Another update, hooray! Very long time, I'm sorry. My new job is pretty demanding and stressful, but I'll get the hang of it soon.
Enjoy~!
-Chapter 26-
"What? Prince Ritsu?" Hatori asked in disbelieve and bewilderment.
The door suddenly creaked open, interrupting everyone's focus. They all looked to the door and Ritsu recognized the burly blacksmith slipping in quietly. There was a much slighter boy following in his shadow, looking around nervously – Chiaki.
Ritsu uttered a shaky gasp and hides more in the shadows, tucked between Masamune and the corner of the room. Chiaki stick to the back of the room as he looked around discomfited. Ritsu's heart raced with anxiety as he realized Chiaki was going to discover the truth. But he noticed something peculiar; as Chiaki looked up at Hatori, his face morphed into disbelieve and blanched. Ritsu frowned at the odd reaction.
Hatori cleared his throat before he continued, "Prince Ritsu assassinate Matsumura? Please elaborate."
Kiyoko stepped up to be heard, "It only seems fair. A true act of reprisal: assassinate the man who murdered his family, killed our royal family. It also seems the simplest; we must avoid a civil war. A clean, sudden assassination that places Prince Ritsu on the throne and no civilian involvement or casualties."
A ripple of murmurs traveled through the crowd. Ritsu was not surprised; leave it to Kiyoko to produce of the final arrangement. Everyone seemed to consider it as they whispered amongst themselves, including Hatori and Kiyoko. Masamune leaned over to whisper with him and An.
"An assassination? Ritsu, are you prepared for that? I want him gone too, but isn't that…extreme?"
"Extreme? Not as extreme as him staging a coup d'état to murder townspeople and my parents to steal the throne," Ritsu responded with sarcastic disbelieve, "He murdered people Masamune! Do you hear yourself? It's what he deserves!"
"No Ritsu. Masamune has a point," An input, always the voice of reason, "We cannot lower ourselves to Matsumura's level. Though I want revenge just as much, we would simply be the same as him. We must uphold the justice and principles of our kingdom and deliver a just punishment. Think about it Ritsu before you commit; we are still Onoderas, still who we were raised to be."
Another crushing decision Ritsu was torn by. If it kept happening, he would be shredded to pieces before he became King. He looked out to Chiaki, alone in the back watching others deliberate. He was as lonely as Ritsu felt.
Hatori gained attention again before speaking. "This is a very significant proposal. There are still many things to consider, including how to get Prince Ritsu in the Onodera Kingdom in order to assassinate Matsumura. It is not as simple as sneaking him in."
The meeting proceeded with shouts of suggestions, but all were rejected with a major flaw. As time ticked by, everyone became more and more frustrated. They started to quarrel, disagreeing simply to oppose.
"Stop! Stop!" Hatori bellowed over the crowd, "This is not about us! It's late, we're exhausted. I suggest we continue this at a second meeting. A notice will go out as soon as possible of where and when. We will have a final word from His Highness."
Ritsu's heart leapt to his throat. Now Chiaki would know the truth; Ritsu couldn't avoid it anymore. Chiaki still gazed hesitantly and almost fearfully at the crowd, his head perking up as he awaited the prince. Now Chiaki would feel like everything was a lie, a deception. Just as Ritsu had.
He inhaled a deep, steady breath and released his white-knuckled grip on An's chair. The silence was deafening, threatening to make Ritsu pass out. Everyone was still as they watched their prince – their only hope – emerge from the shadows and walk slowly to the front. Ritsu had been right; Chiaki was stunned. His face blanched the second time that night, his falling open to match his wide blue eyes.
Ritsu avoided looking at his friend as he cleared his throat, preparing to speak quickly. Adrenaline continued to surge in his veins. "I don't have much to say. But what I can give you is a promise. I promise to right what is wrong. We will bring this tyranny down and reestablish the proper monarchy. It is the Onodera Kingdom and we are its people and no one can take that away!"
