The kingdom of Ceylon is particularly beautiful this time of year. While the circumstances surrounding the young prince's arrival are not entirely pleasant, he can still appreciate the wonders of another kingdom. Spring has been particularly kind to the palace; the gardens are well tended to and the weather has not yet tipped into abhorrent levels of heat.
The Prince Regent, soon to be King, Christophe stands with his staff at his back and his fiancé at his side. He wears a glimmering smile and Yuri wonders just how long he's been standing at the entrance of the palace greeting his guests.
"King Yakov, Prince Yuri, it's lovely to see you again." The Prince Regent's statement drawls playfully.
"We thank you for your presence and hope you'll enjoy your time with us." Prince Phichit smiles at the pair. Yuri could swear that he sees a hint of sadness in his eyes, and he has to wonder if Phichit knew about Mr. Katsuki and Viktor's elopement. Yuuri and Phichit are thick as thieves; it's not a farfetched idea, that maybe he even knows the whereabouts of the elusive couple.
"We're pleased to be here." Yakov answers as the servants begin unloading the carriage.
"Prince Yuri, I'd be delighted if you'd join me in the gardens for tea, perhaps tomorrow for luncheon." Phichit offers.
"Certainly." Yuri agrees with a curt nod.
"Your Majesty, I believe a certain guest of mine expressed an interest in meeting you and your son." Chris gives him a knowing brow raise.
"Of course." The king puts a hand on his son's shoulder and guides him towards the entrance. "We will all have plenty of time to catch up at dinner time."
"Make yourselves at home." Phichit sends them off with a nod. The next carriage can be seen driving up to the palace as Yuri and his father escape into the building. King Yakov instructs his son to get cleaned up before meeting his future husband.
Yuri's hands shake as Guang-Hong plaits his hair, he worries his lower lip until his attendant notes that the skin has reddened significantly. There's a moment that Yuri contemplates feigning illness to avoid the meeting, but he swallows his pride before the idea becomes too appealing.
He can see his father sitting in the parlor as he approaches; he looks about as relaxed as he's capable of. After entertaining the thought of sprinting away, Yuri pushes into the room with a genial smile painted across his face.
The four people in the room stand to greet him customarily.
"Yura, might I introduce you to Lord Jean-Jacques Leroy." King Yakov guides his son towards the man in question. His lordship is quite a bit taller than Yuri, his dark hair and blue eyes lend themselves well to his strong features. He's handsome. Perhaps that's something Yuri might lean into in his attempts to fight off his internal turmoil.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Yuri dips his head to the man.
"It is, I'm sure." His lordship chuckles.
Yuri swallows a frustrated sigh. "Have you been to the summer palace here in Ceylon before? I'm not certain we've had any previous interactions."
"Oh no, typically my older brother makes journeys such as these. If we had met before now, you surely would have remembered."
"But you would not have?" Yuri challenges him just the slightest bit.
"Many pretty things pass my way; I cannot know if you would have stuck in my memory." His lordship leans forward and plucks Yuri's hand from his side. "I suppose now I must remember your sweet little face."
"Must? You're displeased?" Yuri barely manages to keep his features even and cool as Jean pecks the back of his hand.
"Hm… I suppose the things I don't like can be changed."
"Can they?" Yuri asks blandly.
"They can, and I daresay they will." His lordship winks at him.
Yuri presses his lips into a firm line as they take a seat. There's also the distinct sound of King Alain's hand making contact with the back of Jean-Jacques' head. Despite his internal satisfaction at the idea of such a crude man being reprimanded, it is a strange occurrence on the whole. He casts a look of exasperation towards his father, and King Yakov responds with a shrug of the shoulders.
"It's an honor to meet you, your highness. Might I say that you seem to be in high spirits all things considered," King Alain says. The comment feels snide, but Yuri reasons that's just the energy of the room itself and not the words being spoken.
"Thank you, I look forward to the wedding in a few days. I believe that Prince Christophe's coronation will also be quite the spectacle."
