"Perhaps your grace would like to converse with some of the guests? No, I suppose you wouldn't." Yuri sighs nervously to himself as he glances around the room. His father has all but wrestled Viktor from the room with Yuuri following swiftly behind.
"Are you well?" His lordship asks softly.
"I suppose I'm nervous about all of this."
"About your brother's appearance?"
"Hm? Oh no, absolutely not." Yuri lies with a chuckle, "I simply meant… in regard to the wedding."
"You? Nervous? Never." Otabek smiles at him. There's uncertainty in his gaze, maybe even a little worry, but he does not comment on it. For that, Yuri is grateful.
"We'll be married this time tomorrow, that doesn't make you anxious?"
"Anxious, perhaps." Otabek blushes once he says it, but Yuri does manage a genuine laugh.
"I see."
"N-not-"
"Yura!" Phichit approaches the pair. "I'm so happy to see that you're doing well."
"It is good to see you again, your highness." Yuri pulls him into a hug and harshly whispers into the Prince Consort's ear. "Say nothing of him."
"Congratulations you two! The big day is almost here! Might I just douse you in well wishes? I hope for a fruitful union and that you find marriage as stimulating as I do." Christophe winks pulling at his husband's waist until he's flush against his side.
"Your majesty, that's unseemly." Yuri chortles.
"Ah yes, a blushing bride! Well, all that is about to change." Chris drawls.
"Chris! At least wait until we get him alone to insinuate such activities." Phichit gives a coquettish laugh. "I do wish you both the utmost happiness. And I hope you'll visit us sometime after your honeymoon."
Yuri nods, "Perhaps."
"You look happy, Yura, I'm thrilled for you." Phichit cups Yuri's face, albeit briefly.
"Thank you…"
"Your highness, would you like to take the first dance?" Otabek asks Yuri.
"I would."
"Oh, we'll join you! I think the opening dance is always so very engaging. Perhaps Yura might spare me a dance sometime this evening. Perhaps the third or the fourth?" Chris waggles his brows at the young prince.
"So long as you don't tell me about the intimate details of your marriage." Yuri holds out his dance card, which the king quickly scribbles in.
"Your lordship, you should claim your dances before the prince is otherwise claimed all evening." Christophe implores Otabek.
"Perhaps I will. May I?" He holds out his hand to the prince and fills in his name for two additional dances.
"Oh this will be such fun." Phichit claps vigorously.
"Would it be improper to ask for a dance with you sometime this night, your highness?" Otabek asks the Prince Consort.
"Such a flirt asking a married man for his hand! How can I say no?" Phichit teases, offering him his dance card.
Chris feigns offense; "Now you watch yourself, your grace, I've defended Yuri from inconsiderate suitors before and I'll do it again if I have to."
"You did no such thing," Phichit chuckles.
"Don't let his majesty's inflated ego and self-importance rile you," Yuri snickers to Otabek.
"I'll be a good sport," Otabek promises.
"Now, the dance!" Chris tugs his husband towards the floor.
Yuri looks up at his fiancé. "They are… like that."
"They're charming."
"They're distracting. Which I suppose is good for me," Yuri snickers.
"You're not a shrinking violet," Otabek chuckles, offering an arm to escort him to the dance floor.
"No, but as I said… I think I'm quite on edge about tomorrow."
"My apologies, I'm certain you can turn in early."
"Absolutely not, I wouldn't do that to you. Leaving my fiancé alone to fend for himself against the masses. I'm not cruel."
The pair bow to one another as the music comes to life around them.
Otabek gives a slight smile. "You look beautiful, if I might say."
"You may and I daresay you should." Yuri teases.
"I must beg your forgiveness, your highness. I have delayed saying many things to you."
"How do you mean?"
"I meant to ask you something earlier in the week… well, month I suppose, and I never found the chance."
"Well, you must ask me now." Yuri looks at him quizzically.
"I'd like to ask you for your hand," Otabek says; his eyes are sweet and intense as he does so. "Would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?"
Yuri's heart skips a beat as he whispers, "I will."
"Good." Otabek smiles at him, a bigger smile than his usual smirks or the ones that hang in his eyes. Yuri thinks that this is a perfect sort of thing; he's comfortable and content.
