Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Potion
After the pandemonium, Carlton swiftly retreated to his private chamber. The seven wailing children were promptly handed over to Alaric, as Carlton deemed it prudent not to involve himself further lest another absurd debacle ensue.
Lucas, now properly attired, accompanied Carlton back to his chamber with an air of calm composure that secretly earned him a thumbs up from the young Duke. Had it been anyone else in Lucas’ predicament - naked and exposed before the entire royal family - they would likely have sequestered themselves away out of sheer fear and humiliation.
However, upon reaching Carlton’s doorstep, events took an unexpected turn. Lucas abruptly knelt before Carlton and began pounding his head against the floor in a show of contrition.
"Empress! Forgive me!!!"
"...!!!!!!!!!"
Carlton stood stunned for a moment, his usually stoic visage registering shock at this unforeseen display. His mind raced as he struggled to process Lucas’ sudden capitulation.
Lucas continued his groveling apology, speaking rapidly as he kept bashing his head against the floor.
"Empress, I’ve committed an unforgivable transgression by exposing my not-so-beautiful manhood to your noble visage! My unwashed member dared to come near your face earlier! I am consumed with guilt for presenting it in such a filthy state before you!"
"ENOUGH! Stop this instant, Lucas!" Carlton commanded, covering his face with one hand while looking utterly exhausted by the bizarre display.
Carlton’s mind reeled as he tried to make sense of Lucas’ words. In this strange alternate reality where Lucas seemed almost normal in comparison to his usual self, the royal physician was still undeniably peculiar.
What did it mean that if Lucas had properly cleaned his penis, he would have been more proud and intentional in his exposure? Carlton furrowed his brow, crossing his arms over his chest as he regarded Lucas with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
Lucas hesitantly rose to his feet, eyes downcast as he awaited the Empress’ judgment. "I am truly sorry, Your Majesty," he murmured. "In recompense, I shall endeavor to create even more potent medicines than before."
Carlton’s eyebrows shot up at this unexpected offer. "Medicines?" he echoed, intrigued despite himself. "What manner of medicines are you proposing?"
Lucas shuffled nervously from foot to foot, avoiding direct eye contact with the Empress. "Well... you see... I’ve been working on some new formulas that could potentially enhance certain... virility-related functions... It’s as you wish before, Empress! But alas, they are not yet perfected according to your specifications..."
Carlton’s eyes widened at this revelation. He had initially sought out Lucas to create a potion for health - but this sounded like something entirely different. Something far more intimate and personal.
His mind raced as he grappled with the implications of Lucas’ words.
He said he made it based on my specifications? What in the world am I, some perverted, horny fiend?
The young Duke thought aloud, his face flushing with embarrassment and shock.
Suddenly, a horrifying realization struck Carlton like a bolt of lightning. If this was indeed an alternate reality where he was not only capable of bearing children but had already given birth to seven offspring - and if Alaric was his spouse here - did that mean...?
Carlton paled dramatically, looking like a ghost had just crossed his path.
Does that mean I have to have sex with Alaric in this world? My best friend who is apparently my husband here?
The mere thought made Carlton’s head spin again as he struggled to process this dizzying turn of events.
Meanwhile, Lucas observed Carlton’s pallid complexion and misinterpreted the cause behind it. He assumed the Empress was disappointed by the unfinished state of the medicine he desired.
With a flourish reminiscent of an insurance salesman presenting a new policy, Lucas opened his medical box and produced a small vial containing a swirling mixture of blue and red liquid. He placed it reverently in Carlton’s outstretched palm.
"Ta-daaaa! Behold! This is my latest creation - albeit imperfect as it only meets two out of your three desired specifications," Lucas proclaimed proudly. "It promises both extended duration and enhanced size!" His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he awaited Carlton’s reaction to this dubious elixir.
Carlton stared at the vial in his hand, his mind reeling with a mix of incredulity and morbid curiosity. He couldn’t help but wonder what other perverse potions Lucas had brewed up in an attempt to fulfill his outrageous demands. The Duke felt a shudder run down his spine at the thought of what might happen if he actually ingested this tincture.
But then his eyes narrowed as he focused on Lucas’ words, the vial in his hand suddenly feeling like a burning coal. "Wait, you mentioned three specifications... what was the third one?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas looked at Carlton with a puzzled expression. "Have you forgotten your own request, Empress? You wished to increase fertility as well."
At this revelation, Carlton nearly choked on his own spit. He coughed and sputtered for several moments before regaining his composure.
The implications were staggering - if Alaric and ’Carlton’ had already produced seven children together, and were still unsatisfied enough to seek out additional fertility enhancements... it painted an alarming picture of their libidos and reproductive appetites.
