana used to dislike the idea of waking at such an hour. With how early the sun would rise in Adlivun, the idea of rising before the sun felt diabolical to an insomniac like him, due to a body constantly ravaged by coreflames and a mind plagued with old nightmares. Knowing this, Nanook would always let Khaslana sleep in, especially after he had served him in bed the night prior. It was also his way to observe what little self-expression Khaslana would muster when given the room.
Despite willingly offering himself in exchange for the freedom of a severely weakened Amphoreus, Khaslana still loathed the idea of Nanook possessing him in every way. As a result, Khaslana would decline any given luxurious item, deny himself any favour he could ask, keep his distance from Nanook (and everyone) when able, and serve the God-King's will only when explicitly ordered to.
In contrast with popular belief, Nanook never grew bored with Khaslana's rebellious attitude. If anything, he always found it amusing to entertain in his good mood, and satisfying to break in his foul mood. Yet over time, his boundless greed roused his desire for more from Khaslana - something more honest, more hidden. And to do this, he chose to give.
For every part he gave in turn, the part he received pleased him all the more.
Surprisingly, this game of theirs did not affect just the God-King. Somewhere along the century, Khaslana had learned to do the same: He willingly woke up early to share his morning with Nanook; he agreed to dress his part for Nanook's eyes; and he grew more reciprocal towards Nanook.
The reason was never given, but perhaps it was easier for both of them to work around each other if Khaslana learned how to bring about a pleasant day to Nanook - or so the God-King suspected.
If Khaslana truly thought so, then he was not wholly wrong. Despite sharing an intimate relationship with the avatar of Destruction, the demigod had always had his heart with those who suffer, those in pain, and especially those affected by Nanook's epic of conquest. His interest always conflicted with Nanook's; mutual agreements were rarely ever reached. However, with Khaslana trying hard to please his lord and master, Nanook found it tolerable to indulge his consort's whims. Not all of them, of course, but definitely anything that would benefit both his empire and Khaslana.
Khaslana might not have paid too much attention to it, but Nanook was very pleased with how much his consort's image had improved with the public and all the side boons his wings brought home. For the first few years walking on the sands of Adlivun, the demigod was subject to sneers, jealousy and unsavoury rumours - for his peculiar background and "being fortunate enough to charm their God-King (or a dictator, depending on who you ask) and buy freedom for his crumbling country". Over time, Nanook's people had come to see Khaslana as his precious and divine companion, who protected them from conflicts and unrest. Meanwhile, those dwelling in the annexed lands had come to see Khaslana as their blessing, because he strove to protect their identity and improve their welfare. Khaslana might not have been able to sway Nanook away from his warring campaigns, but the demigod's presence certainly softened up the God-King's image as a conqueror, allowing Nanook to consolidate and stabilise his territories faster, and weeding out any underlying corruption in his governing apparatus.
One fascinating fact he had observed over the years with Khaslana by his side, was that the embers of animosity were quicker snuffed out when the conquered were treated with dignity, their heritage preserved, their stability assured. It was something easier said than done when Nanook ruled and made decisions with an iron fist. Even so, there was potential and fruition to the Amphorean's unceasing effort. In the current age, Khaslana might be the only one to achieve such a feat.
And the pleasantry did not stop there, either. The moment Khaslana was known as his favourite, the neighbouring realms had begun to work harder to propitiate the God-King. More often, it was by adding more variation to their part of the tribute, in the discrete hope that the God-King might find them appealing enough, if not for himself, then for his consort. To some of them, anything was an adequate price to pay if it could keep Nanook's army away from their borders.
*
Even after a century, Khaslana remained secluded from Adlivun's court meetings and political discussions. In fact, not even imperial ceremonies and royal events could make him show up. Even if he did, it would be nothing more than a shadowy figure behind curtains, stirring up a storm of curiosity among visitors and travellers alike.
It was easier to explain the former case, for within Adlivun, Nanook's reign and power were absolute, leaving none to be disputed by any potential future consort or kin. Even with Khaslana's status as his favourite and exception, the God-King made it abundantly clear that using Khaslana or his name to influence Nanook's will would only make it worse for those who tried to beseech his divine favour, squashing any accusation that Khaslana could charm the Ruin Author into doing his bidding. It also helped that Khaslana himself turned down all attempts to approach him for any matters presided over by Nanook and his government. He knew full well the terrible consequences of those endeavours, and so chose to embrace his portrayal as an inconsequential face in the political and economic scene, if only to protect the innocents.
As for the latter case, well… Khaslana simply did not like being stared at.
This also worked in Nanook's favour. It went without saying that the God-King was absurdly possessive over Khaslana, to the point his bloodthirst would rise at the idea of someone else looking at his consort with mild interest, let alone leering at him. Even though Khaslana's body had changed over the years, restored to its healthy flesh form and reforged into a vessel divine enough to tame the raging flame and dematerialise the wings at will, Nanook desired him all the same. His people might recognise Khaslana for his blond hair and tall stature, but they could not know the exact details of those eyes, those muscles, those subtle expressions. Khaslana's beauty was laid bare for him and him only. Anything Khaslana chose to conceal from the public - they were all for the God-King to enjoy and appreciate.
That said, the demigod was not reclusive to the extreme. When he was not away patrolling the borders, scouting for troubles or resolving conflicts, he oversaw charitable work and patronage. With Nanook's permission, many foundations were established in his name to fund the construction of public institutions and establishments, aiming to serve the poor and the distraught. Due to his philanthropic and peacemaking efforts inside Adlivun, Khaslana was immensely popular with the common people.
Nanook always remembered the first time he heard Khaslana's name chanted repeatedly during Adlivun's biggest festival of the year, as his people demanded to see Nanook's consort alongside their God-King during the procession. Since then, Khaslana would always make his public appearance for the same occasion, in his full and winged glory for all to admire.
This, Nanook allowed.
*
Nanook's day stretched painfully long, filled with seemingly endless discussions about Adlivun's upcoming campaign to the East and potential turmoil from a province in the West. By the time he returned to their private wing, the sun had almost disappeared from the horizon.
As informed to him, Khaslana had retired to their quarters just a tad sooner, having just finished going through his own paperwork. Nanook found the blond man by the dressing table, with an arm holding out for his attendants to take off the last of his accessories.
"Your Majesty", Khaslana greeted Nanook with his calm voice and a glance, while the attendants bowed deeply at their God-King.
Slowly, they backstepped away from Khaslana with their heads still bowed, as Nanook took unhurried strides over to the dressing table. All the while, Khaslana sat there, ostensibly docile and motionless, waiting for Nanook to savour one last look at his consort in today's wardrobe picks. And then…
"Bring in the gold version of the same earrings, along with his usual necklace, then leave us", commanded the God-King as he rested a palm on that navy-clad back.
"Oh?" Khaslana reacted with a half-lidded, provocative gaze towards Nanook and a slight smirk at the corner of his mouth.
Nanook offered him no explanation. Instead, the same hand on that strong back guided Khaslana to stand up and follow him to the bathroom.
"Come help me wash up". That was all the God-King wanted to say for the moment.