Mikoto heard that his Majesty Munakata Reishi was sick, so he cancelled almost all of his appointments to visit him at the Royal Palace. He knew this was not a good idea because of what had happened between them, but even so he thought about it over and over. He was torn whether to come himself or just send a messenger to check out what he was doing. After all, the reason why the King was sick was partly his fault.

Mikoto went alone without his entourage. When he arrived at the Royal Palace, the people there were surprised at his arrival. He came without notice. But much more than that they didn't expect that the Red King, who now only renders ceremonial obligations and is a member of the elite military force of the Kingdom went in person to check on the Blue King. The people bowed. Despite the history of war between the two countries, Suoh Mikoto, the Red King was a respected figure. The people had a high regard for his military prowess and skill in the art of war. Moreover, he was the bane of the country's existence. There were rumours before that he wanted to conquer the territories occupied by the Blue King, and at that time, the country's military power was dwindling, his terror loomed over the whole territory.

Mikoto knew his way into the palace grounds, a fact that even the chambermaids were amazed at. This was only the third time the Red King has visited the palace grounds but it was like he owned the place. The place was huge, probably three or two times as huge as the Red King's Estate, it was also heavily guarded and is surrounded by a moat to make it more difficult to breach. It took them 20 minutes to actually reach the inside portion of the fortress. As he was a stranger to country, Mikoto did not speak to any one. Silence was his sole companion. The sound of the hooves against the ground and chatter from his companions did not disrupt the silence that he emersed himself in. He could not think of nothing else but seeking the blue king. He was not actually expecting to see him again, since upon realizing that he already promised himself not to go near the man again, but just the thought of seeing the other's face made him a little nervous. A feeling new to him, for it was the first time in his life that he was hesitant, indecisive and anxious. He was always sure of himself, but then by the time he has fallen into the blue King's gravity, all changed. And he can't decide whether it's a good or bad thing.

When they arrived at inside the palace, he allowed his companions to guide him. His horse was taken and he was guided to the main entrance of the palace. The long wait was over. Any minute now, he would be able to meet the blue king once again. He sighed as he felt his chest clench at the thought of meeting Reishi. He knows for a fact that his majesty will surely not want to see his face much more to talk to him. But this visit was important, for it was not only making reasons to see him again, but he wanted to tell him something. The time is fast approaching, and since both their countries had already merged, Reishi participation is indispensable.

When he entered the palace, he was greeted by a huge stairwell elevating towards a majestic dais. Another set of stairwells connected to the second floor. Huge chandeliers and beautiful furnitures were exquisitely organized and arranged. Red velvet curtains hang in every corner. There were many windows and a colossal pillars that twirl towards the heavens. Everything reminded him of Reishi. Mikoto sighed and allowed himself to buoyed by the ambiance. For the first time in his life, he felt somekind of connection to his nemesis. He always thought that his heart would be at peace once and for all if he could destroy him, but that only lured him to a fate that he could never escape.

The chambermaids directed him to Reishi's room. he thanked the maids and entered the room where two guards were on duty. The guards greater him and let him through. Inside was a hallway leading to a door. His heart was frantically beating inside his chest, he was already in his final destination and it only made him nervous. So nervous that he had to stop and take a deep breath before continuing. When he pushed the door open, he was welcomed by a fine room donned with the most expensive porcelain jars with flowers blooming and a beautiful oaken bed. The curlicues were magnificent and the bed curtains which hand from the bed canopy were tucked like a tuft of hair on the ear to giving him an full view of two figures. One was sleeping on the bed, and the other was sitting on a chair clasping the other's hand. And that's when Mikoto knew that that woman was the apple of the eye of his Majesty. The person which they described as the only person who could make the world stop for their king. The rumours say, that he loved her dearly. He looked at her with an affection that they couldn't describe. He looked like a man who's smitten by love for the first time. He adored her, that's what they say and slowly and surely Mikoto realises why. the woman had blond hair. When Mikoto entered the room she glanced at him at flashed him a faint smile. The red king sauntered towards the bed. He asked her about Reishi's condition.

"His fever seemed to be subsiding… but he still feels lethargic. He insisted on doing his usual rounds but we forbid him. He's still not well enough to go out of bed."

Reishi moved about in bed, calling for "Seri". And that's when Mikoto realized how Reishi can be defenceless in front of this woman and not mind it. With him, he was always guarded and his defencelessness was always brought about by the fact that he can't do anything against Mikoto's intimidations and violence. He could see the difference. He could see how much both of them cared for each other. Reishi was still half asleep that he didn't notice Mikoto.

"Seri.."

Reishi only addresses Seri as Seri when he's like this. To everyone, he always calls her by her last name. Mikoto saw how intimate they are, and he couldn't help but feel envious. There's nothing more endearing that looking at people who genuinely love and adore each other but to him, it only makes his heart break to a thousand pieces.

Seri excused herself and left the two of them alone. Reishi was still half asleep. The tumult in Mikoto's heart start to subside, he sighed and sat on the bed next to the Blue King.

"Munakata…"

He gazed down at the blue king, relieved at the fact that he was still asleep. He didn't want to trouble the man, he's always been unkind, and mean towards his majesty, enough was enough. Probably after recovering, Reishi would persecute him for everything that he's done against him. He hated him to the core after all. Mikoto studied Reishi's face, his body was still bandaged all over. The wounds that he inflicted on him were still in the process of healing. He reached out hesitantly to try to touch him. Just a bit he thought but that thought that better of it, he clenched his fists instead. He couldn't help himself any longer and spoke.

"You're an idiot Munakata.. running away like that and getting soaked in the rain. You should've waited for me to come back to take you home."

"Izumo told me he was the one who found you and took you in for the night. If it weren't for him, you could've died."

Mikoto sighed and scratched his head.

Just a little bit.

Mikoto summoned the courage to touch him, when his closeness was just at his fingertips, he heard the door click. Alas, that time in the villa was the last time indeed. He withdrew his hand, and saw that Seri was back with a pair of drinks. Mikoto smiled and stood up. Now he could never tell him the words that Reishi should've heard from his very lips.

A/N: This became longer than expected.