Carlton’s mind raced with the thought that if not for a miscarriage along the way, they might have even more offspring by now. He shuddered at the mental image of himself as some kind of insatiable breeding machine in this alternate reality.
Lucas flashed Carlton a confident thumbs up, his eyes sparkling with pride. "Empress, don’t you worry about this potion’s effectiveness! I’ve put it through rigorous testing by using it on myself," he declared, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "All my boyfriends were extremely satisfied! My size has doubled since taking it, and I can maintain an erection for four straight days without any sign of flagging!"
Carlton stood there, utterly speechless. He massaged his temples as the gravity of Lucas’ words sank in, especially the revelation that he had tested the elixir by engaging in sexual activities with multiple men.
As Carlton grappled with these revelations, he couldn’t help but wonder if all men in this reality preferred same-sex relationships. The examples kept piling up - himself and Alaric, Kastiel and Rowan, and now Lucas with his string of male lovers. It seemed heterosexual couples were a rare commodity here.
But...why did Lucas suddenly feel so comfortable discussing such intimate details with him? Just moments ago, the physician had been formal and apologetic; now he was acting like they were the closest of friends when talking about this questionable potion. Is it because that when it came to discussing his medical concoctions, all sense of propriety flew out the window for Lucas?
"Darling..."
Alaric’s footsteps echoed through the corridor as he approached Carlton and Lucas. The moment Alaric drew near, Lucas seemed to suddenly remember his place and the impropriety of their conversation. He began to kneel once more, intending to apologize for his disrespect.
However, Carlton’s voice cut through the air like a whip, sharp and unyielding. "You don’t need to do that," he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Go back to your quarter."
Lucas flashed a quick smile and bowed deeply before rising to his feet. "Thank you, noble Empress," he said smoothly. "I shall return to my chamber posthaste. When the potion is complete, I will notify you immediately."
With those words, Lucas turned on his heel and strode away down the corridor, leaving Carlton and Alaric alone in front of their shared bedchamber.
Alaric stepped closer to Carlton, gently taking both of his hands in a warm grip. His eyes searched Carlton’s face with concern.
"My love," Alaric began softly, "what was it that you and Lucas discussed for so long? You two seemed quite... engaged in conversation."
Carlton’s voice was subdued as he murmured, "A few things..." before turning to enter their shared bedchamber. Alaric followed close behind, his brow furrowed with curiosity.
Inside the room, Carlton began to change out of his formal attire and into more comfortable sleeping clothes. He moved with a weariness that seemed to permeate every fiber of his being. The day had taken its toll on him - physically and mentally exhausted in a way that even the most grueling battle could not compare to.
As Alaric also began to change, Carlton found himself momentarily stunned by the sight of Alaric’s exposed chest and abs. The realization hit him like a freight train - this was now his husband, someone he would be sharing a bed with night after night.
The thought sent a shiver down Carlton’s spine. He froze stiffly on the bed, his mind racing with possibilities and anxieties. Would Alaric expect them to consummate their marriage tonight? What if he did something... inappropriate?
Alaric approached the bed with easy grace and lay down beside Carlton’s rigid form. Carlton tensed even further, his hand curling into a fist at his side as he prepared to defend himself if necessary.
Unexpectedly Alaric did nothing, just propped himself up on one elbow, his cheek resting lightly against his palm as he gazed tenderly at Carlton. The love and concern in his eyes was palpable.
"My darling," Alaric began softly, his voice like a soothing balm to Carlton’s frayed nerves, "if there is anything troubling you, please know that you can confide in me. I understand that your memories of our life together are lost to you now, but even so, we remain husband and husband."
He reached out a gentle hand to caress Carlton’s cheek, the touch feather-light yet filled with unspoken promises. "No matter what challenges we face or how much time may pass between us, my love for you will never waver. I vow to always stand by your side and protect you from any harm."
Alaric’s words hung heavy in the air between them, each syllable weighted with sincerity and devotion.
"I only ask that you not shut me out," Alaric continued, his voice barely above a whisper now. "Our children need their father, and I... I need you too. Please don’t push me away."
Carlton felt the weight of Alaric’s words settle upon him like a physical burden. Guilt gnawed at his insides as he realized the pain he must be causing Alaric with his distance and reluctance to accept their relationship.
He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, Carlton simply nodded mutely in acknowledgment of Alaric’s plea, unable to articulate the maelstrom of emotions swirling within him.
The knowledge that his actions were hurting not only their children but also Alaric cut deep into Carlton’s heart. While he had begun to recognize the children as his own flesh and blood, accepting Alaric remained an insurmountable hurdle - especially given the unsettling revelation about existing in parallel worlds rather than a future timeline.
So for now, all he could do was try to be present for his family and hope that the answers would reveal themselves in time...
