Sorry for the late update guys...It's been a few months huh? Guy, also, make sure to read the WOACH rewrites from chapter 1-10. I have to tell you that the rewrites are very different so I suggest you read them.

~Enjoy

~XXI~

Silence and glared took a nice big toll on the mood in the chambers as the two brothers bore their eyes at each other.

Gerald, the so called 'dead' prince, sat soundlessly with a sly grin. Takumi, the current king, gazed upon his older brother. What was there to say at a time like this? When someone rose from the dead?

"Tea, your majesties?" Cedric asks in low tones as he held out a tray of tea.

"Please," Misaki grinned when the two brothers didn't not budge. Misaki was sitting beside Takumi with stiffness. Cedric nods sternly as he placed the three cup down. "Thank you…"

"Yes, thank you," Gerald finally spoke as Cedric left. He grinned as he took the cup, "I did miss the tea that the maids made."

As Gerald took a quiet sip, Cedric's eyes became hard, caught off guard. It wasn't everyday that a man came back from the dead. Or rather, 'returned'.

"What are you doing here?" Takumi asked, surprisingly, in a strong voice.

"Shouldn't you be glad that I came back?" Gerald eyed him, placing the cup down.

"Not particularly. Not when your intentions aren't pure." Takumi replied, his hand slithering to grab Misaki's hand. Misaki was completely baffled as to why Takumi wasn't greeting his brother properly.

"How should you know?" Gerald murmurs, his sapphire gazed upon their holding hands. "I don't want my brother marrying her."

"And I assume you have something against her?" Takumi's voice hardened, rough.

"You don't know the world like I do, Takumi. For the last years, I've been out. Exploring. I know war. I've seen war. I've seen the world Mother and Father kept from us," Gerald explained.

"What does she have anything to do with this?"

"I don't trust the Ayuzawa family and I believe, her intentions aren't good when she marries you." Gerald concluded. His gaze bored on Misaki's. "Isn't it?"

"I don't have any means to harming your brother. Our meeting was not intentional," Misaki said in a low voice. Although, inside, she was hot. She was nervous.

"Yet, here you are, about to marry my brother soon. I must tell you that since I am his brother-"

"You aren't," Takumi interrupted. "Anymore."

"...Since I am biologically and legally his older brother, I can't accept this proposal until I can be sure your intentions for Seika are pure." Gerald continued. "You are rich, indeed, but what advantages would your kingdom bring us?"

Misaki grimaced. What good could she provide Takumi if she were to marry him? Certainly not wealth. What could she possibly give the wealthiest and most powerful king of all Asia?

"I thought so," Gerald grinned, judging by her silence, there wasn't anything. "I would ask you go back to your own kingdom, Queen Ayuzawa."

"You-" Takumi began. "She is a queen, you are a dethroned prince. Why are you ordering her."

"Because, did mother and father really dethroned me? By the pope? No," Gerald said. "I am still prince. I was never dethroned. I was only dead."

The word. The word came out rough. It came out hard as the word brought the room into a state of cold.

"On...On any state, she will wed me and we don't need your blessing, Gerald. She will be my queen and will be placed on the throne with me," Takumi said, trying to end the discussion. "If you have concerns...I will not listen."

Takumi stood up, pulling Misaki with him just as the doors opened.

"Gerald," a familiar voice sang. A little girl skipped to Gerald's side as her dark hair bounced. Misaki's eyes widened. Katrina.

"You two know her, the lady Princess Katrina." Gerald placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "I believe she saved your life Takumi."

Takumi allowed a sigh to escaped. "Yes," Takumi said.

"So I believe you owe her a favour."

"If she's in league with you, I don't owe her anything," Takumi murmurs. "Not when you two plotted my misery in the first place."

plotted his misery? Misaki stared up at Takumi. "What do you mean?"

"Gerald never loved me as a brother, Misaki." Takumi explained. "He always wished my death. Although I tried so hard to get along with him, it wasn't the case I realized. I realized his dark feelings for me a long time ago."

