Disclaimer: I don't own Shugo Chara
Chapter 7
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"Ikuto-kun." The queen immediately stood up from her seat on the couch as soon as her son entered the room.
"Souko." The king's voice overlapped with hers as he firmly held her hand to tell her to stay still. "He's not a child to be spoiled." He said, tugging his wife's hand gently- a silent request for her to sit back down.
"Father. Mother." Ikuto spoke without a hint of emotion as he looked at both his parents in the eye.
"About Kukai-kun—" Souko was cut short as a gasp came out of her mouth.
Aruto remained silent as the both of them watched their son suddenly bow his head low towards them. Both did not miss how their son clenched his fists tightly to his side. Souko brought a hand to her mouth as she tried to hold back the sob threatening to come out.
"Amu cannot know about Souma Kukai's relationship to the Royal Family." He said, still bowing his head low. "Not yet." He held his breath as soon as he said those words.
The tense moment was only shattered when the king heaved a great sigh. "If this is about the ultimatum given by the Council, then—"
"Amu has already met Souma Kukai."
Both the King and the Queen were rendered speechless. Ikuto looked at his parents and began to explain how he had learned about Kukai's existence after overhearing his parents' conversation in the past, he also told them how Amu and Kukai had met. He left out how Amu believes that one of the Humpty Dumpty pair she's wearing is from Kukai.
Learning from Ikuto that the future crown princess had form a close relationship with Souma Kukai— the one who was about to threaten their son's position as the crown prince, left the Royal Couple unsettled.
"You're aware that concealing that boy's identity is impossible." Aruto said, brows furrowing as he tried to think of a way to accommodate his son's earlier request.
"Not telling her anything would cause more trouble than you think. Amu-chan has to be aware of her every action, and the reason for it." Souko added.
"The Council may or may not already be aware that the two already know each other, which is how the conditions have lined up." Aruto leaned back into his seat as his thoughts began to race. "You have already showed all your cards by letting the Council know what Amu-chan is to you, they know that you will not give her up." The king's eyes narrowed, "They can't remove you from your position on the grounds that you are unfit to be crown prince, which is why they plan to use her."
Souko gasped at her husband's assumption. It was as if—
"—the Council wants to get rid of me from the very start." Ikuto spoke detachedly.
Aruto clicked his tongue. "After all, the conditions were given because you refused to let her go. She is the center of the Royal Family scandal recently."
"She is not at fault." Ikuto was quick to defend her just as he did during the Inquiry.
"Let's face it kid, it's the truth." Aruto spoke, not accepting any nonsense.
"Why would the Council..." Souko trailed off, her head unable to catch up with the sudden idea that the Council had been trying to usurp her son from his position from the very start.
"The reason why aniki was disowned from the Royal Family was because of the incident with the National Budget." Aruto stood up and began to pace back and forth on the space between both opposite couches. "Some Council members benefitted from the corruption, it wouldn't surprise me if we missed a few during the clean-up."
"Aruto." Souko spoke his name, not liking where his thoughts were leading him.
"Didn't it cross your mind? Why would they want to place an inexperienced exiled prince for the position? Do they need a puppet to groom?" Aruto clicked his tongue, "I wouldn't be surprised if how Amu-chan met him was part of the plan too."
"Aruto!" Souko called in a louder voice, effectively snapping her husband out of his thoughts. "We can't accuse the Council of anything, and we can't get ahead of ourselves." She said firmly, despite knowing that her husband's sixth sense was never proven to be wrong. "What we need to do is talk to Amu-chan."
"Mother." Ikuto said stiffly. "She can never know that he's the firstborn of this generation." He said in a whisper, almost too low for both of his parents to catch. But Aruto, who was just standing behind where his son had been sitting, heard it all.
"So that's what you're afraid of." Aruto scoffed, finally understanding what is going through their son's head. Souko looked at him in confusion as Ikuto clenched his jaw. "She may not even make that connection in the first place, but she will if you wait until someone else tells her about Souma Kukai." He raised his hands in surrender as he looked back at his wife with an obvious attempt to look innocent.
"Ikuto-kun," Souko called, knowing that her husband enjoys a good riddle and will not be telling her the answer she sought anytime soon. "What are you afraid of?" She repeated her question. "Amu-chan will eventually learn the truth about him. If she learns that you've been hiding this matter from her, it will truly severe your relationship beyond repair."
"It already is." Ikuto murmured coldly, remembering the words Amu spat to his face just earlier.
"How can you say that?" Souko carefully took a seat beside him, watching the pain and hurt dancing across his eyes even though he's trying his best to hide it.
