It surprises the young prince when he awakes in his bed; he has no recollection of pulling himself under the blankets nor does he remember bidding his father goodnight. Yet he wakes alone, in the darkness of the early morning. His eyes are sore and his chest still aches; he internally sighs as he comes to remember what happened the previous night.

He remembers the horrible things JJ said about him and how devastatingly true some of those statements felt. Vapid, selfish, only desirable because of his name, the cruelty of it all sits in his chest and leaves him feeling particularly lost.

Rising slowly from his bed, Yuri walks over to the vanity table and lethargically begins to brush through his hair. He feels unclean, like he has to wash himself after the scene he witnessed. The sun is close to rising and it seems that at least a few wedding guests are still indulging in the festivities if the laughter filtering up from the gardens is to be believed.

Yuri has half a mind to beg his father to let him return home early, coronation be damned. He knows that the king would never allow such a thing. It would be seen as a slight against the crown and another insult is not what their family needs at the present. Still, he longs for home, to walk the streets of his own town and greet the people who know him personally.

What he wouldn't give to be there now…

"Your highness." The sound of his attendant's voice doesn't break his trance. "Are you feeling well?"

"I am not ill, if that is your meaning," Yuri responds blandly, continuing to comb through his hair.

"Your highness… I am deeply sorry for all you've been through."

"You need not apologize to me."

"I feel I must anyway, it has been a difficult few weeks for you." Guang-Hong approaches and hesitates before putting his hands on Yuri's shoulders.

Yuri closes his eyes for a moment, "Am I a fool, Guang?"

"Absolutely not, your highness."

"How do you know? I feel particularly idiotic for even attempting to understand him."

"You're not. Please don't think less of yourself for having compassion… or hope."

"I don't… I don't know if I should allow myself to be seen."

"You are, of course, not obliged to partake in the day's activities if you do not wish to. Your father has implied that he is prepared to make your excuses. And the wedding was only just last night, many will not be emerging from their chambers, I daresay."

"… Perhaps I might. Though I think I'd like to dress and wash."

"Of course, your highness."

Yuri says nothing further as Guang-Hong moves to open the curtains. He casts his gaze up to the pinkening skyline and wishes that it filled him with something lighter. Guang-Hong begins to tidy up the room, but there's a stiffness in the air that Yuri simply cannot bear.

Instead of prompting conversation, he opens a window and allows the cool breeze to kiss his features. He is invigorated for all of a minute before he visibly stalls at the scene several stories beneath him. He swears he can make out the visage of JJ's figure climbing into a carriage laden with luggage and a symbol of his home country emblazoned on it.

His first thought is that it is entirely too early for him to be faced with the prospect of his fiancé… former betrothed? Technicalities be damned, that oaf is running away! He's escaping his own shame, and by extension, Yuri's wrath. The coward didn't even have the wherewithal to face his own transgressions, he doesn't have the nerve to face Yuri after what he did.

What an absolute cad!

"Guang, do my eyes deceive me?" Yuri asks his attendant, moving back to the vanity to allow the other man to look.

"I beg your pardon?" Guang-Hong approaches the window and immediately backs away upon first glance. "Perhaps we should focus on readying you for the day, highness."

"What do you know?" Yuri looks up, narrowing his gaze and gripping the handle of his hairbrush.

"N-Nothing, your-"

"Don't you dare lie to me, Guang, I won't stand for that." Yuri stamps his foot impatiently.

"He… His majesty, King Alain, thought it best for Lord Leroy to return to Quilon… for some urgent matter."

"Is that urgent matter his ineptitude and cruelty?" Yuri scoffs.

"I… I know not, your highness." Guang-Hong attempts to placate the man before him.

"And you say that wholeheartedly?" Yuri asks with a raised brow. Guang-Hong bites his lip in response. "Don't keep this from me, I've a right to know what happened after everything. And if you keep this information from me, I'll never forgive you."

"Your highness… I…"

"Did you promise my father not to speak on it?" Guang-Hong nods mutely in response and Yuri feels his blood begin to boil. "Then you must tell me what you know. He is to be my fiancé is he not?"

"He is not." Guang-Hong squeaks out.

Yuri lets out a soft gasp in surprise, "He's… He's not?"

"No… Your father… His majesty has ensured that you will not marry his lordship."

