The Worth of a Crown.
Two kingdoms, the Simon and the Vongola, are to become alliances under the marriage of Prince Sawada Tsunayoshi and Princess Kozato Sakura. War and the lives of their people are at the tip of their fingers. Their decisions and their actions rests upon more that just themselves. Selfish acts for oneself is condoned and perhaps feelings themselves become a sin.
Even if he blushes for a beautiful maid. Even if she can't help but fall for her mysterious dark haired knight. Because love is a minor detail to the royalty and their duty to their people, their kingdom. Even if it means betraying yourself and others, hiding secrets within crafted lies, or blood spilled from any side.
Because the worth of a crown,
weighs heavily.
Characters: MANY. There will be many. Mainly Nanase Sakura (OC). Focuses more on the Vongola side, Tsuna and the guardians. The first gen guardians will be around too with largely AU relationships for ex: Giotto/Ieyasu is Tsuna's brother. There will be some OCs but they will not be focused on, just side characters to fill in the spots (probably won't even have to remember their names).
Pairings: There will be many hints to some, one sided ones. Up to analysis, have fun. c:
POV: Present tense. Most likely just Sakura, first person. (I might do others in an omake or.. I might change my mind. We'll see).
A/N: This is going to be like a book- long, descriptive, character development, and relationship developments.
I would like to remind everyone that this is LARGELY AU, like everything about it. This is a somewhat modern kingdom AU. There will be electricity. The speech / fashion will be closer to ours. Just..take it as I give it, please. c:. Perhaps in another world, time moves differently and so do the minds / idea / inventions of people.
Though the relationships of canon characters with be mixed up and rearranged somewhat. Their personalities, I will try my best, will be the same unless otherwise stated through development (since this is technically ~3-4YL).
If possible, I would like everyone to take this with an open mind and a clean slate. As if you're reading a book for the first time (and apparently you just happen know some of the characters).
Notes specific to the chapter: You don't need to pay attention to the maids' names. 'Crowns' is also the currency for the kingdoms. Enma is slight OOC because of development (will be further explained later).
Disclaimer: I do not own KHR. I do not own my cover photo.
Chapter One.
Today is the long awaited day.
The sky shares my impending doom. It booms and echoes of thunder, loudly. It darkens and flashes with electrifying lightning. Over and over. It roars, and rumbles. It smells fresh, the breeze is cool, and the rain continuously trickles down the castle walls.
Two raps on the door brings my attention away from the outside. "Princess? It's time."
It's time, I repeat mentally after the maid. "Thank you, Rina."
I follow Rina and another maid to the dresser where they sit me down and take care of my hair, my make up, and even my scent. I am temporarily distracted by the smell of powder and roses. The slight pull of my light pink hair, and the feeling of soft touches on my face.
They take the natural beauty that I inherited more from my mother, and arranges it into something- someone that I am not quite sure of. Which is all together perfect. I need this. I need this mask and this look that isn't truly mine. Or I really might lose myself.
The maids stop what they are doing to turn around and bow. I knew even before that who had arrived just by the sounds of her footsteps. Slow, steady, and light.
"Princess Haruka," they greet in unison.
The elegant gown, a color of pure white that had always suit her, trails behind her as she walks towards me. Her light pink hair, cut shorter than mine, is twisted and tied to the side of her face. Her bangs reflect oppositely than mine. The same shade of brown orbs blink back at me, but even since our day of birth, had held less defiance than mine.
"You look beautiful," the compliment sounds more like an offer. Haruka's smile is thrown in as an extra parting gift. She coughs into her hand, almost as if for effect though I know it isn't.
"Thank you," I mutter.
"Why the mood?" Her light eyebrows furrow in concern and her smile grows sympathetic. It makes me irritated. She might as well throw a happy 'you are getting married soon!' in my face.
I sigh, not wanting to answer her. There is no point. She understands fully why my mood is like the gloomy weather. She understands well, and she offers nothing more.
She parts her lips as if to speak more, but she stops. A wise choice. Instead, she steps back towards the wall and keeps her silence. Establishing herself as a mere pretty decoration had always been her special talent.
Haruka had always told me I was almost the perfect princess, and definitely the makings of a better one than her. I used to be modest, took it as a tease, and blushed as I laughed.
