Learning to Love His Grace

Chapter 21: Game by the sea

The next morning, all the guest had separated into groups to enjoy different games. Finding the manor much too dull for his taste, George decided to take a ride around the estate.

He had wanted for his servants to join him , but when he saw them laughing and chatting with Bad and Karl, he decided against it.

He had never seen them so happy, and he knew that it had to be love. He smiled to himself as he headed towards the stables for his horse.

I wonder if I will ever find such a thing, he thought as he prepared Maximus.

"Where are you going?" A voice asked from behind him.

George whirled around to see Dream leaning on the doorway to the stable.

"Out for a ride" He answered.

Dream confidently walked over and grabbed his chin so their eyes meet, making George gulped.

"Alone?" the Duke inquired.

Ah so they were playing right now, very well then...

George reached up to run his fingers through Dream's blonde locks, then rested them on his nape. He took pride in himself when he felt the Duke go tense, as he played with the little hairs on the back of the blonde's neck.

"You are free to join me Your Grace," he whispered seductively, "I find your presence rather welcoming."

Dream inhaled sharply as he struggled for control, mayhaps this game was a bad idea.

Ah he finally realizes it, praise the fates above, the voice spoke once again.

Dream gritted his teeth to ignore the voice of reason in his head, then dipped his head to nuzzle their noses together. "Well since you have so graciously offered, I have no choice but to accept." he responded.

The Earl's heart was hammering in his chest, but he forced himself to keep up the seductive front. He pulled away slowly, making sure to keep their eye contact. "Then do hurry and get your horse saddled, Your Grace."

Dream prepared his horse, and soon the pair were riding side by side across the estate grounds.

"We ought to do this again when we return to Dayton," Dream stated, "I believe you have yet to see the mines."

George's eyes glistened with excitement, "I would love to, Your Grace."

"Marleigh!" A voice called from the side.

The pair glanced in its direction, and spotted Jschlatt with his arm around another man's shoulders.

"Doctor Smith," George greeted as he smiled politely at his acquaintance, before turning to Dream.

"Dream darling, this is Tubbo's father, Dr. Smith and his husband Quackity. Dr. And Mr. Smith, I present to you, the Duke of Dayton"

Dream blushed at the endearment, but offered the doctor and Quackity a small bow as a greeting, which they returned.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Your Grace," Jschlatt said, putting on a wonderful act of them being strangers. Yet Dream could see the glimmer of mirth in his eyes.

"Wilbur did mention that you found a lover, but I did not expect him to be a Duke. You did mighty well George," Quackity complimented, to which George smiled.

"Where is Tubbo?" George then asked.

"Oh that boy would rather stay in Addington with Tommy. Techno is keeping an eye on them though." Quackity answered.

"Well we would have liked to chat a bit longer, but my husband and I have a few things to do back in our room," Jschlatt said with a sly tone, but his face held an innocent smile.

"Schlatt!" Quackity cried in horror.

"What? I simply wanted you to see the new books that I had procured for you on the way here." Jschlatt replied, his smile turning into a smirk.

Quackity's face flushed, which made the three other men laugh.

"It was nice to see you Marleigh," Jschlatt said while taking his blushing husband by the waist, and directing him towards the manor. "And it was lovely to meet you, Your Grace. Mayhaps we could share a private game of chess sometime." he added.

Dream quirked his brow at the code. "Mayhaps before the dance tonight," he replied.

Jschlatt gave him a nod, before dragging his still flustered husband away. The pair then resumed their ride. Dream informed George that there was a beach on the property, and the pair decided to head there.

They tied their horses to a hitch rail, and removed their shoes before stepping onto the sand.

"I've never gotten the opportunity to see the beauty of the ocean before." George informed, as they strolled side by side on the sea shore, with the waves lapping around their feet.

"Addington has its share of beaches, have you not been to one while visiting the Thornhopes?"

"I was occupied with other things when I visited them." George simply responded.

Dream suddenly reached out and took George's hand, which startled the Earl. "Are we continuing the game your Grace?" The brunette asked.

Dream then raised their joint hands to his lips, "we have an audience," he whispered against George's skin.

George peeked passed the blonde, to see a couple of guest curiously looking at them. Dream closed their distance and rested his hands on the brunette's waist, while George rested his on the blonde's chest.

Just then another evil thought crossed George's mind. He swiftly pulled away from their embrace, and shoved Dream into the shallow water. The Duke's mouth hung open in shock, making George giggle.

Dream than narrowed his eyes at the Earl, who instantly stopped laughing when he realized that he was in danger. George quickly turned on his heels and started running away, with the dripping wet Duke chasing after him.

The Earl let out a small yelp when Dream's strong hands caught him by the waist, and pulled them down on the sand, with him landing on top of the Duke. The both of them were laughing till they realized the position they were in.

Neither of them made any motion to pull away, instead they just looked at each other. Their eyes both showing their hidden desires.

Suddenly George leaned in. Their lips were now inches away from touching, but before they could meet, the Earl turned his head, and planted a kiss on the blonde's cheek instead. The Duke sighed in disappointment, before letting out a staggered breath when George started trailing his lips against his neck, pressing light kiss from time to time.

"What are you doing George?"

"Making my move in our little game," The brunette responded in a sultry voice, that made Dream's skin burn.

George could feel Dream's arousal press up against his thigh, and lifted his head to look at the man with a smirk.

"You could end it all right now Dream, all you have to do is kiss me. For I would not mind kissing you, should you make the first move."

Oh how Dream wished that he could, but his pride kept him from doing so. He did not want to lose their game so easily.

"I will not lose this game George," Dream stated with determination.

The Earl let out a sigh and got off the blonde, much to the Duke's disappointment. George dusted the sand from his clothes before giving Dream a sly smile, that never failed to make the Duke go weak.

"I can always try again some other time. For I rather enjoy this game, and plan to be its victor." The Earl stated before walking away.