"And your own wedding? Are you anxious to be married yourself?" The Prince Consort Natan asks, shuffling in his seat just a hair closer to Yuri.
"I am ready to be settled, yes."
"And to have children?"
"Of course." Yuri lies through his teeth.
"And children you'll have." Jean-Jacques chuckles, "I believe that you and our children will find my estate more than adequate. Hopefully we'll be wed before the end of the summer season; the autumnal months are something to behold at Belworth."
"Do you live there year-round?" Yuri asks.
"I expect you will, dear. I split my time between the estate and the capitol."
King Yakov stiffens. "I hope I need not remind you that my son's title is Prince, you will address him as his highness."
"His title will be husband soon; I do not see a point in dancing around an otherwise inconsequential technicality." His lordship challenges the king. "I don't expect him to call me by my title either, if that makes any difference. My family calls me JJ, and you are welcome to as well."
Yuri ignores the slight in favor of finding some semblance of relief from the previous statement. At least this JJ will leave him alone with the children for six months of the year; that in and of itself is a blessing. Still, Yuri can't help but note the hint of jealousy in JJ's tone when Yuri's title is mentioned.
"Technicalities are how wars are won and lost. I'm certain your father's heir knows that lesson well," King Yakov says with a tilt of the head.
Yuri drops his gaze to his lap; the kingdom of Quilon has only recently recovered from a war with the kingdom of Astana. Even though the Leroy name is older, King Hakan's armies were stronger. Quilon lost a fair bit of land in the south and it has been a blow to the family's ego as a whole.
"My, my, the stones we throw when we're wounded." JJ says. The once playful smirk has darkened, and Yuri finds he has the distinct urge to leave.
"I think a summer wedding sounds lovely." Prince Consort Natan cuts the tension of the room. His raised brows indicate his own discomfort with the shift of the conversation and the statement of his son.
"Agreed." Yuri attempts to smile at his future in-law.
"It will be a grand affair, I can promise you that." JJ looks pointedly at Yuri. His gaze reads somewhat competitive, like he's trying to prove that he can provide for the prince. His hunger for approval is unbecoming as far as Yuri is concerned, but he doesn't comment on that.
At least, he does not comment until he's safely sequestered in his chambers with only Guang-Hong to witness the tirade.
"He's repulsive and thoughtless and… I'm expected to marry that absolute cad." Yuri huffs, throwing himself into the vanity seat. "I'm expected to give him children Guang! I don't even want to be in the same room as him. Now I have to spend the whole week pretending to be wooed by him and I'm to accept a proposal."
"As you said, highness, he expects to leave you be for half a year at a time. At the very least, you won't be compelled to see him day in and day out." His companion tends to his dinner attire with a sympathetic smile. "I'm certain you will make your own happiness, regardless of his boorishness. Perhaps you might find a softer part of his lordship in due time."
"The only softness within him is a wounded pride. Our marriage might feel like an ego boost initially, but for him to have a husband who outranks him surely irks him beyond measure." Yuri huffs, spritzing fragrance onto his wrist.
"I hope this marriage will not be such a trial for you, highness." Guang-Hong approaches and places a hand on the prince's shoulder.
Yuri puts a hand over his attendant's. "I could use more optimism… But I'm not certain it's warranted."
Guang-Hong gives a nod before dressing his charge for dinner. The meal is not a terrible excursion; Yuri sits by his father's side while JJ sits at the opposite end of the table. They hardly speak and Yuri is content with that. He cannot escape completely unscathed, however, and JJ manages to wish him a particularly pointed goodnight. There's a statement about being a 'hard won prize' and a hardly audible moan against his hand when JJ kisses it.
He spends an hour attempting to sketch but cannot for the life of him manage to create anything worth pursuing. The lines are too harsh and the shapes are all off-kilter. He goes to bed frustrated and lays awake for hours thinking in an endless spiral.
Morning comes to him eventually; his skin is sticky with sweat and the sun is far too bright for the hour. Knowing that he has the presentation of well wishes to attend makes the whole ordeal even more grating. He and JJ will approach the marrying couple together to wish them well in their new endeavor. It's a strange tradition but one that has graduated into completely awkward as he and JJ stand beside one another awaiting their turn for an audience.
