Disclaimer: I don't own Shugo Chara
Chapter 6
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Amu slowly opened her eyes from the sunlight streaming into her room. She looked around the unfamiliar room as it took her a while to remember that she was staying in the guest room of the Royal Mansion. Amu brought her hand to her forehead as she tried to recall what happened to her. All she could remember was that her head started hurting and she lost consciousness.
She looked at the hand she brought to her forehead, for some reason it was warm compared to the rest of her. Amu vaguely remembered someone holding her hand and hearing a voice murmuring an "I love you" to her. Amu blushed at that thought. That was just a dream... right?
She was about to sit up when the door to her room slowly opened, the familiar streak of brunette hair came into view and Amu immediately guessed that it was her sister. She was about to smile until she saw her younger sister's pale face.
"Ami?" Amu's older sister instinct immediately began to kick in as soon as her younger sister closed the door behind her. "What's going on?" Amu tossed her blanket aside as she sat up, but as soon as she did, she immediately felt her head spinning.
"Onee-chan, stay right there." Ami's strained voice called out. She went near her older sister and carefully propped up a pillow so that Amu could sit comfortably.
All the while, Amu kept an eye on her sister's expression. She could see anxiety written all over her face, and Amu couldn't understand what might have brought it on. As Amu quietly stared, she was surprised when tears suddenly began pouring down Ami's face.
"Onee-chan," Ami sobbed as she carefully sat on her the bed and pressed her face against her older sister's chest. Amu didn't know what was going on as she automatically wrapped her arms around her younger sister.
"Ikuto-onii-sama." Was all Ami said as she continued to sob.
"What did he do?" Amu immediately asked, jumping into conclusions.
The younger Hinamori shook her head as she pulled away from her older sister. "Onee-chan, what should we do?" She said, wiping her tears to no avail as they still continue to stream down her face.
"What's going on?" Amu couldn't help but swallow. She was slowly beginning to panic, unable to follow with what was happening. For as long as she could remember, she never saw Ami cry as much as she is right now.
"Ikuto-onii-sama might have to give up his title as Crown Prince!"
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Tension could be felt inside a large room where the Council, a group of elders, sat in a row which formed a semi-circle. At the head of the long table, the king and queen sat quietly while the Crown Prince sat at the center of the semi-circle.
Souko touched her husband's hand which had been clenched into a fist the whole time under the table. There was nothing she could do to assure her husband that everything would be fine, because the situation as it is does not ensure so. She couldn't help but bite her bottom lip as she thought back on how everything transpired to be.
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It was barely the waking hours when a maid informed them that a messenger had arrived with urgent news for the King. Souko was about to follow her husband as he left their bed, but he hand placed a hand on top of their covers to signal her that he was fine to deal with it on his own. While he tried to assure her so, Souko knew that something was not right.
"Dear," Souko began in a hoarse voice, caused by the ungodly timing in the morning.
Before the Queen could say anything more, the maid outside the room was joined by the familiar voice of Aruto's personal attendant. "Your Majesties. I'm afraid this cannot wait."
"Enter and speak." Aruto ordered, knowing that if his attendant had to prompt him so that it certainly cannot be delayed.
As Souko pulled their covers higher towards her, Aruto's attendant entered the room with his head hung low. "Your Majesties, I apologize, but I believe this is an emergency."
"It this the Council?" Aruto said in a low voice. Souko looked at her husband in surprise, and she saw that he had his hands clenched into their sheets tightly.
"Yes." Aruto's attendant replied. "The Council would like to convene about the Crown Prince's qualifications." Despite trying to be neutral about delivering the news, Aruto's attendant couldn't help but be vocal about his distaste for the word.
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There was no time to let things sink in as Ikuto was immediately summoned by the King. Souko wasn't able to join the two as she had other duties to attend to immediately in order to be able to attend this "conference". Whatever her husband and son had talked about, Souko could only hope that it would help the current situation.
"Let us begin." One elder spoke.
