Chapter 11: Throne room
Zero hurried through well-lit corridors. The sun had yet to set, but there was quite a lot of traffic inside the castle already. It seemed that most of the servants woke up earlier today. Some even looked as if they haven't slept at all, the main reason being tonight's engagement ceremony.
The hunter didn't have much sleep, too. But it wasn't because of some party's preparation. He had a lot on his mind lately, which happened quite a lot nowadays, and the sole reason for this could be pinpointed to one person only. Kaname Kuran.
That's where he was headed now - to king's chambers. Zero partly hoped he would catch the pureblood still asleep at this hour. This way the hunter could do most of his morning duties before waking him up and then find some excuse to disappear. It could save him from the possibility of any more awkward conversations, especially after last night. But his hopes were dashed as soon as he spotted a silver haired vampiress leaving Kaname's quarters. Zero sighed inwardly. No such luck.
The moment Seiren saw the ex-human she nodded to him in greeting, before disappearing to do her own work. She had an air of approval around her, probably thinking that Zero woke up this early to assist the king with today's busy schedule. If only she knew that the ex-human was planning to avoid said pureblood the whole night if possible... It was such a contrast to the beginnings of Zero's servitude, when she watched his every move like a hawk. She seemed more trusting towards him overall nowadays, letting the ex-human take over her former duties as king's page. Could she be called page if she was a woman? Zero wondered shortly. He wasn't sure, but now wasn't really a time to dwell on semantics.
Zero let himself into king's chambers quietly, but just as he suspected the pureblood was already awake. More than that, he seemed to be almost finished with his dressing, too. The maid was smoothing the last creases on the expensive looking tunic and adjusting his coat. The hunter noted that Kaname once again chose to be dressed in dark colors as he usually did on formal occasions.
Zero headed towards the dressing cabinet choosing the right cufflinks and jewelry. He picked up the gold ones with red gemstones. Ruby color complimented Kaname's clothes, while gold was the appropriate material for official situations. Zero definitely wasn't the one to remember which color of clothing had what implications among an upper class, but Seiren thought him well and thoroughly. Or more like drilled it into his head so many times it eventually stuck. The hunter smiled looking at the jewelry. Yup, Seiren would be proud of him.
He walked towards the pureblood and helped him put the jewelry on and attach the cufflinks, trying not to think about how close he was standing to the other vampire or how warm his skin felt even through the fabric. Ever since that cursed drunken morning Zero hated these moments. It filled his head with unnecessary thoughts and it also didn't help that Kaname was usually throwing amused and provoking glances in his direction.
But today the pureblood seemed lost in his thoughts, not really registering the ex-human's presence. It was such a contrast from yesterday, it made Zero pause in his work and look up at him for a moment to see if something was wrong. Kaname was frowning and his attention was focused on the pile of scrolls that Seiren must have brought earlier. Once the dressing was finished, the pureblood walked towards it, his frown deepening as he started reading.
Shrugging, the hunter went on to do his usual work, like cleaning, sorting documents, and running messages. He glanced in king's direction a few times, tempted to ask, but catching himself in time. Why was he so concerned about him anyway? This morning Zero's main intention was to avoid talking with the king in the first place, he should be glad. Yet for some reason he wasn't. The hunter had a pretty good guess on what was wrong, anyway. Kaname never seemed too thrilled about the idea of Yuuki being married and today must feel for him like the judgment day. Zero was almost tempted to tell him that as a king he surely can just cancel everything. But then again, he wasn't exactly an expert as far as royal politics were concerned. There must have been a pretty good reason for the pureblood to give his permission to this engagement. So Zero decided it would be wiser to just hold back his tongue and not poke his nose in it. It also didn't help that it reminded him of a certain mission that had to be carried out before wedding came.
The better half of the evening went in similar fashion. Both of them exchanged only a few necessary words here and there, until Kaname decided to finally give him a leave. Saying that he didn't need the ex-human's services since he will be stuck greeting tonight's guests and holding a council meeting before the official start of the event.
"Your majesty." Zero bowed and left the room, leaving Kaname to stare at the now empty space.
