SAI: *starts imagining the story, walks to the heavenly blank paper only to be stopped by a huge wall of cemented Zero numbers. Tries so hard to push through the wall. Suffers months until being able to detonate said wall. Continued on her way only to blocked by the Maze of Computer Defects that needs Repair. Suffered being lost there for months until finally got to write a freaking Chapter!*
*pants* So, sorry I took this long to write my dearest readers. I do hope you missed me as much as I missed you all!
I blame it on writer's block and of my computer going all Rido crazy on me.
Warning: Just like the previous chapters. Kaien would really be different this time…. You have all been warned.
Disclaimer: Just like the previous chapters.
So, here's the second chapter of Royal affair. Hope you may like it Thank you so much for your patience and support for this story amidst its sudden sleep mode hehehe. And also thank you for this stories 51 favs and 70 follows! You guys are so awesome! *blushes* *bows respectfully*
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Chapter Two: Meeting the Father of the Nation (King)
Last time on the Royal Affair:
"Well then. Zero. Shall we?" Kaname implored presenting his arm. Zero only took a second to gaze at his offered arm and crossed his arms on his chest. Resolutely, Zero started to move and yet again Kaname was starting to feel irate by Zero's attitude as he followed suit on Zero's stride.
"I don't need to be treated, like a girl Kuran." Zero snapped back at him as they simultaneously entered.
"That may be true. But that won't stop me from doing it. Just to make sure you feel the same aggravation I'm feeling when I'm with you." Kaname snidely commented with a smirk. He was finding fun in teasing the hell out of his fiancé.
"Shut the hell up!"
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It was such a tedious affair that was Zero's perspective as the double doors of the dining room opened for them. Big crystal chandeliers decorated the ceilings, paintings of the many achievements of the family decorated its cream coloured walls that had the decorated indent of the golden seals of the Kurans, the dining table itself was massive and Zero couldn't help but rose a delicate eyebrow on the situation. If he wasn't informed that this would be just a typical dinner with all the Crown Prince's families, surely he would think that this was already a grand celebration.
Zero froze in his steps as he saw a vast range of food delicacies on the table. Ranging from gravy drowned mashed potatoes, steaks with fries, and huge roast chicken. The smell itself was hypnotizing and enticing his empty stomach. It was only in that moment that Zero realized that he was running hungry because of this predicament. But, it wasn't the food that got him feeling entirely insecure and nervous all of a sudden. It was the stares, yes the stares of the many pairs of eyes that turned to them the instant the doors was opened and showed them.
To be precise, Zero felt it was a gathering of cold sweats and blundering heartbeats. He was trying so hard not to gulp or even let these aristocrats know how he was seconds away from panicking. "Whew. Calm your heart. Just calm your heart." Relaxing his heart, Zero breathed gently as he tried to achieve a sense of inner of peace although his heart beats erratically due to the dozens scrutinizing looks he was receiving.
"Don't tell me, you're scared already?" Zero didn't need to look at the person who voiced that, he knew the smug part was smirking at him as he said that.
Zero glowered, as all the occupant's attention was solely on them. "I'm just surprise. It seems that dinner for the likes of royalties like you are nothing short of a banquet."
"Of course, only the finest is to be given to the royals. And I believe my dear fiancé you are already part of the likes of me." Kaname sneered, ignoring the glare Zero was giving him.
"I don't think so. Sure, I'm your fiancé now or you so called 'Crown Princess ' " Zero quoted. " But I'm still not giving up that this would be just a mistake and it would be corrected, in no time. Like I said, princely prince. I was sent here for a freaking butler job!" Zero harshly whispered. A ticking stress mark pulsing on his head, his obvious anger did not go unnoticed by the people inside the dining room.
Kaname contemplated what Zero had said. "He's still insisting on that butler story of his. Was it possible, he's saying the truth? I better have Takuma investigate this matter thoroughly." He thought, wanting to know the truth about the whole money issue surrounding his fiancé. "If you say so."
"If you say so, what the hell does that even mean? Are you even listening?" Zero's amethyst like eyes hardened not liking the dismissive tone Kaname was giving him.
"Ha…Ha… Ha… I think we had kept the family for too long. Best we move along with the introductions." Noticing the two of them bickering, Takuma intervened with a nervous laugh. It would be bad for the royal couple's image to argue in front of the nobles and of the royals.
Kaname couldn't agree more, settling an arm around his fiancé's waist much to the annoyance of the silverette. They were followed by Takuma who later took his seat as well. The couple moved to their appointed seats as the others watched their every move. Zero was uncomfortable with all the attention and it didn't help that he had noticed that the moment they had entered all the chatter died down. To put it bluntly, it was awkward and making him insecure which just accelerated his need to get out of there. He noticed Juri who sat on the right side of the table and his uneasiness subsides as he saw her gentle smile that was directed towards him.