"Because Amu-chan may have been at the inquiry earlier, and demanded an explanation which he did not provide." Aruto plopped back down onto the seat across his wife and son. It didn't take much for him to piece all the things together. "Right now, Amu-chan is confused why Souma Kukai, a boy she met in the States who had nothing to do with the Royal Family, was suddenly mentioned in the Royal Inquiry as a replacement to be crown prince."
"Is this true?" Souko looked back at their son whose silence was all the answer she required.
"Now let's say Amu-chan is already quite upset with you," Aruto leaned forward, his tone suddenly turned taunting, "Knowing about Souma Kukai's origin will change your relationship forever."
With those words, Ikuto stood up from his seat and glared at his father who had a triumphant look on his face. "I will be the one to tell her everything. One week. One more week is all I ask. Until then, keep the media under wraps." With those words, he strode towards the door.
Aruto scoffed, "Now you're ordering your father around?"
"Ikuto-kun!" Souko called out.
Aruto said in a slightly louder voice, keeping his eyes on Ikuto's retreating back. "Of course, because after one week, the engagement party will be over and she's all yours."
The echo of the door being slammed shut resounded in the room, and Souko couldn't help but give her husband an exasperated look. "He was sincere in asking for our help, and you just had to turn it into a joke."
Aruto shook his head as he gave a sigh. "Don't you realize?"
"Realized what?" Souko finally lost her patience as she huffed childishly at her husband.
"As much as I hate to agree with those bunch of balding elders, they were right to say our son always has a lapse of judgement when it comes to his crown princess."
"Why is Ikuto-kun so keen on—"
"Souma Kukai is originally the firstborn of our son's generation, and their generation's firstborn is supposed to wed a commoner." Aruto finally answered, "What do you think Amu-chan will do when she learns about this piece of truth? Assuming she's attracted to Souma Kukai, wouldn't it work for her if Souma Kukai becomes the new crown prince?"
"Aruto!" Souko's voice shook at the detached way her husband had spoken. "Amu-chan couldn't be attracted to Kukai-kun! The Dumpty Lock..." She trailed off, as if that was enough of an explanation.
Aruto shrugged, "Then explain why our son is so frantic."
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Amu groaned as she slowly opened her eyes.
"I love you, Amu."
Who? Words spoken by someone was echoing inside her head. She felt her chest squeeze tight hearing the sadness and pain in the tone of that voice.
She brought her hand to her eyes and was shocked when she found her hand wet with tears. She slowly sat up, realizing that her tears had been falling uncontrollably.
It hurts. That was the only thing she can think of. Who was that?
A soft knock from her door interrupted her thoughts. Amu quickly wiped away the falling tears as she glanced towards the door. The door slowly opened to reveal a very familiar red-brown wavy hair.
"Sanjo-san!" Amu's eyes widen.
"Amu-sama!" Came a very cheerful voice.
Amu couldn't help but smile brightly upon coming face to face with the person who had taken care of her during her stay in the States. As soon as she returned to Japan, she heard that Sanjo Yukari had to be assigned somewhere else.
"When did you come back!?"
"Just this morning." Yukari smiled, lifting the center of her glasses higher as she assessed her. "I see there is much work to be done."
Amu swallowed, suddenly remembering how Yukari was the one who gave her etiquette lessons while they were in and out of Japan.
"Well," Yukari sighed in a carefree manner, "You will pick it all back up in no time at all. One week is plenty enough a time."
"One week?" Amu echoed.
Yukari smiled as she pulled the covers away from Amu. "Congratulations! Your formal engagement will be announced in a week's time!"
Amu froze at this new piece of news. She knew that this day would come soon, especially since the Council of Elders had suggested it too, but she didn't think it was this soon. Not noticing her lack of response, Yukari continued to count off the lessons that the pinkette had to undergo before the said day. "—and most important of all, dance lessons with Ikuto-sama at the end of each day to cap it all off."
"What!?" Amu suddenly felt sick upon hearing that.
"Of course! That will be the highlight of the night." Yukari answered, clasping her hands together, "Even now, Their Majesty's first dance as an officially engaged couple are still engraved in the people's memories."
Amu bit her lower lip, they will be having private dance lessons at the end of each day leading to the engagement party? Amu felt like crawling back onto her bed.
"Are the two of you still not getting along?" Yukari asked, finally noticing the reluctance in Amu.
"We are never going to get along."
Yukari sighed, shaking her head slightly. "And yet your bond is so strong."
"What do you mean?"
