Chapter 6- Secrets revealed

Prince Yuki was walking past his father's study wondering whether or not he should try skipping the committee meeting when he heard something he dearly wished he hadn't. "Yes, the plans are all set. Yuki will be married to Princess Tohru of Junishi no later than the thirteenth of next month."

Yuki paused. His eyes widened as he heard the news of his future so early on. It was his father's voice echoing from the room. It was faint, but the words he had said spoke louder to his ears then any before. He took several steps backward and crept closer to the door of the study to hear more clearly. As he peered inside the crack of the room he saw his father was in a meeting with the royal minister of Velspar.

To Yuki's horror he saw bandages wrapped around his father's head. As well as blood that caked his robes. What on earth was going on?

Kureno was hunched over with his eyes closed and hands leaning on his wooden cane. His ashy brown hair hid his right eye that was covered in bandages as well as his expression as he looked down. There was warm tea laid out before him and the minister showing they had met only recently. The old scrawny minister stood solemnly listening to his father's words.

"Princess Tohru will be the one to wed my son." Kureno's voice was tired. Very tired. Almost as if he hadn't gotten an ounce of sleep. "And through this wedding…we will be tied to the Palace of Junishi."

"Junishi?" The prime minister repeated. He sat down opposite of Kureno. "But whatever is the reason your highness?"

"The reason…is because I betrayed her."

"Her?"

"…..."

"Sir?"

"May I tell you something, that you already knew from the beginning?"

"Sir, you can trust me with anything. I would lay my life for Velspar. You know it."

"It's about Akito-san…"

"King of Junishi, sir?"

"No…he's actually a queen."

Yuki gasped and quickly covered his mouth in alarm. He checked his surroundings to make sure no one was around. The hall was empty and silent except for the tiny whisperings of secrets inside his father's study. He strained his ears as far as he could to hear the rest.

"Yes….I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."

"It was unnecessary for me to know." Kureno murmured. "I was under the impression that she wanted us to remain close friends. However, I never knew her secret. And she didn't want me to."

"And is that how you…got damaged?"

"Yes. Akito got a bit…angry. She lost her temper and took it out on me."

Yuki felt almost sick to his stomach. So his father was hurt like that because Akito-sama had hurt him for finding out her secret. The King of Junishi, Tohru's father…no Tohru's mother…was a queen? Was a woman? This was a tyranny and against all laws of every moral he had learned under the royal codes. If word got out that Akito-sama was in fact a woman, he would undeniably be banished from his own kingdom. But what about Tohru? What would happen if Tohru found out the man she once thought was her father, was actually a woman?

"Then, you must know. About Princess Tohru." The minister whispered. Yuki could barely make out their voices.

"Yes. I looked more into it after I found out Akito-san's identity. She is in fact adopted. I couldn't believe it."

Yuki almost stopped breathing.

"No, that is the very thing that no one, not even Tohru herself knows."

"Sir, forgive me. Since I knew you and Akito-sama since you were only kids, I know as to why and how she got adopted. I feel since you found Akito-sama's identity, that I can tell you the rest. Tohru's parents were killed."

"Killed?" Kureno repeated. "Go on."

"Akito-sama was raised as a boy since the beginning. It was tradition at that time in the Junishi Kingdom. However when the time came for Akito to have an heir, he knew he couldn't have one of his own. So he simply adopted a random orphaned girl from a town when she was only a baby. He believed he could pass down all of the unnecessary burdens onto someone with absolute no connection to him. That was Tohru Honda."

There was silence for a moment.

"Tohru…was an orphan?"

"I'm afraid that is the truth sir."

"And what happened to her parents?"

"…They were murdered by Akito-sama himself."

Yuki slumped to the ground. Make it stop. Make it all damn stop. He didn't want to hear more. He didn't want to be in this reality. He wanted to run in and strangle his father and tell the minister to stop saying such horrible lies. However this was the truth. And no one could do anything about it for it was all in the past.