Suddenly, a laugh bellowed throughout the dining room. It succeeded in breaking the silent tension that blanketed the aura of the whole affair. "Come now, this is a joyous occasion! Stop eyeing my son and the Crown Princess like you want to just tear them apart." Hearing that Zero's eyes turned the man who sat at the head of the table whose chair was situated between the right and left side of the table. At his right, was where Juri sat and on his left was where Kaname sat and him beside Kaname's seat.
A golden crown with swords as the decorative spike on top of a mass of dark brown curls that stopped at his neck. Tailored suit with a golden buttons that had thorny roses details decorated on them. All in all, the man who was daring enough to criticize the nobles who did not hide their criticized look upon him and Kaname, ooze confidence and leadership that it did not take too long for Zero to realize that he was the King. From his tall, muscular and broad shoulders. The charismatic smile that had now formed into a smirk, Zero couldn't help but look at Kaname beside him there was no doubt where Kaname got his handsome looks and devilish grins. For the man who looked to in his forties and got all that wonderful traits was Kaname's father and the father of the Kuran Nation.
Yet, that was not all. Zero felt like a bucket of ice was thrown at him as the King settled his eyes on him. "Heterochromia?" he deduced since the King's different coloured eyes was what made him look unique and daring as well. Zero was amazed by the King's eyes. One was the colour of wine that shone of strength, courage, passion yet at the same time it shone harshness in them, it was a great contrast to the King's other eye colour that was the epitome of ice while the other wine coloured eye looked homely. The King's blue eye reflected ice, cold and hard that Zero felt he was being criticized and compared. It was slowly trying to determine his worth and it was the colour of the King's eye that Zero instantaneously loathe.
"My love, you should contain unnecessary thoughts to yourself. You wouldn't want to give them the wrong impressions now, do you?" Juri's eyes narrowed sending a disapproving look to her husband from her seat. Another laugh was what the Queen got as a reply from him.
"Oh! Yes, you're right. After all, they all came here to pry and see for themselves who our dearest friend chose as a bride for our son." The King's eyes turned dark an irritated expression on his face as his eyes manoeuvred through all the nobles around them. "Imagine my surprise, because of that. Especially, that I seem to remember that I wanted this introductory dinner banquet to be a close affair with only the closest and I do mean the closest relative the Kurans have to be in attendance. And yet, here you all are." Couple of the nobles fidgeted under the King's narrowed eyes.
There was no masking the displeased look that the King was showing. Zero opted to be silent, he noticed that the King was displaying his ire for the unwanted nobles who dare to disobey his orders and Zero wouldn't want to be caught on that.
"Nevertheless, they are here my beloved. And there's nothing we can do about it." The King could only sigh as he heard Juri's blunt answer to his sarcastic input.
The King tsked, and then his eyes settled on them. "Hmm… Silver hair and lilac eyes. That's such an odd combination. Interesting and quite a difference." The King said in an inquisitive tone.
Zero was befuddled by the King's stare. Why is it that they put too much focus on the details of his hair and eyes? He had enough of that in all his 17 years in this world; he was mostly ridiculed by his classmates because of it. His sanctuary and the reason he was still sane amidst the bullying he got from it was the fact he was not alone. And he had Ichiru, Ichiru who was prone to sickness and the one who would be easily distraught by the animosity they got from their classmates. Ichiru was his lifeline and the source of his bravery, he would face his classmates' and even schoolmates' down sided opinion about him if it meant he could protect his younger twin brother.
He was even in this fiasco because of the love he had for his younger twin. If it wasn't for Ichiru he would never consider this setup and would have already sprinted of to the nearest taxi or any mode of transportation just to get out of this situation he was in.
"Well, I must say. The Prime Minister had clearly chose something out of the ordinary. You look remarkable and lovely befitting to become my son's bride." The King complimented, pleased by the outcome of their old friend's decision. "Truthfully, I was a bit doubtful of the Prime Minister's plan of arrange marriage to my son. But seeing you now, my worries are not put to rest." The King continued with a small smile on his mouth, but It did not fail him to take notice that other than the Crown Prince's appearance, it was obvious that he was human. That was giving birth to pressing concerns. Would this human be able to do the duties a Crown Princess must do? Or will he crack under pressure?
Zero smiled politely, trying to stop the heat that was spreading to his cheeks. He would not blush! But it gave him comfort that the King wasn't overall rejecting him and that right there was where Zero knew he had gone insane. For Pete's sake he wanted to be rejected so to end this whole tirade! He was supposed to be a butler not a Prince's bride! "Thank you for your kind words. Your Majesty." As a sign of courtesy, Zero voiced out his acceptance of the King's praise.