"Today, the Council has gathered in order to re-evaluate the current Crown Prince named Tsukiyomi Ikuto. The firstborn and only son of the current King Tsukiyomi Aruto."
"Tsukiyomi Ikuto's qualification to be the Crown Prince, heir to the throne, has become questionable due to recent events."
Ikuto, who was the center of the elders' disapproving looks, twitched when recent events had been mentioned. He could already guess what they were referring to.
"Dammit." Aruto murmured under his breath which only his wife could hear. "I knew they would strike as soon as they have the chance. This meant that sending that kid to London had not been enough."
"Are they intent of stripping Ikuto-kun of his title?" Souko replied in an equally small voice.
Aruto didn't miss the tremble in his wife's voice as she said her concern. He felt her hand which was above his clenched one give another tight squeeze. He placed his free hand on top of hers as he said, "As long as your son doesn't make a wrong move, everything might be fine."
"Our son." Despite the uncertainty of Aruto's "might", Souko couldn't help but respond automatically. Thankfully, the familiar exchange seemed to have taken a bit of tension off of her chest.
"Our son," Aruto decided to concede, "has an impressive track record as the Crown Prince. He's been active with public duties since young. If he humors the Council and keep himself in check, this will go down without a problem."
Souko could only nod wordlessly at her husband's words, hoping that it was truly enough.
"While Tsukiyomi Ikuto is well-known to be an intelligent and reasonable public figure," An elder began, as if picking up from the hushed exchange between the King and Queen, "We have noticed that when it comes to the chosen Crown Princess, his reasoning and self-awareness is lacking."
Aruto cursed under his breath, unconsciously gripping his wife's hand.
"As Crown Prince, he should guide his Crown Princess with the proper decorum as she is a commoner. In his failure to do so, the Crown Princess was involved in a scandal with Prince Tadase. Is there anything you would like to say about this matter, Tsukiyomi Ikuto?"
Ikuto took a deep breath as he felt the heavy weight of everyone's stares. His father had already warned him beforehand that the Council will bring this up. The only way he can get out of this situation unscathed is to go directly to the point.
"I was being considerate of the relationship between Tadase and Amu, as they are also childhood friends." He paused for effect. "I have become aware that I am lacking as the chosen Crown Princess' betrothed. Thus, we've taken necessary measures and she will be residing in the Palace with the Royal Family as soon as possible." Ikuto answered smoothly.
"This matter with Hotori Tadase may have been solved for the time being, but how sure are we that this chosen Crown Princess will not repeat the same mistake? As you are aware," The elder speaking took the time to look at the Royal Couple, "this Council has been apprehensive of the idea of taking in Hinamori Amu were it not for the late King's wish."
Souko straightened in her seat and was about to speak in defense of Amu when she felt her husband squeeze her hand.
"Hinamori Amu has been trained properly on the ways of becoming a Crown Princess." Aruto spoke in a clear voice, making eye contact with the elder. "Hotori Tadase is a special case as their relationship cannot be understood by curious onlookers. The two merely share a close relationship as those of siblings."
"Are you vouching for the girl then, Your Majesty?" One of the elders questioned, raising an eyebrow.
Before the King could respond, another spoke up. "Such a scandal must not be repeated. It would not reflect well on the Royal Family to take in a member who is involved in multiple scandals. In this case, we cannot take the chance if she is to cause more trouble."
Hearing those words, the Crown Prince couldn't help but clench his teeth together tightly to prevent himself from speaking. He tried to keep a neutral expression as his father had suggested, but if the Council is to insult Amu any further, he might not be able to control himself.
"We must also address Tsukiyomi Ikuto's impulsive decision to announce their engagement in an improper setting without following the appropriate procedure as mandated by the Palace."
"I have always admired you when you were young Tsukiyomi Ikuto, but your impulsiveness in that situation demands that I re-think my impression of you."
"I admit," Ikuto began in a levelled tone, speaking up before any more of the elders' words snap his self-control, "that I had a lapse of judgement during that time. The Crown Princess had been in harm's way and I decided to act before thinking of the consequence, but I assure this honorable Council that such an error will never be repeated again."