"Dark...meaning, Katrina? You hate him as well?" Misaki's brows furrowed. "Then, why would you save his life?"

"Hate him?" A large grin plastered Katrina's small face. Her voice completely changed its tone. Its pitch. It lowered down to an evil little tune. "Don't be so delusional. It's you I don't like."

Misaki couldn't say anything. Disbelief was so strong. Katrina continued. "But- I like Takumi. He's like my older brother and so, that's why I plan to protect him from you."

"Me?" Misaki scoffed. "Katrina, I've told you. I never intended your sister's death!"

"It still happened and you were involved!" Katrina's tiny voice thundered. "You were the main reason why she died! I saw you! Slaughtering her in front of me!"

"Katrina," Gerald soothed. "Calm down."

Misaki felt completely threatened for a long moment. Katrina's intention was to hurt Misaki's life. To get revenge. She wanted to completely ruin Misaki's image. Although it wasn't clear, she knew that Gerald's intention was to destroy Takumi's life.

"You're a murderer." Katrina muttered coldly, closing her eyes. "I want to protect Takumi from the likes of you. He needs to know your true nature."

"Now, there's my reason for your unapproved marriage." Gerald grinned.

"It's not true!" Misaki exclaimed as soon as her and Takumi were alone in Takumi's bedroom chambers. "I never hurt anyone-"

"Shh," Takumi grasped her into a warm hug as he stroked her hair. "I know it's not true. I know you aren't capable to harming anyone."

Misaki frowned. Why? How? How could she have ever felt so threatened of her position in her life? By that little girl who hated her guts? Katrina had magic. She could anything to harm Misaki if she wanted. Then...why hasn't she done it?

She chose a method. Ruining her image. Ruining her life.

"I've never hurt anyone." Misaki whispers into Takumi's chest, an almost sob came out. "You have to believe me."

Takumi smiled. "Of course I believe you, don't feel bad. What happened to her sister isn't your fault."

"But Gerald...how did you know who Gerald is? How did you know he hated you?" Misaki asks, pulling away from Takumi.

Takumi closed his eyes and sighed. "I encountered him before...a night before he departed to go to the Watanabe Kingdom. He confessed his feelings to me one night and we fought."

"You fought!?" Misaki exclaimed. "And you told no one about him?!"

Takumi shook his head. "It was best to let him reveal himself when he's ready. That moment...it just wasn't the right time to take action. He doesn't mean harm to the kingdom, but to me, it's a different story."

"But, why?" Misaki presses. "Why does he hate you?"

Takumi chuckled to himself sadly. "Attention. I was always the child that was spoiled and treasured the most by our parents. He wanted the attention he never got. I always knew he hated me but I loved him anyways."

"Well," Misaki grinned softly, touching Takumi's cheek. "Whatever surprises he has for both you and me, I'm sure of it that we can get past this and get married."

Takumi chuckled and touched her hand on his cheek. He leaned into it. "Of course we will. I'll do anything to marry you after all."

"Get off me you jerk," Misaki blushed.

The Next Day…

"A….what?"

"A trip….to Britain," Takumi explained with a sigh as he wrapped his cloak around himself. "I'm so sorry Misaki."

Misaki frowned as she fumbled with her dress. "You can't bring with me with you…?"

"Not this time. I want to go apologize to my grandfather for misunderstanding him for the past years...alone. If I suddenly bring up a marriage…." Takumi dragged on.

"I understand but...what about Gerald and Katrina?" Misaki asked as she handed Takumi his boots.

Takumi huffed as his eyes gave out an anxious look. "I'm not sure. I don't feel like I should leave you here with them but...I also can't bring you along."

Misaki looked down and gulped.

"I know they scare you," Takumi smiled as he stood up from his bed and placed a hand on Misaki's cheek. "But you're strong. You can fight them off can't you?"

