Harri POV
Warmth… it was nice. I snuggled into the warmth that surrounded me and sighed, falling back into a deeper sleep. The warmth's grip tightened around my waist…. gripped? Sleep started to fall way slowly as awareness came. There were hands on my back…. arms around my waist. There was a person in my bed?! My eyes snapped opened. Skin of a male's torso was in my field of vision. Before panicking, I lifted my head and looked up to see who was in my bed.
I blinked. The Sun King was in my bed….. and asleep at that. I sighed in confusion. What was the child king doing in my bed…. memories of the day before came back; the fire, the rain, the exhaustion. That's right a guard had carried me to my room after Nike had left. She had wanted to see the Sun King. I just wanted to sleep, and refused to go with her. After all with the fire out and I saw the little King on the tower. He was perfectly fine. The guard carried me to my bedroom door and then left. I had somehow gotten to the bed and laid on top of the covers… When did the King come in? I don't remember him coming in….
I sat up fully and looked down at the little King. He groaned and turned onto his stomach, facing towards me…. He looked very handsome at that moment. My hair framed my face as I smiled at the handsome King. "I wonder when you got in bed with me….. and why…." I muttered to myself. Though I was happy to see the little King in my bed. It was the first time I was happy to see anyone in my bed when waking. Nike had tried sneaking into my bed, because it was what twins did, when we were little. Though I always yelled at her for her intrusion whether I caught her entering or to see her face when waking. This was the first time I… was happy to see someone…. I chuckled.
There was a knock, but before I could answer, Nike walked into the room. "Good morning, Harri. I was wondering….." She noticed the raven haired boy in my bed. "—NGH!" Nike ran out of the room after her scream… which woke up the raven haired King.
"So loud….." he muttered rubbing his eye . My lips twitched, he really was a child. The king sat up, the covers covering his waist.
"Sorry, Nike dropped by and screamed when she saw you in the bed." I stated while getting out of the bed.
The King laid back down but the covers barely covered his…NAKED BODY?!
I turned my back to the King with a flamed face. "Why are you naked?!"
"Hmmm? This is the way I sleep." stated the King.
I turned around and grabbed the covers with the intension to cover up the King. "Then get dressed!" My faced was completely red.
The little King chuckled at my embarrassment. "Why should I? With you becoming my wife, your going to see me naked anyway."
I blinked at the words, a distraction from the King's nakedness. "You've….. you've decided…."
"To marry you? Yes, you are perfect for me. You have the political smarts I need in a partner. You can be ruthless, but your gentle and kind. You also see the world differently then me. I see only cruelty and darkness, but you see both unlike your sister. Nike sees only beauty and little darkness. You acknowledge there is darkness and act accordingly, but you do the same with the beauty and good in the world. You balance good and bad. I wish to see your view and not that native world your sister sees."
"…. Such a speech…." was all I could say. I was completely floored. This was not how I expected the marriage proposal to the Sun King going…. I expected him to still choose Nike even with him knowing I was a male-carrier. "But…. I would have thought you were into women…"
The King looked at me with acknowledgment. "I needed a future heir, and at the time I thought that meant a woman. To me it doesn't matter what gender you are, it's about your compatibility with the person your to marry." Violet eyes looked at me intently. "Your more compatible, than your sister, to me."
I blushed.
Finally I made my escape from the King. The King took some time in getting ready as he called Neil to dress him while informing the King on matters for the day. I just dressed in the bathroom and left. Which the little King teased me about while still being NAKED in the bed. I sat next to Nike when I saw her at the breakfast table.
"Mornin' Nike," I said as I reached for some fruit. A maid brought me a cup of tea. I took a sip, delicious.
"What was the Sun King doing in your bed?!" Nike asked with…. jealousy? hurt? anger?
"Not sure… I just woke up with him in my bed." I munched on the fruit, not concerned with Nike's glares at me for my non-answer.
She opened her mouth to yell at me, but the little King had arrived. "Good morning, Princess Nike." The little King stopped at my chair, and placed a hand on the back. I looked over my shoulder at him. "Good morning, Harri." He said with a smile before walking to his seat. I blushed and gave my food my complete attention. I could feel the stare my sister was giving me… Overall, breakfast was a quiet affair. Neil and the King discussed the plans and issues that needed to be seen to immediately.
