Heyyyyy time for the next chapter! :) I was hoping to get it out earlier, so sorry :( But its out at least haha! Thank you for the reviews, alerts, and favorites! :) I hope to hear more from you all! I hope you will enjoy this chapter! :) Starting with this chapter, things are unraveling! ;)

Chapter 17: Steps to Fall in Love: Learning More About Each Other

Meetings after meetings proved to be quite stressful. Masamune wish state affairs could be solved more easily. Why did a nation have to be so damn selfish sometimes? Can't every country just be ridiculously peaceful with one another? That would make life so much more easier.

The prince sighed. Lately, the amount of meetings he had to attend escalated to almost every other day. He hated the fact that he could not meet the brunette often. He felt bad for having Ritsu always meeting him based on his times.

He was also quite irritated by the fact that a huge ball would be happening very soon. It would take away even more time because he needed to help with preparations. With conferences constantly happening and his parents traveling to and fro kingdoms to handle business, it forced Masamune to become very busy because he had to help manage the kingdom. His parents and the other rulers thought it would be appropriate to find a day to have a day of fun. A conference will be held during the day, while the ball will be held at night. Since it was Estercrest's turn to host a conference this time, they would hold the ball as well. Of course in return, numerous gifts will be sent. Thought the prince could not understand how they could find the time for leisure when the the threats have been escalating in pressure.

The ravenette's mood soured even more after remembering that conversation that came up with his mother when she mentioned the ball.

"Masamune, you are only 20 at the moment, but I do believe you should start looking for a potential wife."

The prince frowned and grunted at that remark. "Mother, just because the princesses from other nations want to marry, it does not mean that I want to."

Mizuki sighed. "Masamune, I'm not saying you have to get married now, but I do believe you should take some action to see if any possible princesses or maybe daughters of nobility that interest you."

'A female…Someone who could bear him a heir and continue the royal line.' That thought saddened the ravenette immensely. A male companion would never be able to do so…

"Mother, I understand your worries, but I do not find any interest in marrying at the moment." 'Especially when I already have someone I love…'

"Masamune, just think about it okay? Your father and I married when we were 18. You are already passed that age and that makes me worry. You can marry a princess from another country or maybe a noble's daughter in our country. There are many options, so please just keep an open mind about finding a wife."

"What about someone unconventional?"

Mizuki furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, "Unconventional?"

"Perhaps someone who meets none of your criteria?"

"And by that what do you mean?"

"A commoner?" 'A man…'

The queen stared at her son for a few moments. "Preferably, we would want you to marry someone who already understands their position as Estercrest's queen…"

Masamune could tell from his mother's tone attitude that if he did try to marry someone a commoner, much less a man, his parents would take grave measures to pull them apart. It would simply easier on the kingdom for their son to marry someone with a high status that will bring some sort of addition to their kingdom.

"I see…"

Neither of two said anything after that and the atmosphere became unbearably heavy.

"Mizuki!"

The two turned towards the new voice that entered. It was the archduchess Kiyomi.

The queen asked, "Yes, Kiyomi?"

Kiyomi glanced at Masamune for a second before looking back at the other. "Um, there's something I need talk to you about… uhh regarding that."

Mizuki's eyes widened. "Uh yes!"

Masamune could see how nervous and frantic his mother was, which made him curious. "Are you alright mother?"

"Yes yes hahaha…" She stood up from her spot and swiftly walked away with her companion, leaving her son utterly confused and curious about the secret his mother and Kiyomi was hiding.

Masamune did find his father and mother rather secretive as of the late. At times, the rulers seemed to be lost in thought, which made him worry for them. He hoped that whatever his parents were plotting would quickly pass and put his parents back in their right mind. It wasn't helping anyone when their minds were in the clouds. The prince could tell that it involved Atushi and Kiyomi, but he could not figure it out what the four of them were hiding. He tried confronting his parents, but they just switched topics instantly.

