A/N: I've had some hellish weeks, but somehow I managed to produce this. This might be the last you hear from me until December, cause there's this horrid thing called exams coming up veeeeeery sooon. :(

As always, thank you for your support! It means the world and more to me. I've had people reach out to me on PM and tumblr, declaring how much they enjoy my stories and it reeeeally makes a girl feel special! A lot of people seem to favor The Secretary, which is understandable since it's the most lighthearted story I've written. I've been requested to write more humorous stories for the yume pairing. The notion itself is tempting (I do have one plot in mind) but my interest for the VK fandom is not at the same level as it used to be. Furthermore, I have so much on my plate these days that finding time and inspiration to write is very difficult. For now I plan to finish this and IWBH - my original baby story in case ya didn't know - and then I think I'll take a break. I'm not sure, but I need a change. However, I do write this because I very much enjoy writing the yume couple and the VK characters - I'm just not so pleased/enthusiastic about the fandom and Hino's outrageous story-telling choices. Y'all know what I mean about that. But if there are others out there who want to request something from me, I can consider it - but not make any promises. After all, we're a shrinking fandom in general - and the fanfiction part is even more at risk of becoming extinct. I hate seeing that because this pairing and these characters deserve so much more than how they were treated in the canon manga.

Lol. Rant over.

I mentioned Scarlet Heart Ryeo once and was surprised to see that a few of you have watched it. HOW ABOUT THAT GUT-WRENCHING ENDING, HUH? My heart is still bleeding. Ugh. Why do I always ship tragic couples?

Anyways, on with the show!

Chapter 7: Attachment

"Yuuki-sama, the king and the cabinet-master have requested your audience."

Yuuki nodded at the servant, rising gracefully from her seat as she lowered her cup of tea softly.

"I shall be there shortly," she said calmly as the maids straightened her dress and fixed her hair, "you may leave and inform them of my arrival."

The servant bowed in respect before returning to the hallway.

Squaring her shoulders, the queen waited for the maids to finish their tasks. Her hair had been brushed to straight silky perfection; it cascaded down her shoulders and back while the top of her hair was pinned up with a jade hairpin. Her lips were painted bright red and her eyes were lined with fine onyx liner. The material of her gown glittered in the sunlight as the maids straightened her skirt; the jewelry adorning her neck complimented the slight cleavage of her chest.

The maids stepped aside after they finished their work, bowing in respect.

Yuuki sauntered out of the room and into the hallway, her eyes meeting the eyes of her guard.

"Ooh, you look pretty today, your highness."

She allowed a brief smile to escape from her stoic features.

"Thank you."

"Better not tell Kaname I said that though," the green-eyed knight snickered as he accompanied her through the hallway, "or he will be pissed."

Yuuki giggled softly. "And why would he be… pissed, as you say? Is it not okay for you to compliment my looks?"

"Nope, not at all. He gets very pouty and possessive whenever I mention you and the stuff we talk about. It's like he thinks he's your number one knight, and therefore only he can compliment you and be complimented in return. He's like… a dog that yearns for their owner to only show them affection. No, not a dog – a puppy."

Yuuki snickered. "Kaname as a puppy? Haha! You sure are funny, Ichijou. Or am I not allowed to pay you such a compliment?"

"We'll keep it between the two of us, Jouusama," Ichijou winked at her. "Besides, Kaname isn't funny so he'd have nothing to complain over. He can't compete with my excellent sense of humor – and therefore he must accept your very truthful and accurate compliment."

"Ah, I see. Your strength isn't just humor; your rhetoric is quite strong. Are you still sure you don't want to follow in your grandfather's footsteps and become cabinet member?"

Ichijou nodded furiously. "As sure as can be, Jouusama. I like to fight and I hate politics. Furthermore, I am loyal to Kaname. The years and experiences we have shared together on the battlefield have left me in great debt to him. So unless Kaname plans on embarking on a career within the boring fields of palace politics, I'm gonna stay in my humble stature as a knight."

