Hello, it's me again! :) I haven't posted a story in ages, so I do apologise.

I've been working on this one for a while. Just trying to get the plot sorted out and everything.

I do not own Kingdom Hearts, or any of the characters included.

Enjoy. Oh, and I would really appreciate some reviews.

Thank you! :)

Stern eyes fixed on him. Added with a slight smirk, the wine glass was swirled in his pale, cold hands. Through a tiny window in another room neighboring where the two were dining, a brown haired servant rushed around in the kitchen, carrying tall stacks of plates. The servant's eyes slipped to the dining room every time he passed the door, and for certain every time they landed on the king: Riku.

"Sora, pay attention!" Kairi called out as she hastily stirred a pot of soup, steaming flavours drifting through the air.

"A-ah, sorry." Sora stuttered, tearing his eyes from the king. He waddled over to the corner of a clean white counter next to where Kairi was cooking. He heaved the stack of dirty patterned plates onto the counter and sighed. He brushed his hands against the white apron pinned to his suit. Lifting a hand, he quickly fixed his pristine white ribbon attached to his collar, rubbing his cheek tiredly.

"The night's just started, Sora, and you're tired already?" Kairi squinted, bringing a hand to her nose as if she were about to sneeze. She patted the back of her head to make sure her soft, red hair was still neatly tied up, and she turned her head. "Sora, serve this up for me please?" She called, and the brunette obeyed. He leant over to open a cupboard, pulling out several clean bowls. Although the kitchen was big enough to fit fifty people, it couldn't really fit fifty people moving around with hot plates in their buttery hands.

Kairi sighed, grabbing the ladle from the side and stirred the soup around before collecting some in the giant holder. Sora held the two bowls as the soup was poured in.

"Done," Kairi stated emotionlessly and she placed the ladle back in the pan. Sora stood still, as if waiting for a second order. She stared at him with an expectant expression. "Well? Get moving!" She ushered, shooing him out of the door. She chased Sora out and pushed him gently, opening the door for him. It creaked open.

Two heads rose as the kitchen door shut behind the brunette, all noise withering away. Sora bit his lip. He'd done this many times before, so why was this moment so stiffening and silent? King Riku nodded slightly to the servant. Sora stepped forward, serving the mysterious man at the other end of the long table first – the guest. He gently placed down the bowl. Their eyes met, both blue and sparkling, but the man's eyes much more firm. Sora's eyelashes flickered away and he avoided precious eye contact.

He shouldn't stare at the guests, it was considered rude. He should hang his head low; he shouldn't look up. He should be polite and obey the orders; he shouldn't turn his cheek and backchat. There were so many commands and rules that the servants and slaves had to bind themselves too. However, he couldn't help it. The mysterious man was luring his curiosity with his slow grace.

His small, quick footsteps amplified in the hushed room. It was oversized, as of all the palace rooms were. Huge canvases hung on the wall: paintings of famous landscapes and previous royal monarchs. All were framed with thick, gold borders. The walls a warm red, the floor a creamy white; it was all quite welcoming. The mysterious man seemed to enjoy the atmosphere as he drummed his long fingers on the dark maroon mahogany of the table, sipping at the rich grape wine.

Sora had grown jealous of the monarchs. They held such quality and importance. The only reason he became a servant was through desperation. His family and himself struggled in poverty, so it wasn't like there was a choice. His family had to sell him. However, he found himself gazing in awe at Riku. There was something about him, a strength that none other had…

He placed the bowl in front of Riku and backed off, giving a low, graceful bow. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a voice.

"Sora," he looked up, staring straight into the eyes of Riku.

Thump.

His heart sped up. Raising his head with shock, he gazed directly into the eyes of his master. His soft lips parted, a small – but thankfully, inaudible- whisper crept out. 'What?' He used his name. The king, the ruler, the monarch, the great had called a mere servant by his name. Rare. Extremely rare. How did Riku know his name, for a start? He often called the servants as… servants. 'Servant, come here.' or 'Servant, get me this.' He used his name. He used his name. He used his name.

"Servant, prepare Roxas' room for me. Hall 7, his baggage is outside the door."

Huh? What? Servant? Realising that his head was still raised, he dropped his head a little too quickly, causing his neck to pain. He squeaked, forcing himself not to casually rub his sore neck.

