A/N: My dear, sweet readers – that still manage to make my day even though it's been far too long – hi. I'm so sorry for taking so long – it was never my intention to take such a long hiatus, however there's been a loooooot of things happening in my life. Here are my two reasons for not updating in 84 years:

1. Life. Life's been insane in the best and worst ways.

2. VKM is such a shitshow of a manga that all my interest and love even for the original series have disappeared almost completely. Hino, girl, if you're reading this – please put us out of our misery and end VKM. I beg you.

Thank you to those of you who take your time to send me PMs asking for updates on the chapters; to those of you who take your time to tell me how much you enjoy the story and my writing. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I'm not going to waste any more of your time with a lengthy A/N, but I hope you forgive me and that is was worth the wait. Thank you for always reading and supporting me.

Chapter 12: Revelation

"She loved you endlessly. Doted on you constantly; if you even as much as wept a tear, she'd rush over to you and rock you until you were content again."

The sun set in the distance; hues of vermillion painting the sky as it burned down the horizon. The royal palace appeared drenched in red to onlookers, the elegant architecture reflecting the bleeding sun fading in the distance.

"Father…" The young man whispered.

The elder did not move from his chair, his head leaned back as his eyes chased the fading sun.

"You were a blessing," he continued, a smile tugging at his tired lips. "I remember the fright in her eyes when she told me she was pregnant; I saw the underlying despair knowing it could be the end of her and me. She'd deluded herself into thinking I would not want you; that I would throw her away in shame and shun you. But how could I? You were the fruit of our love; proof that we lived and loved together. You… were the son I always dreamed of having."

Kaname said nothing, mulling over his father's words. He glanced over at his father, noticing the gray hairs filtering through his mahogany tresses. He'd gotten so old, his father, over the past few years. It was like the moment he lost Juuri, he lost his will to live and his body followed after.

He was no longer the strong and vibrant man that would visit them and grab Juuri into his arms and kiss her passionately. As the king slumped further in his seat, ignoring his untouched food, Kaname realized that he was a broken man.

A ghost of the man he once knew; broken by the loss of his beloved concubine.

It only intensified Kaname's heartache.

"I miss her," he admitted, his voice low as if voicing his grief was a crime.

"Me too," Haruka replied, gazing at the burning sunset. "However, I am proud of you, son. You have achieved many great things in the wake of her death; she would've been proud too, had she been able to see you succeed. She'd yell at you for risking your life all the time though but it goes without saying, heh." He hummed with quiet laughter.

"Fa- Ousama, I-"

"It's fine," Haruka held up a regal hand, smiling tiredly. "We're alone now. You may call me Father."

Kaname's fists tightened at his sides. "Her… death. It was not a natural one. You know that, don't you?"

At once, the elder man's eyes darkened. His lingering smile faded into a tight line. "I know."

"Then why-"

"Some injustices must pass without action," the elder replied tersely. "And we must hope that time will aid us in delivering the justice we deserve."

Kaname grit his teeth together. "How can you say such a thing? How ca-"

"Because I am King, Kaname," his father's regal tone immediately shut up the young man.

"Because I am King, I must remain a puppet in the Monarchy's hands," Haruka continued. "Because I am King, I must lead my people and put their needs above any of mine. Because I am King, my hands are tied with invisible ropes. I cannot grant the peace and justice your mother deserves, Kaname," Haruka finished sadly.

Something sparked to life in his eyes as he looked up at his son.

"But one day, you will."

The doors to the Queen's chambers burst open with a loud bang as a young man stormed through them.

The man turned quickly towards the approaching figure, eyes blazing with silent rage.

"What were you thinking, Yuuki?" Kaname demanded. "Why did you agree to this?"

The queen, more composed than her lover, shut the doors quietly behind her, as she was well aware of the lingering stare of the maids that were left in the hallway.

"I…" The queen bit her lower lip, confused over her reasoning as well. "I don't know."

"You don't know?" He growled. "You don't know why you agreed to let the king use me and you as some pawns in order to secure his future as a monarch?"

No… no she knew why. She just didn't know how to explain it.