"Not when they have magic," Misaki murmured sarcastically.

"You have Kanou and the knight's aid." Takumi said. "Since you will wed me, this castle is already yours and they are already under your command."

"Okay…" Misaki murmured hesitantly. Takumi smiled and took her hand as they made their way out of Takumi's chambers and down the stairs.

When they reached the grand doors the that lead outside, Misaki clenched onto Takumi's hand. "You'll be back when?"

Takumi took a deep breath in. "A few weeks perhaps...at most, a month. Britain is far away...over seas so I'll have to take a ship."

"Send Grandfather my regards," Gerald's voice sang from behind the couple.

Takumi glared over Misaki's shoulder at Gerald and frowned. "I'll be sure to tell him the news that you're alive."

Misaki didn't want to turn around and look at Gerald. She most definitely didn't want to be under the same castle roof for the next month with Katrina and Gerald.

Even the thought made her heart race.

"Gerald," Takumi said. "Make sure you keep your hands off Misaki until I come back."

Gerald shrugged with a sly smile.

"Like I said Misaki, Kanou will be at your side at all times," Takumi glanced to his right where Kanou was walking towards them.

"You have my word, my queen, I'll protect you at all cost." Kanou vowed as he smiled down at his future queen.

"Kanou," Misaki smiled.

"Also, Kuuga and his other knights will be sure to protect you when you call, isn't that right Kuuga?" Takumi calls.

Misaki's heart thumped. Kuuga...she hadn't talked to him in such a long time. Misaki slowly turned her head towards the 4 knights that came into the room.

Kuuga's droopy red eyes met hers. Kuuga smiled at her and bowed. "Of course."

"I'll be going now," Takumi smiled down at Misaki. "My carriage is waiting for me...the quicker I leave, the quicker I'll return."

Misaki nods once and stared down. Takumi sighed at her reaction and placed two fingers on her chin to raise her face up. Takumi leaned down and gave her a warm kiss on the lips, his arm encircling her and pulling her closer to his body very protectively.

Misaki blushed and sighed into the kiss which she wouldn't get to feel for a while.

"Hurry back idiot…" Misaki murmurs as soon as they parted.

"Mm…" Takumi whispers as he presses his forehead against hers.. "I'll be back. I love you…"

30 minutes later

"So...you guys are...following me from now on?" Misaki asked, staring at the four knights behind her.

"That's what his majesty ordered," Kuuga said formally.

"Everywhere? Everyday? Every second?" Misaki continued with her brows furrowed.

"Yes, your highness…" Kuuga and the others muttered, bowing.

Misaki frowned, she didn't like this. Kuuga treating her as a high class queen...indeed she was a queen but she'd prefer him treating her like he used to…

"Kuuga, guys, you don't have to be so formal to me…" Misaki murmured sadly. "Indeed I'm a queen but I'm the servant Misaki as you've known me…nothing's changed…"

They said nothing. Misaki really didn't like this.

"I'm going to my chambers…" Misaki muttered, turning around and walking away. She could feel them following her.

As she walked down the large hallway, she passed by many servants that she used to speak so comfortably to...except now, when they look at her, they see a queen. That made Misaki considerably sad.

"Hello," Misaki smiled at Erika and Satsuki when she spotted when in the hallway, talking.

Satsuki flustered as she bowed politely. "H-Hello your highness!"

"We were just heading back to the kitchen," Erika explained. Strangers. Misaki thought. They're acting like...I'm a stranger now…

"I see," Misaki grinned. "Is there anything you'd like me to help you with?"

They stared at her in confusion and Misaki remembered. She wasn't a servant at the moment. She was a queen.

"Ah…" Misaki whispered in realization.

"We'll be going…" Erika murmured. "Would you like some tea, your highness?"

"Yes...I was just heading back to Takumi's chambers." Misaki said, Takumi's name rolling off her tongue in front of the servants felt weird. Since, in front of them, she always called him his majesty.

