A/N: WOOOH! I'm back from AX ^^, it's been so long since I've wrote this fanfiction. I also need to keep inking my manga . I have a lot of stuff to do this summer but I hope I could just finish this fanfiction. To tell you honestly I'm not even sure how long this is going to be XD. Well AX has been fun and I bought a lot of stuff. I end up depleting my money and literally I have NONE! If my writing is out of wack I'm terribly sorry . I've been really tired lately and I didn't get enough sleep at my friend's house. At most I would get like 5 hours and plus all that walking. Enough about me, let's go onto the fanfic.
Chapter 6
I doze off into the busy streets of the northern village of this kingdom. Nothing has ever change here and everything just looks the same as before. I stopped talking to C.C due to the fact she had to keep her eyes on the road so I just kept quiet. After a while, we reached to the upper part of the northern village. Beyond the northern part of the village is castle territory. The castle was heavily guarded and going inside would deem impossible. Due to the fact the queen got assassinated ten years ago, the castle took drastic measures and made the place heavily guarded.
"I wonder how Lelouch sneak out so much, especially since his home is surrounded by guards" I thought to myself.
I took a peak at C.C and she was still looking at the rode. I wanted to ask her about Lelouch, but I kept my mouth shut. We went up a big hill that took us to the castle. The whole area around the castle was really beautiful and magnificent. There were gardens that were currently being attended by the gardeners. The surrounding patches of flowers around the castle were daisies, pansies, and even rose bushes. The trees were huge and some of them even have fruits on them.
"I wonder if I can sneak out from Lelouch's side sometime and eat those fruits" my mouth started to water.
"Keeping your mouth wide open doesn't look proper on a knight Kallen"
In surprise I quickly close my mouth and look away. "How embarrassing", I thought to myself. My first impression of C.C is that she was very straightforward and blunt. Maybe that's why she could keep Lelouch out of a pickle, however she was very proper and professional. As soon as I know it, we've reached the castle. The carriage stops and she gets out of her seat. I also did the same and jumped off. She opens the carriage door, "You guys can come out now".
I saw my mother coming out first, then it was Suzaku, Rivalz, and Ohgi was last. I could see a bunch of guards that surrounded the front doors of the castle. I'm assuming the workers in the castle were nobles who were able to get a higher job promotion in the castle. I'm not so sure, but I was uneasy around the castle. Being surrounded my nobles and even royalty and seeing them every day is kind of unnerving. I could see that some workers were staring at us,mainly for our "dirty" appearance.
"Okay break it up, go back to work!" C.C begins to clap her hands for the attention among the workers, "These people are none of your concern!".
"Yes Green Knight!" the workers begin attending their duties once again.
"Wow.." I mumbled to myself.
She then turns to me and looks at everyone, "Since I'm close to the prince, people here have to address me by my title name" she then only looks at me, "It's going to be the same for you Kallen".
"Can my friends just call me by my name though?" I ask her.
"Since they are your friends and not acquaintances, they can" she starts explaining, "However, others in this castle must address you by your title, if they aren't royalty that is".
"Why do knights have to be so fancy" I thought to myself and let out a huge sigh.
C.C then led my friends and I into the castle. I awed when I saw the inside décor. Everything was just so elaborate and fancy. It made me kind of nervous being inside such an expensive place. The décor was in colors of white,red, and gold. The curtains were wine colored and the lining were intricate gold-colored floral designs. The rug led the stairs inside the castle and under were sparkling white tiles that glow brighter than any spring. We headed up toward the stairs. I could see the differences between each floor. At most the castle was about five floors. I'm assuming there is also a basement underneath the castle. We went to the highest floor and turned right. The hallways were really long so I'm also assuming this castle can fit hundreds of people. We soon reached a door and C.C began knocking on the huge door.
"Lelouch, they're here"
The huge door opens and we all went inside. The room was huge, but it didn't seem like a bedroom. C.C then turns to me, "This is the prince's office".
All my friends bowed down their heads except for myself. I didn't see the point of bowing down to royalty, everyone was the same to me. The only exception of bowing down is when you are either apologizing or saying thanks. Then I felt a hand on my head and the force of it made my head bow down. I took a peak of who it was and see that it was Rivalz
"You need to bow down to the prince!" Rivalz quietly whispers to me.
"I don't see the point of bowing down to royalty" I quietly whisper back to Rivalz.
"Hey you guys shut up, the prince is right in front of us!" Suzaku joins in the conversation.
I could hear that Ohgi let out a huge sigh. Everyone is just acting immature right now. If Milly were here it would have much more worse.