The ravenette sighed and slammed his head on his desk. All the things that have been happening caused a him a lot of stress. He wish he could see his brunette soon already, but he needed to go finish all the paperwork on his desk. It was going to be long day…

…

"My birthday is in 3 days." Ritsu said casually.

"That's very close! I don't have time to prepare!" Masamune began to panic.

The brunette chuckled, "I only have one request and that is for us to meet that day. Is it possible?"

The ravenette nodded his head. "Of course!" He smiled tenderly and raised his hand to ruffle the other's hair. "I would do anything for you. I will make sure I find time to come meet you. What time would you like to meet?"

"My parents said that during the day they are bringing me somewhere, but we will return at night. 3 hours before midnight?"

"Perfect." The prince brought the other into a tight embrace. He whispered, "Thank you for being born…"

The town beauty simply returned the embrace and smiled softly as well.

…

~3 days later~

"Mama, Papa, where are we going?"

Atushi and Kiyomi glanced at one another. Ritsu found their expressions unreadable, which made him feel scared.

Kiyomi clasped her son's hands into her own. There was a touch of solemness in her eyes. "We made a promise that on your 19th birthday we would tell you the truth, so we shall show you that truth today."

"Show me…?" The brunette was extremely confused now.

Atushi said, "Today you will dress in your full female attire, but you do not have to wear your cloak. Your mother has clothes prepared for you that she will bring out to you."

"Are we going somewhere with people form the upper class?"

The father murmured melancholy, "Yes…because there the truth will be revealed. We need to bring you there to believe it…"

"Papa, Mama, are you okay?" The brunette felt extremely worried at this point.

Kiyomi said softly, "Trust your Mama and Papa. Remember that we love your more than anything in this world. That is why we hid the truth from you for this long because we love your so much. All we want for you is to be happy… that's why are here…"

Ritsu smiled warmly. "I know you love me very much. So do I. I love you Mama and Papa very much."

Despite those words, a sense of uneasiness emanated from them.

Atushi said softly, "Let us go then. The carriage is probably waiting for us."

…

Throughout the carriage, Atushi and Kiyomi did not say a single word. The silent atmosphere felt rather suffocating for Ritsu. He wanted to ask, but he knew that whatever made his parents feel uneasy would revealed to him soon. However, that thought also frightened him. He could feel that uncomfortable churning in his stomach again. He folded his hands together and moved them against each other, which was habit he had whenever he was nervous.

Fear. That emotion controlled their heart because none of them knew what the outcome would be.

Ritsu looked down at his attire. He was wearing a chiffon, navy blue, floor length gown with a corset bodice to give him a womanly figure. It has off the shoulder straps, a sweetheart neckline, and a circle skirt for added volume. Matching the dress, he wore white satin gloves that reached past elbow and silver satin flats. He never had to dress in this manner to go out, but he was used to wearing such clothing. His mother often times would dress him up in this manner for fun, which he didn't mind since he was raised to act like a female. However, this was the first time he stepped out into public like this, which made him curious where they were going.

He looked at what his parents were wearing. It was their regular clothing whenever they went out, so he did not find this sort of clothing unusual. His mother wore floor length lavender gown with a corset bodice as well. It had lace cap sleeves, a scoop neckline, and a flowing skirt. She paired her dress with simple white hand gloves and a pair of low heels. His father wore a suit that consisted of a long black coat that reached his knees, a emerald green vest, and white button up shirt, a emerald green tie, black pants, and black dress shoes.

Wherever they were going, it required them to dress extremely proper and for Ritsu to hide his identity. Where could this place possibly be that held the secrets that have been concealed for 19 years?

Suddenly, Ritsu felt the carriage come to stop, which broke his train of thoughts. They must have reached their destination. He heard quite mumbling outside between the coachman and some other mysterious man. After a minute, the carriage started to move again. The brunette was curious where they were at the moment, so he lifted the curtains and peeked out the window and looked ahead of them.

He was astonished by their location. He could see a large extravagant building that seemed to stretch on for ages. It could only be the royal palace… He turned towards his parents and asked, "Papa, Mama, why are we at the royal palace?"