"It wouldn't suit him," the queen murmured.

"What?" Ichijou said, his curiosity peaked by the look in the queen's eyes as she stared ahead of herself.

"Kaname being in the cabinet, it wouldn't suit him. He is so much more than that. He's a hogosha – someone who protects and uses their life for good. The cabinet members are far too concerned with their own wellbeing and protecting their power. He could never fall into such a lowly category."

Ichijou whistled lowly to himself. "Goodness gracious, Jouusama, if I didn't know any better I'd say you have a crush on your knight."

Yuuki halted in the hallway. "I-I do not!"

"Do too!" Ichijou teased, enjoying how she blushed at the simple suggestion.

"I beg your pardon," Yuuki stuttered, "but implying that I'm… no, that's, hah… ridiculous! In fact, I should have you hanged for even sug–"

"I was just kidding, Jouusama!" Ichijou laughed, throwing his hands in the air in surrender. "And tch, who are you thinking of hanging? You could never hang me, your highness. You need me and my impeccable sense of humor in your life. Without me, you'd shrivel up and die. And if that happened, Kaname would become more of a recluse than he already is now. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the damn fella even went completely mute."

Yuuki couldn't hold back her laughter anymore. She wiped her fresh tears with outmost care, trying her best not to smudge her make-up. "Ahh, Ichijou, what on Earth am I going to do with you?"

"You won't be hanging me, that's for sure," he quipped, offering her his arm and leading her the rest of the way.

"It would be a terrible shame if I did," Yuuki agreed.

"Oh, Jouusama, you are such a sensible woman. If you weren't married – and if Kaname wasn't constantly glaring at me whenever I mention your name – and thus silently threatening to kill me – I'd marry you right on the spot."

"One minute you're mocking me, the next you're proposing to me. I can never predict the outcome of our interactions, Ichijou," the queen smirked as they paused by the invisible line. "But I do appreciate them."

"I know you do, Jouusama. I know you like me better than Kaname," he yelled before patting her head. "Now off I go!"

He turned on his heel and strutted back the hallway. Yuuki laughed quietly as she watched him before turning also and heading towards the doors that guarded the courtroom.

But before she could reach the doors, she was pulled by her arm into a corner.

Her gasp was silenced by a large hand as her wide eyes searched blindly in the darkened area.

"You like him better than me, huh? That fool can dream."

That voice…

Excited, she turned quickly in his arms and grinned up at him.

"I thought you were away…" She whispered, her eyes bright and clear as she gazed at her lover.

Kaname nodded, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

"I was, but I snuck out so I could see you. It's strange… two days without you feels like an eternity."

She brushed his cheek tenderly with her hand, sighing softly when he grabbed it and kissed the top.

"I feel the same way. Were you…?"

His eyes turned somber, garnet hues darkening. She didn't even have to ask the question, much less delve further into the subject to know that he'd been killing for the king again. Months ago, he'd told her about how the king used him as his own killer dog, ordering him to torture and kill every man and woman the king considered an enemy.

Of course, knowing her husband, that list wasn't short.

At the time, he'd confessed that he was afraid of how she would feel about him knowing the truth of his heinous crimes. If she'd ever let him touch her again, knowing how much blood he'd spilled and how tainted his hands were.

"Then taint me too," she'd whispered bravely among the scattered candles surrounding her bed.

She'd meant it back then, and she stood by it now.

Grasping his hand, she brought it to her lips and kissed the top of it, conveying her empathy and understanding.

Kaname brushed her cheek in response, his eyes softening. "Somehow, you become more beautiful for each day I am away from you. How do you do it?"

She giggled shyly into his hand, a fresh blush staining her cheeks.

"Now, even my most trusted friend and comrade can't resist your beauty and offers to marry you. What should I do?"