The older woman gave Amu a small smile. She walked towards her side and gently reached out. Amu shivered when she felt Yukari touch the cold golden chain around her neck. "No matter how much the both of you argue, or no matter how rough things get, you never took this off right? This is the proof of your bond."
Amu's eyes widen at her words. "Sanjo-san, what—"
"Did I not tell you to go straight to Their Majesties first this morning?"
Both women jumped at the unexpected voice coming from the door. The Crown Prince's personal attendant knocked belatedly as he sighed. "I apologize for the early disturbance Yukari has caused you this morning." He said, addressing Amu. "I believe Yukari already gave you a brief idea of what you're going to expect for the week. She will be your personal attendant, trainer, instructor, or whatever you want to call her."
Before Yukari could protest at that, Amu spoke. "Is Ikuto-kun...?" Amu's unsure words came out short as she looked away, not wanting to meet Yuu's obviously curious and preceptive brown eyes. She didn't know how to ask about the crown prince.
"If nothing urgent comes up in his schedule, he'll be there for your lessons." Yuu supplied briefly, ignoring the fact that he knew what Amu was actually trying to ask about.
"Hey—!" Before Yukari could get a word in, the said personal assistant had already closed the door and left. "And he's gone like the wind." Yukari sighed. "But this is a first, to hear you asking about Ikuto-sama." She turned to look at her charge. Seeing that Amu was trying to avoid her gaze too, Yukari just shrugged as she adjusted her glasses once more. "Well, we better get up and start the day Amu-sama."
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"Let's go to the ballroom next." Yukari said, while glancing at the planner on her hand and jotting down notes as she did so.
Amu followed behind Yukari quietly, aware of the high tension within the palace. Ever since she left her room, she couldn't help but feel that there were eyes watching her every move. It was already late in the afternoon, and the piercing eyes has yet to wane. Although she hasn't heard it directly from anybody, but it seems like word about what happened in the inquiry was quickly spreading around the palace.
She and Yukari was about to enter the ballroom when a cynical voice had stopped them.
"Well if it isn't the future Crown Princess."
Turning around, Amu immediately identified the man as one of the Council members who had suggested that her younger sister replace her as the crown princess. "Do you need anything from Amu-sama?" Yukari immediately stood between the two, sensing the unpleasant vibes the man was giving.
"Hmph," The man glared at Yukari as he moved to look at Amu once again, "Work hard Crown Princess, because you don't know when your title will be stripped away from you."
Amu clenched her hands at his words. "Amu-sama is Ikuto-sama's chosen betrothed. No one else can replace her." Yukari said in a firm voice, her glasses glinting as sunlight shone into the hallways.
The man scoffed. "Sanjo Yukari, am I right? If memory serves right, you have just returned from an assignment. You know nothing about what has been happening around here." He gave Amu another pointed look. "You have been a disgrace to the Royal Family. Don't let your title go over your head. Rather, that title is not yet yours officially. A lot can happen within a week." He seemed to imply something with those words.
Yukari gritted her teeth in anger. "How dare—"
"I suggest you hold your tongue."
Everyone held their breath at the emotionless voice.
"Ikuto-sama." The man stiffened briefly.
"I believe you have better things to do than criticise my crown princess. If all goes well, we may not forgive you." His indigo-hued eyes was as cold as ice as he gave the man a pointed look.
The man was about to argue back, but instead he let out a short laugh. "And the dog decides to bite back." He chuckled, "I hope you do well to remember the conditions we have graciously given you." With those words, the Council member left.
"Ikuto-sama." Yukari inclined her head in acknowledgement.
"Yukari." He acknowledged in return, the ice in his voice slowly melting. "You're back, Yuu will be glad."
"I saw his sorry face first thing this morning." Yukari retorted.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Ikuto's lips upon hearing her talk about his attendant like that.
"The only thing I was sorry for was for the chaos she left in her wake." Yuu's voice came from the end of the hallway as he walked towards them. "I'm guessing the fuming Council member was a result of that." He pointed a thumb towards the direction he had just come from.
"The crown prince handled everything perfectly well." Yukari answered back, clearly not pleased at his comment.
"Because you decided to say something uncalled for."
"How can you say that when—"
A brief chuckle interrupted whatever Yukari was about to say. The smart comeback that Yuu was ready to come up with died on his lips as he saw his charge unsuccessfully trying to hold back his laughter. A relieved expression on his face, Yuu couldn't help but let out a laugh too.
"It's been a while since I heard the both of you argue like this." Ikuto said in a low voice. "Some things never change."
Yukari blushed at the crown prince's comment, suddenly unable to make another comment. Yuu cleared his throat as he adjusted his glasses.
