HEYYYY! :) thank for you all your reviews :) I hope you will enjoy this chapter! Read carefully hehe. Things are slowly beginning to unravel ;) I am laying out many hints that will all be connected when things are revealed in a few chapters. Please enjoy ^-^

Chapter 15: Steps to Fall in Love: Supporting Each Other

Masamune sighed. Lately, he had been constantly having to attend meeting regarding the dire situation of their country. He reflected back on the first meeting regarding this issue.

…

The prince could see the everyone gathering in their seats in order to commence the meeting in the royal court. His father, Takano Hikaru and his mother, Takano Mizuki sat in the front of their rooms high above their officials. His father had brown hair and azure eyes and his mother had raven black hair and honey eyes. Masamune sat near his parents; however, a step lower to show his position as a prince compared to the king and the queen.

All the other court officials sat in an organized fashion of rows surrounding the royal family. The highest ranking sat closest to the main royal family and the lower ranks sat farther away.

The only one not sitting in the surrounding was the royal secretary, Hatori Yoshiyuki, who had dark brown hair and dark grey eyes. He sat in the center facing the royal family and surrounded by the rest of the royal officials. He recorded all the information spoken by everyone and details information that must be discussed.

The king commanded, "Order in the court!" He commanded everyone's attention. When everyone has silenced, he ordered Hatori to tell the information needed.

Masamune absolutely hated these types of meetings, but he could feel the tension in the air, so he understood that the subject must be extremely important.

Hatori cleared his throat. "As you know, the kingdom of Avardan is only continuing to gain power as they conquer more land. They have been threatening our kingdom of Estercrest, despite our peace agreement."

That caught Masamune's attention. He knew the within these past 2 years, Avardan has been conquering small kingdoms in order to gain more land and increase their fortune. Before their conquest, they already stood as the most powerful kingdom because of their fascinating and quick technological advances. But that gain seemed to push the nation to become greedier and greedier.

"Our peace agreement states that we will lower our prices on the special Estercrestian jewels and Esterian flowers in exchange for not being conquered."

Masamune tsked. The Estercrestian jewels could only found in their land and were the most precious jewels. Not only did their land have these special jewels, but their fields were rich in various other jewels, such as rubies, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds. These assets allowed the country to grow and become stable. The Esterian flowers also provided income and fame to the country. The juices of these flowers created the most fragrant of perfumes, which many noble women fell in love with.

"Avardan has outrageously threatened us to lower our prices even more and increase our export of the jewels and flowers for them."

The ravenette could see how dire the situation was. If they lowered their prices anymore, it will affect their income drastically and allow Avardan to walk all over them.

"We cannot lower our prices anymore. By lowering our prices, it would give Avardan an advantage because they will know how disadvantage we are. Especially because our military is not as strong as theirs, we cannot afford to go to war with them and hope to come out victorious."

The king said, "That is the current situation. We are attempting to find some sort of agreement that will keep some peace between us. As Hatori mentioned, we cannot afford to go to war at all costs. Our military is not as strong as Avardan."

A man raised his hand.

"Archduke Atushi, you may speak."

"Thank you, your highness. Perhaps, we should seek some assistance from some of our allies. Information shows that they are also beginning to face the same circumstances as us."

A woman raised her hand.

"Archduchess Kiyomi, you may speak."

"I have received a message from my homeland, the Kingdom of Illumine. Avardan is threatening them as well. Avardan may want to weaken all of kingdoms. Despite the peace treaty, they have always been using their military power to threaten many kingdom in order to increase their own fortune. From the start, they have hinted that they will eventually attempt to take over our kingdom and others."

Hikaru answered, "That is true… Avardan will not stop till they become truly unstoppable. Seeing as they may not be far from it, it is truly troublesome. What can we do though? We cannot afford to lower our prices and export more goods so quickly."

Atushi said, "We should call for a conference with our alliance. I believe a meeting between us will allow us to expand our options and see what we can do. They are surely facing the same issue as us. Illumine shows that we are not the only ones in danger. Surely, other kingdoms will fall under the same circumstances soon as well. Avardan will do anything to continually gain.

The king sighed, "You are right. Let us dismiss the court today then. Hatori, please arrange for a conference with our alliance."

The royal secretary nodded and quickly finished writing down all his notes and necessary jobs to fulfill.

"Court dismissed."

The court was only filled with tension. Everyone was feeling worried. They could see that Avardan was literally playing with their kingdom. They could crush them any time they desire, but out of the "goodness of their heart" they gave Estercrest a chance.

Masamune exited the court. He knew that this would only be the beginning. As a prince, he had a duty and he could not run about freely in this time of seriousness. He sighed loudly. He would no longer be able to go into town as often and see Ritsu. That thought saddened him, but he could not be so selfish.

As he was trying to leave for town in order to meet with Ritsu as he promised yesterday, his mother called out to him.

"Masamune! I heard that you have been going out to town often lately." She gave a disapproving look. "You should not be running off to town so often. You are needed in the castle right now."

The prince nodded his head. "I understand my responsibilities mother. I will manage my time wisely and make sure I am always here for the important matters. Do not worry mother."