"It was just… instinct," she replied.

"Instinct?" Kaname repeated.

"I can't explain it," she said, wringing her hands together. She looked nothing like her regal self that negotiated with the king moments ago; now she was reduced to a frail woman on the run. "But something told me to say yes."

"Just like that," he breathed, unable to cope with the absurdity of the situation.

"Kaname," Yuuki stepped forward, grabbing his larger hand in hers. "I… am unable to have children. You know this as well as I do."

There.

That same strange pain filled his chest again.

No children, no future… As if we ever had a future to begin with.

Saying it out loud wasn't easy for her, he could tell by the way her maroon eyes shone with unshed tears.

He softened instantly.

"And because of that, I am no use for the kingdom," she whispered, face hardening as she swallowed the bitter truth. "It is just a matter of time before the king exiles me out of the palace… And then what, Kaname?"

"I'll run away with you," Kaname said desperately.

"And then… we'll have to keep running for the rest of our lives," she said sadly, stroking his cheek. "Is that what you really want?"

"As long as I am with you, I am content," he pledged, pulling her closer and lowering his forehead to hers. "Even if you are exiled to the end of the world, I'll follow you. Wherever you go, I go. You know this already."

"Yes," she hummed, closing her eyes, "I know. I know. But Kaname…" She opened her eyes, peering into his. "There must be another way."

He struggled with himself, pessimism clouding his mind and rational thought. He couldn't help but feel like they were doomed no matter what they chose to do.

"I've been playing this game for a while now," she continued softly, taking advantage of his inner conflict.

"Game?"

"The game of survival," she explained. "If you lose, you die. It's that simple. I realized quickly upon entering the palace that I needed to be smart and tactical in order to survive. The king is mad, there is no doubt it – there's no telling what he will do but the best caution is being one step ahead. What do you think would've happened if I said no, Kaname?" Her eyes widened. "Do you think he would let it pass so easily? He enjoyed your discomfort – and he'll do his best to prolong it until you give in or he finds another solution. And what do you think that solution will be?"

"But if we agree, and he gets what he wants…" He stepped even closer, cradling her face in his hands as he looked into her eyes. "If, against all odds, you become pregnant… The moment any child of ours takes its first breath, I'm doomed. He'll call for the executioner while you're still in labor and have me beheaded. He's been warning me for years that the moment I cease to be of use to him, he'll get rid of me."

She released the breath she'd been holding. Of course, she knew the consequences should Kaname no longer be of use to the king, but hearing him say it out loud made it all the more real…

"We are at an impassé," she said softly, tears tickling the corners of her eyes. "It does not matter what path we choose to walk on; the enemy is still waiting in the end for us."

Gently, he brushed away the stray tear that sailed down her cheek.

He willed himself to be stronger for the two of them; he needed to find a solution, an exit to the mess they were in. He knew that should he agree to the king and Isaya's proposition, he would at best have only a few more months to live before Rido would find a way to get rid of him – if he was to survive, he would need to run away.

But running away meant running from Yuuki…

He could not run away from his heart. It would be suicide for his soul should he be separated from her.

"For now," she began, "agreeing to his proposal is our only way to buy some time. However…" She licked her lips. "There is one way to clear all paths ahead of us."

He cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes, wondering whether she would say the words he was suspecting.

"Remove the enemy," she said, her voice clearer than before, conviction clear in her eyes.

Anticipation filled the room.

His magnificent Queen stared back at him without a trace of hesitation or fear; it was like gazing into the eyes of his fellow warriors as they trudged onto the battlefield. Yuuki had long ago given up the role of victim; she was intent on surviving, no matter the cost.

He admired her bravery.

Secretly he wished that he were just as brave.

"It's a wonderful idea, but impossible," he declared, shaking his head. "If the king dies, there will be a demand for justice. One eye for an eye. They will kill me before I even have the chance to defend myself – regardless if I was the culprit or not. The half-brother who killed the trueborn king – a story for songs, I'm sure."

"Since when did you become so weak?" Yuuki hissed, breaking away from his embrace. "So this is it; you will just give up now that you are backed into a corner?"

