Misaki barely had enough time to even process what was happening before he felt himself being hauled up to his feet by two guards. Soon he found himself surrounded by a small crowd of whispering servants with Haruhiko still staring straight at him, silent. Misaki wasn't sure if he had ever seen the man so surprised or confused. He had no idea what to say to the prince. It wasn't like he could make this situation better if he tried. Still Misaki felt like he owed him something, anything really. "Haruhiko...I-"

A hush fell over the crowd and Misaki looked over to see the King walking towards him, his face cold and menacing. He tried taking a step back but the guards pushed him forward so the two were now face to face. "So...this is the imposter?" The King said, looking over Misaki. "One of our very own 'princesses'. You have a lot of nerve to even dare sneak into my Kingdom."

"But I-"

Misaki started but soon shut his mouth when the King pulled out a sword from his hilt and pointed it at Misaki, narrowing his eyes, "I don't want to hear any of your excuses. No matter what you have to say, you are still an imposter and a threat to my kingdom and my family. Am I wrong?" Misaki didn't respond, looking away from him. "I thought so. If I could, I'd get things taken care of right now. But…" he glanced behind him where the sound of music and chatter echoed down the halls. "I have a party to attend to. And I'll be damned if I let it be ruined by a crossdresser." The King looked over at the guards, "Lock him away in the dungeons. I'll deal with him after the festivities."

Once the King put his sword away Misaki was soon dragged away from the hall, stumbling over the fabric of his dress as he struggled to keep up. He looked back at Haruhiko and then past him, where he knew the party was still going on. Akihiko...what was he going to do when he found out? Would he ever find out? Misaki was at a loss of what to do. He couldn't tell the truth, knowing his brother and Manami would be in trouble as well. But if he took the blame Akihiko would surely try to argue with his father, risking his own life and safety. There had to be a way for him to save both sides...but how?

The King waited till Misaki was out of view before turning to face his son, who was still in shock. "Listen to me. Not a soul is to know what has happened here. Not the servants, not the guests and not even your brother. Not until I say sow. Understand?"

"Father…"

"Understand?"

Haruhiko hesitated a moment before letting out a sigh, calming down a little. "...Yes, father. But Manami…"

"No. That isn't Manami. That is an imposter." He turned to walk away but stopped, slowly facing him once again, "Don't get your feelings confused, Haruhiko. The last thing I need is for my sons to be feeling sympathy for a criminal. We'll talk more about the… 'relationship' you had with them. Same goes for Akihiko. But for now...we have guests to entertain."

With that the King walked away, giving threatening glares to the servants and guards who looked down, all silently agreeing to keep their mouth shut. Haruhiko looked back down the hall, thinking for a moment before taking in a deep breath and sighing. He looked down at his hands, eyes widening when he realized he was still clutching a piece of the other's dress. With a frown, he tightly curled his fingers around the soft, pink satin. After some debate, he stuffed the satin into his pocket before walking back towards the party, his face once again expressionless. But even then, he couldn't help but think about what had just happened.

...Manami...Who are you?...

"Are you serious? You, Akihiko, have actually found another person you get along with?"

Akihiko rolled his eyes a little before looking back at his childhood friend, expression unamused. Sure, he guessed it was a bit surprising but still. He didn't need to act so dramatic. "Mhm. I have indeed."

Hiroki chuckled, crossing his arms, "Well, well. I didn't think it would be possible. So who is the lucky 'lady'. A nobel? Scholar?"

"Hm...peasant, I guess."

"Wh-What?" Hiroki sputtered, setting his glass down on the window ledge. "Are you serious? Akihiko."

"Hiroki."

"That's...That's against the rules. I know you're a sucker for romance but still…I never thought you'd do anything so scandalous."

"What can I say? I don't care. By the way," he smirked, "How's that young doctor of yours doing? Last time I heard 'heir of a wealthy family' and 'physician' weren't on the same level either."

Hiroki growled, "Whatever. It's still a closer gap than between Prince and peasant." He paused before relaxing a little, face calming down a little. "But, if he makes you happy I can't complain."

"He does. Very much so." He smiled softly.

"Heh. I'm guessing you're throwing this whole competition then?"

"In a way. It's complicated."

"How so?"

"I'll tell you when it's all over."

"Akihiko, you know you can tell me anything."

"I know. But...let's just say it's a long story and I'd rather tell it to you when I at least find out the ending of it."

Hiroki frowned but shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. "Whatever you say, weirdo."

Akihiko chuckled and took a sip of his own drink before looking around. He saw the princess dancing, Aikawa gossipping in the back, Sumi chatting with other lower class nobles-

But where was Misaki? He had seen him step out a while ago but he should be back in by now. It was too cold to be out this long and he knew Misaki wasn't one to leave the party for very long. Akihiko frowned, becoming worried immediately. However his worry turned to anxiety when he soon realized he didn't see his brother either.