"Murdered." Kureno repeated. There was a another pause of silence. Then suddenly Kureno was laughing. Loudly and unashamed. He chuckled bitterly and covered his eyes with his right hand as he laughed. He coughed out the remainder of his laughter and settled down with a sigh.

"I knew Akito was heartless. But to go so far to get an heir….He's a terrible person."

"I think the correct term, is a monster sire."

"…Yes." Kureno agreed. "A monster."

"But we can't do anything about it because…"

"That was how she was raised. With absolute power." Kureno murmured. "That is the strange tradition of the Junishi Palace. Whoever is in line for the throne gets every right and respect. And since they're the largest, us smaller kingdoms are compelled to follow or else we risk war. And my son…."

Kureno sighed once more. "My son is the only way Akito won't attack our kingdom. You know how Akito has favorites. He wants Tohru to marry Yuki so that Yuki can become the next King of Junishi. And then he would control Yuki through his power."

"Then Tohru was simply.." the minister whispered.

"Being used." Kureno finished.

Yuki didn't want to hear any more. He got up from the ground silently, turned on his heel, and walked away. Away from the horrible room of vast secrets. He didn't know if he should keep all of the information to himself, or tell Princess Tohru. What he was sure though, was that his arranged marriage would only give one person benefits. He needed to stop this marriage, and stop Akito. But how could he stop it and what to do first?

He stopped in his tracks thinking. He would have to find Princess Tohru and make plans with her. They would have to come up with something or else both of them would become Akito's toys.

…

"Princess, Prince Yuki would like to visit later on today if you are free in the afternoon?" Servant Hiro asked. "He asked if he could stay at the palace for a week in the guest wing."

Tohru looked up from the several drawing charts she had lay out on the table. They held details for the foundations of the school she was planning. "Prince Yuki? Today?"

"Yes." Hiro sighed. Once Princess Tohru was absorbed in something, it was hard to get her head out of it. "He would like to stay for a week here. Is that alright?"

"Of course that's alright." Tohru said brightly. "However, is he alright with it? A week is a long time. What will he do?"

"He said he wanted to get better acquainted with you before the wedding." Hiro smirked as he saw faint blush crept on Tohru's cheeks. She began to stammer.

"O-oh…Oh!"

"So I will let you know when he arrives today." He bowed and left Tohru's study room whistling.

Tohru frowned and stared at her drawing charts. She had been so focused and on task before, but now her head was only full of thoughts on Prince Yuki.

She still didn't know quite what to think of him. He was kind, gentle, and mysterious. Those were the only words she could think of to sum him up. She thought a week to get to know him would at least help her feel comfortable around him. However the wedding date was much too soon…

"What's the matter, your highness?"

Tohru jumped in surprise at the voice. She turned her head to look towards Kyo who was leaning against the wall wearing a slight frown. He had been guarding Tohru daily by standing near the entrance of her room, however the little servant Hiro's attitude was beginning to tick him off.

"Oh…Kyo-kun you startled me." Tohru breathed putting a hand to her heart. She then blushed and embarrassingly put her hand down. "I was only thinking of the wedding plans" She confessed.

"Ah" Kyo nodded and walked a bit towards her to stand next to her. "That's going to be next month isn't it?"

"Yes.." Tohru sighed and began to put her papers back inside her folder. She would finish everything later tonight. "I still feel it's much too soon."

"No one would want to marry that damn prince in the first place." Kyo mumbled darkly.

"Sorry?" Tohru looked up at him.

"Nothing Princess." Kyo's mouth curved upwards "I was just wondering how you were getting along with Prince…Yuki."

"Oh, um, well I'll see him today so I think we'll be able to get to know each other more." She blushed a bit telling him this.

Kyo frowned. For some reason he was bothered by her getting close to that guy. He didn't trust Yuki. He never had. It seemed he couldn't trust any guy near Tohru lately.

