Another small chapter but there was no other good way to divide this up.
We meet Shaye, who is engaged to Hunk but in love with Princess Allura. They have a star crossed love as well, for their parent wish to unite Nefara and Balmera.
When Keith first heard that Hunakai was to be engaged to Princess Shaye of the Balmaren Kingdom, he was shocked, to say the least.
He had gone to the Prince's room that very night, demanding to know of Princess Shaye and what Keith had really meant to Prince Hunakai.
"Peace, Keith. It is an arranged marriage that none of us wish to partake in. She has a lover and she has no desire to be with me romantically." Hunakai had explained ever so calmly, but Keith had known him long enough to recognize the sadness in his eyes. "Our parents wish for our kingdoms to be united, and marriage is the most peaceful way to unite two countries."
"When will the marriage ceremony portake?" Keith whispered, eyes cast downward and wrung his hands.
He did not expect Hunakai to raise his chin, press a soft kiss to his lips, and bury his fingers in his hair.
"When she becomes of age, two years from now. You need to worry not, my love. No barrier, not even the bonds of marriage, could keep me from you."
Keith could do nothing but melt into his Prince's touch and tried not to think of the future.
Princess Shaye was kind hearted and gentle, with flowers in her hair Keith recognized from the field nearby, and soft yellow eyes that gleamed of sunlight.
But the look Hunakai gave her was not love, and the look she gave was only friendship.
They sat and giggled together for their parents, gossiped like commanders and seemed to get along quite well. But Keith could not help but feel jealous to the royalty, for he had Hunakai first.
Hunakai had taken his kiss and his heart, and Keith couldn't help but feel bitter at the fake display of love.
But when Hunakai passed him while he was on duty, only whispering "Please, come tonight." Keith could not say no. Even if Hunakai was not a prince and not in a position of command over him, he would come.
Because Keith was falling in love.
Knocking thrice, albeit nervously. Jumping when Princess Shaye pushed the door open, being grabbed by the arm and all but flung into the room.
"My apologies, Sir. But Hunakai did not wish for you to run." She spoke. "I am not interested in your Prince. My love is for Allura of the Altean Kingdom."
Keith pushed himself up from the floor, chest heaving. "Is your love with Princess Allura as strong as mine for Hunakai? For mine runs deep like canyons for him."
"I wish not to quarrel, Sir Keith. I have only love for Hunakai like a brother, and it is returned same." Shaye's eyes cast downward. "I love Allura like not Hunakai. My love for her is as large as the sky, and bright like the sun."
It was enough for Keith.
It would be another living lie, but if it meant being with his Prince he would do so happily.
"I believe you."