"And polite as well!" came the joyous voice of the King. "With you around, I hope you could pass some of that politeness to my son."
"Rido." Juri warned, not wanting another argument between father and son to happen during dinner.
"Father, I have always been polite. If I wasn't I wouldn't have even consider this duty you've placed upon me." Kaname retorted with a smirk on his face.
Hearing that, Zero gazed at him like he had just lost his mind. In no ways, should a person even if it was the King's heir should argue with the King's words. His worry on Kaname's behalf escalated when the King narrowed his eyes at Kaname.
Wanting to not have a feud happening, Zero without thought stood up from his seat and bowed. "Forgive him, Your Majesty. The Prince must have hit his head on the way here. That's why he said such thing." By his words, Zero instantly got the King's attention on him and shocked the other's nobles of his actions.
Kaname was passive as always, yet his eyes betrayed the befuddlement he felt as he had come to realize that Zero had spoken and defended him against his own father. His father who had the highest authority, even if it was a bit insulting as well.
Zero bowed his head low, eyes closed. He was afraid that he had made the wrong action and just further pushed himself into a hole. He blamed Kaname for it, if that arrogant prince just shut his mouth he wouldn't have done this. Heck! He also had complaints about this arrangement but he does not say it out loud in front of everyone. He didn't even divulge it to Juri in fears that the Queen might get upset. His hands balled into fists as he waited on the King's reaction. Worst case scenario? Well, he would get executed.
While, Zero's thoughts ran on the topic of his demise. It quickly vanished as he heard the loud guffaw of the King himself.
"Oh, boy. This is too much!" the king exclaimed. His laugh echoing while the noble's sported confused expression on their faces. "Raise your head, no need for that. Sit down." The King said, laughter still clear in his eyes.
Zero did that and he himself was perplexed on the King's behaviour. But the King only continued to look at him with joy in his eyes.
"Well, Juri. You're right my concerns about our son's upcoming marriage were clearly not needed." The King stated, his hand intertwining with Juri's on the table. Then he turned his gaze to Zero. "You don't even know my son and had just been plunged to this whole situation and yet you already are speaking on his behalf."
"Yes, you impressed me as well. Zero. Even if you're choice of reason was quite amusing." Juri said agreeing to her husband's statement. "Rido, you shouldn't tease our son like that." She chastised, her lovely face turning to a frown.
The King chuckled. "Forgive me, my love. Our son is just too serious for his own good that it falls on me to try to lighten him up." He kissed Juri's head as a sign of his repentance and fixated Kaname with a sneaky grin. "You're lucky that the Prime Minister had chosen you such a kind bride, my son! Best to claim him now or others would want to pry him off of you!"
Zero blushed up to the roots of his hair. He did not fully understand what the "claim" part the King said but the notion of it was not lost to him.
Kaname sighed. There was no stopping this, once his father had thrown away his uptight personality and settled to his father mode per se. His old man's jokes on him would be unstoppable. "Spare us that topic, Father. You're embarrassing us." He requested as he saw Zero's crimson face and the blatant way said silverette was avoiding looking at him.
"Did you hear that? Juri." The king asked, his tone light and teasing. "Our son wants me to stop embarrassing his bride." He continued, treating Kaname's words like it was the most recent development in the world.
"Rido. Stop it already. The two are uncomfortable enough as it is." Juri stifled her giggle at seeing her husband's antics. But it was futile as the King only chuckled with mirth.
"You shouldn't have done that. It was unnecessary." Kaname gritted his teeth annoyed by his parents' elation on the situation. This was not a light matter; he is the one suffering the brunt of it.
Zero looked aghast, as he noticed that Kaname's statement was directed to him. "You're putting the blame on me! If you didn't open up your smart mouth in the first place. I wouldn't have done it!"
"Could you not shout? Don't you see were in front of all the aristocrats and of my parents?" Kaname's eyes narrowed, not liking Zero's reaction to him.
"Gee, that's what you should have thought a while ago." Zero huffed, his lips pouting.
"You're thoughts on the matter are irrelevant, it was just a harmless banter between father and son."
"Oh?" Zero cocked his head to the side, agitation shining in his violet eyes. "Why didn't you tell me? After all, I just got here! Or have you been so full of yourself you forgot that!" By now Zero know he was already shouting but he had lost the decency to care, this pompous git was asking for it.
"We barely talk back there and there's was no need for you to intervene!" Kaname argued.
As the two throw remarks to each other. The King and Queen watched with a smile and mirth in their eyes. Rido turned to his wife as he continued to hold her hand. "When you told me that they already bicker like a married couple. I had a hard time believing your words-"he started then his mismatched eyes settled on Kaname and Zero both to absorb in their heated argument that they barely notice his assessment on them. "but now you are once again right."