Kaname knew he wasn't the best company, yet that wasn't the main reason he send the ex-human away. Sure, the silence between them hung more heavily than usual, but it wasn't as awkward as one might suspect, especially after last night. Zero seemed to relax considerably when he realized that Kaname wasn't about to mention his visit. And the quiet between them quickly turned back to familiar one. Like the silence between two friends, who had a lot on their minds to be really talking to each other, yet didn't mind each other's presence. No, the main reason he sent Zero away for the rest of the night was because he wanted to discuss something with his advisor before the guests arrive. And a part of Kaname didn't want Zero to know about one particular topic they were going to discuss.
Kaname slumped in his chair looking at the ceiling. He banged his head against the back of the chair in frustration. He was a real idiot to be so considerate of some ex-human's feelings. Feelings that might not even be mutual. And more importantly, feelings that Kaname definitely shouldn't have towards the boy.
A sudden knock on the door brought him back and the pureblood straightened himself quickly. "Come in."
As suspected it was Aido. The blond vampire stepped inside, holding a letter in his hand and looking more eager than was his usual. "Your majesty, the House of Shirabuki has sent us their answer."
Zero decided to fulfill his promise to Yuuki and went to see Bertha to ask her if he could be of any help tonight. The hunter didn't think it was possible but the kitchens seemed to be in even bigger state of organized chaos than the day before. He had to carefully maneuver his way through an array of cooks, trying not to disturb anyone, before he managed to find the old maid.
"Of course you can help." Bertha glanced from behind a row of steaming pots. She quickly added a last few ingredients into them, before turning around shouting loudly. "Have someone seen Risa? Tell her to come here this second!"
A small boy that had been so far sitting in the corner to keep out of everyone's way shot up at once. "I've seen her. She was in the ceremony hall." The kid seemed to be too young to really assist with anything in the kitchens, but apparently that didn't stop the others to use him as an errand boy.
"Then go fetch her!" Bertha patted the boy on the back to make him hurry. She turned back to Zero, deciding to put another capable pair of hands to good use. "Here take this salt and add a three spoons into each of the pots and after that a pinch of pepper."
It didn't take long before a young girl appeared in the doorframe. Zero recognized her instantly. It was the maid he bumped into yesterday.
"Risa, come here dear. We have a volunteer!" Bertha waved one handedly, continuing to stir the soup with the other hand.
Apparently, Risa was the head of serving staff for this event. At first, she didn't seem too happy to be delayed from her own work, but once she realized that the new addition to the serving staff would be Zero, her face changed into a small smile. "Ah, Zero! Of course, you're more than welcome to help."
Risa led the ex-human away, explaining on the fly what Zero's duties would be for tonight. Soon they arrived to an enormous looking hall where the ceremony was supposed to take place. It seemed that all preparations here were finished already. The well decorated tables were placed along the walls, the most majestic looking one was in the rear of the room. No doubt, it was reserved for the king and his most important guests. The cold feel of the room was softened by quite a number of golden candleholders and vases full of decorated white and red roses. The walls were covered by red banners with royal rose on it, the symbol of the house of Kuran. There was only one banner of different color and crest that was situated on the left, behind the main table. Evidently, that one belonged to the house of soon-to-be royal fiancé.
"So as I was saying, there are two doors on each side for servants to use." Risa continued explaining. "I don't want to see anyone using the main doors so make sure to keep on the inner side between the guests' tables and wall. Under no circumstances go to the center of the hall, that is only for guests, dancers and actors to use. And don't forget that you always serve from the right and…" Risa paused smiling sheepishly as she remembered who she was talking to. "But I guess you already know quite enough about serving since you serve his majesty himself."
Zero might not realize it himself, but as king's servant he was actually Risa's superior. You can't get higher than serving the king himself. At first, Risa was jealous and suspicious. Some level D that came from nowhere and just like that got the best position. It also didn't help that ex-humans were generally disliked. But one day her disdain all but disappeared when she heard the lady Ruka talking with the captain of the guard about how that 'level D' actually saved the princess from an assassin attack. She told the other maids about it and the rumor spread rather quickly and even mutated into some very interesting versions. Risa once caught scullery boy telling others quite animatedly, how Zero repelled the attack of ten from head to toe armed barbarians with just a wooden stick. But no matter what version it was, it had the same effect on everyone. They all seemed to overcome their prejudices and accept the ex-human among themselves, some even adored him.