"You do understand that we are not only considering what had occurred. We are also considering the future of this country. If we were to put the country's fate into the hands of someone who is easily swayed by his emotions, that will be the end of this country."
Souko looked at her husband, her expression half pleading. They had to step in somehow, because to her this inquiry felt unfair. The elders had admitted that her son is a responsible public figure yet they are tearing him down for that one moment of weakness he has had.
Aruto lightly shook his head at his wife, knowing what was running through her mind. There was nothing they can do but let the Council finish their inquiry. So far, Ikuto has done well with keeping his emotions in check. If they were to intervene, it might disrupt everything. The last thing they would want is for the Council to declare that their son is incapable of being independent as he still needed his parents to defend him.
"That lapse will never happen again." Ikuto said in a determined voice, "As your Crown Prince, I assure you that I will serve this country with the best of my abilities. I have slowly but steadily become a pillar of this country, and I will not allow myself to be broken down by trivial matters."
The room fell in silence as the Crown Prince's words resounded strongly. The King and Queen both held their breath as they firmly squeezed each other's hands under the table. Slowly, the Council began to murmur among themselves. Aruto carefully watched their expressions, as did Ikuto. A few nods here and there began to emerge.
"We do agree that you have become an irreplaceable pillar in this country, Tsukiyomi Ikuto." One spoke as he gave another nod. "It has not escaped our notice that you have improved the international relationship with neighboring countries despite your young age."
"The National Budget Department, which had been infested by corruption despite the efforts of previous monarchs, is now running more smoothly than before. The corruption rate within the department has been on its lowest since Tsukiyomi Ikuto has been made chair."
More murmurs could be hear within the room, but the atmosphere has changed compared to how it was in the beginning. Ikuto could feel the disapproving looks slowly relent into something more positive. As a result, he was finally able to look at the people in the room with more ease than before and his eyes met with his parents'.
Souko could only offer her son a reassuring smile as Aruto gave a nod. This is all about to be over, kid. Aruto thought to himself.
"Well then," An elder, who seems to be the leader of the Council, spoke for the first time since the inquiry commenced. "In consideration of Tsukiyomi Ikuto's performance as the Crown Prince with regards to international relations and the smooth operation of the National Budget, we simply want you to comply with one condition in order to retain your position."
The King and Queen both heaved a sigh at the verdict of the Elders.
"The Council would like you to drop Hinamori Amu as the Crown Princess."
The room was once again deathly silent to the point where the Queen's small gasp echoed loudly. Souko could feel her heart stop on her son's behalf from the Council's condition. She knew how much her son tried to protect both his title as the Crown Prince and Hinamori Amu as his Crown Princess.
"We can see that she is more of a liability than a source of support for Tsukiyomi Ikuto's career as the Crown Prince." Another elder spoke, his words directed to the Queen. "As we wish to still grant the late King's wish, we are pushing forward Hinamori Ami to become the Crown Princess instead."
"I refuse." Ikuto's hard voice clearly resounded in the large room.
"Ikuto!" Aruto's equally hard voice was heard. He couldn't stop himself, but it only took his wife's gently tap on his shoulder to hold him back from saying anything more. You are going to become the cause of your end. Take what you can while they're being considerate! Aruto's eyes tried to convey to Ikuto.
This didn't go unnoticed by Ikuto, but he stubbornly still addressed the Council. He took advantage of their speechlessness from the shock of his refusal.
"Hinamori Amu is not a burden." Ikuto began, "If you would kindly give her another chance as you have done for me today, I assure you that you will be able to see her shine brightly. Our time as the Crowned Couple is yet to begin and has already set off on the wrong foot, but I assure you that my Crown Princess will not disappoint you a second time."
"Are you willing to bare responsibility for your words Tsukiyomi Ikuto?" An elder eyed him critically.
Ikuto met that stare unflinchingly as he answered, "I am."