JJ is talkative, though Yuri is fairly certain he hasn't actually said anything at all. All of the words that tumble out of his mouth never amount to anything and their lack of substance has Yuri nodding blithely along.
When they are granted entry to the throne room, Christophe and Phichit pass a glance between them that Yuri might call skeptical. Once the civilities are out of the way, the group of four stand at a bit of a stalemate.
"I'm certain you're looking forward to the coming festivities, so we thank you for making time for us." Yuri says; the line is rehearsed at best and wooden at worst, but the men before him seem relieved to have been given any line of conversation.
"But of course, you're very nearly family to us, as I'm sure you know," Phichit says.
"Now more than ever?" JJ teases.
"I beg your pardon?" Phichit asks.
"I was under the impression that you and Mr. Katsuki were quite close."
"Ah, yes we are."
"As I am with Viktor," Chris intercedes. "Our families are all intimate in some form or fashion."
Phichit taps his fiancé's shoulder, a smirk plain on his features. "Now, now, I won't have my future husband insinuating anything of the sort."
"Of course not, my love." Chris gives Phichit a chaste kiss on the cheek. "But I would also be remiss not to act as guardian for our Yura."
"In the stead of the brother that dismissed him? I assure you, your presence is more than enough," JJ chuckles. Yuri allows the sting of that comment to translate into a disbelieving shake of the head.
"You speak quite brazenly of your future brother-in-law, sir. Are you unconcerned for your intended's feelings on the matter?" Chris asks, his jaw setting in such a way that both Yuri and Phichit have to bite back a sigh.
"My intended was slighted by a man most abhorrently. I dodisregard such a heinous action and the man who committed the act. I find that honorable, yes," JJ challenges him. "And Yuri's not your anything."
"But he's yours, already?" Chris balks.
"Should he not be?" JJ shoots him a vicious look.
"Is it not charming that Yuri has so many people who care so deeply for him?" Phichit attempts to diffuse the situation.
"Except for the brother that cast him aside and made our union possible." JJ scoffs.
"And you find that disgraceful?" Chris prods him.
"Not at all, the contrary actually. Make no mistake, I'm grateful for the Crown Prince's indiscretion. You know what they say about men; their trash and treasures and other such things."
"Did you just call me trash?" Yuri cannot help himself from dropping his jaw and gawking at his intended. The man whom he is supposed to be marrying just called him trash, unbelievable…
"Of course not." JJ seems surprised that Yuri has come to such a conclusion.
"You best learn to school your impulsive language, my lord, your insults can only be tolerated for so long." Chris takes a step forward.
"Were I you, your highness, I would not be attempting to lecture another man on impulses." JJ very nearly growls.
"Enough!" Yuri pulls at JJ's arm. "I apologize, your highnesses, we'll be taking our leave now."
Yuri gives JJ a wicked glare as he leads him out of the throne room. When they have returned to the hall the prince storms off to an open study, a place secluded enough to be considered private but not to such a degree as to be called improper.
When JJ is in the room Yuri gives his shoulder a brusque shove.
"What is wrong with you?" Yuri hisses at him.
"Me? What's wrong with you?" JJ grips Yuri's wrist.
"You insulted my brother, Prince Christophe – who is about to be crowned king need I remind you – and Prince Phichit in the span of four minutes."
"I was defending you."
"How so? I only saw you making a fool of yourself. You didn't even try to save face."
JJ nearly crushes Yuri's wrist in his hand, "You are in very precarious situation, highness. You find yourself on the brink of scandal and it is only by my grace that you are saved."
"You think so highly of yourself."
"And why shouldn't I?"
"Because you have proven yourself to be a thoughtless and reckless orator to people far above your station."
JJ's eyes flare with an impatient displeasure. "I see that I'm not the only one with an inflated sense of self-worth."
"I'm not the one making an idiot of myself."