So of course, not a minute later, he spots that pompous prick of a man that he calls his brother. He and his husband have joined the dance and are some five couples away from Yuri and Otabek. The prince finds himself seething at their very presence.
"Your highness?"
"Hm?"
"You're staring."
"My apologies." Yuri gives his fiancé a tentative smile.
"No need, I simply meant to say that it's alright, to be upset."
"I am… caught off guard to be sure."
"It's more than that, isn't it?" Lord Otabek looks at him sadly.
Yuri shakes his head, "It is of no consequence."
"I would oblige you not to speak in such a blasé manner, your highness, not to me."
"And if I've no wish to burden you?"
"Then we should have no issue, as you could never be such." Otabek gives a smile that thrusts Yuri's heart into his throat. "As you've said a few times tonight, we are to be wed in the morning. I would hate to have either of us feeling burdensome to the other. That's not the foundation upon which a marriage should start."
The quartet comes to a swelling conclusion then, so Yuri and Otabek bow to one another. The prince breathes a sigh of relief.
"Your father will be coming to collect me soon, your grace, have you any advice for me?" Yuri gives his intended a nervous smile as they exit the floor.
"Don't let him intimidate you; hold your head up high and take it with a smile?" Otabek wears an expression somewhere between apologetic and humored.
"That easily?" Yuri teases lightly.
"My father is not an… easy man to deal with. If he oversteps any boundaries, you must tell me."
"Unless he says otherwise?" Yuri asks with a bit too much honesty leaking into his voice.
"Your highness, I hope my father has not made you uncomfortable. If he has, I hope you will allow me to assist in any way that I can." Otabek squeezes his hand just a touch tighter.
"You are very kind to offer… but I can fight my own battles." Yuri says firmly.
"I want you to know that you don't need to."
The pair spend a moment staring at one another; Yuri is distantly aware of the crowd around them. He briefly wonders if his brother is even attempting to seek him out or if Viktor's self-importance has prevented him from thinking about Yuri. Regardless of the answer, Yuri finds that he does not care; he is so enraptured by the man before him that nothing else seems to exist, let alone matter.
"Father." Yuri feels his breath hitch as Otabek looks above Yuri's head.
"Son, might you release my dance partner?" King Hakan asks.
Yuri turns toward the king with a smile, "I trust you're enjoying the evening, your majesty."
"Indeed, and the floor awaits us." King Hakan holds out his arm to him.
Yuri accepts the gesture with a parting glance to his fiancé. He swallows his apprehension and looks at the king with a gaze that could very well be called docile.
"I know my father was looking for you earlier, your majesty. Was he able to locate you?"
"He was, I expect he was coming to warn me about that brother of yours' arrival." Yuri's blood runs cold as the king gives a laugh. "He seems to be playing nice for now, although it appears he might be attempting to threaten my son. As if he's in any position to do so."
Yuri doesn't need to look over his shoulder to know that Viktor has cornered Otabek. He also isn't too bothered by the notion; Otabek is strong enough to handle himself against an eccentric fool. Besides, Yuri is about to perform a waltz with a warlord, he has much bigger issues to attend to.
"I was unaware your majesty liked to dance."
"I don't," he responds bluntly. "But it is a skill the international community value highly."
"It's a way for them to feel superior, I suppose." Yuri bows to his partner.
"And that is very much their inclination, to feel superior over others. I have my own means to the same end." King Hakan is not a clumsy dancer, but he is not well practiced. Yuri does his best to look effortless as they go. "Still, I am not here to speak of others."
Yuri nods, "I see."
"I think you know how important tomorrow will be for all of us. You and my son have quite the roles to play."
"Indeed."
"I expect the event will go well enough, as we have previously discussed."
"I anticipate the same."
"Have you been spoken to about your wedding night?"
The prince is half convinced that this statement is meant as a test in and of itself. He's certain the king wants him to falter, either in his steps, his speech, or his facial expressions. Despite the internal panic that lights inside of him, Yuri gives the king no indication of discomfort.
"I have not," Yuri responds evenly.
"Well, you must speak with my husband about it. I'll bring you to him once the dance is over."
"I would appreciate that."
The king laughs, "I'm not certain that's true, but at the very least you'll be minorly prepared."
Yuri isn't certain how to respond to that, so he does not.
