Royal Affair

by Quiet Intensity

Queen Yuuki Kuran is the country's treasure. Her grace and beauty is beyond compare – but unfortunately for her, she can never match the King's desires. The court grows weary expecting an heir, oblivious to the fact that the Queen has already been seized by her beloved Knight. AU. Human. Yume. OOC.

10. Greed

A/N: I'M SUPPOSED TO BE WRITING A 10-PAGE ESSAY RIGHT NOW but I just had to get this chapter out for you!

First of all – 14-ish reviews!? You guys are insane and I love it! You have no idea how much it means to me when I see a new review tick in my mail. Whether you're a guest or a seasoned reviewer, I thank you so much because you make my day. I'm not gonna rant too much about life, but let's just say a girl can't catch a damn break and it's been rough. Getting such lovely feedback on a story I put my heart into means so, so, so much to me. (That being said, do y'all think we can make it to 100 reviews by the end of the story!?)

Apologies for the delay in posting this chapter. Exam season is upon me, and I've already finished two. Posting this massssiiiveee chapter in hopes that it will tide you over until I can write again when I'm finished with school and vacay. Reviews in my inbox will serve as maaajor motivation… just sayin….

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Chapter 10: Greed

Alone in front of the palace he stood.

So quiet.

Minutes before, the grounds had been filled with voices; laughter, cries; joy and exhilaration. But then – sudden panic.

And then nothing but mind-numbing silence.

In the distance, palace workers scurried along as they worked on cleaning up the grounds. He was aware of them, but they didn't matter – he couldn't distract himself from the empty feeling inside him that bore through his chest, snaring itself around his lungs to the point where it hurt to breathe.

Among scattered blossoms and rice, something shimmered on the ground, catching his eye.

He bent down in a daze and retrieved it; he stared numbly at the object, not being able to fully process what it was.

"Thank you for cleaning up this mess!"

His comrade turned towards him, green eyes immediately sailing towards the shimmery object in his hand.

Those green eyes softened in understanding as they often did, unbeknownst to the silent knight.

"Kaname," Ichijou said, carefully putting an arm on his shoulder. "Everything will be all right."

The feel of Yuuki slipping through his arms, dragged away from him… The redness of her cheeks, the exhaustion in her eyes…

Her whispered words.

"…Let me go for now, yes?"

"Jouusama…"

"Always."

Always.

She was meant to be next to him always. He was meant to return to her always.

Then why were they separated so cruelly again?

He clenched the hairpin in his hand. The gift he'd given her – the symbol of their secret relationship and the hidden love he harbored for his one and only queen.

"I think it's time we get your wound checked out," Ichijou added, mindful of his friend's troubled mind. "You did a good job in tending to it, but I think we should have some of the physicians look over it, ne?"

Kaname blinked, eyes locked on the hairpin. He needed to give it to her; he needed to see her again and make sure she was okay and that she would survive; he needed to put the pin in her hair so he could see her smile lovingly at him; he needed to kiss her lips to feel the softness of her lips-

"You'll see her again," Ichijou whispered.

At that, he turned, tearing his eyes away from the hairpin and towards his comrade.

"She'll be all right," Ichijou promised. "She's in the best of hands, you don't need to worry. She will recover as soon as possible, you know this."

Kaname nodded slowly, desperately latching onto his friend's words. Yes, she would be all right. Yes, she was under great care and would be healed in no time. Yes, she was stronger and fiercer than any other woman he knew.

Still he longed to see her again.

With an appreciate glance towards Ichijou, he let his friend steer him away from the palace grounds.

If he'd thought his army training had been hellish, then this was surely what hell truly felt like.

He paced in front of her door, unable to stand still. His mind raced in different directions; he thought about what ifs and whys – what if she wasn't getting any better? Why wouldn't they let him see her?

Three agonizing days it had been, and it seemed like his torture would never end.

Doctors came and went into her room; maids exited and entered at a rapid pace, doing their best to serve the Queen in her great time of need. And while he'd been ordered to rest due to his wound, he remained steadfast on his usual spot outside her door.

Desperation made men grow bolder.

Between the slamming of her door, he'd try to catch a glimpse of the inside. Many times he was tempted to rip up the door, but he was held back by the last straw of rationality he had left. They wouldn't let him in. They wouldn't let anyone that wasn't a doctor, maid or the king himself in. All access was strictly limited while the queen lay in bed with her fever.

Doctors shooed him away when he tried to ask, and the maids were too afraid and jittery to even look his way when he tried to speak to them.

Kaname felt trapped.

The woman he loved beyond anything in this world was on the other side of that damn door.

The woman he loved beyond anything in this world was severely ill.

And he couldn't cross that threshold. He wasn't allowed to cross it; to be with her and soothe her; comfort her and care for her in her weakest moments. What kind of sick, twisted universe was he living in?

For every minute that passed, a beast grew inside of him. He felt it roar to life in his veins; he could hear it whisper in his thoughts as his anger and frustration intensified. He did not know what to name it yet, but he knew it wasn't long before the beast would claim complete control of him.

"…won't be long now, I assure you. She is stronger than she looks like."

Kaname and Ichijou perked at the sound of the voice as a man stepped through the door, followed by the king.

The knights bowed in respect, one bowing more stiffly and unwillingly than the other.

"Good." The king replied curtly, closing the door behind him. Heterochromatic eyes cast a quick glance at Kaname before returning to the doctor.

"Thank you for your efforts, Kaien. Without you, her road to recovery would be longer. I am glad that it isn't as serious as we'd thought."

Some of the tension in Kaname's body melted away at his words.

"It was my honor to serve her," Kaien bowed respectfully.

The king turned towards him then.

"As soon as the queen has recovered, there will be a hearing about the events that occurred before and after the attack. You will be called in to testify."

Somehow, Rido's eyes – which had never been warm and inviting when he gazed upon his brother in the first place – had grown colder than Kaname could remember. It should've sent warning bells ringing in his body, but Kaname was far too distracted by the news of the queen's health to even care.

"Yes." He nodded tersely.

Rido gave him one last icy look before turning and walking down the hallway, locks of auburn fluttering after him.

The doctor regarded Kaname pensively.

"The queen's health has improved remarkably the past two years," the elder man noted, adjusting his glasses. "I believe I have you to thank for that."

Kaname cleared his throat. "I've only served my duty of protecting her health and welfare."

"Mmh," Kaien hummed. "Well, whatever it is you did, hadn't it been for you she wouldn't be doing so well today. She only caught a common cold, and while it knocked her out at first, she made a quick recovery and fought her way back to maximum health. Had this been years ago, she might've been conquered by the disease completely."

A lump formed in his throat immediately at the thought of Yuuki being weak and dying.

The image of her thin and frail body, the one he remembered from when he first started serving her years ago, lifeless on the floor manifested in his mind.

Though he knew it wasn't real, he felt his insides twist at even the notion of her dying.

"She only needs to rest for now, and she'll be fine," Kaien smiled, tipping his glasses.

"That's wonderful news," Kaname breathed.

"Indeed it is," Kaien smiled. His smile eased slowly as he continued. "She asked for you."

Kaname's heart dropped in his chest.

Try as he might, he couldn't properly decode the emotion that was in the elder man's eyes. Had they been discovered? Was this a subtle warning of the punishment that was to come? Was this the end?

"She's… alone now," Kaien murmured, turning away from the guards as he began walking down the hallway. "I sent all the maids away for the night for the sake of her rest. The doctors won't bother her either…"

And then he disappeared around the corner, a secretive smile curling around the corners of his mouth.

Kaname glanced between the hallway and the door, unsure of what to do. A part of him wanted to run after the doctor and demand he told him what he knew – after all, this was a very important threat to his royal affair with the quuen.

"She's alone now…"

But another part of him screamed at him to wrench open the door and see her again.

She was just within his reach, yet…

"Go."

He glanced over at his comrade in curiosity.

"I'll cover for you," the green-eyed blonde nodded his head towards the door in front of them. "I know your heart is on the other side of that door. Go."

Kaname blinked, heart racing at the prospect of seeing her again while worry crept up his spine over being discovered by Ichijou. "How did you know?"

Ichijou released a low chuckle as he crossed his arms. "I'm your best friend, Kaname – some might even say your only friend, ha – I could tell you were infatuated with her from the moment you saw her. It was only a matter of time before she gave in to you. Really, you weren't very discreet about it – the look in your eyes whenever you see her tells me everything I need to know. You're not as mysterious and cool as you thought you were."

Kaname shook his head, feeling both relief and embarrassment at the same time. He was embarrassed because Ichijou was right – when it came to Yuuki, all his defenses went down and he was reduced to nothing more than a lovesick puppy. But at the same time, it felt good to share his secret with someone other than Yuuki, and to receive the support of his comrade.

"I'm more perceptive than you think, hehe," Ichijou smirked. "And I know for a fact she's head over heels for you and dying to see you again."

Kaname put his hand on Ichijou's shoulder, squeezing the flesh in recognition.

"You're right – you are my only friend, Ichijou." He bowed. "Thank you."

Ichijou smiled brightly back at him, slapping his shoulder lightly. "You would do the same for me, hah! Now go, before you get too sappy with me and I lose all my respect for you."