In an obvious attempt to hide her embarrassment, Yukari spoke, "Speaking of things that never change, I heard the both of you aren't getting along again?" Yukari stepped away to fully reveal Amu who had been obviously trying to make her presence small the whole time.
Amu swallowed, clearly not expecting to be put on the spot. Her golden eyes met with Ikuto's indigo orbs, but he had quickly avoided her gaze. Amu felt a stab in her chest as soon as he did so.
"This is... different." Yukari observed the suddenly tensed mood as she stood beside the crown prince's personal attendant. "Well since you're here Ikuto-sama, why don't we skip to Amu-sama's dance lessons?" Yukari suggested, an obvious attempt to lighten up the mood.
"I still have work to do." Ikuto immediately answered, turning on his heel to leave.
"Let him be." Yuu said, holding Yukari by the wrist when he saw her attempt to stop the crown prince from walking away. "That wasn't just an excuse. He is currently buried with work leading up to the day of the engagement."
"Then—" Yukari turned to look at Amu, whose gaze was following the crown prince's back.
"It's nothing new," Amu said, finally looking away from Ikuto's retreating back. "His responsibilities as the Crown Prince is all he cares about after all."
"Is that what you truly believe?" Yuu asked, raising a brow at Amu's statement. It was a phrase he was already used to hearing from her, but this time he noticed that she didn't say it as strongly as she used to. Maybe things are finally getting through to her? "As someone who knows him for a long time, you have quite the wrong impression of him."
Yukari nodded in agreement, "I hoped that you would have realized it by now, but everything that Ikuto-sama does is for you."
"I'm sick and tired of people telling me that I have it all wrong." Amu said in a resigned tone as she pushed open the door to the ballroom.
Yukari glanced at the crown prince's attendant as Amu disappeared inside. "Care to fill me in?" She sighed, bringing her hands back to her hips. "What did that dawdling old council member mean by conditions?"
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Amu took a deep breath as she stared at the large door in front of her. For some reason, she felt nervous. This would be her first time to enter the crown prince's main office. She knew that as soon as she opens this door, she will have to face the Crown Prince once again, and with just that thought, her throat seems to close up.
Tomorrow is already the day of their engagement. Her heart clenched at that thought. Is she actually going through with it? You don't have a choice. She chided herself.
She placed her hand on the doorknob, shaking her head as she tried to pull courage into herself.
Souko-sama asked this of me.
She remembered how the Queen had called out to her earlier as she finished up her lessons inside the ballroom.
"Amu-chan, do you mind doing me a little favor?" Souko carefully clasped Amu's warm hands between hers.
At this gesture, Amu looked at the queen, feeling her earnestness seeping through. It seemed like it was a request she couldn't refuse.
"Ikuto-kun has been holed up in his office for the past few days and has barely gotten any sleep. He wouldn't listen to a word I say, so could you please ask him to take a break?"
"But," Amu looked away from the queen's sincere expression, "I don't think he'd listen to me."
"That's not true," Souko said with confidence. "If there's one person in this world who can convince Ikuto-kun to do something, it would be you." With those words, Souko gave her a reassuring smile, "Take this as an opportunity to talk to him again."
Amu looked at her in surprise. Whenever they were in the presence of Their Majesties, she and Ikuto had been civil. They weren't talking to each other, but still they were civil. How did she know that they haven't properly spoken to one another since?
Souko gave Amu a knowing smile, "Just try, Amu-chan. Tomorrow is your engagement party, and it wouldn't do if you two stay this way."
Amu's feelings about the matter at hand was still not sorted, but she knew that she had to talk to the Crown Prince at some point. The Queen's request was the push she needed.
She had been wanting to apologize to the Crown Prince for the words she had said before when she was sick, the guilt had continued to eat away at her thoughts. At the same time, she wanted to thank him for stepping up when the Council member was being unpleasant.
In fact, he had been doing so for the past few days. It seemed to be coincidence that whenever someone had a bone to pick with her, the crown prince had always been nearby. Yet whenever she wanted to express her gratitude, he would swiftly get away from her. In an obvious attempt to avoid her, not once had he showed up for her dance lessons at all.
For some reason, she never thought that she would feel unpleasant having the Crown Prince ignore her. Wasn't it something she had always wanted?
She finally took a deep breath as she pushed the doors to the Crown Prince's personal office.
Amu was surprised to see the empty desk just across the room. From where she stood by the door, she could see that there were several papers scattered on the table and on the floor. There had obviously been so much work for the Crown Prince to do, so where could the person in question be?