"Well, be careful." He said. "I'll be standing guard outside." He bowed and left the room.

Tohru took in his expression as he said those words. "Be careful". It was strange. When she talked to Prince Yuki she felt so nervous she hardly remembered what they were talking about. However when she talked to Kyo, she remembered exactly every word he said to her. As if each held a special meaning.

She frowned looking at the clock. She would have to get ready and be on her best behavior. Prince Yuki was after all her fiancé. She was bound to fall for him sometime soon if they were around each other more. She only hoped that a month would be enough…

…

As Yuki walked towards the Junishi Palace, his heart felt heavy. Tightening and squeezing inside his chest. What he was feeling, was guilt. Guilt for knowing so much about the princess when she herself didn't even know. Guilt for being engaged to her only for corrupt royal business. And guilt for the prime minister who had known everything since the beginning, but hadn't stopped it. Who would have stopped it? Who could go against a chosen being to be the next King?

As he entered the great hall he barely noticed the interior or where he was at. He didn't even know why he had decided to see her so quickly. He still wasn't sure what he would say to her. He just knew he didn't want to be around his father or the minister, and he certainly didn't want to leave Tohru to be with Akito.

"Should I announce your arrival your highness?" A palace attendant asked. Yuki glanced up startled. He hadn't realized some Junishi servants had followed him to the hall.

"No…can you take me directly to her? To Princess Tohru."

"Yes of course." The attendant boy nodded "She just finished dinner so she should be out in the gardens right about now. The guest wing is prepared in case you wish to retire early tonight."

"Thank you." Yuki nodded and followed the servant and two maids leading him outside to the palace gardens. As they neared the front entrance to the garden he turned to the them.

"Could you give us some privacy for a moment?" He asked quietly.

They looked at each other in alarm but nodded without comment and left him. Yuki sighed and paused a bit before turning the handle of the door and walking outside.

The first thing he noticed was that the air was quite warm. Despite it being autumn, it almost felt slightly humid. As he walked down the cold stone pavements he noted the flowers were blooming quite well. They weaved elegantly in mixed colors, forming hues and elegant spirals. He would have to get some tips from the gardeners in Junishi.

Yuki walked down the trail admiring the various flowers and scents in the air. When he reached the end of the path, he finally spotted Princess Tohru. She was sitting on a wooden bench under a large oak tree in the middle of the garden. She was reading a book (he seemed to always catch her doing this) and Kyo was watching her from the oak tree. He was leaning against it wearing his blue linen cloak with gold and sword at his side. As Yuki grew nearer he noticed Kyo was wearing slightly more noble clothes than before. What was he doing near Princess Tohru?

Kyo looked up from watching Tohru when he spotted Yuki approaching them. He frowned. That damn prince.

Tohru looked up when she heard footsteps heading towards her and spotted Yuki as well.

"Prince Yuki!" She got up, curtsied, and smiled at him. "How are you?"

"It's been a while princess". Yuki smiled and bowed to her lowly. "Fine. How have you been?"

"Fine. Thank you." Tohru blushed a bit.

Yuki turned his attention to Kyo who was shuffling his feet bitterly next to her. "I seem to come across you quite often Kyo."

Kyo looked up from his shuffling and glared at him. "It seems so your highness."

"Well, why are you around…my fiancé so often?" Yuki reached out and grasped Tohru's shoulders. Tohru jumped a little in alarm and looked up at Yuki her face turning hot. "Huh? Oh, didn't anyone mention? Kyo-kun is now my official guard."

"Guard?" Yuki repeated and glanced at Kyo who was averting his eyes from the two of them. "Someone like him? I don't know whether I'm comfortable about this setup."

"It's not a setup your highness, I was ordered to." Kyo retorted. He hated how he had to bite back the string of curses he wanted to say to Yuki.