Juri giggled. "Oh, Rido. Haven't you noticed? I am always right. Even if I'm wrong I'm always right."
Rido nodded with a smile as he raised their intertwined hands to his lips so that he may place a kiss on the back of Juri's hand. Settling their enclosed hands down, he tsked with a joyful tone as he saw Kaname and Zero still arguing like no tomorrow. "They just can't stand each other. It reminds me of a certain couple that was just like that back then." He said, his mismatched eyes locking onto Juri's eyes.
Juri laughed jovially, her eyes lighting up with recognition as she heard Rido's words. "That's true, they are acting the same way we were back then. I remember we couldn't face each other without the desire to smack the other person."
"And we just couldn't even stay in one room without making a mess as well." Rido continued, reminiscing the times when he and Juri were not in the brightest of terms. Yet, he was happy that she was by her side and supported him in all his decisions. He knew he was far from the perfect husband, ruler , and father but he was contented and glad all the same for all the encouragement Juri's had bestowed upon him. His biggest regret would be that when Juri needed him the most, he was drowned in false pretences and bitter jealousy that both of them lost a precious treasure that will never ever be replaced. That would have been the end of it, but his foolishness just has no bounds for amidst those times of envy and hatred he had to even sully Juri's dignity even more by siring a bastard.
A bastard that is no doubt under the care of Lord Shiki. With that thought in his mind, he squeezed Juri's hand that was enclosed with his as he sends a look of distrust towards the noble. Lord Shiki, a noble who took the age of sixties as his form and had the audacity to come here only to mock him with his ever present greedy eyes. The vain lord would stop at nothing just to have his bloodlines on the throne and it did not help his case that the Lord's beautiful daughter had gone insane the moment he had left her. Lord Shiki had been outraged and has long wanted to end his family's reign.
Rido felt guilty because if it wasn't for his delusional and the lies of the court that blinded him of his wife's innocence on the matter. He wouldn't have been tempted by Midori's seductive whims and soft touches. Why in the hell did he even believe that Juri would betray by fornicating with his younger brother Haruka? When in fact, they already had Kaname at that time. Now, here he is rectifying his mistake. He has to get Kaname married even before Lord Senri plans a way to use his bastard son for his own gains. He hoped that once this secret is out Kaname may have the heart to forgive him just like his mother. They had kept it all under wraps, this scandal. His bastard son is already known as Lord Shiki the young master of the House of the Senris and was popular among the court ladies for his looks and of his intelligence.
His mismatched eyes, gaze back to the couple in front of them. He never wanted to force his only son into anything but drastic measures have to be done to ensure that no filth would ever corrupt their kingdom. Kaname must get married not only for the kingdom but also for his mistake. He can only hope that through this union he could finally bury his sins and live peacefully knowing that the Kurans rule would never be turned to ash because of him.
Juri felt Rido tensed, she eyed her husband's tense form. She did not miss the hatred gaze he had given to Lord Senri. In that fact, she would not chastise him. Lord Senri was a liar and an overall manipulator. She had an inkling that Rido was thinking about his other son that was no doubt being raised and turned as the perfect weapon to end the Kurans' rule under Lord Senri's strict supervising. Juri grinned as she saw Lord Senri's eyes turned to slits as he watched Kaname and Zero, he must have been so disappointed at the fast progress of Kaname's marriage. She could feel the Lord's displeased aura come off in waves; there was no need for her to use her powers to know that Lord Senri's mind was swarming with ideas on how to tear Kaname and Zero apart. Juri almost growled, yet she reins in her temper. It would do no good to lose her composure, whether she like it or not Kaname needed the support of all the Noble Houses and that of the Fang Council for his throne. And she would make sure her son will have it no matter what. She had already lost a child because of scums like Lord Senri she will not let it happened again to her son's heritage. The throne belongs to Kaname as his right and no Lord or any idiot aristocrats will destroy that, she wasn't the Queen of the Kuran and Mistress of the Heart for nothing.
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"My attitude is not the issue here; it's about your lack of discretion and control in your emotions!" Zero's character and blatant refusal on the right conduct as a Crown Princess really grated on Kaname's nerves. The silverette even had the audacity to roll his eyes as he berated his actions.
"You know a simple 'thank you' would have sufficed but you just wanted to continue being an arrogant prick!" Zero snapped, arms crossed as he glared at Kaname.
"I could have handled it!" Kaname retorted, his eyes narrowing.
"Come now, ease your bickering. You two are not married but both of you are so focus on each other." The king reprimanded, earning him embarrassed looks from the pair.
"We ask forgiveness, for this uncalled scene you had to witness. Father." Kaname apologized bashful at being scolded by his own father.