"Akihiko!" Hiroki put a hand on his shoulder, noting how tense he felt. "What's wrong? You look-"

"I got to go. I'll talk with you soon."

"What? Oi! Aki-"

Akihiko quickly pushed his way through the crowd, politely excusing himself as he shoved past. He made his way toward the hall where he had seen Miskai disappear to. He stopped when he saw Haruhiko standing off to the side. Something felt off about his brother and he frowned, narrowing his eyes as he approached him.

"Haruhiko."

His brother jumped and looked at him, mimicking the same annoyed expression. "Akihiko. I don't have time to chat. I must go."

"Have you seen M-Manami?" He asked, quickly correcting himself. "I saw her go through...here." Akihiko took note of his brother's expression changing. It was a slight change, but enough to make Akihiko more suspicious.

"No I have not. Please excuse me."

"Haruhiko." He moved in front of his brother. "Where is she? I know you saw her."

"I did not. Move out of the way."

"Or what?"

"Akihiko, please. Don't act like a little kid."

"Where is she then?"

Haruhiko curled his hands into fists, "Akihiko. Move or so help me I will make you." He threatened, voice uncharacteristically harsh.

Akihiko remained unthreatened, instead he stood his ground, moving closer to his older brother, mere inches apart. "Where. Is. She."

However, before the two could break into a fight, a hush fell over the crowd. The two tore their gazes away from each other and looked over to see their father standing on the stage once again.

"Ladies and gentleman, once again I thank you all for coming and blessing me with your company. The night is still young but I assume that all of you are dying to know which of the princesses will be making it to the finals." A small bubble of chatter rose from the crowd but quickly died down to let the King finish. "I thought so, I thought so. Well, I won't keep you all waiting. I know I can't wait. So, without further ado, I will call forward the last three remaining princesses. First off, we have Miss Abigail from the Larnach family, Princess Sakura from the Clow Kingdom and...Miss Juliette of Mistral." A round of applause erupted from the crowd as the Princess went up to the stage to thank the King.

But Akihiko was far from happy. Although he knew it would be better for Miskai not to be called...he knew Haruhiko would ensure 'her' safety and spot on the top three. Plus their father would not have purposely left 'her' out. Not like this. He turned back to his brother, noting his somewhat pained expression. In a fit of anger he grabbed him by the collar and shoved him back down the hall and out of sight from the crowd, which were too busy to notice. Haruhiko growled, grabbing his wrists as he was shoved backwards and against a wall. "Why wasn't she called? I know very well you would have wanted her to make it."

This time Akihiko was met with silence. Haruhiko looked away, hands tightening around his brother's wrists. "Let me go." He said after a while.

Akihiko felt his anger and fear rise. He slammed Haruhiko against the wall, "Where is she? What did you do-!"

Haruhiko growled and grabbed Akihiko's shirt, shoving him back and slamming him against the opposite wall. "I didn't do anything! I don't know where s-she is!" He slammed Akihiko against the wall again, "Why do you care so much? Maybe she left. Maybe she's finally come to her senses and abandoned you."

"She wouldn't do that."

"How do you know? You've only known her for a few months. Maybe she's gotten bored of you. Maybe she'd fed up with your flaws."

Akihiko pushed him back but then grabbed him by the collar so they were face to face. "I know you know something!"

"I don't!"

"Tell me where he is-!"

Both froze, staring at each other in shock. Haruhiko slowly let go of his shirt, eyes wide. "You...you knew."

Akihiko let go of him, his face going pale. No...it couldn't be…Misaki...

"You knew, didn't you? About Manami?" Haruhiko took a few steps back. "You…"

"Boys." The two jumped and turned to see the King standing there, his hands behind his back and two guards at his sides. How long had he been there? They didn't know. But by the looks of things he had heard enough. He looked between the two before gesturing with his chin toward the hall. "Follow me." He walked through them, "I have questions that need to be answered."

Akihiko looked over at Haruhiko who looked more nervous than anything. Slowly, they followed. Akihiko kept his gaze forward while his brother kept his down. Both, in their own way, preparing for the worst.

Misaki struggled against his chains, the cold metal pressing against his skin in an uncomfortable way. His arms were held up and against the wall, allowing minimal movement. He was still wearing his ridiculous pink dress which provided little protection from the cold. He was alone here in this small dungeon, nothing but the sound of the wind and his own shivering to keep him company. That and a few rats who ran by every now and then. But it seemed like not even the animals wanted to be here if they could help it.

The sound of footsteps made Misaki lookup. He squinted a little in the dim room until three familiar figures came into view. His breath caught as he saw Akihiko once again. The feeling seemed to be mutual as he watched the silver haired prince tense up and stare at Misaki.

The King stepped forward, unamused. "So...let's start off with the obvious. You aren't Miss Manami...so who are you?"