"I guess you'd like to be assigned to king's table?" Risa asked finally, she seemed to be certain that the answer would be positive. That table was the most lucrative and serfs were fighting each other to get that place. It was a big chance to earn a favor from the highest nobles or even king himself and get yourself promoted. But it was also the most dangerous. If you made a mistake at some noble's table it was bad enough, but if you made a big mistake at the king's table, at best you lose your job, at worst your head. And as the leader of serving staff, Risa was responsible for picking up the most capable workers. It was her neck she was risking, too. But Zero as king's personal servant was qualified more than enough in her eyes. And she definitely thought he would certainly use the chance to get the best place. Thus the ex-human's answer was that more surprising.
"Actually, I would like to serve at princess Yuuki table, if it's not a problem." The main reason for his volunteering was his promise to Yuuki so it had no point to be placed at completely different table where he wouldn't be able to even meet her.
Risa blinked a few times as if her brain had trouble to comprehend that sentence. Well, that was quite unexpected. "N-no, that won't be a problem at all."
Actually, since yesterday, there was a different kind of rumor circling around, involving a man visiting princess' chambers. Risa didn't give it much thought, but now she couldn't help but be a little suspicious. Anyway, it really wasn't the time to think about it, there was a ton of other work waiting for her.
"Ok, I guess that would be all. I have to run now. If you have any more questions, you know where to find me."
Zero scanned the hall one more time, trying to memorize all the instructions he was given before heading back. Passing through the main corridor he noticed that the large doors leading to the throne room were slightly open. The hunter glanced inside and found it completely empty. No guard, no maids, no nobles no one. That was quite unusual. He decided to let it pass and turned around when at the second glance he noticed a very familiar figure standing behind the throne. It wasn't really that surprising that he hadn't noticed him before, since the pureblood had a tendency to merge very well with shadows if he wanted to. At least that's what Zero concluded after being startled a few times when he thought he was alone in the room only to hear Kaname's voice echo from somewhere suddenly, preferably close enough so he could get a start from the ex-human.
The hunter contemplated whether to step in or not. But the image of a worried looking pureblood was still fresh in his head and he decided to go in. That made Zero frown. Once again, he shouldn't be concerned about someone the hunter was actually planning to kill. He should use Kaname's trust and get it over and fulfill his mission already, but he …He was such an idiot really.
With a foreboding feeling he would regret it, Zero decided to enter.
"Your majesty." The hunter greeted the king formally in case there was someone else in the room he hadn't noticed before. "I thought you had a meeting." Zero asked. It wasn't an accusation, more like a conversation opening.
Kaname glanced at Zero as he beckoned for him to enter. Of course, he wasn't surprised to see the ex-human, since he felt his presence for a while. But the pureblood decided not to react and let the boy decide for himself whether he wanted to go in or not.
"I had. It ended already. And there is still time before the first guests arrive." The pureblood shrugged.
Zero nodded, not sure what more to say. "Where is everyone?" He decided to ask instead.
"I sent them all away. I wanted to be alone, to do some thinking." The pureblood admitted, his dark gaze set on the throne in front of him.
Judging by his despondency it was obvious that Kaname still wasn't in very talkative mood. Zero knew it was a bad idea to come inside in the first place. He hated to force his presence on others when they wanted to be left alone.
"I see. I should leave you alone then." The hunter turned to go, but the pureblood stopped him.
"No stay. It's ok." Kaname wanted to be alone, but he didn't mind Zero to be here, if that made any sense. The pureblood looked at the letter he was clutching in his hand and hid it in his coat pocket, before the other had a chance to see it. He shook his head to get rid of his dark thoughts and turned his gaze fully towards Zero, watching him as he made his way across the throne room, his steps muffled by thick red carpet that lead towards the throne itself.
"We first met here, remember?" The pureblood asked matter-of-factly in attempt to lighten the mood and to give the other vampire impression he was ready to have some actual conversation now.