The taller man steps closer still and Yuri suddenly feels dwarfed by him; a flash of fear settles in his gut as he averts his gaze. He hates the feeling of helplessness. He hates that he has to marry this nitwit. And most of all, he hates that he feels he cannot stand up to him.
"You are my consort, not the other way around. Your kingdom relies on my good grace and it will do you well to remember that."
Yuri lets out a shivering breath as JJ's body grows ever closer. A kiss is placed on the crown of his head and suddenly the older man is gone. He cannot bring himself to feel relieved, he's so full of rage and terror. A shaking hand comes to cover his mouth and he sees the beginnings of a bruise forming on his wrist.
Filled with shame, Yuri escapes to his chambers and only just refrains from resolving to lock himself in. It would be a preferable fate to marrying that horrific man. Even if he'd have to spend the rest of his days in Ceylon at the beck and call of Christophe. He'd welcome that fate with far more grace than the hand of his intended.
When Guang-Hong comes to collect him for luncheon with the prince, Yuri almost denies him entry. His good sense wins out, but it very nearly doesn't.
"You look shaken, highness." Guang-Hong's gentle intonations pull at the depths of Yuri's embarrassment.
"It is nothing to be concerned over, but I thank you for it." Yuri swallows his own worry.
"Perhaps you should rest for the afternoon."
"I intend to find myself stricken with a headache by five o'clock, I can assure you." Yuri jests with an eyeroll.
"If I may-"
"You may not," Yuri cuts him off harshly.
"I apologize, your highness."
Yuri nods as the pair head off to the gardens, there he is disappointed (but not surprised) to see the dining area full of younger royals and nobility. He spots his cousin Sir Georgi, then a nobleman from the east that he believes is friends with Mr. Katsuki but he cannot recall his name at the present, and an exuberant lord from the north that Yuri has been avoiding meeting for well over a decade now. His own fiancé is included in those observations, much to his chagrin.
"Yura, I was hoping you'd sit with me." Phichit swoops in to attach himself to the younger prince.
"Certainly. I hope the rest of your morning went well."
"Yes, yes, Chris had a lovely time parading me around and swimming in complements," Phichit chuckles. "And how have you been in the past few hours since we last spoke?"
"I am well, thank you."
"And you were well? After your… departure?"
"But of course." Yuri responds with an evenness to his tone that Mr. Katsuki would surely be proud of.
Phichit doesn't respond initially, and Yuri is duly surprised considering the prince's usual conversational nature. Then he catches the man staring at the pink and pale purple hue of his wrist. Yuri tugs at his sleeve to cover the mark.
"Yuri-"
"Please, don't. There isn't a point," Yuri says lowly.
"Chris can-"
"Make it worse."
"He can tell your father."
"I'm halfway down the aisle, Phichit. Nothing can change that now."
"I think you're wrong."
"King Alain and Papa have already drafted the agreement."
"Drafted, not signed."
"It's a good match-"
"For whom?" Phichit gapes at him.
"The kingdom." Yuri whispers sharply. "His father has promised a large sum to Moravia for my bride-price and has agreed to several key trade concessions that will only benefit my people. I have to do this; I have no choice, much as I despise the notion."
"Don't be a martyr, Yuri." Phichit implores him.
"If I recall correctly, it was your dearest friend who made me one at all," Yuri snips at him. "I don't want this, not in the least. It is a necessity, don't try to convince me otherwise because you get to be disgustingly in love with your fiancé. Not all of us get that chance."
"Love is one thing; safety and respect are entirely another."
"He won't hurt me, he needs me."
"And of this you're certain?"
"Do I have to be?" Yuri inquires. The question is just a touch too honest for either of them to speak on it. In the beat of silence between them, Christophe approaches.
"I see that my dearest one has found our favorite Nikiforov," he chuckles, wrapping his arm around his sweetheart. "I hope you managed to put that brutish paramour of yours in his place."
Yuri's breath catches as he looks to Phichit. He wonders for a moment if the incident will be addressed further.
