He frowned, looking at Richard and scrutinized the lycan's face. "It is a common knowledge that the portal only opens four times a year. Next time, for Ostara. No one, not even the Pilgrims can change that. And they can't afford promises they can not keep, less risk losing their credibility."
Just then, he felt Charles' touch on his arm, it's warmth spread throughout him, reassuring and blessedly familiar. "Alas, you are right in one aspect, Richard," he said, his gaze once again on the other lycan, "We can't hold them hostage. And mark my words, no matter how much hospitality we extend to them, sooner or later some of them will seek out the rebels and bite the hand that feeds them. We must be prepared to bite back," he smirked, "which brings us back to the purpose of this audience again."
He couldn't hide a shiver of delight caused by Charles' gentle words and paused, tilting his cheek into the warmth of his lips. His back against the duke's chest, Henry relaxed into him and craned his neck to kiss his husband's cheek in return. "Ahh the bliss of marital life."
He let himself that one moment of comfort before returning back to the matter at hand. "The bond between our species have been forged twelve long years ago." He brought Charles' hand to his lips and kissed his knuckles tenderly, smiling at him, then stared firmly at Richard again, his eyes gleaming. "Now the time has come to make it even stronger. It is our desire that you, Richard, should marry our beloved childe Anne."