"But… what of the agreement? Despite my feelings on the man, I cannot deny that the marriage would have greatly benefited the kingdom."

"The agreement still stands as far as I understand it." Guang-Hong turns away from the prince.

"And how do you know this?"

"Well, I-"

"Guang." Yuri narrows his gaze.

"It seems the contract is still intact, though I imagine King Yakov did receive a few more privileges given the circumstances…"

"I did not ask that, I asked how you know the agreement still stands."

"…" Guang-Hong wrings his hands nervously. "Because King Yakov told me to relay the news to Sir Georgi that he is now engaged."

Yuri convinces himself he heard that wrong, for both his sanity and Guang-Hong's safety. The attendant looks at his charge with a grimace as he awaits a response. Once the blind shock has worn off, Yuri's face fills with red rage.

"I cannot believe that fucking prick is being rewarded for whoring himself out!" Yuri slams the brush in his hand onto the vanity. "What the hell is wrong with my father!? This is an affront to our family as a whole; that man should be publicly shamed for what he did! He's a coward to run away from his own indiscretion and now he won't face any consequences!? He just gets what he wants!?"

Guang-Hong watches the prince storm about the room. If this were Yuri's room back home he might have enough indignation to break a vase or two, maybe even a mirror; but he's not home, he's in Ceylon and he's absolutely miserable. He settles for throwing pillows and slamming the wardrobe door. Guang-Hong knows his charge well enough to not intervene in the minor destruction. He has seen the prince enraged for lesser grievances and he cannot bring himself to blame the man for his outrage.

Suddenly, Yuri's tantrum ceases and he looks up at Guang-Hong with a calculating glare. "Has my good cousin left?"

Guang-Hong suddenly fears for Sir Georgi's safety. "I do not believe so, your highness."

"Good. Would you grab my embroidered tunic?"

"Um-"

"Come now, Guang, I don't want to be late for breakfast." Yuri throws the statement over his shoulder as he returns to his vanity and begins to pick out a fine clasp for his cloak. Perhaps something with a finely polished gemstone.

"Your highness, I-"

"I will dress myself if you are keen to argue with me, Guang." He offers a bored frown to his companion to signify his blasé attitude on the matter.

With a sigh of defeat Guang-Hong quickly dresses his charge and sends him down to breakfast. Yuri holds his chin up high and walks confidently into the hall. Once there he spots the newlywed couple sitting incredibly close and smothering each other in affection. Even if they are married, Yuri still thinks it's unsightly for them to be so brazen in their ardor.

He scans the hall for his cousin but does not immediately see him; instead of turning to leave, he decides to stew in his rage. He takes up a seat beside Lord Emil and acts perfectly proper. One might even say that the prince is particularly affable this morning. If anyone were intimately familiar with him, they would be dully terrified. Alas, Christophe and Phichit are otherwise occupied, so he is allowed to address his cousin unimpeded when he arrives in the breakfast hall.

Sir Georgi pales when he sees Prince Yuri but does not make to move from his path. He instead approaches the lone, vacant seat across from him, the only remaining in the hall, and sits.

"Good morning, cousin." Yuri greets him with a smile, his tone just a touch louder than normal.

"Go-good morning," Sir Georgi stammers out a greeting, his eyes glued to the floor.

"Are you well? You look pale." Yuri makes the comment more pointed with a flick of his eyes.

"I am… tired, thank you for your concern."

"Please sit, if you're so tired as to be tripping over your words you must be in need of rest."

"Yuri, it is quite admirable of you to be so doting," Phichit comments, looking at the younger man oddly.

"And why shouldn't I? It would be indecent of me to be anything less than concerned for my family." Georgi sinks into his seat, still avoiding the young prince's gaze. "I think that we have had much to celebrate as of late, don't you agree Lord Emil?"

"Indeed, it was an excellent night of celebration and I look forward to the Prince Regent's consecration. I'm certain the coronation will be just as exquisite an event as the wedding." Lord Emil seems none-the-wiser to implication of Yuri's words.

"I think that there is another reason for us to celebrate, but I am remiss to mention it in the midst of another's happy tidings. It would be most impolite to take away from the royal couple's shining moment."

"Oh? I am certain that the joys of life can and should be shared, Prince Yuri." Lord Minami says with a laugh.