Phichit, by the grace of God, smiles at his beloved. "I believe you've come too late for gossip, love. Luncheon is being served as we speak."
"And I'd hate to keep you waiting." Chris runs a knuckle down Phichit's cheek.
"Yura has accepted my invitation to sit with me, isn't that nice of him?"
"Indeed, his bite has been whittled down by Katsuki enough that he could very nearly be called gracious," Chris teases.
Yuri takes up his seat and is startled by the haste with which the other chair becomes occupied. JJ smiles softly at him in greeting.
"Good afternoon, Yuri. I hope my earlier conduct has not put you off."
Yuri has a sneaking suspicion that this is the closest he'll come to an apology on the matter.
"Not at all, your lordship, I was merely complimenting Prince Phichit on the gardens here." Yuri casts a glance to the man in question. The typically effervescent prince has an almost stony look in his eyes as he agrees.
"Some of the blooms further into the garden are being harvested for the reception. I have this fantasy of an incredible mantel piece spilling flowers onto the floor and covering the hall in color," Phichit divulges, despite the look of caution he wears.
"Do you like to garden at all?" Yuri asks JJ.
"I think it is a suitable pastime for others; my estate is well kept, as it should be. Perhaps you might take an interest in the upkeep of it all."
"I must admit that I am an admirer from afar. I'm much more of a painter in my leisure time."
JJ chuckles into his wine, "Now that is a silly proposition."
Yuri bites the inside of his lip as Phichit inquires further. "Oh? What makes you say that? Art is a most suitable endeavor for nobility."
"Only the ones who like to pretend they're worthy of greatness, or better yet, children who've yet to learn any better. The only artists worthy of attention are paupers and vagabonds. They've seen the world as it truly is and they're the only ones with a real eye for art."
Of all the transgressions JJ has committed thus far, Yuri wasn't expecting to add 'terrible opinions of art' to that list.
"I find that art is a good tool for me to express myself. I don't do it for anyone else."
"I suppose I must occupy your time enough that you don't feel the need to do such a silly thing." JJ seems to be teasing, but it feels like a threat all the same.
"Well, I find that I enjoy working with my charities and projects within the village just as much as I enjoy painting." Yuri attempts to get the conversation… anywhere else, frankly.
"Now that, is an excellent use of your time," JJ smiles. "I'm certain you'll find the people of Quilon to be easy to work with."
"I hope you're right." Perhaps there might be something bearable in this match yet.
Phichit still watches the pair skeptically throughout luncheon and there are still many hiccups in their discussion. At the very least, Yuri is merely disheartened by the end of it and not outwardly terrified.
That evening he does have Guang-Hong inform the dinner party that he's feeling unwell. He reasons that he does feel unwell; the turmoil inside of him hasn't abated and he feels the tendrils of unease well into the night. The wedding is still two days away, the coronation is five days away, that means the announcement of his engagement will likely be at the end of the week.
Yuri wishes that an illness would strike him down; an affliction of some kind or even a simple fever that would keep him from appearing in public until after the announcement. He hates JJ, he hates the idea of being his husband, and he hates Viktor. He despises Viktor and Yuuri more than he ever has before. They don't get to see the consequences of their own actions. They don't have to bear witness to the mess they've created.
If it were possible, Yuri would disappear himself. Instead, he attends the prenuptial events and puts on a brave face whenever JJ approaches him. There are minimal amounts of interaction which means a minimal number of unsolicited insults. Yuri has begun to realize that this may be the best course of action for their relationship on the whole, but that is neither here nor there.
The day of the royal wedding does eventually arrive and it is a truly extravagant event. Yuri might even suggest that it's over the top if he had the right audience to say such a thing. The flowers are exquisite and the couple is truly, blissfully in love. It's the kind of wedding ceremony that romance novelists envision and perhaps everyday people imagine all royal weddings to be like this one.
While Yuri knows that this sort of union is most definitely outside the norm, it's nice to live in the fantasy of it all for a moment. To revel in the idea that a marriage should be founded in love and care.
