It was a calm morning for most people. Or rather, it was a calm morning for the common folk. For the people of nobility and royalty, however, today was an important day. Today, the royal family that ruled over this country was going to meet the family that was next in line for the throne. The country was currently ruled by a kind king who had just two sons. Normally, the eldest son of the king would inherit the throne, but rules were different in this country than in others. In this country, no prince or princess could ascend to the throne to become king or queen unless that prince or princess was married. Neither of the king's sons were married. In order to keep this country under the rule of his family, the king would have to force one of his sons into an arranged marriage. Of course, the king had not explained this to his sons yet. That issue would be brought up once they met the other family that wanted the throne.
"You there!" the king called, getting the attention of a random, nearby worker in the palace. When the female worker hurried over to see what the king could possibly want during such a busy time, he spoke with a voice that held a hint of uneasiness."Please tell my sons to hurry. The Count's family will be here soon."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The female worker bowed respectfully before rushing off toward the princes' personal chambers.
The king stepped around anxiously, checking with each worker he spotted to make sure everything was in order. He needed everything to go as planned today. This was too important for any mistakes. If his family was seen unfit for the throne in any way, the Count's family could easily obtain it. The king did not want that. He knew the Count rather well. The Count was not a kind man at heart. Sure, he put on an act in public, but he would carry out petty scheme's in private to get what he wanted. And what he wanted now was the throne. The king was brought out of his worry for the preparations when he heard his sons coming down the grand staircase. They weren't getting along, as usual."Can you two please stop bickering long enough to get today done successfully?"
The eldest prince crossed his arms."Sure, we can. And we weren't bickering. I was just explaining to Masato why he needs to stop taking so long to get ready."
The younger prince, Masato, lowered his gaze a little."I am sorry for taking so long. I was just looking for my favorite necklace."
The king looked at the necklace his younger son wore. It was a thin, silver chain with a single pink rose dangling from it. That necklace had been given to Masato by the queen, his mother, shortly before she died."It is a fine necklace. From now on, you should put it somewhere safe, so you won't lose it."
The older prince let out a quiet 'hmph' before speaking again."Wearing that necklace makes Masato look too girly. He should wear something more manly."
"But I love this necklace." Masato said with a cute pout."It was Mother's. I cherish it."
"If you cherished it, you wouldn't have lost it." the older one said with a smirk.
The king shook his head in disappointment."Yuji, be nice to your brother."
"Yes, Father." Yuji uncrossed his arms and let them hang down by his sides.
No sooner or later than they stopped talking did the butler step over to them."Your Majesty." he spoke softly, bowing as he addressed the king."The Count's family has arrived."
"Open the doors for them, Takeru." The king ordered in a kind tone.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The butler, Takeru, fetched a nearby worker to assist him, and together, they opened the large double-doors to allow the Count's family to enter.
The royal family had expected the Count's family to be somewhat bigger. However, in reality, the only people who entered were two males. One looked to be in his early twenties while the other was in his late forties."Ah, King Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you again after so many years." spoke the older man.
"Indeed, Count Vargesse." replied the king with a welcoming smile. He despised the Count, but he still treated him with respect. Taking a single step to the side to introduce the two princes, he began with Yuji."This is my eldest son, Yuji. Beside him is his younger brother, Masato."
"A delight to meet your sons." The Count motioned toward the younger male who was with him."This is my son, Chiyu." Chiyu was well dressed and standing quite proper, like he was drilled constantly on how to behave correctly. He had such a still posture, standing straight with his hands held together neatly behind his back."Now, before this situation is misunderstood, I would like to tell you that it is not I who seeks the throne." the Count added."I believe my son is the best choice for the next king."
Masato and Yuji both eyed Chiyu. Yuji's gaze was almost a glare. He liked competition, though he knew that his father would not choose him to be his successor. Even though he was the older of the two princes, Yuji was too competitive and irrational. Masato's gaze on Chiyu was full of curiosity. He wondered if Chiyu really was the best choice for the next king. As much as he wanted the throne to remain occupied by his family, he also wanted the next king to be the best one possible. He loved this country and everyone in it, so he only wished that it would be left in the hands of someone kind and fair.
"King Darcy, might I ask who you believe is the best choice for the next king?" inquired Count Vargesse."Though, I personally doubt anyone is more qualified than my son."
King Darcy smiled proudly, as if he had the perfect answer."I believe my son, Masato, is the best choice."
Masato's eyes widened."Me?" He did not know why his father would choose him. He wasn't married, prepared for public speaking, or emotionally ready to rule a country.
"Yes, you, Masato." King Darcy kept his proud smile."A little work needs to be done to prepare you, but I believe you are perfect for this country." He turned his attention back to Count Vargesse and Chiyu, who remained silent."Masato is a good boy. He is kind-hearted, fair, and honest. He would make a wonderful king."
"Indeed, he is but a 'boy.'" commented the Count."Chiyu is a worthy man. Is your son married?"
The king knew this question was coming."No, he is not. That shall not be an issue. Masato will marry soon." He slightly raised an eyebrow."How about your son? Is Chiyu married?"
"Alas, he is not." the Count answered."However, he is engaged to a fine woman who would make a lovely queen."
"Father, I have to get married?" Masato was very uneasy, which was obvious."To who?"
"Masato, we will discuss that later." King Darcy's attention shifted to Chiyu, wondering why the Count's son was being so silent and still."Tell me, Count Vargesse, does your son not speak?"
Count Vargesse chuckled dryly."Oh yes, he speaks. He just prefers to listen to others speak. Chiyu is a very good listener. He hears everything." The topic of conversation changed when Count Vargesse seemed to tire of the royal family's company."I hate to be rude, but my son and I would like to see our rooms. The sooner we get familiar with our surroundings, the sooner we can relax."
"Yes, of course." The king turned toward the double-doors, which had been closed for their privacy."Takeru!" he called for the butler.
Takeru rushed into the room and bowed to the king."Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Show Count Vargesse and his son to their rooms." King Darcy instructed."Make sure everything is to their liking."
Giving another polite bow, Takeru motioned for Count Vargesse and Chiyu to follow him."Please follow me."
After watching them leave the room, Yuji narrowed his gaze at his father."They're staying here? Whose idea was that?"
"Relax, Yuji. It was my idea." King Darcy held an expression of some sort of accomplishment."His son wants the throne. I want Masato to have the throne. It's a rivalry involving your younger brother." he explained to the older prince."Count Vargesse is the type of man to trick others to get what he wants. He'll play dirty. So, what would be a better way to keep an eye on him than invite him to stay with us until the next king is decided?"
"But, Father." Yuji wanted to argue but was interrupted when Masato spoke as well.
"Father, am I really a good choice?" Masato was unsure."Who am I going to marry? I've not fallen in love yet. Does this mean I have to agree to an arranged marriage?" Tears formed in his eyes."I don't want it to happen that way. I want to fall in love."
Yuji gently touched his brother's shoulder."Masato, calm down. It's alright."
Masato shook his head."No. It's not alright. I'm not a good choice. I've always dreamed that my marriage would be like a fairy tale. You know, fall in love, have romantic dates, live happily ever after."
Neither King Darcy nor Yuji could say anything else before Masato stormed away, going up the grand staircase and undoubtedly heading to his bedroom. They could see some workers at the top of the staircase who had heard every word of Masato's protest."This might be a problem." the king mumbled.
"Want me to talk to him, Father?" Yuji asked. Even though he had the tendency to pick on Masato, he still cared about him and wanted to protect him like a good big brother.
The king shook his head."No. I'll ask Takeru to speak with Masato. They get along very well."