"Hmm? What is it?" Riku spoke, examining his slave with close intent. Sora opened his mouth to reply, but no words sounded in the silence. His voice was hoarse with fear.

"N-nothing, your highness." He stuttered, closing his eyes tightly beneath the brown strands of his hair. Breathe now, Sora, he told himself. All will be okay.

"Then get to it." Riku snapped in a low voice, and turned his head. Sora nodded and backed away a few steps, and then twisted his hips to walk forward. He slipped out of the double doors and closed them quietly behind him, although the sound echoed loudly.

He sighed. Sora was one of those 'all around slaves' designed to do anything and everything. From cooking to shepherding people to their rooms, he was the one chosen to do it. He slipped through the dimly lit corridors. A muster of bags could be seen in the distance. Sora quickly ran to the bags.

One… two… three… four… five… how long was he staying for? One bag would be enough for Sora to last a whole month – although he didn't own much. He fumbled in his pockets for a single key – a single key to every door in the room. He inserted it into the keyhole and twisted it and when it clicked, he pushed forward.

His eyes examined the dark room. It was big; one of the largest. It wasn't much of a surprise. Sora had practically been in every room in the palace. He wedged his foot next to the door to keep it open and leant over to grab two bags from outside the room.

--

Roxas stared down at the soup he had been given. The hot steam rose into the air and he sucked in a deep breath, raising his head to the king who was blankly staring at him. "Do you always call your servants by their names?" he smirked, placing a hand under his chin to rest on the table. It was certain that a spark of lightening flew between the two.

"Of course not," Riku replied, squaring his shoulders. He hadn't meant to, and nor was it a habit; so altogether he had no excuse. He had learnt it from that red-haired female who continuously called it, and with Riku, continuously keeping his eye on Sora it had simply slipped out of his mouth. "Of course not," he repeated, quietly huffing as if insulted. "My servants are merely nothing of importance." He replied, interlocking his fingers with his fingers. He stared down at the single leaf drowning in the soup, floating for escape. He had attempted to cover up his mistake by ignoring what he had done; but Roxas' keen eye saw through it. It didn't seem to work.

"After this, the contract will be signed." Riku stated, changing the subject that earned a mild glare from Roxas.

"As you wish, Riku." Roxas sighed, pushing the empty bowl forward. He lean on his elbows and stared at the king. "Our countries will become as one, correct?"

"No, Twilight and Hollow Bastion will not fuse. We will just trade and become allies. Furthermore, no war will continue." Riku said quickly.

"Ah, and there was I beginning to enjoy the entire bloodshed." He laughed heavily, chest heaving as he picked up the wine glass once more. He swiveled it in his palm before tipping the rim of the glass to his lips. Riku sent him a false smile as he watched him down the wine carefully.

Roxas and Riku were once enemies, competitors, and rivals. Riku was the leader of Hollow Bastion and Roxas was the leader of Twilight Town. Trade was everything to the people of these countries, and soon it was lost under the tough cries of war, until the two kings decided to truce and stop the bloodshed.

--

When all of the bags had been shifted into the room, he clapped his hands with a tiring sigh, feeling the accomplishment. He wiped some sleep-tears from the corners of his glistening eyes. Ah, a little break wouldn't hurt, would it? After all, it was well earned.

Sora plopped himself on the floor, obviously not the guest's bed where the sheets would dirty and mess, as he was taught. His slender back leant against the wall and he closed his eyes. He always did this. Seeming as he was quick to sort and organize the room, he rested for a short time in the luxury he didn't have himself.

Sora was nineteen. He remembered, for the four long years he'd be a loyal servant, the many times that Roxas had visited. How old was Roxas now? He had to guess seeming as it was impolite and rude to ask. Well, if he was…

About twenty-something? That must have meant that Riku was in his twenties, too. Therefore, they were only a few years older than him, at the least. It showed how much status was important. Riku was king! King of the whole land! And Roxas – he was a king too. They were both fine members of royalty, but why did Roxas keep visiting? Weren't they enemies? Sora gasped out loud, covering his mouth. Secret lovers?

