A/N: Oh my goodness, the response for the last chapter was overwhelming. 10+ reviews?! I can't thank each of you enough. Life has been extremely and extraordinarily rough lately, and so finding thoughtful reviews in my inbox really puts a smile on my face. Especially feedback on my writing style – it means the most to me, as I'm always challenging myself to sharpen my skills and convey the story in the best possible way. So please keep the reviews coming – you're saving a life when you do! Example: On Friday I delivered my WORST written academic piece ever – it was so bad that I cringed while submitting it, but since life decided to hit me like a ton of bricks this week, I had no choice but to let it go; BUT! A review might just convince me that I'm not an idiot who will end up with no job in the future and that I actually have a shot at success. Feel me?
I hope you'll like this chapter – it's got drama, romance, bath tubs, lemons, limes, grapefruit, apple juice… eh, you get what I mean.
Chapter 9: Affection
"The Queen is missing!?"
"H-hai, Ousama," the servant bowed nervously. "There was an attack during her visit to the village. Witnesses saw a man aiming at Jouusama, but her guard was quick to intercept. Chaos ensued and somehow she disappeared."
Rido's knuckles turned white as he clenched the arm of his chair.
"And the culprit? Was he caught?" He demanded.
"Yes, Ousama," the servant nodded, "we have brought him in for questioning and he is currently being detained."
"Good," Rido nodded curtly, "make sure he suffers while he awaits my sentence."
"Of course, your highness," the servant bowed, a knowing smile curling at the corners of his lips.
Rido rubbed his temples, the jewels on his fingers glittering in the light from the chandelier. "As for the matter of the queen… Is it safe to assume she is with her trusted knight? My half-brother?"
"Yes," the servant confirmed, "we believe so. He was the one that rescued her, and witnesses claimed to have seen them escaping the premises quickly after. Where he took her, we have no clue of as of yet."
"If anything, my half-brother is a survivor. He must've calculated quickly where to bring her. But just to be sure, send out search parties in the nearby area. Winter has settled upon our lands; they won't survive for long if we don't find them in time. Though I wonder…" With his hand tucked under his chin, Rido's heterochromatic eyes focused on nothing in particular as he speculated.
"There is a place he might've taken her…. No," Rido pursed his lips, "he wouldn't dare… would he?"
"Y-your highness, if I may ask, what… place are you speaking of?"
Rido chuckled humourlessly. "There is no way he would do that. No…"
The servant pursed his lips in silence, aware of the king's mercurial nature. One minute he was as happy and as charming as could be, and in the next he had fire in his eyes as he balked out commands of torture. The last thing the servant wanted was to be the target of the king's ire.
The house where that bastard and his whore mother lived; where his father would escape to, leaving Rido and his mother to be devoured by the wolves in the palace. The house where Kaname's mother had been found dead; and him, silent and pale next to her, his joyful eyes forever altered.
Kaname couldn't possible have had the gall to return to such a painful part of his life, would he?
"Revenge," the king muttered, lost in memories, "is sweetest when it has been withheld from execution for a while. Once it is released upon the world, it grows even more fruitful than one expects."
He laughed out loud and wiped his eyes, unaware of the servant that seemed to shrink in size in front of him. He laughed and he laughed, hitting his knee as he rasped for air.
"Oh, Kaname, I hope you did go back to that house that reeks of death and despair. Oh what fun I will have!" He wiped his eyes, settling back into his seat.
Within a second – just the mere passage of time – his face drained of all color and humor as his eyes glowed sternly.
"Find the Queen and the knight. Now."
The servant hurried away like a mouse running from the claws of a dangerous feline.
He was always gone in the morning.
It had to be done that way; if not, one of the maids could walk in on them, or maybe even the king himself. They couldn't afford being discovered – it was the end for them if they were.
But this time, as she groggily opened her eyes, his face was the first thing to greet her. Her eyes widened at the sight as memories returned to her in a flash.
He'd woken up from a nightmare and confessed his love for her. And she had done the same, unable to hold back the truth. They'd never said the words before, because their meaning implied that the thing between them was final. It meant that they were now explicitly connected for the rest of their lives, and they could never end this. Even if they were killed for it.
But she loved him. She loved him, loved him, loved him.
Her hand caressed his cheek; he looked so beautiful and innocent right now, all worries and struggles wiped away from his face. She adored the stubborn locks of mahogany that tickled his eyes; how they contrasted against his pale, smooth skin and the fine line of his jaw. His straight nose and narrow but plump mouth; she loved everything about his face.
But her favorite part…
He hummed something in his sleep before his eyelids peeled away, revealing his wine-red eyes.
His eyes mean the most to me. The windows to his soul, which I've chained to mine.
Kaname blinked, recognition dawning on his features as he registered the queen in front of him. Yuuki smiled warmly, unable to hold back the rush of warmth that spread in her chest as she gazed at him. It struck her then that this was the first time they'd woken up together. By the time the sun rose, he would always be gone, the faint traces of his scent lingering in her sheets being the only evidence of him ever being in her room.
Though she'd understood why he always disappeared by morning, there was still a part of her that longed to see him whenever she awoke from her slumber. She'd always have to settle for a discrete smile whenever she greeted him by the door.
But now, he was the first thing she saw in the morning. And by the gods, she didn't know how she could ever have a good morning again without seeing him first.
Kaname tenderly reached over and brushed her cheek; she leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed as she smiled.
"Good morning," she murmured, opening her eyes and peering at him.
"Mmh," he only hummed in response, scooting closer to her. He tipped her chin up and kissed her languidly, savoring the taste of her kiss.
"Now it's a good morning," he mumbled against her lips as they pulled away from each other, his thumb caressing her lower lip.
"This is the first time I've woken up next to you." She hummed, eyes trailing over his face.
"And what is the verdict?" He questioned, a smirk pulling at his lips.
"I think…" She laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat, snuggling into him. "I would be very happy to wake up next to you every day for the rest of my life, Kaname."
His hand filtered through her hair adoringly. "I feel the same... Yuuki."
An uncomfortable silence chased away the comfort of the couple. The truth lingered in the air between them, yet none of them had the bravery to call it out as they pretended that it wasn't there.