"How could I forget?" Zero smiled slightly. He still remembered the chills the pureblood's dark gaze gave him at that time. The hunter looked up at Kaname and their eyes locked for a moment. It was the same dark gaze, yet it seemed different, dare he say warmer now. But it still held the same kind of power. And that odd familiarity that Zero felt at their first meeting was also still present. After a moment the hunter started to feel like he might get lost in that alluring gaze and broke the eye contact quickly.
"Weren't there two thrones, though?" Zero asked, trying to change his train of thought that started heading in a dangerous direction.
"The one Yuuki was sitting on? That wasn't a throne even if it might have looked like one. It was just an ornate chair that is brought in when she wishes to hold a court with me. There is only one throne in this kingdom since there is only one sovereign." Kaname paused, contemplating whether to share the next piece of information or not. He looked at curious silver eyes and finally decided to trust Zero with it. "After Yuuki's wedding, under certain circumstances, she might become the Queen and then she would get my throne."
"Certain circumstances… you mean if you abdicate?"
Kaname smiled slightly, he wasn't surprised that Zero caught on so quickly. Not anymore. "Yes, the council might expect something like that from me, especially if she gives birth to a boy."
"And if you don't abdicate then what? You think they will try to get rid of you?" The hunter's eyes widened. Something just clicked at the back of his mind and he didn't like the possibilities it brought.
"Yes, they might." Kaname's expression darkened. "Why do you ask? Do you know something?"
"No." Zero answered a little too quickly, cursing himself for picking a topic that might light a suspicion at him.
"Then why is it of any concern of yours?" The pureblood continued. There was a difference between catching up on things quickly and too quickly. He really didn't want to suspect Zero of anything, but it was a learned reaction of one who has been brought up in vampire politics. You had to constantly watch your back to not get backstabbed by anyone.
Zero frowned at the accusations. He was sure he didn't let out anything that might expose him and he refused to start panicking. It helped that he knew Kaname better now and knew what approach to use. "Don't get your hopes up. I was just concerned as your servant. Where else will I find a work that pays as well as this one?"
The hunter knew the distraction worked when the pureblood's serious expression lightened and he saw him actually fighting a smile. "As a servant, I see. Well, I can always write you a letter of recommendation if you're so worried I might kick the bucket too soon."
Zero smiled, too. But it disappeared quickly when he realized how ironic that would be and… how truthful it might become in the near future. He looked around the room trying to find something to change the topic, when his eyes once again rested on the throne. It stood quite magnificently in the center of a dais at the end of the room, not far from where they both stood. Zero decided to use the chance to inspect it more closely and walked towards it.
It was made from solid dark wood with gold ornate decoration. Even if it looked quite lean Zero had no doubt that thanks to all those gold parts even the strongest vampire would have trouble moving it. It might have been uncomfortable to sit on if not for the dark red cushioning. To put it simply, it was strong yet delicate at the same time, the sole symbol of power of this country. The hunter smiled, he thought it suited Kaname. He reached out to touch it but stopped himself in time.
"Can I?" Zero looked up at the pureblood.
Kaname who has been watching the ex-human's inspection in amusement nodded silently.
Zero didn't need any more encouragement as he touched the throne. His hands were hesitant at first, but soon he was eagerly tracing the golden patterns, admiring the craftsmanship. It was probably his imagination but he almost felt a power surging underneath his fingers. He was really lucky, most commoners can't even dream about seeing a throne alive, yet here he was. The hunter decided to hell with it and sat down no matter the consequences.
And it was worth it just for the expression that appeared on pureblood's face. The pureblood literally dropped his jaw, making Zero laugh. Though, very quickly Kaname seemed to overcome his surprise and his expression changed into silent grin. Zero was sure that some teasing will be involved soon, but the pureblood remained silent for the moment, just watching the him with a mysterious glint in his eyes.
The hunter used the moment to look around from his position. The throne room was enormous, probably able to fit in hundreds of nobles. He imagined what it must look like when all those chairs were occupied and all the torches and candleholders lit. So that's what the king sees as he holds a court and passes sentences.