"Indeed? Well perhaps we should divulge such good news then. Should you tell them, or will I?" Yuri holds up his glass to Georgi before taking a long swig. Georgi keeps his gaze down as Yuri laughs. "Oh fine, then, twist my arm. I'll tell them all about your engagement to Lord Jean-Jacques."

The room falls into a stunned silence except for the crash of a tea saucer falling to the floor.

"We are all quite happy for you, I'm certain." Yuri pushes his plate back. "None more than I of course. As I said, we are family, it brings me such joy to know you're finally spoken for. Lord knows it took you long enough to secure a match. I was beginning to think you'd wind up alone. This is a happy day indeed. What say you, my lord, on this occasion?"

Lord Emil chuckles awkwardly, "Congratulations on the engagement, sir."

Georgi mutters an incoherent thank you as Yuri continues. "I heard the wedding will be held quickly! You two must be positively smitten to be pursuing your nuptials with such haste."

The table seems to catch onto Yuri's meaning, and in response a few giggles and a scandalized gasp filter through the room.

"Anyway, congratulations, cousin. Accept my sincerest well-wishes; I don't know how you'll handle that rake but I am certain you'll manage. Speaking of which, where is your beloved? One would be inclined to believe that the man would want to do at least a little grandstanding about his engagement. Especially one such as him who is a particularly loud and haughty individual."

Yuri feels proud when he sees the silent tears slipping down Georgi's cheeks. He feels less proud when he spots his father's pinched features across the breakfast hall.

"Yura, might I have a word?"

"Of course, Papa. If you'll excuse me, your grace." Yuri smiles politely to Lord Emil before taking his leave.

King Yakov practically drags him into a corner of the corridor. "What is wrong with you?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"Embarrassing your cousin like that-"

"Like he didn't cast the first stone!"

"Public humiliation is different from his transgressions and you know it!"

"I thought you would be happy that the announcement solidifies the agreement. The contract was signed, wasn't it? It must have been, given that his lordship ran off like a fugitive this morning."

"How do you know about that?"

"I saw him leave, Papa. I'm not an idiot."

"You will apologize-"

"I will do no such thing and you cannot force me to."

"He is family."

"He's a harlot. I will not apologize to the man who fucked my intended, in public, and has yet to apologize for his own transgressions."

"Did I hear that right?" Prince Christophe's jaw hangs open as he stalls by the pair.

"Now you've done it." Yakov throws ups his arms in exasperated defeat.

"Georgi and JJ? They… They did… out of wedlock? JJ I could understand, but Georgi?" Chris looks both baffled and amused by the revelation.

"Not a word from you." Yakov points harshly at Christophe, before returning to Yuri. "And you will stay in your rooms until the coronation tomorrow."

"This is quite the scandal, King Yakov. I'm certain you've managed to keep it hush-hush, so rest assured any whisper of this will not come from me. My husband however-"

"Giacometti, don't try it," Yakov growls at him.

"I've no qualms retiring to my chambers, Papa, I've done what I felt was necessary."

"One day that mouth of yours will get you into trouble that I can't fix," Yakov warns him.

"Georgi's mouth almost did." Chris giggles from behind his hand. Yakov sends him a lethal scowl as Yuri rolls his eyes. He catches sight of Guang-Hong hovering by the stairs, their eyes lock as Yuri approaches.

"I believe I've been instructed to hide away in my chambers for the rest of the day. Can you imagine that?" Yuri chuckles at his attendant.

"Are you…?" Guang-Hong can't manage the question as they return to the young prince's room.

"All is well, the family name is not tarnished but the announcement of my cousin's engagement has been made."

"Your highness, I hope that you have not done anything you'll regret."

"I have not," Yuri sighs as they enter his chambers.

"Do you… at least feel a bit more at ease, having gotten some of those wretched feelings out of your heart?" Guang-Hong asks softly.

"I… I do, I think." Yuri drops his gaze, suddenly a bit more aware of what he has just done. It did feel good, it felt right even, but hopefully his words have not had long lasting consequences. "Thank you, Guang, I know you did not want to be the bearer of bad news… but I appreciated your candor, in spite of my… well, myself."

Guang-Hong chuckles, "Did you eat at breakfast? I can have your lunch tray brought up early."