The reason why I can never wake up next to you is because we aren't supposed to be together.
Yuuki clenched her eyes together, forcing herself not to sink into the despair that claimed her. Right now, she needed to savor this rare moment of bliss between them. For once, there were no towering guards lurking in the hallways outside her chambers; no malicious King with violent hands and a seething rage; no whispers or rumors of something inappropriate going on.
It was just the two of them, locked in each other's embrace in the early hours of morning.
The place where they both wanted to be the most.
"I love you, Yuuki…"
Retreating from his chest – and momentarily ignoring how he seemed to pout when she extracted herself from his embrace – Yuuki raised herself on her forearms as she looked at him. The blissful expression from before was gone from her features; instead, her cinnamon eyes were filled with worry.
"Last night…" She trailed off, watching his guarded expression.
"Yes, Yuuki?" Kaname answered gently.
"You woke up from a nightmare so dreadful it had you shaking and screaming my name. Although I knew you were still haunted by the attack, I sensed there was something else plaguing you. I've never… seen you so vulnerable before. I…" She trailed off, trying her best to piece together the words she wanted to say. "I always thought you were impervious to pain and fear. As long as you have served me as my knight, you've never shown any fear or hesitation. I always wondered whether your army training had hardened you beyond such silly notions as fear, but… Last night you were truly afraid. Why?"
Kaname smiled ruefully, his sculpted chest expanded as he took a deep breath. Yuuki watched the movement in silence, her eyes tracing the scars that littered his arms and chest.
"It seems both you and I were under a great misconception when it comes to my ability to feel fear. I, too, believed I had been able to discard any notion of fear and vulnerability. During my training years, I fought hard and fiercely in order to attain my position and grow stronger. Entering the palace, I steeled myself for an empty existence consisting only of serving the fair princess I had once been smitten with."
"Fair princess?" Yuuki's brows furrowed.
Kaname raised himself against the headboard, the sheets trailing down to his lap and revealing his entire upper body. Following his lead, Yuuki sat up next to him, tucking the sheets under her arms so she wouldn't reveal her nudity.
Smiling gently, he reached out and stroked her cheek tenderly.
"That fair princess became the beautiful queen in front of me."
Yuuki's cheeks reddened at the revelation. "You… You knew me?"
Kaname shook his head quietly, a fond smile on his face as he recalled that day when he'd first laid eyes on her. "No, I only knew of you. As fate would have it, I was coincidentally on patrol that day when your parade to the palace commenced. I watched as you stepped out of the carriage and waved at the crowds, your smile so brilliant and beautiful. I even remember your pink kimono and how it shimmered in the sun…" A low chuckle escaped his throat. "I remember wondering how someone as radiant and beautiful as you could exist in our world. I was immediately smitten, and in retrospection I must admit that deep within me was a seed of jealousy, directed at my half-brother who was to marry you."
Yuuki's rosy cheeks made his heart swell with love as he saw the incredulous look in her eyes. "All this time, and I didn't know… Why didn't you tell me?"
Kaname shrugged. "There was never any time for it. I kept the memory to myself for a long time."
"You must've been quite shocked upon entering the palace and meeting me in person…" She lowered her eyes in shame.
"Indeed I was," he replied, tipping up her chin with his finger. "It took some time before I was able to figure you out, your highness. You had grown into a stunning woman with a complex heart and mind. Solving you wasn't easy, but I'll admit I enjoyed the challenge."
"Why…" Her mouth was dry and her voice raspy. She cleared her throat hesitantly. "Why did you fight so hard for me? Knowing how awful I had become…"
"Because I recognized in you the same girl I once witnessed on that summer day. Deep down, you were still the same but you wouldn't let it shine through. I… became a witness of the King's abuse and greed towards you, and every day I regretted not being able to protect you." His jaw clenched as he looked away, fire burning in his eyes.
"You mustn't blame yourself for that," Yuuki soothed, reaching over and brushing his cheek gently. He turned back towards her and searched her serene eyes. "There was nothing you could do. In the palace, he is the king and his word is law. Even a hint of resistance is enough to send you into the gallows."
Kaname grabbed the hand caressing his cheek and kissed it. "No matter how much pain you must endure, you do it all in silence. You carry on even when you feel like you have nothing left; and for that reason alone, I wanted to protect you even more. I recognized certain similarities with myself in you. Like me, the royal crown has never been good to you; you were used by your family as a tool and abused by the king... More than ever, I wanted to protect you."
"By force-feeding me."
Kaname chuckled at the memories. "By any means necessary, yes."
Yuuki scooted closer to him. "I was very annoyed with you. I didn't understand why you bothered spending so much time and energy on me. Now, with your recent revelation, I think I understand why."
"I couldn't give up on you." He admitted.
"For that, I am grateful," she replied. "Because of you, I regained my strength and… in my darkest hour, you found me and allowed me to have a taste of happiness in your arms."
"Yuuki…" Kaname whispered.
"I sometimes wonder…" She whispered, her hands cradling his face as she looked into his eyes. "If that particular night had never happened… where would we be today? Would we still be strangers teetering on the edge between companionship and lovers, separated by invisible borders between us? Would we still look at each other from across the room, storing away our budding feelings and pretending that we were nothing more but queen and servant?"
His hands came up and caressed her face; his eyes glowed with love and adoration as he recalled those days where he'd silently long for her, only to chastise himself for even thinking she would ever want him in any way.
She searched his eyes. "Is it silly of me to think that it was fate that brought us together like this? That… no matter how hard we tried to fight what was growing between us, we still gave in and fell in love with each other?"
"It's not, Yuuki." Kaname replied, pulling her closer. "It's the most reasonable explanation I've found for all of this…" He pulled her into a kiss, his tongue delving into her mouth and caressing her tongue.
The taste of her kiss was exhilarating at this point; all this talk of the past and their current state of undress made him want her more fiercely than ever. The memories of the days in which he could barely look her way without berating himself haunted him; he recalled the insecurities and shame and resented them for holding him back from the one he wanted the most.
Their kiss grew heated; his arms, strong and bulky with muscles held her tightly; she could sense that he wanted more, but she was not yet satisfied with his answer.
