Chapter Summary: Did their happiness really have to come at the expense of Rui's piece of mind?

"The king is missing."

Rui looked up from his pile of documents. The young guard stood at his door, shifting from foot to foot. His eyes were shifting from side to side. The poor boy probably drew the short stick and was made by his fellow guards to deliver the bad news.

Rui pinched the bridge of his nose. The show of exasperation was little consolation to the anxious guard. Rui finally waved his hand dismissively and said, "Nevermind that. I'll take care of it myself."

The guard clicked his heels together and bowed before promptly taking his leave. Once the door closed, Rui leaned heavily back into his seat and sighed wearily. Surely this wouldn't become a habit?

Right?

"Uh, the king isn't in, sir."

The guard looked to his companion also stationed at the door to the king's private office, but the other guard was trying very hard to look anywhere else.

Rui resisted the urge to click his tongue, instead maintaining his professional attitude. "Do you happen to know where he is currently?"

The guard shrank back. "He, um, didn't say… sir."

Rui's grip on his papers tightened. "Please let him know that I need to see him as soon as possible when he returns." Rui turned sharply and stomped back to his office knowing full well that the paperwork that he and the king were supposed to both look over was now going to be his responsibility.

"You have been scaring the palace guards, you know."

Rui whipped around, incredulous. "Please tell me you are joking."

Ryuely giggled behind a pale hand. "You have been noticeably angry lately. It makes them nervous."

Rui ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "I am not the type to snap at those who do not deserve it."

That's right. They don't deserve a long lecture.

Someone else on the other hand…

Ryuely laughed once more and walked past Rui. "Do not be too hard on him."

"He is being irresponsible!"

"He is in love," Ryuely shot back with a smile. She turned completely and walked off. Rui watched her go and didn't even bother to contain his groan.

"Where are you going?"

Munto jumped, whirling his body to find Rui leaning against the wall outside his office with a frown. Munto shot him a lopsided smile.

"Ah, Rui… Just the person I was looking for."

"Were you?" Rui's eyes narrowed and he pushed himself off the wall. "Were you perhaps bringing me the trade agreement papers that need to be reviewed by the end of the day?"

Munto faltered for a moment before adjusting his jacket. "Yes, of course… The trade agreements."

There was a heavy silence.

"Where are they?"

"Where are what?"

"The papers."

Munto looked down at his empty hands. "Oh! Of course, the papers… are… in my room!" He perked up, "Yes, my room. I need to go get them. Please excuse me." He shuffled quickly but Rui blocked his way.

He gave Munto a tight smile. "No need, Your Majesty. I will send someone for them."

"No, no." Munto shook his head. "I'll be fine on my own."

"Then please allow me to accompany you, Your Majesty." Rui's smile stayed perfectly placed.

Munto stood before Rui at a complete loss. Finally, his shoulders slumped.

It was clearly Rui's victory. He looked at his king's dejected expression and sighed heavily. "Please… Get these papers to me by the end of the day."

Munto's body straightened immediately. "Yes! Of course!" He nearly sprinted past Rui and was out of sight within seconds.

Rui watched him and scratched the back of his neck.

He may be the king's advisor… but he was still his friend too…

He started his walk back to his office with a smile.

I found 100 dialogue prompts and then did a random number generator to pick!

Holiday season is my favorite time of year, and what better way to ring in the new coming decade with some new Munto fics/drabbles!

That's right. I'm about to flood this fandom.

This drabble set is for my very good friend RedWingedAngel002! Sorry this came so late! I hope your holidays are wonderful!