"Head elder?" Everyone turned to the leader of the Council who had once again become silent as he observed the exchange between the Council and the Crown Prince.
"As this not only concerns us," the Head Elder spoke, looking around the room, "let us also have the citizens involved. A party to celebrate the Crowned Couple's engagement must be held, if all goes well then we don't see any problem."
Aruto held his breath as he became suspicious of the Head Elder's motive. While he felt his wife let out a breath, he couldn't relax just yet. The solution is too simple and the Council is also too compliant despite it being the Head Elder's decision.
"But if does not end well, the consequence will be grave." An elder said in a low voice.
"I am prepared to pass the Crown to Hotori Tadase and step down." Ikuto answered solemnly.
A few elders scoffed at Ikuto's words. Aruto clenched his hand too tightly over Souko's hand unconsciously which made her flinch in pain. "They won't dare." Aruto murmured through his teeth.
"Hotori Tadase is not competent enough to become the Crown Prince."
"This matter should not be discussed in this manner." Aruto stood up from his seat as he finally spoke out loud.
"Are you to say that Tsukiyomi Ikuto is not aware?"
Souko looked at her husband, having caught on to what the Council is trying to suggest. Despite her fear, she tried to calm her expression in order to address the Council too. "This is a matter between the members of the Royal Family."
"My Lady, surely—"
"I see not the need to worry," The Head Elder chuckled, which was clearly out of place in the serious and tense atmosphere. "A little bird has informed me that Tsukiyomi Ikuto is quite aware of the existence of Souma Kukai and what that entails."
Both Souko and Aruto immediately looked at their son who barely spoke a word since. Ikuto, who had met the eyes of everyone who spoke to him, was now looking down. Souko wrapped her hand around her husband's arm as she tried to hold back the tears that were burning behind her eyes. Aruto remained speechless.
"Then, Tsukiyomi Ikuto." The Head Elder addressed him, "If your chosen Crown Princess disappoints us once again, you will have to choose. Have Hinamori Ami as your Crown Princess, or have Souma Kukai replace you as the Crown Prince. That is how you will take responsibility for your choice today. Do you accept?"
"I do." Ikuto answered without skipping a beat, meeting the eyes of the Head Elder.
"Do Your Majesties have anything to say about the Crown Prince's decision?"
Souko bit her lip, unsure of what to say. Her heart was aching at the revelation that Ikuto had been aware of Souma Kukai. Yet, it had not escape her that for the first time since the session began, her son was finally addressed as the Crown Prince once again.
Aruto, on the other hand gave a clear answer, "I thank you for your graciousness. There is nothing more the Queen and I can ask for."
"Then everyone is dismissed." the Head Elder declared before anyone else could say another word.
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"I suggest you leave before they find the both of you."
The Hinamori sisters who had been listening and hiding on the second floor balcony of the room resisted the urge to scream as they jumped in surprise at the unexpected voice.
"This way please," Nikaidou Yuu, the Crown Prince's personal attendant, said. "I will lead you back to Amu-sama's temporary room." Without asking anything else, he silently began to lead the way as if nothing was wrong.
Yuu had followed the girls when they left the room, and had been watching them for the whole duration of the inquiry. He had seen the confused and shocked expressions of the siblings as they listened in, and that was enough for him to guess the thoughts running in their minds.
Once they reached the door to Amu's room, Yuu finally looked at the two siblings. He paused when he belatedly realized the awkward atmosphere growing between the them, and he could only conclude that it was because of the Council's suggestion of replacing the older sister with the younger one.
Yuu shook his head exasperatedly, foreseeing the damage control his charge has to deal with once he has the chance to talk to the Hinamori girls. While he, himself, had been shocked with the direction the inquiry had taken, Yuu knew that it was about time that everything comes out in the open. With all the secrets the Crown Prince had been hiding, it was bound to be revealed sooner or later.
"Please stay inside your room for the meantime Amu-sama as you are still recovering." Ikuto's personal attendant spoke, "You may join her as well Ami-sama. I am sure that the Crown Prince will come to see the both of you shortly."
