Inspired by Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato
Munto relaxed on his throne, a goblet resting loosely in one hand. The day had barely begun. Nobles and merchants began to flood the hall under the watchful eye of the guards.
Yumemi had been pulled into conversation by one of Munto's old tutors. They'd been generous in their help with her studies and court etiquette. But soon after, a noble swept her into greetings and a full introduction to his friends. That gave an opening for others to crowd around, offering bows and smiles.
Munto frowned but made no attempt to get up. Rui stood on the far end of the hall. He stopped his conversation with Shuza to take a quick glance at Yumemi then locked eyes with Munto. Rui smirked. Shuza followed the general's line of sight and raised a brow to his king. Bith returned to their conversation after a piercing glower. Neither seems bothered by Munto's ire. They appeared to be laughing, in fact.
In fairness, it was Munto's own fault. He'd been distant this past month, much to his chagrin. Political matters clouded his thoughts while meetings clogged his schedule. Yumemi assured him, she took no offense. She spoke of her university schedule and workload, how things were busy for her as well. But it only temporarily relieved the guilt.
Yumemi shone today. Her outfit a modest and chic look for the women of the Lower World. She kept her hands poised in front of her. Her head bobbed as she intently listened and nodded in greeting to those new to the conversion.
One thing Munto made excessively clear early on, Yumemi's status rivaled that of any monarch. In fact, Gas, the last Outsider, would have been the only one to stand as her equal. Even that was debated. She need not curtsy or bow, though she must return lower nobles' bows with acknowledgment as Munto would. To other monarchs or respective nation leaders, she would bow. But, no deeper than they did and Munto made sure they gave respectful, deep bows when greeting the Girl of Destiny.
Munto swelled with pride at how well she took to the etiquette classes Still, such thoughts withered under her laughter. What a jealous fool he could be. Honestly, how dare he doubt her devotion?
Of course, he was, as they say, a hot and cold lover. Not out of intention! As king, he did not have the freedoms many people thought. The guilt did not abate.
Munto could not express himself as well as he wished even after several years together. He could not always hold his word, be there for celebrations, offer support at all hours. Reasonably, no one could, but Munto could not consider himself a reasonable man when it came to Yumemi.
Needless to say, Munto felt as if his "courting game" (Ichiko's term) had fallen dramatically. That he'd been less attentive and appreciative of her. "Bad at love" is not a term he associated with himself, but the idea slowly crept up on him.
If he lost Yumemi… unfathomable. Unacceptable. To let a woman like that slip through his fingers? He'd be the biggest idiot of all the world. What else could he be living for if not her gracious smile? What use were his hands if not to hold her fluttering heart to his chest?
"You're brooding." Snapped from his thoughts, he found emerald eyes boring into his own. Amusement brightened them.
Yumemi brushed a wry hair from his face as she waited for an answer.
"You're a star." That got him a raised eyebrow.
"Not your dreamer anymore?"
"You will always be my dreamer. But today, you shine like a thousand stars." Munto took her hand, intertwining their fingers.
"Oh? So you're saying that as I grow older I will eventually turn into a giant and explode? Killing everyone in our collective universe?" She titled her head to the side, purely innocent, except for the twitching of lips and the mirth that refused to leave her eyes.
Munto had no words for the dramatics. He only offered her a droll stare.
Yumemi broke the act, laughing freely. She kissed his knuckles sweetly and added, "I'll always be your dreamer."
He squeezed her hand and choked out a thank you. She nodded, bobbing a quick bow, and shot off to a side door. She had studies to attend and he had a court to get underway.