So, here is the short chapter I mentioned in the last chapter. I've been procrastinating on my school work and this is the result. Now I will go into hibernation. See you all in December. Ciao.
These past few days, I let Kaoru disappear to wherever he wants to. We still haven't spend time with each other, but I didn't mind that much anymore. I knew that he was in better hands. Most of the time, I would stay in the library talking to Kousei while reviewing the things that a king needs to know to rule a great kingdom. Since I had the determination to be the best the world's ever seen, I continued studying without many breaks.
Kaoru still kept his distance away from me which continued to hurt inside. Still, I ignored his missing presence and focused on what I'm doing for him. Doing this was the least I can do. Once I had the power and authority to change this kingdom, I will being able to make him happy. He was the most important person in my life, so I'll let him focus on his own happiness.
After what happened in the market, Kousei didn't ask why I left early or why I didn't pick up the ring. I was glad he didn't ask, but I kind of expected him not to say anything. Kousei seemed like the type of person to wait for someone to tell him rather than ask. Even when I suddenly had the interest to study again, he simply smiled then helped me with what I needed. I couldn't wait to appoint him as my advisor and get rid of all the other ones. That's the first thing I'm doing as king.
Today was the day of the wedding, and I was in my room letting some royal designers help me with my outfit. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I wanted to sigh at how white it was. The color was much too bright for my liking, but I tried not to complain. I liked the design, but the bright white color was burning my eyes if it was in the light. It also made it hard to see the fine detail in the clothing. Still, I didn't say anything. I knew that if I had nothing nice to say, it was better left not said.
In a few moments, I heard the door of my bedroom being open. I looked to the side and saw my brother walk in with a small smile. Kaoru looked stunning in his gold general outfit and white pants. When I looked at his hair, I noticed a thick strand sticking out to the side. I held back a soft chuckle knowing that he must have skipped combing his hair. He always did that as a kid.
Once I dismissed the designers he walked over to my side. He held my hand then looked into my eyes while I did the same to him. His eyes told me that he was happy to see me. I only hoped that he could see that in me as well.
"You ready?"
I opened my mouth to say something, then let out a chuckle instead of words. His bed hair up close looked comical up close. It was a bit difficult to talk one on one with him. Even so, I manage to say my response in an even tone.
"Not really to be honest."
When he ruffled my hair, my body instantly relaxed from his touch. I was going to miss this.
"Don't be nervous alright? Today is going to be the happiest day of your life, so show me a smile now."
A side of me wanted to tell him that it wasn't, and that the only way it would be the happiest day of my life is if he married me. But instead, I obeyed his order by giving him a bright smile. It wasn't as cheerful as I wanted it to be, but he accepted it either way.
"Remember though, I'll always be by your side, even when I'm truly gone."
I frowned when I heard him say that. It made me think that he was going to run away with Kyoya. That meant I would never see him again. If he was planning on doing that, then I wouldn't be able to stop him.
"You're leaving me?"
Kaoru shrugged his shoulders which only made me worry even more. It's as if he was disappearing right before my eyes and that if I reached out, all I would touch is air.
"We may never know what will turn up at the next minute. I'm just telling you now though to be strong no matter how hard things will be. You're going to be a great king someday."
I kept frowning since his response didn't make me feel any better. He pushed my lips into a smile with his own fingers.
"Do I need to tickle you a bunch now?"
"Maybe."
I actually wanted him to tickle me, only cause it would remind me of the times we used to had. A time where we were in our world, just the two of us. But now, my brother has left our world to be in another. Leaving me behind in the place we created together.
In response to my maybe, Kaoru chuckled at me then gently kissed my forehead.
"I'm sorry for making you worry just before your wedding. Just go out there and have fun, yes?"
His change of attitude made me chuckle. What made me really happy was the kiss he placed on my forehead. It surprised me at first, but I didn't care why he did it. I'm only glad that he did.
"I'll try."
"That's the spirit, now let's go. Your princess awaits."
He hooked his arm with mine then guided me out of the door and into the east garden where the maze was. Before I went to the alter, Kaoru wished me good luck then left me where I was. A small part of me wanted to go after him, but I bit my lip and stood their waiting for the princess.
A few minutes later, the trumpet roared, and all of the people present turned around to see Princess Haruhi dressed in white with her father walking her down the aisle. I smiled a little, but felt bad that her real lover isn't the one that's going to be marrying her right now. Still, she mentioned a few days ago that he was alright with the marriage since her heart only belong to him.
When Haruhi stood right by me, the priest started to give his long speech to bind us together in matrimony. As he continued talking on and on, I felt like leaving the alter to find Kaoru, but I kept reminding myself that this was for him. Even though I want him to be beside me and not a princess, his heart doesn't belong to me. I bit my lip and kept saying that I've already decided to let him be happy with Kyoya but my mind kept bugging me.
It seems that my mind and heart were still in turmoil, but there was nothing I can do now. I was already up on the stage, ready to say the words to unite our kingdoms by marriage. Kaoru probably wanted this for me anyway, so I will grant his wish and do what needs to be done.
"Prince Hikaru, do you take Princess Haruhi as your wife?"
"I do."
I said that without hesitation as I turned to Haruhi with a small smile. We both looked at each other for a moment and saw friendship and understanding swirling in her eyes. Even though we both don't want to do this, we our bound by duty to do what's best for the kingdom. I was also intent on becoming king for Kaoru's sake.
"Princess Haruhi, do you take Prince Hikaru as your husband?"
"I do."
"You may now kiss the bride."
I removed the veil from Haruhi's face then leaned into her face for our first and last kiss. When our lips were about to touch, I closed my eyes and imagine that it was Kaoru I was kissing and not Haruhi. That right now I was beside my brother, and nothing in the world could hurt us.
However, as soon as I opened my eyes, the crowd applauded and reality crashed in. I was now King of this kingdom, and a heavy burden had been placed on my shoulders. Everyone will now focus their attention to me as their new King and expect me to be a fine one. As much as I wanted to change this situation, I couldn't since this happened by my choice.