Misaki hesitated for a moment before looking down, "Misaki."

"Is there a last name with that?" Misaki said nothing, making the King smile out of annoyance. "Very well. Now, let me see...impostering a nobel carries a heavy punishment. But spying? Well that's punishable by death-"

"He isn't a spy."

Misaki's eyes widened and he looked up to see Akihiko stepping forward. The King turned to look at his son. "You knew." It wasn't a question. Akihiko didn't answer, looking back at Misaki, looking anxious and fearful for a moment before looking back at his father with coldness. "I don't know what feelings you have for… 'Misaki'. But I would advise you get rid of them."

"I will not. My feelings are very real and clear."

"Oh? You would stand up for this imposter? A threat to the safety of this kingdom and your family?"

"He isn't a threat."

"Then what is he, hm? Why is here?" Akihiko said nothing, his breathing quickening just a bit. He would never expose Misaki's secret but he was backed into a corner he shouldn't be in. "Well? I'm not going to ask again. Why-"

"He doesn't know." Both tuned to look at Misaki, who was staring at them with a newfound confidence. "Not the truth, anyways."

Misaki ignored Akihiko's confused expression and focused on the King, who was staring at him now. "What are you talking about?"

"It...I told him a lie. Something to gain his sympathy and keep my cover."

"Misaki-" Akihiko said but was cut off by the King.

"So you are a spy." Misaki narrowed his eyes and the King frowned, "What did you tell him?"

"Told him I was trying to help my 'brother' and his fiancee. But it was lie. Manami never even got the letter. Never even made it into town. I stole it at random, knowing I'd never get another chance to get in so effortlessly."

"So all this...you were just trying to get information. For who? Why?" When Misaki didn't reply he shook his head, "You used my sons against me? You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into."

Misaki opened his mouth to reply but Akihiko stepped in, gripping onto the bars. "That's not true! Misaki, I know you're lying. This isn't true! You're just trying to-"

"Akihiko enough! He's a spy, he's been playing you! Everything he said or has done is a lie!"

"That's not true. Misaki, it isn't true. I know you're trying to save everyone." Akihiko said, although his confidence was slipping.

Misaki looked away, his face void of any emotion. The King shook his head, "Look, he doesn't care Akihiko. You have been manipulated. Let it go-"

"Misaki, if you're being honest then tell me...tell me you never loved me. Look at me in the eyes and tell me you're being honest."

There was a moment of tense silence as Misaki kept his gaze off to the side, his face covered by his hair. Slowly, he looked back at Akihiko, face stern as his green eyes stared back into purple. "I never loved you." He smiled a bit, "I guess I'm just a good actor, hm?"

Akihiko felt a sharp pain in his chest at his words and he slowly let his hands fall from the bars. The King snarled, ordering his guards to escort his sons out of here and back to their rooms. He glared at Misaki who still had the smile on his face. "I'll see to it that your punishment is as severe as it can be. If I were you, I'd start praying I give you mercy and make your death quick." And with that, he left the other down in the dungeon once again.

It was all a blur, really. Akihiko felt so numb as he was lead back to his room, excused from the party tonight. He didn't even have the strength to take off his uniform or crown, letting it fall of his head as he leaned forward. He watched it clatter on the ground near his feet. No...it couldn't be. Misaki had to be lying. He just had to. All those moments...those touches...could it really be a lie?

Akihiko had never experienced a love like this before. Nothing so warm and tender. But his insecurities rose. Maybe he was being played. Who could love him with all his faults, all his problems and his temper? Perhaps he really was being a fool. No one could love someone like him. He didn't deserve that kind of love….

Akihiko buried his face in his hands. The weight of Misaki's words and his own negative thoughts catching up to him and breaking the poor prince's heart.

Downstairs, in the dungeons, Misaki was sobbing. The words had hurt him more than Akihiko. Every sentence felt like a knife stabbing into his heart. He didn't mean anything, none of it was true. But he loved Akihiko too much to drag him down with him or make his father hate him. No, it had to be this way. Misaki had vowed never to put himself first. Not since the day his parents died due to his own selfishness. But even though he knew his brother and Akihiko were safe...it did nothing to levy the pain he felt in his heart.

"Akihiko…" he sobbed, his tears dripping freely down his face since he could not wipe them away, "I'm so sorry...I'm so, so sorry…." He looked down at his lap, the necklace feeling like lead around his neck, "Please forgive me...I...I love you…"

[A/N: Sorry for NOT posting it on Saturday. Editing was done a little late and I ended up rewriting a whole section so bleh. But here it is! The shit has finally hit the fan now folks. You'll have to wait till next Saturday/Sunday for the next chapter (Yup I'm trying to post regularly now!) So stay tuned for that. Also, not sure if you guys are interested but if you wanna follow my tumblr, where I'll post updates, let me know and I'll add it to my bio or something. Thanks for the patience!]