JJ comes to collect him for the first dance of the evening; the liveliness of the reception is suddenly lost on the young prince as their hands meet.
"Have you been enjoying yourself?" JJ asks, his eyes not quite meeting Yuri's.
"I have, the future king and his consort have hosted an excellent occasion." Yuri tries not to stiffen in his partner's hold. "And have you enjoyed yourself this evening?"
"Ah, yes of course. It makes me long for partnership myself," JJ admits with a somber chuckle. "I don't expect we'll be in love by the summer. Do you?"
Yuri finds himself startled by his lordship's candor, but he answers regardless. "I don't believe we will."
"Love is a fickle thing. Perhaps we'll find it somewhere along the way." JJ's voice is wistful and his smile remains gentle.
For the first time since their meeting, Yuri finds himself drawn to him. He allows himself to ease into the movements of the dance before speaking.
"I certainly hope we do."
"Did your parents love each other?" He asks.
"Not right away, Papa says that they grew into their relationship. In what I remember of them they were happy… What of yours?"
"I'm not sure they love each other, but I would be wrong to say they don't care for one another. There's care, respect… admiration on the part of my mother. But love? I'm not sure."
"My grandfather felt similarly in his lifetime. He saw marriage as a necessity and preferred to view his partner as a friend above all else."
Yuri allows his mind to wander back to his grandfather. Nikolai had been old before Yuri's birth and he had stepped down from most of his royal duties by then. His grandfather had done more raising of him than the nannies did, and their bond was much stronger than anyone else in the family. To think of him now makes his heart ache with loss but it also serves as a solemn reminder.
The kingdom always comes first; Nikolai spent his whole life in service to the people of his nation. Yuri intends to do the same.
"I wonder if friendship will be sufficient in marriage," JJ says, his eyes still far away as he speaks.
"Perhaps to start. Indeed, we cannot know otherwise."
The song ends and the pair bow to one another. Yuri feels a touch more at ease as he is left with an entourage of other young nobles. In his mind, he's still certain that JJ is and always will be a fool. He would also like to bet money that JJ will continue to put his foot in his mouth at every turn.
Still, it's nice to be given the tiniest glimmer of hope that this match isn't doomed to fail.
The grooms begin to make the rounds of the dance hall; Phichit is taken in conversation with an Eastern noble while Chris implores Yuri for a dance. He hesitates to answer, merely to wound Chris's pride, before accepting his hand.
"I do hope you'll find me a better partner than that wretched fiancé of yours." Chris wears a charming smile in spite of his vicious words.
"I will implore you not to call him that until we're officially affianced." Yuri rolls his eyes.
"Ah, so you are still not spoken for, good. That will make my conversation with your father much simpler."
"Chris-"
"I don't like the way he looks at you, I like it even less how he speaks to you. If my beloved is right, which I hope to God he isn't for your sake but I won't stoop so low as to call him a liar, he is a danger to you as well."
"He is no more dangerous to me than a spark to a candle. As I said to your now-husband, he needs me. I am not at risk of harm."
Chris gives a soft sigh, "Viktor would-"
"Viktor doesn't get an opinion or a course of action," Yuri says definitively, "And if he were stupid enough to attempt such a thing as that, I would surely bash his head in."
"I'd like to see that, considering what a burden he laid on your shoulders."
"I…" Yuri is taken aback by the statement, "I am sorry that he has missed your nuptials. His selfishness continues to hurt others and it is a sorry circumstance."
"Aw, Yura, you do care."
Yuri scoffs, "Hardly."
"I will never let him live it down that I managed to fulfill my duty and he was not. If that brings you any comfort." Chris gives a teasing laugh.
"I suppose it must." Yuri allows a smile to grace his features.
"You have yet to congratulate me on my marriage. Do you intend to wound me so?"
"Do you need a salutation from me? Aren't you satisfied enough?"
"My dear Yura, I am never satisfied and it will do you well to remember that."
"Don't say as much to your husband, he may be quite disappointed in a few hours' time."
