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And All the King's Men	By : StargateFanatic Category: A through F > Beyond the Hanging Wall Views: 1069 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyond the Hanging Wall or any of Sara Douglass' books. I make no money from this.

Chapter List
- 1-And All the King's Men
- 1
This was kinda inspired after one scene in the book, before Maximilian goes to fight for his throne, when he and Garth are talking, clasp hands, and the book says they turned away, embarrassed by what was revealed through the Touch.
Or, at least, something to that affect. I don't have the exact quote in front of me, nor the book, since I borrowed it.
What you need to know:
This is AU and 3 years into the future from the end of the book.
Garth is 20 and Maximilian is 34. (I did the math. If you don't feel like doing it, say so in your review and I'll tell you how I came to the ages I did.)
This is M/M, so if you don't like, turn and run NOW!
Anyway, on with the randomness!
(btw, Sara Douglass is an awesome author. If you haven't read any of her stuff, not just this book, I suggest you do so!)

Piercing azure eyes watched over the small crowd of townspeople gathered in the square. The people were there because finally Garth Baxtor, three years after the offer was made, was to stay at court and yet still attend to those commoners who ailed.
Their black-headed king watched as the physician worked quickly among the people, swiftly and efficiently using the Touch he held.
Maximilian Persimius, the king of Escator, smiled warmly from astride his horse when he met the hazel eyes of his dear friend. Garth returned the smile and continued about his work. A feeling of longing erupted in Maximilian’s breast, but he swiftly quelled it. He owed his life to the young man, and it would not do to long after something he could not have.
The truth of the matter was not that he could not have it, it was that he dared not ask. He knew Garth was devoted to him, as he still struggled to only call Maximilian by his first name rather than his title (by Maximilian’s request, of course). He knew Garth would likely do anything for him, as he had once been the long lost prince of seventeen years. He knew it was thanks mostly to Garth for saving him. If it hadn’t been for Garth’s insistence that he was the lost prince, and were it not for his dedication to rescue, Maximilian would likely still be struggling away in the Veins, mining the filthy gloam, and reveling in the darkness he had known for so long.
The Veins were no more, thankfully. No one else would be condemned to that dark, dank place, even if it hadn’t been flooded by the sea.
Maximilian brought himself out of his musings and continued to watch the dark brown head of the young Baxtor as he bobbed and weaved through the crowd, helping all he could.
Satisfied that his dear and most trusted friend faced no threat, Maximilian turned his horse to the countryside for a gallop, followed by few of the Emerald Guard.

Dusk descended, as did exhaustion, over Garth. He had helped almost everyone who desperately needed it, and he was tired. Using the Touch to such a degree had wearied him.
“Garth, you mustn’t exhaust yourself like this every day. You are needed for more than three weeks.”
Garth turned a tired smile to his king and friend at the reference to the old, annual requirement for a physician to spend three weeks at the Veins. Maximilian was leaning by the castle doors, smiling widely and playfully at the drooping physician.
A pang struck through the young man’s chest. His king was handsome and truly beautiful, though he wasn’t effeminate.
“Come, let us rest by the fire.”
Garth could only nod as he was led into the castle to Maximilian’s quarters.
It didn’t register where they stood until Maximilian gestured for him to sit.
“Sire—” Garth began.
“What have I told you about calling me ‘sire,’ Garth?”
“Sorry. Maximilian…why are we in your quarters?”
“It is easiest for me to relax here than the hall. Besides, we can sit closer to the fire.” He sat in one of the cushioned chairs. “Come, sit with me and have some wine.”
Garth belatedly noticed the platter that held two goblets and a flask of wine on a small table between the chairs. He must be more tired than he thought to be missing so many things. Gratefully, he sank into the chair opposite his king and relaxed into it, accepting the goblet passed his way. Covertly, he watched Maximilian over the rim of his cup as he stared into the fire.
The physician’s eyes drooped in the companionable silence that fell between the two men, the goblet in his hand tilting.
He didn’t react to the sound of shifting he heard from beside him, nor when the goblet was taken from his hand. But he did jump slightly when two large hands settled on his shoulders, kneading the tight muscles.
“Relax,” Maximilian’s husky voice washed over him. A shiver ran down Garth’s spine and he closed his eyes, relaxing into the comforting touch. He drifted into sleep, so he had to be imagining the pressure on the crown of his head that felt like a kiss. It couldn’t be, for his king couldn’t possibly want him that way. “Sleep.”