Kaname chuckled as he grabbed the handle, turning one last time over his shoulder.

"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

---

His heart raced as he softly closed the door behind him. Turning, he could barely see the bed in the center of the room, covered with canopies. The room was shrouded in darkness except for a few lit candles placed strategically around the room, giving it a soft glow.

He felt nervous and jittery as he walked towards the bed he'd shared with her thousands of times before.

With shaking fingers he parted one side of the canopies, his eyes immediately landing on her form that lay twisted in between sheets and pillows.

His heart did a short gallop, before settling into a soft rhythm. A feeling of completion suddenly overwhelmed him; all his worries and tension melted away in an instant.

"Yuuki…" He whispered softly, lowering himself onto the bed next to her. Tenderly, his hand reached out and touched her forehead, feeling her skin blaze beneath his hand.

She turned towards the sound of his voice, her brows furrowing over closed eyes as she battled with the disease in her body. "Mmh…"

He leaned down, his forehead pressed against hers, feeling the heat of her skin transfer onto his. To see her again was the sweetest relief; ever since she collapsed in his arms, he'd been feeling restless and anxious – constantly yearning to see her again and assure himself she was alive and well.

Even if they said it was a common cold, or just a brief infection, he feared the worst and wouldn't rest until he saw her again in the flesh.

Seeing her in pain made his heart twist with grief; if he could, he would take it all away and absorb it into his own body, just to see her healthy and happy again.

"Open your eyes, Yuuki…" He whispered. "Just one time… please…"

He knew it was selfish; she needed all the rest she could get, but…

I have to look into your eyes again and know you're there. That you haven't left.

And then, as if a miracle occurred in the room they were in, she opened her eyes slowly, revealing the cinnamon orbs he loved so much. He watched every speckle of color in her eyes, memorizing each shade and pattern so he could replay it in his mind's memory.

Recognition dawned in her depths, and he felt sweet relief wash over him.

"Kaname…" She rasped, eyes searching his.

"There you are…" He said softly, caressing her cheek as he gazed into her eyes.

"How long…?" She questioned weakly, eyes widening as she registered the dark circles beneath his magnificent eyes. He looked worn; as if he'd just returned from war and the memories were constantly haunting him.

"Three days," he replied. "You were in and out of consciousness; the doctors tended to you. They wouldn't allow me to see you. I was so afraid…"

"I'm sorry…" She rasped, tears gathering in her eyes. "We were so happy back in that house and… suddenly I felt so tired… so, so tired… I didn't want to worry you."

"Don't ever do this to me again," he said, voice thick with emotion. "If you're feeling unwell anytime, tell me at once. Don't… don't scare me like this."

"I'm sorry, Kaname…" She whispered. "I'm so weak."

"It's fine," he said, stroking her cheek gently as he gazed into her hooded eyes.

"I…" He blinked, overwhelmed all of a sudden as he watched her flushed cheeks and the light sheen of sweat on her forehead.

"I missed you so much," he whispered, and as he said the words, he realized the gravity of them. It was absurd, really – he'd only went three days without seeing her, yet it felt like an eternity had passed since he'd last been able to gaze into her eyes. It was only three days – and in those three days, he'd done nothing but worry over her and yearn to see her again.

And then he wondered, if there ever were a time in which he couldn't see her again, how would he ever be able to survive? If, in the future, the king discovered them and they were forced to end their affair somehow, either by her being separated from him or him being sentenced for treason, how was he supposed to live on without her?

You are the love of my life, he thought, gazing into his favorite cinnamon orbs. I cannot let you go.

As if sensing his thoughts, Yuuki smiled weakly, reaching up a to touch his cheek tenderly, marveling at the softness of his skin and the structure of his solid jawbone.

"I missed you too," she confessed, obsessed with touching his face in order to make sure he was real. "Even when I wasn't sure if I was awake or not, all I could think of was you. I wanted to see you. I wanted… I wanted you to be there with me, and I couldn't understand why you weren't there…" She trailed off, brows furrowing before she smiled sadly. "Funny isn't it, how disease can weaken the mind? I know better than to demand you in here over the invisible threshold, yet my stubborn spirit could only think of you. I'm afraid I might've called your name…"

Kaname smiled, his hand covering hers on his cheek as he leaned into her touch. "It pleases me that would call for me at your weakest. If I could, I would've stayed by your side every hour the disease was plaguing you. Alas… my place is not beside you. Not over this invisible threshold."

"Yes, it is…" Yuuki rasped, her eyes brimming with sorrow. His eyes widened at her expression, jolted by her sudden change.

"What?"

"It is your place," she spoke with conviction. "Being next to me is where you belong, as I belong next to you. Don't forget that."

Kaname chuckled humorlessly. "Your fever has erased your sense of reality, I see. Have you forgotten that I am no more than a mere knight? As much as I yearn for it to be true, my place isn't next to you, but in your shadow only."

Yuuki's eyes hardened. "I appointed you as my king. Have you forgotten that?"

Kaname softened; his shoulders slumped as he stared into the hypnotizing eyes of his lover.

He often forgot that Yuuki was no ordinary woman. And as he looked at the determination in her eyes, and as he let himself get carried away by the note of authority in her voice, he remembered that she was indeed a Queen very much deserving of her title.

The Queen he served and loved.

The same Queen who called him her king.

"Of course, I did not forget such a momentous title being bestowed upon me," he spoke softly. "You have too much faith in me, Jouusama."

Yuuki shook her head, her eyes tracing the ceiling as she formulated her response, before returning to his gaze.

"I wish you'd see yourself the way I see you," she spoke softly, yet there was a powerful undertone in her voice. "As I lay here with fever, I did not call for you because you are my lover. I called for you because you are my protector. Because you make me feel safe just by being in the same room as me. I know that when I'm with you, I become invincible, and that power comes only from your protection and devotion."

She sat up slowly, cradling his face in her hands as she gazed into his eyes. Mesmerized, Kaname held his breath, hanging onto her every word as if she was bestowing a royal command.

"A true king protects his queen, because he knows she is every bit as important as him. He discards any notion of superficial pride and social hierarchy. A true king sees the queen as his equal, and in turn, the queen does her best to serve him and the nation. Together," she released one side of his face, searching for his hand so she could entwine their fingers together, "they create a powerful monarchy that cannot be torn down by enemies. Together, they grow stronger."

There it was again. The image in his mind, of him and her, side by side while people cried and sang their praises. The image of him, dressed as a king, with Yuuki on his arm dressed in all her finery; the two of them – together – and stronger than ever before.

The image, no, the dream he shouldn't yearn for – the secret desire that nestled deeply in his heart and had remained in slumber for the longest of time until he had a taste of her.

The beast inside him grew stronger and stronger.

Kaname gazed into her eyes, and saw the belief in them. He saw how fiercely she believed in him and how viciously she fought for him to stay by her side. He saw love, pure and genuine, reflected in her depths and directed at him and him alone.

It made him almost believe he could be the King she deserved.

He closed his eyes, resting his forehead against hers.

"When you say such things, Yuuki…" He inhaled and exhaled. "It makes me desire…"

"What do you desire, Kaname?" She spoke amorously, garnet hues scanning his face.

"More," he rasped, opening his eyes and unleashing the intensity of his depths on her.

A light blush spread on her cheeks; she had never seen Kaname so fierce before – the hungry glint in his eyes was unlike any other emotion she'd seen before. It was the Warrior inside him – not the gentle knight that would visit her at night – but the vicious conqueror that thrived off bloodshed and power who spoke those words. Who desired to overthrow his half-brother and claim her as his wife.

She loved this side of him also, more than she'd realized.

"Then take it," she rasped, cheeks aflame as she felt her breathing pick up.

He inhaled and exhaled, garnet hues scanning her flushed face and debating on whether it was because of her illness or actual lust that reigned through her body. Of course, he'd always known that Yuuki was unhappy with her marriage – after all, she was having an affair with her husband's brother, and furthermore it did not take a trained eye to see why she wasn't head over heels for her husband – but to have her even hint at him replacing his brother on the throne made strange emotion overwhelm him. He couldn't decide if it was shock or relief, and the notion baffled him.

What he saw in her eyes wasn't only conviction and love, but it was desire. She desired him not only as her lover, but as her partner – as her king, the one next to her on the throne. And the fact that she wanted him in such a way made pride soar through his bones.

Wouldn't life be so much betterif he were king? Didn't he have royal blood in his veins too? The Queen loved him endlessly, it was clear as day to anyone passing by, so why couldn't he marry her and give her children?

There was a hunger in him, and it was growing more and more vicious as the days passed.

And Yuuki knew just how to entice him.

He panted against her lips, almost speechless. He was so conflicted; yes, he desired the throne and Yuuki as his wife – he couldn't deny that anymore. But how could he get there without killing Rido? How could he do such a thing to his half-brother?

And the question that plagued him the most; what if he became king and ended up like Rido? What if he began beating Yuuki and mistreating his servants and power? Could he live with himself if he did so?

He closed his eyes and kissed her forehead, letting his lips brush against her heated skin.

"Thank you, Yuuki, for believing in me," he said, tipping back her head so he could look into her eyes.