Of course, Kaname didn't stay quiet for too long. The mysterious glint changed into a devilish one as he slowly walked to the throne, leaning towards Zero, whispering. "I don't want to spoil your fun, but I hope you know that for anyone other than the rightful monarch to sit on a throne is punishable by death."
"Okay." The hunter knew that the pureblood was most probably just teasing. Or was he? He stood up a little too quickly, earning a few chuckles from the pureblood. "The view is nice, but not worth my head. You can have it back. There is no need for threats, my lord." He offered the seat to the other vampire with a mock curtsey.
Kaname raised eyebrows but decided to play along. He sat down in a posture that he knew commanded the most authority and turned back to Zero. "Well, while you're at it, you can bring me the crown from that pedestal over there."
For a moment, Zero was once again reminded of the time they first met, but this time he knew Kaname was just playing with him. Seeing how natural Kuran looked, the hunter swore the royal kids must be trained form young age to know how to sit on a throne like that that. The hunter was now interested how would the pureblood look like with a crown on his head. He had never seen Kaname to wear one, but it was probably because there wasn't any real official occasion for him to wear it yet.
Curious, Zero walked over to the pedestal and looked at the golden crown that has been resting there on a cushion. It was quite different than what he imagined. As kids, Zero and Ichiru often listened as their mother read them fairy tales from an old children's book. He remembered there had been a picture of a king on the cover. The fairy tale king wore a big and tall golden crown with a lot of emeralds imbedded in it. Sure it was just a book for kids, but since then Zero thought that's what crowns were supposed to like. Compared to it, this one looked tiny. It was just a gold circlet with engraved ornaments. Though it was still beautiful, just not what he imagined.
"I thought it would be bigger with a lot of gemstones and stuff." Zero voiced his thoughts aloud and heard Kaname's amused chuckle.
"Sorry to disappoint you. It's just a boring, simple crown. I think that what you had in mind is a coronation crown. It's only used at coronation ceremonies. Plus, it's too heavy and too invaluable to be worn daily, not to mention I would look silly in it."
That made Zero snort as he walked back to the throne. Of course, leave it to the pureblood to worry about looks first. Kaname reached for the crown Zero was holding, but the hunter didn't let him.
"No. Let me." He answered to his curious gaze and leaned over the pureblood, putting the golden circlet on his head carefully, making sure he didn't disturb the brown locks.
"There you go." Zero looked at his handiwork, his hands stilling around the other's face. "It suits you, my king." Looking at him now, Zero had to admit that Kaname really was quite a beautiful man.
Maybe it was because of the pureblood's blood in him, or maybe there really existed some attraction between them, but Zero felt suddenly very unwilling to let go of the other's face. He gazed down into deep, dark eyes bellow. If he really ends up killing this man one day…then, then…what?
On a sudden impulse, Zero lowered his face and kissed the pureblood. Somewhere in the back of his head there was a voice shouting at him that he had completely lost his mind, but he paid it no mind.
Kaname stilled at first, then breathed a sigh as if he had been waiting for that little gesture a long time. He grabbed Zero's collar to draw him closer and the hunter had to put one knee on a throne to keep his balance. Any closer and he would end up sitting in the pureblood's lap. But Kaname seemed to be satisfied with their closeness as it was for the time being and started concentrating his efforts elsewhere - like parting the other's lips. Kissing the other in earnest.
With only a moment of hesitation Zero let him in. He felt as Kaname's warm, strong tongue entered his mouth and met him half way through, moaning at the sensation. He didn't know that just kissing could be this stimulating. Zero felt the heat rising in his body and he wanted, no needed to feel more. Much more. His hands quickly left the pureblood's face as they started tracing the other's neck in desperate search, finally stopping at his chest. The hunter's fingers struggled desperately, trying to untie the pureblood's coat to feel the warm skin below, but the knots refused to give under him. Zero cursed Kaname inwardly for wearing such complicated clothing.
