Uncle Ayato was essential when Kiara needed information. Because although he did talk to her like she was a child, he didn't exactly hold back either. It was different from Mommy and Papa. They spoke to her as though she were much older than she was, but she could tell they often withheld certain information. Which she understood, but also slightly resented.
"Ayato,"
"Ayato-sama, sama, haven't I told you already?"
She bit her lip, trying to hold back a smile. "Ayato, what does fucking mean?"
Her uncle paled, before hitting her flat on the head. "The hell—heck did you learn that word from?"
"Aside from you," she teased, "The gardener said it the other day."
Ayato frowned, "That's a bad word. Don't say it."
She nodded, "Yes, but what does it mean?"
"It doesn't matter what it means! Jeez how noisy are you? Didn't I already tell ya? Don't disrespect Ore-sama in such a way!"
She huffed, puffing her cheeks out in annoyance. "Ayato…"
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "It's like…for emphasis. Like if you're really fucking angry. Or if your niece is really fucking annoying. Like that."
She rubbed her chin, nodding softly and thinking, "I see…an expression, then?"
"Yeah, kinda."
She smiled. "Thank you."
"Don't go telling your mom about this!" He warned her, "You hear me?"
She nodded, assuring him she wouldn't.
"And tell that gardener to take some goddamn responsibility."
Kiara cocked her head. "But shouldn't he be allowed to express himself freely?"
"Not in front of a kid, you idiot! Go play with Edgar already I'm busy."
"But Edgar is boring lately." She whined.
Ayato banged her on the head again, and she rubbed it in protest. "Don't talk that way about your cousin! You're too little to be this damn sassy."
"Papa says a strong woman should be free to voice her opinions."
"Let's not get started on the shi—stuff your dad says, ok? Now go play with Edgar."
She stomped her foot as she left, her small tantrum voicing her displeasure, as she left the dining room to go find her cousin.
Lately, they were at the castle quite often. Papa says it was to discuss important business. That meant Kiara wasn't allowed to ask about it. Not even Uncle Ayato would tell her. He said it was stuff kids shouldn't be bothered with, because their brains were too small. Kiara wasn't so sure about that. If that was true, then Uncle Ayato shouldn't be allowed to know either. But he always went wherever Mommy did. They were very close, Kiara could tell. It made Papa angry sometimes.
Of course, Papa didn't show his emotions very often. Not in any way that was obvious. He never said I love you, the way Mommy and Auntie Yui did. Auntie Yui was always saying those words. Especially to Edgar and Uncle Shu. Kiara wondered if it made a difference whether they were said or not. Papa always tucked her into bed, after all. And before leaving the room, he'd put his arm around Mommy's waist. So maybe that was just how he said it without saying it at all.
Papa said words were hopeless, because they could hold meaning to one person, and be rubbish to others. He proved his point by saying something to Kiara one day in Russian. She was forced to admit with blushing cheeks that she had no idea what he meant.
"Kiki!"
She growled, spinning on her heels, "It's Kiara, Edgar I've told you—"
"But Kiki is cuter for someone like you!"
"I'm not cute," she said, sticking out her tongue, "Where's Koichi-san?"
"He's left already." Edgar said with a wave of his hand, "His training's started, you know."
"Well it's about time. He's a Shiroyama, after all."
Edgar shrugged, kicking the ground. "I guess. Hey! Kiki! Let's go outside!"
Kiara smiled widely, grabbing her cousin by the wrist and dragging him along, "Way ahead of you—"
"Edgar! Kiara darling!"
Auntie Yui always called her Kiara darling. She wasn't sure why. Yui smiled brightly at them, and Eloise cooed in the Queen's arms. "Are you two going to play?"
Edgar clasped his hands politely behind his back. "Yes, m'am!"
Auntie Yui giggled at that, "Would you mind if Eloise and I joined you?"
"Oh yes mother, please!"
Kiara smiled politely in response, digging her nails into her arm. It wasn't that she didn't like Auntie Yui, or Eloise for that matter. But the baby was too small, and Auntie Yui was too old, so it was never much fun. Even if they got to go outside, they'd end up doing something dumb like bird watching, or making flower crowns, which Kiara wasn't very fond of. Edgar seemed to love it though. Kiara always found that strange, a boy who likes flowers. But then, she supposed, Uncle Subaru was the same with his roses, even if she didn't get to see him often.
And of course, there was the gardener. He seemed to love anything that had to do with nature. So maybe Edgar was that way too. But, if one were to ask Kiara, she'd have said she much preferred to climb the trees, even if it was unladylike to do.
…
More often than not, Kiara would take her music lessons in the castle, because there was simply more space than at her own mansion. Not to mention, Papa did not like when she played the notes incorrectly. So the castle very quickly became like a second home to her. And on breaks, though often ended up with Edgar and Eloise, sometimes, she slipped into the garden.
"Hello, Princess."
"Kuma!"
The large man smiled, handing the little girl a sugar cube, which she took gratefully.
"Finished with your lessons?"
"Almost!" She said, swallowing the sugar.
"Can ya play the trumpet yet?"
