"Mind your hands, Nakano," Kei grumbled whenever he felt them come up on his thigh a bit too high.
Kou would instantly jerk his hands down with a small apology. It was about the third time Kei had to tell him. If it wasn't for Kai expertly massaging his scalp, he would've lost it by now. With that taken care of, Kei relaxed again, closing his eyes and enjoying the pampering.
"You say you haven't been a servant before, Kai. Yet, you're washing my hair and massaging my scalp as well as our more experienced servants."
"I suppose I just have some natural skills when it comes to..servant stuff," he chuckled and grabbed the small vessel, filling it with the warm water of the bath and carefully pouring it over Kei's head to rinse the suds out.
"Well, I'm certainly glad I went with you as a servant then."
While it was quite obvious that Kou was enjoying his job at the moment, Kai quietly enjoyed the view he had of Kei from where he was. He noted the way his pale skin seemed to shine in the sun and how serene and relaxed he looked in this moment. It was something he didn't see often yet. Usually, he looked like he was thinking deeply about something or he wore somewhat of a scowl on his face as he walked through the palace halls. Though, Kai supposed that there was a lot on his shoulders. He seemed hellbent on finding a cure for his sister, which was understandable and Kai thought as noble.
"There's going to be a banquet tonight," Kei said suddenly, opening one eye to glance up at Kai. "Rulers from other kingdoms will be here tonight. I'm aware that they think ill of me, but I want you two on your best behavior, alright?"
"Yes, prince," they both answered in unison.
Kai recalled the things he'd hear Kei referred to as by people in the villages by him: things like inhuman, demon prince, hell spawn. He knew it was mostly out of fear. After all, the prince had supposedly died and came back to life. Anything unnatural like that was bound to get attention.
"It'll be one of the first banquets we've hosted in a long time now that other kingdoms are wanting to associate with us now. We're bound by a common fear, and that is the one who has taken over the lands to the south and burned many kingdoms: Satou."
A chill ran down Kou's back at just the mention of the name. His eyes darkened a bit as it brought back flashes of memories of his time there before he ran.
"Kou, didn't I hear something about how you came from Satou's territory?" Kai asked curiously as he noticed the other's reaction.
"Yeah, I did. He lured me in with a just cause, but their stronghold…it's a nightmare. It's good that the other kingdoms fear him. He's not someone to be messed with. Trust me," he said, slowly nodding. "I'm sorry..I don't really like talking about it."
"Oh, of course. I'm sorry to bring up any bad memories," Kai apologized, bowing his head slightly.
"That's why this banquet is necessary to solidify alliances and get a fellowship started to deal with Satou," Kei said.
He enjoyed the pampering for a few more minutes before slowly sitting up. The water dripped off of his skin and hair as he ran his fingers through the damp strands. His skin now had a light fragrance of water lilies about it as did his hair.
"We should start with the preparations."
The rest of the day was spent with making sure everything was good to go with the food being prepared as well as the ballroom and outdoor courtroom to be used. A few of the guests had already confirmed that they were staying the night, so rooms were prepared as well. During the whole afternoon, the palace was bustling with activity. Servants and knights were running here and there to get everything ready. Kei was to wear his best attire which was completely black with red accents along where the buttons were. His hair was fixed up so his bangs were swept to the side some. Kai couldn't help but blush once he walked out of his room. His crimson eyes seemed to have a sort of gleam to them.
"Wow, you look fantastic, my prince," he said with a bow.
"Hm, seems you clean up rather nicely yourself," Kei remarked as he looked him up and down and nodded in approval. "I'm sure they're all eagerly awaiting me. I'm probably the reason so many showed up."
The ballroom and adjoining courtyard were adorned with glass orbs of light along with plenty of food. It lined the tables beautifully. There was already light music and conversation going on since the queen was out there. Once Kei stepped into the room, everything went silent. Every pair of eyes in that room went directly to him, looking in awe at the grown-up prince.
Two people who stood near the entrance to the courtyard looked especially interested. His blonde hair made him stand out in the crowd as he looked over Kei with his servant by his side.
"So, that's the prince? The one who supposedly can't die?" she asked softly. "If it's true, do you think he knows how to use his ghost yet?"
"I can't say for sure yet. After all, it was only one incident when he was child, though tonight we're going to prove it. I'd guess that he's not even aware of his abilities if he is a demi human. It'll work in our favor since everyone here thinks of him as unnatural."
"Regent Tosaki. I'm so glad you could attend my banquet." Tosaki's demeanor changed instantly as he wore a polite smile as the queen approached.
"Ah, Ms. Nagai. Of course, this is just as political as it is for leisure after all."
"Of course. Everyone here is nervous as to Satou's next move. I hear he stole part of your territory," she said, sipping on a glass of wine.
She was always sure to be in control of the situations and conversations she was in. She was aware that her son was the main source of attention right now, but she wasn't going to let having the royal heads of the other kingdoms all in one place go to waste.
"It was a small territory. It's nothing that concerns me too much, though we can't let him run amuck for much longer. I trust you have an agreement signed for this fellowship you proposed?"
"Of course, after the festivities, we'll all get down to business. But for now, we should relax and be merry."
She excused herself and walked over to Kei once she saw him, taking him to the side.
"I trust you to do what you think is best. Do what you must," she whispered by his ear before walking off to another group.
"What was that about?" Kai asked once he was left alone with Kei.
"Simple strategy," Kei answered and motioned for him to follow.
Kou, as a knight, was acting as one of the guards for the evening. He was positioned by the entrance to the courtyard. He smiled a bit when he spotted Kei and Kai, waving a bit when they looked his way.
Most of the questions directed at Kei pertained to his apparent immortality which he usually answered with a shrug, saying that it happened so long ago he barely remembers any of it.
"Most of what you've heard about me are rumors I'm sure. I'm aware of what people are saying about me. I have nothing to hide."
"Is that so, Prince Nagai?"
Kei's expression soured some when he saw that it was the Regent. He had never been particularly fond of the guy, though he could appreciate his own strategies.
"Regent Tosaki. I didn't know you were here," he said coyly as he glanced to his servant.
"If you have nothing to hide, then perhaps you'd be willing to participate in a little game."
"A game, huh? And what sort of game would that be?" He kept his usual bored expression on, though he felt a bit of tightening in his throat as he waited for his answer.
"Well, it's quite simple: a duel. My servant Shimomura here is quite proficient with the sword. I've heard you are as well. So, how about a duel then?"
At just the mention of a duel, other guests were already starting to flock over there. Kei tutted at the amount of people that showed up just at the mention of a duel. At this point, he didn't really have much of a choice.
"Fine, I accept the challenge. It wouldn't be very princely of me if I refused, now would it?"
Kei gestured for Kou who quickly made his way over, nearly tripping over his own feet in the process.
"What do you need, my prince?"
"Go to the armory and get me my sword."