quest for a dearly beloved
oo9
Breakfast is an unpleasant affair.
Everyone sits in a state of disarray, still reeling from last night's celebrations. Clothes are ruined: be it torn, singed by fire, or spilt on wine. Their hair is not brushed, and sleep continues to claim its grip on them, judging by the frequent amount of yawns and rubbing their eyes in vain attempts to become awake.
In short: Byakuya is in hell.
Continuing to wear the tawdry clothes of yesterday, Byakuya is in an odd mood. He is willing to relinquish his pride and sit where none may approach him — on the damp grass.
Yet, the true mystery is how no one is complaining; as if the aftereffects do not rain down as heavily as they do for Prince Byakuya. They do not suffer the same way he does, cursed with a delicately upset stomach, an observation which both surprises and scandalizes him.
Not that he wishes them a fortune as ill as his! Perish the thought, dear readers, for Prince Byakuya is not as cold hearted as he wishes to portray himself. Though some part of him may occasionally… dabble in thoughts like those, those are only a select and extremely particular few.
The fact of the matter is that the young prince would feel comforted if there was someone else who shared the torment that he is currently undergoing. To know that he is not alone.
People are waking up, laughing, chatting merrily besides themselves, as they decide to sit on large rocks and begin feasting on breakfast; whereas Byakuya's stomach decides to rumble and once more make him feel queasy.
"When I assured your mother that you would do your best not to be averse to new experiences, I had expected that you required Kisuke and I to encourage you," Lady Yoruichi laughs, carefree and with breakfast in hand.
Byakuya stops, turns to the sound of her and sees the Lady Yoruichi sitting on a sizeable chunk of stone, her hair only slightly mussed. Her malleability at making herself accustomed to other people's homes that are not hers have always been an admirable, if envious, and slightly annoying, quality.
The only one that truly seems out of place, it seems, is himself, much to his dismay.
"Little did I know, that what you needed was to leave Geronimo all along, and have the chance to spread your wings," Lady Yoruichi says, smiling proudly at him. "You did very well, Bya-bug."
"Thank you," Byakuya stiffly says, begrudgingly accepting her praise, and then aimlessly attempt to smooth his ruined clothes and attempt at bettering his presentation.
"The lesson which you may have failed to grasp this time around is moderation," Lord Urahara advises him, approaching him to hand over a much appreciated glass of water. "While there's no shame in going overboard, I do feel that your grandfather would want us to remind you that there is a time and place, and perhaps company that you feel is… more appropriate, than perhaps, a future kingdom. Something to think about."
"Perhaps."
"Wine is like water, dear princess. Drink too much and the repercussions can be… unfortunate. It's a good lesson to remember. Especially," Lady Yoruichi's husband smiles, untrustworthy to the very marrow, and still Byakuya must play the part that defers and listens to him, in case there is some honest well-meaning intent. "If you haven't been soured by the thought of trying again."
"Not at all," Byakuya denies, bowing his head. "The next time will be better."
The grin that simultaneously appears on both Lord Kisuke and Lady Yoruichi's faces is a sight that will keep Byakuya from having a decent night's sleep for a very long time.
"I'm glad to hear it," Princess Rangiku says sunnily, waltzing towards them, her Knight a few steps behind. Byakuya had not noticed Ichimaru leaving his company, but now that he is here, with a grin that almost looks sinister, he is uncertain to admit to anyone that he is displeased that the Knight is back. "I was very impressed by your dancing!"
The sun catches her hair as she steps forward, red like wildfire and spring breezes, and she is even more beautiful in broad daylight. Though she is informal, and could be mistaken for a commoner at first glance, at closer inspection, there is something unmistakably regal about her, and without a doubt, this is her kingdom, where she is loved and adored by all.
The princess glances back at her Knight, relaxed, and laughs once more, picking up her dress and letting it catch the grass as she strolls towards them, completely at ease, as if they have been friends for a long time.
"The honour was all mine, I assure you," Byakuya says, slightly stunned, blinking at her, mesmerized by her beauty.
(And other such generous features.)
The daylight has changed her, and the castle too, Byakuya notices, at last. He is finally awake to enjoy it. Though he liked the night sky and firelight casting the ruins of the castle to appear romantic and close knit, the bright blue sky reveals a different perspective, a different atmosphere.