"Your brother certainly seems to be enjoying the festivities."
"He has always been a social type."
"Have you yet spoken with him?"
"I was caught unawares by his presence this evening, your majesty. And I have no intention of seeking him out."
King Hakan gives him an interesting sort of look over. "I see."
"Do you intend to stay long after the wedding, your majesty? Three months is a long time to be away from one's country and family."
"I will leave the morning after; my husband will stay for the remainder of the week." King Hakan gives a strange laugh. "You are avoiding Prince Viktor, aren't you?"
Yuri doesn't know how to answer that question (because there's no way in hell he's answering honestly). He simply says, "Not actively."
His majesty laughs again. "How interesting. Do you resent him, your highness?"
"I resent his disregard for his station."
"Do you resent that it is his doing that has you betrothed to my son?" King Hakan's grip on Yuri's waist tightens dangerously.
"No." Yuri gives the response sharply, almost combatively.
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I have accepted your son's proposal of my own accord."
King Hakan rolls his eyes. "Ah yes, my stupid, ridiculous son and his delusions of romance. You think that impresses me? That you accepted him privately? As if that speaks to your character?"
"I think it does."
"My son is naïve and desperate to be loved. That doesn't impress me as it does to you. You're both stuck in a fantasy world where you expect something like romance when marriage is nothing but a business transaction. You have been bought and paid for, nothing more."
"You seem quite worked up about something that you say means very little," Yuri challenges.
"This is a debut on the world stage for my family. For you this is not only a step down, but a matter of life or death. Do not forget that." Yuri bows his head away from the king. "And keep that embarrassment of an heir away from my son."
The pair conclude their dance; it does not matter that Yuri cannot hear the music because of the blood rushing to his ears. All that he can focus on is taking King Hakan's arm without shaking. He must not appear weak, he must not appear afraid; Prince Yuri is uncertain what he should be projecting, but it mustn't be weakness.
His majesty leads Yuri to a parlor wherein several of the older members of nobility sit around and chat. Prince Aysel spots the pair and scurries towards them, a drink in his hand and an eager smile on his lips.
"Your highness, it is so good of you to spare some time for me this evening. I know you are quite popular given tomorrow is the big day. Have you been enjoying yourself this evening?"
"Of course." Yuri nods.
"And my husband hasn't said anything untoward?" Aysel looks up teasingly at his husband.
"I'm leaving you to the untoward bit." King Hakan seems to jest, but he releases Yuri to Aysel regardless.
"Oh you make it sound so bad." He rolls his eyes. "Please your highness, come sit with me and we'll have a chat."
"Certainly." Yuri feels like his head is spinning as they take a seat away from the gathering of older nobility.
"Now, I know you don't really have much in the way of a maternal figure. So… I felt it was my duty to walk you through the more… intimate expectations for tomorrow."
Yuri bites back the urge to scream. "I see."
"Now, I won't lie to you; it will hurt and that's the simple truth of the matter." Yuri is positive he pales significantly with the way Aysel cradles his face. "I'm certain my son will take care of you, so try not to be nervous. In fact, being nervous will make it worse."
It is a good thing that Yuri is seated because he desperately wants to faint.
"The whole thing should be over in… I expect no more than ten minutes total for your first time. I doubt you'll even notice Gerel at all."
"What?" Yuri can't help himself from asking.
"My husband's first lieutenant. Don't worry, he has no interest in this aside from ensuring that the marriage is consummated… and that of your purity. Which your father has assured us of and we have no reason to doubt him."
There's never been a moment in Yuri's life where he's wished for death until this very second. He would even welcome a conversation with his idiot brother over another moment of this.
"All this to say, you will be fine, you will survive. One day you may even come to enjoy intimacy with your husband. I know my son is quite fond of you, and he longs for nothing but your happiness. You are in good hands."
Yuri manages a nod, "Thank you, your highness."
"Of course, dear. If you need anything else, please let me know."
"I am going to go find my fiancé now. Enjoy your night." Yuri forces a smile before departing.
He nearly collapses against the corridor wall when he feels he is a safe distance away. His hands cover his face and he fears that he may dissolve into tears if he doesn't return to the ballroom presently. Yuri isn't one to back down from a challenge, but he's also only capable of so much.