She was not pleased with his reply, he could tell. A small pout formed on her lips as he brows furrowed.

She looks cute when she's determined.

"It's no use if you don't believe in yourself," she huffed, clearly annoyed by how he'd changed the subject.

"You have so much belief in me that you can believe in me for the both of us," he chuckled.

She huffed, turning her head away. He could only smile endearingly at her; it warmed his heart that she believed in him so fiercely – after all, no one had believed in him since his parents lived years ago – and while he was still not ready to deal with the repercussions of her demands, he still couldn't help but feel his heart swell with love for her.

He kissed her cheek, making sure that his kiss was extra sloppy and wet.

Her face remained turned away as he chuckled, placing butterfly kisses all over her cheeks and below her chin.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her fighting back a smile, her lips quivering against her will.

"It seems you no longer require my presence," he announced, pulling back from her. "I shall leave you to your rest so you may recover fully, Jouusama."

Her hand clutched his arm only seconds after he stood up to leave. With his back turned to her, he smirked at her hunger for affection.

"Don't go," Yuuki pouted.

"And why not?" He teased, knowing full well that was not the answer she'd expected.

"Because I need you here," she answered truthfully, tugging at his arm. She raised herself up on her knees, launching her arms around his waist and hugging him from behind. "And besides, I'm still not 100% recovered. What if I die tonight without your knowledge? Could you live with yourself knowing that I died from a cold just because you left?"

"Do not joke so lightly about your life being at risk, Yuuki," he chided gently.

"Don't make me joke about my life being at risk by being so stubborn"

"Must you use me as an excuse for your strange behavior?"

"I'll use any excuse I need in order to make you stay by my side."

He chuckled at her stubbornness, turning around in her embrace and gazing down at her.

"Troublesome girl… What would my life be without you?" He wondered out loud as he gestured for her to lie down again.

Positive that he'd comply with her request and stay, she laid down and waited for him to join her. "Terribly boring," she smirked, earning a laugh from him as he settled down. "No rescue missions and dramatic assassination attempts; no salacious affair to keep you on your toes…"

"Mmh, I look forward to resuming this… salacious affair when you make a full recovery," he hummed, nuzzling her nose with his.

"Who says a full recovery is necessary?" She purred, sliding her hand down his chest. "Perhaps what I needed all along was special attention from my knight… To make a full recovery…"

He sighed. "You will be the death of me."

"Oh no, I'd rather you live forever by my side," she smirked, nuzzling his nose.

Kaname sighed happily, unable to fight the smile that had decided to become permanent on his face. She was here, right in front of him, as silly and witty as he'd remembered – as seductive and fierce as he recalled. And that was all he needed to feel calm again.

He cupped her face, slowly leaning in. "I love you," he whispered, pouring his emotions into his kiss.

"I love you too," she smiled, kissing him again before nuzzling into him.

Her heart beating next to his was all he ever needed. As she slept through the night, her arm slung around his chest and her legs tangled with his, he couldn't help but think of their promise to each other.

Always.

Unknowingly to the two of them, the word had become their promise to each other. They would always love each other, and they would always be next to each other.

And it felt so right.

Later in the morning, Yuuki awoke alone in her bed, his scent lingering in the sheets. Immediately, sadness claimed her weary heart as she wished she could see him again. He always had to leave; he always had to hide away before someone could discover them. That's how it was.

Weakly, she sat up in her bed, emptily staring at her room. Her eyes glanced at the small table next to her bed.

Tears shimmered in her eyes as she recognised his hairpin laying there. He'd brought it back to her.

She grabbed the hairpin and held it against her heart, closing her eyes as she smiled.

Even if he wasn't with her physically, he always found a way to be with her in her darkest moments. Always.

---

Two days later, Queen Yuuki Kuran recovered from her illness like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Dressed in all her finery – a new scarlet gown, specially tailored for her – jewels glittering on her wrists and in her ears, she sparkled as if she'd never been ill a day before in her life.

Fresh-faced, she arrived in the hallway outside her chambers, maids scurrying around her and fixing her dress. Cold eyes glanced at the two guards bowing in front of her, and she offered them a curt nod in response.

She looked absolutely stunning. Her posture and face exuded grace from miles away; the jewels and intricate details of her dress further emphasized her status as a full-fledged queen.

Kaname licked his lips unconsciously.

He wanted to kiss her so badly.

She regarded him with minimal interest, her eyes cold and lacking the usual warmth she reserved for him when they were in private.

"Jouusama, you look wonderful," Ichijou smiled, looking her up and down.

"Thank you," she replied quietly, not letting any emotion slip through. She turned towards the maids who were fixing her skirts and adjusting details.

"If there is no more work to be done, you may be dismissed for the day."

"Hai, Jouusama," they blushed, scurrying off under her watchful eyes.

As soon as they were gone, she turned towards the silent guards and regarded them.

"Shall we?" She inquired, motioning for them to follow her.

Not waiting for a verbal response, she turned and walked gracefully down the hallway, her skirts flaring behind her beautifully; gone was the weakened woman from days before – the Queen was back in full health and she had every intention of showing it to the world.

As Kaname walked behind her, his eyes remained locked on the back of her head, following the loose curls that streamed down her back to her waist. The skirt of her dress touched the floor, sliding gracefully along the marble as she walked with her shoulders straight and her chin raised.

Yuuki was indeed a Queen in all her right.

And though he'd seen her step into her role countless of times before, he couldn't help but feel somewhat intimidated by it now. After having been so free and open with her when they were away; after witnessing her at her weakest and being intimate with her more times than he could count, he couldn't help but feel that the Yuuki who walked ahead of him was a mere ghost of the woman he loved. It was like she disappeared into herself and became a mere shadow; the world saw only Queen Yuuki Kuran, mother of their country and royal consort – not the caring and loving woman who held him tightly in her arms when he'd awoken from his nightmare – nor the woman that quivered with pleasure under her knight's touch.

It felt like the distance between them was back again, even after they'd broken down so many walls. He understood she had to act her part – and he'd been a part of it for long, playing his own as silent knight and protector – but now, in light of their declaration of love towards each other, it felt wrong.

It just didn't seem right for her to walk ahead of him. He should be walking next to her, hand in hand.

Unbeknownst to him, his legs sped up as he walked, and soon he was way ahead of the proper distance that was custom to keep from the queen.

Ichijou's gentle hand on his shoulder made him wake up from his trance; his green eyed friend gave him a meaningful look as he gestured towards the monarch walking ahead of them.

Kaname didn't need words to understand what he'd done.

In a moment of forgetfulness, he'd trespassed the required space between him and the queen. As her servant and protector, he was lower than her in status, and therefore he was required to keep his distance from the queen and king to show respect.

Inside him, the nameless beast grew stronger still.

---

The grand hall was filled with council members and nobles, all of them immediately bowing as the queen entered the room. Watchful eyes regarded the beautiful queen as she curtsied and made her presence known. Yuuki handled it with such grace that many found it hard to believe she'd been bedridden days ago.

Once the formalities were over, Yuuki was questioned first. Kaname stood by the wall and awaited his call, his eyes locked in front of him despite the urge to look over at her.

"Details of your attack has surfaced, and while it is clear that you were targeted and barely escaped, the details surrounding the days after the attack remain unclear. The royal court wishes therefore to interrogate you in order to maintain a clear picture of the events that unfolded." Rido announced, his eyes locked on his petite wife where she bowed in front of him. "Do you swear to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"Hai, Ousama," Yuuki replied evenly, her eyes still locked on the floor in front of her where she kneeled.

"You may rise," Rido said, watching as she rose elegantly from her spot. He fought back a light smirk; he may not love his wife, but he did appreciate how perfectly she played her role in the palace. Yuuki was the epitome of grace and beauty, and had it been another life, he might've been happy to have her by his side.

But this was not such a life.

"Please share with the court what happened after you were attacked."

Yuuki's face betrayed nothing as she looked at the king and the court, her voice calm and even – carrying the perfect balance of authority and humility; she was neither too loud or too quiet; she was aware of the suspicion surrounding her, but she was always insistent on her own innocence.

"While visiting the orphanage, a man tried to assassin me with an arrow to the heart. However, the arrow missed me as my personal guard pushed me out of the way. The memories are hazy, but I could clearly see that the arrow had sliced his arm – luckily, it was a superficial wound and nothing serious."

The court nodded as she paused, gauging their reaction. She wanted so badly to turn around; to look at Kaname and bring him forth as the hero of the story and present him as such. He should be hailed for his efforts, not questioned by suspicious authorities.

Yuuki looked at her husband through renewed eyes; she could see clearly that the pending interrogation of Kaname thrilled him – her own interrogation was only done because it was a formality – but his was much severe, as he was not a monarch and a mere knight in their eyes with suspicious ties to the royal crown. In their eyes he was a potential criminal and traitor; it did not matter if his intentions were pure or his efforts were heroic – if the king labeled him a traitor, he had no way of defending himself.

Looking at Rido – how he seemed to sparkle from all his jewelry and finery where he sat on his throne – she couldn't help but feel that there was something wrong with the picture. In her mind's eye, she replaced the face of her husband to her lover's, and suddenly there was nothing wrong with the picture.