Yuuki's heart fluttered in her chest, her cheeks warm from his smoldering gaze. It was strange how he could make her feel like a young girl in the matter of seconds. Her gravest day could turn into one of joy just by looking at his face. From time to time, they would be separated – either when the king brought him on journeys that lasted months, or for such dreadful tasks that required his absence from her for three days. No matter the length between each time she saw him, she longed for him equally, always missing the reassuring nature of his presence and his handsome features.

Her knight was far too good looking for his own good. Just the sound of his voice drove her mad with need. At night, she'd dream about his hands and his face, longing for his touch whenever he was away.

"Should I…" He pinned her to the wall, his eyes narrowed as he playfully lowered his face to hers. "Steal you away and make you mine? Lock you up somewhere only I know of?"

She shivered with need as heat pooled between her legs.

"Whatever you plan to do with me," she spoke quietly, her voice low and mysterious, "I'll follow you willingly."

"Mm, is that so?" The knight murmured, claiming her lips in a heated kiss.

Her arms found their way around his neck as she held onto him for dear life. Oh, how good it was to kiss him again after so long. She'd missed his lips so much in the past 72 hours.

Breaking their kiss, he bumped his forehead against hers as he smiled in contentment. She mirrored his smile, relieved at being in his arms again.

"I promise that I won't run off with Ichijou anytime soon," she teased. "Despite his convictions, I can assure you that he is not the knight that has captured my eye the most."

"And who, may I ask, is this bastard?"

Yuuki giggled. "He's very dark and mysterious. Won't say much unless he's forced to – or alone with the queen he serves in a hidden corner of the palace. Some say he resembles a wolf because of his killer instinct and combat skills, but, as Ichijou pointed out, he seems more like a puppy rather than a scary wolf."

"A puppy?" Kaname balked.

"Mhm, a clingy one that is always yearning for affection," Yuuki hummed, her eyes softening.

Kaname settled his hands on her waist, enjoying the feel of her curves beneath his hands. "It seems I must have a talk with my comrade. He seems to enjoy putting strange ideas in your pretty head."

Yuuki hummed quietly in response, her smile faltering as she realized she couldn't stay here forever with him.

"I'm afraid you must let go of me for now, puppy wolf," she said, her gaze cooling as she stepped away from him. The king was waiting in the next room; she couldn't afford to anger him further.

Kaname pulled her back into his embrace, tipping her chin up as he stared into her eyes.

"I'll be back tonight," he whispered against her lips.

"Really?" She whispered hopefully.

"Yes," he nodded, "I have completed the tasks assigned to me. So tonight…"

Fire ignited in her eyes as she bit her lower lip, the implication behind his words not unnoticed by her.

"Tonight, then."

"Tonight," he nodded, claiming her lips in a heated kiss. Their lips stayed locked until she began taking a few steps backwards, him following her until the invisible line that kept him covered from the rest of the world stopped him.

Releasing her, he watched as she stepped back into the hallway, her lips red and swollen from his kiss as she gave him one last yearning look.

He gazed confidently back at her, entranced by her regal beauty and the fact that her lips were swollen from his kiss. Immeasurable pride soared in his chest at the notion.

Allowing the briefest of smirks to grace her lips, Yuuki sauntered ahead towards the doors.

"The Queen has arrived!"

The doors opened to reveal the fair woman as she slowly walked up to where the king was seated on the throne. She bowed regally in greeting, her upper body bent at the perfect angle as her hair tumbled down.

"I greet you, Ousama."

She raised herself slightly and turned to the man on her left.

"Greetings to you as well, cabinet-master Ichijou Asato."

The man offered a bow in return silently.

"We are here to discuss the matter of an heir."

Immediately, Yuuki stiffened.

Ichijou continued. "It has been four years since you married, and there have yet to be a royal heir born to the household. The queen's unpredictable health has served as a great obstacle, and though she has offered and prayed to the goddess of fertility many times, there have been no results. Therefore, the royal cabinet wishes for the King to take another wife."