Mizuki sighed. "Alright Masamune." She turned to the side and called out, "Kiyomi, would you like you have high tea with me?"

The archduchess smiled and answered, "Of course Mizuki. Our husbands seem to have run off somewhere together, so I have some time right now."

The queen returned the smile and left with her friend. "Masamune, don't forget what you said!"

The ravenette just chuckled and turned around. It was about time for him to leave and go see Ritsu.

…

Masamune was sad that his time with Ritsu had decreased quite considerably. He rarely got to see the brunette. However, every moment they spent together was treasured.

…

The prince was in a daze and the hooded male noticed. Whenever the two met, they would talk or they would simply just be with each other in a comfortable silence. The ravenette would take a nap and the brunette would read a book. The routine between them allowed them to feel relaxed. However, as of the late, Masamune would seem dazed and occupied, which caused Ritsu to worry a great deal.

"Masamune-san, are you alright?" The town beauty closed the book and placed it next to him on the grass.

"Huh?" The prince snapped out of his daze and suddenly became aware that the other asked him something.

"Are you alright?" Ritsu's face was filled with worry.

"Just thinking about some things. There has been some issues that have been discussed that have been quite concerning. As a prince, I don't know what I can do to exactly help sometimes."

"Ahhh…I'm sorry that I cannot be of help in this situation. I am not familiar with politics."

The ravenette chuckled. "That's alright. I don't expect you to."

The brunette offered a smile. "If it makes you feel any better, I will be here to listen. I do not mind carrying some of your burden. After all, you are carrying mines with me."

"Then will you do this for me?" Masamune laid down and put his head on Ritsu's lap.

The town beauty blushed and stuttered, "M-masamune-san."

"This is all I want."

The brunette sighed. "I understand." He began to run his fingers to through the soft raven tresses. That soothing motion made the other drowsy and soon drift off into a peaceful sleep.

…

Masamune smiled at that memory. He wasn't sure why, but truly enjoyed the other's presence. Even when he told the other that they would not be able to spend as much time with other, Ritsu only spoke very kind and loving words.

…

"With the situation with the kingdom, I don't think I can see you as often as I would like anymore."

Ritsu frowned. "Is something very serious occurring?"

"Basically. It's a very complicated conflict involving different countries. As a prince, I have to be there and help."

The brunette patted his lap and said, "Lie down."

The ravenette chuckled and did what the other said. He loved lying his head on the other's lap and having those nimble fingers run through his hair.

"I'm not even sure if I can arrange set times for meetings anymore because things could easily come up that need my attention."

"How about this?"

"Hmm?"

"I usually go to town everyday now. When you want to meet and believe you can, send a message to An-chan and she'll pass that message onto me. I will always find time to come and meet you here by the river.

Masamune could not help but smile. "Thank you…"

…

The prince groaned. Due to the conference between the kingdoms arriving soon, Masamune has been very busy preparing. He could not find any time to visit Ritsu. He would be loaded with paper work morning till night. The situation will likely continue to keep him bogged down in work for a long period of time. He hoped he could see Ritsu soon. He missed the brunette dearly…

…

"Ricchan!"

"Ricchan!"

"RICCHAN!"

Ritsu finally snapped out of his trance after hearing his name being called so loudly. He looked around and realized that he was in the inn and that An-chan was staring at him with a worried expression.

"Uh yes?"

"Ricchan, are you alright? You have been in a daze for a while. Did something happen?"

"Mmmm not really… just have some things on my mind." He sighed loudly.

The waitress giggled. "Is it because you haven't been able to see Masamune-san recently?"

The brunette's signature blush invaded his cheeks. "W-what are you talking about An-chan?"

"Oooo so I am right."

"Fine… I just feel somewhat lonely when I don't get the chance to see him."

"Aww Ricchan. Masamune-san is doing everything he can. I'm sure he feels the same way you do."

"And recently, I have this feeling that makes my stomach churns. It makes me feel scared."

An-chan furrowed her eyebrows. "Do you want to talk about it?"

The town beauty shook her head. "I have nothing to say about it. It is just a feeling. A feeling that has been bothering me for a while."

The waitress went into the kitchen and came back with a glass of hot chocolate. "Here Ricchan. This will make you feel better."

He reached out and took the cup and sipped it slowly. "Thank you, An-chan."

She rubbed her friend's back and said, "Everything will be okay, Ricchan. I'm sure this feeling will pass."

"I hope…"

But… everything was slowly beginning to crumble…

OOOO things are gonna start heating up. Little things that are happening will all add up together to create something huge. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hope it was more interesting haha. I know it has been kind of slow, but this chapter is more jam packed with tidbits fluff of course :)

Please review! Another 5 at least would be nice :)

Love and Snow Kisses!

*Titles Ranked

-Archduke/duchess: the highest rank below the royal family.

-Duke/Duchess

-Marquis

-Earl

-Baron

Depending if you were born into a family with title or as a commoner will determine how high you can rise in ranking. Commoners can only become as high as an Earl, while those born into a family with a title can rise to archduke/duchess. Members of the royal family are all given some sort of title. The siblings who do not become the heir will assume their titles and remain connected in that manner.