She flinched when she heard a low groan. She looked to the direction of the sound and instantly saw the person in question. The Crown Prince was lying on the sofa which seemed too small for him as his legs dangled over the sofa. An arm was draped over his eyes and his other hand was dangling to the floor. Amu assumed that he had been looking through papers when he fell asleep as several loose pages scattered under his hand. The pinkette slowly approached the sleeping Crown Prince.
This would be her first time to see him so vulnerable.
As she stood beside him, Amu let out a sigh. "This is what you get for working too late and not getting enough rest." She couldn't help but say as she slowly bent down and began collecting the scattered papers on the floor. As she did so, she looked at Ikuto once again and was surprised that his face was just in front of her. Too close.
Amu was about to move away when she took notice of the Crown Prince's sleeping face. Again, taking note that it was her first time to see him vulnerable. The trademark smirk on his face is no longer on his face. The cold glare he had sent her way previously was nowhere in sight.
Clearly taken in by the sight, Amu couldn't help herself as she brush away the strands of hair which covered his eyes. Amu flinched upon realizing what she just did. What are you doing? She mentally scolded herself. She immediately set the stacked papers on the table just beside them and was about to leave when—
"Amu." Ikuto groaned.
The pinkette jumped in surprise as the Crown Prince murmured her name. She carefully watched his face, making sure that he still asleep.
She felt her heart beating furiously as she replayed how the Crown Prince called out her name. She had never heard him call her name with so much tenderness. It was as if he was calling out the name of someone he actually cared about.
"No!" Amu spoke out a little too loudly in an attempt to chase the thought away from her mind. She covered her mouth with both her hands upon realizing too late that she had been too loud. She held her breath as she watched Ikuto's brows furrowed as he stirred in his sleep.
"Don't do this." He groaned in a low voice. Amu watched as the once tranquil expression on his face seem to change into one of pain. "No." He groaned out once again, his face scrunching up and his hand flailing weakly.
Amu debated whether she should wake him up. The pain in his voice and expression had her chest tightening. She was about to gently shake his shoulder, when he called out her name once again.
"Amu."
Amu froze.
"Amu, I..."
This voice.
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"Congratulations!"
Congratulations echoed all around the room as the Young Royal Couple entered the grand ballroom. The engagement party continued to be a success as the two walked around the room to greet guests trying to congratulate them. Furious flashes of cameras continued as the reporters stood in awe of the wonderful looking couple.
"The new Crown Princess carries herself with such grace."
"A wonderful Cinderella story unfolds before our eyes. A commoner being wed into the Royal Family."
"The attentive way the Crown Prince escorts his Crown Princess as they make their obligatory greetings shows how much he truly cares about her."
They way the guests and media gushed about the two's seemingly perfect relationship, it seemed as if the previous scandals that had hounded the young royal couple had never occurred. Amu couldn't help but glance at the Crown Prince beside her. Ikuto had been the perfect gentleman the whole evening. In fact, he was too perfect that it almost frightened her.
While she stood by his side, Ikuto had begun to engage a certain diplomat with political talks she knew nothing about, Amu's mind began to drift. She couldn't help but remember what had happened earlier just before the party started.
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Amu gave herself one last look over in front of the full length mirror. She took a deep breath, as she closed her eyes. This is it. She thought to herself.
She glanced at the balcony inside her room as she bit her bottom lip in frustration. Several times during the day, as people come and go to help her prepare, she contemplated escaping through the balcony and running away from everything.
It had been a week, and she still doesn't have the answers she needed. Yesterday could have been the only chance she had, but nothing came of it. She had quickly slipped out of the Crown Prince's office before he woke up. Amu found herself unconsciously gripping the golden lock around her neck.
Who are you, Kukai-kun? She couldn't help but think. Why else would he be named a candidate for the throne if he had no connection to the Royal Family in the first place? How?
"Who are you thinking of?"
Amu jumped when someone suddenly spoke behind her. She immediately saw the Crown Prince's reflection in the mirror. "W-What are you doing here?"
"This isn't a wedding, there's no rules against seeing each other before the big event." Ikuto crossed his arms as he leaned on the door frame.
"So you're choosing now to talk to me?" Amu bit her lip as she internally chided herself for snapping. Calm down.
"Mother sent me." Ikuto stood up and gently closed the door behind him as he let himself inside the room.
Hearing about Souko-sama, Amu couldn't help but once again remember the Queen's request yesterday. She was supposed to ask him to rest, and at the same time she had resolved to talk to him. Not only regarding Kukai, but also about the words she had told him previously.