"No thank you, Guang." Yuri takes the hand of his attendant and squeezes it. "You would… you would tell me if Papa mentioned anything about… future prospects… wouldn't you?"

"Of course, your highness. I can assure you his majesty was much more focused on securing this alliance and handling the mess of Lord Leroy's making. I believe that today will be the beginning of such a search," Guang-Hong answers honestly.

Yuri sighs but nods gently to his companion, then makes a point of picking up his sketch book to signify the end of the conversation. He sets himself up on the bed, lazily outlining figures in motion. It was right of him to be so callous to Georgi, he decides; it serves the man right for choosing to be so vulgar. There's a sinking sense of guilt in his gut still, and he loathes the presence of it.

In the back of his mind, he can hear Mr. Katsuki scolding him for his impropriety. He'd harp on the idea of two wrongs not making anything right, and insist that it would lighten Yuri's burden if he simply apologized to Georgi.

Yuri despises that he can still hear the voice of his tutor. What he wouldn't give to be able to rip into Yuuri Katsuki right about now. This was all his fault: Mr. Katsuki, Viktor, JJ, Georgi, and his father. Everyone but yourself? How selfish of you. He stalls at the thought. Vapid, selfish, unlovable.

"Yura? Can I come in?" The sound of Phichit knocking on the door startles Yuri more than he'll acknowledge.

"Yes." Yuri pushes his sketches away and rises from his bed to greet his guest. "Afternoon."

"Yuri… I'm so… I don't even know what to think!" Phichit pulls the young prince into a hug. "It's an unrelenting nightmare for you to continue facing such trials."

Yuri reluctantly accepts the embrace. "I do hope that I have not tarnished your celebrations with my misfortune."

"Not at all." Phichit takes both of Yuri's hands in his. "I hope you are well. I cannot say I am not relieved to see you free of a partner that was obviously not well suited for you. Simply put, it is a relief that you might find a better match-"

"Or a worse one." Yuri casts his gaze to the floor.

"Your father would never allow such a terrible fate to befall you."

"He almost did," Yuri says ruefully. "It was horrible Phichit… That… That brute said he never had any intention of remaining faithful to me. Can you believe it?"

Phichit gasps in response. "Those were his words? Truly?"

"Yes! He said all manner of terrible… dishonorable things. He's a conceited louse and I should hope to never be in his presence again… Still, I wonder… I wonder if it would not be better to have gone ahead with the engagement regardless."

"You cannot believe such a thing!"

"But I do. What if the next man is worse? What if he hurts me or what if he despises me or-"

"Yuri, it's alright to be afraid. You were treated most vehemently and I do wish you had not seen such wretchedness. Make no mistake, this is a blessing. Your people still benefit from the agreements made by your father, and you are free of a horrid man. You are frightened and rightfully so, but you must see this opportunity as good."

"I'm not frightened!" Yuri bristles at the comment. "I would just prefer to know; I hate the uncertainty of it all."

"I understand."

"You must have other guests to tend to, I shouldn't keep you."

"My guests are entertaining themselves I am certain," Phichit says softly. "I can see that there's a deeper hurt here, Yuri. Please don't fight this war alone."

"I have to."

"Why?"

"Because… I am alone," Yuri says. "Viktor and Yuuri made certain of that."

"They didn't do it to hurt you."

"They absconded thoughtlessly and they're not even here to see what they've put me through. That's my burden, and you cannot help me bear it."

"All of us have been affected. I do not think they understood the far-reaching consequences of their actions." Phichit shakes his head.

"I think I've moped enough… Go enjoy your newly wedded bliss." Yuri steps away from the older man.

"Chris and I will always be here for you."

"Thank you." Yuri responds even if he doesn't entirely believe the notion.

Phichit gives him one last, long squeeze of the hand before departing. Yuri wishes he had the courage to ask him to stay, but he cannot allow himself to continue burdening others with his own trite theatrics.

He returns to his sketches, each of the figures standing in progressively more ludicrous stances. One such figure he chooses to elaborate on; there's something in the pose that brings him back to it. There's a quietude to him, a strength that lies just beneath the surface that Yuri has to uncover.

By the evening he's drawn a handsome face and dark eyes that are positively demanding. He considers painting this one when he gets home, but by then… who knows what his situation will be?