She puffed her cheeks. "Ladies don't play the trumpet. I play the piano. And it's you not ya."
The gardener chuckled. "As expected from a princess. Though you're a pretty tiny one," he said motioning to her height and pushing her head down, "You supposed to rule a kingdom when you're that small?"
"I'll be big one day!" She affirmed, jumping up, "Even bigger than you, Yuma!"
He grinned at that, "Are ladies supposed to be that big?"
She bit her lip, shifting on her small heels. "Well…" she struggled, "Almost then. You'll see!"
"Alright alright I get it. Pipe down. So fucking noisy."
"Papa says you shouldn't cuss around Edgar or I."
"Yeah, well I've got a few words I'd like to say to your father—"
"Like what?" Bright, innocent eyes looked up at him, and Yuma hesitated, turning away.
"I gotta get back to work. But listen here, Princess. If you wanna play the trumpet you can. Lady or not."
She stuck her tongue out at him, even as he walked away. Because he was the one of the few people she could really do that to, and get away with it. And it was…freeing, almost.
…
When she was nine, she gained the ability to fly. Uncle Ayato had been the one to teach her. In secret, of course. Papa never would have approved of some of his methods. But Kiara didn't mind a single bit. Learning from Uncle Ayato was perhaps the most fun. Momma said it was his quirky charm, to which Ayato would immediately protest. And Kiara would laugh.
In any case, full moons became her favorite sort of night. Because once her parents had left on official business, she was free to fly, and her piano playing was always much better after flying. She'd mentioned this to Uncle Shu once, very briefly, and only because she knew he wouldn't rat her out for flying. But of the whole family, he was the most musical, and thus the most reliable when it came to advice.
He'd given her a strange look, naturally, judging her for learning to fly at such a young age, and in secret no less. But when she mentioned the piano, those cold blue eyes seemed to glimmer softly, and he muttered sleepily something along the lines of 'passion.'
Kiara didn't quite understand. Perhaps Uncle Shu simply meant 'happiness' instead. Yes, that had to be it, she thought. Because no matter what, she was happy when she flew. But to call her passionate…
That was perhaps too strong a word.
…
Edgar was horrible with music. One might say he had no musical talent whatsoever. Which was quite a shame, considering what a prodigy his father was. But no matter how many years, or how many tutors he studied with, the only sound Edgar could pull from a violin was a screeching protest.
Kiara preferred to stay as far away as she could, while he practiced. Which meant she would roam the gardens. But despite the fact that the garden was farthest from the music room, she could still hear the violin's pitiful cries. It made it rather hard to read.
"Those are some big words, Princess." Yuma said, hose in hand.
"It's Shakespeare." She said proudly.
The gardener grimaced, continuing to water the tomatoes. "Whoever that is."
"Kuma! She gasped, practically dropping her book, "Surely you know Shakespeare!"
The gardener looked at her and blinked, before turning back around.
"Romeo and Juliet! Hamlet! The Merchant of Venice—"
"Oh yeah yeah. That boring guy. Should you be reading him? Aren't ya like five—"
"I'm twelve. And he's not boring—"
"He's pretty boring." He said, turning off the water, and grabbing the hoe to tend to the weeds.
She puffed her cheeks. "Well at least I can read."
He scoffed, swiping at the ground with the hoe, "Gardeners don't need to know how to read."
She closed her book softly, eyes widening. Could it be that he truly didn't know? "Kuma-san?"
"Mm."
"Would you like to learn?"
"I know how to read!" He shouted, and she practically jumped in her seat, before she became cross, sharpening her features, "Well you made it sound like—"
"That's your fault for jumping to conclusions." He pointed a calloused finger at her accusingly, before hesitating. "Isn't your father all pissy about you reading that human shit?"
She bit her lip, scrunching up her features. "Mother doesn't seem to mind. Besides, I find them fascinating."
"Humans?"
"They're all aware that their lives are hopelessly short. And yet they continue to live. Whatever for?"
"Well why not. Got a life, might as well live it."
"But there's only so much one can accomplish in such a short amount of time—"
"Not everyone takes ten years to learn to play the piano, Princess." Yuma smirked.
She nearly threw her book at him, but restrained herself. "Yuma," she asked carefully, "Father said you were human once. Is that true?"
The farmer stopped, looking at her hesitantly. "Yeah…"
Her eyes brightened, "What was it like?"
"I don't remember anything about back then." He said flatly.
"Oh but you must—"
"Twelve year olds shouldn't stick their noses where they don't belong."
She huffed, closing her book. "I'm going to read inside." She stood up, walking away from him.
"By all means." He smirked, knowing she wouldn't last very long, the sound of Edgar's weeping violin plaguing their ears even from here.
But she turned around suddenly, clutching her book to her chest. "Yuma?"
"I got work ya know." He sneered.
She rocked on her heels, blushing softly. "Do you not have any today?"
He flashed her a smile. "It'll ruin your dinner."
"When has it ever spoiled my dinner?"
He chuckled, before reaching into his pocket and then tossing her a sugar cube. She took it happily, before scurrying off into the mansion.
…
"Eloise," she said, "Go ask Auntie Yui for more pastries."