To his dismay, she pulled away from him and lowered her head, while her arms remained planted on his shoulders.
"You've protected me fearlessly for such a long time; risked your life and done everything in your power to keep me safe. I always thought you were immobile, but hearing your answers today I am starting to view you in another light. Last night… Last night you showed a side of you that I have never seen before. And I… like every other aspect of you, I want to understand and know that side. I want to know of your fears and your vulnerabilities."
She could sense him tense beneath her hands. Pensively, she looked up from her curtain of hair, her eyes earnest and sincere as she regarded him.
"Why were you so afraid last night, Kaname?"
He looked away, his stoic mask returning to his face. Within his eyes she could sense his inner conflict raging between his heart and mind. He was shutting her out, she could already tell.
His eyes trailed down from her neck to her breasts, which were barely covered by the sheets.
He licked his lips. "You are still naked beneath those sheets."
She sighed. "Kaname…"
He blinked, eyes transfixed on the swell of her breasts. "Your nakedness is distracting me. Knowing what's underneath…" His finger traced the outline of her right breast.
She knew he could be persuasive, but she wouldn't let him steer away the conversation.
"You won't be able to see what's under the sheets unless you answer my question." She blocked his trespassing hand.
Garnet eyes twinkled with mirth. "Blackmailing, are we?"
"Bargaining." She corrected. "My breasts, which you so desire at the moment, are a vulnerability of mine. I want to trade your vulnerability for mine."
"Your breasts are hardly a vulnerability. In my eyes, they are one of your best assets." He licked his lips. "In fact, they are perfect."
Yuuki blushed. "Kaname."
"What? I am being honest."
"You are being evasive."
"I am being attentive towards your tender and wonderful breasts which you've decided are your vulnerability. Have you considered how they feel being labeled in such a way?"
Yuuki huffed. "Argh, fine. You won't open up to me, then I won't open up to you." She turned and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her sheet clutched protectively over her body.
She made a move to raise herself from the bed, but his strong arm around her held her back.
"Don't go, Yuuki."
His naked chest pressed against her back; his breath tickled her ear as he whispered sorrowfully.
"Then be honest with me," she replied softly. "Tell me what is haunting you. I want to know so I can help you; either by sharing your pain or offering you comfort. I want to do whatever I can for you."
"I love you," he whispered, kissing her neck. "And it is because I love you that I am filled with fear."
She turned gently in his arms, watching his unguarded expression. She could see the hesitation and vulnerability in his eyes; the light quiver of his lips showcased how hard it was for him to open up.
She kissed his lips tenderly, reassuring him through her simple act of affection. She pushed away the stray locks of mahogany covering his eyes.
"I love you too, Kaname," she whispered tenderly, "and it is because I love you that I want you to open up to me. Your fears, your worries; I want to share them with you so the burden will be lesser on you. I can't stand the thought of you being all alone with your pain."
Kaname inhaled and exhaled, seemingly steeling himself. Gently he grasped her hand, kissing the top of it before lowering it, his eyes focused on the circles his thumb traced on the smooth skin.
"There was a time in my life," he began quietly, "when happiness was all I knew. It was the time when I had a family; a loving mother and father who made sure my life was free of worries. At the time, I thought that the happiness I felt was going to last forever; that it was something I would never lose. I grew up in this house with my mother. She fed me, bathed me, taught me how to read and write; she made sure I always felt content and safe. Together, we lived in this house, and from time to time, my father would visit and spend time with us, and I, naïve in my childish innocence, would think of us as a normal family.
There was always something about mother's eyes, though. Whenever she smiled, her eyes were always sad and shimmering with hidden emotion I could never decipher. I was too young to understand, but in hindsight I think she knew what was going to happen. She knew that when she chose to follow my father, her path would become tangled with dangers and enemies. But she did it anyway; she loved the king so much that she would do anything for him and more. Theirs was a pure love; brought on by simple intimacy and a deep understanding for each other. Sometimes, when I snuck away from bed, I'd find them silently dancing in the living room, lost in a rhythm only they knew of."
Kaname smiled ruefully, glancing up at Yuuki and stroking her cheek tenderly. "My mother would have liked you," he murmured. "You have the same fire in your eyes that she had; the same passion and spirit that eventually drew me, like my father all those years ago, in."
Yuuki smiled softly, holding onto his hand. "I wish I could have met her."
"As do I," Kaname whispered.
"What happened to her?" Yuuki spoke gently, her eyes patiently watching him and giving him the time to respond.
"My mother was killed," he confessed after a brief silence, marveling at how the words seemed to unleash a myriad of emotion inside of him. "And my biggest fear is the same thing happening to you."
Yuuki's breath caught in her throat; her eyes watered at the knowledge and blurred further at the broken expression portrayed on her lover's face.
"After her death," Kaname continued, "I was put into a monastery until my father could recover from his grief. I was quite young, but my father deemed it necessary that I enter the army at such a young age. He said that it was for my own protection; without my mother and with my father as sole sovereign, I would be targeted eventually because of my status as a bastard. He wanted me to grow stronger and tougher. Actually, this scar…" He shifted slightly, revealing the scar that sailed across the right side of his ribcage.
Her eyes followed his movement, recognizing the scar as it came in to view. She'd seen his scars for the first time the night they first slept together; she remembered the vulnerability in his eyes and kissing all of them in an act of assurance. The biggest scar had intrigued her, and though she'd never asked, she'd always wondered about its origins.
"I got this in my first battle with a sword. It was the first of many."
Yuuki surprised him by leaning forward, her lips brushing the tender skin gently. "Is it strange that I both love and hate it?" She murmured, glancing up at him. "It pains me to know you were injured at one point in time, and this is one of many reminders. At the same time… Your scars are what make you the person you are today. Strong, resilient, selfless, brave… These scars are also reminders of the hardships you've faced and overcome, and I adore you for it."
"Yuuki…" He breathed, overwhelmed by the love in her eyes and her words. He remembered their first night together; the insecurities that had swarmed him the minute she noticed his scars, and how they'd all faded away the moment she brushed her lips upon them.