A week later…
The last week had become somewhat of a routine. I would wake with the little King in my room, and then get ready for the day as Neil walked into the room. Neil would wake the King and get him dressed. I would head to breakfast and chat somewhat with Nike before the King and Neil joined us at breakfast. Neil and the King would chat about the plans for the day. Then at lunch Nike would be off in the village. I would talk to the staff and relax in the gardens, while Neil and the little King would be in the dinning room doing paper work. Though I would eat with the King. Neil was just happy the King wasn't skipping meals. Then I would stay and help with the piles of paper work. Then dinner would be served when Nike returned. Which I then went to bed only to awake in the morning with a naked King in my bed.
Though the routine didn't last. At breakfast, a week after the fire incident, Nike and the King fought. It all started when the little King talked about a party. "Ah, that's right." the King focused on me. "I think we should hold your introduction party soon."
"Introduction party?" I asked.
"Yes, as my future wife."
My faced flushed red. Neil raised his eyebrows. "Your ready to make the official announcement of the marriage, your Majesty?" Why he asked I will never understand. The little King had been sleeping in my rooms for a week after all! AND everyone on the staff knew it too!
"Yes, Harri and I will marry. That is if Harri is still accepting of the marriage proposal." the King took a sip of his tea, but his eyes were focused on me.
My red face become even redder, if that was possible. I nodded my agreement, I didn't think I could speak a the moment. Nike looked surprised.
Nike chuckled. "Never actually thought you would settle down Harri…." She drank her tea.
I looked at her confused and a bit angry. "Why is that?"
"Your keep you distance from everyone at home, Harri. While you spend your time with Mira, Nia, or Mother, you spend most of your time by yourself. A lone wolf, if you please. I thought you wouldn't marry due to this. Everyone worried you wouldn't have a chance to be happy…" Nike smiled. "But to see you blush…." Nike chuckled. "It's relieving to see you embarrassed for once. It's different."
I pouted at her. "Your mean."
She chuckled. "I never seen you pout either…." I signed in defeat and looked at my fiancee. He was smirking at us.
"Also I want to display your abilities as one of the points of interest." The King put his cup down. "I'll tell you the details in time…"
"I refuse." Nike said while crossing her arms. My eyebrow twitched. I sense an argument coming.
"HAH?" the King elegantly responded.
"I said, 'I refuse'." Nike repeated. I remained silent and slowly removed myself from the fighting range of the two. "Even if you punish me, I won't budge. It's a problem concerning my pride as a Princess of Rain. I've said it before, but it's a sacred ceremony."
"But didn't you call it with the fire…."
"That was an emergency! It was originally something the leader if Amerfurashi did for his people. To do it for self-interest; for nothing but personal pleasure is absurd. And that is my proud family. Even if they're poor, if their intention is like that….." Nike sounded proud while she explained. I bit into one of the apple slices I carried away from the breakfast battle.
The little King smiled. "I see, I see, I get it now!" The little King glared harshly at my sister. "Your a stuck up moral absolutist." I chocked on the apple slice I bit into. Thankfully, Neil noticed and was able to get me to spit out the piece of apple. I took a big breath and thanked him. He nodded and remained by my side as he watched the fight.
Nike didn't seem to notice my chocking due to snapping and walking with killing intent towards the King. I sighed, really? Neil immediately called for the guards before Nike could hit the King, and took her away.
I sighed and ate the rest of my apple slices. The King turned to me. "Harri?"
I focused on the little King. "Yes?"
"You okay? I noticed you were chocking a minute ago…."
I smiled. "Yes, I'm fine." I walked back to the table and sat down at my original seat. We ate in silence for a few minutes.
"Do you feel the same as Nike about your abilities?" He asked. Hmmm… I was hoping he wouldn't ask about my abilities.
I sighed. "No, but I have the same answer." I looked the King directly in the eyes, so he would understand how serious I was about the topic. "I only use my abilities when training my control or in emergencies. This is because using my abilities is dangerous. For me to use my abilities for party tricks could lead to someone getting hurt."
The king nodded his understanding. "What about rain summoning like your sister? Wouldn't your family have trained you in that?"
"No, it's different. Right now I'm fighting on not making it rain at this moment. It took years to get to the point I am now. And at times it surprises me how much control I have over the elements. If you want to show our families' ability you need Nike to do it."
The King groaned in frustration. I chuckled as the serious atmosphere disappeared. Though I was also thinking about my elements. Fire and earth were out of the question, but maybe if I practiced really hard before the party I'll be able to do as the little King asks. But only if I was 100% sure it was safe and there wasn't any backlash…..