"Sorry."
Amu's train of thoughts disappeared in an instant as she looked at the crown prince in surprise. He had a serious expression on his face as he looked at her straight in the eyes. "Wh—" She couldn't even say anything coherent from the shock. Did she hear him correctly? Did he just...
"I admit I was wrong this time. Despite everything else, making you go through this alone was wrong."
Amu did nothing but freeze. Even his tone of voice was one she never heard him use on her.
"So tonight, I want you to rely on me." As he said those words, the Crown Prince broke eye contact. "Yukari must have already walked you through everything, but the actual thing is different from practice, so I want you to rely on me even if it's just for tonight."
Is he being sincere for once? Amu couldn't help but think as his words finally sunk in. Where is this kindness coming from?
Something suddenly clicked in her mind. Of course. Of course he's being kind to her now. Tonight the Council will see for themselves if the Tsukiyomi Ikuto is worthy of being Crown Prince. Did he believe that she will sabotage tonight's event? Is that why he's suddenly acting so uncharacteristically in front of her?
Her expression must have reflected her thoughts because Ikuto spoke once again, "I don't believe that you will intentionally ruin this night. You may believe that I don't deserve this title, but I have enough faith that you won't let others who have helped you prepare for this day go to waste."
Amu felt her chest tighten as the words she told him came to haunt her once again. If she ever felt guilty about anything, it was those exact words she had told him.
"Ikuto-kun."
Both of them suddenly paused. Amu realized that it had been a while since she called his name. It was always "you" or "crown prince" for the duration of the week where she needed to talk to him. And it seemed like Ikuto had noticed it too.
Since he had apologized, although not for the reasons she wanted him to, Amu decided that she might as well say what's gnawing at her. "I'm sorry too," She looked down at her feet, unable to look at him properly, "I truly believe that you deserve to be the crown prince."
"You don't have to force yourself to say something you don't mean."
Amu looked up and saw a flash of hurt in his expression. She couldn't be too sure.
"I believe that!" She raised her voice. "You've worked harder than anyone. I know that you care about this country more than anyone else! In fact, you're working so hard that you haven't paused to think that people are worried about you! You push yourself too hard that even Souko-sama is worried sick! You've worked nonstop that even Yuu—"
"Pfft."
Amu stopped as soon as the Crown Prince unsuccessfully tried to suppress his laughter. He had a hand across his mouth, trying badly to hide it. "Are you praising me, or are you insulting me?" He said as he tried to pull himself together.
Once again, Amu's chest tightened. But for a completely different reason. You haven't laughed like that since Tadase-kun left. She wanted to say. Amu held her breath as Ikuto walked closer towards her. He had reached one hand towards her, and she knew that he was about to ruffle her hair, but it seemed as if he had caught himself as he retracted his hand.
"No one deserves the title more than you do." Amu said softly, not wanting to think too much of the awkwardness that followed his actions.
"Amu?" Ikuto leaned down and once again looked into Amu's eyes, and she felt her heart skip a beat at the sincerity she saw reflected in his indigo-hued eyes. She could feel herself taking short quick breaths at the intensity. "Please." Ikuto breathed out. "During the party, please don't go anywhere where I can't see you."
Amu swallowed and slowly nodded at the Crown Prince's odd request. She felt like she couldn't refuse. This was yet another side to him she has never seen before.
"Don't go anywhere near Souma Kukai." As if whatever magic was happening at the moment disappeared, Ikuto's eyes slowly hardened as he clenched his jaw.
"Kukai-kun!?" Amu couldn't help but say due to her surprise.
Ikuto clicked his tongue at her reaction.
"I am not obligated to follow everything you say!" Amu retorted. She thought it suspicious that the crown prince was suddenly being earnest with her. All along, this was the reason behind it. She wasn't going to just go along with it quietly. "Despite what you say, Kukai-kun is still a friend to me!"
"Amu." Ikuto towered over her, making her fall on the couch which was suddenly behind her. "I'm begging you," He brought both of his hands on the back of the couch behind Amu, effectively trapping her as he stared into Amu's golden orbs, "Stay away from him. This is the one and only request I'll be asking of you. Just for one night."
Amu was suddenly so confused. She could still hear the sincerity in his voice, yet his expression is now as cold as ice. Amu bit her lower lip. Trust him. The words that people around the crown prince had been telling her echoed in her head. Trust him? Should she?
He never answers her questions, so Amu found it pointless to ask, but she couldn't help herself as she stared right back at him. "Why should I stay away from him?"
"Do you love him so much that you are willing to hand him the crown?"