He hadn't been loved for a long time. And hers was an unconditional love, everlasting in its purity and strength.
He really didn't deserve her.
His arms wrapped around her as he hugged her to his chest, his chin on top of her head as he inhaled the sweet scent of her hair.
"Yuuki…" He breathed, voice thick with emotion. "You are my salvation, do you know that?"
She turned slightly and kissed his chest, aware of the heart that beat beneath layers of skin.
"As you are mine," she whispered, overwhelmed with love for him. He was more broken and damaged than she'd imagined; and in her eyes, he became even more beautiful because of it.
"I grew numb in the army; I existed merely to fight and impress my father," Kaname continued. "And when he died, I was left alone in a world that had no space left for someone like me. I became no more than a mindless soldier, living from day to night; waiting for the day I would disappear into shadows. Then one day I saw a ray of light; the most beautiful girl; and no matter how hard I fought it, I felt hope swell in my chest at the notion of something good being left in the world. I wanted to protect it so badly, and that ray of light was you. So much time has passed since then, but Yuuki, you need to know that I have never loved someone like I love you, and I never will. You are the sole reason I exist, and I will protect you until my last breath."
She pulled away from his embrace so she could look at him properly, her hair spilling down her chest in soft waves as her hands cradled his face. She looked into his eyes, seeing the myriad of emotion that passed in their beautiful depths. She could see his fear and his pain; his love and devotion – all of it passed before her eyes as he bared his soul to her.
Yuuki's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a new understanding of the man she loved forming in her heart.
He was endlessly devoted to her, like she was to him – and the same way she feared losing him, his greatest fear was losing her.
"My beautiful Kaname," she whispered softly, brushing away his bangs. "So strong, yet so vulnerable… I understand why you were so afraid, now. Everyone you ever loved were cruelly taken away from you, and the world abandoned you in darkness. The happiness you so deserved was stolen away from you when you were just a child. If I am the light that made you hope again, then you are the savior that made me live again," her voice quivered with emotion, remembering her time in the palace without him by her side. "I caused you so much pain yesterday, and I am so sorry. I will never… I will never do such a thing again. I promise you."
He silently wiped the tears that ran down her cheeks, a soft smile claiming his lips as he watched her.
"Who would have thought?" He whispered softly. "Here I am with the girl that stole my heart and kept it with her for years. My beautiful Yuuki… The Queen that I serve willingly and the woman of my dreams."
She laughed shyly through her tears, moved by his tender words.
"I hate it when you cry," he said, wiping her tears and laying down on the mattress, pulling her gently with him.
He flipped their positions, hovering above her as he settled between her legs. Then, as if adoring a painting, he watched her quietly, his lips capturing wayward tears whenever they appeared. In complete silence he lovingly gazed at her, and in turn she felt adored.
Kaname caught her lips with his, savoring the taste of her kiss as he poured all his love into the simple action. In here they were free to do as they pleased; he could kiss her as languidly and slowly as he wanted – he could take his sweet time showing her just how much he loved her, and no one could intervene.
"I don't want you to cry anymore," he said when they broke apart, placing soft butterfly kisses down her neck and chest.
Soft kisses followed down her body; she writhed against the sheets, anticipation burning hotly in her veins.
Kaname whispered seductively between her thighs, his breath fanning over her most sensitive skin.
"Let me ease your pain, Yuuki…"
"What is a king without his queen?"
It'd been nearly two days already; still, there were no sign of his wife and his half-brother. The palace grew restless with worry; and he, as king, was responsible for placating them. The townspeople became frantic with worries; hourly there were inquiries of the queen's safety and return; where was she? Was she hurt? Did they find her? Where could she be? Isn't she coming back soon? When will he punish those responsible for this? Why isn't the whole palace out there looking for her?
The Queen was terribly popular with their people.
It came to his advantage – much to his annoyance.
And then, there was the knight – his bastard brother.
"…The Black Knight saved her; of course she is all right!"
"…The king isn't out there looking for the Queen himself because he knows his bastard brother can do a better job…"
"…We are forever grateful to our most revered knight; without him, the Shirabukis would reign the lands and the Queen would be dead. We owe him everything!"
At one point, the townspeople started sounding like bees to the young king. Raspy, incessant bees constantly buzzing in his ears; disturbing his peace of mind, attacking him with questions he could not provide answers for.
He hated bees.
Exhausted, he found himself in his private chambers, where only he was allowed to traverse. In the silent room, he could enjoy the sweet silence of his own isolation; no more nagging townspeople begging for the Queen and the knight to return safely; no one doubting his abilities as a King just because of some foolish attack; no council members demanding royal heirs.
He'd been immersed in his thoughts when the voice disturbed him.
Immediately he froze, the hair on his arms rising.
"A lonely sovereign…" The voice continued. "People tend to overestimate the king. In a game of chess, the queen is the strongest piece – without her, the king is vulnerable, susceptible to defeat by the enemy in the blink of an eye…"
Footsteps, slow and graceful, echoed across the floor.
"What will you do, Ousama? Now that your queen is gone, how will you survive?"
A rush of breath dampened the skin at his neck; instinctively he shivered, his heart rate speeding up as hot anticipation seared through his veins.
Hands, pale and elegant, sailed down his arms; he felt a familiar object poke his back as the other person breathed harshly into his ear.
"Perhaps…" He whispered. "What you need is not another queen, but another king… To rule you, like you rule the people serving you."
Rido gasped as he was pushed forward, his hands bracing him on the desk. He shivered violently, his mouth open in anticipation as he felt cold air assault his behind when his robes were haphazardly drawn up.
His legs were spread as he bent over the table; he panted against the hardwood, his breath fogging up its surface.
"Be a good boy, Rido…"
"M-master, I don't understand…"
"I'm going to make you feel so good, sweet one… Just be a good boy and obey."
And then came the intrusion.
Rido yelled out in ecstasy, his mind at war with itself as he recalled memories from a distant past while his body convulsed with pleasure. Every sense was heightened; he could feel the cold wood of his desk against his body, and how the cold sensation contrasted against the heat he felt between his legs.