"That's not it…" Kaname whispered, reaching for her hand. "Yuuki, to me, you are the most precious person in the world. I would rather die than be separated from you; you should know this better than anyone," he placed her hand above his heart.

The fire in her eyes dimmed gradually as she felt his heart beat steadily beneath her palm.

"Besides… as you mentioned before… you are unable to carry a child…" He whispered hesitantly, knowing it was sensitive subject.

Instantly, she looked away.

"How do you plan on solving that issue?" He continued, fully aware that he was treading into dangerous water.

She inhaled and exhaled sharply. "The people love you," she said, looking back at him. "Do you think they would let the only living son of Kuran Haruka get away? Rido's popularity is waning, while yours is rising. There is no doubt that you could be king. As for my part…" She chuckled humorlessly, her eyes tracing the small space between them. "If I am of no use to him, then I surely won't be of use to you once you are crowned. In due time, the council will send me away and appoint a new bride for you. It is what it what is. But I'll be grateful for the little time I get to spend by yo-"

"How dare you," Kaname hissed, grabbing her chin and turning her face towards his.

She gasped at the livid look in his eyes.

"How dare you suggest such a thing?" He questioned, his voice shaking with quiet rage.

"It is what it is," she repeated, feeling bolder because of his reaction. "Like I said, I would much rather spend some time by your side as your queen before they remove me than end up running for my li-"

"I don't want to be king unless you are by my side!" He yelled. "I have no need for the crown or the title and power; all I want is you, Yuuki, safe and sound by my side. How dare you even think of a future in which I willingly let you go? Have you so little faith in me?"

"You know as well as I do that when it comes to the monarchy, the role of a woman is nothing. Nothing!" She yelled. "Without a king by my side, and without an heir, I am useless! The council will throw me to the wolves and watch me bleed without any hesitation. It has happened time and time again in history; Queens shunned by their kingdoms and husband, thrown aside the minute they no longer have any use for the monarchy. This is not going to change – not now, not ever. It is what it is."

Kaname broke away, willing his temper to quiet down as he inhaled and exhaled sharply.

"This is going nowhere," Yuuki declared coldly, still burning with quiet rage. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Yuuki," Kaname turned towards her, taken aback by the icy quality of her voice.

"Leave," she commanded, still refusing to look at him, her profile displaying her angry scowl.

"Yuu-"

"I said leave," she hissed.

It was as if someone had poured iced water all over him; suddenly he felt unbelievably cold and alone as she pushed him away.

"One minute I am your lover and your equal," he whispered, his voice quaking. "The next I am just a tool for the king and a mere knight you can just command around," he hissed. "I see how it is."

He turned abruptly, briskly walking out of the room and slamming the doors on his way out.

As soon as he walked away, Yuuki released the tears she'd been holding back, sinking to the floor as sobs wrecked her petite frame.

"J-Jouusama, are you all right?" One of the maids that entered the room after Kaname's sudden exit asked timidly.

"Joousama," another maid tried, "is there anything we can-"

"Leave!" Yuuki yelled, grabbing a nearby pillow and throwing it at them.

"All of you!" She cried, her face red with emotion. "Leave!"

The maids scurried out of the room in a hurry, anxious to get away from the sobbing queen.

Why?

It felt as though she was crying her heart out; the pain did not cease no matter how many tears she shed. They'd only had one fight before, and that was at his childhood home; she'd done the same mistake she'd done today, treating him as though he was less worth than her and not her equal.

Why do I keep hurting him?

She'd just gotten so irrationally angry; sure, the subject of her infertility had always been a sensitive subject, but they'd discussed it many times before without her losing her temper like she just did.

And now, she was irrationally sad – feeling as though her heart was being torn to pieces knowing she'd hurt him again.

The queen wiped her tears away, feeling more alone than ever in her grand palace.

And it was all her fault – for pushing him away.

"That went quite well."

"Are you surprised?"