Rido's stoic face betrayed nothing to outsiders; but Yuuki's keen eye caught the tightening of his jaw and the fire that brewed in his eyes.

"No."

Ichijou did not seem surprised at the king's rejection. Unblinking eyes stared at the king.

"Your highness, if your marriage continues to be fruitless, you'll have no choice but to marry. A second wife can increase the chances of producing an heir, thus securing the safety of the kingdom and your legacy. It is of utmost importance."

"I am too fond of the queen to do her such an injustice. I cannot and will not take another wife."

The enigmatic noble turned towards the queen, who remained silent on his side. "And you, Jouusama? What are your thoughts on the matter?"

"You are to consult me only, Ich–"

"If you love the queen so dearly as you say," the elder cut in, green eyes darkening upon the king, "then you will care to hear her opinion, will you not?"

Green eyes flickered over at the queen speculatively.

Already used to such terse conversations, the queen kept her gaze lowered and her back rigid. Her features were schooled into a blank expression of indifference that had been mastered over the years.

"I wish for the king to have an heir as soon as possible. My health is recovering, and I am doing my best to take care of myself and pay respect to the kamis. If I cannot offer the king the things he needs the most, then I will take no issue with the king marrying a second wife. However…" She paused delicately, aware of the burning eyes of her husband. "Though I wish for the kingdom's safety and stability, there is a selfish side of me that wants to keep my husband to myself. The thought of another woman being by his side pains me greatly. I do not wish to see him fall into another woman's arms…"

Pleased, Rido nodded along with her speech. "I think the queen has conveyed her reluctance. How can I be a good king if I cannot honor the wishes of my wife as her husband?"

"Within six months, if there is no heir, you will be forced to marry another woman. If you resist, you risk dethronement based on the 85th paragraph of the constitution, which warrants that should a king fail to secure the future of the kingdom, he is sentenced to be stripped of his throne and title and sent into exile."

Rido rose from his seat in anger. "You cannot do that!" He barked.

"As a matter of fact, we can," the elder man grinned wickedly. "Your incompetence in securing an heir is one matter – the fact that you refuse to remarry worsens your case. It suggests that you are not willing to do everything within your power to secure the future of the kingdom and its prosperity. This alone will lead to your dethronement."

"And who would you offer the crown to?" Yuuki cut in boldly. "There is no one that can replace Ousama."

Ichijou gave her a knowing look, one that sent shivers down her spine.

"His half-brother, anointed knight of the kingsguard, Kuran Kaname shares his royal blood."

Her tongue bled in her mouth from the pressure of her teeth. Fear laced through her blood and sent her heart into overdrive as his name was brought up. The one person that could not get involved in this was he.

Rido laughed wickedly, his jewelry rattling as he shook with laughter. "That bastard? Hah! As if the country would ever accept such heresy."

"As a matter of fact, your half-brother is quite popu–"

"This is nonsense!" Yuuki barked, seemingly enraged by the suggestion. "My husband is the only one fit to rule the kingdom, not some lowly knight whose hands are still fresh with traitor's blood. I ask that you refrain from spewing such vile words in front of Ousama."

The last thing she wanted was for Kaname to catch the king's attention. Knowing Rido's paranoia, coupled with the silent hatred he harbored for his half-brother, Yuuki knew that Kaname's days would be numbered should the king ever entertain the suspicion that his brother was after the throne.

Such were the politics of the palace; to protect her lover, she had to sully his name in front of the king.

"Do you see now why I am so reluctant to let go of the queen?" Rido smirked, settling back into his seat. "She is as fierce as a lioness; loyal, too. I need such qualities in the palace."

"Oh, do forgive me for offending you," the man sunk to his knees and bowed. "Ousama."

Yuuki unclenched her fists at her sides, peeking at the king.

She dropped to the floor unceremoniously, her forehead pressed to the cool wood.