"No need for that, son. It was quite amusing to watch." The King grinned. "They did say 'Marriage life without a fiery passionate outlook towards each other would be boring' So, keep at it but do make use of it in the bedroom."
"Rido!" Juri scolded, eyes scandalously wide because of Rido's direct statement. "Must you embarrass them further?"
The King chuckled. "I can't help it." He stated, then his eyes turned serious. "It seems we've been amused for too long, that we've forgot the reason we all gathered here. "
That got everyone's attention and the King let out a cough to get himself back on the topic at hand. "As you may come to notice with the way Kaname calls me father and of my affections for Juri. I am Kuran Rido. Former Crown Prince of the Kuran and currently the reigning King." He introduced, and then his proud eyes turned to Kaname. "Well, not for long."
Zero nodded politely as he looked on as the King continued with the introductions.
"What may I call you, princess?" Rido asked.
"It's just Zero, Your Majesty. Fujishioka, Zero." Zero replied with a smile.
"Fujishioka, you say?" Rido was sure he had heard Zero's family name before. It was oddly familiar yet he had a hard time remembering where he had last heard or had read that name. It was uncommon and not heard of in their circle of nobles. Which just straightened the fact that for all the intelligence their old family friend the Prime Minister had he chose a bride that was not in the inner circle. Now, the question is why? Why would the Prime Minister select a bride that had no connections and is certainly new to the whole monarchy's grandeur and scandals. "And pray tell. Where did you came from?"
"I was from the Moon District and now, currently situated in CrossTown, Your Majesty." Zero answered.
"CrossTown. Well, that's the quaint neighbourhood my dear friend the Prime Minister ruled. But that town is home to all the hum-" the king stopped and his eyes widened with dread. What the hell was Minister Cross thinking? It was fine that he chose a commoner but a human as well? More and more he already feared for the future of this marriage.
Several heads turned as well when they heard of Zero's background. And some of the nobles had sneered at the lack of the Crown Princess' pedigree.
"A human and an outsider, what fool thought that would be the most appropriate bride for the Crown Prince." Lord Shiki sneered as his eyes roamed the Crown Princess' form. "Silver hair and violet eyes? What a weird colouring."
"I will not permit this! It's obvious that this Chosen Crown Princess is not suitable for the Crown Prince. It is my daughter who should be Queen. Not this peasant!" A noble thought his eyes squinting in disgust; he had hair that was the same colour as of a toffee and harsh grey eyes. He is Lord Souen, father of Lady Souen Ruka the most beautiful noble woman in their circle.
"It's not so bad, once you've gone past the whole ordeal. Brother. I believe that Zero is the best choice for my nephew." A gentle voice said supporting Zero's position.
Zero's attention turned to the said owner of the voice and found a man who looked to in his forties he had the same colouring of the King's hair the difference would be that his eyes was not mismatched like the King's but it was the color of warm chocolate and glinted garnet.
Rido gave a grateful look to his younger brother. He was happy he has his support, the road to Kaname's succession would be a hard one and he will need all the help he can get.
"Hello, Zero. I'm Prince Haruka brother to the King." The brunette introduced as he showed Zero his hand for a shake. Zero immediately complied only realizing that all this time the man beside him was Kaname's uncle. "It's always a pleasant thing to see the new member of the family."
"Um… likewise." Zero said albeit hesitantly a smile appearing on his face. Prince Haruka was really comfortable to talk to and he emits a kind aura unlike the other princely git beside him.
Kaname's eyes narrowed for a moment as he watched how his fiancé interact with his uncle. He knew his uncle bless his good heart would never do something untoward to Zero but it did not relinquish the sudden lurch of a malicious feeling inside him, jealousy.
Jealousy, it was such a new concept and one that Kaname had never felt until now. He hated that Zero could openly show his smiles and gets along with his family but not him. It was quite disturbing that even now, he's already thinking that this arrangement could work if only Zero would stop being deplorable then it would be fine. Yet the silverette continued to be difficult. Zero was making him prone to showing his uncharacteristic sarcasm in front of the nobles which would prove fatal for his succession.
"Now, Zero-" Rido started then contemplated as his mismatched eyes settled on Zero form. "Do you mind, if I call you that?" Seeing Zero shook his head, the king continued as he gestured his hand towards the other people seating with them in the dining table. "This group of aristocrats who suddenly came with no invitation are the Lords of the Inner Circle and part of the whole Monarchy Council."
Hearing that, Zero's violet eyes surveyed the lords, the King introduced. There were 7 men who had different expressions on their face as he viewed them. One of which give Zero the shivers, since there was no masking the anger that man had given him and there was the other one who gazed at him like he was trash. He felt pressured and insecure immediately under the mixture of hate, distrust, disgust, and arrogant stares. Simply put, they look at him as something that clearly did not belong in their world.
