It was a belief in ancient Rome that large...members were barbaric. It's a belief that trickled down for a few centuries and was alive in your kingdom in present day. If there was one thing you hated, it was all the hypocrisy. For whatever reason, the ladies and men of the court couldn't just let themselves enjoy the things or people they enjoy.

There were rumors going around about a certain duke. Lady Red had shared gossip that Duke Rune was very well endowed. Of course, she'd know, she slept with him despite being engaged to another. She acted like she had hated the experience, but you could see in her eyes that she had enjoyed it. So you didn't understand why she acted like it was a bad thing. You couldn't help but roll your eyes.

Recently, something similar happened to you. You'd been seeing the son of a viscount in private since he didn't want your relationship to be public. The reason? You weren't thin, you were chubby. For a man who claimed to adore your curves and pudge, who said he loved how soft and warm you were, who told you how much he loved bigger women, he sure as hell couldn't back It up when he was confronted about it.

Both your reputation and that of Duke Rune's was in shambles at the moment. You were both going through a bit of heartbreak too, so it was only natural you approached him at the next major event. Since that day, you two became great friends, being the envy of men and women who couldn't admit that they liked what they liked.

Today you were all dolled up to attend Rune's birthday party. You were carrying his gift in your hands as you walked with your family to be introduced. You bowed before him and when you rose, he pulled you into a hug, willing to break etiquette for you.

"Hello, my friend." Rune placed a kiss to your cheek, an arm wrapped around waist and gently toying with the strings in the back.

"What gift have you brought me today? Other than yourself, of course." He smirked as he gave the strings of your dress a hard tug.