Disclaimer: I own a COW!!! It's stuffed, but is nonetheless a cow. I do not, on a sad note, own Legal Drug peoples.
Yoru: Your reviews have stopped coming, guys. This is the last chapter until I get at least five for it!
Kuronue: It's short, too. So you'll have to work if you want more!
"Kazahaya?"
"Hey, Rikuo." Kazahaya smiled brightly at Rikuo, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"I just thought you'd like to know that I'm staying."
Kazahaya stared at him, "What?"
"I'm not going with Lady Tsukiko. I'm staying here." With you. The words hung unspoken in the air. Kazahaya swallowed. If ever there was a chance for him to spill his feelings for Rikuo, it was now.
"Rikuo…"
"Kazahaya!" Nayuki ran into the room, panting.
"Nayuki? Are you all right?"
"It's Saiga! He and Kakei were…and now he's…I mean…they're going to kill him!"
"What?!?"
Kazahaya, Rikuo, and Nayuki ran into the throne room to be met with two guards to hold them back.
"Let us through!"
"I'm sorry, Prince Kazahaya, the King doesn't want you in there."
Kazahaya could see Saiga in the middle of the room. His hands were chained behind him and he sagged a little in the guards' grip. Blood could be seen forming in lines on his shirt as fresh whip marks continued to bleed. Kakei was held by two guards, trying to get to his lover.
"Please, your Majesty, stop! Let him go!"
"You knew this was against the law, and you knew the penalty. However, as a free man, I only sentence you to exile. But Saiga, as a slave, shall be executed."
"NO!" Kakei fought harder, almost breaking free in his desperation. Kazahaya also pushed at the guards.
"Father! This isn't necessary!" He pushed past and ran to the throne, kneeling at his father's feet.
"Leave, Kazahaya."
"No! Let them alone! What's wrong with being in love?"
"Kakei is of noble blood and Saiga is a slave. It is wrong and ridiculous."
"Not nearly as wrong and ridiculous as killing Saiga over it!" Kazahaya was close to tears. He felt a hand on his shoulder. Rikuo stood above him, having pushed past the guard.
"I beg of you, your Majesty, don't do this," Rikuo said softly. The King shook his head gravely.
"My decision is made."
"Then I'll have you know something, my King."
Kazahaya looked up at Rikuo, wondering what in the world Rikuo could have to say that could deter his father.
"I'm in love with your son."