He woke in the clouds. That was the only way to describe the comfort he felt. He opened his eyes and stretched from under the silk sheets he was wrapped in.
Wait. Silk sheets?
He sat up rapidly, the sheets pooling about his waist. Bleary-eyed, he looked around at the barely familiar room.
Maximilian was staring into his wine before the crackling fire.
“Did you see her?” he asked quietly.
“She walks the dreams of someone else tonight,” Garth replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. Maximilian’s bed, he noticed. “How long did I sleep?”
“All through the night and this day.”
“Why—”
“You needed the rest.”
“Why didn’t you return me to my quarters?”
He could have sworn a blush graced the king’s features, but the dim light must be playing tricks on him.
“I did not mind,” Maximilian murmured. “I do not like being alone. Besides, I owe you my life; it was the least I can do.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” Garth muttered. “You’ve given me enough.”
He gasped in surprise when Maximilian suddenly sat before him.
“Were it not for you, Garth, I would have stayed down in the Veins until I was too old to swing a pick or the sea took me. I was down there for seventeen years. I have not properly thanked you.” He tilted Garth’s head back up to meet his gaze and pulled his hand back, ducking his own head in embarrassment. He shouldn’t feel this way, not towards his friend.
The physician was shocked; his king was embarrassed! Garth’s face heated slightly; he had quite enjoyed the touch.
“I am sorry.”
“For what?” Garth questioned.
“This.” He grasped the brunette’s chin again and pressed their lips together.
Garth was so surprised, he forgot to respond. Maximilian was kissing him!
By the time he realized he hadn’t responded, the raven-haired man had pulled away slightly and was looking away in shame.
“Forgive me. I could not help myself…”
The physician regained his senses. “Why would I need to forgive you?”
“I should not feel this way. I did not mean to force you… I…” He was stopped by a tentative finger to his lips.
“You didn’t force me.”
Maximilian looked up sharply. A small smile crossed Garth’s lips.
“Stop me, please.” The strain of controlling himself showed on Maximilian’s face.
“What if I do not want to?”
“Then I cannot be held accountable for my actions.” He captured his friend’s mouth again, though this time he received a response.
Garth leaned forward, deepening the kiss and causing Maximilian to lie back among the silken sheets.
“You saved me. I want to give myself to you,” Maximilian breathed.
Garth froze above him.
“What is it?”
“I do not… I do not want you to…to do this because you feel you owe me.” He felt close to tears. “I want…you to want me.”
Maximilian smiled. “But I do, Garth. I do.” He raised a hand and brought the younger man’s lips back to his. “I was just…afraid.”
“Why?”
“I thought you would find me…disgusting for…feeling this way. And I could not lose you, Garth. I value your friendship too highly. It would have killed me faster than the Veins.”
The physician was speechless; Maximilian wanted him!
“I never thought… I was prepared to be happy with only your friendship, watching from afar. But—”
Garth silenced his ramblings with a kiss. “I want this, too,” he murmured.
Maximilian’s smile was radiant. He grabbed the hips above him and ground into them, eliciting a gasp from his friend and (hopefully) soon-to-be lover.
“What was that?” Garth panted.
“That was how much I want you.”
“Please, again.”
“Surely.” He repeated his action, but this time, Garth moved with him.
“Ah! It feels so good…”
“There are things that feel far better.”
“There is something that feels better than this? How? Show me. Please. I cannot imagine anything better than this.”
“Have you ever lain with someone else, man or woman?”
Garth’s cheeks colored. “No.”
“Then I would be your first.” It wasn’t a question.
He nodded.
“Are you sure you want to lay with an old man like me? There are younger lords and ladies who would—”
“No. I want you to show me. Besides, you are not old.” He blushed a deeper shade of red. “I apologize for interrupting you.”
“Think nothing of it. I tend to ramble at times.”
“It is still disrespectful,” he murmured.
“I do not mind. I am glad you stopped me. And I am older than you by many years.”
“Only fourteen.”
“Only?”
“I know of couples with far larger age differences. I think they hardly matter.”
“Well, when you put it that way…” They shared another kiss. “I will tell you what to do.”
“Couldn’t you show me?”
