Author's Notes: So… They fell in love, but how? Here is the answer… the calm before the storm.

Whatevergirl: Darn….

Chapter 6: Untitled Rhapsody of False Tranquility

"Will you protect our kingdom through all times until a successor to you arises?"

"I shall."

"Will you give your life to protect our lands?"

"I shall."

"Will you live only to guide us?"

"I shall."

"Then I pronounce you (albeit late) the High Priest of the Buterfluas," Reno said, placing the mantle of the office over my shoulders and handing me the highly ornate staff that Hhojyo had grudgingly parted with. With that Prince, my love, bowed to me, the people following his lead. I wanted to say that he didn't have to bow, but that was improper. Was this position really worth it if I lost him?

:6 Months Before:Yes people, back to Chapter 4 we go:

He saw the shock and delight in Reno's eyes as he sat himself across from the Prince. Just like all the seats in the Prince's room, this one was uncomfortable. Without wings he lacked balance when sitting in these back-less chairs. For a while the two sat in silence, Reno the powerful Prince, Rude the submissive servant, before the hard trained looks melted away. Worry replaced confidence as the Prince gazed at his guard.

"I know I've said it before, but can you handle what will happen?"

"I know my Prince."

"I don't want you hurt Rudelynth," Reno whispered.

"I'm merely a servant, my safety is given to protect you," as close to pain as he would admit.

"I will be your servant…"

"I won't ask for anything," the man assured him.

"But I want you to!" the Prince suddenly shouted, slamming his fist against the table and standing. After a moment of shared silence he sat again, obviously embarrassed.

An awkward silence filled the room and held until a maid delivered food for the prince and his guardian 10 minutes later. Then there were only the sounds of their eating then to fill the gap. Reno didn't want to explain and Rude didn't want to ask, so this silence was rougher then normal. Finally someone broke.

"Don't you want to know…" he began.

"I already do," the guardian said, "But it confuses me."

"Yeah, me too," the young prince agreed.

"You could have anyone in the kingdom…"

"But I only want you."

At this Rudelynth stood and bowed, "It is not my place to judge you, but this is highly improper m'lord…"

"Please don't start this," Reno whispered.

"… I think you should find a new guardian…"

"I'm asking you to stop Rude. Don't do this to me."

"… And I should return to my previous duties."

"No."

"Reno…"

"My decision stands. I want no one but you Rude. If I have to give up my crown and name for you, I will. I can't ask for the same sacrifice, but I'd make it for you…"

Now it was Rude's turn to try to stop what he knew was coming.

"Reno…"

"I'll give it all for you… I don't need this food!"

The man watched in horror as Reno pushed the plates to the floor, "Reno, no. Stop this at once."

"I don't need this wealth!" with this he grabbed the edge of the table and pushed the whole thing over.

Rude fell backwards in shock, "Please stop m'lord."

"And I sure as hell don't need this title!" Reno hissed out as he walked to the fallen man.

"I am not a good reason…"

"All I need is you… All I need is to love you!"

That froze Rude up good. He wanted to avoid those words, avoid his own pain.

"It was love at first sight Rude, and that is the only thing in the world I don't desire to throw away."

Still paralyzed in shock, the man looked up at the Prince. When Reno helped out his hand to help him up, the warrior accepted it, allowing the youth to pull him to his feet. It took a minute to get his mouth under control though.

"Never did I think I was anything but a useless soldier. I don't' know why you picked me to guard you, but I've learned. I'm worth something, and I'm going to be something because of you… And… I have learned there are things more important than that."

Rude didn't get it all out thought, for his lip stopped functioning again as he felt Reno's press against his own. What felt like years had passed in seconds, neither really seeking dominance in the kiss, only to kiss and to be kissed. When both finally pulled away, Reno was blushing.

"You don't care that I'm not a real Buterfluas?"

"They say love knows no bounds," the Prince said, leaning forward as the guard wrapped strong arms around him. For another few moments they stood silently like this, that is, until Reno yawned. The elder man smiled, and in a quick motion, had lifted him up. Like this he carried the Prince to his bed and laid him down. Yet when Rude turned for his own, Reno took his hand and pulled the man down onto the silken blankets.

That night sealed their new love in passion, as did many nights afterward…

:Present Time:

Rudelynth smiled as the Prince rose and the people did as well. Life wasn't going to be easy, but they'd make it. He knew it. They'd bring peace to their people, or die trying…