"Aah… Isaya-samaa…"
The elder man thrust into the young king, perspiration sliding down his cheek as he exerted himself.
"You were always such a good boy," he hissed, grabbing Rido's hips roughly and increasing his speed.
"Isayahhh…" Rido grunted against the desk, his voice muffled. They shouldn't be doing this, they shouldn't…. But why was he so weak against him? Why did he crumble like paper whenever he sought him out? Why couldn't he fight back?
"This… this is wrong, I'm scared…"
"There is no need to be scared, dear boy. Don't you feel good?"
"Yes, but why…?"
"That's all that matters. Obey me and you will always feel good."
Despite his confliction, Rido could feel himself getting closer to release. The feel of Isaya's length locked deeply inside of him and the pleasure that assaulted his senses was too much. Everything blurred in his mind; every thought became hazy whispers that faded in the distance; all he could think of was the bittersweet pleasure coursing through his body, and how he both hated and loved it.
The cries of the young boy in his mind faded into nothing; and suddenly he was free to give in to the overwhelming pleasure assaulting his senses.
Just as he was about to reach his climax, Isaya pulled out of Rido, stalling his release. Rido whimpered at the loss of contact, his member twitching with arousal between his legs.
A sinister gleam flashed in Isaya's grey eyes; he raised his hand before smacking Rido's behind, the slap echoing in the silent suite. Rido gasped at the sudden action.
"You will open the treasury for me," Isaya demanded, his voice rough in Rido's ear as he leaned forward.
"Yes," Rido wheezed, sweat trickling down his temple as his body longed for release.
Another slap echoed in the room; the king moaned in pleasure and pain.
"You will grant me the funding I need and tell no one about it."
"Yes," Rido panted as Isaya's hand slid between his legs, teasing his member. He bit his lower lip, trying to contain himself; his body was on fire, yearning for release at the mercy of Isaya's hands.
"Yes what?" Isaya hissed, squeezing Rido's member, watching with great satisfaction as the young king groaned in agony.
"Yes, master."
"Good boy," Isaya muttered, thrusting into Rido in one swift move, his face twisting into a sardonic grin as the younger male submitted to him.
Steam enveloped the bathroom; along the edge of the tub, moisture trickled down. Heat, encompassing and almost stifling in its intensity, bloomed in the spacious room as the temperature gradually rose.
Humming contentedly, Yuuki snuggled into the solid wall of flesh behind her.
Kaname smiled and kissed the top of her hair as he splashed the hot water over her.
"This has to be the most relaxing bath I've ever had," Yuuki sighed happily.
Her lover only smiled in response, his arm stroking hers tenderly.
"I should just insist you accompany me to my bath from now on in the palace," she speculated out loud. "For me to relax better, of course."
Kaname chuckled, the vibrations travelling through her body.
"I don't think that would be such a good idea…"
"Why not?" Yuuki challenged. "I would assure the palace maids that the only reason I would bring you in there was because of your amazing massages. I would assure them that nothing… inappropriate would occur between the queen and her knight."
"Ah, but that is where you are wrong, your highness." Kaname's voice was sultry and dripping with sexual innuendo as he whispered in her ear. "If you let me in there with you, I would never release you from my arms. Or well, you would find many releases within my arms, of course." His hand squeezed her left breast.
Yuuki bit her lip, unsure of whether the heat pooling between her legs was a result of the hot bathwater or his erotic teasing.
"Somehow, I doubt I would detest such a notion…" She trailed off.
"Mmh…" He only hummed into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
The last 24 hours of Kaname's life had been hours made of contrasts. A day ago, he'd been on the edge of losing his lover forever; following this, painful memories had been brought back to his consciousness and shook him to the core, forcing him to hold even tighter onto the woman who held his heart.
From almost losing her, Kaname had finally confessed his feelings towards the queen, and had found them returned to him in the darkness of the bedroom.
Hours later, after making love multiple times and cuddling in bed, he was now in the bathtub with the queen resting comfortably atop of him.
Twenty four hours ago, he almost saw her die in front of him.
And now, she was in his arms, alive and well, heart beating steadily as her skin absorbed the oils they had deposited into the steaming water.
For the first time in his life, Kaname felt utterly and terribly lucky.
"What is it?"
Her lovely voice broke through his musings; he welcomed the sound and its anchoring effect, bringing him back to the present moment.
"You grew so quiet all of a sudden. What's wrong?"
She turned over her shoulder and eyed him. Unable to resist the rush of love that swarmed him, he tipped her head gently and kissed her.
She responded to his kiss, knowing it was his way of communicating. Her hands grasped the sides of the tub in support. They broke apart when air became necessary, and she relaxed back into his chest, her head nestled in the crook of his neck.
"Nothing's wrong, Yuuki," he hummed. "Everything is blissfully wonderful."
"I couldn't agree more, Kaname…" Yuuki smiled.
Truly, the last hours of her life had been the best of her life. How on earth would she be able to return to the palace and face the horror of her everyday life, when she had everything she'd ever needed in this tiny house located in the middle of nowhere?
It was like she was living in a dream, and instead of waking up to the harsh reality of her life, she woke up to see her lover beside her, naked and spent over hours of lovemaking. As she showered her with love and affection, she swore her heart couldn't swell even further in her chest; if it did, she would surely die – pure bliss being the cause.
Never had she imagined that they would get to escape the palace like this; true, she had almost lost her life on the path to this place, but if she were offered the choice, she would gladly volunteer as target for arrow target practice should she be granted the award of having Kaname all to herself.
Having him all to herself meant she was able to prod him for answers she had wanted to ask for a long time. When did he fall for her? Why didn't he tell her sooner? What was his favorite color? Which dress of hers was his favorite and why? How did he know Ichijou? When did he go to the army? How did he get all his scars?
And the most potent of all – what happened to his mother?
He answered all her questions between hungry kisses and trips outside to gather wood for the fireplace. As they made meals out of leftover rice and other foods that were available, he would gladly supply her with any information she needed.
But the last question was the toughest one; he was reluctant while divulging the details, and she sensed that there were boundaries not even he was ready to push through just yet.