It could very well be so. Their personal lives were protected so much that not even their wife – or husband – could know of something clandestine. He lifted his head, humming. What if they were in a relationship? If rumours spread out to the public, who knew what would happen.

One, everybody would probably shun the king for being homosexual. It wasn't a norm. In some parts of the land, it was completely forbidden, and if seen, it was shirked and the poor victim would receive some kind of penalty of punishment. In other sections of the country, it was merely ignored by law and punished only by society.

That was something Sora liked about living in the palace! Nobody would kill him – unless he stole, or committed treason. Ah. It seems like he wouldn't be able to get away from it, after all. Sora shuddered, feeling the room begin to warm throughout. He leant over the floor to place his hands on the radiator, feeling the heat with a small, fine smile. Roxas would be comfortable tonight.

Maybe he could just… for a while, he could…

He crawled over to the light switch, pressing it, dark filling the room. He clambered back over to his wall.

The door opened, and then shut.

Shit!

Sora opened his eyes. The darkness stung his sensitive pupils, but he didn't want the light to be turned on. No. It would be too embarrassing to see a mere bellboy sitting down in a superior guest's palace room.

Ever-so quiet.

The 'zzzz' humming of a tie being loosened echoed. Sora's heart raced and immediately he knew whom it was due to the hushed mumbling that paced up and down the room. Probably looking for the light switch. Sora would be able to point it out even if he was blind. He knew these rooms like the back of his hand. The light finally switched on.

Shiiiiiiiit.

"Oh, look what we have here." A smirk crept on the king's face: Roxas. "Planning to stay for a little while? You can indeed keep my company." Sora hastily scrambled to his feet, keeping his head as low as possible. He didn't want to look at the body; buttons on the white shirt undone, tie hanging loosely around the neck, a masculine-built face as well as the body, and a sexy smirk enlightening his features.

He tried, at least, not to sigh with satisfaction of staring at him from before. His mind raced. What if he was fired for being in the room? Or executed? The King could do anything. "So, so, so, sorry, my lord! I should leave-"

"Oh, no. Stay for a while. You have already caught my interest." Roxas slowly placed his two hands on the wall, preventing Sora from escape, except for the large space between the floor and his arm. But no, no way in Hell, would he attempt to move. That would be inconsiderate. Blue eyes met blue eyes. But it was clear of whose were more dominant. Sora lowered his head again, trying to crush his desire to stare up at the king.

"My lord, I think it would be best for you if I left. You look tired, a-and my job is done here."

"I came here a while ago. First month of summer. Do you remember?" Roxas shot a serious stare through, but the mess of brown hair absorbed it. Sora flinched as his plea was simply ignored. Hadn't Roxas realized that Sora had been noticing his visits for years now?

"Sir?"

"I have kept my eyes on you for a while now, Sora." Roxas' rich tongue purred out the name, tasting it with such passion and romance that the servant's knees almost buckled in submission. Sora raised his head, a teary but puzzled expression plastered on his olive features. It crossed his mind that his head should be lowered, but his chin was upheld with a few cold fingers.

A shudder was unavoidable as it slithered down his spine, and Sora fixed his sapphire orbs on Roxas' loose black tie. Roxas had called his name, but no, it felt not as homely as it did when Riku had spoke of it. Roxas' voice was full of sinful lust, where Riku's was something completely unexplainable.

"Riku would not give a mere coin for you, Sora. His riches blind him. He is cold. He is cruel." Sora furrowed his brows and shook his head, strongly disagreeing. "Sora," Roxas began again, leaning in closer. He pressed his lips softly against the other's, starting to suck gently on the skin.

No, the servant thought. No! I don't want this!

Roxas pulled away, proud. "You have caught my attention and you have kept it." Sora's eyes widened as a smirk crept upon the blonde's face. He forcefully turned his head, releasing his chin from the other's fingers.

"My King and Country." He spluttered, closing his eyes tightly. But this was not a dream.

"Excuse me?" Roxas leant back, a little shocked that the shy servant had spoken.

"I only love my King and Country." He repeated, hoping the method would work. Roxas' expression hardened and he narrowed his eyes. No! That look. Had Sora been too rude to disprove the king? "I swore an oath, sir." Sora winced. He expected a punishment.