"Of course, I'll bring it there in a few moments. Excuse us," Satsuki and Erika bowed and quickly left.

As soon as they left, Misaki stepped in front of the wall and frowned as she leaned against the wall. Her head bowed. "Everyone treats me differently now…"

The knights that followed her still said nothing. "What? Did Takumi order you not to talk to me either?"

Kuuga glanced at her, unwavering. "No."

Misaki bit the inside of her lip and pushed herself from the wall and continued walking down the hall and towards Takumi's chambers, which was now, also hers. Takumi was wrong...everyone did treat her differently.

"So," Misaki halted, stopping just outside the chamber doors. "Will all of you be coming in?"

"No," Kuuga answered her. "One of us will come inside with you."

"Great, then Kuuga, you come with me," Misaki smiled hopefully. She really wanted to talk to him. Her friend...and not a knight to a queen.

"Of course," Kuuga bowed and glanced behind him at the other knights and muttered instructions before Misaki had opened the doors and entered, Kuuga close behind her.

As soon as Kuuga had shut the door, Misaki turned around quickly and her hand unconsciously came into contact with his cheek. Kuuga's eyes widened, lips parted.

"Your highness…?" Kuuga muttered, literally shocked.

It took Misaki time before she could comprehend what she had just done. She gasped and took a step back. "I-I'm so sorry Kuuga! I didn't mean to! I just...I just slapped you I don't why, I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay, your highness...I probably deserved it…" Kuuga grinned sadly.

"No!" Misaki exclaimed. "I was...I was just...really upset that you're treating me like a stranger that I just-"

"Just had to hit me?" Kuuga finished for her. "I know, you can just keep slapping me if you want if it makes you feel better your hi-"

"Don't call me your highness!" Misaki exclaimed angrily. "I've made great friends here as a servant. Now that it's revealed that I'm a queen the entire time, everyone has been treating me differently! At least, I don't want you to treat me that way, Kuuga! Just treat me like we're friends like we had been for the past months here! I want my closest friend here to treat me normally! I'm a queen, yes, but I'm also a normal girl!"

Kuuga looked down at his feet and frowned. "I don't know, Misaki. It's not everyday that…"

"What?" Misaki presses.

"That someone I really liked, turns out to be a queen…" he muttered quietly. "and she's marrying my king…who is also my best friend."

Misaki's eyes grew large until a knock on the door interrupted her.

"Your highness?" a knight called from behind the door. Misaki cleared her throat and answered.

"Yes?"

"Prince Gerald is here, and he wishes to see you." the knight answered.

Misaki's heart paced up its beats. She glanced up at Kuuga in panic. His eyes were hard now, causing Misaki to have a shiver crawling up her spine.

Misaki walked over to the door and opened it. Gerald grinned down at her when she opened the doors. Kuuga was close behind her.

"Hello, Queen Misaki," Gerald greeted. "I see you're in my brother's room?"

"I have no where else to sleep…" Misaki murmured.

"Of course, now, if it's alright with you, I wish to speak with you privately?" Gerald asks innocently, holding a tray of tea. Although she was unsure, she gave a small, hesitant nod.

"No," Kuuga's hard voice said. "I'll stay with her the entire time."

Gerald's cold, sapphire eyes bored on Kuuga's. "I said, privately."

"The king, ordered me to stay with her the entire time, meaning, I will stay with her-"

"Kuuga, it's fine. Just leave," Misaki muttered, looking up at him. "I'll be sure to call you when I need your help...leave for a few minutes please."

Kuuga's hard, red eyes stared at Misaki in anxiety but after a long gaze, he looked and away and nods sternly. "Okay…"

As soon as Kuuga had shut the door quietly, Gerald sighed and walked over to a table and placed the tray of tea down. "I took this from the maids...they told me they were bringing this to you, so I brought it up personally."

"Thank you…" Misaki murmured. "but...can you please get to your point? I'm feeling a little fatigue."

