Unique Gifts
Prince Riku would be lying to himself if he wasn't disappointed when Sora didn't come again the next day. Sora had always kept his word, and even if it was risky, Riku had hoped his friend would return. But, at the same time, he was glad he hadn't. No one would ever had thought about what Riku wanted, only that there was an intruder with the prince.
The evening's dinner with the princess had been as dull and exhausting as Riku had expected. That, followed by Sora's absence, and then his father's announcement that they would soon be entertaining yet another foreign princess, had Riku in a dark mood. So much for a respite. In the meantime, he was still expected to continue his studies, and train. They lived in a peaceful time, but it hadn't always been so, and the sultan expected his son to be able to fight, if it came to that.
The training reminded him of sparring with Sora in dirty alleys. It always had, and he wondered if Sora had ever had the opportunity to hone the skills he'd taught the brunette.
He always wondered what life was like for a street rat, once they outgrew that.
"Prince Riku."
His uncle's voice startled him out of his reverie. He'd been staring unseeing at his book for some time, and he came back to reality with a blink, turning to face the tall man. "Uncle Xemnas. How are you this evening?" Even with his blood, he must act his part. How he hated it.
"Well, my prince. And you, are you ready for this evening's guest? Princess Kairi, was it?"
Riku nodded, keeping his features neutral. "I am always prepared to entertain Father's guests."
"Come now! These lovely young ladies all come to see you!"
Riku turned his face to the window. "They come to see Father's coffers."
Xemnas laughed. "Maybe so! Perhaps it is the same with this Princess Kairi. I must admit, I have heard very little of this princess, except that she comes from a far country." Riku hummed a noncommittal response. "If it's a match Eraqus wants, I think he would do better to find someone a little nearer. I know of one who would dazzle your father. And you as well, Prince."
"Sultan Eraqus," Riku corrected, not bothering to address the suggestion of marriage.
"Yes, of course. Even after all this time, I still forget on occasion." Xemnas' lips stretched into a thin smile. "He's still my brother, after all."
Riku closed his book and uncurled from his chair. "Of course." A little coldness had crept into his voice, and his uncle's sharp gold eyes caught his for a moment. Challenging. Riku couldn't remember when that challenge had appeared there, or if had always been there. Only that his father didn't seem to notice it, and Riku found that unsettling. So his uncle got the courtly treatment, until he crossed a line. "If you'll excuse me, Uncle, I must make myself presentable for the evening." He gestured at his rumpled clothing.
"Of course." He bowed, watching as Riku quit the study, lips still in that thin smile, voice not mocking so much as the words were.
Riku ignored the itch at his back after he'd passed, the prickle of his uncle's eyes following him down the hall.
Once in his own chambers, Riku closed the door behind him and leaned against it, bumping the back of his head against the wood. He wanted so bad to shed his confining silks for the freedom of coarse linen. Instead, he only exchanged them for finer cloths, threaded with gold and dyed in brilliant colors, and adorned himself with golden chains.
He found gold so much more appealing when there was a game made of it, plucking it from the unwatched purses in the market.
He straightened with a sigh and strode to the throne room, where he and Sultan Eraqus would receive their latest guest. Head held high, steps even and whisper-quiet. Shadows of guards, flanking the halls as moved through the palace. Everything ordered and perfect.
He wanted to punch something.
Instead, he entered the grand room with a deferential bow to his father. He was greeted with a smile, "My son, the Prince!" and cheers from the court. He couldn't fault the sultan, for wanting only the best for him.
More cheers erupted at the announcement of Princess Kairi, who stepped from her litter with a perfect courtesy. Her foreign looks spoke of her far-off country—wine-red hair, and rosy skin—but she'd made an effort at least to adopt their clothing, wrapping herself in in pink and burgundy silk, and she was quite pretty. But Riku had learned long ago that looks meant nothing. Vipers could just as easily drape themselves in finery.
"Your Majesties!" Her voice carried as she approached the throne, litter-bearers close behind her. A voice used to being heard, then. "I thank you for your hospitality, and in return, I come bearing gifts." She gestured to one of the men, who drew level with her, a long chest held up in his arms, which he opened with a nod from the princess. "For the great Sultan, a weapon from my home country, a Keyblade, forged with only the strongest metals." Riku and the sultan looked at the strange sword with curiosity. It was, in fact, in the shape of a key, blunt on the outside, but with a wicked-looking edge on the inside, the teeth a deadly barb. The craftsmanship was superb, and the weapon unlike any that either had seen before.
Sultan Eraqus' eyes sparkled. "You do us great honor with this gift, Princess."
Princess Kairi offered another courtesy in acknowledgement. "And for the Prince, I have a most special gift. From my own household," she held her hand out, and a young man stepped from her litter, taking the offered hand and bowing low to the royalty before them. "A most obedient servant." She was practically glowing as Riku's eyes turned to examine her offering. "I think you will find him very eager to make you happy, my prince."
Riku stared, unbelieving, taking in the messy chocolate hair and bright blue eyes. Silks instead of rags, again, but it was undeniably Sora. Again. Twice in one week. Riku was suddenly thankful that his court mask was so well-practiced.
Sora beamed when Riku beckoned him forward, eyes on him even as he bowed again and kissed the Prince's offered hand. His lips warmed Riku, so that he needed to take a breath before he spoke. "Such a surprising gift, Princess. I thank you." He glanced at Sora, their eyes locking for a moment, Riku caught in the conspiratorial twinkle there.
The thief had some explaining to do, once they were alone. Riku narrowed his eyes, and then finally tore his gaze away.