"When is the party?" I ask.
"Eight days from now," the King muttered. "Not much time to convince Nike with her being stubborn…."
Eight days…. not much time to work something out… I wanted to help my future husband, but my abilities were more dangerous and out of control then Nike's or anyone's back in the Rain.
Neil it would seem had plans on re-educating me and Nike. He had even chained us to the table. Thankfully, Neil saw that I wasn't going to run out and unchained me. Nike on the other hand was still chained and under the watchful eye of Neil. The material being taught was easy for me to understand. I was able to quickly memorize everything Neil and the maids brought me. Though when dance lessons came, I was bitting my lip in worry. I have always been a terrible dancer. That the Rain Dukedom didn't really do any dancing was a relief. Now though, I needed to dance, and I needed to know the girl part.
Overall the lessons went well….. for me at least. Nike was a tired mess. She skipped dinner so she could sleep. The poor girl. Me on the other hand, had also skipped dinner to train. Neil said there would be a water fountain at the party. So I was using the pond in the back garden to practice. I was trying to form the water to move in accordance to my dancing. The dancing I had just learned from Neil. I was hoping to give a prism look with the water movement. But with it being so dark I wasn't sure I was doing it right.
"Hmmm…. What's this?" said a voice behind me. I jumped and the water fell to the ground. I turned to see Neil. Good, my surprise wasn't ruined.
I scratched the back of my neck. Guilt expressed all over my face. "I'm… practicing."
"Dancing or elemental control?" Neil pushed his glasses up his nose.
"Both….. I thought maybe if I practiced really hard on my control I could surprise…" I looked down at my feet. "I just wanted….. He (Livius) wanted a rain summoning, but I can't do that…. water production is really dangerous for me. I would cause a storm…. but water already there is easier to work with!" I looked at Neil hoping he would understand. "It's just the idea of what to do to impress the politics at the party for him (Livius). With the dance lessons I thought…. This would be the best way to safely use my ability…."
Neil sighed and rubbed his eyes. "I won't tell his Majesty about your plan. But!" he said as I smiled. "You will practice this with me. Also you are not to use your ability until you master the dance." Neil crossed his arms. Well mastering the dance would be more helpful… I agreed which then lead to us practicing in the Ballroom. After two hours of dancing, I was exhausted. I laid down on the bed. For some reason I smelled flowers when I laid down on the bed. I looked up and saw a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the dresser.
"What beautiful flowers…" I muttered tiredly as I passed out. At the doorway, one person heard the soft mutterings, and softly smiled in response.
I woke in a daze. I sat up and looked for the little King… that wasn't in the bed like usual. Where was my husband to be? I quickly dressed and looked for Neil.
I found his in the Ballroom, probably waiting for me. "Neil, where's the Sun King?"
"His Majesty? He's currently attending the inquiry committee meeting."
I tilted my head in confusion. It was only eight in the morning. But then again the child was a King, and there was much to do. An early start would make it easy to end the work day early….
"I see. I'm assuming that today is a busy day?"
"Yes. For now, he'll be in an informal meeting with some experts. In the afternoon, his Majesty holds an audience with those who want to speak with him. There are always many who come. And he'll continue like that until the evening, when it's time for the signing of sealing of various documents." Neil stated.
I bit my lip. It looked to be a day with little possibility of seeing the little King. I sighed in disappointment. "Alright, are you busy Neil? If you are it's okay, I can ask someone else to teach me dancing today…"
Neil shock his head. "Busy I may be, but I scheduled in your lessons. Actually your up earlier then I expected, so lets start now. I have three hours before I have to leave."
I nodded and prepared for a difficult day of practice.
Neil left the Ballroom. My feet and legs were killing me… I groaned as I walked through the halls. At the moment I was looking for Nike. I soon found her in the main gardens…. Neil by her side. What was going on?
I walked towards Nike and Neil. As I got closer I noticed a couple of men talking to Nike. When in hearing range I heard one of the men say, "Ah, you are the one they said his Majesty was killing time on."
Anger swelled within but I continued to walk to my sister with my wits about. "Oh? Where would you hear such vulgar gossip?" I asked stopping at my sister's side.
The same man that spoke before blinked. "I'm sorry but I don't believe we met…."
I smiled with an cruel edge. "No we haven't. But it would seem you have met my sister here. And know enough about her to gossip about her."