"Are you going to tell him?" Amu couldn't help but speak up.
Yuu could only give the pinkette an apologetic smile as he raised his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose, "I'm afraid I can't keep anything from the Crown Prince, Amu-sama."
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Ikuto stayed seated on his seat even after the inquiry had ended. Everyone had filed out of the room, and now he was left with his thoughts. He's aware that as soon as he leaves the room, his parents are ready to ask him the very questions he never wanted to answer.
He couldn't forget the broken expression from his mother's face when the Head Elder revealed that he's aware of Souma Kukai's existence. He knew that his mother wanted to keep it from him in order to protect him. But the result would have been the same in the end. He would still learn of Souma Kukai's existence because apparently the Council wants that person to replace him.
Ikuto scoffed as he thought of the ridiculousness of the Council's ultimatum. Hinamori Ami as his crown princess, or Souma Kukai as the crown prince. Either way, it ensures the fact that he loses Amu.
He closed his eyes as he took a deep breath to calm himself. It would be better if Amu doesn't know about Souma Kukai's involvement with the Royal Family.
"Ikuto-sama."
The Crown Prince opened his eyes as he came face to face with his personal attendant. Ikuto was about to speak but stopped when he saw the expression on his attendant's face. "What trouble is brewing outside?" Ikuto asked, "The Council is not satisfied?"
"I'm afraid it's a matter more difficult than dealing with the Council." Yuu said in a serious tone.
Ikuto laughed humorlessly as he stared at his attendant, "What can be more difficult than dealing with the Council? Unless Amu—" He stopped himself as he raised a brow at his attendant.
"Apparently Amu-sama and Ami-sama were listening in during the inquiry."
Ikuto took another deep breath as he fought the urge to curse aloud. He clenched his fists closed as several thoughts ran through his mind until it stopped at one. Amu is aware that Souma Kukai can be the next Crown Prince.
"Why is everything falling apart right at this moment?" He asked through clenched teeth. "Where is she?" He asked, standing up from his seat.
"In her temporary room. I should also inform you that Their Majesties are expecting to have an audience with you as soon as possible."
Ikuto paused at Yuu's words. He knew very well that the topic of their conversation would revolve around Souma Kukai. Today seemed to be all about him after all. "Tell them I'll go see them as soon as I talk to Amu." He didn't waste time as he moved towards the exit with his attendant following closely behind him.
"Are you going to tell her about Souma Kukai's past?"
"That depends on how much a wreck my emotions will be once I actually start talking to her."
Yuu watched his charge in silence as soon as those words were said. While he usually likes to tease the Crown Prince about being an emotional sap, this was not the time for it.
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As soon as Ikuto entered Amu's room, he didn't miss the heavy atmosphere inside. While his personal attendant had informed him how he suspected that the two siblings are on awkward terms due to the Council's declaration of having Ami as the next crown princess, he didn't think it was this serious.
"Ikuto-onii-sama!" Ami gasped as soon as she realized his presence inside the room.
Despite the fact that Ami was on the opposite end of the room from her older sister, Ikuto immediately felt the glare Amu threw his way. He forced himself to look at Amu as he tried to remind himself to keep his emotions in check. He smirked as soon as his eyes met her angry ones.
"I heard there were eavesdroppers in today's inquiry." He said in a taunting tone, "I thought your training as the Crown Princess included etiquette training, apparently they might have missed that."
"What do you know about Kukai-kun? Why is he involved here!? And why is Ami being dragged into this political marriage?" Amu ignored his sarcasm as she immediately threw her questions at the Crown Prince.
"Onee-chan." Ami couldn't help but call out to her sister, feeling that it was unfair of her to start interrogating him when the Council may as well drained him of energy.
"Stay out of this." Amu snapped, sparing a glance at Ami before glaring back at Ikuto.
Ami's eyes narrowed at her sister's words. Ikuto didn't miss how Ami bit her inner cheek which usually indicate how she was holding herself back from saying something she knew would cause more trouble.
