Disclaimer: Not owned by me.
Warning: This story will not be beta-ed. So, sorry for all the errors.
Note: This is something I couldn't get out of my head so I decided to write it down. I hope you'll like it. Enjoy.
"Wolfram, I want to break off the engagement."
An uncomfortable silence enveloped the whole room as the King proclaimed those words. For a moment, I prayed to Shinou that I heard the wrong thing. That Yuuri breaking off our engagement was merely a hallucination but Yuuri's next words confirmed the very thing I was hoping to be untrue.
"I'm sorry," Yuuri said, looking straight at me. I was lost for words.
"Are-are you sure about this, Your Majesty?" Gunter asked, disbelief coursing in every words.
"Yes," Yuuri said firmly.
I braved myself to face him. I saw the determination in his eyes, the one he has when he already made a decision that will never change.
"If that is what you want, Yuuri, then I will accept," I said as calmly as I can even though my voice was threatening to break. I averted my gaze away from him so that he will not see the tears starting to pool on my eyes.
I tried to ignore the pain searing through my chest. It hurts. The finality of his words slashed through my heart like a knife. I knew this would happen, it was just a matter of time when. Yuuri, the twenty-seventh Maoh of Shin Makoku finally had the courage to cancel, in his point of view, the accidental engagement. In his world, a marriage between to same sex is forbidden, an immoral act so to say. That is why he was fervently against it since the beginning. Well, know he gets his wish. Starting tomorrow, he will be single and free to choose another suitable princess that is to his liking. As for me, I feel like a doll thrown away because I am no longer wanted. But I will smile even if it will hurt. I will smile because I know Yuuri will be sad if he saw me unhappy. I will smile because to love someone means to care for that person's happiness, even if you are not.
"Re-really?" Yuuri asked uncertainly, looking around to see if the other occupants in the room heard the same thing as he did.
He must have not expected my answer. I am sure nobody in this room, not even my two older brothers, expected this. After all, they all saw me go through the years chasing after Yuuri with fireballs at hand every time I perceive signs of infidelity. I guess they thought I would stubbornly object and cling to Yuuri. Maybe in the past, I would, but I was no longer the same Wolfram they all thought I am.
"As I said, Yuuri, if that is what you wish, then I will accept," I answered in the same, indifferent, voice. This time, I said it while looking at his eyes. Yuuri was always honest with his feelings and his eyes reflect the emotion he was feeling. I saw pain, sadness, and uncertainty. For a moment, I wondered why there was no trace of happiness in those black orbs. But I dismissed the thought immediately. Yuuri must be feeling that way now because he knew his decision would hurt me. I am sure a few months now; those feelings would be replaced by happiness.
Yuuri did not say anything else. Nobody spoke after me, enveloping the room again with silence until Gunter decided to break it.
"If His Majesty and His Excellency both agree," he said before pausing, as if hoping Yuuri would change his mind. Yuuri did not. "Then I will arrange the necessary paper works."
And before anyone can say anything else, "It settled then. If there is nothing else that needs to be talked about, I shall retire for the night. The day's activities were quite tiresome. Is that all right, Your Majesty?"
Yuuri looked surprised that I addressed him by his title instead of his first name. "O-okay. I'll see you later."
"No, Your Majesty, I'll be sleeping in my old bedroom," I disagreed. "It's only proper since I'm no longer your fiancé."
"But, that's not yet final," Yuuri objected readily. "We haven't signed anything yet,"
"It's for the better," I simply told him even if my heart is saying otherwise.
"We're still friends, right?" Yuuri asked desperately.
"Of course, Your Majesty," I said, faking a smile into my face. "There is no way I could throw away my friendship with the King." I forced myself to remain calm. There is no way I will break down.
I made my escape before I lose my composure. The last thing I need is pitiful words of comfort. As I left, I saw Gwendal staring at me, unsure of what to say. Conrad was leaning by the window with his eyes closed. I am sure he is in a dilemma right now, torn between the decision of his king and the happiness of his little brother.
"It's fine," I whispered quietly as I pass by him. "Don't worry about me. I just need some time alone to accept it."
I left the room without another word and no one made any move to follow me. It suited me just fine. I made my way to my old bedroom. By this time, only the bed had remained. Almost all of my belongings have been move to the bedroom Yuuri and I share ever since we became engaged. Fortunately, the room was kept clean by the maids.
I immediately crashed into the bed as soon as I got in. It was as if fatigue had overcome me. I buried my face in the pillow as tears followed silently. Now that I was alone, I let the emotions out. I cried like I never did before. The pain hurts much more than any physical wound I had. I never knew loving someone could hurt this much.
When I met Yuuri, he was not my ideal partner for life. He does not even have the makings of a fine Maou. In fact, he was quite the opposite. That's why I went along with the engagement out of duty. After all, as a prince, who am I to turn down a sacred proposal made by the Demon king? I never knew how and when I came to love him. It just happened and loving Yuuri was like breathing air. It all became natural.
My reminiscing was cut short when somebody knocked on my door. I hurriedly wiped the tears and pulled the sheets over me, pretending to sleep. It must be dinner time already and I am guessing that the one outside is Yuuri, coming to check up on me.
As if on cue, I heard Yuuri calling out my name. "Wolf? Can I come in?"
The door creaked open and quiet footsteps entered the room. "Wolf? Are you asleep?" Yuuri whispered.