"Forgive me, Ousama. Because of my infertility and incompetence, you are placed in such disgracing situations. Because of me, your most trusted members mock you and challenge your claim to the throne. Because of me, such scum as your bastard brother threatens your throne. I deserve whatever punishment you see fit, your highness."

"Rise," Rido commanded, red and blue eyes twinkling.

She did as he commanded, gracefully rising to her height, as her eyes remained lowered on the floor.

"I accept your apologies. I will not issue any punishments as you are still trying to maintain your health. Your infertility is a problem which cannot be mended overnight." He turned towards the elder noble, his eyes narrowing into slits.

"In due time, there will be an heir in the palace so rest assured, council master Ichijou. I request that you stop pestering the queen and me as the stress caused by it may delay the conception of an heir. You may take your leave."

"Very well," the man muttered, not bothering to bow one final time as a show of respect as he quietly exited the king's court.

Silence settled over the married couple. Yuuki's eyes remained firmly in front of her as she worked to overcome her quick scare.

"You did well today," the king commented. "Stick to your story from now on."

She bowed in response. "Hai, Ousama."

"You and I both know… that there are certain things that cannot be accomplished. Your loyalty to me is the most important asset I have. In time, I will rid the palace of such pesky creatures as the cabinet master. Until then, swear by your story and pledge your loyalty to me, or else there will be dire consequences."

"Understood, your highness." Yuuki bowed again, her face rid of emotion.

Rido gulped down his wine, not bothering to wipe his stained lips. "You may take your leave."

Yuuki nodded at her dismissal and turned, gracefully walking towards the exit while her heart hammered in her chest.

"One more thing," the king said, his voice halting her in her steps.

She turned briefly, and lowered her eyes to the ground.

"Hai, Ousama?"

"Look at me," Rido demanded sternly, his eyes narrowing as she complied.

He gazed at her for a while, his eyes burning with questions and curiosity.

"Do you think my half-brother could stand a chance in threatening my position as king?"

Looking into his eyes, Yuuki felt her heart accelerate. Vaguely she felt like fainting on the spot, but the look in his eyes held her back. Lying was no difficult task for her; she did so daily and had done so for the past years of her life, lying through her teeth whenever the chance was offered to her. But when it came to the king, and his predator-like gaze, she wondered whether or not she could be able to tell the lie that curled on her tongue.

He was measuring her; decoding her reaction and body language, trying to detect any notion of treacherous thoughts.

"Of course not, your highness," Yuuki said, looking into his eyes, as her face remained neutral. "He is nothing but a filthy knight, raised by swords and heinous crimes. He knows nothing of the hardships your undergo as king, and he would not be able to cope with them. The people love and treasure you greatly; seeing a bastard on the throne would infuriate them. I have no desire to see such a day arrive, your highness."

The king smirked, obviously pleased by her answer.

After he dismissed her, Yuuki realized that lying was indeed her only way of survival in the palace.

Furthermore, it was the only way she could protect him.

She lied about her infertility and health issues all the time; whenever she was asked about her marriage or her life in the palace, she gushed about her happiness and contentment – trained lies she spilled so effortlessly she almost believed them herself. She lied about the king's secret desires; for it was not with him the problem resided, it was truly with her and her miserable body which could not conceive an heir, of course.

Every day, Yuuki lied and lied until her teeth became stained with her dishonesty and her gums sore from bleeding.

And she would continue to do so as long as it meant protecting him.

He didn't know how he'd ever survived without her before.

Try as he might, never could he pinpoint exactly what it was about her that drove him mad; was it the fine silk of her auburn hair as it slipped through his fingers? The curve of her mouth; how soft her lips felt pressed against his? Was it her scent – of sunshine and wild flowers – lingering whenever she passed him in the hallway, reminding him of summer and comfort?