"Ah...of course you are. It's quite late after all," Gerald smiled. "To keep you up for a little longer, have some tea and listen to what I have to say, then I'll leave."

Misaki frowned and walked over to the tray beside him and picked up the teacup. Gerald had also took one. "You drink also,"

"Yes," Gerald grinned. Gerald and Misaki both took a sip of tea. Misaki stared at the tea before placing it down.

"So...what is it you need?" Misaki continued as she took a breath in.

"I'll be frank with you," Gerald murmured, walking over to Takumi's bed. "Takumi, yes, is my brother and in a way I really love him as my brother...but I also hate him. Resent him…"

Misaki's eyes hardened and her brows creased. "Yes, and?"

"I told you before," Gerald muttered quietly, his pale fingers brushing the bed. "I don't know what you're up to with your marriage with him but I want it to stop. I may hate him, but I don't hate this kingdom…I want the throne…"

"Then why didn't you take it?" Misaki mutters. "Why fake your death and give it to Takumi when you hate him?"

"Because I wanted him to suffer the feeling of coldness while being on the throne and being alone. The throne...is a lonely place. By faking my death while knowing he loves me, gives him more loneliness. Our parent's death...gave him even more sorrow..,that's what I wanted."

Misaki didn't say anything. She could only wait for him to continue.

"With you here...and he loves you...maybe if I did something to you...would it cause him even more sorrow?" Gerald murmured, moving his eyes to Misaki's. They were so cold...expressionless...careless…dark and scary.

Gerald continued. "But I need him to suffer...not die, Misaki."

"Die? Are you saying you are thinking that I'm going to kill him?!" Misaki exclaimed. "Rubbish!"

"I don't know what your intentions are...but I want you gone… whether I'm quite fond of you or not." Gerald voice lowered. "And I, will do everything in my power, to get rid of you and do things my way. Originally, I want Takumi to suffer greatly and oh he will. Katrina wants you dead, and oh, yes you will be."

Misaki's eyes widened as she felt something struck her head, causing her to waver and shake. As she tried to regain her mind, she stared at floor only for her eyes to blur around as her legs shook. Misaki took a step back with a hand on her forehead. "M-My head…."

"Something wrong, Misaki?" Gerald snickered. Misaki bit her lips as she tried to look up but failed since it just caused her to feel even more dizzy.

"What did you put in the drinks…?" Misaki hissed as she fell to her knees. "What did you put in them…!?"

"A little something of this and that…" Although Misaki's sight was bad as her range of view darkened, she clearly saw the hideous smirks on his lips.

"D-Damnit...K-Kuuga!" Misaki tried to screamed, but only to find her voice weakening as she body fell numb.

"Something wrong, dear sister?" Gerald asks innocently. "You look a little pale…"

Misaki breathed heavily as she tried to keep her heavy eyelids, open. Her heart racing faster and faster by the second. She found the strength to slap Gerald's hand away. "Get away from me! Kuuga! Kanou! Help!"

Before she knew it, she felt a hand sliter to her slender, sweaty throat as the strong pale clasps around her throat and clutched it tightly. The hand, with force, pushed Misaki back against the floor with a loud thud. She tried gasping for her as she stared at those hateful eyes.

"Sorry Misaki," Gerald grinned as his hold on her throat tightened. "But, I need you to sleep for a bit."

"MISAKI?!" Misaki had a hard time hearing it but she was sure there was a loud boom. The doors swung open to reveal the figure she loved so much.

"Takumi…" She whispered weakly. She knew Gerald had disappeared before the doors swung open to reveal Gerald choking her. "Takumi…"

Misaki's hand unconsciously raised up, reaching for Takumi who was running towards her. Misaki felt her body tremble as the poison she drank, took over her system.

Everything turned black and sounds cut off.

See you guys next time~ sorry for any mistakes ^^

Review, fav and follow and please keep in touch with this story since I have many things planned...hehe

~WhiteAngel83