"I'll talk to her alone." The Crown Prince said to the younger Hinamori.
"This involves me too!" Ami said indignantly as she looked at Ikuto.
Ikuto shook his head slightly as he tilted his head towards the door. "I'll talk to you once your sister calms down."
"There is no chance I will calm down unless you tell me the truth!" Amu demanded. "You probably already know that Kukai-kun is the one I met in the States! Why is he involved!?"
Ikuto didn't break eye contact with Ami despite Amu sounding to be near hysterics. He had to handle this situation with only him and Amu alone in the room. He wasn't sure if he will be able to keep his emotions in check, and the last thing he wants is to involve someone who shouldn't be involved.
Ami stared back at him stubbornly, not wanting to leave the room. Not only because she also wanted to know the truth about Souma Kukai, but because she knew that her sister won't hold anything back. She's afraid that Amu would say something that would hurt him more. The night the Crown Prince had poured his heart out to her older sister once again flashed into her mind.
As she continued to stare back at him, Ikuto mouthed to words "please". This made Ami's heart clench as she realized that nothing will make him change his mind. Ami reluctantly glanced at her sister, who was still glaring at the Crown Prince, and then back at him. "Fine." She said in a small voice as she slowly walked out of the room.
Before Ami could leave the room, she paused beside the Crown Prince whispering the words, "No matter what onee-chan says, please don't give up the Crown."
Ikuto was surprised at the younger Hinamori's words as he looked back at her as she walked out of the room without a backward glance. He couldn't help but shake his head at how intuitive she was, he let out a chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?" Amu's brows furrowed further as Ikuto finally turned to look at her.
And to deal with this. Ikuto thought to himself. "I find it amusing how clueless you are." He smirked, knowing full well that it will further fan Amu's anger. He saw how Amu clenched her fists as she kept herself seated on her bed. "I told you before that you knowing nothing about Souma Kukai."
"Then tell me!"
Ikuto shrugged nonchalantly as he moved a few steps closer to Amu's bed. "You shouldn't concern yourself with the truth. It's best to stay naive and think everything is peaceful."
"Stop mocking me!" Amu finally stood up, she could feel her nails digging deeply into her palm as she clenched her hands harder.
"The only thing you should think of is the engagement party." Ikuto said as he finally stepped close to her. "After all, the status of my Crown falls upon you."
"Is that all that matters to you?" Amu spat.
Ikuto chuckled shortly once again as he replied, "Maybe."
"I hate you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Princess." Ikuto chuckled once again, looking down at her from his tall height at their close proximity.
"Don't call me that." Amu gritted her teeth, showing clear disgust on her face as she took a step back away from him, "I refuse to be your Crown Princess."
"Too late in the game now, aren't we?" Ikuto raised a brow, "Unless you're ready to hand over your position to Ami."
At the mention of her sister, Amu knew there was no holding back. "Is everyone just a tool to you? Is the title of Crown Prince more important than anything else!? You are a selfish person! You don't deserve to be the Crown Prince! Maybe Kukai-kun is better—"
"You don't know me well enough to make those claims." Ikuto growled. "What has your Souma Kukai ever done to deserve the title as Crown Prince? He is—" He stopped as soon as he saw the shock in Amu's expression.
He cursed silently when he realized that he was about to reveal Kukai's identity. Upon seeing her expression, he was reminded of their argument the other day. Whenever Amu says something that triggered his emotions, he forgets the fact that he has only shown his devil-may-care attitude in front of her.
Amu remained frozen in shock as she never heard him speak to her in a threatening tone with a voice that held zero emotions. The glare he sent her way momentarily was not something she had seen before. Not once, even when she knew she was out of line, did she see him look at her with much contempt.
"Most of the time, Ikuto-kun keeps the truth to himself."
Amu found herself biting her lip as soon as the Queen's words from their previous conversation flashed across her mind. Why am I remembering that now?
She shook her head stubbornly as she forced herself to think back to the issue on hand. Souma Kukai. You want to know the truth about Souma Kukai. She told herself.