"But an oath of that should not be taken into literal context." Roxas replied smartly. Sora knew this, it was only an oath of loyalty, not love, but it was his only hope.

"I swore an oath…" Sora mumbled. Maybe if he repeated it enough it would sink in?

There was a short moment of silence – plus defeat.

"You may leave." Roxas snapped curtly, stepping away and walking to the window. Sora opened his eyes. He stared at the back of the blonde and bowed respectfully, before dashing away. He didn't turn his back.

"My King and country." Roxas spat, hearing the door close quietly. He lifted a hand and rubbed his temples, sliding his pinky fingers across his skin to create a 'v' under each eye.

--

Sora rushed along the corridors, confused over what had just happened. Since when? More even so, why? Sora was just a servant – and male. Roxas had plenty of rich, wealthy girls to court with instead of a male slave. And weren't Roxas and Riku… dating? Did that just mean that Sora made Roxas cheat on his king? He sucked in his taken lips, feeling extremely guilty, but at the same time trying to taste the King on his own skin.

Not like it was his fault. Roxas came onto him. Still, after spending four years with the gorgeous and angelic king, he felt that he was responsible for anything that went wrong. What if everyone suddenly knew what had happened? Rumours spread between the servants like around-the-house jobs.

He groaned. Now, he had to go and visit Riku again to inform him that the job was done. Now, that little – or not so little – experience had taught him not to sit down in guest rooms, no matter what the case. Nope! His own, new rule. After all, it could end up worse than what had just occurred.

It was slightly frustrating, not being able to fight back. Well, he was able to, but it was definitely not permitted. His feet shuffled towards the dining room where he had left the two princes, making sure he was neatly presented. He fixed his white ribbon bow looped around his neck and reordered the buttons on his shirt before entering. He kept his head low. At least that was a good thing to abide by; his face was full of embarrassment, cheeks flushed like a muster of crimson roses.

The door closed loudly behind him; the metal frames clashing against each other, the sound of friction echoing in the room. Riku cleared his throat uncertainly, as if he had just spoken of something awkward in context.

"Your Highness, the deed has been done." Sora bowed lowly, and received a flick of a hand that he could not see. It was slow and weak. Almost a plead for his servant to rise.

"Good," One, single but powerful reply as usual. "You may leave for your own services." Riku replied, standing. As soon as the body rose from the table, Sora hurried over, gripping the sides of the decorative chair with his slender hands. He pulled it back, allowing the king to leave.

Sora watched the back of Riku gracefully disappear outside the dining room. He was probably going to retire to his bedroom or workroom. A king was always busy. Power had its disadvantages: responsibility. It was a big role of royalty: paperwork, money, trade, criminals, court, neighbouring countries, and annoying advisors – the whole lot had to be sorted.

Sora was the one who understood this. He pushed the chair back under the recently cleaned table; it seemed as though some other servants had already washed it. His bright oceanic hues glanced over at the large grandfather clock at the side, reaching high up the wall and wide across the floor.

It was evening. 5 'o clock, perhaps. It was hard to read the tiny, expensive, golden hands with a pendulum swinging by to monitor every second. But, what was he to do now? Usually, he would eat. Though, if he went, Kairi would be there. Bothering him. He could imagine her: 'Where is the little squirt? I bet he's kissing the king.'

Well, almost right, Kairi. But no the king you're thinking of. Sora sighed, rubbing his temples with tired hands. Surely he'd die from exhaustion before anything else. Ah… he'd got to Kairi. One, he had nothing better to do, seeming as Riku left without an order. And two, Kairi was undoubtedly spreading rumours to the servants about Riku's and Sora's little 'relationship' that was even happening. Only in his dreams. But really, Sora and the King having sex?

Suddenly flustered at the thought, he turned on his heels.

"Stupid, stupid, King." He mumbled ever so quietly, trying not to be heard by passers by that would telltale to get higher on the loyalty list. "Stupid Roxas." Not stupid because he was infiltrating his space – he was a king, so what? He had the right.

But stupid because he had chosen to infiltrate on a servant. He had plenty of others out there, women, pretty and rich, taking care in their appearance. Where Sora, on the other hand, was a man, poor, and didn't have the chance to bathe very often. Once a week, if he was lucky.