Collecting what little sanity he has left, Yuri walks confidently back into the hall, but before he fully enters the space, he takes a quick scan of the room to see where Viktor and Yuuri are. He spots them towards the back of the hall nearest to the gardens chatting animatedly with one of the lower nobility.
"Yura? Are you well?"
Yuri nearly jumps out of his skin. "Phichit, a warning would have been nice."
"Have you seen a ghost? Or something worse?" He asks with a laugh.
"I have… just had a conversation with my fiancé's mother."
"Oh honey." Phichit's expression falls, "I knew I should have interceded sooner. Come, let us have something to eat and we can-"
"Please do not rehash this," Yuri practically begs. "I don't… I don't think I can bear it."
"I promise you I will do nothing but relieve your burden." Phichit wraps an arm around the prince and guides him towards the dining area. "Now, what exactly did he say?"
"I-… I don't want to think about it…" Yuri rubs his temples.
"Did he say that it would hurt? Because it shouldn't-"
"Phichit!"
"It should not and if it does you smack him senseless, you understand me?"
"I hate that we are having this discussion." Yuri folds his arms over his chest. "It's bad enough that we're going to be… watched I don't want-"
"You're what!?"
Yuri gives a tearless sob, "They're going to have someone watch us."
"That's… barbaric." Phichit gasps, holding out a pastry to the prince.
"What do I do with that? How am I supposed to… while I'm being watched? I-… I've never… I don't… I don't know what to do or how to respond or… You didn't have to, did you?" Yuri asks, taking the offering and biting into it so that he stops fucking talking.
"No! Of course we didn't! Why would we ever… My god, Yura, I'm so sorry." Phichit takes his hand.
"This… nightmare never seems to end. I'm pulled in all directions and then Viktor shows up out of nowhere."
"You don't worry about them."
"Have you spoken with them?" Yuri can't help but ask.
"We've… been avoiding them." Phichit admits, "They hurt all of us. No one more than you, but Chris and I are still upset with them on our own terms."
Yuri shakes his head, "When will it be over?"
"Soon, it will be over soon. I promise you."
"How?"
"Because… Ugh, look at me being a romantic… I think your Otabek does care deeply for you. I trust that he will protect you."
"If he can."
"If he can." Phichit nods quietly.
"I will regret this… but what were you going to say? Before I caught you off guard."
Phichit smiles sadly, "I've plenty of advice to give in the category of marital relations… but I am not certain that's what you need right now."
"What then do I need? I'm desperate for someone to tell me because I am certainly at a loss."
"Courage is what you need and I cannot give that to you."
"Wonderful."
"You have endless reserves of it anyhow, you need only tap into it."
"I don't think I can." Yuri whispers.
"You will because you must; you are stronger than most, Yura. If anyone can face these trials it's you."
"Perhaps, but I do not want to keep facing difficulties."
"Good things are coming."
"So you say."
"And so I know, haven't you heard about respecting your elders?" Phichit teases.
"You are three years older than me, that is not so much an elder."
"Yes but I am ahead of you in life experiences. In every regard it seems."
"Don't be crass."
"I'm not, I've entered the next phase of marital bliss. And so too shall you in your own time."
"Are you saying…?" Yuri looks at him in shock.
Phichit shrugs, "It will take some time for us to know for certain… But I believe so, yes."
The idea of having children frightens Yuri down to his bones. Still he smiles at the Prince Consort, "Congratulations."
"Thank you." Phichit looks up past the younger boy. "And there they are."
Yuri turns to see Otabek and Chris approaching.
"We've been looking all over for you two, my darling one. We thought you had run off to gossip and I suppose we were correct," Chris laments theatrically.
"Oh you!" Phichit laughs. "Is it time for our dances? Oh good! I so look forward to the chance to speak with you, Lord Otabek."
His lordship offers an arm to the Prince Consort. "It will be a pleasure I'm certain."
"Yura." Chris mimics Otabek's stance, albeit with more flair.
"I hope you've been enjoying the festivities." Yuri manages to say as they walk back to the ballroom and onto the dance floor.
"Oh it has been quite the event. Have you been enjoying the attention?" Chris asks with a lilted laugh.
"No." Yuri all but breathes the sentiment; too scared for others to hear the word and too tired to lie.