Or perhaps it was the way she walked – her regal steps despite the heavy burden that rested upon her shoulders. How calmly and bravely she trekked through the dangerous waters of the palace, filled with enemies at every corner waiting to devour her.

Her body was a masterpiece in itself; her curves so sinful and delicious, his hands constantly roaming over her spine and waist, mapping out new areas to explore. She was in his every wild fantasy; brought to life in the darkest hours of the night when they were free to consummate the crackling electricity that constantly flowed between them.

Kaname couldn't decide what it was as he laid next to his lover – the queen of the country, mother of their nation and the woman he would gladly give his life for. With the tips of her hair pressed to his lips, Kaname quietly contemplated their evolving relationship and the roaring desire in his veins which would never fully quiet despite how many times he had her.

Garnet eyes surveyed the shy rays of the emerging sun peeking through the curtains; soon she would rise, and their moments of bliss would be forgotten.

Turning back towards the queen, he quietly observed the beautiful features of her face.

To have Yuuki as his lover seemed absurd; months ago he would've been appalled at the idea – after all, he was a man of honor and a sworn knight – there was no room for lust or desire in his life. But his wavering heart had betrayed him; they'd done the most forbidden act of all – and they couldn't stop. Nights were spent in each other's arms, whispering words meant only for lovers between moans and hisses; his control was slipping gradually from his fingers – all it took was a secret, shy look from the queen directed at him during daylight, and by nightfall he would ravage her like he had a disease and she was his only cure.

Just her touch drove him mad; and he was suddenly freed of all rational thought.

Despite his worries, he couldn't help but feel his heart flutter in his chest whenever he was able to see her. Though he knew what they were doing was a taboo, and that their relationship could never amount to anything more, Kaname still felt himself fall deeper and deeper for her.

He was deathly terrified of them being caught; though he could handle his punishment, he was scared to death over Yuuki being punished for her crime. She was already suffering so much in her broken marriage – being branded as a traitor and an adulterer was the last thing she needed.

His affection for the queen was constantly growing. Months had passed since they began their lustful affair, and yet it felt like he'd never known a life without her as his lover. More so than ever, his mind was filled with thoughts of her, constantly obsessing over her wellbeing and the next time he would be able to sink inside of her again.

He'd never imagined that he would fall in love.

Kaname kissed her forehead, which was still damp from their previous activities on the bed, pulling back so he could watch her beautifully serene face.

He'd never imagined that he would fall in love with the queen of their country.

"Aishiteru, Yuuki…" He whispered, letting the words flow from his lips in the darkness of her room.

He'd known for a long time, but he'd been too afraid to admit it. Years of suppressed emotion had culminated into an intense feeling of affection and love that burst in his chest.

If she knew about the extent of his feelings, he didn't know. Though Yuuki was cold-hearted and apathetic on the outside whenever she regarded other people in the palace, she was more vulnerable with him. It'd taken time for her to trust in him, but eventually she'd decided to open her heart for him. From then on, their friendship had blossomed; transitioning suddenly into lovers in one heated night back in spring. Now, she revealed sides of herself no one else had known before freely to him; he knew her every secret and fear; what made her laugh and smile; where she was from and how she was dealing with everything around her.

The more he loved her, the more saddened he was by their situation. Sure, sneaking off behind the king's back was exciting at times, but in the long run he was unsure of how they could continue. The demand for an heir was ever-present within the royal cabinet, and the king was in no condition to supply one.

The blame was pinned on Yuuki, who, through the eyes of the cabinet, was seen as the failure of the royal house because of her inability to conceive an heir.

As Kaname quietly got dressed, his eyes shifted over to her stomach while he contemplated the situation.

Of course, the real reason Yuuki couldn't conceive a child was because the king wouldn't dare to touch her. They had no idea that the queen was bedding her personal guard every night.

Conceiving was difficult; lack of proper nutrition and other factors made it difficult for most women to conceive a child. It was common to offer goods to the goddess of fertility in order to receive her blessings; in fact, the royal cabinet had insisted that Yuuki began such practice in order to gain the goddess' favor.