It was during those thoughts, that he felt a hand enclosed his under the table. His attention went to Kaname who squeezed his hand comfortingly. His face flushed as Kaname bent towards him, his mouth only inches away from his ear. "Don't be intimidated, it would do no good for my reputation and of your standing. I won't have a fiancé who does not have a backbone." The princely git whispered and Zero's blush instantly vanished as it was replaced by his glower.
"Why did you even need to hold my hand just to pinpoint that fact? You, sneaky son of a-"Zero harshly whispered only to be stopped as Kaname grinned.
"That irritation you're feeling? That's what I felt when you spoke out of turn." Kaname retaliated, his voice gentle and quiet in his ear's perspective. It was quite soothing but it did not deter Zero annoyance on Kaname's witty retort.
"If you're so affected, why did you even need to advise me about my reactions on these aristocrats?" Zero wanted to know, it was confusing that Kaname could be so amendable only to turn back into an asshole in a second.
Both of them were so engrossed in their whispers to each other, that they failed in realizing the haughty looks of the aristocrats sending their way and of the approval of Rido, Juri and Haruka on the pair's closeness.
"If they see you weak, it will reflect my weakness as well. So, show this bunch of greedy fools the annoying spit fire attitude of yours or else they might just devour you!" Kaname retreated after whispering those words to Zero.
Zero would not admit it but Kaname's advice albeit it was tinged with sarcasm worked wonders on his insecurity and had him smiling towards the Lords and accepted their false act of courteousness.
As King Rido had invited all of them to eat and deemed the introductions done.
Zero felt relieved.
:*:*:*:*:
That night as Zero watched the nobles leave and that he was alone with Takuma, Queen Juri, King Rido and Prince Haruka and the Princely git's presence did he let out a sigh of relief. He glanced worriedly as the other occupants attention turn to him because of it.
It was Juri's laugh that ended his worries. "Oh, dear. The dinner must have took a toll on you. Zero." She placed a comforting pat on his shoulder. "But, I'm glad you did well even if you are new to all this."
"That's the reason, why I wanted that dinner to be a private affair. Those pack of obnoxious fools just had to let themselves in! Couldn't they had waited until we are back to the Kuran Palace before they push their nosey characters on our life!" Rido snapped, irritated by the nobles display of disobedience to his rule.
"It can't be helped; they are far too curious and excited as well." Haruka voiced, concern in his voice as his sienna eyes fixated on Zero.
"Pardon me, but why would they be excited?" Zero asked, and later regretted why he ever ask that question.
"Why, they are excited to crack you until you're in pieces that just can be stepped on and thrown away." Kaname answered, eyes dark and angry.
"Wha—What?!" Zero exclaimed.
"I did say, Zero that the Palace is a dangerous place." Juri reminded, worry in her eyes. " And those nobles you just met are partly the reason why."
Zero felt cold shivers making its way to his spine. His jittery was so obvious that Kaname tsked as he went to him and ruffled his silver hair.
"Don't be afraid, we'll keep you safe." Kaname comforted.
Zero pulled away from Kaname. "Who said, I was afraid!" he cried indignantly.
"I don't know perhaps it was the way how you trembled or maybe it's just my imagination." Kaname smirked, eyes twinkling with amusement unabashedly.
"Why you-" Zero was about to snapped only to be halted by Kaname's arm enclosed on his waist. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Mother, Father, Uncle, and Takuma. We best get going. I shall escort Zero back to his room." Kaname informed, his hold on Zero unrelenting.
"Yes, we shall see you tomorrow morning when we break our fast dear." Juri smiled, happy in seeing Kaname's affections towards Zero.
"I do hope, nephew. That your plan on escorting Zero entails only that." Haruka teased, earning him an aggravated look from Kaname.
Rido guffawed resulting for Zero to blush in embarrassment. "I hope so too, you lovebirds better wait for the claiming ceremony before giving me grandkids!" Rido flinched in pain when he was suddenly hit by Juri's arm on his side. Seeing his wife's eyes had him realizing his slip up. He completely forgot they were dealing with a human!
Zero's eyes narrowed in confusion. There it was again. Queen Juri back at the dressing room said to him quite giddily that he had the right "birthing hips" and now even King Rido is making comments about "grandkids" why do they say such things? It was strange and weird. It looks like that the topic was normal, common even. But he and Kaname were both males. That alone is proof that no babies will be coming out of this marriage. And yet, the King and Queen both had the same ideas, maybe a woman would be present during this "claiming ceremony" so they may copulate with her?
That notion alone got him nauseous on the idea. Yet at the same time it was the plausible thing he could think of.
Kaname bit back a smile as he saw a tirade of emotions dancing on Zero's face. It made his heart pumped just like back then when they were on the rooftop. As he reminiscence on that his mood turned glum. That 'money issue' was a hindrance to his overall assessment on Zero's nature. It reminded him that he had a task to be given to his green eyed confidant and close friend.