“I will show you later.” Maximilian grinned. “For now, I want you to be in control.”
Shock registered on Garth’s face.
“I am in control every day. I want to let someone else have it, someone I trust. You.”
“What do I do?”
“Well, first, we need to remove these clothes. They get in the way.” He sat up, Garth following him, and pulled the ties of Garth’s simple linen shirt. Slowly, he lifted the slightly rough material over the tanned physician’s head and tossed it onto the floor.
Hesitantly, Garth did the same with the softer silken undershirt that Maximilian wore.
“See?” He brushed a hand down Garth’s chest, causing the younger man to shiver. “They get in the way.”
“What about…?”
“Only when you’re ready.”
Garth leaned forward, sharing his passion through his lips. Once again showing his hesitance, he unlaced the breeches covering the pale body below him.
Maximilian lifted his hips to aid Garth in the removal of his clothes.
Garth stood and laid the garments with the discarded shirts. He fingered the ties of his own breeches before slowly removing them and repeating his actions.
“Look at me,” Maximilian husked. He was propped up on his elbows, his erection, surrounded by hair as dark as that on his head, standing proud.
Garth obeyed, raising his flushed cheeks to Maximilian’s view.
Maximilian held out his hand, which Garth took without hesitation. “Beautiful,” he murmured, causing the brunette to blush darker.
“I am nothing compared to you.” He drifted a hand over the pale chest.
Maximilian returned the gesture, though he furthered it by wrapping his hand around Garth’s arousal.
“Max!” Garth cried in surprise and pleasure.
Maximilian’s hand stilled. “No one has ever called me that.”
“I am sorry.”
“No, I like hearing it from you.” His hand resumed its motions. Garth’s head bowed over his shoulder, his breath warming Max’s neck. “But only from you.”
Garth moaned. “It feels so good.”
“Just wait.”
“There cannot possibly be anything more!”
“Oh, but there is.”
“Please. Show me.”
“All in due time. Be patient.”
Garth groaned and his hand drifted lower, returning the touch stroke for stroke, using the Touch to return the pleasure to Max.
Max grabbed his hand, stopping what he was doing. Garth tried to hide his disappointment, but he didn’t succeed.
“I only stop you because I will not last long if you continue, especially if you want to go further.”
Garth immediately pulled his hand back.
Maximilian smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Garth’s lips.
“Now, fetch that jar of oil from the table behind you.”
Garth hurriedly obeyed, passing the dark clay jar to Max, who chuckled at his impatience.
Max slid back on the bed so he was lying prone. “You have to prepare me before we go further.”
“How…?”
“Take some of this oil onto three of your fingers.” Garth obeyed, and Max took his wrist, guiding it down, lower and lower to the secret place he so desperately wanted touched.
Garth gasped as one of his fingers was pushed into a tight warmth.
Max moaned at the intrusion, releasing Garth’s wrist as he got the idea and began pumping his finger.
“Another,” Maximilian groaned. Garth obeyed, carefully sliding in a second digit. “You have to…to spread…them to…relax me.” He was panting as once again Garth followed orders.
Mesmerized, Garth watched his king come undone beneath his hand. It was…empowering to have such a strong-willed, yet kind and fair man writhing from his Touch. He could feel how much Maximilian truly wanted this, wanted more, wanted him. There was nothing ailing his king but this overwhelming need for him. Garth almost couldn’t comprehend it, it was so much like how he felt. Taking the initiative, he pressed in a third finger, separating, stretching, relaxing. Max groaned in appreciation.
“Garth, I need you,” he moaned.
“What do I do?”
Maximilian dipped his own right hand into the jar of oil and grasped Garth’s erection, coating it in the slippery substance.
Garth’s eyes widened and he moaned at the sensation.
“Replace your hand with this,” Max replied, stroking gently. “Slowly, so you do not hurt me.”
Garth nodded and pulled his fingers away, sliding his body in between Max’s spread thighs. Carefully, he positioned himself and slowly thrust forward.
Max raised his right hand, still slippery with oil, to Garth’s hair, pulling him down for a battle of tongues. At the same time, he hooked his ankles behind the physician’s back and pushed, causing Garth to fully sheath himself in the tight body below him. Max winced slightly, but the pain eased quickly.
Garth raised his head and kissed away the line that creased Max’s brow. Max smiled and relaxed beneath Garth, knowing he would be gentle.