Most of the time, Kaname was so lost in his haze of lust and desire that he didn't properly think about the consequences of their actions. But as he stared at her stomach lost in thought, he realized that there might be a chance that Yuuki was pregnant.

With his child.

"You mustn't worry about me being with child," the queen murmured, tired eyes blinking up at him.

Surprised that she'd woken up, and struck by her words in a way he couldn't quite understand, Kaname gaped at his queen. "I wasn't–"

"Even if you weren't thinking about it, you deserve to know," the queen cut him off, her voice returning to its cold and regal quality as she sat up on the bed, the covers pulled up to her torso. "The royal physician have informed me that the chances of me having children on my own are low. I guess it's a fitting punishment for what I've put myself through…" She smirked aloofly, her eyes staring at the edge of the bed.

Kaname lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, his gaze locked onto his lap as he struggled to find the right words. Of course, there was a certain relief that filled him knowing they were safe from such consequences; after all, should Yuuki become pregnant with his child, the king would know about their affair; and knowing Rido, who was desperate for an heir but unable to touch a woman, he would seize the chance and claim the child his, while also finding a way to get rid of Kaname.

After all, Kaname was well aware of how little he meant to his half-brother. He knew Rido wouldn't waste a chance to get rid of him the second he became useless to him.

But that wasn't what concerned him the most; it was the thought of leaving Yuuki behind with their child, trapped in the palace with no source of comfort or protection. The thought alone made an unbearable ache form in his chest; under no circumstance could he ever leave her alone.

And his child…

The child he would never have…

He was brave enough to admit that it stung; it wasn't plausible for them, but deep down he knew how much she wanted a child – and hidden deeper within him was a secret desire to plant his seed in Yuuki and have her carry the fruit of their love.

He'd never entertained the idea of children before – but this woman in front of him made him dream all kinds of dreams.

Dreams he knew would never come true.

Yuuki cleared her throat, reaching for her nightgown and pulling it over her head and shoulders. Straightening her back, she was about to leave the bed when he reached over and pulled her into his chest.

Nuzzling her throat, he locked his arms around her torso, inhaling her scent.

"I'm sorry…" He whispered.

She softened in her arms, leaning into him.

"It's not your fault. You don't need to apologize. Besides…" She held back her tears. "It wouldn't work out either way. It is what it is."

He kissed her shoulder softly, conveying his support.

The simple gesture soothed her weary heart.

"It's silly, really…" She trailed off. "I always dreamt of having children in order to please the king and secure my position as Queen Mother. My family always had this expectation of me; I would become queen and give them an heir that would further strengthen their power. But from the moment I married him, I knew something wasn't right…" A soft sigh escaped her lips as Kaname nuzzled her neck. Somehow it always felt so right and easy to spill her most hidden secrets like him. Just his presence alone made her open up like a book, despite the fact that she'd lived her life with her heart tucked away in her sleeve for the past five years.

"And when I realized, it was too late… We were already married, fostering the illusion that people came to know us for. In my loneliness, I began to dream of having a child in my arms. I guess it was my escape, I knew it wouldn't happen but I kept dreaming about it. But now that the royal physician has confirmed my worst fear, I…"

He held her tighter, almost crushing her against his chest. He wanted to hold her as close as possible; wrap himself around her so he could catch every piece of her when she disintegrated from sorrow.

"You, of all people, don't deserve this much suffering," he said, kissing her neck. "I know you're hurting because of this and you don't want to show it to me. Please, don't hold back in front of me. I've told you many times before; I'll always be by your side, be it through fighting for your life or through such… unfortunate circumstances. I… am always on your side, Yuuki."

Yuuki pursed her lips, thankful that he couldn't see her face flush with emotion as she felt herself being moved by his words.