Chris looks sadly at the younger one but before either of them can speak they hear a rather loud voice call out:
"Yura! There you are!" The sing-song tone of Viktor's voice grates on Yuri's nerves more than ever before.
Not to be outdone, Chris sweeps the prince ahead of him and twirls him onto the floor away from the crowd, and by extension Viktor. "Ignore him, Yura, he'll be distracted soon enough."
"He will never tire of torturing me, your majesty. We both know that, such is the way of brothers." Yuri plasters a smile to his face as the music begins.
"I do not envy you; Viktor has always needed something. He's not one to settle and I doubt very much he will let you leave this night without a confrontation."
"Then he will be disappointed; it's a rare enough emotion for the prick. Perhaps he'll even find he enjoys it."
"Watch your tongue now. Everyone else is," Chris reminds him with a forced laugh.
"And you do love to be watched." Yuri is reminded of Aysel's warning. That he'll be watched under much worse circumstances.
"Are you looking forward to tomorrow?"
"I was."
"Was?"
"Let us say that-"
"Wait don't tell me! You've received the talk from my husband." Chris chuckles.
"Precisely." Yuri nods.
"Well, good. He is such a dear, isn't he? And I must reiterate, your mouth is an excellent tool for-"
"Oh I'm to watch my language about my brother but you can run your mouth about that?" Yuri gapes at him.
"I am settled and the crown is on my head. I am now in a position that few will challenge. You are still something of a wayfarer. Once you are established you can say whatever you damn well please," Chris teases.
"I do have a question for you, actually." Yuri decides to be brazen, if for no other reason than this night is well and truly ruined.
"Please ask away."
"Had you and Phichit been intimate before the wedding?"
Chris laughs. "Of course we were. I have been for a long time now."
"With… did you pay for such services?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I heard a rumor that my intended has… indulged. During the years of the war… with such people."
"Ah." Chris nods. "Well… I'm certain it will be no issue. Perhaps he may even know how to use it better."
"Chris!"
"Are you asking about the appropriateness of such actions or is there another reason?"
"I suppose I'm asking because… I am expected to be… and I am pure, make no mistake… I just wonder."
"It is a difficult topic to broach, but I think you are better off trying to speak with his lordship about it."
Yuri's cheeks burn bright red. "I would rather die."
"As you wish, highness, just remember; honesty is a painful necessity of partnership. If it unsettles you the topic is worth mentioning to him. When, is up to you."
"I feel powerless in all of this."
"Then you must take your power back."
"And how am I to do that?"
"As you always do; don't pretend you're not conniving. You're sharp as a whip and reactive to the bordering point of manipulative. If you want something, you get it. You are King Yakov's son and you act like it. No warlord can take that from you."
"My good name, yes, yes I've heard."
"You have more of Nikolai in you than any of them have. That is your gift." Chris smiles in a rare way at him. There's not teasing or condescension, it is pure and gentle. It relieves a bit of Yuri's burden as the dance ends.
"Should I run, do you think? Or would my brother catch me?" Yuri asks with a forced laugh.
"He seems to be otherwise occupied." Chris gestures towards Viktor on the other side of the ballroom, speaking in hushed tones with King Yakov.
"How was your dance?" Phichit approaches, kissing his husband's cheek with a smile.
"Excellent as always." Chris responds, dropping Yuri's hand to hold onto his husband.
Yuri vaguely hears Otabek say something but does not catch the words. The prince takes Otabek's arm as he continues to watch his father and brother speak. King Yakov looks downright furious and Viktor seems to be standing his ground.
As Yuri and Otabek walk off the dance floor, the prince keeps a keen eye on his family. Yakov points viciously towards the door and pushes Viktor towards it. Yuri is both frightened and intrigued by the scene. Not enough to approach, but certainly enough to pique his interest.
"Your highness?" Otabek attempts to speak once more, this time his words are accompanied with a gentle bump of Yuri's shoulder. "Are you alright?"
Yuri steels himself, taking his surroundings in enough to realize Phichit and Chris are gone. "My apologies, Ota-… Your lordship! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, I'm just a bit… taken aback… by my brother's presence. It seems he's riled up my father."
Yuri is nearly appalled with himself for speaking the truth but before he can regret the action his lordships features soften.