"Of course, we will wait for the opportune moment and auspicious day." Kaname quickly answered. Guiding Zero to as they head for the door that led out of the dining room. He halted he glanced at Takuma over his shoulder earning him the green eyed noble's attention. "Takuma, do find me after I've escorted Zero. There are things we need to discuss." He commanded as he and Zero left the dining room.
True to his words, he did escorted Zero to his room and quickly left the silverette's side the moment they were at Zero's room door without much of a say.
:*:*:*:*:
Mr. Michello scrubbed the whisky glasses with concentration while he eyed, his old friend who was drinking the liquor he made.
"Your staring." His friend admonished, spectacles glinting as the light of the bar bounced on it.
"What game are you playing at?" Mr. Michello asked, his suspicion growing as his friend smiled. "You know, of Zero's bloodline. And yet you send him there. Now, that boy's destiny we have always protected is about to be unlocked because of your doing." He snapped, jaw clenching.
"Did you not even comprehend, that I have thought this through before even doing it." His friend retorted, sandy eyes narrowing. "Zero's destiny has long been forged. We were only holding out the inevitable."
"And was that wise? His parents would be screaming in their graves. Once, they found out you arranged their heir and scion in matrimony to the very immortals who had betrayed them!" Mr. Michello snapped his anger obvious as the whiskey glass he was cleaning shattered.
"Do, reign in your temper. My friend, Zero has to be there. How would he discover who he truly is and of his and Ichiru's heritage? I've watched them grow in desolate places, abandoned, unloved, treated as a burden but not once I have interfered with their lives. Even as they lived in my town I still didn't." Mr. Michello listened on as his friend's voice became harsh as he counted all the misfortunes the twins had experience. "You want to know why? It's because I wanted them to grow strong and fierce. Braver than we could ever be, so that they can achieve the one thing we never did. Victory."
Mr. Michello was silenced by his old friend's admission. "You want to use Zero as a weapon." It was not a question. He knew it would be the only possible outcome of the decision his friend did.
The old man's sandy eyes shone with hatred as he shrivelled his persona to reveal a man in his forties. "I have to go, by now. I have missed the dinner banquet the royals had made for Zero." With that Michello looked on as his friend downed his remaining drink in one shot. Then stood up and turn to leave.
"Are you sure of this decision? There are consequences when we play with the power that has long been hidden." Mr. Michello warned his voice on edge for he did not like the fact that Zero is to be used.
Mr. Michello could only watched as his friend fixated him with determined eyes. "I've had it with all the lies, the death, the blood, and the suffering. I had waited for a long time for this. I did not head inside that crimson cage they call a palace just to give up."
"Vengeance is not always the right path, my friend." Michello advised, hating the maniac gleam on his friend's eyes.
"But it will all be worth it, in the end. There's a war coming. I suggest you get ready for it." With that cryptic warning, Mr. Michello's eyes lighted with sadness as he knew there was no saving his friend from the vile hand of revenge.
:*:*:*:*:
"Juri, my love. Don't you think were being too advanced for this?" Rido requested gently as he watched Juri pranced around the mansion ordering the servants to get her the list of all the catering and basically planning the wedding itself along the way. He followed her everywhere until they stopped at the mansion's study room. Haruka had long left and probably was in his room.
"Better advanced than late, my love!: Juri exclaimed happily. " As the lovebirds take their rest I will be planning everything. And all they have to do is to show up, kiss, mate and tada! We have bouncing grandbabies in the palace!"
Rido scratched the back of his head, his wife was always excited when concerning babies and he wouldn't ever chastise her. He knew it was what his wife do to ease the pain she suffered from losing their child. "Don't you think, we should ask Zero and Kaname's opinion on the matter?
"Nonsense, they should be more focus on each other. After all, once we head back to the Kuran Palace. I'm sure those nobles would try to break them just to have the chance to have their own as Zero's replacement." She growled. "I will not have that, I like Zero. His suitable for our son!
"Alright, dear." Rido relented, going with Juri's flow.
As the two head monarchs bicker on the details of the marriage and the whole process of it. They were disturbed as the study room's door opened, that had them turning to see who went in.
"Kaien! You missed dinner!" Juri pouted.
"I'm terribly sorry for my tardiness, Your Grace." Kaien apologized, although he could care less. He had just come back from another argument with his friend Mr. Michello.
"It's alright, but you have to help we this wedding." Juri ordered with a friendly tone.
Kaien smiled, a smile that many thought would be so cheerful they would have never guess he was planning something devious. " Of course, my Queen."
Rido laughed. "What is up with you, with the formalities? Don't be like that you have been with us through the ages."
