Shidou Palace was alit in splendor. Lights draped every corner and wrapped around every banister. Outside the trees were draped in lights that hung like glowing webs. Servants rushed about seeing that all the guests were happy. It was a big day, after all.
The Emperor and Empress were holding a great feast for all the nobles in the country. It was a new year and what better way to celebrate than with a huge feast and dance? Everyone was dressed in their absolute best and old friends greeted each other warmly.
The youngest nobles were playing games in the well-kept grass, staying out of the way of older siblings and parental figures. Nobles of age were glancing at one another, wondering if tonight they would find someone worth courting for potential marriage.
Of the biggest excitement was that one of the most popular nobles – Prince Giichi Saki – was of age to start thinking about courting. Most of the nobles had made the extra effort to bring their of age children – both male and female – and make sure they were in extra-extravagant finery. They wanted to merge with the Saki family and many weren't above the possibility of playing a little dirty to get what they wanted.
Many were unaware that Gii – as he preferred to be called – had already chosen someone. Someone he'd been enamored with since childhood. That someone was also of age this year and Gii was hoping that his crush would be in attendance. This was the year he would declare his wish to court the other and eventually get married.
His parents were aware and they just wanted their son to be happy, so they were quite ready to accept the union. They'd spoken with the crush's parents and while they had been reluctant at first, they had come around and had agreed. The union would be good for both families and truthfully the Hayama clan could use a bit of help/an alley. They lived in a colder, remote area of the country and it was very hard to make out a living there. The Saki clan resided in the south, where it was warmer and things were much more plentiful. The change would be good for their child. They had lost the elder during a hunting accident in the mountains and he'd clearly been the favored one. The younger lived almost unnoticed and his parents would be happy not having to think about him further.
The Saki family was very much looking forward to adding to the family and helping the young Prince of the Hayama clan open up and become happy. He was like the icy mountains that he called home – closed to those outside, heart encased in ice. But perhaps the joyful Gii could break through those chilled walls.
Gii's parents watched with slight amusement as their son gazed about the gathered nobles, looking and looking for his heart. He seemed to be getting a tad crestfallen and so his mother approached, taking an arm and guiding him inside so they could give greetings to the Emperor and Empress before continuing to mingle.
"Have patience," she chided softly, though there was no anger in her words, merely amusement. "If he is not here now he will be soon. His parents know that this day is important for both of you."
The Saki family was soon approached by one of their neighbors – the rather serious but gentle Misu nobles. This year it was Arata's turn at finding someone to court and by the slightly amused looks on his parents faces, perhaps someone had been located. Arata looked a bit sour, but then again he always looked that way.
"Greetings," King Saki said as the families bowed to each other. "Why the sour face, Arata? It's very unbecoming on such an exciting night."
"Arata has found his courting partner," Queen Misu replied with a soft laugh. "He is…quite the little character. The only son of the Shingyouji clan. For some reason, he has caught Arata's eye. Of course, we have given our blessing and the Shingyouji family has agreed. They are off socializing right now but should be rejoining us shortly so the two can participate in the ceremony."
"The Shingyouji's son is of age now? I haven't spoken with them in quite some time, but I believe, if my memory serves correctly, that bringing the Prince into your clan will do him good. Are things still rocky in that territory?"
It was no secret that the King and Queen of the Shingyouji clan were not enjoying a good marriage. Through the marriage, the Misu clan would inherit the territory should things go south. It was good that they would be getting the young Prince out and somewhere healthier for his well-being.
"I believe they are and that we will be fetching the young Prince just at the right time," King Misu replied with a sigh. "But this is too solemn for this night – I see that young Giichi is itching to go onward. Looking for someone, perhaps?"
"His childhood crush is of age," Queen Saki replied with a soft laugh. "He's been on the hunt ever since we set foot here. But there has already been agreement on both sides, so now we just need to locate the wayward Hayama Prince."
"Ah, that will be a good union. I believe we saw the Hayama family heading through to the main hall to give the Emperor and Empress their greetings. You are on your way there, yes? I believe you will run into them. We will have opportunity to talk later."
The two families bid a temporary goodbye and the Saki family headed to the great hall.
They entered the hall and Gii's face lit up with a huge smile. But he was good and (barely) restrained himself as they first gave their greetings to the Emperor and Empress. Greetings finished and the family turned and walked over to the side of the large room where the Hayama family stood. The Prince of the Hayama clan didn't look all that well – he was pale and shaking a little. His parents flanked him, but they didn't seem awfully concerned about their son's well-being.
Gii's smile fell when he saw how scared his hopefully-soon-to-be-betrothed was. His parents took the other parents aside so that the two Princes could speak privately. Gii positioned himself so that he wouldn't be threatening to the other male, not wanting to make the Hayama Prince feel like he was trapped.
"Hi Takumi," Gii said quietly, giving the shorter male a big smile. "Are you alright? It's a bit stuffy in here, isn't it?"
The smaller male swallowed but didn't say anything. He seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. He was far from the sweet and cheerful young child that Gii had met all those years ago. Something had changed.
Gii moved a hand, wanting to rest it on one of the other's arms to guide him out but froze when he saw the visible flinch from the other young man.
"It's ok," he murmured. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to get you somewhere quieter – you look ill. If I lead you out to the gardens will you follow? I just want to talk, I promise."
Takumi just nodded, not saying anything. Gii could see that the Prince's proverbial icy walls were shaking – the other noble was unnerved at being here, feeling choked by so many people around.
The Saki's watched with a soft smile as their son led Takumi out a side door to some of the quieter areas of the grounds – some small gardens. They had no doubt that this union would be good for both young men.
Out in the garden, Gii and Takumi sat on one of the benches. Takumi sat as far as he could from Gii, who let him.
"Is this better, Takumi?" Gii asked softly. Out here even he felt like he could breathe easier.
"Y-yes," the other boy replied softly.
"I'm sorry if I added to your discomfort this evening. My parents told me of the approval of us courting and I have been so excited for this day. Since we were little I only wanted you as my partner. But I can see that something has shaken you horribly and so I won't push. But I do want to declare to you in front of everyone at the ceremony tonight, if that will be alright? Y-you are ok with this, aren't you?"
Although Takumi's parents had agreed, Gii's expression grew worried at the thought that the other boy might not want to have anything to do with him.
"I-I'm sorry, I know we met as children but I don't remember you all that well. I will accept, but please let me have time to adjust. There is a lot I do not wish to talk about but you are right in that something has me shaken," Takumi murmured. He glanced over at Gii and quickly looked away again. "Thing have happened since we were children, Gii…"
"And when you are ready to tell me of them, I will listen," Gii promised. "We will get to know one another and I promise that I will do my best to heal your wounds and melt that ice around your heart. I will never hurt you, Takumi. I want only the best for you and I hope someday you will return my feelings."
He was granted with a shaky smile and he thought perhaps that he'd chipped the first bit of ice off that wall.
A/N: Well, here we are. This just popped into my head so I'm just going to take the idea and run! Hope you all enjoy…