He was surprised by the power and confidence in his voice as his message projected. Albeit quietly, the crowd cheered for him and his family. As they had in the beginning, they all fell into elegant bows; the men bent deep at the waist as the ladies curtsied elegantly. What he had said was simple, but full of determination and courage. And those same emotions fueled the hope and vigor that overtook through the room. Ritsu could feel it within himself, the feelings swelling with each person. They surely had a chance, a glimmer of hope.
Only one person was standing straight – Chiaki. His disbelieving stare bore into Ritsu as his jaw hung slack. Ritsu avoided continuous eye contact as everyone rose back up to look at Ritsu. He felt awkward again, having not a clue what to say next. He finally found a slightly shivering voice.
"…I want to thank you for joining our effort to save the Onodera Kingdom. None of us could do this without the other. Now please, go home and love your families, your children, your spouses. You never know what you have until you lose it," Ritsu delivered the last line somberly, a heavy weight on his heart in remembrance.
Just as quickly as he had appeared, Chiaki fled the room.
.
.
"Chiaki!" Ritsu called as he scrambled down the hallway. As soon as Chiaki had left, Ritsu was in pursuit. His friend had disappeared before Ritsu made it to the halls, but Chiaki didn't know the house; he would surely become lost. Ritsu decided to head to the stables since most of the guests had brought horses. He had just turned into the hall that led to the stables when he saw Chiaki in front of him, opening the stable door.
"Chiaki!" Ritsu exclaimed. His friend whipped around only to glare at Ritsu. Chiaki had always had a smile on his face; Ritsu had never seen him angry.
"You lied to me," Chiaki hissed menacingly. Ritsu was taken aback by his dramatic change in attitude.
"L-Lied?"
"You're the prince?" Chiaki whispered intensely, "When the hell were you going to tell me?"
"Chiaki, it's not like that. I didn't know who I was either. I only just remembered," Ritsu answered.
"Oh, how convenient! I saw Kisa in there too; he apparently knew about it."
"I'm telling you, it's not what you think. Kisa knew even before I did! He's not who you think he is."
"Yeah, well, neither are you," Chiaki's eyes were both bitter and indignant. It pierced a thousand arrows into Ritsu's heart. Chiaki quickly disappeared before Ritsu could answer.
.
.
Ritsu slinked back into the drawing room unhappily. Most of the guests were gone, except Hatori, Yokozawa, An, and Masamune. Hatori and Yokozawa were in deep conversation with An while Masamune was seated in the corner. He snuck past the other adults to Masamune, sinking into the chair next to him. Masamune glanced at him with concern, sneaking a soft hand over his own.
"What happened?"
"My friend Chiaki from the orphanage suddenly showed up. He was quite shocked to see I was the prince, of course. He didn't believe me when I said I only just remembered," Ritsu bit back the burning sensation in his throat and eyes as he looked at Masamune.
"Ritsu," Masamune sighed.
"How long can you stay?" Ritsu whispered.
Masamune frowned, "I don't know, maybe before dawn. But I'll stay as long as you need me. I just need to convince Yokozawa."
"Please," Ritsu' eyes pleaded with Masamune's golden orbs. He needed comfort, the security of Masamune.
.
.
Masamune had somehow convinced Yokozawa to let him stay, but Yokozawa was staying as well. He would be in the same drawing room and they would have to leave before dawn. They snuck up to Ritsu's room where he firmly wedged a chair against the doorknob.
They both settled on the bed quietly as they looked into each other's eyes. Suddenly Ritsu climbed into Masamune's lap, running his fingers through his lover's soft black hair. He felt the entrapment of Masamune's arms around his waist. Gold clashed with green as their heated gazes met, each one's soul bared to the other. Their reunion was joyous, but arduous. All Ritsu wanted to do was be held by his love.
"When was the last time you held me like this?" Ritsu murmured.
"Too long," Masamune replied quietly. He leaned forward to place a soft, slow kiss to his love's lips. They were smooth and full like they were when he was fifteen. He was surprised he lived that many years without his beloved; but now he was glad he lived.
