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"Your Majesty..." Maion quirked an eyebrow at the others tone, wondering what was up. It was clear he was surprised but he wasn't sure what about... he didn't have to wait long to discover the answer though, "You...you can cook?"

Maion couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. "Not exactly. My skills extend only to soup...." Mostly because it was the only thing he had ever had to cook for himself, and that had been on the battle field.... a place where Maion hated being seen as superior. Of course, that never stopped the soldiers from spoiling him and treating him differently... he supposed nothing ever would, and since it was a crime to knowingly insult or harm a royal it wouldn't surprise Maion if most feared his retribution should they treat him like any other man. A shame really.

Deciding that Cody wasn't going to try any of the stew on the spoon he offered he placed it back into the pot and stirred. "I do believe the lady's name was...." He pondered it for a moment, not sure he was about to say it right considering the trouble he had with their accent. "Miss Ellie Tayor." What Maion didn't know was it was 'Ellen Taylor'.

Maion couldn't believe the expression on Cody's face.... far less composed from how Cody normally presented himself around Maion, and he had to admit that he liked this, far better than the stuffy forced airs and graces. Especially after spending most of the day attempting to talk and accept the people of this village that came.

Gathering the two bowls he had set out early he spoke softly; "Sit down Cody." It was only with that 'order' in place that Maion dared tell the guy the truth, or at least some of it, that he had instigated the gift season.... it did however seem the man at least would not be overly bothered when Maion pretended he had given nothing in return. It was a condition that he would keep to. "I must admit I am probably to blame today. I requested a few errands from that boy, one thing led to another until you have what you see before you."

Bowls ready to carried them over to a table set by two of the children that had 'helped' today. Taking a seat Maion took his first bite of 'proper' peasant food. It was delicious, with a soft after taste that Maion couldn't identify.

In an effort to avoid Cody going back to his more stuffy attitude Maion attempted to start a conversation. "How was your morning? I hope you fared well?"

Maion looked over at the doctor as he spoke, it was clear that his usual persona had resurfaced; was it possible that he simply hated Maion and his 'kind' that much?

"I suppose," He started, lowering his gaze to the stew; "That you blame me for that?" It was a rhetorical question really, since Maion was sure he already knew the answer. He sighed softly and rubbed the back of his neck. Perhaps this little venture of his was futile? He had known that Cody was stubborn.... but could he really bend him to his will in two days if he hated him this much? Still, he couldn't deny that something about the man seemed to draw Maion towards him. In an effort to understand more he said, "Is that why you abandoned your family and status? So you could aid the people?" His voice wasn't criticising, simply curious. In truth, after spending the day with the people of this village he had grown to enjoy their simple ways a little himself.

He looked up then, taking in the soft features of the other as he ate his soup.

"I can't blame you for what people you only know in passing propose to your father and brother." Maion shook his head at those words, not believing them for a moment. "We are one and the same. The same blood. You say it is not in my fault because I do not possess the knowledge... therefore, is it not my fault that I chose to ignore it? That I chose not to challenge it in favour of a simpler life, away from the mess of politics?" His gaze was as sharp as an eagle, for some reason Cody's words had grated him the wrong way. Perhaps it was because his family were involved, perhaps it was simply because Maion had felt guilty after watching these people today.

It was only after his words had fallen from his lips that he noticed the look upon Cody's face, almost as if he hated that he was acting this way. Taking a deep breath Maion looked away. Part of him wanted to say something... but he simply couldn't bring himself to.

Especially when Cody spoke again, revealing a little about himself. "I left my family because of a disagreement....." but that soon warped back to the previous topic, ....Come winter they barely have enough to feed themselves, let alone pay when one of their children catches cold."

He sighed and rubbed his neck again. "I know." Was all he said for a while, not sure how he had messed up his plans to get to know this guy better by broaching this topic. He had learnt before coming here that Cody did this not for the money but to help the poor. Something, Maion supposed, should be admired.