The coronation goes off without a hitch, unless Christophe being crowned the king of anything counts. Yuri is a perfectly pleasant guest; though his conversations are superficial, few people seem to notice.

Returning home is a perfect thing. Yuri relishes in the solitude he finds in his chambers and small study. He spent the first few days back working with renewed enthusiasm; purchasing supplies for the schoolhouse, building a rapport with the new builders in town for a paving project, and that damned bridge which seems to cause him strife at every turn.

Nearly a week after their arrival back home, he's summoned to his father's study. He fights the trembling of his hands as he approaches. He cannot face this with fear in his heart, he must have courage even if it is false.

"Yura, I hope you're well," King Yakov says, not looking up from his papers.

"I am… and you are as well I take it?"

"I am."

"And… should I assume that there is a reason behind my being summoned here?"

The king smirks at him, "Take a guess."

"Has your son returned? Or have you been scolded by your brother for promising his son to the western kingdom?" Yuri chuckles as he takes a seat.

"Your cousin's wedding is in a few days; we received no invitation, but I sent your well-wishes with mine," Yakov responds boredly.

"What then, Papa?" Yuri asks.

"I have found you a much better match than your previous engagement." The king wears a confident smile as he puts up his missives. "Lord Otabek Altin, the third son of King Hakan from the southern kingdom. He's been honored for his prowess on the battlefield and has been bestowed quite a bit of land along their northern border."

Yuri swallows thickly, "And has he a lover? Perhaps with his valet?"

"Yura-"

"I think I should know this time rather than be caught off guard."

"He has no such relation." King Yakov huffs.

"And of this you're certain?"

"His father has given me every assurance that this match will be made. The King of Astana is not one to make idle promises."

A cold chill climbs up Yuri's back at the thought of it. King Hakan has begun a new dynasty in his kingdom; the bloodline is fresh, and the name is one to be feared. Astana has recently reclaimed all of her lost lands, allowing the once dying empire to thrive once more. The war that swept the nation was well known to be devastating, the king himself is particularly brutal and has been known to be so since before his ascension to the throne.

It is said that the head of the Altin family was once no more than a common boy who sought justice for the deaths of his family and the destruction of his village. Now his military power surpasses most of their neighboring nations and their wealth rivals that of Ceylon.

Of course King Hakan wants to ensure this marriage is successful; he needs the pull of an old name, an established political power to further legitimize his rule. He wants to be seen as a true force in all facets of upper society and Yuri is his missing link.

"What do we know of this Otabek then?" Yuri asks, the name feels odd on his tongue.

"He's the third of eight children, he has a particularly good reputation as a fair leader amongst the military. The land he now inherits had once been rife with militant and political upheaval. The area now gives us a border with the southern kingdom that we haven't had since… well, since I was a boy."

"And that's what we get out of the arrangement," Yuri says with a nod.

"Hm?"

"The security that they won't invade our lands, that's what you'll receive from the agreement."

King Yakov leans back in his seat. "They're paying more for your bride price as well."

"I see."

"Don't look so dour, Yura, this is a far better match than your first in every way."

"So you say."

"Please don't make this any harder than it has to be."

"I won't, but I won't pretend to like it either." Yuri folds his arms and gives the floor a petulant scowl.

"All I ask is that you give this man a fair shot, don't deny yourself happiness on the account of one weak, spineless fool."

Yuri doesn't give his father an acknowledgement, "Might I be excused then?"

King Yakov gives his son a warry once over, "You may."

Yuri returns to the study then. He sets up his paints and reveals the abandoned work from before his meeting with JJ. He wonders why he doesn't feel as lost as he did then, he's neither much older nor wiser. Is he so jaded as to assume the worst of this new match?

He gingerly moves the painting from its easel and produces a new one. There's a long while where he simply stares at the fabric, wondering what sort of image belongs on it. He's always been envious of the sculptors who say that their piece is within a slab of rock. What he wouldn't give to have an art form that allowed him to chip away at a block until a work emerged.

The canvas remains empty for another day. When he sits down before it, he begins to sketch a garden. He's always enjoyed painting florals, after all, and he reasons he should do the things he enjoys. Soon, however, the canvas comes to have a life of its own. A figure sits in the midst of the area, looking into the fountain or perhaps off into the horizon.