Kaname is the one who should be in that seat.

The thought entered and exited her mind quickly; she concealed any emotion in her eyes and posture as she continued her tale.

"Naturally, I was in a state of shock. Had it not been for the quick thinking of my knight, I would've stayed on the ground and done nothing to ensure my safety." She had to be careful with her words; too much praise directed at her knight would merit suspicion – still she felt that she owed Kaname to tell the truth, even if it was slightly condensed.

"Through my time as queen, I have never been subjected to the terror of an assassination before, and therefore I was quite overwhelmed when it happened." Yuuki lowered her eyes briefly. "The memories are vague, but what I do recall is the knight hauling me onto his horse and rushing away from the crowds. The ride from the orphanage and in the woods is something I have no recollection of; I do not remember how much time passed or how many miles we rode, and this is simply because of the state of shock I was in."

Some councilmen nodded in understanding, while others remained pensive as they watched her. Most were impressed by her bravery; she spoke to the crowd with strength and conviction in her voice, full of pathos. When the queen spoke of her trauma, her eyes lowered briefly and she seemed to tremble; the council men found themselves feeling sympathy for the young queen – after all, she was just a woman, and women were fragile things.

But Yuuki Kuran was a woman who knew how to play the game; she'd mastered the many tools of her femininity at a young age, and she knew how to wield them. The slight quiver in her voice; the flickering eyes and the trembling lips – these were all well-rehearsed techniques she applied in order to gain the favor of her king and councilmen. Men in the palace did not respond well to strong women – she knew this well and served them the illusion of a weak woman who was easy to control and sympathize with.

Kaname peeked over at Yuuki, amazed by her performance. Once again he was reminded of the feelings he'd had earlier when they'd walked towards the great assembly hall; how the woman in front of him felt more like a stranger rather than the one he loved.

But at the same time he admired her; to ensure her survival in the palace, whether it was politically or in terms of her life, she had to play the part necessary in order to convince the officials. She would cry crocodile tears for days if she had to; and her beautiful mouth would spill the most wonderful lies in order to protect her secrets, one of which involved her affair with Kaname.

Cunning she was, Jouusama Yuuki.

And he loved that side of her too.

"We soon arrived at a broken down house; my knight explained to me that it had belonged to his late mother and that he knew the area personally and could better protect me there. I agreed to stay and we…"

Memories of their time together flashed in her mind; the fight they'd had, resulting in her crying on the floor over having hurt him; their reconciliation – how he cried in her arms and confessed that he loved her, thus coaxing her own overdue confession of undying love. The hours spent wrapped in each other's arms; laughing as they made food and played chess, teasing each other and kissing under the moonlight.

Just the two of us…

She cleared her throat. "We spent the next days awaiting the weather's condition. The knight thought it best to wait until the royal army had taken any lurking enemies. We decided that if we hadn't been discovered within three days, we would make our return to the palace."

I was so happy.

Rido nodded after she finished. "Upon your arrival to the palace, you fell ill. Were you not taken properly care of during your stay at the house?"

Kaname's hands kneading her soft flesh; the sound of water splashing onto the floor; heat enveloping the two of them as they kissed like no tomorrow; her own moans echoing off the walls…

"I was taken very good care of." It wasn't a lie, but it felt like one. She had to bite her tongue in order not to smile cheekily; if only the old men in front of her knew the things their trusted knight had done to their queen…

"As the royal physician explained to me, the combination of the shock and the low temperature outside was too much for my immune system to handle. Luckily it was just a mild case of the cold."

"I see," Rido nodded. "You have completed your interrogation gracefully and provided us with great insight to the events that occurred. Thank you for your bravery." He gestured to the seat next to him. "You may join me on your seat, Jouusama."

Yuuki bowed respectfully before mounting the raised podium. Next to Rido's throne, she sank to her knees on her designated seat, her red dress flaring around her beautifully. As her husband cleared his throat, her eyes sailed over Kaname briefly before turning to the floor.

"Jouusama's guard may come forward," Rido announced, his heterochromatic eyes on him.

All eyes were on Kaname as he stepped forward to the spot the queen had previously occupied; he lowered his head in a bow.

"You have been brought in for questioning related to the attack that occurred a week ago. Do you swear to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth?"

"Yes, your highness."

"Was it your intention to abduct the Queen and keep her for yourself?"

"No." He answered steadily, ignoring how the accusation made him feel like some lowlife criminal. "I acted in the moment and did the only thing that seemed rational; I knew we were outnumbered, and that the airborne attacks would continue. My only solution was bringing her highness as far away from the danger as possible, your highness."

The King narrowed his eyes.

"And why did you not return to the palace right away?"

"I assumed the attackers would continue pursuing us for a while," he replied evenly, "I therefore thought it best to stay in safety before attempting a return to the royal palace. Furthermore, the weather was another factor that affected my decision to stay, your highness."

"This… house you brought the Queen to…" Rido trailed off, a vicious glint in his eyes as he watched Kaname. "How did you know of it, again?"

Kaname's fists tightened at his sides; still his face betrayed nothing as he replied.

"It was a house the late King used to frequent often. I knew of its location because I was raised there, your highness."

"Ahh," Rido nodded slowly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Yes, of course. It was the house the late King bestowed upon your mother, the concubine, yes…"

Murmurs erupted in the court room; next to the king, Yuuki stiffened slightly, eyes flickering between the court and Kaname. She was good at hiding her emotions, but Kaname could still see the hint of worry laced in her eyes.

Do not worry about me, my love.

If he could just run over to her now…

"That is correct, your highness." He nodded, keeping his eyes on the king.

"Now," Rido said, raising his voice as he narrowed his eyes. "I find it very odd that the location of your family home would be so strikingly close to the location of the attack. I don't want to raise any unnecessary suspicion, but you must admit that sure is a strange coincidence?"

"Yes," Kaname agreed, "it is indeed a coincidence of st-"

"And," Rido cut him off, "I do think it's strange how the Shirabuki clansmen knew of the Queen's location and were able to launch the attack. Did you not send your men to protect the outskirts of the village?"

Kaname's fists tightened at his sides.

"I did, your highness, but the attack wa-"

"Are you not ranked the number one knight in the country? Did you not serve the country with your own hands and blood?" Rido wondered out loud. "Has your sacrifices for the crown made you grow resentful towards your country and its people?"

Murmurs erupted in the room; gasps and whispered words collided in a cacophony of sounds.

Under the scrutiny of so many distrustful eyes, Kaname felt himself waver. Suddenly he felt incredibly small compared to everyone else; fear laced through his being as he thought of the endless outcomes that might've arouse from the King's accusations. In the eyes of the court, he looked guilty, and he was easily replaceable. No one knew of the queen's attachment to him and the love they shared; to them he was just a tool, a protector, someone that could easily be replaced time and time again.

"Perhaps," Rido continued, a glint in his heterochromatic eyes as his voice rose in volume, "you aided the Shirabuki clansmen in an attempt to smite me and weaken my position as king? You, my bastard half-brother, you have a whore's blood running in your veins – greed should come easily to you!"

The tension in the courtroom rose, rapid whispers being exchanged between the baffled councilmen. There was an undeniable excitement in the air; never had the king publicly addressed Kaname as his brother, and never had a king accused a relative, bastard or not, for treason. The king seemed rather unhinged to many; and some even suspected he found enjoyment in making his half-brother a scapegoat, while others believed solely in their beloved monarch when he accused his half-brother of such a heinous crime.

It was a divided royal court.

And Kaname knew the only way of defending himself was giving in.

His knees ached as he fell to the floor, but it was not from the impact they ached but the sheer act in itself. He had to kneel before the king and his court to prove his innocence, and the notion stung harsher than any wound he'd ever obtained before.

"Your highness, you have ev-"

"I believe it is time I say something."

The court quieted instantly upon hearing the soft feminine voice speak up.

All eyes turned towards the queen, who had risen from her spot on the floor.

Kaname's eyes remained locked on the floor in front of him as his mind worked overtime to catch up with the current events. He didn't dare to look up and confirm that Yuuki had went against the king in public. No, no, no, this is bad...

Yuuki's eyes were filled with grief as she eyed her kneeling lover on the floor. She turned towards the livid eyes of her husband, steeling herself.

She just couldn't take it anymore. Watching Kaname be humiliated in front of the court as Rido threw accusation after accusation at him… something had snapped inside of her, and before she knew what she was doing, she was on her feet and the words had already left her mouth.

And now, she needed to finish what she'd started.

"Ousama," she began softly. "I understand your reasoning for questioning the knight and his intentions. The circumstances surrounding the attack are difficult to grasp in hindsight, and while it is easy to get lost in between rumors and warped versions of reality, I ask that you judge fairly and just. As your queen, my powers are limited, but my voice still stands strong in cases such as this. I choose to exercise my right as queen to speak on behalf of the man on trial."

Once again, the courtroom erupted in whispers and shocked gasps – and really, they were justified. It was unheard of for a queen to speak against the king in any case. While Yuuki was right about the queen's voice being one of importance on paper, it was never really executed in real life. Potential queens were raised to remain quiet and loyal by their husband's side, even if they disagreed deeply. In the eyes of many, a queen was no more than a tool to secure the future of the crown, and never someone of political power.