Somehow, her quiet and elusive knight always knew the right things to say when he opened his mouth.

"Your words offer me a lot of comfort as always." She turned in his arms and smiled gently, stroking his cheek. "Thank you, Kaname."

He brushed away the tear that rolled down her cheek with his thumb.

"There's not a lot I can give you…" He said against her mouth, garnet eyes searching hers. "I cannot give you my name nor wealth, but…"

Retracting from her embrace slightly, he searched through his robes and found the hidden pocket he had for valuables. Carefully he withdrew some silky material and held it in front of her.

"I wanted to give you this," he confessed, gently unveiling the hairpin that was wrapped in the silk.

Yuuki's eyes softened as she spotted the object, touched by the gesture.

"I…" He hesitated, eyeing the butterfly that represented her.

Yuuki was the queen, after all – she was used to jewelry made of the finest jade and rubies, precious metals and diamonds. The pin he held in his hand was the pin he'd spotted at the market when he and Rido went on their Shirabuki raid months ago. It was no more than a useless street-item.

"Well sir, what do you say? Do you want the hairpin or not?"

He cleared his throat. "I thought of you when I saw it, and I thought that… I wanted you to have it."

I knew then that I wanted you - despite the distance between us.

"It's beautiful," Yuuki whispered, accepting the pin into the palm of her hand. The butterfly glittered spectacularly in the dim light, while the cherry blossoms around it reminded her of the royal gardens that she adored so much.

But it wasn't just the beauty of the hairpin that made her eyes tear up; it was the simple gesture and how much it conveyed. A man didn't simply give a woman a hairpin – there was thought and consideration behind it. And, looking at Kaname and how his usually stoic and confident composure seemed to crumble in front of her, she knew that it meant a lot to him too.

This was a symbol of his affection and devotion. It had been selected with the utmost care and purpose. He was not like the king, who was selfish and ruthless – he was genuine and solely devoted to her.

She looked up and smiled at him, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "Thank you, Kaname," she murmured, her lips seeking his.

Kaname received her kiss immediately, unable to hide the smile that pulled at the corners of his lips.

Knowing that she'd accepted his meaningful gift, Kaname felt his heart flutter wildly in his chest, overjoyed by the implication.

Yuuki bumped her forehead against his as she gazed into his eyes, feeling the taste of his kiss linger on her lips. "I'll be sure to take great care of it. It is already very precious to me."

"I'm glad, Yuuki," he smiled, stroking her cheek.

Unspoken feelings lingered between them as he kissed her one more time, the hairpin carefully deposited on the table next to them.

Words weren't needed right now; the shiny token of affection spoke loud and clear enough for the both of them.

Despite the many obstacles that surrounded them, they were in love with each other. They were lovers despite their titles; despite the boundaries between them and the unwritten rules that prevented them from being together.

Her nightgown was discarded quickly; as were his clothes, landing haphazardly on the floor. The sun rose outside, and though he knew it was time to leave, he had to have her one more time.

They were lovers - lovers whom adored each other and would to anything for the other - sacrifice, kill - even die.

Garnet hues met maroon as their gazes locked; once inside of her, Kaname was slow and gentle, carefully conveying the feelings that flowed in his heart.

Lovers that loved despite the world condemning them.

Yuuki quivered beneath him, her mouth open in ecstasy and she looked into his eyes and felt him all over her body.

Lovers that would one day face the punishment for their simple crime of loving.

Kaname's hips sailed into hers one last time; she shattered around him at the same time as he stilled completely, overwhelmed by the euphoric sensation rattling his bones. Her hands wove through his hair and slithered down his back, worshipping his scars and pulling him closer and closer still until there was no space between them. Their heart beat in synch as Kaname regained his strength, turning his face towards hers. Their eyes met once again in silent recognition; love, longing and adoration reflecting in their gazes as they basked in each other's embrace.

His lips sought hers for one last searing kiss.

They were lovers.

And they were in love.