"What are you guys whispering about?" I could hear Lelouch's laugh.
We quickly came back up. We could see that the prince is looking at us. Lelouch gets up from his seat and walks down three small stairs (he just had to be fancy and had his table in a higher elevation than us). He then comes to us. I could see him walking back and forth starting from me and ending to Ohgi. He keeps staring at us, or at least that is what I think.
He then stops and clears his throat, "You seem like a lively group and I feel generous today, so you guys can pick what you want to do in this castle,except Kallen of course".
I don't need to pick what I want to do. My job has already been chosen by the prince himself and the reason why my friends are here is that of a condition I had requested.
"I'll be a cook" Ohgi stated, "I'm not a professional cook but I'll learn when I work in the kitchen" Ohgi then takes a peak at me and did a quick wink.
I giggle at the sight of it; I hope no one saw that. Rivalz then clear his throat, "I'll do any work in this castle", then Suzaku also cleared his throat, "I'm the same with Rivalz".
Lelouch then thinks for a bit and came up with an idea, "Why don't you guys work at the garden, we're short on gardeners".
"YES SIR!" Suzaku and Rivalz both shouted.
I don't see why they have to use such formality for Lelouch. Lelouch is in the same age range as us, so I don't see why.
"Maybe they're nervous or something" I mumbled to myself.
"Hm? What is that Kallen?" I could see that Lelouch cupped his hand around his ear to hear what I had just said.
"Nothing! It's nothing!" I quickly retorted and waved both of my hands signaling him that it was not a big deal.
He then takes his hand away, "Since you will be my knight, I want you to be completely honest with me from now on" I could see his glare aiming towards me.
"C.C can you please take Kallen's friends to their working places and show them their rooms? Kallen's mother doesn't need to work, so just show her to her room. I need to have a moment with Kallen for a bit" Lelouch commanded C.C.
"Yes sir" she responded with elegance.
I could see my friends and C.C leaving. My mother and my friends waved goodbye to me and I could see that Suzaku gave me a thumbs up and winked at me. I also gave him a thumbs up in return and mouthed, "Thank you!".
The could hear the door close and then I turned to look at Lelouch. He obviously wasn't wearing his commoner clothes, but the clothes he wore to the bakery the other day. I'm guessing that the attire he wore the other day and is wearing currently is his normal prince attire. He probably has more clothes due to other royal events he has to attend to. The atmosphere was kind of awkward at first. I didn't know what to say to him or whether to speak in a "formality" due to that fact he was the prince in the kingdom I lived in. Lelouch then broke the silent atmosphere.
"Around others you should speak to me in a formality, but when we're alone you can speak to me however you like" he tells me.
"Really? I can?" I wanted to make sure.
Lelouch then chuckles, "Of course! I want to let people have the impression that they have to speak to me in a formal matter so they can treat me with respect, but if we're alone you can speak to me like we're friends".
I was really glad to hear Lelouch say that to me. I was really uncomfortable with the idea to speak in a nice formal manner to him at all times. To me it is just plain awkward, but if we're alone we can speak as friends.
"It's understandable why you want us to speak in a formal manner to you and I really appreciate that I can talk to you like how I talk to my friends" I gave a small smile.
"Well you already spoke to me as friends" he then shot a charming smile.
I couldn't help it. My face heated up a bit. Ever since I met Lelouch I never had spoke to him in a formal manner. I just treat him like how I treated everyone, nice and friendly. There is that one time I was rude to Lelouch, but I didn't know him back then.
"I'm sorry if I was rude to you before" I quickly bowed down, "Umm, does anyone else speak to you in a friendly manner?" I got up and face him.
"Well to tell you honestly when C.C and I are alone she is very straightforward and blunt. She is also not as friendly as you, but I can't help but feel charmed by her appearance" Lelouch explains to me.
"Figures" I quickly mumbled to myself.
I somehow knew C.C and Lelouch were close in some sort of way. She also might be in the same age area as Lelouch, including myself.
"Anyone else?" I ask out of curiosity.
"My younger sister Nunally, who is the princess of this kingdom, is very friendly. She's honest, but not straightforward as C.C, she is very sweet!" I could see the excitement in Lelouch's tone.
I almost forgot that they had a princess in this kingdom, and what a coincidence that the princess is Lelouch's younger sister.
"I would love to see her someday and maybe even have a nice conversation with her" I shot a smile out of sincerity. I really wanted to meet Nunally now. She seems like a sweet person. She must be very delicate and fragile. I also heard that she is blind, but my guess that she is very optimistic to even care about her blindness.
"That is all?" I ask.