Amu's breath caught as hurt once again flashed quickly in Ikuto's expression. "I told you," Amu said weakly, "that you deserve it." She could no longer keep eye contact as she looked down at her lap.
"Then please. Just for tonight. After that, I promise to tell you everything."
"Everything?" Amu looked up at him in surprise and doubt.
Ikuto nodded solemnly.
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Amu once again glanced at Ikuto who had a dazzling smile on his face as he thanked the guests. Everything? Can she really trust him?
"Amu-sama, Ikuto-sama."
Amu immediately felt Ikuto stiffen as she had her hand on his arm. The voice had been familiar, but Amu couldn't exactly pinpoint whose it was. She shivered when she was suddenly face to face with the Head of Elders along with a few other members of the Council. The condition the Head Elder had laid down for the Crown Prince suddenly echoed inside Amu's mind.
"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."
"We hope to extend our congratulations to the both of you. After several bumps on the road, Amu-sama is now officially your Crown Princess and is not just a mere title for her to hold." The Head Elder smiled, looking genuinely pleased as he gave Amu a quick glance.
"I humbly accept your well wishes." Ikuto answered without skipping a beat.
Amu felt Ikuto quickly nudging her hand on his arm, and that brought her back to her senses as she gave the Head Elder a smile of her own. "We thank you for the greeting. I hope you enjoy the rest of the night."
A quiet snicker was heard from the group of elders but one quick look from the Head Elder silenced them. "My apologies. I will just greet a few of your honored guests and retire for the evening." The Head Elder then moved to leave them alone.
A smaller group from the Council lingered, and one spoke up as soon as the head elder was out of sight. "You're capable of acting the part of Crown Princess after all. You should've done so from the start."
Amu could feel the disdain from their pointed looks. She was about to answer back, but she felt Ikuto tugging her a step behind him as he was the one who replied, "She's the Crown Princess of this country, of course it's only expected that she knows how to conduct herself in formal events."
One member chuckled as he looked at the crown prince. "I do pray that tonight ends on a good note. The night is still young, a lot can happen." He said suggestively. "Be sure to not lose sight of your Crown Princess."
As the group left them be, Amu heard Ikuto heave a quiet sigh. She realize once again the massive pressure he was under. "I'm sorry, and thank you." She couldn't help but whisper under her breath.
The only response she got was Ikuto putting a gentle and comforting hand on the small of her back as he continued to lead her around the grand ballroom.
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After finally greeting the important guests, the Crown Prince was engaged in light conversations with acquaintances. Amu held back the sigh she wanted to let out. She suddenly felt very tired and suffocated.
"Ikuto-kun," Amu said softly, trying not to disturb the ongoing conversation too much. She gently nudged the Crown Prince's arm to get his attention. "I need to excuse myself for a bit."
With her hand still on his arm, Amu didn't miss how his muscles had tensed at her words. Ikuto politely excused himself from the small group he was talking to as he turned to look at her. "Where are you going?" He asked her in a low voice.
"I just need a breath of fresh air."
"I'll go with you."
Amu shook her head, "I'll be fine." She couldn't help but want to reassure him. "I won't be long."
"Amu."
She did her best to give him what she thinks is a reassuring smile, "I won't be long." She repeated.
Ikuto looked at her directly in the eyes as if searching for something. But finally, he looked away from her eyes and gave her a small nod. "If you're not back soon, I'm going to look for you."
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Amu stepped outside the garden which was connected to the ballroom. She smiled politely to the few guests who has chosen to linger there too. Finally, she found a spot not too far away from the ballroom entrance, but was secluded enough for her to have time to herself. Amu closed her eyes as she took a deep breath, and heaved a giant sigh. She felt her tensed muscles beginning to relax as she sat down on the nearest bench.
As soon as her thoughts were free, she couldn't help but thing about that person.
Amu could more or less guess what the Council members were hinting at about Ikuto not losing sight of her. The very reason why the Crown Prince had for the first time ever looked her in the eye with so much sincerity that she still had trouble processing that such a thing had occurred.
Souma Kukai.
Despite the possibility of him being at the party, Amu hasn't seen him at all. Why would he even be at the party in the first place? Because he's connected to the Royal Family? Amu could no longer help but let these thoughts linger as it was the only way she could explain why he's involved at all.
Amu clutched the Humpty Lock tightly as she sighed once again. "Kukai-kun."
"Amu-chan?"
Amu's heart began to pound relentlessly as she immediately recognized that voice. "Why? Why—" Amu gasped in surprise as she stood up from her seat to turn around to look at him, the person who has been occupying her thoughts.
