Prompt: NewgatexGarp, "Don't leave", requested by Picmurasaki
Garp stiffened as soon as the castle King Edward resided in came into view. It was not like he was scared, as he stood under direct protection of Emperor Sengoku, so Edward would have to be a fool to harm him. Besides, Garp had a legion of knights with him. But even if he didn't had such an insurance, Garp couldn't imagine Edward to lure him into a trap. He just wasn't the type for that.
However, that wasn't what was bothering him. Garp had made many of these diplomatic journeys, insuring all kings, counts and dukes were loyal to the emperor. However, there were two kings who had become too powerful to be left alone anymore: King Roger and King Edward. King Roger's wife, Queen Rouge, was pregnant, and that predicted trouble. King Edward, fortunately, had no official heir, no matter how much he liked to claim that his knights and ladies were his children. None of them could lay claim on the throne, and since Edward wasn't prone to marry, the emperor wouldn't have to worry about a legitimate heir.
However, the reason for Garp's visit was that there were rumours that Edward and Roger had made an alliance. Garp sincerely hoped those were false, because if those two would join forces, they would be powerful enough to overcome the emperor – not that Garp would ever admit to that. His visit now was to investigate if anything about those rumours were true, and if they were, nip it in the bud. How, Garp wasn't sure how he would do that, but he would see about that when he got there.
In any case, why he hated so much that he was the one sent on this mission because there was something about Edward that put him on edge. Nothing that he said directly of course, Edward was a master in diplomacy. But at the last party they had both gone to – the wedding of King Roger and Queen Rouge – Garp could have sworn Edward had been flirting with him. The thought alone was ridiculous of course, but also somewhat flattering.
The drawbridge of the castle was lowered once their presence had been announced, and Garp and his men were led inside. They could freshen up a bit before speaking to the king, but Garp was impatient. Of course he had to grant his men some time to rest, as they had a long ride behind them, but that didn't mean he could sit still himself, pacing up and down.
A young knight by the name of Coby asked him if he was okay, but Garp just snapped at him he should always stay on guard. The poor kid immediately rose and stood watch while the others took it easy.
Finally, a maidservant announced the king would receive them now. Garp followed her stiffly, as did his knights.
In his throne room, King Edward was seated on a beautifully decorated throne, surrounded by his most thrusted knights.
"Garp, duke of Foosha, has arrived," a herald announced, before leaving the throne room bowing.
Garp stepped inside the room, looking around suspiciously. None of Edward's knights looked like they were about to attack, but Garp wasn't ready to let his guard down just yet. Next to the throne, Marco was standing, Edward's trusted seneschal. His eyes were as sharp as ever, like those of a hawk, as if he thought Garp might be the one laying the trap.
Edward smiled friendly at him, his enormous head resting on his enormous hand – there were rumours King Edward descended from giants. "Welcome, Duke of Foosha." His voice boomed through the hall. "What a pleasant surprise."
Garp narrowed his eyes, but it seemed like Edward was sincere. However, since he was a duke standing in front of a king, he had no choice but to bow. "My King," he said, as his knights followed his example. Somehow, some of the tension drained from the room, though Garp was sure Marco was still watching him.
"There's no need to be so formal, Garp. We're all friends here," Edward said cheerfully.
Garp rose rather stiffly. They were nothing like friends, and Edward should know that. He probably did, or he wouldn't be as powerful as he was. One should know their enemies, after all.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Edward continued, and Garp didn't miss that he placed his hand on Marco's arm for a moment, as if to say it was okay. Marco visibly relaxed.
Garp stood for a dilemma. He could spin a bullshit story of what brought him here, or he could cut to the chase and ask Edward directly. Garp was never someone to beat around the bush unless necessary, but in this case, it wasn't. Edward was many things, but not a liar. "Did you form an alliance with King Roger to dethrone Emperor Sengoku?" he finally asked.
A gasp went through the hall, though it were mostly Garp's own knight who were shocked about his bluntness. Most were new in his army and not used to much yet.
Edward looked at him for a moment, as silence filled the room. Then Edward started to laugh, his booming laughter echoing through the hall. Soon, his knights followed his example, including Marco. "Where on earth did you hear a thing like that?' Edward asked as he had finally calmed down.
"So it's not true?" Garp asked, slightly insulted by the laughter.
"Even if I wanted to, Roger is too stubborn to work together with me. Besides, he wouldn't risk war now that Rouge is pregnant. Sengoku may keep his throne, as far as I'm concerned. I have everything I need here." With a warm smile, Edward looked around the room at his knights.
Garp cleared his throat – it was getting too mushy for his taste. "Well, good. That was all I needed to know."
"If you go ask Roger the same, send him my regards," Edward said with a grin. "And my love to Rouge, of course."
Garp huffed. "I'm not your messenger boy. Anyway, I have what I need, my king, so I'll be taking my leave now."
Bowing once more, he turned his heels, and made to leave the throne room.
"Don't leave," Edward said warmly. "You can't possibly have journeyed this far just to leave again? Stay, and I'll have a banquet prepared for you."
Garp froze. He had been so close to leaving without Edward trying something funny. But he couldn't ignore the pleading looks on his knights' faces. After all, they had been travelling for several days to reach this castle. Roger's was ever further away. Having a proper meal and a good bed to sleep in was the least they deserved.
With a sigh, he turned around and bowed again. "As you wish, Your Highness."