She said I had the better capabilities, the mask to smile even if I didn't mean to, even if I didn't want to. She said I had the power to stand up to people, to assert my intentions, and to defend myself. She said I had the natural aura to attract people, and to mingle in their groups. She said I had confidence in myself and to put aside my insecurities to protect myself.
I used to think she said all of that just to compliment me. But now, it seemed like she was setting herself back. Pushing herself to the background and blending into the wallflowers, almost so that I am the only attraction- only princess. Even though by all rights, she is one too. And now she isn't the one that was being shoved into a carriage and shipped to the kingdom over, all for the relations of peace. For our kingdom.
No, I am not quite angry with my twin sister for being who she is. For being sickly. For being weak and therefore incapable. It was not of her choice, and I know she suffers for it.
I am just bitter. Bitter of having to basically be thrown into a world I was not comfortable in, into the territory of our enemies. For if the unfortunate case that for some reason I blotch the agreement, then I am in the center of merciless wolves, and there will be no peace for my people. And that bitter taste is the only thing I have keeping me sane.
"Princess, please rise so we may help you put on your dress."
I stand up carefully and the hands are quick to undress me then redress in a short matter of time. Though with a lot of caution, of course. The dress that they were putting on me is fabric that could keep a family well fed for quite some time. The accessories that they start to adorn on me costs an entire fortune. I do not question the price that I am wearing.
It isn't like we are a wealthy, thriving and rich kingdom. But they take it that we will be soon. So the King, my father, had ordered them to throw luxuries on me like a gamble. I find it heavy.
"You look like a million crowns, your highness," Flora, one of the maid, tells me. Wonderful figure of speech.
"That might be because I am wearing a million crowns." I sigh in contrast to their soft laughter.
I turn around in the mirror to witness the work they put on me. In a reflected view, sometimes I almost think I am looking right at Haruka. But her hair is shorter and her bangs are the opposite of mine. My bangs part to the right and my length goes down to my hip. Haruka's bangs are parted to the left and her hair almost reaches halfway down her chest.
"Those beautiful emerald jewels on your necklace really highlights your eyes." Her words, voice, tone, smile are all kind. I know she doesn't care about these things. She's trying though.
"It would highlight your eyes too," I throw as an offhand remark.
She purses her lips in an apology. My twin sister fully understands what I meant to say and why I am feeling this way.
I exhale deeply and close my eyes to calm myself. This isn't her fault. This was never her fault. After all, I might not see my sister for awhile- or ever. "I apologize. It's.. nerves. I am feeling a bit anxious." A bit.
She nods slowly, not quite believing me but it isn't like I was completely lying. Though she plays along and she walks over. She takes my hand in hers and she presses one on top. It is a little more relaxing.
"You're not coming?" I ask for the third time, but I know the answer is the same.
She shakes her head. "No, father thinks I'm too weak and is afraid my illness will escalate during my stay there."
Of course, not his precious daughter. There is that familiar bitter taste and I push it away along with unwanted thoughts (and isn't everything today just perfectly unwanted-). "I see. It's too bad. This castle's staff caught wind that there are many handsome men there."
"It's true, there is," our maid chimes in with a hearty laugh as she pins something in my hair.
Haruka gives another smile, gentle and polite. She doesn't care. She is a bookish person and would rather read than talk to people, or do anything really. "Well, I suppose you will do the looking for me, Sakura?"
I smile, paired with a nonchalant shrug. "You know I don't care either."
"Well that's good to hear." She places her hand on my shoulder. "I wouldn't know what to say if my sister is caught in an affair or staring at a man other than the prince." Her smile is teasing. I think I might actually miss it. But I'm just being stubborn, of course I'll miss it.
I laugh along with her but the joke dies soon. My eyes start to feel a little heavy, and I start to focus on the ground instead. The silence deepens in the room but not in my mind, sadly not so.
"What if though.. What if I do fall in love with someone.. That isn't the prince?" My lashes are in the way as I glance up to her face.
Haruka's surprised lips parted in short thought, it lasts only a quick moment. She side glances to the maid for help and they share equally concerned faces. "Well, I heard the prince is really kind and friendly," the maid offers with smile despite furrowed eyebrows.