"Both yes and no," the elder man shrugged elegantly. "I knew we would have issues with the knight; it was the queen's agreeable nature that truly surprised me. A fine woman she is, very reasonable…"

Isaya Shouto was an elegant creature; the way he lingered in the room by the young King was unmatched to any of the other servants the King employed; there was certain stealth in his steps, how he so languidly stepped on the marble floor as if he owned it.

"Disposable just like the rest of them," Rido sneered, taking another sip of his tea. Sweat trickled down his forehead; he wiped it angrily away, offended by the sweat's presence on his body.

"Mmh," Isaya hummed, circling the young King. "Your father chose well."

She will fix you. She will fix you.

Rido blinked.

She will…

"I'm sure he'd be delighted to hear that," he grunted. "Ngh, too bad he's rotting in hell as we speak."

Isaya bent over behind him, his arm secured around Rido's torso as he leaned his head on his.

"He's rotting, and here we are, about to sow the seed that will breathe new life in the monarchy. Or, well, strictly speaking, it'll be your brother doing the sowing, heh," Isaya chuckled coldly.

Rido reached for his tea again, fighting back his drowsiness. "Mmh."

"Jouusama agreed to our proposal. And I'm sure she'll be able to convince him in no time. Now, all we have to do is sit back and wait…" Isaya whispered. "Aren't you happy?"

With perfect clarity, Rido replied: "I am."

It was true. For the first time in a very long time, he was happy. He was happy that his plan was finally coming to fruition. How long had he wanted his revenge? How long had he yearned for the day he could serve Kaname the justice he craved?

Isaya coming back into his life was unexpected, but certainly not unwelcome. With his help, Rido knew it would only be a matter of time before he could place his brother's bleeding head on a stake to show the world what a ruthless king he was. He would remove any threat and enemy that dared go against him; his own blood-brother being the most prominent one.

Rido was King.

Kaname was not.

He grit his teeth. He'd always detested his dearest half-brother. He was just another flaw; another mistake left behind by his incompetent Father and his whore of a concubine. He was a virus in Rido's system; a bug that refused to leave, no matter how many times Rido tried to get rid of him. Sure, he'd enjoyed torturing Kaname by making him his personal executioner. Putting him as the Queen's knight had been beneficial to his grand plan also. Soon, he would be able to use Kaname for his only worth; give him an heir to the throne so he could please the council and secure his power.

And what happens with things that lose their value?

They get disposed of.

And dispose of Kaname, he would. Finally he'd get to kill the bastard. He'd spent many years trying to come up with the best way; should he drain him of blood and watch him bleed? Torture him until death claimed him? Hang him?

So many wondrous options. Unfortunately, Kaname's robust body could not survive all methods Rido's delirious mind wished to see unfold. So he'd settled on a good old beheading. To sweeten the deal, he'd make the Queen watch as her pathetic knight was beheaded.

Yes, he smiled to himself – that would be a beautiful sight.

"Did I not tell you I would make you the greatest King of our time?" Isaya whispered in his ear, his cold hands massaging Rido's tense shoulders.

"Yes…" Rido nodded dazedly.

"Did I not promise you power unlike any other?"

"Yes, you did…" Rido nodded, feeling the same panic that arose each time Isaya touched him.

"Stop! Stop… you're hurting me…."

"Mmh," Isaya hummed. The sound of fabric dropping to the floor caught Rido's attention.

"Get on your knees," the elder ordered.

And the mad king complied.

Rido was King.

But as Isaya had his way with him, using his body for his own pleasure, he realized one fact he could never escape.

He was a slave, also.

"You've been sleeping more than usual I see."

"Mmh."

"And you've experienced an increase in hunger."

"Mmh."

"And you've also reported bouts of nausea…"

"Mmh."

"Mood swings…?"

"Mhm."

"Jouusama?"

"Mhm…"

"Jouusama," Kaien tried again. "Are you listening?"

Dazedly, Yuuki turned towards him, her eyes previously tracing the luscious palace gardens.

"Come again?"

Kaien sighed, adjusting his glasses. "I said, 'Jouusama, are you listening?'"

"Oh," Yuuki shook her head slightly. "I am now… heh."