They pulled apart to look at one another again. Masamune stroked his auburn hair, reveling the softness and familiar scent. He tucked a lock behind Ritsu's ear, a habit he had done when they were teens. His mind ached with sadness as he thought of all the years they missed together, trading it instead for misery and confusion.
"I'm sorry Ritsu, for all the pain you suffer," Masamune said, "I want to help you as much as I can."
Ritsu's gaze flickered over Masamune's captivating features. He pressed his face into the crook of Masamune's neck, pressing his body flush with his lover's. He could feel every curve, every line that made their bodies perfect for each other. It was simply them right now; nothing else counted, mattered, existed.
"I just want to forget right now. I'm tired of constantly talking about it, thinking about it. I've cried enough. I just want you to love me right now," Ritsu whispered, begging for release.
Masamune didn't say a word; he simply kissed Ritsu with bruising force and eased him down to the bed.
.
.
They held each other close as they exchange their passions, hands touching and mouths kissing all over. By the time they were finished, they were spent but satisfied.
Ritsu's head rested on Masamune's chest, listening to his constant heartbeat. Masamune's arms were firmly around him, fingers twined in his love's caramel hair. Masamune felt the brunette's soft lips against his chest, "I love you. I don't think I could live without you."
Masamune swallowed thickly as he turned his gaze down to large emerald eyes, "I barely did."
Ritsu's eyes became poignant, pitiful but it warmed Masamune's heart. He kissed him slowly and softly, peppering small kisses to his lips. His hand tangled in auburn locks as he pulled the smaller man on top of himself. At times, he still couldn't believe he had Ritsu back; it was so surreal, as if he was suspended in a dream, escaping from the nightmare of life. Now both blended together to make a bittersweet world – reality.
He loved the flushed cheeks and breathless lips of his younger lover when they pulled apart. He could feel Ritsu's heart pounding against his own; every second spent looking at him caused it to beat even faster. Ritsu rested in the crook of his neck with a gentle sigh.
"I suppose you have to leave soon," Ritsu mumbled against his neck. Masamune made a reluctant, incoherent sound of agreement. They laid silently for a few more minutes, pure uninterrupted serenity.
Eventually he had to leave in order to get back to the castle before dawn. He slipped on his clothes unwillingly as Ritsu sat on the edge of his bed. Masamune's favorite green eyes were forlorn as he watched him. As he finished the last button, he swept Ritsu into his arms. Ritsu was barely on the tip of his toes as he was crushed against Masamune. His younger lover's bare body pressed against his own, enlightening the passion that burned fiercely within him.
"I love you. I'll see you as soon as I can; send me a message otherwise," Masamune said before pressing his lips against Ritsu's soft neck.
"…Are you happy An is back?" Ritsu murmured in question.
"Of course, she is my best friend. I feel so lucky to have gotten both you and An back; it's a miracle."
The younger male's lips stretched into a smile as he responded simply, "Me too."
.
.
Masamune found Yokozawa sleeping on the drawing room settee. Even the way he slept was rigid and neat, surely with a routine or pattern. He shook the bear-like man's shoulder as he called, "Yokozawa! Yokozawa, we need to leave."
A very groggy Yokozawa groaned in response as he stubbornly rose from the settee, always in precise movements. It only seemed to take him a moment to correct himself and become the faultless advisor again. He stood up and smoothed his hair back as he said, "Time to leave? Let's go."
Masamune found himself following Yokozawa, who was always in no doubt of himself. They entered the stables and mounted their horses quickly, checking no one had seen them before heading back to the castle. They soon arrived, attempting to enter the royal stables as quietly as possible. They slipped back into the castle, thankful there were not as many guards as Matsumura's castle. Masamune made it to his room and crawled into bed, expecting to sleep in.
Unfortunately, he was woken a few hours later by the sudden harsh light of the sun. He cracked his eyes open to see a maid yanking his curtains aside to let the light in, an attempt to wake him. He groaned in response to get her attention so he could inquire why she woke him so early.
"Ah, Your Highness! King Takeshi has suddenly called an emergency meeting with his advisors and he requested your presence," She explained.