He used to be envious of those women, having the love of a king right in front of their eyes, having his affection when they wanted it. And now that Sora had received that affection, he turned his back and didn't want it anymore. With a sigh, he entered the door on the left, large, red in colour, with a thick black outline; decorative, like the other doors in the palace.

The room was completely full, bubbling to the brim. People of all ages, sizes and personalities were gathered around the six main tables. Tables that sat eight people, four on each side of the rectangular wood. It was dinner. Everyone gathered here: maids, cooks, bell-boys, laundry workers, and the all-rounders. However, the guards were never here. They ate later, as they still had duty, and ate in a different room anyway. A room much lighter and smarter.

His bright eyes scanned the room, until he spotted the scarlet coloured locks at the back. A hand shot up at the back, waving frantically.

"Sora! Sora, get your but over here!" Kairi, of course. Who else? Without any hesitation, Sora set off. Kairi was like an older sister, or even a mother. Always bossing him around, yet loved him and protected him. "Come sit." She ordered, pulling out a chair next to her. Sora squeezed between the two tables, trying not to shove his behind into someone's back.

He sat down, fidgeting uncomfortably.

"And where have you been? Kissing the king?" Kairi giggled, scooping up some mashed potato on her fork before slipping it into her mouth. She couldn't complain about the food. After all, she made it herself.

Terror clearly crossed Sora's face. "Kairi!" he hissed, leaning forward. His eyes darted to the side to see if anyone was listening in. "I told you, I'm not in a relationship with… with him. Just… please. Be quiet about it."

Now normally, Sora would take the joke and blush, laugh or say something back. This was unlike him. Kairi was taken aback. Many thoughts rushed to her mind. Was he just fed up of her teasing, or was there really something going on? Either or, she slowly nodded, swallowing her food.

"Sorry, Sora. I guess I force my own dreams onto others." She sighed, tucking some of her cherry hair behind her right ear. "Now, eat. I made it specially." She pushed forward a plate full of food that she'd kept from any scavengers that were too lazy to cook. She smiled happily at Sora.

He smiled back, grateful, but shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm not hungry. I really can't eat it."

"You? Not hungry? That's something I haven't heard in a while." Her eyes softened, with a pinch of sadness. There must be something wrong, she thought. Sora hasn't said that since he was ill last year.

"Yes," he began, clearing his throat. "I just need some time alone. I need to think." Soon after those words, his eyes glazed over with emptiness. The orbs that used to glow in daylight and twinkle against the night sky, fell down to darkness. Kairi's lip pulled to the side, concerned.

"Alright, sweetheart. You should go to your room. Think things over." She knew him. She knew him very well. Never, ever ask what's wrong. The last time she did, he broke down crying in front of her. It was best for him to think things over.

Sora sent her a thankful expression. He slowly rose from his chair, exhaling deeply in the process, and trotted out of the room. Kairi fell back into her chair and sighed. "Poor kid."

--

Tap, tap, tap, tap.

The long hallway was silent apart from the sluggish footsteps echoing off the surrounding walls. Sora felt extremely guilty. As if everything was his fault. He was the one that drew Roxas. It was him, and nobody else. Who else would it be, anyway?

His empty eyes lay fixed on his feet. His hands stay struck by his sides. He'd never felt so… foolish. A sudden thump against his head made him fall back a few steps. His hand automatically clamped onto the bump, and his other straight out in front of him to protect his body.

"Oh, sorry, kid. Didn't see you there."

Sora raised his head and blinked, slightly shocked and frightened. Before him, towering tall, stood a man in black full-body armour. The chest-plate was decorated with golden studs, and the closed helmet had been shined so much that even the dim candlelight produced a glow on the metal.

The hand of the man rose to lift the helmet, presenting two narrow, dark eyes.

"No, I apologise." Sora winced, rubbing his head. "I wasn't looking where I was going." He too, rose his face to eye up the guard. As soon as he knew it wasn't either of the Kings, relief filled his body.

The guard placed his weapon, a black and gold halberd, up against the wall. He bent down on one leg and set his heavy hand on Sora's shoulder.

"You sure you're alright? I hit you pretty nastily."

"Yes, yes. I'm fine, honestly."

"Well, if you feel horrid in a few minutes, go to the healer and tell her that Leon hit you, okay?" The man smiled. Sora nodded.