"Ahh...an order?" Yuki glanced at Tohru. Tohru smiled up at him. "Yes! He has been a very good guard to me. He saved me from almost drowning as well."

"Drowning?" Yuki gasped. What on earth? "When?!"

Tohru's face fell. She hadn't realized it was a secret. "Oh, it was on my birthday…"

"Tell me more." Yuki glanced at Kyo who was awkwardly watching the two. "Can you give us some privacy…Kyo?"

Kyo's eyes were still glaring at Yuki, but they also held some sort of other emotion mixed beneath. Yuki couldn't really decipher what it was. "Yea…I will, your highness." He left the two of them and made his way out of the garden.

Soon it was silent, and Yuki led Tohru to the bench and the two sat down next to each other.

"So tell me princess, how did you almost drown?"

"It wasn't a huge deal…" Yuki frowned at her. "Really." She assured him. "I just fell inside the fountain because my dress was so heavy!"

"You…fell inside the fountain…" Yuki repeated slowly. Then suddenly he burst into laughter. He covered his mouth with his hand and chuckled. Tohru watched in amazement. Just when she felt miles apart from him, Yuki showed her different sides she hadn't seen before.

"You fell inside a fountain." Yuki laughed. He almost had tears in his eyes. "Princess, that is by far the most outrageous thing I have heard so far happened to you."

"Happen to me?" Tohru smiled at him wishing he would laugh like this more often. "We haven't talked more about my life. Have you heard some other things?"

Yuki's laughter disappeared almost as quickly as it had come. He was suddenly solemn faced and very serious.

Tohru felt suddenly frightened. What had she said to make him change his emotions so fast?

"Um, what's wrong?" She asked nervously.

Yuki frowned. He hadn't realized he would come across the topic so quickly.

"Princess…" The words wouldn't come out. How could he bring up the most important part of her life in a carefree conversation? Would she be able to handle it?

"I…think I would like to take a stroll with you." He finished forcing a smile. Tohru looked at him confused. His quick emotions were quite intimidating. However, he didn't seem to want to elaborate on what he was going to say. Tohru wanted to know what exactly was on his mind but decided not to probe him.

"Sure." She got up and he did as well. "I'll show you some of my favorite flowers. I grew some of them myself~!"

…

Kyo felt impatient. He was right outside the door of the entrance to the royal gardens. Often, he had gone right up to the door to listen to see if he could hear anything that was going on. However, he was disappointed with only silence.

He didn't know why but imagining his arch enemy next to Tohru made him feel almost sick inside. As if it was a wrong pair. Worse, was the fact that he knew she had been very nervous before meeting Yuki. That's why she had been reading the same book over and over before Yuki had arrived.

He pounded the wall with his right fist before letting out a long breath. What was taking them so long? Should he go in and say he had to stay next to her as part of his job? Would she get annoyed by him if he did that?

He knew Yuki wouldn't actually hurt her, but what if someone else came and tried to kidnap her? It's not like Yuki's strong enough to fight back. He was way too girly.

He probably had never fought anyone in his entire life.

Kyo ran his fingers through his hair. It was always like this. Yuki had everything since the beginning. Simply because he was born inside a royal family. However, Kyo had always worked his entire life to gain his way up. He had hardly ever rested when he was a kid, and he had scars on his back and chest from the whip lashes his father had threatened him with. His guardian Shishou had taught him everything he knew, so he wanted to repay him by gaining enough money to form a dojo outside in Junishi. It was his dream. But he had to work for endlessly for it. If Prince Yuki wanted a dojo, he only had to say the word.

Kyo frowned. He didn't hate the Prince for having everything he wanted. It wasn't that. Hell he could hate Duke Shigure for that. He only hated Yuki, because he was constantly compared to him.