Chris laughs as they sweep into the next movement of the music. He'll never admit to having fun dancing with Chris, but he's a good dance partner, if not a little exuberant. For the first time in weeks, he's beginning to have fun and he latches onto the feeling as best he's able.
Some hours later, Yuri catches the newlyweds sneaking away to their chambers for the evening. He isn't certain if he should laugh or gag at the notion, so he chooses instead to seek out more wine for himself.
His father, however, has other plans.
"Come with me, son." King Yakov beckons him. "King Alain would like for you to sign the engagement agreement tonight."
His heart stalls at the thought but Yuri nods anyway. He latches firmly onto the memory of JJ wanting to fall in love with him. The haughty lord wants to be friends and make their marriage bearable. Yuri holds onto the idea as tightly as he can as they approach King Alain and Prince Natan.
"Have you found your son yet, Alain?" Yakov asks with a glance around the ballroom.
"I am certain he's stepped out for a moment, but let us get this contract signed so that his highness might get to bed." King Alain huffs as he gives one final scan of the hall.
"I believe the small library is closest by, dearest. Perhaps we might go there?" The Prince Consort suggests.
"I would like to make this quick, as long as father has approved the agreement," Yuri says, but neither king pays him any mind.
"I look forward to welcoming you into the Leroy family, your highness." Natan holds onto Yuri's arm and takes the lead of the group. "I hope you will find our country to be a welcoming place and one that is acceptable to raise your children."
"I hope so as well," Yuri responds evenly.
"Have you any thought to whose name your children will take?"
"I have not, I assume that his majesty and my father have spoken at length over the issue."
"Also… if you would allow me to apologize on my son's behalf. I believe that all of this is overwhelming for him. I've never seen him act in such a way to anyone and I was mortified by the way he spoke to you the other day."
"I thank you for your honesty. I understand that this is a stressful time for us all and I too have not been on my best behavior."
"I'm certain you'll both come to find that you are well suited."
Yuri is certain his mind stops working as he opens the door to the small library. His eyes and ears must betray him, that can be the only explanation for what he bears witness to.
He hears the scandalized gasp of the Prince Consort beside him and the firm growl of his father demanding.
"What is the meaning of this!?" King Yakov bellows.
What Yuri sees is not to be believed, it is entirely unbecoming and… simply put embarrassing.
He sees the naked backside of Jean-Jacques Leroy perched above a pale figure that looks suspiciously like Yuri's cousin Sir Georgi. It's unsightly… improper… absolutely, disgustingly inappropriate and Yuri is quick to avert his gaze.
He lifts a hand to further shield his eyes from the scene before him as he is shoved to the side by King Alain, who has at this point gone into a full screaming fit at the pair of lovers. Yuri's mind can't keep his thoughts straight as he tries to process what he has just seen. He thinks that he doesn't exactly want to process it, but his mind continues to reel with the revelation.
"Jean-Jacques Leroy, what in the name of hell do you think you're doing!?" King Alain shouts.
"What does it look like!?" JJ counters viciously. Yuri cannot be sure of the scuffle that takes place, but he hears a bit of shoving before JJ speaks again. "Don't touch him!"
"You're a fucking disgrace!" Yakov screams.
"Am I really!? Am I the disgrace when I was doing you and your family a favor!?"
"Jean, shut your mouth," The Prince Consort hisses.
"I will not, I told you I loved another man and yet you bound me to a petulant child in the name of prestige. I had every intention of marrying him, but I never once had the intention of fidelity!"
Yuri hears a smack followed by a thin cry which he can only assume means JJ has been struck.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" King Alain snarls.
"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you? Forcing me into an unhappy marriage so that you can save face after losing a war? And are you really saving face when the family you want me to join would not only emasculate me but is on the verge of ruinous scandal because their heir fucked the wrong man?"
There's another assault that Yuri's ears catch over his own erratic breathing.
"You have a lot of nerve thinking you can get away with insulting my children, especially when you're the one in a compromising situation," Yakov growls.