"Kind and friendly doesn't make you love a person," I mutter. But this is only making the mood worse. And nothing needs to be worse, not today. "It's.. nothing. I was just wondering. I think I will really like the prince," I say only to make them feel better. What about me though? What about my feelings?
But I suppose if anyone really cared about my feelings, I would not soon be shipped to another kingdom- No. I agreed to this, I remind myself. I am doing this for my kingdom, my people, I tell myself again. It has become an internal chant, perhaps a prayer even.
"We are finished," Rina announces. "Please do take a look in the mirror. You are gorgeous, princess." They all look particularly proud so my interest is somewhat piqued.
I smile in thanks before turning to the mirror. I look beautiful. ….But I am unsure if I like it. I turn around slowly, spin for every angle of my gigantic dress. Heavy. Everything is so heavy. It's almost suffocating.
It's no wonder I figuratively and literally felt as if a few pounds have been placed upon me. The puffy white- but stunningly gorgeous, strapless dress whisks me to the thought of my wedding being today. But today is just the introduction, the meeting.
Haruka nods, "you look like mother." For some reason, the words ebb away the discomfort.
"In her good condition? Or worse?" I laugh softly; it died as quickly as it came.
"Good, of course," she reassures.
"Well then, I suppose it's time.." I meet eye contact with everyone in the room one at a time.
"Do stay healthy, Your Highness," Flora tells me with a concerned expression.
"I will try my very best."
"We will miss you greatly, Princess," Rina speaks with a tone of sorrow.
"As will I," I take her hand in mine with a sincere smile. "But I will be back to visit. With gifts, of course."
"You spoil us, Your Highness," Hina, another maid, laughs and everyone is quick to join her.
"Truly, thank you for everything."
"Oh, do not make this a good bye, Princess! You will be back in no time," Rina says with such certainty that I find hard to doubt. She gives my hand a squeeze. "No time," she repeats.
I nod slowly. "Well I will go give my temporary partings to the others now."
It's a group of mixed, varied expressions. I find them all very hard to swallow. But they all bow before going off to the rest of their busy day with little given choice.
"Then I will bid you once again before you part," Haruka tells me before leaving to her own way. I assume she went to rest in her chambers for awhile.
Instead, I make my way down the other hallway, giving a few replies to people here and there.
Upon destination, I place two short raps on the grand door, around the same size or larger.
"Come in," I hear from the other side. I open the door slowly and close it just the same, gently and softly.
"Princess Sakura," a maid bows her head before leaving with a bin and towel in her arms, shutting the door behind her with a soft click.
"Good morning," I greet with a smile before making my way over to the bedside. "Mami."
She lets out a soft cough but plasters a smile over her pale face nonetheless.
"I believe I told you to keep the hair out of your face," I mutter before brushing all the red from her eyes. I unclip the cherry pin she has off to the side and use it to keep her hair in place. "You look very cute."
She laughs shortly, a bit weak. "And you look like a heavy portrait."
I sigh. "Thank you."
"I'm just joking. You look beautiful, as always." Mami lays a hand onto mine and grips it with fragile thin fingers.
"It's a shame you can't come. I hear they have great cake," I tease slightly.
"Oh don't do this to me, Sakura. I'm not a child either," she pouts. Oh but she so is. "But.. I do love delicious cake."
A soft laugh escapes my lips as I brush through her short red hair, watching as it falls through the cracks of my fingers. "I know. So get well soon," I almost whisper.
"Ah, ah~ Why do you look so gloom? You're bringing my mood down like the outside rain," she accuses with a joking tone. "You're going to meet a handsome prince, along with many handsome people. You're going to be surrounded in handsome."
"I can't wait," I joke with a roll of my eyes. "What am I going to do with all that 'handsome'?"
"Embrace it," she advises with a cheeky smile. And what is this little thirteen year old telling me?
"I will," I assure her. My eyes always soften when speaking to her, naturally anyway. "I have to go though."
She nods slowly, coughing to the side another few times. "Have a safe trip, onee-sama."
My eyes widen a small fraction. It is not rare for her to call me that, but not often either. "I will miss you. ...A little."