Kaien tsked, jotting something down in his journal. "Well, let me ask you this; have you made any progress with the information I provided you regarding the late king's concubine?"

A rare smile graced the Queen's features as she straightened in her chair.

"Yes."

"I see," Kaien replied.

"Everything is going like expected. I've-"

The elder shook his head, signaling for the queen to quiet down. Placing his index finger on his mouth, the royal physician winked at the queen.

"The less I know, the better, Jouusama. Trust me."

"Of course…" Yuuki nodded, her eyes brightening as she remembered the reason why she'd sought out Kaien specifically.

"So, you were able to identify the illness that is causing me all this misery? Tell me," she settled in her chair, genuine curiosity shining in her eyes. "Is it treatable?"

"Well," Kaien began, setting down his journal on a nearby table. "If you'd been listening to me earlier, you'd known that yes, indeed, I've finally discovered the cause behind all your symptoms."

Fear laced itself around her heart briefly. Was it more serious than she'd anticipated? She'd been sick after she and Kaname returned from his childhood home, but that'd been nearly three months ago and she'd recovered a long time ago.

Something else then? Perhaps it was a rare disease only she'd been subjected to?

"Jouusama, you…"

Could it have been the maids, perhaps?

"What is it?" Yuuki demanded.

Or perhaps it was an allergic reaction to–

"Jouusama…" The elder breathed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"You are with child."

A manicured hand rested upon her stomach, above the layers of her burgundy gown that traced the floors as she walked through the palace corridors.

"That… is impossible. You said so yourself."

"Miracles do happen all the time, Jouusama. It is true; you are with child."

Pregnant.

Yuuki shook her head, unable to grasp the meaning of the word. She slid her hand down her stomach, searching for an explanation, foolishly wishing she could feel the presence of her unborn child.

For such a long time, I longed for a child. Even if it were Rido's, I would've gladly raised and nurtured it on my own. Then I met him…

Her hand stilled.

Kaname…

She was not only pregnant, but she was pregnant with Kaname's child. Her one, true love; the man her world solely revolved around. Joy blossomed in her chest as her mouth pulled back into a smile. Images of Kaname with a little bundle in his arms swarmed her mind; she could just see the love and contentment on his face as he gazed at their child in his strong arms. He would protect their child as fiercely as he'd protected her through the years; nothing would ever harm their child and she knew Kaname alone would see to its protection.

Her feet were moving before she had time to register the action. She had to go to him. Now. She needed to see him; feel his arms around her and share the wonderful news.

"The moment any child of ours takes its first breath, I'm doomed. He'll call for the executioner while you're still in labor and have me beheaded. He's been warning me for years that the moment I cease to be of use to him, he'll get rid of me"

She halted abruptly in the hallway; long locks of auburn cascading down her front from the sudden movement.

"Joousama, are you alright?" Some of the maids in the hallway asked timidly, wide eyes staring at the forlorn queen.

"You must fetch my personal guard immediately," Yuuki ordered. "Tell him to meet me at my chambers. It is imperative that he gets there as quickly as possible."

The maid nodded hurriedly, running down the hallway as soon as Yuuki dismissed her.

She needed to tell Kaname right away. After all, if Rido found out that she was pregnant, he would immediately find a way to dispose of Kaname. And she could not let that happen.

Her hand stilled on her stomach.

"We will be all right, little one," she whispered, feeling a raw tenderness spread in her body at the prospect of a child in her womb. "I will make sure of it."

A red-faced maid had caught his attention.

"T-the Queen is looking for you," she stuttered, bowing her head.

The stoic knight didn't reply; instead, he remained silent among the shadows, almost blending in completely with his dark locks of mahogany hair. He wasn't known to be pleasant or kind; but still, the Queen had grown fond of him even to the point of protecting him in court.

When he didn't seem to respond, she tried again.

"S-she said it's im-imperative that you come," she tried again.

No response.

"D-did you hear me?" She whispered.

"I did," he startled her by replying. The dark knight stepped out of the shadows and into the dim light cast by the candles lining the hallway.