The group of men jerked to attention. Apparently they didn't know about two guests from the Rain were here. And one that played politics well at that.
I tilted my head in mock confusion. "But how would you know my twin sister… After all being her twin I met everyone she knows and visa versa….." I placed my hands together in mock understanding. "Ah! You must have meet her on her trips to the towns people of the Sun Kingdom. It's so nice of you to talk and help the towns people personally."
The men wavered uneasy. Not knowing how to respond. They quickly understood that saying anything against my sister would lead to a verbal attack from myself. And they saw the talent I had with words and knew how to use them in the few seconds of meeting them.
I then faked embarrassment. "Ah! I'm sorry I have yet to introduce myself." I placed my right hand over my chest. "My name is Harri Lemercier, the youngest of the Lemercier siblings. I am also the Sun King's fiancee. I do hope we can work together."
The men showed their complete shock at the statement.
"Your a boy!" the oldest man said.
"Yes, but haven't you heard of male-carriers?" I asked confused. "I was sure since the King knew that it was common knowledge within the Sun Kingdom. Even though male-carriers are extremely rare." I chuckled evil. "If your worried I tricked our King about my being a male-carrier, he already had a doctor confirm it. After all most doctors need to know about these kind of things." I chuckled evilly in my head. There was no way these guys would know I was lying about the Sun King knowing about male-carriers before my arrival.
The men glared at me, completely silenced for their ignorance. There was a chuckle. I focused behind the men. Livius! He was walking toward me. He smiled at me and then focused on the men. "I do wonder what my Ambassadors are doing in the gardens when there are meetings to participate at… Also do pay attention, Ambassadors, I did mention my wife being a male."
The men…. Ambassadors, bowed down. "Your Majesty! We apologize!"
The Sun King focused on the oldest of the group. "Lord… Do you wish to ruin me with this tedious banter?"
"Non-sense…." the man muttered. It only took a few moments for the raven haired King to rip the men to shreds with words and have them run off.
I chuckled. "My, my. They've run away with their legs between their legs."
The king nodded his agreement. "They are cowards."
We looked at each other and burst out laughing. Nike and Neil looked surprised at our laughter.
When I stopped laughing I really looked at my fiancee. I frowned. "You don't look so good…."
"ah.. I just haven't slept…."
"hmm… how about a nap then?" I asked. The King looked at me confused, until I sat down under a tree and patted my lap. "You can lay your head here and rest." The little King quickly did so and rested. It was a few minutes latter that the little King spoke.
"…If only that thing from earlier didn't happen. It's gonna be troublesome from here on out…"
I hummed my agreement. "I may have been to…. forth coming with information…." I muttered.
"No, you gave unknown information sure, but it would have come out at the party so no issue there…." The little King stated. He wasn't wrong. I would be stated as the King's future wife, a male-carrier. "Plus you put me in good light of being all knowing." I chuckled.
I looked up the sky. "What a beautiful day…."
"The Sun is really annoying. It's too bright and unbearable. And I'm supposed to be the 'Sun King'."
I hummed. "Annoying it may be, but it is the sun that shows the world warmth and leads each person throughout their day. Being so bright it's hard to ignore, it demands attention and respect."
We were silent for awhile. "You know…." I paused. "I wish I could say that you could decrease your workload by leaving it to someone else…. make it easier on yourself….. But then again who would you give that trust to? After all everyone you see around that could help is a possible enemy. You just want the best for your country, your people…..And the best should come from the King, not some advisor."
Livius didn't answer, but he did sit up. "It's a useless conversation. Let's go." The King stood and, held out a hand for me. I didn't grab his hand, but did cup his check gently. The little King looked at me in surprise. A sad smile appeared on my face, for the moment was gone.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you Livius," I whispered. The King's eyes widened in surprise. I got up and walked away. I had another dance session with Neil in a few minutes.
Neil and I practiced for three hours, and I was FINALLY getting the steps. Sweat ran down my face. A maid brought me a towel and I used it to wipe away the sweat. My muscles were screaming in pain, but I needed to practice for the party. And I needed to master this dance to even consider using my water control. I was determined to show that any who would hurt Livius would face my power. Power that just required a thought. Though I also wanted to show off to my fiancee…. selfish reasons to show such dangerous abilities.