"You could really do without the last part," she giggles. Mami's gorgeous ruby eyes soften in the way that burns mine, and I struggle to show any weak emotion. "But I will miss you too. A little."
I stand up slowly and our hands slide until our fingertips leave each other's. Sometimes I wonder if I like her more than I do my twin sister. But deep down, I suppose it isn't true.
I do love the both of them, dearly.
"Take care," we mutter at the same time. And laugh at the same time.
I give her one last glance over the shoulder before closing the door behind me.
"Ready to go?"
I turn around to the steady voice and oncoming footsteps. ..The sight that almost completely washes away my negativities. The more familiar messy short red hair and kind eyes in a suit that might be equally expensive as my attire.
"Enma."
His smile is bright as always. It puts the gorgeous chandeliers we have in the grand dining room to shame. "May I escort you, my princess?" He offers a comforting arm.
I nod in agreement. "Yes please," I answer before hooking my arm around his.
"You look beautiful," he whispers, tickling my ear with warm breath. It makes my face equally- if not, warmer.
"Thank you. As do you."
His soft chuckle is a cheery one that lights up even the brightest shade of his red orbs. "At least call me handsome, Sakura." Ah, the years have changed him slightly. Little things like this makes me realize. He isn't the same child without confidencce that looks rather wounded and lost in a neutral expression. It was unfitting for a prince, they said.
"You know what I mean, Enma. Don't be picky," I jokingly scold.
"Yes, yes."
"Prince Enma, Princess Sakura," the knights greet as they straighten up and bow sincerely when we pass. We both give them a polite smile and short greetings in return.
The hallways bustle with the staff running back and forth to their own jobs, but they make time to properly regard us despite it.
I don't miss the women that giggle and blush when Enma passes by- and I don't miss the men that shift and stare when I do either.
"...Are you nervous?" His question brings me away from my observations.
"Are you kidding?" I reply back with a short glance.
"Wait, I really can't tell," he answers honestly with a feigned confused expression. His steps are steady by my side as always. I almost envied Enma, really. The red haired male, the heir to this kingdom, had more pressure than me. Technically.
It brings about a teasing shrug. "Of course I am. Being tossed into enemy territory." Like meat to a bunch of savages. The morbid joke leaves my mouth dry. It summons a shadow, a dark cloud over his eyes. I barely catch the way his fists tighten at his sides. And I regret it immediately. "I'm-"
"I... I apologize, Sakura. I would stay with you if I could. I would protect you-" Enma's lips purse for a moment and he stops for the same amount of seconds. "No. I will protect you," he reassures me with eyes that seem too certain. It reminds me of the determination that steels his resolve, like when he once mentioned revenge..
I am a bit lost- and it's ironic, when staring at a compass. The red is entrancing and it holds my eyes in place. "Thank you," I manage to mutter quietly before we continue our stride. We are not related by blood. So why is it that he cares so much about it? Why is it that he does not resent me? Or my mother?
My mother is the second wife to the King. He had a liking to her. But she was in love with my father, my true father. Then she had Haruka and I. But my true father was banished from the kingdom and the King took us in as his own children. Though I do not believe out of sheer kindness, but a stubborn form of pride… though he never did mistreat us and instead quite fairly. Only some people know the truth though. To everyone else, especially out of this kingdom, I am the King's daughter. Oh how magnificent.
"Father must be in the great hall."
"Ah, I see," I murmur with no interest. I have to see him, I know. But 'have' and 'want' are two different things. And this situation- this whole situation could not emphasize that enough. The two meanings are separated by a great sea, a deep ocean apart.
I busy myself in slow footsteps, but not dragging- Princesses do not drag their feet, it is improper. My eyes scan the dull and boring stone walls, the more eye catching tapestries but familiar by now. I've ran down these halls since I was able to walk.
Will I miss it? Will I not? I know the answer leans more on the 'not'. I never quite had an attachment to this place. No, not ever. I would escape it if I could. This cage. But this isn't the escape I was hoping for. It is hardly an escape at all. I am just a bird.. being transferred to a different cage. But a cage nonetheless.