"B-But," the little girl mumbled, looking at her older brother and cousin with fear in her eyes, "We'll get in trouble…"
"No no!" Edgar beamed, "Mommy never says no to you, isn't that right?"
"But—"
Kiara put her hands on the six-year-old's shoulders. "You're a big girl now aren't you? Strong and brave?"
She nodded hesitantly, "I…I guess so…I'm six!"
"Of course you are!" Edgar encouraged, "And just think of all the cookies!"
Little Eloise licked her lips, as though she could taste the treats already. "They'll be yummy, won't they Kiki?"
"The yummiest." She affirmed.
"Ok!" With girlish excitement, Eloise scurried off in to the dining room, practically running into her mother's legs.
"Do you think it'll work?" Kiara whispered from behind the door that was open just a crack.
"It better," Edgar whispered above her, "Your Dad makes the best dessert."
Kiara bit her lip. It was true. And though Papa spoiled her subtly, he'd absolutely forbidden these new sweets.
They watched in anxious silence as Eloise tugged at her mother's skirt.
"Kiki and Nii-san wanted me to ask if we could have cookies!"
Edgar cursed under his breath, and Kiara pushed him to get out of the way, because if they made a run for it now then maybe—
"Edgar! Kiara, darling! Come out from there."
Edgar groaned, but only loud enough for Kiara to hear, and the two emerged from behind the door with innocent smiles.
"Yes, Mother?"
"Hello, Auntie Yui."
Yui whispered something to her daughter, before handing her a cookie and letting her scurry off. Kiara frowned. The youngest always got away with everything.
Yui sighed, and Kiara already knew what she was going to say.
"I'm so disappointed."
Edgar always got off so easily with his punishments. Auntie Yui spoke very calmly. Very much like a lady. Very much like a kind woman. It was nothing compared to when Papa was scolding them.
"Edgar, honestly. You should act more mature. You're a role model for your younger sister."
"Yes, Mother."
"Your coming of age ceremony is soon." She smiled proudly, "Wouldn't it be a shame if the future King behaved in such a way?"
"Yes Mother."
Yui giggled, "Imagine if you were to meet your wife. Wouldn't you be embarrassed?"
Kiara noticed Edgar stiffen, clearing his throat and nodding his head to agree. Auntie Yui was always so happy to talk about her children's futures. Was constantly fussing over who might be a good wife for Edgar. But Edgar never seemed to give it much thought.
"And you, Kiara darling, I won't tell your father. But you're not such a young girl anymore either."
"Yes, Your Majesty." She bowed humbly, as she'd always been taught to do.
Yui laughed and waved her hand, pulling both children into an embrace. "Go on, now. Don't give me such long faces. I can't bear to see them." And with that, she handed them each a cookie, before shooing them away.
"She's right," Kiara said, scarfing her cookie down in a very unladylike way, "You'll be married soon, and I'll be left alone with baby Eloise and that old fart Yuma."
Edgar laughed, one of his most honest ones, "That doesn't sound so bad. I'd much prefer the latter."
Kiara snatched at his cookie, and he growled, flashing her his fangs before taking it back.
"They're coming in nicely." She said, pulling up his top lip. He smacked her away, and she laughed.
"I guess."
"Fangs worthy of a prince." She said in a mocking tone.
"Please don't—"
"A prince worthy of the fairest princess in all the land—"
"Kiki—"
"Why, my son can even play the violin!"
"Stop!" He laughed and pushed her, as they strolled down the halls. Kiara giggled, punching him playfully in the arm. "It's cute. She's proud of you."
"I wish she wasn't so loud about it," he said shyly, "I much prefer your mom."
Kiara shrugged, "I think my mom wishes I were more like her. Papa too."
Edgar smirked at that. "Well, you have all the grace of a pig, so I suppose—"
"How rude! I'm as graceful as a swan!" She laughed at herself, twirling about in ridiculous fashion.
"Oh please, my eyes!" Edgar shielded himself, running in the opposite direction.
From the room across the hall, Reina shut the door as quietly as she could manage, her daughter's laughter tugging at her chest.
"They're only being children." Shu said seriously.
Reina bit the inside of her cheeks. "Yes," she said, "Yes I know. But won't it be far more cruel, when they're forced to grow up so quickly?"
"Nothing is certain."
"Yes, but Shu—"
"Let them be, Reina."
Her hands balled into small fists. "Shu. They'll have to know eventually. Not just them, but your wife as well. Especially now that Edgar is coming of the proper age—"
"They will know," Shu said calmly, "But not today. And not tomorrow."
"You say that almost every day." Reina said, not bothering to hide her displeasure.
"You sound like your husband."
"Perhaps he's right in this matter." She argued.
Shu put his pen down. "Do you not trust me?"
Reina sighed. "Of course I do—"
"Then let it be."
She swallowed stiffly, her features flattening. "Yes, My Lord."
A/N: *wipes tear* They grow up so fast. Comments are much appreciated ^o^
Guest: Haha yes, their interactions are fun to write ^^ And no, I won't be doing oneshots.
Guest: Ahhh thank you so much! I am too!