"Tell me I'm wrong, tell me the boy you want me to marry is anything less than a vapid, selfish, agitator who is only appealing to the marriage market because of the name that bore him."
A hard, heavy pit settles at the base of his stomach and Yuri exits the library panting for breath. He needs air, he needs space; he cannot go to the gardens as they're full of party guests, he can't very well leave the palace at nighttime without an attendant. He resolves to go to his chambers and throw open every damn window in the room.
He races through the empty halls of the guest wing, his heart pounding painfully in his chest all the while. He thrusts himself into the room and stalls when he sees Guang-Hong pressing his doublet for the coronation. Yuri attempts to swallow his gasping breath, fully aware of the flush of his cheeks and the fat tears rolling down them.
"Your highness-"
A sob rips out of Yuri's throat, a gasping horrible sound that prompts his attendant to abandon his work and cradle the prince. Yuri grips the man before him as he chokes down a lungsful of air. He has no right to be heart broken, and perhaps he isn't. In fact, he knows he isn't. These are tears of rage and humiliation.
"Your highness, what-"
"I hate him. I hate him. I hate him." Yuri sputters out the thought.
"Please tell me what happened."
"He's unfaithful, Guang. And I thought… He said… He said so many things… And I suppose I'm the fool because I should have known."
"Unfaithful? Lord Leroy?"
"He loves Georgi, and he said-… he said I would be a terror to marry. That I'm vapid and-and-and selfish and that I'm only desirable because of the good name that Viktor has ruined."
Guang-Hong gives a devastated sigh, though Yuri isn't certain how his words could be pieced together into a coherent narrative. Truly, that doesn't matter as his mind has already surpassed this point in time and has begun to spiral through a myriad of horrible thoughts.
Had JJ been longingly looking to his cousin when he spoke of their future together? Had he been implying that he has been in love with another? Was JJ hoping to get Yuri to break off the engagement by infuriating him so? Was this all an elaborate ruse? And is Yuri really worth so little as that?
Does Yuri mean so little to JJ that he would lie with another man? Why does he mean nothing to so many people? Why doesn't anyone care for him?
Guang-Hong does his best to console his charge; his soft cool hands caress the back of his neck and he whispers sweet words of encouragement.
Yuri is of two minds on the matter; the first being that he has no reason to be so heart broken, the second is that he has every reason to be distraught. This whole nightmare of a courtship is merely a microcosm of the terrible month he's had. That thought makes him weep even harder, because he has two paths to face now. Either he marries JJ knowing of his unfaithfulness, or he'll have to go through another courtship with another unknown man who could be just as bad if not worse.
Yuri thinks then that he might prefer to marry JJ. The devil you know beats the devil you don't, as they say. And right now, Yuri is so very tired of facing the demons of those who were too cowardly to fight their own battles.
"Yura."
"Papa…" Yuri turns to his father and moves into his arms when he's near enough.
"I'm so sorry, Yurachka."
Guang-Hong exits the room to give the pair some privacy, but Yuri misses his gentle presence.
"What… What did I do wrong?"
"Nothing, you did nothing wrong."
"Then… Then why?"
"Because he's a traitor and a coward. Don't worry Yurachka, I will fix this."
"How?" Yuri asks desperately.
"I will find you a better match than that… idiot. And I will make sure that Alain and his son never slight us again."
"Papa-"
"Hush, Yura, tonight you can grieve. Tomorrow can wait."
Yakov is not what one might call a comforting figure; he's a strong pillar of nobility. A great ruler in a long line of great rulers and his work only bolsters the legacy of a well-established family. Still, he can be a kind, warm presence for his children when the need arises.
Perhaps such comfort is too little too late, but Yuri certainly feels like he is weeping for more than just the loss of a fiancé. Neither of them speak on that feeling of unease, however; they instead choose to revel in the presence of the other.
It's not much of an offering but it's one they'll both take without an ounce of guilt.
And I see I'm wrong for you but we tried; You swear I'm hard to lay beside
If I was you, I'd run from me most nights; Maybe I was meant to be left behind