"I can see that…" Otabek places a comforting hand over Yuri's.
"Perhaps we can get some air?"
"Certainly."
Otabek leads his fiancé out to the balcony, where Yuri lets out a growl that's low and vicious. Pretenses and propriety be damned, the pair of them are adequately alone and Yuri has had enough of this night. He's tired and furious, all at once his rage boils out of him.
"I cannot believe he's just showing up like this!" Yuri bemoans, "Who does he think he is? Running off for well over five months and then just appearing!? The night before my wedding no less? That idiot…"
Otabek watches the prince with a soft gaze. Yuri knows he should not be speaking this way, but it feels good to just complain. He's held in so much it feels less like lamentation and much more like he's letting out a pent-up breath.
"He's always had to be the center of attention. Which was fine when he was the perfect picture of a prince. But now I'm trying to fix his damn mistakes and he has the gall to just… show up and cause a scene. Is it so much to ask for a night of peace? A night to enjoy myself without him mucking everything up?
"I've done nothing but try to make the best of my situation and he cannot leave well enough alone. He has to throw it in my face that he has once again gotten away with murder and I'm just another casualty to him. If he's even thought that far ahead; lord knows he doesn't think. Not if he can help it… And I hate that you have to see me this way, your lordship but I-"
"Otabek," he interrupts.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Call me Otabek."
"I-"
"You wanted to earlier."
"Well I-"
"Please, I insist."
"I couldn't just-"
"Why?"
"It's improper!"
"How? We're getting married tomorrow." Otabek remains calm while Yuri only grows more frantic.
"Because… Because!"
"Because?"
"Because I can't love you already even if I want to." Yuri tries not to gasp at his own admission.
Otabek's kind gaze does not shift. "Why not?"
"I… I'm not… I'm not easy to love and it would be foolish of me to fall in love after only knowing you for a few weeks."
"Foolish how?" Otabek approaches him. "Are you afraid of me?"
"I'm afraid of a lot of things… But not you."
"Then why?"
Yuri speaks without a thought to the words he utters; "Because I don't deserve you."
"Now that is a foolish idea."
"It's true."
"No it isn't."
"You are good and kind, your lordship. You are gentle and sweet and I do not deserve you."
"Stop saying that."
"It's the truth."
"It isn't."
"You don't know that!" Yuri balls up his fists and turns from the man before him. "I know that I'm-… I'm vapid, and selfish, and that I'm only worth anything to you because of my family name but-"
"Why would you say such cruel things about yourself?" Otabek asks, confusion most prevalent in his tone.
"It's the truth, that's… that's what I've heard of myself, anyway," Yuri admits feebly.
"No one who knows you, even in passing, could ever say such things unless they were a true to form liar." Otabek rests both of his hands on Yuri's shoulders.
"It's how I've been treated then," Yuri claims.
"Those who have treated you poorly are sorely mistaken and devastatingly stupid."
"You-"
"You are worth more than you might think, your highness. It saddens me that you have been disregarded often enough to believe such a falsehood. Please don't think so little of yourself."
Yuri turns towards his fiancé. "My own brother doesn't even love me; how can I ever hope to deserve you?"
"I cannot speak for your brother, but for my part… I have grown fond of you… It would be nothing less than an honor to love you," Otabek says lowly.
"You-"
"Love is a frightening word, to be sure. The emotion is even more of a looming threat. It's such an… aspirational thing that people of our station covet. But Yuri… I would like very much to say we have it, even if it takes time."
Yuri cannot speak as Otabek leans down to kiss him. It's a euphoric feeling; the kiss is so perfect and right, more than anything it is entirely theirs. Not a soul is present to bear witness to their shared intimacy and Yuri cherishes it.
He has a thought of glorious rebellion as he comes to realize at least one of their firsts will be in privacy. He melts further into Otabek's arms as the thought washes over him. This man is his, no one can take that from him.
Otabek pulls away just a touch, his hands still gently resting on Yuri's jaw. "Call me Otabek. Please."
"Okay." Yuri agrees against his lips.
"Let us return to the party, we've another dance coming up shortly."
"Of course."
"And… might I call you by your given name?"
"Yes… you may," Yuri agrees.