Neil had left to do work. I had gone to the back gardens once again. For some reason this had become my favorite location. One of the maids had mentioned that Nike had argued with the King again and locked herself in her room. My foolish twin was so naive. Powers have a responsibility, yes, but grandma had pushed those views on them. To never use them, especially for me, for anything than an emergency. Though it was obvious Nike was her favorite, and I the least favorite and most feared. While my family loved me and cared about me, they fear for me, as well as afraid of me. When ever I was upset everyone would freeze in fear. Whenever I practiced my control there would be no one around… they may not even realize it, but it was the truth.
I didn't want Livius to fear me or my powers…. Maybe I should discuss my ideas with him before I did anything…. Maybe I should talk to Nike and convince her to summon rain.
I left the garden in search for the little King and Nike. I asked one of the guards and was told the King was resting in his room. For some reason that left me cold. That the King wasn't sleeping in my room, but his own. It was only the afternoon, so there may have been a reason…
I quickly headed to the King's bedroom and walked in. Livius was sleeping on the bed. It wasn't the most restful I had seen him.
"Hey," said a voice behind me. I jumped, and air cut through the room. A curtain was sliced through. I turned to see Neil. "How bold of you. Creeping into his bedroom is rather improper."
I placed a hand on my chest to calm me down. "And the King sleeping in my room Naked isn't improper?" Neil pursed his lips, having no comment to respond. I turned to Livius. "Is he feeling okay?"
Neil sighed, "Give me your hand." Curious, I showed Neil my hand. He placed a small bottle in my hand. "To a child's body, this is a very harsh thing. In the three years since his mother passed away, he has used this to sleep."
"He struggles to sleep?" I muttered to myself.
"Yes, but he hasn't used that much lately." I looked at Neil in surprise. He looked at me disapprovingly. "Ever since he started crawling into your bed at night." I blushed.
I looked at the little raven haired King. A small smile showing. "I'm glad," I whispered.
The day for the Introduction Party had arrived, and I knew I could 100% pull the trick I wanted without anything bad happening. Neil had been a great help. I was able to master the dance and practice dancing with using my powers because of the servant's help.
For once I allowed the maids to dress me, so I would match Livius. I had also talked to Nike, and she still refused to summon any rain. Nike had gone ahead of me in joining the party.
I peaked into the giant ballroom. The party was in full swing. I quietly joined the party as I spotted Livius. "Hello," I said as I stood next to Livius. He looked up at me.
"Your late," he muttered.
"Ah, but they don't know that. I slipped in so quiet and unnoticed that they'll be confused at my presence," I whispered back. After all two men were heading towards us.
"Well, well, well," the older man said. It was one of the gentleman from the garden. "This is magnificent."
"I would like it if, you all else, you enjoyed yourselves," Livius replied.
"By the way, I don't see the princess anywhere." The older man stated.
I smiled, and spoke, surprising the man. "My sister is somewhere, I have yet to see her myself."
The man's and his companion's color paled. I mentally chucked. Though the younger one seemed to have more courage. "I was wondering what makes your country stand out? I heard that the Duke's family can summon rain. Is it true?" It would seem as the man was trying to call me into a lie and prove it.
"My father is unable to summon rain, though my family can summon rain, it's on my mother's side. After all it was my grandmother who ruled before my father," I state.
The man's eyes narrow. "I've only heard about your sister summoning rain, not you. Why is that?"
"Ah, my powers... are different then my sisters, and everyone in my family that can summon rain. My grandmother stated that I was not in fact a rain summon or, but an elemental. I have the power to control fire, wind, water, and earth. It was actual two incidents that led to this valid assumption. I had started a storm, almost a hurricane. Then I was able to produce fire."
Then men had paled further with each word I uttered. Dance music had started, and I grabbed the Sun King's hand.
"Excuse us, but I would like to join the dance floor." I left the men and pulled Livius along.
"Well done, in your 'piss me off, and I will end you' speech," said an amused King. I chuckled and turned to face him. He placed his arms in position to dance. "Now what's the real reason you pulled me onto the dance floor?"
I smiled. We started to move, every step perfect from hard practice. "You wanted elemental flare? Your going to get it." Livius looked surprised. "Just keep dancing, don't stop." I then reached out to the water in the fountain. Water pulsed around us and shimmered, forming rainbows. I then reached out to the wind to float the rose petals I had Neil set to the side before the party started. Water, rainbows, and petals gently surrounded us, and moved with each step.
Livius looked around, and smiled gently. "It's beautiful." He turned to me. "Thank you."
I just smiled. Happy that I pleased Livius, that he looked at peace and relaxed. In a moment that was just the two of us.
