Kiku couldn't run quick enough. He slid around corners and completely ignored the fact that he'd managed to push a butler over. He stopped in front of Nao's door, catching his breath before entering.

A nurse was at her bedside, changing a wet rag on Nao's forehead. She turned to look at Kiku, who starred back with pleading eyes. When the nurse shook her head, it was like someone had stabbed him. How he wished he could trade the cool sensation of that blade, just to save his aunt.

Arthur came in- having stopped to help the butler- and grabbed Kiku's shoulders in a gentle gesture.

His nerves were hypersensitive at this moment, and that gentle touch is all it took for him to loose himself. He turned to Arthur, accepting the embrace of the soldier gave him and burying his face in Arthur's chest.

"She's not going to make it." He whispered, breathlessly.

Arthur kept one arm firm around Kiku's back, which was the only thing keeping him on his feet. His other hand moved to Kiku's soft hair, petting it gently.

"Kiku." Nao's weak voice barely carried through the room. In an instant Kiku was at her side.

"My dear... I have something to tell you."

Kiku took her hand, "By all means... Let me hear your voice."

"Your father wrote to me. He wants you to be wed to the prince of England."

Kiku's heart skipped a beat, "Wh-what?"

Nao's eyes traveled past Kiku to Arthur. Kiku glanced back at the soldier with his aunt, seeing an expression that was just as confused as his own.

Nao smiled, "I wanted to tell you before your father returned, so maybe you could convince him there are... Other options..."

Kiku nodded, "Thank you..." He whispered.

"Don't frown." She said, "You wear a smile so much better my dear."

"I'm trying." Kiku said, tears welling up. "But I just can't... Not right now."

"I understand... But please don't mourn for me. Soon I'll be with my sister again." She coughed, "But I am sorry..."

Kiku shook his head, "No, please, don't be..."

"I'm sorry I won't get to tuck you in anymore. And I'm sorry I won't be able to help you tend to the garden."

"No." Kiku insisted, "It's fine... I'll miss you, but you've spent your time with me. It's time for you to see mother again. She misses you, I'm sure."

"I'm sure she does too... Kiku dear, you've got so much to you. Don't let me take any of it away. I'm leaving my love with you, in hopes you'll put it to good use." Once again, Nao's eyes fell on Arthur had been, but when Kiku looked as she had, he wasn't there. When his gaze fell back on Nao, she too, was gone.

Kiku sat for a few moments, holding Nao's hand. He was surprisingly still. Tears that had been building fell, but no more came. He was so sad that in that moment, his body completely froze. It was as though his own heart had stopped as well. Eventually the nurse asked him to leave, which he did wordlessly. Arthur was waiting outside the door.

He was also silent, but gently pulled Kiku towards him and lead him away. Kiku thought for sure Arthur was going to take him back to his bedroom to rest. But that's not where he wanted to go. As it turns out, that's not where he was being taken either. Arthur seemed to be reading his mind as soon the two were in the garden.

"You brought me here?" Kiku asked quietly.

"It seemed like the thing to do at the time." Arthur shrugged.

They took a seat on the porch, bot staring out at the garden in silence. There were no birds or insects flying around, and the white snake was asleep. The only movement came from a faint wind strong enough only to rustle small flowers.

They sat in silence until Kiku fell asleep. He wasn't aware it had happened, but when he woke he found himself laying in his bed. He sat up and looked down at his kimono. He decided to change, pulling out a simple black one instead. He'd wound up sleeping through the day, a product not from a tired body, but a tired mind. A peaceful twilight stretched across the sky, gloomy but beautiful.

~

Two days went by in a blur. Time both dragged on, almost stopping, and yet moved quickly. Kiku was vaguely aware of the difference between day and night as he went about his usual daily tasks in a trance. Tending to the garden, eating small portions of his meals, then going to bed. He was pulled from this trance when his father once again stepped foot in the house.

He was surprised, but his voice didn't carry the same emotion as he said quietly, "You're back."

Akihiko nodded. "I received word of what happened and..." He trailed off, "Come, I need to talk with you in private."

Kiku followed his father into a room reserved as his private study. As they both sat down, Kiku faintly remembered what Nao had said about the prince of England. This was surely to be the announcement. He attempted mentally preparing himself to combat the news.

"Kiku, I've decided, after having visited England again, I want you to marry their prince."

Kiku took a deep breath before asking sternly, "Why? Father, sometimes I think that you forget I am a prince myself. You always wish for me to marry these... Men. Why can't you just let me stay single until I stop hiding?"

"Because..." At first his voice was a growl, but then he sighed, "Because I'm afraid you may never be able to stop hiding. Those men are still out there. I know this with confidence. We spotted them just recently while I was away. That man is still looking for the head of my first born son."

"Tell him your wife is dead, and that there will be no first born son."

"I did. That doesn't mean he's so easily going to take his watchful eye away from me. I believe he's convinced I will marry another to bare a son. But if you marry a prince, then I know at least you will be safe."

"And what if he chooses to take the head of your son and law? Are you prepared to risk another royal family's heir for this? Furthermore, does the prince of England even know I'm a man?"

Akihiko was quiet.

"I thought not. If you must insist upon this, can I not at least find my own man? A man I trust with my life and my secrets. A man like-"

"Like Arthur?" Akihiko's words were a shock to Kiku, like something inside him woke up. A realization. Silently, Kiku bowed his head and nodded.

"I won't allow it."

"But wh-"

"You'll be married to the prince, and that's final." He took a deep breath, "If that Arthur is causing so much trouble, I'll return him to England. My ship leaves again tomorrow morning. I'll head over and ask for a replacement. Next time I return, Arthur will be going back to his home."

"You can't do that to him. If you say something like that, the queen will surely puni-"

"My word is final." There was a stillness in the room that could have killed. Kiku stood up, and walked out.

That night Kiku informed Arthur about the news of his inevitable departure. And the next morning the two of them watched as Akihiko's ship left the port.

"Kiku..." Arthur turned to him when the ship was out of sight, "I want you to know... This isn't just about orders anymore." His face was a mixture of determination as embarrassment, "I want to protect you because... I love you."

Kiku starred quietly at him. Somehow he didn't feel shocked, or embarrassed. There was a feeling of resolve that came with Arthur's words. Kiku nodded, "I thought... No... I hoped as much."

And for the first time in his life, he let a man embrace him in a loving manner such as that, and gently kiss his lips with a feeling like that.

And his heart ached in that moment as he wondered if he'd ever feel that way again.