As they cuddled in front of the fireplace, she let go of her questions and let him be; and as he nuzzled her neck happily, she decided that she would investigate more at a later time.
Right now, she needed to embrace the rare glimpse of undisturbed happiness they had been granted.
Neither uttered a word as they basked in each other's proximity. Seeing the water envelope the queen's nude frame made forgotten memories resurface in Kaname's head; his lower body stirred to life as he remembered the time he'd accidentally walked in on Yuuki bathing.
He remembered how the sight had made him shiver with need; how he'd debated with himself if he should make his presence known, if only to see if she would have him. Then he remembered the shame and mortification that had followed shortly after those thoughts had entered his mind, and how he'd punished himself in order to distract himself from the yearning she had evoked in him.
His eyes became hypnotized by her hardened nipples as some of the foam covering her moved with the water.
To think that he'd once been so ashamed over wanting her was almost absurd. To think that he'd yearned and dreamt of her, only to have her be the one coming willingly to him felt almost surreal.
But here they were, her naked body on top of his, still sore from when he ravaged her last night.
How did he end up getting so lucky?
The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could contain them.
"I have a confession to make."
"What is it?" Yuuki murmured.
"I… Before we became lovers, I saw you bathe."
Maroon eyes widened in disbelief.
"It wasn't on purpose," Kaname continued, his breath becoming strained as he remembered the sight. "I thought you'd been hurt and went to check upon you, but when I found you I realized that it was a false alarm. And then you undressed…"
Yuuki's mouth opened in shock.
"It was right before that night I first made love to you. It was the event that caused me to volunteer on the King's mission. I was ashamed of myself and the lustful thoughts and dreams I was having about you. I wanted to distance myself from you…"
"Is that why…" Yuuki murmured, turning in his embrace, her legs on each side of his thighs as she adjusted. "You were so strange all of a sudden. You wouldn't look me in the eyes no matter how many times I tried coaxing you. Then, that night happened and I forgot about…"
Her eyes searched his, her face unreadable. Kaname panted slightly as he watched her expression.
"Yes…" He said, his mouth strangely dry. "I never dared to confess to you, and by the time I came back, you and I were already so deeply entangled. But I wanted to tell you, because…" His hands cradled her face as he scooted closer.
"I realize now how long I've wanted you. Even before that incident, I was struggling to contain myself; and when I saw you, I couldn't stop fantasizing about you. What you would sound like; how you would taste…" He licked her lips as a blush spread on her cheeks. "How you would feel, wrapped around me…"
Yuuki bit her lower lip as desire coursed through her veins; she could feel the need to have him inside her manifest itself in her lower body – it didn't help that his member was inches away from her channel, ready to enter and make her scream in pleasure.
"Spying on the queen; watching her bathe naked without her knowledge," she whispered hoarsely against his mouth. "It seems you must be punished."
"I shall accept any punishment you deem fit." He rasped against her lips, seduced by the naughty gleam in her eyes, his body responding to her proximity.
Yuuki licked her lips. "Your punishment will be… to pleasure the queen endlessly until she forgets the event ever happened."
"I'll do my very best, Jouusama," he smirked against her lips, kissing the corner of her mouth.
She captured his lips with a hiss as she positioned him at her entrance; in one swift move, she descended upon him, the two of them moaning in ecstasy at the contact.
"Ahh, Yuuki…" Kaname moaned, his arms gathering at her waist as he steadied her.
With her forehead pressed against his, Yuuki raised and lowered herself again, moaning into his mouth as she watched the pleasure take control of him. Water splashed around them as they moved, but they paid it no attention as they became wrapped up in each other.
She opened her eyes and gazed into his, unable to hide the smile that tugged at her lips. Her hands tugged at his silky locks.
"Kaname…" She whispered, overwhelmed. "Ah… Ungh, I love you…" She threw her head back in ecstasy as she rode him, her breasts bouncing and long locks of wet hair spilling down her back.
He kissed down her neck, cradling her face and bringing it back towards him. Their foreheads bumped together as she bounced on him, her drugged stare hypnotizing him. It seemed like it was impossible for the queen to ever be caught in an unflattering angle; no matter how she looked – whether she was dressed in all her finery befitting her status, or drenched in water and sweat, she still managed to steal his breath away. The sensual glimmer in her orbs alone almost made him come undone as he stared into her eyes, losing himself.
"I love you so much, Yuuki… so much…" He whispered, almost frantically, as his release crept up on him.
"Ah, Kaname, ahh…" Her mouth opened, forming an O as she reached her climax, her cheeks flushed red and her brows furrowing as she concentrated on the pleasure.
The sight alone made him come undone; he released inside of her, unable to hold back as he grunted in pleasure, overwhelmed by the heat between them.
After she came down from her high, Yuuki giggled sweetly, her arms locked around his neck. Kaname chuckled lowly at her delighted laugh, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"Ah…" Yuuki purred. "It seems we've tainted this bathtub now. At this pace, I fear for the rest of the house's purity…"
"These things happen when a certain someone is insatiable…" Kaname chuckled, biting her lip.
"Are you suggesting that I'm the one who's insatiable?" Yuuki gasped, feigning shock. "Why, my valiant knight, I am merely making you undo the injustice you have inflicted upon me by spying on me in my vulnerable state. Would you rather I send you off to the gallows?"
He nuzzled her neck, grinning. "Oh no, Jouusama. I have accepted my sentence and will do my best to win back your favor…"
"Good," Yuuki quipped, her eyes flickering around the bathtub as he continued nuzzling her neck like he was starved of affection. The pruney skin of her fingers caught her attention; suddenly she was aware of how much time they must've spent in the water.
"As much as I've enjoyed bath time, I think it is time we retire," she said softly, stroking the back of his head.
"Mmh…" He hummed, not making a move.
"Oh dear, did I wear you out already?" Yuuki teased. "And here I had such great plans for your punishment…"
"Mmh…" He hummed again, eyes closed as he basked in the softness of her skin and her soothing scent.
Yuuki giggled to herself, mesmerized by how her valiant knight so easily succumbed to her. She was so used to seeing him as a warrior; as a man of infinite strength and wisdom; all muscle and mass, yet quick as a rattlesnake with his sword. But right now, he resembled a puppy more than he did a dangerous wolf that was out to kill.