Yuuki bravely held eye contact with the livid stare of her husband.

"Do continue, Jouusama," he said tersely, gesturing stiffly with his hand.

Yuuki turned towards the councilmembers, raising her chin as she challenged them with her regal stare. "This man is the sole reason I am standing here today. Had it not been for his courage and bravery, the arrow would've hit my heart and I would've died in that village. And this was not the first time. He has saved me and protected me countless of times over the past few years, and there is no one more I trust with my life than he. I am aware that masters shall not form attachment to their servants, but I stand before you willingly admitting that I am most grateful and in great debt to this man before you. He has done his outmost to serve the crown in the most trying of times, and he has never expressed any desire to be showed gratitude or honor. I, Queen Yuuki Kuran, vouch wholeheartedly for this man's innocence solely based on the loyalty he has shown me and the king throughout the years."

"And what if all of that was just an act to get you to trust him?"

Asato Ichijou stood up from his seat, green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Yuuki regarded him coolly, never once showing any sign of weakness. "Then he is an excellent actor as he is a skilled warrior. I understand the suspicion that has been raised, but I stand true to my words from before. Furthermore, imagine the outcome of my eventual death. Imagine the sadness our villagers would feel; imagine how it would be for them to see one of their own be slaughtered by the Shirabuki clan."

The crowd winced at the queen's harsh choice of words; it was uncommon for the queen to speak in any other tone that wasn't soft and polite.

"I do not use these words with ease," she said, addressing the room. "The Shirabukis had one goal, and that was to murder me in cold blood in front of our own people. The arrow going through my heart was not only meant to harm me, but to harm our nation and our beloved king. Their actions were motivated by pure evil and they will not stop, but I am glad that the man before us could save me, and us, in time."

Yuuki turned towards Rido, bowing gracefully. "I hope you will take my words into consideration, Ousama."

The room quieted as she reclaimed her seat, nervous glances being exchanged as they waited for their king to speak.

Kaname hadn't been able to look up, but if he had, he was sure he would cry. His throat felt constricted as he fought to contain the emotion that swelled in his chest.

She stood up for me. She took my side in public, knowing how dangerous it is.

No one had ever stood up for him like that. No one had ever taken his side and believed in him wholeheartedly.

You already know how much I love you…

He could feel her gaze on him; he could only imagine the warmth in her cinnamon orbs drawing him in until he was lost in her embrace. He wanted nothing more than to run over and kiss her deeply; to show the world how much he worshipped the ground she walked on and called her name like a prayer absolving him of his sins.

But today, my love, you made me fall even harder for you.

"I have reached a verdict," Rido announced, his voice booming through the room and demanding absolute silence.

Kaname looked up at his half-brother, nervous tension running through his veins. He tried his best to read Rido, but his brother was a mystery wrapped in a concoction of paranoia and madness. His eyes shimmered with contained rage and profound glee, yet his posture suggested he was as calm as the ocean breeze.

"I have deci-"

Isaya Shouto came forward just as the King was about to speak, whispering in his ear. The room grew even more tense as councilmen and Kaname awaited the outcome of this new situation. Narrowed eyes studied the proximity of the councilmember and the king, pondering what could be said in hushed whispers.

Eventually, Isaya returned with a respectful bow, before slithering back to his place on the right side of the king.

Rido cleared his voice, once again demanding that the attention was brought back to him.

"You have been loyal in your service thus far and served the crown, and this will come to your advantage. However, due to the trauma surrounding the attack and the many rumors that are floating around, I deem it necessary to temporarily absolve you from your services to the queen. You may no longer serve as her exclusive guard, and will instead resume other tasks at the palace premises. This is my final order."

Murmurs erupted in the crowd as the King finished his order. Next to him, the queen stared blankly ahead, her face unreadable to the untrained eye. Inside, a tsunami of emotion was hitting her nervous system at full speed, and the only sign of her inner trauma was her knuckles turning white from how hard she clenched her hands.

"If no one has any interventions, I hereby declare this hearing over. You may all return to where you belong."

Every member in the room bowed in respect as Rido got up gracefully from his seat, exiting the room in a quick succession.

The queen watched as her lover was escorted away by the guards, her heart bleeding with longing and pain as she watched the back of his head.

The disgraced knight turned briefly over his shoulder, sending the queen a look full of longing and grief, before he was escorted out of the room.

And in the distance, unbeknownst to the two doomed lovers, a smirking shadow stood vigilant.

---

"The weather has been absolute gloomy lately. Is it perhaps because of your mood, Jouusama?"

Tearing away her somber eyes from the window, the queen could only blink stupidly at the smiling man.

"Hm?"

"As queen, you are powerful," the man continued, "but to be so powerful that you control the weather? Goodness, I have seen nothing like it before."

Yuuki chuckled quietly, her eyes returning to the gloomy landscape outside the window. The world outside was grey; grey clouds littered the sky, showering the grounds with rain. Everywhere she looked was drenched in sadness and melancholy.

It seemed like the heavens were weeping the tears she wasn't allowed to weep for her.

"Your health check-up is fine, and it seems like everything is back to normal," Kaien said, signing on the paper in front of him. Amber eyes traced the sad queen in front of him.

"Everything seems fine…. Physically."

Yuuki turned from the window, giving him a bleak smile.

"You always were perceptive, oji-sama."

"That I am," Kaien winked, adjusting his glasses. "It's part of the job as royal physician. The body cannot always be healed with herbs and mixtures; sometimes the wound is in the heart and mind, corrupting the rest of the body. As long as your soul is in distress, your body will follow its whims. So tell me, child, what is bothering you?"

Yuuki got down from her seat, gathering her skirts gracefully.

"There are some things even a skilled physician like yourself cannot fix," she smiled wistfully. "But I do appreciate your concern, dear uncle. You are one of my few allies in the palace, and I am always grateful for your guidance."

"No matter how eloquently you speak or how stunningly beautiful you become as queen, you'll always be my dear niece." Kaien smiled, petting her head gently.

Yuuki chuckled lightly, walking towards the door.

"Please take care of yourself, Jouusama," Kaien said, worriedly watching her back. "You have made great progress since that knight came into your life, and I'd hate to see that go now that you have been separated. Remember, you can always trust me. My brother and his niece were never kind to you, but you know I've always loved you as my own."

It was true. Before he was appointed royal physician, Kaien was her dearest uncle that had practically raised her as a child. Her parents were cunning and ambitious royalists who wanted nothing more but to extend their political power; Yuuki was no more than a tool to them in order to obtain power in the kingdom, and she rarely saw them growing up. Instead, they'd let her goofy uncle, her father's brother who could not care less about power struggles and wealth, watch over her while they focused their attention elsewhere. He left for the royal palace when Yuuki was ten years old, and she'd missed him dearly the remaining years she'd lived in her parents' estate.

Other than Kaname, there was no other person she trusted more in the world than Kaien.

"Actually…"

Kaien's ears perked at her voice.

Yuuki turned slowly by the door, her eyes searching his.

"I need you to find me the death records of a woman of the past."

"Who?"

"Akiyama Juuri. The late King's concubine."

---

Weeks passed.

Every day felt longer than the last one; he constantly wrestled with the concept of time as he paced relentlessly around the palace. The unease in his body grew the longer he was separated from her.

Rido's sentence had been harsh, but necessary. In a way, he understood his reasoning; the royals were often the subject of rumors, and with the attack and Kaname's affiliation to the king and queen, it was better to keep a low profile and avoid suspicion.

Though he'd been declared innocent, there were still whispers and murmurs that suggested he was complicit in the Shirabuki plot to kill the queen. Dissolving his services to the queen temporarily quelled such rumors.

But it was absolute torture.

Kaname hadn't realized how close he and Yuuki were in the daily life; his every moment in the palace had been spent next to her – first as a hesitant guard, then as a considerate and loyal friend, until finally he became her lover and made claim on her body, mind and soul. He was so used to just having her around that when she suddenly ceased to be within his immediate sight at a long period of time, he withered with longing and heartache.

Yuuki was his other half, he realized one day under the glaring sun. Without her, he was incomplete.

All hope was not lost, though. Sometimes in the hallways, he'd catch a glimpse of her as she walked past him. She would never look at him or acknowledge his greeting, and while it hurt to see her act her part, he knew it was only half the truth. Because as the queen passed him, her shoulders would lower momentarily, and her lower lip became victim of her gnawing teeth. Her brows, so perfectly groomed and shaped, would momentarily adopt a slight frown before easing back into their arched places.

He knew her better than anyone, and to his trained eyes she was like an open book.

She missed him too. Terribly.

She didn't have to voice her longing or seek him out with tear-filled eyes; he knew just by looking at her and the subtle signs that escaped the confines of her iron mask.

Kaname sighed, eyeing the royal gardens, imagining her.

He imagined how she'd walk among the roses and smile secretly, her dainty fingers reaching out and caressing crimson petals in awe. She was the most beautiful in those moments, he thought. When she was in her own world, unaware of his doting gaze, smiling happily at simple things like flowers.