The pureblood didn't seem to have this problem and his hands found their way under Zero's tunic quite easily. One warm hand stayed at his lower back to keep the ex-human in place, while the other lingered on his stomach, trembling in anticipation as if deciding whether to go up or down. Settling for the way up, Kaname traced the hunter's toned stomach with slow deliberation, feeling the other's muscles quiver under his touch. He felt that Zero's struggle with his coat seemed to become even more desperate and decided to help him out, mentally tugging at the complicated knots.
Managing to untie it at last, the hunter groaned in thanks as his hand dived into Kaname's coat to feel the warmth beneath. He was in such feverish hurry that his nails scraped over one of the pureblood's nipples. Kaname hissed at the sensation, but it didn't seem to be from pain. Zero decided to do it again, this time a little more deliberately, which earned him a deep groan from the pureblood.
Kaname had just about had it. He pulled the ex-human fully onto his laps and tugged onto his tunic to drag it over his head. But before he could get any further a loud blast reverberated through the castle, making them both stop dead in their tracks.
"What was that?" Zero asked, his breath labored from their activates.
"Dammit." Kaname cursed as he realized what it was. "It's the sound of a blowing horn. The first guests must have arrived." He was not happy at the timing, not happy at all.
They both reluctantly straightened to their feet and started adjusting their clothes. Once enough blood seemed to return to Zero brain, his eyes widened at realization of what they were just doing, where they were doing it, and what more they were about to do. And the worst part was he was the one who started it all. The hunter flushed deeply in embarrassment, already berating himself. Yet there was a tiny little part in him that regretted they didn't get further. It was a very small part and Zero squashed it quickly.
He looked over at Kaname and watched him trying to tie his coat back up in hurry. The knots were made so they could be tied only from inside thus hiding the seams. That's why the hunter had such trouble to undo the coat in the first place. It was even trickier to tie them yourself, mentally or not.
"Here, I'll do it." Zero took pity on him and came closer to the pureblood to help him. He kept his head lowered to hide his blush. Plus, he was afraid that he might get any more stupid ideas while being this close to the other vampire.
After that, the hunter quickly smoothed out the last creases on pureblood's clothing and adjusted his crown. At last, Zero nodded at him that he was set to go. Kaname looked like he wanted to say something, but the blowing horn sounded for the second time, reminding him that there was quite urgent business he had to attend. The hunter was grateful for that. He needed some time to collect himself.
But no such luck. On his way out the pureblood stopped midway. "I take it you decided to accept my offer from yesterday?"
"Go already!" Zero nearly shouted instead of the answer, turning quickly to hide his blush from the other vampire. He knew he would regret entering the throne room. He wanted to scowl but his face muscles refused to cooperate with him and a he had to actually fight a smile. He really lost his mind.
After managing to calm himself quite considerably Zero realized he still had some free time before the ceremony. Not wanting to be alone with his thoughts, he decided to visit Yori to keep himself distracted. He hadn't seen the girl much lately. As a gardener she was helping out with flower decoration at the castle for past few days, but as far as the hunter knew, the flower arranging was all finished yesterday. Zero supposed she would be resting today and headed towards her cottage. As he knocked on the door he hoped that the cold air already took care of his flushed face. He schooled his features, trying not to think about what happened in a throne room not that long ago.
"Ah, Zero, great. Are you free? Care to join me?" Yori blurted out instead of greeting.
"Join you with what?" The hunter asked confusedly.
"You'll see. It would be fun."
And that's how they ended up camped out on the northern wall, watching the proceeding bellow. Yori even brought some snacks so they could make themselves comfortable. Thus they sat down, their feet dangling from the side of the wall and a plate of snacks between them. This part of wall had the best view of the main courtyard and they could watch the guests as they all stepped out of their expensive carriages in their expensive robes, accompanied by various guards and servants. You could tell how important the arrivals were by the amount of carriages or servants they brought with them.
Some of the soldiers guarding the walls scoffed at their antics but otherwise let them be. They melted considerably when Yori started sharing their snacks with them, too. Some of the more friendly ones even started offering their own amused comments as they passed by them.
Zero listened as Yori was describing that the tanned looking man who just brought with him at least a dozen carriages was the ambassador of the southern empire, judging by the symbol of sun on their banners.