Yuri is told that this Otabek is enroute to Moravia; in two weeks' time he'll meet his new fiancé. Once the marriage contract is negotiated the pair will be married, and Yuri can't help but wonder if a wrench will be thrown in these plans.

As the garden on his canvas blooms to life, so does the palace as the staff ready for their prestigious arrivals and a pending wedding. Yuri finds himself alone, more so than ever before, and he doesn't particularly mind the isolation.

The loneliness affords him the opportunity to visit the village on his own and he especially enjoys the privilege of spending time at the schoolhouse. The children are always quick to beg him for stories, and he likes observing the older students in their studies. He's recently recommended several of the older students for apprenticeships with local artisans in town and he decides to satiate his curiosity on their status.

He knows good and well that the king has instructed him not to go into town on this particular day. The king of Astana and his entourage could be arriving any day now; they best be prepared for it. But Yuri doesn't see a problem popping into town for a few hours in the early morning.

Without a word to anyone, not even Guang-Hong, Yuri enjoys a sunrise walk to the village. He smiles and greets any who pass his way as he strolls through his typical route. The bridge, the school, the church, and finally, into the jewelers to ask after Anton's apprenticeship. The image of the teen hovering over the older man's shoulder gives him a swell of pride as he walks into the store.

The young man beams at the prince and promises that his recommendation was not in vain. He even offers to accompany the prince some way back to the castle, on his way to make deliveries of course. Yuri accepts the offer and the pair set off towards their respective destinations.

"You must tell me if there is anything else your school master requires, Anton. I fear that he may keep some of his more minute needs private so as to not appear… too eager, shall we say."

"I haven't noticed anything lacking, your highness," the teen says with a nervous laugh. "Although, the roof leaks when the rain comes down too hard, but I think that is just the way of old buildings."

"Perhaps I could visit Kolya later in the week. He might have the time to look in."

The easy quietude of the village is rudely interrupted by the thundering of hoofs and the rattle of a carriage barreling down the road. The driver seems to still think that they're on the open road and not in the epicenter of a sizable town.

Yuri would like to comment on the impropriety of the thing, maybe even snark about how merchants have a tendency to be overzealous; instead, he feels a gasp hitch in his throat, and he lunges into the road. There isn't time to help Dasha to his feet as the older man stares up at the cart barreling towards him in aghast shock.

It's a bit of a shock to Yuri himself when he manages to grab hold of the reins and pull the creatures into slowing their pace to a stop. After a moment of vicious bucking that has the prince weak in the knees, he releases the reins and falls onto the ground. His clothes are covered in mud, he has a coachman yelling at him, and his head feels the rush of adrenaline pulsating. Still, he manages to gather himself and help Dasha to his feet.

"I've a schedule to keep you little urchin!" The coachman shakes his fist at him.

"And you almost killed a man to do so!" Yuri snaps back. Dasha mutters a shaken thank you as he is taken to a safer side of the road. One of the produce sellers has brought out a stool from behind the counter for the man to sit on.

"What is this?" The merchant from within the carriage asks.

"Nothing sir, just a bit of a trite delay."

"How very noble of you! I hope at least now you'll remember to ride at a safer pace, lest another urchin jumps out of the shadows to derail you." Yuri glares at the driver. Just as the man is raising the crop to spur the horses once more the person within the coach exits the box.

Upon seeing him, Yuri quickly returns his attention to Dasha; the blood rush to his face is so incredibly unbecoming. The man is handsome, more so than Yuri would like to acknowledge, and all of the activity has caused his good sense to fly out the window. He's a prince, a prince who's covered in mud, blushing at the beauty of a stranger, and is desperately trying to wrangle his inner rage.

"Is everything alright?" The man asks; his voice is low and dons an edge of confusion.

"Your… Your driver hasn't a care for the safety of others it seems," Yuri responds, allowing himself to glance over his shoulder.

"My apologies, I wasn't aware we were even in town yet."

"Well, your… The man under your employ should be more careful, sir." Yuri finally turns to face the handsome devil before him.