That Yuuki was her truest form. The Yuuki that roamed the palace and barely smiled was just an act – none of it was real.

The worst part of their separation was, surprisingly, the loss of intimacy.

Before he ever touched her, before he even dared thinking she would want him back, he'd been dreaming and fantasizing about her. Back then, when he was clueless and afraid, he'd harbored secret thoughts that centered on the queen and her beguiling allure. Thoughts and fantasies he'd never even dared to hope would come to life.

And now that he'd had her; now that he'd felt the smoothness of her skin, and the strength of her thighs against his sides; now that he'd heard her melodic voice spill the sweetest cries and now that he'd witnessed her unravel and submit to him countless of times, he was growing more and more desperate to have her again.

Now that he'd had a taste of her, he didn't know how to go on without her.

He'd see her in the hallway next to her husband; he'd notice how her hair tumbled beautifully down her back and how her dress seemed to hug her in all the right places; and suddenly the beast inside of him awoke, demanding he steal her away and have his way with her. Mark her so no other man could ever touch her.

Seeing her with the king made his blood boil hotter than before, and he had no idea why his immunity towards the sight was weakening day by day.

All he knew was that she wasn't supposed to stand next to his brother. She didn't belong there.

The beast inside him grew stronger everyday, and he had yet to name it.

A high-pitched noise caught his attention, further angering the beast inside of him.

Of course, in his absence, there had to be a replacement.

Kaname grit his teeth unknowingly, his jaw clenching.

Aidou Hanabusa.

That bastard.

It was no secret that the young guard and the queen were close; from the very beginning, Kaname had been witness to several meetings between the two and how close they seemed to be when they interacted.

From the very beginning, he'd realized one very vital thing that most people might've missed:

The guard was in love with the queen.

As Kaname had watched silently from the sidelines, he'd studied the young guard closely. His body language changed whenever the queen was present, and his voice became softer and smoother. He'd reach over and cover the queen's hand with his, sighing with relief the moment his skin made contact with hers.

But the most obvious part was his eyes.

His eyes positively lit up when he gazed at the queen; Kaname could see the secret love sparkle deep within his blue depths from miles away.

And if the queen ever returned his feelings at one point, he had no idea, but it was clear as day that the young guard had been in love with the queen for a very long time, and would most likely continue to love her.

Things had changed since their initial meeting, but one thing remained the same; Kaname did not like Aidou, and the dislike seemed to be mutual, as he'd catch the boy glare at him from time to time when the queen was distracted.

But now, Kaname had found yet another reason to hate the arrogant fool.

"I'm just glad you're alive. Do you know how worried I was when I heard? And when I heard you fell ill when you came back!?"

A melodic chuckle filled the silence. "I'm sorry, Aidou. It was a tedious situation."

"Hah, tedious! It was a disaster! How could that guard of yours let that happen to you? Was he asleep the whole trip? I would never let something like that happen to you, your highness. I would put my life on the line no matter what."

Kaname's eyes narrowed as he watched the two walk down the path in the royal gardens.

Yuuki sighed. "It was not his fault. Ka- he saved my life and did his best to protect me. I'm alive because of him."

"Really?" Aidou said, coming to a halt. "Because what I hear is that he was involved in the attack and aided the Shirabukis in finding you. Don't you think that's suspicious? I'm just say-"

"He would never do such a thing." Yuuki said, her eyes hardening. "I know he wouldn't. He has proven many times that his loyalty is to me and only me."

Aidou released a sigh. "I just don't trust him. There's something off about him."

Yuuki's stern expression gave away as she chuckled lightly, reaching up on her toes and pinching his cheek. "You're just jealous because I spend so much time with him rather than you."

Hanabusa smiled sheepishly, a light blush tinting his cheeks. "You're so pretty when you smile, Jouusama. How can I not be jealous of a man that gets to see you daily?"

"I don't smile at just anyone," Yuuki muttered, still pinching his cheek lightly as she grinned. "My smile is reserved for a very limited amount of people. Lucky for you, you are one of them."

Jealous rage unfurled inside of Kaname, blazing through his veins to the point where all he could see was red. How dare he tell the queen her smile was pretty? How dare he touch her so casually? How dare he act so informally next to her?

It was supposed to be him next to her. The damn fool was lucky to merely breathe the air next to the queen; had it not been for his sentence, Kaname would've remained glued to her side for years to come, every hour of the day. He was the only one who was allowed to call her pretty; only he could touch her and only he could see her true self. She was his, damn it!

The sound of barking alerted his senses; Kaname couldn't help but grin wickedly as a plan to get rid of that pesky bug next to her formed in his mind.

---

"Woooooolves!"

The queen and her companion turned towards the yelling guard, their eyes wide.

"Say what…?" Aidou breathed.

"The woooolves are looosee!" The fair guard yelled, running towards them.

"You!" He barked, pointing at Aidou. "Run and get help – now!"

"N-now?" Aidou stuttered. "Wait, now hold on, you mean the royal wo-"

"Yes, damnit! Run! I'll take care of Jouusama, just run!" The green-eyed blonde huffed, ushering him away.

Aidou gave Yuuki one last hesitant glance before sprinting away, surprising the queen and the guard next to her with his speed.

Yuuki listened to the barking in the distance, craning her head as her brows furrowed. They definitely sounded like animals, but wolves?

"Care to explain?" Yuuki wondered.

"Ah, no can do, your highness," Ichijou wiped his forehead. They were next to the palace walls that connected the main palace to the garden area.

"Actually, there's a big bad wolf coming our way… right about now, so…" Ichijou patted her shoulder. "Gotta run! Bye!"

"Wha-"

Yuuki could barely finish her sentence before the eccentric young man had already run off into the woods.

"What on earth is going on?" She wondered out loud, scratching her head in wonder.

"Your highness, please come with me."

She gasped as an arm launched around her waist, pulling her into into a narrow alley between two of the gardening houses that belonged to the palace.

"What…?" She breathed.

"The royal wolves have been released…" Kaname breathed from behind her, an arm secured around her waist, holding her close. "It's imperative that I keep you out of their way."

"What? Are there trespassers in the royal garden?" She wondered out loud, her eyes wide and alert as she scanned the area.

"Yes…" He whispered in her ear as he breathed in her scent, holding her close.

The sound of paws tapping among the grass soon manifested. With her heart racing in her chest, the queen strained her neck, curiously trying to catch a glimpse of the ferocious wolves.

And, in due time, the beasts arrived, running straight past them.

"Those are just…" She frowned, eyeing the tiny, fluffy creatures. "Regular dogs…?"

"Really?" He whispered in her ear, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "I'm afraid I was mistaken, then…"

The curl of her lips happened instantly; no matter how hard she tried to school her features, she couldn't help but smile goofily at his silly tactics in finding ways to touch her and be close. "Wolf puppy…" She muttered, turning around in his embrace and wrapping her arms around his neck as she gazed up at him. Her smile dispersed as she gave in to the longing in her heart.

"I miss you," she breathed.

Kaname's smirk vanished; garnet hues shimmered with longing and sadness as he brushed her cheeks softly with his gloved hand. "I long for you everyday, my love."

She leaned into his touch, her hand covering his as she closed her eyes.

"I grow anxious waiting for your punishment to be over and done. I can't stand the distance between us; it's unbearable…"

"Soon," he said, kissing her forehead. "We'll be reunited soon, I promise."

Yuuki looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears; she memorized every pore on his face; the fine hairs of his thick brows and the narrowness of his straight nose; the sharpness of his jaw and the gentle tilt of his plump but narrow mouth.

Going days without seeing him was torture; she needed to get her fill of him now before reality came calling for them.

"I haven't gotten the chance to thank you," he whispered softly as he stroked her cheek.

"For what?" She wondered, obsessed with the sound of his voice and how it seemed to wrap itself around her, calming her.

"For defending me that day when I was on trial. For speaking up for me and taking my side. No one's… No one's ever done that for me. No one's ever… believed in me the way you do. So… thank you Yuuki, for always staying by my side even when you're not allowed."

Yuuki hugged him tightly, snuggling into his chest and inhaling his comforting masculine scent. "I knew it was dangerous, but I had to speak up. Before I knew it, I was on my feet and speaking. I just… I just couldn't stand the king disgracing you like that. I couldn't stand anyone thinking you are anything but a hero… Kaname, you are the reason I am alive today. You saved my life long before the attack."

He kissed the top of her head, filtering his fingers through her hair as he reminisced over its softness.

"I want to see you everyday. Going to bed alone feels so wrong; not seeing you on the other side of the door kills me. I grow more and more lonely as the days go by," she whispered. "So I don't mind when you use such silly excuses like this to see me; please, I beg you, do it more often," she giggled.

"You say you grow lonely, yet here you are laughing and smiling next to that brat." He huffed.

Yuuki leaned back from his embrace, her hands on his chest as she studied him.

"Do I sense some jealousy? She grinned.

"The only thing you sense is my pity towards that boy for thinking he stands a chance with you."

"Jealousy, then," she concluded, her grin widening. His heart melted at the sight.