"Well.." Lelouch then puts his index finger and thumb on his chin.
"Hm?" I tilted my head and face Lelouch.
"Well there is my fiance Shirley, she always spoke to me in a formal matter but I wish that she spoke to me normally when we're alone" Lelouch gave out a big sigh.
My eyes widen, "You have a fiance?".
He then gave a nervous chuckle, "Well not a lot of people know about it. Only members of this castle know that Shirley is my fiance, we don't want any news to get out".
My curiosity then sparks again, "How long have you two been engaged?".
He then shoots a sly smile and comes closer to me, "Are you jealous Kallen?".
My face turns red out of anger and embarrassment, "Why would I be!".
"I'm pretty charming as I do say so myself?" his charming expression then turns into a playful smirk.
I had to admit that he was very charming and attractive, but I couldn't stand the fact that he's able to flirt with many girls and still have a fiance in his arms.
"Wouldn't your fiance be mad that you act like this around other girls?" I then gave him a point, "I bet you and C.C flirt with each other when you two are alone too".
"Haha! You ask a lot of questions and then assume I do unchivalrous things, you are some girl Miss Kallen" he gives a laugh.
"Well, I would be mad if my lover went off with other girls instead of spending time with me" I got irritated and turned my head away from him.
I heard him chuckle and then I felt a hand on my head. I then turn to look at him. His long fingers ruffle through my hair and he gave me a smile.
"Shirley knows that a lot of girls like me so she understands, and we've been arranged into a marriage ever since we were children" he answers both of my questions from earlier.
"An arranged marriage?" I question him, "Do you love her then?".
"Of course! I love Shirley, she is my fiance after all" he quickly answers me back, "Shirley's father used to be my dad's assistant and if we get married someday then it would be a smart marriage" he struck a smile at me.
I couldn't help but feel he doesn't truly love her. Maybe he does but it was mostly to appeal to the kingdom.
"I don't know anything about political matters" I thought and let out a sigh.
"Hm? What are you sighing about Kallen?" Lelouch ask me in a childish tone.
"Well I'm just a bit worried, what if you don't really love her?" I ask him another question.
"I'll only give up my marriage with her if I found someone who I 'truly' love" Lelouch responded back, "That is probably unlikely to happen due to the fact most girls who swoon over me are only attracted to my status and face" he let out a sigh.
"Doesn't C.C like you?" I shot another question.
He shot me a death stare. I couldn't help but feel a small chill in my back. "Maybe I shouldn't have asked" I thought to myself.
"I think that's enough questions for today" his expression had entirely changed, "You should head to your room".
I didn't know what to say back. To tell myself honestly I was kind nervous now. To see such a charming prince having a dark expression kind of scares me. I quietly said, "Okay", I went out the door. I close the door and quickly exhale my breath, "What was that expression?". Now I know that Lelouch can also have other expressions beside his usual happy self. It's nerve-wracking to see that I'm going to be working with someone I barely know. I started walking through the hallway.
"You know, C.C never told me where my room was" I started talking to myself.
Everything in the hallways were so intricate and detailed. I started wandering around until I forgot where I was.
"Where am I?" I told myself.
I then found another hallway where you had to turn. I chose my left side and turned there and suddenly felt a bump.
"EEEK!"
I heard a light scream and saw a girl around my age. She had long orange hair. Her face was pale as snow. Her dress was just as beautiful. It shows her bare shoulder and the dress was yellow colored. She had a blue pendant around her neck and the dress went up to her ankles. I could see that she was wearing white heels, which complimented the dress as well. Around her waist was a bow that was tied to a ribbon on the back, however the shade was of a darker color.
"I'm terribly sorry Miss!" I bowed my head and offer her a hand, "Do you need help getting up, I'm sorry to bump into you!" in impulse I grab her hand and helped her up.
She gave me a small chuckle, "No you don't have to be sorry, I wasn't careful enough" then gave me a sweet smile.
"Wow she's so beautiful" I thought to myself then I did a slight pouty face, "Is this castle filled with beautiful women?" I thought.
"Hm? Is something wrong Miss?" she asks me.
"Oh no! There's nothing wrong, I just thought of something" I scratched the back of my head and gave an awkward smile.
"Haha! I like you, you're different" she gave me a smile.
I wasn't sure if that was supposed to be a complimented, but I still smile anyway. She was polite to me and didn't give me a dirty look like most nobles would.
"I'm sorry Miss, but I must bid you a farewell! I have to be somewhere" she quickly walks to the direction I came from.