Her adorable puppy wolf.
She cuddled with him a bit more, placing soft kisses over his face and down his neck – unable to fully extract herself from him – until he reluctantly released her from his grip.
Yuuki soared elegantly from the tub, water dripping down her feminine curves and gathering at the floor where she stepped. Kaname watched in awe as she picked up a towel and covered herself, his mouth drying as he reminisced of that time he'd accidentally seen her naked.
And here she was, months later, undressed and dripping wet in all her glory in front of him, her skin flushed from their lovemaking only moments prior.
He grit his teeth together.
Woman, you will be the death of me.
She didn't notice him coming out of the tub until he picked her up in his strong arms. Yuuki squealed in response, her arms automatically clinging to his broad shoulders.
"Kaname!" She gasped.
He kicked open the door, steam following his path as he carried her through the living room.
"I'm not done serving my sentence, Jouusama," he winked at her, watching her blush spread from her cheeks to her chest.
And serve he did.
As a child, she'd loved fairytales.
She'd make her maids read them over and over again to her while she dreamed of the day she would have her own with her own fair prince.
But before the maids could finish the fairytales, she would always stop them.
She hated the endings of the fairytales. She wanted them to last forever; suspended in time at a point between beginning and ending, never ever changing.
Years later it was the same.
She hated the end of her fairytale.
The sound of his footsteps halted her musings; still she made no move as she stood by the window, her eyes staring at the defrosted landscape. In the two days they'd spent at his childhood home, the weather had calmed and the snow had eased, clearing their path to the palace.
She hated it. Weren't winters in their country ferocious and unforgiving?
His eyes softened upon her form; she looked so small and dainty staring out the large window. The sight alone made his protective instincts kick in; but then he realized that the petite woman in front of him was no ordinary woman. She was boundless strength and grace tucked into a small body; where her heels touched, power surged through the surface. The elegant tip of her chin; the fire that burned in her eyes as she exercised her rights as Queen regent – Yuuki was anything but helpless, and the mere knowledge of how her deceiving looks hid so much power and grace made him often speechless.
He shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips.
He might as well write her love letters and doodle red hearts all over them.
He couldn't even look at her briefly without falling for her all over again.
Kaname – the bravest, fiercest warrior in their kingdom was complete jelly in her majesty's hands.
His body moved of its own accord; in a few strides he had his arms wrapped around her from behind, taking an almost perverse pleasure at how perfectly she fit into his much larger arms, while knowing the strength that resided in her petite frame.
Yuuki leaned into his chest instinctively, a sigh escaping her lips as he placed a kiss on her neck.
"Ryuu is ready for the journey back to the palace," he announced, aware of how she seemed to tense.
"He's quite eager, that giant dragon," Yuuki quipped dryly.
"Oh I assure you, he is anything but eager," Kaname chuckled. "But he is at your service whenever you need."
Yuuki smiled. "Too loyal for his own good. Breathes fire but is too afraid to burn its master."
Kaname playfully bit her neck. "Be glad he doesn't breathe fire regularly. Unfortunately, duty calls upon us regardless of fire-breathing horses…"
"I'm aware," Yuuki sobered, her smile vanishing at once. "Is it wrong that I want to stay here forever? Shirk all my duties and live in this cocoon of bliss with you?"
"It's not wrong at all," Kaname whispered. "I'd stay wherever you are forever. This house was the source of painful memories, but now…" He let her go so she could turn in his arms. His arms gathered at her waist as he held her close, her hands placed lovingly on his chest.
"You've healed another wound of mine, Yuuki, and helped me create some of my fondest memories here. Thank you."
Yuuki smiled and laced her arms around his neck, pulling him down slightly so she could stand on her tiptoes and kiss him gently.
"If there's anyone that should be thanking someone," she said against his lips, "then it is I who should be thanking you. You saved my life and brought me here to your childhood home, allowing me to discover a side of you I never knew existed. I'm so thankful over having you by my side everyday… and if anything, I feel closer to you than ever before after these days spent together."
"Yuuki…" He breathed.
"I love you, Kaname Kuran," she whispered, her eyes filled with warmth and love. "And once we return to the palace, we will not be as free as we have been the past days. Once again, we will have to retreat into our respective roles. I, as the Queen, and you as my faithful shadow. But I want you to remember how much I love you." Her right hand tenderly brushed away the stray bangs that had fallen into his eyes. "I want you to remember that when I walk past you in the hallway, my heart is fluttering in my chest. When I bark out commands to you, I do my best not to stutter. And when I close the door separating the two of us, I count the seconds until I can see your face again."
"Yuuki…" Kaname said, nearly breathless by the love that shone in her eyes. "I..."
Garnet eyes were at once enshrouded with conflicting emotion; Yuuki sensed the shift in him immediately, how his arms seemed to tense around her. Patiently, she remained steady in his arms, awaiting the words she knew he had difficulties expressing. A man of few words, Kaname rarely expressed himself as freely as he had the past two days. It'd been refreshing to hear him open up about his past after some conviction from her side. Still, she loved the stoic Knight that rarely spoke and kept his mystery and allure intact by never fully alluding with words to the thoughts roaming his sharp mind.
"I wish I could give you more… I wish I could give you the world. Instead of hiding away in the shadows, I wish you could stay by my side in the open." He confessed, his voice thick with emotion as he berated himself for not being able to offer her more.
Yuuki cradled his face in her hands, her eyes filled with determination. "Quit thinking that you are not worthy of me and that what you have to offer isn't enough. Kaname, you have given me so much already. You don't have to give me the world…" She said, searching his eyes in order to make sure that he was listening to her. "Because you are my world. There is nothing else I could possibly need as long as you are next to me, no matter what role you fill."
She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him; he received her kiss like it was a gift, designed to be handled with utmost care. In her kiss he found absolution and acceptance; she was proving to him that what he had to offer was more than enough, but he still doubted himself.
"Where would I be without you?" She said softly when they parted, her eyes filled with warmth. "You have done so much for me, already. The last thing I want to hear is you doubting yourself because of my status as Queen."