"Thank you, Leon. I'm Sora." Naturally, he bowed down low. Leon chuckled, shaking his head as much as he could with the limitation of movement.

"No need to bow at me, I'm no royal. You seem better spoken than me, anyway." His eyes narrowed, and silence followed after. Sora bit his lip. Did he do something wrong? "Sora, said you?"

"Yes, Sora. I'm Sora, nice to meet you."

"Alright, Sora. You're coming with me." Leon grabbed onto Sora's arm roughly and pulled him close. With his other hand, he shut his helmet pane and gripped onto his halberd, tugging the servant along.

"Wait, Leon– I've done nothing, honestly! I apologise, I truly do, please!" Sora struggled to release the grip, but to no avail. After all, this was a fully trained palace guard. Palace guards were strong and fast; even in the heavy armour. Most of them were extremely handsome, too. Whether that was a requirement or not, Sora didn't know.

"I don't know what His Majesty wants, Sora. But His Majesty asked for us to keep a look out for you."

Me? He thought. Me? Why me?

His heart raced, and the struggling stopped. Had Riku found out about the Roxas scene? Was this the end? Empty eyes filled with fear.

"D-don't you know anything, sir? Please!" he begged. He was close to tears. He knew what he'd done wrong. His conscience was right. He never should have lured Roxas in like that.

"I told you, I don't know a thing. I only take orders, not information."

Ah, that's right. Part of the Palace Guard oath.

'I am a Palace Guard. Communication of knowledge is not my factor. I only resort to protection.'

Sora remembered watching his friend, a few years ago, crown Guard, before he was killed in battle. He thoughts were struck blank as Leon stopped moving. The servant was panting from the travel, whereas the guard hadn't even a slight change in breath rate. The armoured hand knocked on the door thrice, only thrice, before it opened from the inside. The door did not match the size of the dining room's, but had equal beauty. Golden decorations swirled around and over the engraved image of a lion. It must have taken an age to complete.

"Your Majesty," Leon bowed to Riku, and then Roxas. "My Lord."

Shocked.

Completely and utterly shocked.

It was true. Riku knew. Riku knew. Riku knew.

Immediately, Sora dropped to his knees and hung his head low, almost touching the floor. He placed his hands in front of him, bowing as near to the ground as he could.

"Your Majesty, please, forgive me!" he begged, biting on his lip to prevent the tears from spilling out. He struggled to state his words. His plea was replaced by ragged breathing, controlled by a quivering frame.

Riku raised his right eyebrow. "What is of this?" he commented, eyes fixed on his servant.

His shaking paused. His head rose slightly.

"Roxas?" Riku suggested.

"Not I, my friend. It seems that I am as clueless as you." Instead of the confused expression that Riku held, Roxas' lips slowly curled into a smirk. "Sora," he called, stepping forward. Riku's eyes snapped into a narrow glare. Now he was using the earlier event to tease him. However, Sora saw it the other way around. Roxas was teasing him, not Riku. "Rise. What is it that you have to say?"

On command, like a little dog, Sora rose as asked. His hands clenched into fists. "I… I…"

Riku nodded sharply at the guard escort, and Leon swiftly left the room, shutting the door. Sora was alone with the two Kings. "Yes?" Riku pushed.

"I thought I had committed wrong…" he spoke softly, trying not to drop obvious hints that he had experienced a mistake with Roxas.

"Raise your head." Roxas commanded.

"And what proceeds you the permission to control my servant?" Riku rose his voice, stepping forward to match his ex-rival. Roxas chuckled and turned to face the King.

"Have you already forgotten? We have discussed this. You grant me half of Hollow Bastion, and I grant you half of Twilight Town. Either way, I own what you own. I am the King to this country as much as you are to mine." He said slyly, voice aimed at Sora.

Sora shuddered under the gaze, though he had not raised his head to see. There was not a way to win. "'I only love my King and Country'" he remembered saying. Now Roxas had the country, Roxas had him. A tear trickled down part of his cheek, then plunged to the floor to welcome gravity.

"I-If I may, Your Majesty," Sora lifted his head, but avoided eye contact. He had both the Kings' attention. "I wish to leave the castle."