The hunter looked at the stranger's robe that looked like it was made from liquid gold and his guards with golden cloaks. He wondered how much money just one piece of gilded armor cost. "Are you sure it's not the emperor himself?"
"Yes, most of the royalty doesn't visit each other in their homelands for fear of being betrayed and backstabbed. No, they usually choose some neutral grounds for important meetings, preferably in completely different kingdom where the third, unrelated party can overlook their dealings." She mused. "But that man seems important enough, it might be one of his sons."
Zero glanced at Yori amusedly. "You seem quite well informed."
"Well I used to sneak here with Yuuki quite often. She explained to me a lot. It seems that all aristocrats must learn every little fact about all important noble houses from young age. Too bad Yuuki is quite indisposed tonight. She could have probably told you more." She nodded towards courtyard, where Yuuki and Kaname made an appearance to greet the ambassador.
This guest must have been really important since even the king himself went out to greet him personally. The hunter watched their exchange closely, both parties exchanging pleasantries.
Soon his horses and carriages were taken care of by numerous servants and ambassador himself led into the castle, but both Kurans stayed outside. The reason became apparent soon enough.
This time the convoy was not so large in numbers but it still looked pretty impressive. But what caught Zero's attention the most was their banners. It was the same symbol and color as that one different banner inside the ceremony hall. This must have been Yuuki's fiancé. He watched as the servants opened the doors of the most expensive looking carriage and two men stepped out. Both had the same shade of blond hair, but one of them was considerably taller and older. Men bowed before the king and kissed Yuuki's hand. When it was the younger's male turn to kiss princess' hand Yuuki blushed so deeply they could see it even from the wall, where they sat. So the younger one was supposed to be her future husband. Zero was glad, there was just something about the older one he didn't like.
Even Kaname gave both men a little bow.
"How typical, kissing councilors' asses." One of the soldiers complained suddenly.
"Shut it. Do you want sound like you're a part of rebellion or something?" Another guard quieted him down quickly.
"Huh." Listening to those guards' bickering Zero thought for a moment that Kaname glanced briefly in their direction. But the pureblood's expression didn't change and he continued speaking with the councilor, so the hunter dismissed it as his imagination. They should be far enough to be heard by anyone down on the courtyard.
"And that would be so bad? If the king wishes it I would gladly kick the council's asses out of this country for him." The first guard still didn't seem to give up.
"Careful, soldier. Don't flap your tongue too much or you might lose it." A third man appeared behind them suddenly. Zero recognized that voice. It was the captain of the guards. The hunter had seen him on several occasions with Kaname.
A series of 'captain' echoed around the wall as all soldiers straightened their postures quickly and greeted their leader. With last stern look at the audacious guard, Kain continued on his way further along the wall. Passing by, he nodded towards Zero also recognizing him.
Only a few more guests arrived after that and soon the proceeding seemed to near its end. It was almost time for Zero to go prepare for his serving job when one last carriage arrived. It looked very humble, even its horse seemed quite plain looking compared to other nobles. But the most unusual was that Yuuki suddenly started running and hugged the person who just stepped out of the carriage. Few moments later, Kaname also came to greet the man, even offering a polite little smile which was quite unusual since the pureblood always kept his expressions firmly neutral when dealing with strangers. That certainly picked the hunter's interest.
"Who's that man?" He decided to ask Yori about the stranger.
"That's count Cross, princess Yuuki's former custodian."
A/N:
I think that both Kaname and Zero can no longer deny they might be in love with each other. What do you think? *wink*
The long awaited full lemon is right around the corner... just need to write a few scenes before that could happen, but it should be in the next chapter. That said I wonder what your preferences are concerning our boys. Who do you prefer as the dominant one? Though, I am mostly decided at least for the next lemon, I am pretty versatile when this pairing is concerned. I like both Kaname/Zero and Zero/Kaname so I might keep playing with their roles if the story allows it.
Also this chapter had a lot of foreshadowing. I wonder if you can guess. Something was quite obvious, something less.
But most importantly, thank you for all those who reviewed, favorited or added the story to alerts! Especially big thanks to those that took time to review some of the earlier chapters or even all of them.
You are all awesome!