"I barely recognized you," Kukai said fondly as he gave her a wry grin while holding up an envelope for her to see. "The Council invited me to this party."
The Council. Amu didn't miss the fact that Kukai spoke as if he knew who they were. "Kukai-kun—"
Amu stopped when Kukai brought a hand up, asking her to stop. He gave her a strained smile as he spoke, "I'm still the same person, Amu-chan." He said softly.
The way he spoke... Amu could only look at him helplessly as he looked right back at her with an identical expression. And for her, his expression seemed to say everything. "Does this mean you're really connected to the Royal Family?" Amu said weakly as she more or less collapsed back down the bench.
"Amu-chan, I am or was part of the Royal Family." Kukai murmured, his emerald orbs swimming with regret for the things he had never told her. "I knew you were betrothed to Ikuto when we met each other in the States."
"What?" Amu was suddenly more confused as she had ever been. "How—" She brought a hand to the side of her head.
Kukai's expression was apologetic as he knelt on one knee in front of her as she sat. "It's a complicated story Amu-chan, but my father was the eldest son of the Royal Family."
"The exiled prince."
"So you've heard of him." Kukai nodded with a small smile, "When we first met, I thought you would have recognized me. Most people may not know much about me, but the royal family and a few close reporters do."
"So you and Ikuto-kun—"
Kukai held one of Amu's hand firmly, hoping that the gesture would help calm her down even if by a little. "He's my cousin."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Amu couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal as soon as she finally understood that he had known about who she truly was the whole time.
Kukai gave her a small smile. "Because you seem to want to leave everything behind. You looked like you wanted to start a new life while you were in the States. No title to hold you back, no expectations to fulfill."
Amu pulled her hand back from his hold, "Then why are you here? Is it true? Are you going to replace Ikuto-kun as the Crown Prince?" Amu swallowed, feeling all colors draining from her face.
He shook his head, "The Council asked me to come back, but I only agreed not because of the throne." Amu's heart suddenly began to throb at his intense gaze which seemed to be looking into hers searchingly. Kukai took a deep breath before answering, "I'm here for you."
Before Amu could say a word, bright flashes and the constant sound of camera shutters began to fill the air. The two immediately stood up and tried to get away as voices began to overlap with one another while a crowd began to form around them.
"Dammit," Kukai cursed under his breath as he brought an arm around Amu, trying to keep her away from the paparazzi's shots.
"Amu-sama!"
"Amu-sama! Who is that person with you?"
"Is this another affair?"
"Wait, aren't you Kukai-sama?" One of the reporters finally recognized the son of the exiled prince. At this recognition, the media became more frenzied with the paparazzis trying to shove their cameras to their faces.
Amu kept her head down as she heard Kukai talking to someone to come quickly. Her heart was pounding uncontrollably, dread immediately rising inside of her. No. Was the only thought running through her mind.
"What's going on here?"
Amu could feel her heart stop as the media's attention turned towards the sudden voice. The voice of the one person she didn't want to be here at this moment.
"Crown Prince!"
"What do you have to say about this Ikuto-sama?"
"Why is Kukai-sama here?"
"Your engagement has just been officially announced, how do you feel about this?"
"Does Souma Kukai-sama's arrival have anything to do with your engagement?"
"Ikuto-sama!"
The pinkette slowly turned to look at Ikuto who was descending the few steps leading to the garden. Amu froze when she saw the emotions warring on his expression as their eyes met and held. It was brief but she caught them all. Anger. Frustration. Disbelief. Disappointment. Betrayal. She felt herself choke on nothing when his expression finally settled down onto one emotion. Hurt.
Seeing the hurt reflected clearly in Ikuto's eyes, Amu knew that she had done something unforgivable. Though she couldn't fully comprehend the reason why, she felt tears springing from her eyes and began cascading down her cheeks like a waterfall. Why? Why does she feel like her heart might shatter into thousands of pieces?
"Amu-sama, let's go." Yukari was suddenly by her side, replacing Kukai's arms around her. She was dragging her away as more bodyguards began to create a barrier between them and the media. Despite that, Amu couldn't tear her eyes away from Ikuto's. Their eyes remained locked until the sea of people effectively blocked their view from one another.
As soon as their gazes broke away from one another, Amu felt something snap inside of her.
She suddenly remembered Ikuto's sleeping and unguarded face when he was asleep in his office. She also recalled his earnest and sincere expression as he pleaded with her before the party started. Suddenly all her memories of him flashed across her mind.
Amu brought her hand towards her mouth as her tears continued to flow.
What have I done?
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