The arch ahead is enormous, guarded by two knights at each side, and leads to a grand area with valuable decorations. The two elongated tables to the side are draped with expensive cloth, romantically centered with candles. The chairs worthy enough for nobles. The dazzling, carefully designed chandeliers. The intricate and artfully significant paintings by the best painters in our kingdom. The vibrant scarlet silk curtains. The selective, sweet aromatic colorful flowers in a professional arrangement.
It's funny. You walk into the same room as the king and you expect to feel this aura of command, this pressure- but there is nothing. I suppose the presence of the crown on the top of his head weighs more.
"Prince Enma, Princess Sakura," they announce.
The King, as per usual, is surrounded by his very personal knights. However this time, there are a few generals around. Don't they have anything else to do? But I guess seeing me off is of some importance.
The King sits on his royal throne with the black and gold uniform of the highest ranking official of the Simon army- himself. He shimmers in badges and medals. His appearance is worn, tired like his growing age. Though only fifty, the battles have increased his stress. The graying of his light brown hair, the longer beard, the wrinkles. The ruby eyes are thin, seemingly perceptive and in thought. His even thinner lips are pressed into a usual line. Stern expression.
"My son and daughter. Come here."
We walk up at the same pace and bow at the same time. There is no absence of respect even if we are (supposedly, in my case) of the same kin. Perhaps this is why I rarely call him father. I do it for the title, the name, the image. But I never once considered him my father.
"You are ready, Sakura." I note that it isn't a question. And throughout all these years, it makes me stiffen hearing my name from his authoritative voice.
"Yes."
"You are a Kozato." I am not. If I was, would you still send me off with little to no hesitation? "Do not fail me, or the Simon Kingdom."
"Yes, father."
"You are chosen because I trust you, I put my faith in you. Remember that. It's a privilege." I am sure it is. Or is it because your other, more precious daughters are too ill?
"Yes, father. I am honored." I feel Enma's gaze fall upon me but I do not shift. "Thank you for your trust in me."
"You also remember the consequences if... say... anything were to go wrong."
From the corner of my eye, I see Enma's leg move the smallest of fraction, as if to step forward. "..Yes."
"But you will do well," the King says though it sounded more for himself than me. "You are Princess Kozato Sakura, and you will succeed."
I am Nanase Sakura and, "I will succeed." Not for you.
King Kozato gives a nod of dismissal and Enma finally relaxes from his strict form after we both bow once again.
At least there lacks any undesired ceremony of placing a tiara upon my head, the very one I am wearing. The princess crown. The not so official as a queen's but a crown, crown. A tiara.
As we approach, Haruka shifts slightly from her position near the wall, and I know she wants to sit. "Thank you for seeing me out," I tell her.
She gives a small and weak smile. Why is it that both my sisters are so frail? "Be safe. Stay healthy. And try not to fall for too many men," she jokes lastly. She tries, really. But it's strange when she jokes because..she doesn't. It means there's something off to her.
"I will. Take care of Mami and yourself while I am gone."
Haruka nods and opens her mouth, but closes it soon after. I give her a small smile and turn to leave-
Her arms wrap around me in a tight embrace. "I'll miss you. It won't be the same without you, my other half."
I was never her other half. I am complete by myself. As for her, I am unsure. But I pat her hands. "I know. I will visit. Perhaps the other way around when you're feeling better." She never really feels better.
"I will try my best."
I may be angry or bitter now, but I will definitely miss her. I had been with her ever since we were born, and even before then. That kind of connection made things like this complicated. And I never liked complicated. Now everytime I look into a mirror, I will miss her.
Haruka releases me with little choice and bids me off with a smile that I am sure must be identical to mine. There is a lump in my throat but I am forced to swallow it. Almost eighteen years. Almost eighteen years..but..
"Shall we go?" The prince's arm is out for the taking again and I grasp it in relief. It is always comforting by Enma's side. "Father is like that but he truly cares," he whispers a thought out of unaligned timing.
I part my lips to speak, but end up closing it. I am not the twin the king actually cares about. And especially, not the daughter. "It's time to go."
- x -
A/N: This is only half the first chapter I wrote but it was 7k words so I split it, next chapter will be up soon in the next few days.
Favorites / Follows / Reviews are highly appreciated. c: I would love to hear your wonderful opinions on the first look of this story. Please and thank you!