"He's not fond of telling others about the good things he's done, but there are plenty of things that Ikuto-kun has done for your sake that you don't know about."
Amu fell down back on her bed as the Queen's words persisted to penetrate her thoughts. She suddenly felt all fight leaving her body as her head began to ache.
"You—" Amu heard Ikuto speak in a concerned tone as he continued to stand in front of her. She was surprised to hear concern from him, when usually he would take advantage of her showing weakness. Usually he'd say something even worse when she doesn't talk back.
She closed her eyes, not wanting to see his whatever expression he was making. His words began to ring in her mind too. "You don't know me well enough to make those claims."
I really don't know you well enough. If what Souko-sama had been saying was the truth, then why do you always act so distant towards me. Why— She flinched when she felt something warm press against her forehead.
Amu opened her eyes and was immediately surprised upon seeing the Crown Prince's closed eyes so close to hers. Her breathing stopped as she realized a little too late that Ikuto had pressed his forehead against her as he crouched in front of her.
Slowly, his lids opened and Amu was greeted with a pair of indigo hued eyes. A frown took place in his expression as he pulled away from her. "You still have a fever."
Amu was rendered speechless. Worry. It was the first time that she saw genuine worry coming from him. Amu's head began throbbing with pain once again, she brought her hand to her head.
Ikuto noticed Amu wince. He immediately stood up as he glanced towards the door of Amu's room. "I suggest you get back to rest. You haven't fully recovered yet." Ikuto said as held both of Amu's shoulders, urging her to lie back down on the bed. As soon as he did, Amu slapped his hand away from her.
"Stop." Amu said weakly.
Ikuto didn't speak.
Amu slowly looked at him in the eye, a few tears threatening to fall from the corner of hers. "Stop toying with me." Amu whispered.
Ikuto's brow furrowed as his expression turned confused. And then, Amu saw the slow hardening of his expression. There. She finally realized it. A very familiar expression of his. That was his expression every time he's hiding something.
"Stop it," Amu said once again, her voice thick with emotion. A tear started falling down her cheek. "Stop trying to keep things from me. Stop pretending to not care when you actually do. If your goal is to make me hate you, then you've succeeded already. Stop pretending." Amu pressed a hand against Ikuto's chest.
When he chose to remain silent, Amu shook her head as she finally let go of her tears. "Stop it."
He was about to hold onto Amu's hand which remained on his chest, but upon seeing the familiar glimmer under the collar of Amu's shirt, he stopped. "If you're so keen on getting yourself sick, I suggest you stay in bed. If you want to seek attention, you will get plenty of that soon." He said in a cold voice.
Amu felt a sharp stab in her chest. She tried to muster a glare towards him, but she just couldn't. Tears continued to stream down her cheeks as she grew more confused. Which is the real you? The brief worry he displayed a while ago definitely wasn't an act.
Amu began to see dark spots in her vision and was about to collapse forward when she felt a pair of warm arms wrapped around her waist. She looked up and once again saw an expression she will never get used to seeing on the face of the Crown Prince. As if he was caught off guard, his eyes had widen with what Amu can only decipher as panic.
"There you go again." She murmured before she slipped into unconsciousness.
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"Ikuto-onii-sama," Ami had quickly rushed back to her older sister's room as soon as she heard that the Crown Prince had summoned to Royal Doctor because Amu had fainted. She had caught the Crown Prince just as he was about to leave her sister's room with his personal attendant in tow.
Despite sensing that the two seemed to be in a hurry, she couldn't help but stop him. "I need to talk to you. It won't take long."
At this, she noticed Ikuto letting out a quiet sigh as he turned to his personal attendant. "Go ahead, I'll be right behind you." As soon as Yuu gave a quick nod and left the both of them, Ikuto dropped a hand on Ami's head.
Ami raised a brow at his gesture.
"You've been calling me a lot often these days." He gave her a teasing grin.
Ami couldn't help but pout at him as she ducked out from under his large hand.