“Please,” he said softly, rolling his hips. “Move.”
With only slight hesitation, Garth pulled his hips back and thrust forward marginally.
Max moaned, “Again.”
Garth pulled back a little farther and repeated his actions, carefully setting a slow pace.
“Harder.”
“I do not want to hurt you.”
“You will not. Just…please,” Max begged.
Garth had never heard his king beg for anything, yet here was Maximilian, begging him not once, but twice.
“Please, Garth. I need this.” His right hand tangled gently in the brunette locks again, bringing Garth’s mouth back to his own. “I need you,” he murmured not a second before their lips danced together once again.
Garth moaned deeply, his instincts driving him to pound into the body below him repeatedly.
Max cried out, his head thrown back and his body arching.
Misinterpreting the cry, Garth froze.
“You had best not be stopping. Not after that,” Max growled.
“I thought—” His words were cut off by a hungry kiss.
“It felt that good. I want you to do it again.”
Garth shook his head. “I thought you said you wanted me in control.”
Max laid back and crossed his arms over his head. “Then take it.”
Garth placed a hand on Max’s overlapping wrists. He leaned forward to kiss his king passionately, thrusting at a pace Max’s moans agreed with. “You feel so good, Max. I have never felt something like this.”
Max moaned. “Thank you, Garth.” He arched his back beneath the physician’s hands and body. “Thank you.”
Garth reached his other hand down to the stiff flesh pressing into his belly and stroked, using the Touch once again to increase the pleasure Max was feeling.
“Ah! Garth! So close…”
His abdomen tightened. “Something is happening…”
“How does it feel?”
“It feels…good. Like…my body is strung like an arrow to the bow, waiting to be released.”
“You are close as well.”
“Ungh, Max!” he cried as his release washed through him and into Max.
Max moaned loudly when the warmth spread in his lower body, triggering his own climax.
Garth’s weight sagged and he lay atop his king, his friend, his lover, until he had the energy to roll himself over. Max groaned at the loss, though he immediately turned to his side and curled against his confidant, his companion, his new-found lover, tucking his head into the tanned chest. Garth pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of Max’s head.
“Thank you, Garth,” Max responded, kissing the skin over Garth’s heart.
Garth leaned down for a final, sweet, passionate kiss before succumbing to sleep.

His back muscles were yelling at him, demanding he move from the uncomfortable position. He shifted where he sat, recognizing his location as a tall-backed chair. Why was he in a chair? Was he not just in bed? With Max?
Oh, God, Max…
He jumped at the chuckle he heard, slowly opening his eyes.
“Having a good dream, Garth?” Max’s smooth voice laughed gently.
Garth looked down at the bulge in his own loose pants, the effect of the memories at the forefront of his mind. A blush graced his cheeks as he embarrassedly nodded.
“What were you dreaming about?”
Garth looked up, trying to determine something, anything, from Max’s expression, but his face gave away nothing.
“Ravenna?”
Garth shook his head and sighed. “It was just a dream, wasn’t it, Max?”
Max raised an eyebrow.
“Sorry, Maximilian.”
“‘Tis all right, Garth.”
Garth glanced towards the bed and shook his head, running a hand through his hair. He pulled it back when he felt something slick on his scalp. There was oil in his hair…
Maximilian’s eyes widened and he turned his head to hide his expression, silently cursing himself for his negligence.
“It… It was not a dream…” Garth looked back at the man who had tried to hide their night.
“No, it was not.”
“Why did you try to hide what happened?”
“I did not want you to regret it.”
Garth stood and moved to kneel by the chair in which his king sat looking like a sad, vulnerable man. “Max, why do you continue to insist that I will regret this?” He gently caressed Max’s cheek. “I love you, Max. I will never regret this. If you want me to act like nothing happened, I will, but I will not forget nor will I regret this past night.”
Maximilian sat, dumbfounded, before he launched himself at Garth, crashing their lips together. “You love me?”
“Yes, Max, even before last night. I love you.”
“And I, you, Garth.”
Garth’s eyes narrowed playfully. “You know…you never did show me like you promised…”
Maximilian returned his smile with a wide grin of his own, taking his lover’s hand and leading him back to the bed.
It was never like a king to break a promise.
The End...or is it?
I'll let y'all decide. Let me know what you're thinking. :)
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And All the King's Men