He turned his head defiantly to the side. "To be jealous of such a fool? Hah. He thinks he can run around badmouthing me and sweep you off your feet, ye-"

"Don't you know?" Yuuki whispered, nuzzling his throat. "You are the only one for me. There is no other than can ever occupy the space you have taken in my heart."

She kissed his throat and neck, inhaling his scent. "Only you, Kaname, only you."

"Yuuki…" He whispered, unable to resist her allure as he leaned in for a kiss.

She put her finger on his lips, halting his movement. "But such silly excuses as royal wolves? My, you are not only jealous, but also desperate. How utterly, terribly, wonderfully cute of you." She teased.

"I was only looking out for your wellbeing, your highness." He claimed.

"You did a fine job in protecting me then," she hummed, her cheeks rosy. "What token of appreciation shall I bestow upon my knight? Tell me, what is your greatest wish? Whatever it is – as your queen I shall make it happen."

Kaname leaned down again and nuzzled her nose, his eyes warm and alluring as his breath softly fanned over her face. She melted in his proximity, forgetting all about time and space as his prominent beauty and glamor entranced her.

"A kiss," he breathed against her lips, closing in.

She was all too happy to comply with his request.

Just as their lips were about to descend upon another, the call of her companion interrupted them.

"Jouusama Yuuki! Where are you? Jouuuuusamaaaaaa?"

The lovers reluctantly retracted from each other; the queen sighing as she adjusted her dress and hid her disappointed look, unwilling to let him see her falter.

"Right here," she called, her tone dejected and cold, completely different from what it was mere moments ago when she teased her lover. Just as she was about to turn and walk away, her knight grabbed her wrist gently and held her back.

With her skirts billowing around her, the young queen turned in awe, beguiled by his glittering eyes.

"I shall reclaim my gift later…" He murmured, the walls of the castle casting shadows across his visage, giving him a nefarious allure.

Lost in his beauty, she breathed shakily. "Until then, I shall keep it safe…"

---

A few days later, King Rido Kuran announced that a ball would be held to celebrate of the queen surviving the attack and her following illness.

The palace bustled with life; maids and servants running from corner to corner, hanging up decorations and preparing the luxurious ballroom for the important guests that would soon arrive. In no time, the palace was decorated in beautiful flowers and paintings, while the most delicious foods in the kingdom made of the finest meat and harvest stood ready for the arriving nobles.

The guards were instructed on where to stand and how to act in the presence of nobles; security was the number one issue after the attack on the queen, and while it was important to take the most necessary security measures, it was also important that the guards remained in the shadows so the nobles wouldn't feel threatened by their presence.

One of those guards was Kaname.

After the king decided upon his punishment, he had been severely reduced in rank. Rido no longer requested his audience during meetings, and he was prohibited from being next to the queen. This left Kaname in a state of restlessness as his only job was to patrol the grounds and keep on the lookout for enemies.

Tonight was no different as he leaned against the pillar behind him, garnet eyes searching the elegant crowd.

There he was, once again in the shadows, reduced to no more than a tool that served the kingdom. Like the others, he'd been instructed to blend in with the crowd and stay silent should anyone prod after answers.

He was just an accessory; a necessary tool dusting off in the background while the nobles danced and enjoyed themselves.

In the shadows he lingered; and in the light was Yuuki – the love of his life, his secret lover – next to her husband in the middle of the room.

He couldn't keep his eyes off her.

And neither could the rest of the room.

She looked so radiant and beautiful as she politely smiled and laughed at silly nobles vying for her attention; indeed, the queen was a rare beauty in their kingdom and her looks never went unnoticed.

As Kaname's eyes swept over the guests, he couldn't help but notice how the eyes of the nobles rarely left the queen. Like him, they were infatuated with her – but where his attachment ran far deeper than lust, theirs was a superficial admiration that bloomed whenever she politely smiled and flipped her gorgeous hair.

The queen was alluring in every way, and it was hard for most people to resist her.

Young girls aspired to be like her one day, while men secretly envied the king for securing such a beautiful wife by his side.

Kaname felt temporary pride swell in his chest; that beautiful woman was his – mind, body and soul – and no one could ever take that from him. At night, she turned to him, and in the day, she longed for his kiss only. No one could ever hold her heart the way he did, and it soothed him temporarily as he watched her smile next to her husband.

"Ah, I wish they'd hurry up and secure heirs already," a noble woman spoke next to him, unaware of his keen ears listening in on the conversation.

"They look so good together, our King and Queen. And so in love! Look how she clings to him!" Another woman pointed out.

"Imagine how beautiful their children would be," the other woman mused. "Sadly, I hear the queen has had issues with her health and therefore conceiving an heir has been difficult. It must be awful for Ousama…"

"Ah, yes," the other woman nodded sadly. "He must feel terrible knowing she struggles so much with her health. I heard the royal cabinet tried to force him into a claiming a second bride, but he refused because he loves her so much. Isn't that wonderful?"

"Oh yes, it is… Despite their struggles, the king and queen's love remain strong and healthy."

Kaname felt sick to his stomach. Where pride had previously reigned, anger unfurled like wildfire in his veins. The words of the women repeated in his mind as he watched Rido lovingly gaze at Yuuki as she spoke to a noble.

He wanted so badly to open his mouth and speak the truth; he wanted to tell them that their lovable king beat her up so much she lost her health; he wanted to tell them how he blamed her for failing to "fix" him of his afflictions, and how he sought a male lover every night to sooth his worries.

The loving, doting couple in front of them was no more than a mirage; a lie; an illusion – there was nothing real about the way Rido smiled at Yuuki or how Yuuki gushed over how attentive he was towards her.

Lies, lies, lies.

Kaname grit his teeth.

I'm sick of it.

The queen was in love with him. If she could choose, she would've chosen him as her king – she'd told him so many times. He was the one that healed her after the king abused her; he was the one that protected her with his life and would gladly die for her sake.

The beast inside of him grew more ferocious as his eyes narrowed upon Rido, feeling the taste of disgust in his mouth.

Gone were the days where he felt inferior to his half-brother; after Yuuki, something changed within Kaname and he had no way to stop it. He didn't know if it was male instincts, or perhaps unsettled feelings he'd locked away for years, but for the first time in his life, he had the urge to kill his brother and take his place. For the first time in his life, he succumbed to the dark thoughts that lingered in the back of his mind, imagining what it would feel like to drain the life out of his brother.

He imagined himself next to Yuuki; he imagined the crowd swooning over them and their love for each other; he imagined Yuuki pregnant with their child, glowing with motherly joy the only way she could – and him, next to her, supporting her.

Kaname shook his head, willing the thoughts to go away. He couldn't afford to lose his temper in such a crowded place, especially when he was under punishment.

Something inside of me has resurfaced; the nameless beast is more ferocious than ever. But what is it?

He spotted Yuuki going to the back of the room, leaving Rido behind as he conversed with some councilmen.

The beast awoke with a growl.

He slithered through the crowd, going unnoticed by most until he was close to Yuuki. He stalked her like a prey, his eyes never leaving her as she listened to a maid whisper in her ear.

The maid bowed, and made her way to the exit.

Yuuki waited a few seconds until she made a move to follow.

Kaname saw his chance and grabbed it.

Before the queen could make it to the exit, Kaname grabbed her arm. She gave him a puzzled look, before her eyes automatically softened as recognition dawned.

He pulled her into a darkened room; she recognized it as a the storage room where the maids and servants kept everything from food to decorations, and where they would disappear off to when they were no longer needed in the grand hall.

Luckily, there was no one around when they went inside. But anyone could enter at any time…

"You owe me a kiss," Kaname murmured, caging her against the wall.

"You sure are brave, knight," she muttered tersely, glancing around the narrow room, "stealing away the queen like this…"

Kaname did not offer any verbal response; instead, he leaned in closer, tantalizing her with his scent and proximity. Yuuki flushed, still finding it hard to cope with his intense allure as she shrunk against the wall.

His request was obvious; his impatience questionable – but she wasn't one to question such things.

"Well, collect your gift then," she said bravely tipping her chin up and looking at him expectantly, a challenge in her eyes.

He tipped his head slightly, like a hunter viewing its prey before leaning in and sealing her lips with his. She'd expected the kiss to be sweet and short – after all, the entire royal palace and an abundance of guests were in the room next to them – but his kiss was feral and hungry; leaving her with the same desire.

She panted against his lips as he withdrew slightly, still maintaining the almost non-existent distance between them.

"Ah, what to do?" He spoke, his voice low and smooth like velvet. "The queen looks so undeniably beautiful tonight… A simple kiss won't do."

Panic rose in her stomach. He couldn't be…?

Wide-eyed, she received his second kiss, her body frozen for a second until it responded of its own volition. His arms went around her waist, holding her close as his mouth devoured the taste of sake on her tongue.

"Mmh, no... Kaname, we can't," she muttered helplessly against his lips. Inside, she was fighting a war with herself; years of training and lessons on etiquette screamed at her to not let herself get carried away – if they were caught, her name and reputation would be forever sullied and everything would go to hell.

But if hell meant spending another minute in his sinful arms, then her wicked side was prepared to take the consequences.