Ikuto suddenly sighed once again. "I know you have a lot of questions, but I won't tell you anything concerning that person." Ikuto began before Ami could saying anything further. "If I am to hear that name again, I'm leaving you on your own."
"Are you bipolar?" Ami's brows had furrowed as she suddenly blurted out the words.
This caused the two to become silent as Ikuto tried to process whether he heard Ami correctly. In the end, he couldn't help but let out a short laugh as Ami continue to stare at him as if the matter was quite serious. "I'm all over the place, aren't I?"
"You just jumped from one emotion to another in mere seconds." Ami observed. "I won't ask what you and onee-chan talked about. After all, you asked me to leave the room, and that meant you didn't want me to know."
Ikuto couldn't help but shake his head as he was once again amazed by the rational and calm thinking of the younger sibling, who is quite the opposite of his betrothed. "Then what is this about? If this is the matter regarding the Council's decision—"
"There's that," Ami interrupted. She suddenly couldn't meet Ikuto's eyes as she chose to look down at her feet. "But there's something else I have to tell you."
Ikuto titled his head curiously despite knowing that Ami wouldn't have seen him do so. He paused when he noticed her biting her inner cheek once again. "Ami." He called out, as something suddenly clicked inside his mind.
Ami immediately raised her eyes to his as soon as he called her name. She decided to say what was on her mind before she could change her mind once again, "Ikuto-onii-sama, about last night, I—"
"I know." Before Ami could say anything more, Ikuto had stopped her.
Ami's eyes widen in shock as Ikuto continued to look at her without any visible change in his calm expression. She continued to once again stare at him, unable to decide whether she should say something else or just let it be. Does he want to talk about it or pretend it never happened?
Watching conflict dancing across Ami's clear golden eyes, Ikuto shook his head. "I knew you were awake the night I talked to Amu while she was sleeping."
"Then—"
Ikuto shook his head again as he gave her a forlorn smile. "Next to the Kiddy King," He said, referring to Tadase, "you're the next person who has seen my guard down. I guess a part of me didn't want my words to go unheard." After saying so, Ikuto ruffled Ami's brunette hair roughly just as he always did with his younger cousin. "I have to get going Ami."
"Ikuto-onii-sama!" Ami turned around as soon as Ikuto began walking away in a fast pace. It's just as Tadase-onii-sama said. You always run away after saying something important. "Ikuto-onii-sama!" She couldn't help but call out still.
Ikuto raised a hand as he continued down the hallway.
Ami took a few steps towards his direction as if deciding whether to go after him or not. "What they said about using me to replace onee-chan..." Ami trailed off, not knowing how to go on about the topic. She looked down at her feet, knowing that it was useless to ask him if he didn't want to speak.
In the silence, she was surprise to find Ikuto's feet standing right in front of her. "I won't let them do as they please." She heard his voice from above her.
Ami swallowed at his words as she slowly looked up to see him attempt to give her a reassuring smile. "Well then, if it really comes down to it, I might not mind having you as the Crown Princess instead."
"Eh!?" Ami jumped in surprise at his words.
"You understand me better than your sister, and you just told me never to give up on the Crown. If the Council decides to let me choose, then..." He left the statement unfinished as he grinned upon seeing Ami's eyes slowly widen from everything he just said.
Ikuto finally ruffled Ami's already messy hair once again as she least expected it. "I'm kidding." Ikuto chuckled gently, seeing the shock on her face turn to protest. "You know that I don't want anyone else but your sister."
As Ami speechlessly and successfully removed his hand from her hair, Ikuto said, "I'm off. I'm late and in deep trouble as it is." This time, he really left her behind without looking back.
Ami had a glare on her face as she tried but failed to arrange her locks back to how it was before. "Stop treating me like a kid," She murmured grudgingly as she watched Ikuto's figure disappear down the hallway.
As soon as he was completely out of view, Ami brought both hands on her cheeks. She knew from their warmth that her face had become quite red. "You're the same idiot as onee-chan." She said, frowning slightly as she felt her chest tightening.
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