"I'm just merely following protocol, Rido." Kaien reasoned, his deceptive smile in place. "What did you think of my bride's choice?"
Hearing that question, Kaien saw how the two head monarchs eyes shone with mirth.
"Oh, he's just a darling. So polite he even can dance around with Kaname's verbal assaults!" Juri complimented.
"They were lashing out words after words with each other. It was quite amusing." Rido informed, a smile on his face "I'm pleased with your decision, Prime Minister. But-"
"But?" Kaien inquired although he knew what they would be worried about.
"He's human." Juri stated as if the mere fact of that was dangerous. "How would he survive? Why did you pick a human bride, Kaien?"
Kaien hid his smirk. If only they knew what Zero was, they would have never allowed such arrangement. "I disguised into an old man, I tested his kindness and he passed."
The two monarchs nodded in understanding, the Kurans were a bit gullible in that part they believe kindness and hope would be a nation's prosperity. If Kaien never knew what dark, black and bloody things that the Kuran Royal Family had done, he would possibly believe just how 'good' they really are.
"We are glad you choose, Zero. I'm sure that Kaname's succession will go smoothly because of him." Juri smiled, joy in her eyes.
"Oh, I seriously doubt that. Your Grace." Was what Kaien thought as he heard Juri's words. "Reo and Ichika. I hope you forgive for me. There's no turning back I won't let your deaths be in vain!" Kaien prayed, knowing if the both of them could see how he wished to manipulate their son, they would be so disappointed.
:*:*:*:*:
Takuma sighed as he left Kaname's room. He was given the quest about learning more of Zero's life and how he hated that. Can't Kaname just swallow his pride and get to know his fiancés amidst this whole issue about the engagement money?
Good thing that he had already thought this would happen and has long since researched on Zero's background. Using his connections and influence to get the information he needed. He only needs to wait for a ring in his Iphone and he would have a new info on the Crown Princess.
*ring* *ring* *ring*
Takuma grinned. "Think of it and it will happen. Typical." He mumbled as he took out his phone and opened the message while he walked through the corridors of the mansion to get to his room. He scrolled through the info he received and stopped as his green eyes widen with appreciation as he come across a photo that looked like the Crown Princess but had a vulnerability and fragile aura that got Takuma having the urge to protect the person.
"What the hell? The Crown Princess has a twin?" He was appalled by what he discovered. But looking at the photo of Zero's twin quickly shut down his shock about it. "Fujishioka, Ichiru. Seventeen years old, known to be sickly and is currently under the care of Cross Hospital and doctored by Dr. Riku Takashi." He read, eyes furrowing in concentration.
"Could this be the reason, that you would accept this predicament?" Takuma wondered about Zero. "But this does not explain, why Zero had no idea he was sent here to be Kaname's bride." He was getting more and more confused of the puzzle that was Zero's life and admission about the butler job.
:*:*:*:*:
Ichiru's violet eyes settled on the huddled form of his Aunt Megumi who was dozing of in the hospital's sofa. His eyes roamed around the spacious and overly luxurious hospital suite private room he was now confined in. A moment later, he sneezed and sneezed. It stop for and he mulled over it.
"Is someone thinking of me?" He whispered softly, his bell like voice giving a light ambience in the room. "It's probably onii-chan. When will he visit me anyway? I miss him already." Ichiru's eyes glittered with tears as he knew, his older brother was working far away just for him. It did not deter his sadness however, they were two peas in a pod. It was supposed to be like that. How can fate be so cruel and separate them?
:*:*:*:*:
Zero lay awake on his bed, as he stared at the ceiling for a long time. He was perplexed by Kaname's behaviour towards him. One minute he could be doting and caring even and suddenly he would go back being so cold and distant. Just like when he escorted him into this room. Kaname had treated him as something that he should get away very fast! It grated his nerves that Kaname left without a word.
Zero turned to his side cocooning and hugging himself. Was everything Kaname at dinner was just for show? It was plausible given the fact , Kaname could easily shift his masks on his personality. What made Zero even more furious was the fact that he had concerned himself with Kaname's attitude! That will not do! He still had to figure out why he was sent here. And why did the old man lied to him?
"Aunt Megumi, did say to never trust strangers. I can only blame myself for this situation I find myself in." Zero grumbled, his heart felt loneliness as he knew it would be a long time before he could see his aunt and Ichiru again.
"At least, I get to know all the Noble Houses surrounding the Kuran Sovereignty. What were they again? Ah... House Ichijou, House Souen, House Aido, House Akatsuki, House... House Shi-" That was the last coherent thought of Zero as the whole affair of this day had lulled his exhausted body to sleep and promptly closing his amethyst like eyes to its surroundings.
:*:*:*:*:
SAI: Hate it? Love it?
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