Nathan Vale Drake had been through a lot in his life. He encountered many sorrows, and his life had been filled with loneliness.

At age twenty-one, in this world, you met your soulmate. But before he even met his bride-to-be, Nathan was forced to be crowned king of his father's kingdom. Why? Because young Nathan's family caught a sickness, a deadly, incurable sickness. And soon, the only heir to the throne left alive was him.

He seemed immune to the sickness that plagued their home. That killed his entire family. That left him all alone.

When he did turn twenty-one, his soulmate didn't show up. All day he had been excited. Every minute that passed was excruciating, for he couldn't wait to meet his destined love.

Once the clock passed midnight, he cried. He did not meet his soulmate that day, nor the next day, or the next year. He turned down every hand for marriage because he knew, or at least hoped, that his soulmate would appear soon.

Even the one spark he felt, the spark he felt with his cousin, Derrick, was quickly extinguished by Derrick's new soulmate.

And then things finally changed.

Then he met David.

David was Jake's- Derrick's soulmate's- best friend. And on David's twenty-first birthday, all of Nathan's dreams came true.

Because it turned out that David was Nathan's belated soulmate, the one who he was going to cherish forever. The one who would make sure that Nathan never felt alone ever again.

And after a giant war with mythical creatures, Nathan was finally taking David home with him.

Nathan smiled to himself as he watched the woods start to clear. He knew they would be back to his kingdom soon.

Looking over at the love of his life, he watched David eye the forest in awe from the carriage window, as if the greenery and shrubs were heaven itself. It made sense, since David was a Leshy- a guardian of the forest. And Nathan wouldn't mind going into the forest every once in a while, just to make David this happy and satisfied.

Nathan would give the world to David, if he could.

He would give anything to see those grey eyes light up in wonder, or to feel his soft hand in his, or to witness the pink blush that shown brightly against his pale skin. To feel the softness of his blond, almost white hair.

"What are you staring at?" David blushed, noticing his loving gaze.

"You," Nathan admitted, "You look adorable when you are interested in something."

This made David blush even more, which made Nathan's heart tumble in his chest. It was way too early to say, "I love you," but Nathan could say it. He could. David had already done so much for him, and they had only been soulmates for days.

He didn't know how Derrick kept himself from falling in love for so long.

Nathan, wanting to cuddle with his soulmate, wrapped an arm around David's shoulders smoothly. The touch of David's shoulders against his arm sent sparks of love coursing through him. Lovingly, he leaned in to give David a kiss to his temple.

"How is it that you are such an awesome, powerful being, yet still so shy?" Nathan asked him, nuzzling his forehead into the spot he kissed.

"I'm confident in my fighting skills, but not as confident when it comes to love," David admitted in his small, shy voice. Nathan smirked at the new information. He basked in David's innocence. 

No, Nathan was not as innocent as he seemed. In the past, he had slept with several men and women in desperate attempts to quench his loneliness. He was not entirely proud of it, but he was grateful for the experience in order to please his soulmate to the best of his ability.

"Well, I have enough confidence for the both of us," he chuckled then groaned, "I can't wait until you see the kingdom! It will be so much fun to show you around! First, we will settle in, and then we can tour the kingdom tomorrow, if you'd like?"

"Of course," David smiled, excited.

"And you'll be living like a king!" yelled Nathan in excitement, pulling David into his lap. David let out a surprised squeal as Nathan held him tightly, not letting him go.

David was excited about the new experience. He had never lived in a castle, except for the couple weeks he had stayed at Derrick's. Mostly, he just aimlessly roamed around the forest, slept in trees, or shared some homes with the animals. Animals loved Leshiye due to them being the guardian of the forest, and David could communicate with them very well.

But now he was going to be sleeping in a bed fit for a king, with a king, forever and ever. The thought made him smile, and snuggle into Nathan's chest a little more. Nathan still wouldn't let him go, so David had given up instead of fighting back. Even though, however, he could surely win such a trivial fight.

"I have a question," Nathan mumbled in his ear.