I could sense that he was quite near me now. I lied as quiet as I can be although my heart was pounding. I only hoped that Yuuri would go away and let me be. And as if my prayers were answered, Yuuri went away.
If I had not known Yuuri, I might have been happy that he still cares about me. But he is like that to everyone, be it an enemy, a friend, or even to his own fiancé. He treats everyone in the same manner. And it hurts because I have never felt that I am special to him.
Maybe it was also my fault. I should have never pushed through the engagement. Yuuri's objections right from the start should have been an indication that I will only be hurt in the end. But I became a fool and believe that it will all be okay. I was wrong.
The news that our engagement has been broke off will surely circulate around the kingdom like wildfire. I am pretty sure the nobles will waste no time in sending potential brides for the king. I do not even want to think what will happen to me.
That night, I cried myself to sleep with the moon's light to accompany me. I felt like thrown in the darkness, with my own sun leaving me alone. I felt alone and unwanted.
.
.
.
After Yuuri declared to have our engagement broken, I kept avoiding him at all cost. I stopped showing during meal times, preferring to eat anywhere other than together with Yuuri. I still cannot face Yuuri without showing a painful expression and that was something I did not want him to see. The maids told me though that Yuuri has been looking for me every time although my brothers and Gunter keep making reasons for my absence. Yuuri was not buying it.
When almost a week passed, Yuuri stormed into my room, demanding that I eat with them during meal times. He even used his authority to make comply.
Breakfast was silent the following morning. The usual chatter and liveliness heard in the dining room was missing. Gunter was gloomy. The maids were even quiet, which was a rare sight. I guess they must have heard the news. Greta was looking at everyone with curious eyes, wondering what is happening. It was obvious that something was amiss.
Because it was not yet officially announced that the engagement has been broke off, I was still forced to sit besides Yuuri who trying to start a conversation with me to no avail. Even after a week, I still feel like crap. It also barely registered that this time; it was Yuuri was the one making an effort to talk to me. I guess it was because he was feeling guilty.
"So, I was wondering if you have anything planned for today…" I heard Yuuri asked me rather hopefully.
At his question, everyone visibly tensed. I took my time to answer, weighing each option.
"If His Majesty wants my company, then I shall be present," I answered formally. As a vassal to the king, it is still my duty to do his bidding, even if it will hurt me. A subject must always put his king first.
Yuuri looked relieved with my answer. "Great. I was thinking since the weather is nice we'll have a picnic by the hill near the castle," he said happily.
I heave a sigh as Yuuri finish the rest of his breakfast with Greta telling him what she wants to bring. I know Yuuri was trying to make it up to me because of what he did yesterday. He is that kind… and naïve.
Yuuri was the first to excuse himself at the table. He went to the kitchen to have everything prepared for our little picnic.
"Wolfram, you don't have to do this," Conrad said sadly. Gwendal was sitting quietly, although I could see a frown forming.
"It's okay," I told them nonchalantly. To act like everything is all well is the only option I have.
By mid-afternoon, we were sitting under the tree, enjoying muffins and tea prepared by the castle's cooks. My brothers and Gunter opted to remain in the castle to attend some unfinished business for the kingdom. I know they are being considerate to me.
A cool breeze was blowing lazily on our faces. Greta was talking to Yuuri about the stories she heard from Anissina. Yuuri was laughing and smiling as he listened.
From another person's point of view, it was a perfect scenery. But to me, every moment I spend in Yuuri's company creates an aching feeling to my chest. It pains me to think that soon, Yuuri will spend him time with another lady, whom I am sure he would marry and be our Queen. The mere thought of Yuuri smiling for her and cherishing her pains me.
I wondered why life is so unfair. I fell in love with someone who would never love me back. What a sick joke. It would have been better if I did not fell in love in the first place.
As Yuuri and Greta continued to talk, a blinding light suddenly shone upon us. On reflexes, I unsheathed my sword and placed myself in front of Yuuri and Greta in case an enemy has appeared.
"Yuuri, stay behind me with Greta," I told him, leaving no room for argument.
As the light faded away, a man with eyes deep black, the color of the night sky, with a tendency to lift up at the corners came to us. His hair the fell to his shoulders were also jet black in color. From what he was wearing, I could see that he must from a royal family. Judging from his appearance, he is about one hundred and ten years old. His aura has a familiar presence in it and he looked remarkably familiar.
"Who are you?!" I asked, still on my guard. One could not be careless at times such as this.
He turned his gaze to me, his black eyes meeting mine. I gripped my sword tightly in case of any attack. The man started to walk towards me. I tried to sense any hostility from him but there was none.
"Stop where you are!" I warned him to no avail. He kept on walking towards me. I prepared my sword to attack him the moment he comes near me.
With only a few feet between us, he opened his mouth and spoke with fondness, "Wolfram von Bielefeld." Before I could do or say anything else, he kneeled in front of me and took my left hand.
"Upon my blood and name, I pledge myself before you. I swore to protect you and will let no harm befall on you. I will cherish you more than anything, more than anyone, more than my life."
I was shocked to the point of being rotted to where I stand. Before I was engaged with Yuuri, I used to have a lot of admirers who would spout the same thing he said. But this was the first time I heard sincerity on those words.
Without letting go of my hand, he lightly kissed it before muttering the words I longed to hear from Yuuri.
"I love you."