They return to the party, but Yuri is only half present; his head is thoroughly in the clouds as they flit about the room. Most of the guests seem unperturbed by the goings on of the night between Yuri's own sporadic absences and the prolonged time in which King Yakov is gone from the ballroom.
King Yakov returns alone, much to Yuri's relief, and his dance with Otabek is nothing short of blissful. Regardless of anything else this evening, his lordship has reassured him of his fondness; that's enough to sustain him for the evening. Here's hoping that tenderness keeps him warm throughout the wedding tomorrow.
Somewhere in the range of midnight, Otabek's father pulls his fiancé from his side and Yuri feels quite vulnerable. He takes the opportunity to retire to his chambers, but unfortunately his brother, Lord Katsuki, Chris, and Phichit are having a spat in the way of his route.
Perhaps he should find a roundabout way to his chambers. That's not the choice he makes, but the idea does pass through his mind as he rests against the wall to eavesdrop.
"What is wrong with you two, showing up like this out of the blue?" Phichit asks, his voice low and harsh.
"It was time for us to come home, don't look so disappointed," Viktor sighs.
"We have every right to be disappointed," Chris snarks. "Some of us did our duty, but you obviously couldn't be bothered to do the right thing."
"I did do the right thing," Viktor asserts.
"You abandoned your brother, and you we were meant to be in charge of him. Both of you betrayed him," Phichit says hotly.
"We never wanted Yura to get hurt, but we did what we had to do," Yuuri says defensively.
"Do you have any idea what you put him through? How thoughtless are you? How selfish are you?" Chris asks.
"Don't lecture me about selfishness," Viktor spits.
"I can and I will; it would do you well to remember that I am your superior now. Another slight that you didn't consider. If all you did to your brother doesn't make you feel ashamed of your actions, does missing our wedding and my coronation hurt you?"
Yuuri sighs, "Of course it hurt us but we-"
"Did you hear about Yuri's first engagement? Did your father tell you about the man who physically brought him harm, insulted him, and then was caught – by Yura himself – while he was fucking another man?" Phichit asks.
The stunned silence settles deep into Yuri's gut.
"What?" Viktor whispers harshly.
"Oh yes, but how were you to know? You were off honeymooning with the husband you hid from the world. It was humiliating for him, and he had no one to protect him," Chris snarls.
"We were not honeymooning," Viktor says firmly.
"Oh really?"
"We're not even married yet." Viktor confirms it as a source of pride.
Yuri's heart almost gives out at the confession… what?
"You're-"
"We had to lie about an elopement so that my father would ensure the bloodline was secure. But we never married in reality. This way our union can be legitimate," Viktor explains.
"You absolute idiot, what is wrong with you!?" Phichit seethes. "Do you have any idea how much suffering you caused your family? Your father and your brother have spent months trying to preserve the monarchy and the goodwill of your family name, when all this time you were just… What the fuck!?"
"Phichit, it's not-"
"Don't tell me what this is, Yuuri. I don't care! I don't care what your excuse is! You missed my wedding and you forced Yura – a boy you pretend to care about who was under your protection – into a miserable match and now a marriage into one of the most dangerous kingdoms on the continent! How can you live with yourself? How can you expect us to be happy for you?"
Yuri cannot take much more of this so he rushes away from the scene. His breath catches in his throat until tears spill out of his eyes. He runs into his room and collapses on his bed.
Viktor has really done it now. His selfishness is unprecedented and Yuri has suffered for it. This cruelty hurts more than any before it, this insult is unlike anything Yuri has experienced. The pain in his chest, the shortness of his breath, the tears on his cheeks; all of it feels so very sickening.
The people who were meant to protect him have slighted him in a way no person deserves to be treated. On top of everything else he's had to face with this match, the least he would have asked for is some compassion from his family. He would have given anything for his brother to spare him a thought considering King Hakan has threatened his life and his future. He's expected to make a show of his wedding night while Viktor and Yuuri aren't even married yet.
The worst part of it all is that he discovers the betrayal on the eve of his wedding. To a man he's certain he loves, or at the very least could love. It makes him furious, that they won't learn from their cruelty, they win. As Viktor has always won.
But what then, does that leave Yuri with?
Some people say life is like a lie; Take it day by day, never knowing why;
My head is like a prison cell, I'm all by myself; I'm waiting for my friend