'My father?' Masamune pondered. In the last few years, his father had hardly included him in counsels. Now he was calling for him, a curiosity that made him finally feel purposeful in a long time.
He drew himself from the clutches of exhaustion and readied himself for the engagement. The emergencies were always held in his father's office connected to his bedroom. By the time he arrived, it was already bustling with advisors and his father's staff. Yokozawa was faithfully stationed next to the desk, looking refreshed as if he received a full night's sleep. Yokozawa noticed his entrance and gave him a firm nod before his father emerged from his personal parlor into the office. Everyone immediately bowed to the king, still not taking notice of Masamune. His father moved to stand behind his desk, his weary face firm and thoughtful.
His face didn't change when he saw Masamune, "I see you made it, Masamune."
Finally, everyone bowed to him quickly before turning back to King Takeshi. Masamune knew the king's staff had lost most respect for him in the last few years, like his father. He did not blame them; he distanced himself and became a not-so-respectable future king, becoming apathetic and aloof. But since Ritsu had returned and needed all the support he could receive, Masamune was determined to prove himself once again and reach out to his kingdom.
"Gentlemen, I called you here early for a very important matter," Takeshi began, "As we know, King Matsumura has put a lockdown on his kingdom and nothing goes in or out. We are cut off from trading and general interaction from his kingdom. However, Matsumura is becoming desperate and paranoid; he has informed me he wants to search our kingdom as well."
Murmurs immediately erupted from around the room, most of the advisors disapproving of the idea. Masamune feared of the next few words; would his father actually consider it?
"I know it seems like a violation and I do not enjoy the prospect either; but according to law and Matsumura's reign, theoretically Prince Ritsu is a fugitive and we cannot refuse his request. However, he wants to bring his own troops in to search the kingdom. His paranoia will cause him to act irrationally and he will cause national panic with his radical search and seizures if he has full control over it in this kingdom. I do not want a war and submit to every whim and desire of King Matsumura. I propose we think of a better solution that mollifies the people and satisfies Matsumura as well."
Hum of approval mixed with discontent circulated. His father stood confidently, but Masamune knew him better; through his eyes he was obviously anxious. Everything was a bet, a risk Takeshi had to take to ensure the future of his kingdom. This was possibly one of the biggest decisions he would make; it would end in war no matter what in Masamune's eyes. But there had to be a way.
"Might I suggest," Masamune spoke up suddenly, an action that drew everyone's attention immediately. Many looked shocked he had even spoken, even his father. They watched him intently, judging every move, every word he spoke. Judging if they could trust him again. Masamune refused to be condemned; he drew himself up and walked towards his father's desk to stop beside it. He drew in his confidence as his father did, extinguishing his fears as he imagined Ritsu for strength.
Masamune cleared his throat to start again, "Might I suggest we make this a diplomatic affair. We can invite him personally to the castle as we use our own troops to search the kingdom. He can monitor the operation as he pleases, but the troops are ours and are loyal to us. He has the security of searching the kingdom and we have the security of our own military. If he refuses this offer, then he is not respecting the treaty between our lands; he cannot blame a war on us he started."
He expected protest and instant refusal, but the room was in dead silence. Everyone stared at him openly as if he was a strange anomaly. Masamune felt a strange sense of pride at leaving them speechless, but the most gratifying was his father's expression. He had not seen that look in a long time; an admiring smile and the familiar twinkle of praise in his eyes as he looked at his son.
"Well," Takeshi chimed in, "Any other proposals? I honestly cannot think of a better one. I guess my son is not a lost cause."
A few low chuckles reverberated through the room, including Yokozawa. But Masamune didn't feel shame; he felt inspired. He was not only helping his beloved, but his people. This was what being a king was about, he realized: helping those you loved, including your kingdom. But Masamune's plan had a beneficial, unexpected outcome he had formulated.
Matsumura would be an easier target for Ritsu to eliminate.
Damn, something is gonna go down soon! But don't worry, there is still much to come ;)
See you next chapter~! :)