I stare at her off into the distance until I couldn't see her anymore and made my way to the direction I was going to. Everything started to become more familiar and then I heard some noises. I turn my head around to see where the noise was coming from. I walk down a flight of stairs that was a floor down from Lelouch's office and turn into the hallway to my right. It was coming from the first door. I walked over there and put my ear on the door. I wasn't sure what was going on, but it somehow sounded like Suzaku and Rivalz. Since they're my friends I don't think they would mind if I went inside. I touched the doorknob and twisted it. I took a peak inside and I was right.
"I want the bed next to the window, Suzaku!" Rivalz shouted.
"Ehhh? But I got here first, it's not fair if you want it and I got to it first" Suzaku sweated.
I quietly chuckle to myself. I can't believe they are arguing about a small thing like this. I went inside and then the two saw me.
"You know I can hear you guys across the hallway right?" I used my thumb and pointed at the open door that leaded to the hallway.
"Oh... crap!" Rivalz cursed, "I told you that if you give me the bed next to the window I wouldn't have made such a tantrum" Rivalz continue yelling at Suzaku.
"Oh now you're blaming me for your constant shouting, you know what" Suzaku went to the bed next to the window and lays on it, "I claim this bed mine!".
"Before you guys go into another argument, do you know where my room is?" I asked them.
Suzaku and Rivalz both look at me. "I'm not so sure but all I know is that your room is in the same floor of Lelouch's office" Suzaku told me.
"Do you know which room it is?"
"How would we know?" Rivalz whined.
I let out a sigh, "I guess I have to find out myself", I head out towards the door, "Would you guys keep it down? I don't want you two to get in trouble".
"Sure! I'll let Ohgi and your mother know that you're doing fine! Their rooms are on the same floors as us" Suzaku shouted.
"Thank you!" I gave them a wave and close the door of their room.
I looked up and saw C.C right in front of the door, "How awkward", I thought to myself.
"What are you doing down here C.C?" I scratch my cheek.
"I came to see what the noise was, but I'm guessing you took care of that" she explains to me.
"Ah I see" I nodded my head, "Hey do you know where my room is?" I asked her.
She nodded her head, "Yes I do, follow me".
I followed C.C up the stairs and went to the fifth floor (which is the highest floor of the castle). I was tempted for a moment to ask C.C about her relationship with Lelouch, but I didn't dare pry into it. "Lelouch looked so scary and I didn't want to see that again" my shiver chilled just at the sight of it.
"Stop dozing off, it is not proper" C.C's voice woke me up.
She then shows me to my room, "Your room is in the same floor as the prince because you have to keep an eye on him", she then points two room down from me, "That is my room, as knights we have to keep a look out on the prince at all times", she then points at the room that was at the end of the hallway. The room had twin doors that were huge.
"That is Lelouch's room" C.C then points in the opposite direction of the hallway showing another room that was just as big as Lelouch's, "That is the princess's room, she has her own guardian so you don't have to worry about her unless Lelouch tells you to".
I kept on nodding as C.C explains to me about the castle. She then takes me inside to my room. I got to say, my room was much bigger than the home I had back at the southern village. It had a huge white curtain bed. The curtains were wine colored and had an intricate golden ribbon to keep the curtain in place. I had two huge twin windows and one of them had a small area to sit in so that people can watch the view. Of course the windows had red curtains on them. There was also a huge white cabinet and a vanity next to it. On the other side was a mahogany nightstand with a white lamp. In my room there was also a small table and two white chairs surrounding it.
"I know that you are awed by your room but you have a coronation tomorrow and you must get to bed" C.C tells me.
I then turn to her, "A coronation?".
"It's when go up a level, sort of like a promotion, and since you're becoming Lelouch's knight that is more than enough reason to have one" C.C explains to me.
"I see, what am I suppose to wear?" I ask.
C.C then points at the white cabinet, "You will wear the same uniform as me and I had already prepared it for you in the cabinet" she then looks at me, "I bid you a good night".
I wasn't sure what to say, but I ended up shouting, "Thank you for everything!".
C.C then left my room. I must be imagining, but I saw a slight smile from C.C. I went to my cabinet and open it from the handle and saw my uniform folded neatly. I also saw some other arrangement of clothes, but they weren't really what I would wear. I took the folded uniform and looked at it, "Tomorrow huh?".
I then carried the uniform to the window that had a seat. I sat on it and put my legs up so they can be on the seat. I stared out into the window which had a view of the front castle. It wasn't night yet, but I just stared off into the distance.
"Tomorrow... I'm going to be a knight" I whispered.
A/N: I hope this is a long enough chapter to replace the amount of chapters I could have written when I was gone . Thank you for reading!