"That is preposterous!" Riku exclaimed, brows furrowing into panic. "I order you to remain, and that is and order!"

"Riku, you possess a great deal of control over Sora." Roxas interrupted, tongue sliding over the name. "Perhaps you should allow the boy to do as he wishes?"

"I will not." Riku spat at Roxas, offering him a harsh glare that was calmly refused. "I will not."

"Your authority must not be abused. Was not that the first lesson as a King?" Oh, Roxas. He lifted his beautiful hand to his hair and brushed his fringe away from his eyes. Sora's lip quivered under the sight, though his eyes drew to Riku, as he was able to stare at what was forbidden for so long.

"My power is none of your concern. I still possess half of Hollow Bastion, my friend. I can control as much as you can."

"Then I can match you. Sora, you may do as you wish–"

"Do not disarray my kingdom!" Riku bellowed, voice clattering throughout the room. Surely, the other servants down the hall would have heard him shout. Silence followed after. A long, dwelling silence.

Sora swallowed the lump in his throat. His heart craved to break out of his rib cage in frantic panic.

Riku began pacing up and down the room.

"It is one measly servant, Riku. What is he to you? As you said before, your servants are merely 'nothing of importance'."

"A servant is nothing of importance, yet," the silver-haired royal swung around on his feet to face Sora, and his eyes immediately softened at the sight. "I care for my people."

Roxas smirked, crossing his arms. He knew he had won, but took it no further as his teasing was over. "Very well." He replied.

Sora began to shake again. He didn't understand. He didn't understand any of it. Wasn't the union supposed to be for the good? Why were they fighting over what they owned and what they controlled? And surely, surely of all, they would care about their Kingdom more than the servant.

Roxas turned his head to Sora and met his gaze. "I shall be in my room." He strode forward, shoulders squared back, head up high. Just how a King should walk. As Roxas passed Sora, he chuckled slightly, and left the room, emitting a strong smell of spiced soap.

Riku clenched his fists and retired to his chair behind the desk. He exhaled loudly, as if Sora was non-existent. "He controls you, too." He spoke softly.

"Your Majesty–" Sora stepped forward, looking extremely concerned. He felt sympathy for his King. Riku had lost part of his power. He had lost to Roxas. He could no longer protect his people as he was raised, taught, and wished.

"Yes, if you may. A drink would be perfect." Riku interjected, motioning his hand to the wine rack at the side. Sora nodded without hesitation, in silence, forgetting his words.

He shuffled over to the rack, pulling out a random bottle, seeming as there was too many to choose from. He suspected they were all of good quality, anyway, as Riku was, after all, a King. His skilled hands worked quickly over the bottle, removing the cork and pouring into the glass.

He placed the bottle on the side and moved over to Riku, setting the wine on his desk. He stepped back slowly, waiting for approval. The King's delicate fingers sunk under the base of the glass and lifted through the stork, swirling the glass around in his palm.

His eyes snapped up to meet Sora's. He did not turn away. The gaze remained. Ice-white met oceanic eyes. The glass steamed up from the warm breath. The shapely lips sipped at the wine. Sora was the first to look away. It was the longest, and first, time he had met eyes with the King. Riku placed the glass back down on the desk and licked his lips.

"Good." He commented. Sora smiled faintly, heart racing. He looked even more beautiful close up. "You have been here four years now." He continued, careful not to say his name. "I intend to keep you here. You are of very good use to me." Through both physical tasks and emotional tasks, Riku thought. But he dared not add.

"I understand, Your Majesty." Sora's brows furrowed. How could he have been so heartless to ask to leave? After all Riku has given him: a home, a bed, food, friends, hope. "I formally apologise…" Sora began to bow.

"No need." Riku cleared his throat, motioning with his right hand once more, signaling the servant to pause. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes." Sora replied without thought. He hadn't eaten. But to be honest, he wasn't hungry.

"Good. You may return to your room." Riku lifted his leg and placed his ankle on his knee; the more masculine way to cross your legs.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Before, he had felt programmed to say those words over and over. Now, he felt as if they had a meaning. A point.

Sora took a few steps back while facing Riku, and then turned his back and left the room.

Riku sighed and took his glass in his hand again. "He can control you, but he cannot own your heart."