There are expanses beyond what Byakuya can remember from last night, that exist far beyond the castle walls and a half-starved mind. People live in tents, and enjoy the sky as their own ceiling. People chat under trees and sit on the roots. There are children playing with jacks and trying to chase cats. There are no cobbled roads but well-worn dirt ridden paths. Trails can be seen where greenery refuse to grow, hardened mud existing in its place. The walls are not as high as he thought they were, and there is no glass to frame the windows, but somehow, the citizens of this kingdom make use of it: able to call out at will, or sit on the gaps in the wall and think nothing of it. Some even sleep there, and continue to do so, their head lolling to the side, snoring loud enough to make passer-by's giggle and shush at each other, moving forward towards the place where food is being served.
It's so different to what Byakuya is used to in his own kingdom.
His kingdom does not nearly seem so amiable in comparison, where distinction is easily marked by state of dress and the company you keep. Here it is difficult to determine whether a person is a noble, a servant, or commoner. They are merely people, happy to coexist, and are united by a common theme: to eat, enjoy, and laugh at the vast richness of living.
There are flaws, of course — Byakuya does not want to dwell and think about what might happen in the case of rain storms and floods, but at the moment, he decides to focus on the positives.
Namely himself.
As a future ruler, and a potential husband to Princess Rangiku, he holds his head high and meets her gaze.
"Have you seen Hiyori?" He asks, and pauses. He hadn't expected to say that.
It was true that his instinctual dislike of Ichimaru Gin had reminded him of Hiyori, and he was somewhat curious to the whereabouts of his servant might be — but still.
"Ah, yes," Ichimaru Gin says cheerfully, whistling. "The one with a delightful temper."
Byakuya stares at him.
Better people have played the part of court jesters more successfully than that.
"Smile, dear," Lady Yoruichi sings softly in his ear, and Byakuya swallows, fighting every instinct to jump away from her.
Nevertheless, he heeds her advice — instead of scowling, or fully smiling, he inclines his head.
"That would be her," Byakuya says, through gritted teeth.
"She'll find us, have no fear," Matsumoto Rangiku reassures him, making herself comfortable on the ground, the epitome of grace. "Meanwhile, let's sit. It is the perfect time for a breakfast picnic, and we can discuss the reasons of your visit further."
"So soon?" Lord Kisuke blinks, mouth widening into a smile. "Has our young princess made such an impression on you?"
"She has," Rangiku smiles, casting her grey blue eyes to meet Prince Byakuya — and Prince Byakuya tries to stifle a scream of horror.
They had danced together! Drunk wine together! Conversed together! Surely Princess Rangiku could see that Byakuya was a Prince, not a Princess!
Unless — unless she genuinely believed Lord Kisuke's and Lady Yoruichi's unfunny jests — or, such was her disposition to merely go along with such eccentricities?
It was too early to tell, unfortunately; as Byakuya still required more time to assess Princess Rangiku's character.
He had thought that more time would be needed to truly decide about compatibility, and sobriety of course would be essential for that decisive moment.
Of course, he is happy that he has been accepted as her future husband, and the merging to two kingdoms. Love does not bloom immediately, but they have made favourable first impressions on each other. He knows there is an endless debate about love and politics — which should come first, but Byakuya has long since been fine with either — and what he looks forward to is their heirs, who will surely be strikingly attractive —
"And it is not to be."
— and… and fictitious.
"… I beg your pardon?" Shrill, Byakuya shrieks. Who would refuse him? He is a catch! Handsome, witty, and loyal! Who could ask for more?
"You don't have to hide it," Rangiku smiles kindly upon him, condescendingly, Byakuya will later grumble, grinding his teeth, while in the present he gazes at her, baffled. Mildly disconcerted. Is he not a good marriage husband? "I know."
"Do tell," Lady Yoruichi purrs, genuinely curious, but cackling behind a sip of water. "What has our most precious one been hiding?"
Besides the fact that everyone seems to be under the impression that he is prince not princess?
Byakuya is utterly flummoxed — and then realizes that he has yet to rectify people's mistaken assumption that his noble guardians mislead the denizens of him, this is one way he can gauge Princess Rangiku's personality —
Now would be the most ideal situation to confess and clarify the severe error, and possibly… change her mind?
He clears his throat.
"I'm sorry," Byakuya begins, drawing himself to his full height. "I am—"
"—in love," Princess Rangiku finishes his sentence for him, while Byakuya's jaw drops. She smoothes out the creases of her dress, covering her ankles, while Byakuya remains speechless, utterly captivated by her statement.
He doesn't have the slightest idea what she is talking about.
Lord Kisuke is coughing on the water he drinks. Soon he will be close to death, and where he goes, Lady Yoruichi is certain to follow. He hopes darkly.
"In love?" Lady Yoruichi crows instead. Hoots, even.