He's so… tall and well groomed, his posture has him positively towering over the prince. His hair is dark and perfectly coiffed, but his expression is one of deep exhaustion. The dark circles beneath the beautiful dark brown irises that now take in Yuri's figure are so prominent they almost look bruised. The man gives a sigh and Yuri does his best to harden his gaze.

"Forgive us, we've been attempting to make a long journey in far less time than we should be…" The man seems to stifle a yawn as he speaks.

"And that is your excuse for endangering the lives of others?" Yuri scoffs at the idea.

"Of course not. I meant only to explain."

"Keep such things as explanations to yourself. At any rate, I believe your apologies are better suited to the pavers whose good work is set back by a week due to your driver's reckless abandon. And you ought to beg this man here for forgiveness."

The man looks down at Dasha and kneels before him. "My sincerest apologies sir. I hope you were not harmed."

"I-… am well, thank you." Dasha gives Yuri an exasperated expression.

"As for the pavers, I will extend my remorse once I am settled." The man turns to Yuri, unclasps a bag from his belt and hands it to him. "For your clothes."

Before Yuri can shout at him for the insult, the man has climbed back into his cart and drives off towards the center of town.

"What an absolute cad." Yuri huffs. The bag is heavy with gold and Yuri gives the whole thing to Dasha.

"Your highness!" Anton rushes over to the prince, "Are you alright?"

"I am well, emotional slights be damned." Yuri rolls his eyes.

"Did you see the insignia on the carriage?" Anton asks, "It was from Astana! Can you believe it?"

Yuri's heart drops to the pit of his stomach… He's going to be late. His father is going to kill him. That man, whoever he is, could be an in-law of his; or worse yet, he could be his future husband.

"I must go, please make sure Dasha is well looked after!" Yuri calls, racing back up to the palace.

It's the cook, standing outside of the kitchen plucking feathers from a turkey carcass that gives him a firm scolding.

"Your highness is in quite a bit of trouble! You've worried Guang-Hong halfway to the grave! And your father, his majesty, has been scouring the palace for you. Hurry up, lest you cause any further disruptions to the day."

Yuri doesn't pass even one comment over his shoulder as he races up to his chambers. There he finds his attendant looking particularly rattled. Poor Guang-Hong gives an appalled gasp as he sees the state of his charge.

"Your highness, what happened?"

"Never you mind, has the king arrived?" Yuri throws off his muddy clothes and splashes water onto his face.

"He has, his lordship is also here. I believe the Prince Consort is running a bit behind, but your father is furious with you."

"So long as I haven't missed my own damned presentation, I believe all is well." Yuri rapidly brushes through the knotted tresses of his hair.

"I'll do that highness, wipe your face, you're streaked with mud. It is mud, isn't it?" Guang-Hong takes the brush and begins to expertly untangle the mess of Yuri's making.

Yuri grimaces at his own reflection and takes a handkerchief to wipe away the grime from his skin. He and his attendant make quick work of readying him for the presentation and soon Yuri is running through the palace.

When he finally arrives in the throne room, King Yakov scowls at him.

"Will my children ever listen to me?" He wrinkles his nose at his son as he sits down.

"I do believe that I am here for that very reason." Yuri swallows his panting breaths.

"I told you specifically not to go into the village today and you deliberately disobeyed me."

"A minor inconvenience to be sure."

"You are damn lucky that the Prince Consort has only just arrived."

Yuri says nothing more as he steels himself for the next few minutes of his life. He reasons that he's met a fiancé before, no first meeting could ever be as horrible as that. He tells himself that he didn't insult the king nor his consort…

"Presenting the Emperor of Astana, Conqueror of the Southern Kingdom, King Hakan Altin, his husband Prince Aysel, and their son Lord Otabek."

The king enters looking just as the stories describe him; cold, calculating, and stronger than any man Yuri has ever seen. The prince would be taken aback by him if he were not distracted by the young man by his side. The one he saw in town not an hour prior. The trio offer their pleasantries, though Yuri thinks King Hakan looks particularly miffed bowing to anyone.

"King Yakov, Prince Yuri, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my third son. Otabek." King Hakan puts a hand on the young man's shoulder and pushes him forward some.

Yuri takes in a sharp breath.

That handsome stranger with tired eyes and perfect hair is his fiancé.

Because of fucking course he is.

Still I'd rather be working at something, than praying for the rain;

So I wander on, till someone else is saved