"Yeah?" David asked shyly.

"If you are the guardian of a forest, and you move away from your forest, how will you continue being a guardian of that forest?" he asked. David smiled.

"I don't," replied the Leshy, " I don't guard that forest anymore. I will have to go to the nearest forest and trade with the Leshy guarding it. Usually, with proper reason, a Leshy will willingly trade forests if another needs to guard it. Hopefully, the Leshy that guards the forest of your kingdom will be nice enough to let me take over."

"And if he doesn't let you?"

"We either fight to the death over it, or I leave without a forest to guard," David sighed. 

"Will that affect you in any bad way? Not having a forest? Because I would rather you steer clear of any risk of death," Nathan expressed his worry.

"Do not fear, silly. I don't really need a forest to survive. But, if anything bad happens to my old forest, it will make me severely upset. I will go into depression for weeks, or even years, depending on how bad the situation is like. The forest is my family, and it is my job, no matter how far I go, to make sure it is protected."

"Well," Nathan replied, "If the Leshy guarding my forest ends up being an a-hole then I'll make sure Jake guards your forest with all of his heart."

"Thank you," David beamed.

"Don't thank me," Nathan said again, kissing David's cheek this time, "You are my soulmate. I will do anything for you."

"Sire!" yelled the driver from up front, "We have arrived!"

David gasped and tumbled out of Nathan's grasp to stick his head out the window again in wonder.

The kingdom of Mare was livelier than the Kingdom of MacTíre. The air was slightly warmer, not allowing snow to fall. But it was still chilly since it was winter. People were happily bustling about. A vendor selling some sort of food had a whole line of starving customers. A mother was pulling her child along, who was distracted by a... miniature wolf?

"Why do you have small wolves in your kingdom?" David asked, "Aren't wolves dangerous to humans?"

Nathan chuckled, looking where David was looking. 

"That's a dog," he said, "It is like a tamed wolf. It loves all creatures, including humans. And when it grows, it will protect its family. Meanwhile, the family will take care of it and make sure it is fed."

"That is amazing," David awed, "I have never met an animal that I didn't know. Can we go see one up close one day?"

"Of course," Nathan replied, "But today I need to introduce you to all of my staff in my castle."

David's smile slipped.

"What if they don't like me?" he asked in worry.

"If they don't like you, they are crazy," Nathan reassured, "And I'll have them kicked out. You know why?"

"Why?" David asked.

"Because you are my soulmate, which makes you my queen in a way," Nathan continued, "And if they hate the queen, then it is considered treason. Usually, that results with a death penalty, but I wouldn't do that to someone who is just hateful, like Derrick. They will probably just be jealous of your beauty."

David blushed, and looked away.

"Why are you so charming?" he whispered to himself, but Nathan heard.

"Because it is hard to not compliment you," he replied, re-wrapping his arms around his soulmate's warm waist. He could see his castle coming into view, and so could David from the look in his eye.

"Welcome to your new home," Nathan smirked. 

His castle was their home now. 

Forever.

~{()}~

"We're back!" yelled Nathan as he entered the castle. The maids, who were caught cleaning, gasped in joy. The guards tipped their hats. A maiden was waiting by the door for Nathan's arrival. All of their eyes were focused on David and Nathan's interlocked hands and laced fingers.

"Please fetch Arnold for me," Nathan asked the maiden politely, "And tell him to gather the staff. The day has finally come!"

The maiden gasped, "Has it, your majesty?" she asked, her hand upon her heart in surprise. 

"Yep!" Nathan continued happily, "But don't spread too many rumors. I want to tell everyone myself!"

"Yes, sire," she curtsied, and then hastily did as she was told. Nathan turned to David with a happy light in his eyes.

"David, can you believe it? You are here! In my home! Our home!" Nathan scooped him up, which made David gasp in surprise yet again, and spun his light soulmate around in a circle. David couldn't take his eyes off of Nathan because of the brunette's happiness. It made the Leshy smile. "I've got to show you everything!"