The maid was momentarily entranced by the dark knight's incandescent beauty; he had the strength of a warrior, yet the grace of a black panther stalking the night; he was intimidating yet inviting with his strong jawline and stunning eyes.

No wonder the queen prefers his company.

"We-ell, aren't you going to go to her?" She inquired before she'd had the chance to stop herself. She slapped a hand over her mouth.

"I am just a dog listening to its master, aren't I?" The knight chuckled darkly. "She calls, I come – she merely whispers my name and I am there on my knees, willing to do whatever she demands. Is that… Is that normal?"

The maid softened, her shoulders straightening slightly as she caught a glimpse of the dark knight's soul.

No wonder indeed.

"You love her," the maid whispered.

As if he'd been caught stealing, his head whipped towards her direction as he gave her a startled look.

She blushed slightly, surprised by his reaction. She cleared her throat slightly. "O-of course you do. Everyone loves the queen – we live to serve her after all," she continued.

"Yes…" He agreed, staring wistfully into the night from the window beside them. "You're right. I do love her. But she hurt me. What do I do, fellow servant? Do I swallow my pride and go back, or do I run away from her beguiling arms in a last effort to protect my heart?"

"You love her," the maid repeated softly, "and because you love her, you will always return to her."

Kaname chuckled lightly, not even surprised by apparent transparency. Since when did he start wearing his heart on his sleeve?

Yuuki's face flashed in his mind.

The moment I met you, beloved.

Even a simple maid could see how his heart beat only for his fair queen; even she could see the pain his queen had inflicted upon his weary heart – and his non-existing stubbornness when it came to withholding himself from her.

Of course he would return to her. Of course.

"You are right, Ms…?" He inquired gently.

"Maria," the maid bowed.

"Maria," Kaname repeated, smiling gently at the silver-haired girl. "Thank you."

"I…" She blushed. "I didn't do anything. I just… saw the same look in her eyes reflect in yours."

The same look in her eyes as in mine…

We love and hurt each other equally.

That is our blessing and curse.

"I will remember your words," he said, sauntering past her.

"But now, I need to return to my queen."

He entered her chambers quietly, not knowing what to expect.

Somehow, he felt nervous. He regretted lashing out on her earlier; he regretted leaving her in such a state, but he'd been overwhelmed with emotion to the point where he saw no logic.

She was a dangerous entity; his only weakness – the only person that held his heart in the palm of her hands. And if she squeezed, he faltered terribly.

When she sent him away, she'd crushed his heart completely.

Who knew being in love could be so painful?

"Kaname…"

Her voice, so sweet and so soft, dislodged whatever pain was in his heart immediately. He could see the faint shadow of her shape by the bed in the dim lightning.

He halted slightly as he heard her get up from the bed. She stepped beside the canopies, finally coming into view.

Their eyes met in silence, his mouth opening slightly at the strange look in her eyes. Something was different; something was new about the warmth in her cinnamon depths, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Somehow he felt more loved than ever before, and the sensation both puzzled and delighted him.

She looked so beautiful as she sauntered towards him in her white satin chemise; the shimmery material of her robe hung slightly off her shoulders, cascading on the floor as she walked.

She looked like an angel descending the gates of heaven.

And by the gods, sometimes he truly believed she really was one.

Yuuki paused in front of him, her hand tentatively reaching out to caress his cheek.

He closed his eyes upon the feeling of her skin on his, immediately grabbing her into his arms and hugging her tight. He inhaled the smell of her hair – light Jasmine with a hint of vanilla – as he relaxed in her embrace.

"I'm sorry," she whispered against his chest, her voice muffled by the material of his shirt. "I'm so sorry for treating you like that. I'm sorry, Kaname."

"It's all right," he hushed her, stroking the back of her head. "Do not worry about it."

"Kaname…" She sighed, her voice caressing his name so beautifully. "I must tell you something."

He released her tentatively from his arms, looking at her face.

There it was again.

That look in her eyes.

The glow of her skin…

"Kaname," she whispered, grabbing his hand.

He could only watch in silence as she guided the palm of his hand to rest on her stomach.

"I am with child."

Thank you for reading. Reviews are very much appreciated!