Standing up he started to walk towards the stairs, his purpose was to escape to the guest room for a little while. Yet he hesitated at the door, his hand gripping the frame as he spoke. "Fear not. I shall be dead soon." He sighed, "My brother will not allow a threat to his throne to live for long now that he has his precious bride." And with that he walked off. Maion had overheard a conversation between his brother and an advisor before he left to come here, It seemed they believed Maion sought to destroy his brother in order to become the one to inherit the throne; ....something that had never appealed to Maion, something he had always helped his brother to keep secure.

Yet despite knowing the plan Maion had no intention of running away... no, if anything he was looking forward to dying on the battle field. He had simply wanted a few days to cherish first... to explore whatever it was about Cody that fascinated him so. What a fool he was.

Maion lay on the bed, looking up at the ceiling and regretting every word that had passed his lips. It was unlike him to mention his family, even while taunted, often known as the a 'brick wall' due to the stubbornness in regards to them. He had been contemplating changing into his own clothes and leaving when he heard the patter of footsteps up the stairs. His eyes turned towards the door, and he was surprised when Cody appeared there a moment later. Surprised further by his spoken words.

Maion gawped after the man, not really sure what the man's words meant exactly. Was he asking him to leave? Or saying that he wished him to stay and simply regretted how he had acted? He wasn't sure, but before he had time to ponder his thoughts or actions he had leapt off the bed to chase after Cody. Due to Cody's melancholy mood it wasn't hard, reaching for his arm he tried to pull Cody to a stop.

"Wait." Twice in one day this man had spoke to him and left, something that Maion was far from used to. Few dared leave before being explicitly told to, fearing his wrath should they upset him. Yet this man, with his stubbornness and high morals.... he dared to stand up to him, dared to speak his mind and walk away of his own accord... perhaps that was what called Maion to him. Such qualities were rare. Plus, Cody's face was heavenly, and the hints of his body through his clothes was highly appealing.

It was likely due to such thoughts that Maion moved, acting far bolder than he had planned. Capturing Cody's chin he moved in to kiss him.

Maion allowed himself to enjoy the gentle contact and didn't stop Cody from pulling back, in all honesty he had expected Cody to reject him from the off, so it had been a pleasant surprise when he hadn't.

He didn't apologise as he looked down at those baby blues that shone in shock. He smiled softly down at the guy, "Now we're even." He said in a teasing tone. Though he suddenly wasn't sure what to do now, nothing in his past seemed to aid his predicament. Though never the coward he stood and waited, deciding he would let Cody act... be that run away or simply continue his stunned silence.

"What did I..." Maion had been thinking more that the kiss was in return for the guys earlier apology, them both doing something the other did not like.... he had no idea what Cody was thinking; though he would probably smile if he did.

"I...." He hesitated, one of the few times in his entire life... he actually hesitated. That thought coupled with what he was trying to say stunned him to silence for a moment, his fists tightening at his sides.

He released a breath he hadn't realised he was holding as he looked at the wall behind Cody, leaning back softly so his back was up against the wall. "I am a selfish creature.... for that I fear I owe you an apology." Only then did he lower his gaze to Cody, "In truth I had intended to discover what it was about you that I found fascinating. Yet the more time I spend in your company the more I want.... well, more." He folded his arms but didn't move his gaze from the guy. Sincerity shining through his ocean blue eyes. "Sometimes one must claim what they can while they still can."

Maion listened for a moment, and with each of the sadly spoken notes and sad expressions he felt his heart breaking. He hadn't really thought about Cody in all of this; not in the long run at least. Though with each word Maion couldn't help but feel as if Cody wasn't rejecting him, but rather the short amount of time they had.

With a defeated sigh he said, "You want me to live?" Perhaps that was the wrong wording, since it could be that Cody was just like everyone else when it came to the law about contemplating the death of a royal... who wanted to die simply because they considered one of his standing to die. Yet in this moment Maion found he really needed the answer. His eyes watched Cody, trying to piece together the situation..... "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I just can't do that again, I--"

That had caught Maion's attention, and before he could stop himself he found himself speaking in a soft voice; "What happened?" Yet even as the words passed his lips he realised Cody was unlikely to tell him.