Still carrying him like a bride, Nathan walked up a flight of stairs leading to the upper half of the castle. After going down a few corridors, Nathan stopped at the end of one, where two big decorated doors lay.

"This is my room," Nathan said, but before he could open the doors, a throat was cleared from behind Nathan.

"Arnold!" Nathan cheered after he turned around. Behind them was a man, who David expected to be older, more sophisticated, but really was a younger man. Maybe even younger than Nathan. He had light brown hair that was long enough to fall into his hazel eyes. The excess hair he had was pulled into a loose ponytail in the back, and it was smoothed into silky locks.

"Good evening, sire," Arnold bowed, his voice thick with an English accent, "I assume your trip to MacTíre went swimmingly?"

"It was magnificent, Arnold!" Nathan cheered, letting David down from his arms, "Didn't you hear the news?!"

"Yes, sire," Arnold replied obediently, "Which is why I came for you. The staff has been gathered within the main lobby for your big news." 

"And the general?" Nathan asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Arnold's composure almost broke, but then he stood straighter, stiffer. A determined frown on his face.

"The general had just returned from his latest run-in with King William Kain," replied Arnold, "I did not want to disturb his rest."

"I see," Nathan hmmed, "Well, you must wake him after the announcement so that I can get his mission report. But let him rest for now. God help me if I wake him during his beauty sleep."

Arnold flinched, "You will not be the one that will have to wake him."

"Who is the general?" David asked Nathan and Arnold, who looked at him when he made himself known.

"A man whose bad side you must never be on," replied Nathan.

"However, he is an extremely good person, no matter how violent he gets," continued Arnold defensively.

"That's true," Nathan agreed, "So, let's go to the main lobby, yes? I can not wait to tell my staff, and then my kingdom, about you."

"Indeed," Arnold agreed, "It is an honor to finally meet the er, queen?" He looked to Nathan, who nodded. "The queen," Arnold said more surely.

"It is nice meeting you too," David said shyly. Nathan wrapped a comforting arm around his soulmate.

Arnold nodded, with a polite smile, then stiffly lead the other two through the hallways, down the stairs, and into the main lobby, where almost a thousand people stood. The room was alive with chatter, maids speaking to chefs and butlers conversing with a few stray guards.

Yet, as soon as Nathan walked into the room, the buzzing of voices silenced.

David was in awe of how much power his soulmate's presence emitted.

"Ladies, gentlemen, I have gathered you here today on behalf of some wonderful news!" Nathan said smiling, "On my travels to my cousin's palace, I meant my love to be!"

"A suitor?" a woman asked to no one, but she was loud enough for Nathan to hear.

"No- even better! My soulmate!" as soon as the words were uttered, the room filled with echoing gasps. Smiles were shared among some, and others, curious glances. 

Nathan grabbed David's hand eagerly and kissed his cheek. 

"May I present to you: David," he said, "My lovely queen."

Everyone was aware of Nathan's pansexuality, so no one seemed surprised about David being a boy. Instead, they were all celebrating. Smiles were shared all around, some "Congratulations" were thrown into the air, and the atmosphere from even those who didn't talk was supportive.

It made David so happy to see all of these people accept him.

"There will be a ball in celebration of my soulmate's appearance!" Nathan declared, "I will give you a week to prepare, send out invitations, and gather things needed for it. I want amazing music, the best you can find! I want the best dishes prepared! Do this, not for me, but in honor of your new queen. Make him feel welcome!"

"Yes, your majesty!" most said; others went straight to work. Nathan dismissed all of those who stayed except Arnold, who he saved for last.

"You can go wake the general now, Arnold," Nathan said, "We will be waiting for him in the conference room."

Arnold looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Yes, sire," he chose to reply instead.

"Thank you, Arnold," Nathan thanked, and Arnold bowed before exiting the room.

"Why is he so hesitant to wake the general?" David asked, curious about this mysterious man.

"Because the general is a reckless man," Nathan replied, "And if wasn't for his bravery and might, he would have been executed years ago."