This man… how can he turn my world upside down just from the taste of his lips? Why…

She panted against his lips as he steered them towards the entrance; her steps followed his languidly, her mind too far away to care where her body went as long as she was with him. She was so tired of the ball; of meaningless conversations and forced smiles; she was tired of being next to her husband and hearing his lies about their marriage. She was so damn tired of everything.

What she needed was Kaname. In his arms, everything felt right.

Why is he my shadow, and not the one next to me?

It took only a few steps, but suddenly her back was against the wooden door; the handle poking against her back as her eyes widened.

"No, Kaname, we can't–"

He turned her around and pressed her against the door; a small area of glass – used by the servants to keep track of the guests from behind the scenes – was just in her line of sight. Maroon eyes widened upon the nobles and elite guests mingling in the ballroom. The chance of someone even offering a thought to the servant's entrance was almost impossible, but still she couldn't help but worry. Though the glass was cracked, she could still see through it; and, should one of the lords or ladies – or even worse, the king – turn their beautiful head and casually glance through the glass, then…

"I have suffered without you," he declared, pulling her hair over her shoulder. "He got what he wanted; he separated us and now I must go on without you. But I can no longer resist… I can no longer pretend…"

It was like a fever was running rampant in his body; he felt hot and constricted, panicked almost; all he knew was that he needed her right now. He needed to claim her and show the world that she was his.

"No one knows about the things I do to you," he breathed hotly against her ear from behind. "No one knows about the ways I touch you or the way you scream my name in the privacy of your royal chambers," needy hands kneaded her breasts as she gasped, tearing through fabric to pinch her nipples. "No one knows because what we have is forbidden. If I had the chance, I would gladly parade you around and show the world what a treasure I've found, but I am no more than a knight and will forever be so…"

Faintly she could feel his hands under her dress, discarding undergarments and spreading her legs for him. Vaguely she could feel her own arousal drip down her thigh, her body readying itself for him even if her rational mind screamed at her to run away.

Her inaudible moan fogged up the glass temporarily as the sound of his robes being discarded echoed in the silence of the abandoned room.

"But tonight… " He whispered, his teeth tugging at her earlobe. "If anyone of them dares to look in another direction than what they're supposed to do, then they'll see… what's been in front of them all along."

His words only served to arouse her further; and as he slipped inside of her from behind, she couldn't help but release a low moan as she braced herself against the door; the door creaked slightly in response, but she didn't pay it any attention.

Her lover bit her shoulder lightly in warning. "I'm afraid, my queen, that making noises might draw…" He withdrew and entered her again in one swift motion, "unwanted attention. Best be…" He repeated his previous motion, rolling his hips as he did so, slowly torturing her.

"Quiet."

And then he recreated his rhythm from before, taking her with him. Yuuki grit her teeth together as tears sprung in her eyes; his voice, his touch – the feel of him inside of her, setting her body on fire while all those worthless elite people mingled in oblivion just inches away – it was all too much…

"Mmh, Kaname, I…" She mewled, halfway in agony and halfway in pure bliss. "Ah!"

Kaname panted in her ear, pounding into her as he held her close. He didn't know exactly what'd come over him to make him so reckless; all he knew was that the beast inside of him was getting impatient; his selfishness was resurfacing like never before – thoughts of continuing in the shadows and keeping their affair a secret dimmed down as the urge to make her his – and let it be known that she was his – slowly came forward.

All his life, he'd been stowed away in the shadows; he'd been told he was less worth because he was the bastard child of the king; the second son, the half-bred royal who wasn't supposed to see the light of day. He was a nuisance and a burden – and, really, he ought to thank the gods that somehow life had granted him a place on earth to live and work.

He clamped his hand over mouth to keep her from screaming out about their illicit activities. She arched her back into him, twisting like a lioness as he claimed her body, making his way inside of her where no other man had ever been – and would never enter. She was, undeniably and truthfully, his – mind, body and spirit – yet the outside world saw her only as the king's precious jewel of a queen.

"Mm, Kaname…" She moaned into his hand, leaning up against him as he towered above her. "I love youu..." Yuuki crooned in absolute bliss. Ah, there it was…

This woman… I love her beyond justification. I want to let the world know that I'm worthy enough to court her and be with her; that I, too, have royal blood in my veins, and I, too, deserve to spend my life with her. I want the world to know of my brother's cowardice; of his sins and his evildoings – I want the truth to be known, and no longer hide…

Yuuki convulsed against him as her orgasm rocked her core, biting into his hand to keep quiet. The pleasure ran rampant trough her veins, destroying every ounce of willpower as she let go of everything. The sound of pearls scattering and seams splitting open did nothing to dampen her high; if anything, the thought of everything about her carefully crafted persona unraveling made her feel liberated – all because of his touch.

Call it greed.

Her low scream echoed like bells in his ears; her pleasured cry like the sweetest symphony ever known to mankind.

The beast inside of me.

Call it greed.

I want to reach for the light with my bare hands; to reach for her and not be shoved into darkness again. This greed is growing inside me.

Her own release spurred him on; thoughts of her and his desire; her scent – vivified by the small room they were in – the sight of her arching into him and crying out his name like a desperate prayer; her submissive stance as he took her from behind, claiming her…

He pounded into her and let go, his seed filling her as he fought to control his own pleasured growl from escaping the confines of his mouth. He stilled inside of her once he rode out the waves of pleasure, sweat dribbling from his temples and chin as the aftershock of euphoria settled over him.

"That…" The queen panted, "was more than… just a kiss…"

He withdrew from her silently, hissing as he mourned the loss of contact with her silken channel. Robotically, he adjusted himself and drew his pants back on, securing the royal emblem around his waist.

Yuuki gathered her skirts and adjusted herself also; but as she turned and watched his withdrawn expression, she stilled, her eyes softening while she reached out with her fingertips to stroke his cheek.

Warily, the knight glanced up from beneath heavy bangs at her, his eyes vulnerable and raw.

"What's wrong?" She whispered, taking a step closer. She could still feel the remnants of him dripping down between thighs; a reminder of their tryst just minutes ago, and his ownership of her very willing body.

As always, he shut himself off and didn't speak; instead, his eyes spoke for him and conveyed his turmoil. And for some reason, she understood him perfectly.

"I understand, Kaname, I understand…" She whispered, stroking his cheek. He remained silent as he watched her, conveying with his eyes what he felt.

"I feel it too…" She whispered so lowly that he was almost unsure if he'd heard her right. Her arms gathered around his neck. "I feel it too…"

Yuuki raised herself up on her tip-toes, looking into his eyes. "Your gift took a lot from me…" She breathed. "I'm afraid I'll have to claim a gift for myself; if you would be so inclined, could you kiss me… Kaname?"

Jet-black eyelashes fluttered as he blinked, overcome with emotion only by her simple request. Affection grew in his chest, morphing into love the longer he stared at her and felt the love and tenderness that radiated from her.

No one had ever looked at him like that; like he was worth more than his pathetic lineage and status as a warrior. That he, too, deserved love…

He kissed her then, as per her request, so gently and softly as could be. His lips caressed hers in silent worship, conveying the magnitude of his gratitude and love towards her just by the simple pressure of his lips upon hers. But what started out as sweet and gentle turned ferocious and possessive; her tongue slipped inside his mouth and caressed his; their heads turned as they kissed like this was their last time.

She was showing him that she accepted his greed.

She accepted the part of him that hungered and lusted; the ugly side of him that demanded he rose from his underdog position and claimed what was rightfully his.

She accepted him wholly and fully; all his vices and all his virtues.

They kissed until the need for oxygen became unbearable; and when they parted, she latched onto him and gazed adoringly at him.

"One day, Kaname, kiss me in front of everyone."

It wasn't a request nor a demand; it was a simple wish, born out of dreams and fantasies of a world where they could be together without fear or judgment – it was a wishful request and, as he nodded silently, a wishful response to a predicament that could never happen.

She smiled, blinking away her tears as she pretended that it would one day happen.

"Kiss me again," she requested, and when he obliged and withdrew, she requested again and again until their lips were sore from affection.

When she'd had her full of him – as if that could ever happen – she hugged him tightly and put her head on his chest, listening to the lull of his heartbeat.

"I am tired," she mumbled into his sturdy chest while he stroked her back and kissed the tips of her hair, "won't you escort me back to my chambers? My valiant hogosha…"

"As my queen wishes," the knight humbly replied, hugging her tighter in his embrace.

---

They slipped away from the party without anyone noticing, quietly making their way down the hallway hand-in-hand.

Kaname clenched the dainty hand in his, obsessed with the feel of her skin next to his even if it was only her hand. It was risky to walk hand-in-hand in public, but the events from before had made them immune to concerns regarding caution.

They would come to regret this decision sooner than they thought possible.

"You…"

Horrified, the Queen and her Knight turned at the voice.

"You… you…" Azure eyes watched them incredulously, flickering between Yuuki and Kaname rapidly.

"How… could you?"

---

A/N: Thank you for reading. Reviews are appreciated!

Fun fact of the day; Yuuki speaking up for Kaname during the trial was 100% unplanned. I originally intended for her to remain silently fuming next to Rido as he went off on Kaname, but before I knew it I was writing her lines. So Yuuki literally made me make her defend Kaname. Yup. That's love.