"Oh yes. It's quite obvious, you know. I can see love in your eyes even now. Without a doubt, dear princess, you're in love," Princess Rangiku explains simply, elatedly, speaking a string of words that make complete sense to her, but sound like utter delusion to Prince Byakuya. "Did you think, perhaps, you could hide it? Escape it? But how can you, when she constantly in your presence, wherever you go?"
Despite his better instincts, aided by a resigned expression, Prince Byakuya glances at Yoruichi, hoping against hope that it is not his greatest nemesis that Princess Rangiku is referring to.
Ichimaru looks at Rangiku, curiously.
"Last night, when you offered me your hand—" Had he? Byakuya had no recollection on that, but prides himself on moving fast. "—it seems to us that jealous reared, and confessions were made, at a later point. It was very romantic; many swooned at the sight, and most passed out after."
"Um, what?"
Is Princess Rangiku talking about him drunkenly kissing someone?
"Had you an unattached heart, I would have accepted, you know. But as it is not, I wish the best, and must decline from becoming your bride. That being said, you need not leave so hastily, you may stay here as long as you like, as you are a cherished friend in the kingdom of Brilliant."
"Oh," Byakuya blinks, dazed, trying so hard to figure out who she is referring not. Not Lady Yoruichi, nor Knight Ichimaru —
"Oh?" Lady Yoruichi laughs, amused, and gazes at him enquiringly; her golden eyes twinkling, full of mirth. The sight of her is rather reminiscent of a cat that has just supped fresh milk, perfectly smug with a current predicament. "Oh, yes. I recall. Yes, of course, so simple. So obvious."
"They make a lovely couple, don't you think?" Princess Rangiku beams, hands clasps, and still, still, no matter how Byakuya looks at them for answers, there is nothing. "Here she is!"
She points, and Byakuya helplessly follows her direction.
"And there he is!" Knight Ichimaru adds with glee.
Again, Byakuya looks to where Ichimaru is pointing at.
Oh no.
He'd have rather kissed Ichimaru than —
"It can't be," Byakuya whispers, hardly aware that he has spoken, completely unaware of the mischief on Lady Yoruichi's face as she realizes, and is all but confirmed by Princess Rangiku's joyous smile.
The memories hits like a thunderstorm: drenching all of Prince Byakuya's hopes and dreams into bitter, bitter ashes that are then blown in the wind, and he is left flailing in dust.
And worst of all he remembers.
Those stupid kisses—
He'd been kissed twice.
The first was rough and sharp, leaving the bitter taste of blood and alcohol in his mouth. He faintly recalls being tugged by his collars and pulled down, colliding against her retroussé nose before the sensation of a grin curved against his mouth; seconds before teeth sink into his bottom lip. Here, he thinks, is where this is a round of applause.
The second was soft and sweet, almost chaste if only for a moment, before his breath became thoroughly stolen, and he yields, sinking his nails into the slender, willowy back. He very much remembers fingers combing through his hair, and that he very much enjoyed how such graceful fingers tangled in his tresses.
When he correctly assumed that he would regret the night before, Prince Byakuya had no idea how much he would really regret the night before.
"Your true loves are here!" Princess Rangiku's Knight merrily chimes in, and this! — this! This unfortunate and impossibly awkward turn of events is what he meant by party animal, Byakuya sees now, and hates him with a truly icy glower.
Rangiku gasps, as does Lord Kisuke and Lady Yoruichi, who are also surprised by the revelation.
Hiyori stares at them, red faced and ferocious.
Shinji smirks, and then freezes, gawking only seconds later. Before his hand claps to his mouth.
These two blond betraying betrayers have ruined everything.
It's not melodramatic when it's true!
Prince Byakuya genuinely thinks he might faint. Black spots are dancing in his vision.
"It's… not possible…" Byakuya murmurs, inaudible. Never, no matter how cursed his luck might be with the company of his guardians, had he thought he would end up in a situation like this.
"How splendid!" Princess Rangiku exclaims, clapping her hands, oblivious to the three people's traumatic epiphanies that have rendered them all into shocked silence. "All three of you! Together!"
The situation cannot worsen.
It cannot.
Under no circumstances can it exacerbate into something more twisted and agonizing.
His Royal Highness forbids it!
"Bya-chan," Lady Yoruichi breathes into his ear, the hairs on the back of his neck prickling, just as Lord Kisuke grins on the other side.
Devil and devil rest on his shoulders, the definition of sin and hedonism, and their muffled laughter courses through their veins, removing what little dignity Prince Byakuya had left.
His knuckles clench tightly, nails digging in, just as his greatest foe places her elegant hand on his back.
He waits.
Lady Yoruichi sounds ecstatic. "You've reconsidered polygamy after all!"