"Yuuki," Kaname smiled, completely enamored with her. "You are my only Queen. I will never stop serving you, no matter what."
"Then…" She whispered, hesitantly glancing at him. "Is it all right if I call you my King?"
His eyes widened slightly, caught off-guard by her words. The subject of being king was a sore one for him; he could recall how much he'd yearned for the title when he was a foolish child, and how real life had hit him in the face for even daring to think he was more than scum.
He could never be king; his blood wasn't royal enough, and there was already a king reigning on the throne.
She hugged him tightly, her breath teasing the shell of his ear as she whispered. "You are my only King, Kaname. The only one I will serve."
But she made him believe he could be one.
He withdrew from her and kissed her deeply; she responded eagerly in turn, adoring his passion.
"We don't know what the future will bring us," Yuuki whispered, holding onto him. "But as long as we stick together, everything will be fine. You have to believe in us, Kaname. You have to believe in me."
He cradled her face in his hands, holding her with the outmost care and tenderness in the world. "You are the person that is most dear to me in the world. I haven't felt this way in a long time, and I will not lose another person that means so much to me."
"I will never leave you," she vowed fiercely. "I swear to you."
He kissed her again, unable to hold back. Their hours of freedom was coming to an end; it might be a long time before he could touch her freely like this again, so he had to take advantage of it. He was constantly amazed by his desire for her; though he'd had her multiple times the past days - maybe even more than was normal - he couldn't seem to ever sate his appetite for her. Be it a kiss, or the sinful pleasure of being locked between her legs, Kaname wanted whatever she was willing to give him.
"And neither shall I ever leave you," Kaname whispered against her lips, tucking a stray lock behind her ear. "Come what may, I will always return to you."
"Always," Yuuki repeated, her eyes shimmering with emotion.
By the time they were at the palace, word had spread around town and people had gathered to greet the queen who had been missing for nearly four days.
Kaname grit his teeth in annoyance, wishing that for once the people would neglect their abundant love for the queen and leave her alone. The last thing they needed were thousands of people who questioned and prodded them for answers they were in no condition to supply.
One side of him - the warrior that fought through every battle with pride and fierceness - wanted to boast wildly that he and the queen were in love, and that he'd made love to her many times the past days while they searched frantically for them. But his logical, and more rational side, won that battle. As the people greeted them and thanked him for bringing her back, he replied calmly that he was only serving his duty to the crown.
If only the people knew all the things he'd done to her the past few days...
He chuckled lowly to himself.
Yuuki rested against his chest, seemingly unfazed by the rather inappropriate contact between her and her knight. Her eyes were mainly closed, and by the end of their journey she'd grown quiet against him. Kaname did not bother to rouse her from her light sleep, and accepted her silence as he calmly guided them to their destination.
They arrived through the palace gates, a myriad of people trailing them and halting at the invisible line between the palace and the outside world. Though he'd been happy to hear the townspeople's joyful declaration gratitude and blessings, he really wanted to get her inside and into safety as quickly as possible.
"…Welcome back, Jouusama!"
"…We are so happy to see you alive and well, Jouusama!"
Cherry blossoms scattered around them; oddly, Kaname felt like a newlywed groom taking home his bride as they slowly rode Ryuu through the masses.
Yuuki waved weakly at the people, earning rounds of cheers and a new bout of cherry blossoms.
"…The Black Knight saved her! Our hero!"
"…He must be honored for his bravery!"
It feels… nice to be cheered on. Together. As a couple.
The King awaited at the top of the palace steps; red and blue eyes surveying the event unfolding in front of him, analyzing the cheers of his people and the way his half-brother seemed to hold onto the Queen a tad too tightly.
Kaname instructed Ryuu to a halt, before sliding off the black stallion gracefully. He turned immediately and reached out for Yuuki, his hands gathering at her waist and supporting her as she slid down the side of the saddle.
Yuuki's feet hit the soil, and in the second they did so, she sagged in his arms, her head on his chest. Kaname caught her in time, surprised by her behavior.
"Yuu-" He cleared his throat. "Your highness, is everything all right?"
"So warm," Yuuki breathed, her eyes fluttering closed. Her cheeks were rosy and a light sheen of sweat gathered at her temples despite the overwhelming winter-chill in the air. "… Hurts…"
She'd been fine when they left his childhood-home; towards the end he'd figured she was tired and therefore ceased to talk with him, instead preferring to lean into him as they rode and let him do the talking. But now, as she sagged dramatically in his arms, seemingly unaware of decorum and etiquette, he began to suspect she'd gotten sick.
And the possibility set fear surging through his body.
He cleared his throat, doing his best to shield her from the on-lookers as he steadied her. Fear ran its course through his body, and he found his voice breaking as he spoke: "I'll get you to your roo-"
"Out of the way!"
Maids and servants hurried to them, latching onto the queen and stabilizing her. Kaname' grip around her tightened; his protective instincts urging him to not let her go.
He couldn't be separated from her. Not now.
Not ever.
"Kaname…" Yuuki rasped. "Let go…"
His eyes snapped over to her in his arms, her voice bringing him back to the present moment.
Yuuki smiled weakly. "Don't want to… arouse any suspicion… Let me go, for now… yes?"
"Jouusama…" He whispered.
"Always..." She mouthed,
"Always..." He repeated, still not willing to let her go.
"Here, Jouusama, come with us," the maids ushered her in the direction of the palace.
As he watched her get rushed away, all he could feel was the ache in his heart that multiplied by each step she took away from him. He had to be with her. He couldn't be separated from her, not now...
Fear snared itself around his spine; what if she was dangerously ill? What if something bad happened? Was this his fault? When could he see her again? Would he see her again? Why-
"Kaname."
The warmth of his friend's reassuring hand on his right shoulder didn't do much to soothe his breaking heart, but it grounded him nonetheless. His eyes flickered over to Ichijou's green ones.
"Careful," Ichijou warned, his eyes drifting upwards. Kaname followed his line of sight.
"The king is watching."
And there, on top of the stairs, two heterochromatic eyes shimmering with rage watched Kaname.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Reviews are appreciated!