Coincidently Kyo had attended the same elementary as Yuki when Kyo's mother and father were nobles. When his mother saw Yuki she always doted on him praising Yuki for this and that…and when they went home she would often lock him up or yell at him for not being perfect like Yuki. Not having manners like Yuki. Not being as intelligent as Yuki, not being this or that…

After his mother and father had passed away in a fire, his martial arts teacher Shishou had took him in as his own. Shishou had never compared him to anyone else. He had always been enough for him. He admired Shishou so much, he was practically his real father in his mind. He was endlessly grateful for him.

However, Kyo had no idea why the hell Prince Yuki hated him just as equally. But he wasn't complaining because it gave him some sort of right to hate Yuki even more.

Kyo sighed and kicked the wall with his foot before turning and leaning against it with his back. He just wished Tohru wouldn't feel burdened by the marriage to Yuki. He knew how she got. He was after all constantly watching her. It was his job…

…

"Look Prince Yuki. Here's a white rose I grew." Tohru plucked a small rose gently off from its stem and handed it to Yuki for him to smell. "It has quite a lovely scent. I thought you would enjoy these the most."

Prince Yuki wafted the rose's scent in his hand and smiled gently. "Yes. It is quite nice…"

Tohru smiled at him. "Feel free to take some when you go back to Velspar. I can keep growing some until…our marriage." Tohru blushed and faltered her last words. It still felt strange and awkward to her.

Yuki stopped in his tracks and looked at Tohru. The two were now in the middle of the white rose garden. Princess Tohru seemed to be nervous. The faint blush in her cheeks matched the soft pink dress she wore that reached below her ankles.

"I've been meaning to ask you something." Yuki began. He had to tell her the truth.

"Yes?" Tohru looked up. She stopped fidgeting with her hands and tried to forget her nervous feelings.

"Yes." Yuki replied seriously. "Princess...what are your feelings for me?"

There was silence for a moment. Tohru's eyes grew wide as she took in his words, then even wider as she realized what he was saying.

"Feelings for you? I don't quite understa-."

"I mean, do you want to be married to me?"

There was another moment of silence as Tohru tried to formulate her feelings.

"Well.." Tohru hesitated. Why was someone's orange hair appearing in her mind? She began to feel a bit confused. She wasn't exactly sure how she felt about being married to Yuki. He was kind and a responsible man. However she had never considered the possibility of choosing who she would marry.

"I have a request actually.." Yuki went on. He took a breath.

"I would like to cancel this marriage."

Tohru blinked. The turn of events wasn't exactly what she had been expecting. "Call off the marriage?" She repeated. Then she finally understood. "You mean the entire treaty and proposal?!"

"Yes. Everything." Yuki said clearly. He felt very sorry even though he knew this was what was best for both of them. "You see…I don't have any feelings for you your highness."

He smiled sadly. "I want to be married to someone I love." It was a sad excuse, but he couldn't come up with anything better. He couldn't tell her the real reason.

Tohru made a small "o" with her mouth. She understood. Prince Yuki didn't love her.

"Ah…" Tohru started. Then suddenly tears were flowing and dropping in her hands. She felt so startled. Where had those tears come from?

"Princess?" Yuki gasped. He hadn't meant to hurt her feelings like this. He had assumed it was too early on for Princess Tohru to develop any feelings towards him. He had been so caught up thinking of how to stop Akito that he had forgotten that Princess Tohru might have taken it the wrong way.

"Haha" Tohru smiled weakly and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, it's fine really." However the tears wouldn't stop. "It's just that i…I um…" Tohru put her face in her hands and tried to hide her tears. "Sorry Prince Yuki, just hold on while I- I try to recover."

Yuki didn't know what to do. He had no idea how to comfort someone he had just rejected. "Princess.." He began reaching out towards her. Suddenly a pair of strong hands blocked him and took Tohru by the shoulders.

Yuki blinked and looked at the person in front of him in surprise. Kyo was grabbing Tohru by the shoulders and had his back towards Yuki.

"Leave. Prince Yuki." He growled.

Yuki blinked. He was about to retort something back when he heard a small sob escape from Tohru. His heart ached at the pain he was causing. Feeling that leaving was the best option he said "Princess, when you feel better please come talk to me again. I want to be more clear with you."

He waited for Tohru to reply, however she kept her head down and in her hands. Kyo turned his head slightly and glared at Yuki.

Yuki looked at Kyo for a long moment calculating the situation. He then gave in feeling it was right for him to leave. "Alright. Then I'll be going."

Yuki left, and finally Kyo and Tohru were left alone in the white rose garden.

Tohru sniffled a bit and whispered in her hands. "Did he leave?"

"Yes. What did Prince Yuki do to you?" His voice sounded icy cold.

Tohru shivered a bit, and finally took her hands away from her face wiping her eyes. "Nothing. He did nothing."

"Like hell he-, Princess you're obviously upset." Kyo's voice strained as he tried to look Tohru in the eyes.

"No. It wasn't him." Tohru whispered. "I think I was too overwhelmed. I never thought that we would possibly break off the marriage…"

"He broke off the marriage?" Kyo's eyes widened. "Prince Yuki did?"

"Yes." Tohru wiped the remainder of her tears and breathed deeply before giving Kyo a small sad smile.

Kyo accessed Tohru's expression for a moment. She looked so sad at the news of the marriage being called off. His heart felt heavy and dull as he asked her his next question.

"Did you want to marry him princess?"

Tohru blinked up at him. There was a pause. "Marry him?"

She thought for a moment. "I wanted to have peace with the Velspar kingdom, but I don't know if I would want to marry Prince Yuki…"

"Then why are you so sad?" Kyo asked.

"Ah, I think him suddenly calling off plans that I had thought out so much was just…quite sudden. And then he basically told me he didn't want me, so I felt overwhelmed and I…and I…" Tohru began to tear up again.

Kyo couldn't help it. He drew Tohru in closer to him and held her gently in his arms as she cried. He could feel some of her tears begin to moisten his white linen shirt. Part of him was pissed at Yuki for making Tohru cry like this. Another part was hurt because the reason she was crying was because she felt rejected. And finally he felt a bit…relieved. Relieved that she hadn't fallen in love with Yuki.

As she slowly calmed down Kyo rubbed her shoulders a bit. "You gunna be ok?"

Tohru nodded and looked up at Kyo. Her eyes were a bit red, but she wore a bright smile for him. "Yea, thank you Kyo-kun." She smiled softly.

Kyo looked at her. He could see the tears lining her eyes as well as her wet lashes. He could see her soft parted lips as she smiled, and the faint blush in her cheeks. He could see her brown hair swirling around her face, a bit messy from huddling against his chest. He didn't realize it, but he was slowly leaning in a bit closer to her. He wanted to be a bit closer to her. Just a bit.

As gentle as a touch, Kyo touched his forehead against Tohru's. The two stayed still for a moment. They calmly listened to the night, breathing in each other's breaths and feeling their heart beats.

Kyo closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. "Yea…I'm glad it's over though."

"Kyo-kun?"

Tohru's voice suddenly reminded Kyo of his priorities. He blinked rapidly and quickly pulled free. He managed to bow low and felt a blush immediately creep up to his face.

What had he been doing? With the princess?

"I'm sorry your highness forgive me." He stammered. He felt so disoriented. So humanlike. So nervous.

Tohru felt stunned. She didn't quite know what to do.

"It's alright." She felt a blush on her face as well, but it was the most she had ever felt in her life.

Kyo quickly turned away from her. "I'll stand guard near the gate." He threw out, his words almost too quickly. He then walked away and out of sight feeling his chest with his hand. What in the world had he been thinking?

Tohru's tears had all dried up, but now her face felt so hot. She slowly brought her hands towards her face and felt her cheeks. They were warm. She replayed the image of Kyo's forehead against hers and felt the beating of her heart quicken. The turn of events left her feeling even more confused than before.

…