Kiyomi and Atushi glanced at each other. The archduchess answered, "You'll find out very soon Ritsu…"

Those words did not provide any comfort for the brunette and the melancholy in his parents' eyes only made this even more nerve racking.

…

Masamune was excited for tonight because he would be able to celebrate his love's birthday for the first time. Within those 3 days time, he prepared a present for Ritsu, despite the other saying that all he wanted for them to meet at night. The ravenette wanted to get a present for the other to show his appreciation and happiness for being able to meet the other.

However, before he can do all that, he would have to go through some sort of small meeting with his parents and some guests. Yesterday, his parents told him to come dressed nicely for the small gathering in the parlor at 10 am today. Hikaru and Mizuki did not mention who would be coming, which was unusual since they would normally tell him.

The ravenette glanced at the clock and realized that it was close to the meeting time, so he walked out of his room and went to the parlor. When he entered the room, he could see his parents sitting together on the couch chatting quietly and seriously, but he noticed that the two were quite fidgety, as if they were nervous. He had never seen his parents like this, so these people must be very important. The fact that they were using the small parlor that had a cozy and family feel told Masamune that these guests were extremely special since they almost never invited people into this room.

The small parlor was quite simple, but decorated beautifully. On one side, there were 3 large window on the side with white lace curtains parted to the sides. On the wall next it, there was a large fireplace. Above it, there was a family photo of the three of them. In the center of the room, there 2 couches, each facing one another. In between those two couches, there was small table that had layered cake stand that was filled multiple different desserts, 6 teacups, and a teapot.

He approached his parents and bowed slightly. "Good morning Father, Mother."

His parents stopped their conversation and looked up towards their son. They both greeted back with a smile, "Good morning, Masamune."

Mizuki said patted the spot next to her. "Sit here Masamune."

The ravenette nodded and went to his place. He asked, "Will they be here soon?"

Hikaru nodded. "They should be arriving any moment now."

"Father, Mother, you still haven't told me who is coming."

The queen said softly, "It's Atushi and Kiyomi and someone else that you met a long time ago…"

The prince furrowed his eyebrows. "Someone?"

The king answered, "You will know this person is soon…"

*knock knock*

A voice from outside said, "Your majesties, Atushi-sama, Kiyomi-sama have arrived."

Hikaru answered, "Come in."

Slowly the door opened and revealed Atushi, Kiyomi and the one person that shocked Masamune.

"Ritsu?!" Masamune exclaimed confused.

That caught everyone's attention, especially Ritsu's.

"Masamune…?" The brunette knew that the ravenette would be in the castle, but he did not expect to see him.

The four adults glanced at one another surprised. Atushi asked, "You know each other? And Masamune-kun knows your male identity?"

Ritsu was tongue tied because he felt as if he would be in so much trouble since his parents told him to never reveal his identity. "I-I-I…"

Mizuki cut in. "Atushi, Kiyomi, Ritsu, why don't you take a seat before we continue this discussion." She made a gesture towards the maid to leave and close the door.

The three sat down on the couch opposite of the royal family, in the order of Atushi, Kiyomi, and Ritsu. An awkward settled in the air between the three of them.

Kiyomi said softly, "Before, we get to the introductions, Ritsu could you tell us how you two know each other and how Masamune-kun found out?"

The two youngest glanced at one another. Ritsu said, "We first met when Masamune got lost in the forest and his horse ran away. When we met at the time, I was in my male clothing. The next time we met, I was in my female clothing and in town being chased, when Masamune saved me. The third time we met again, we saw each other at a diner, but unexpectedly, he went back to the river where we first met, which I arrived at before him and he saw met take off my blue wig…"

Masamune said, "Kiyomi-san, Atushi-san, please don't be upset with Ritsu. It was not his fault that I found out and I promised that I never told a single soul about it."

The four adults simply just sighed, which confused the two young males.

Hikaru said, "We just never thought you would meet again like that."

Again?

Kiyomi said, "I believe before we continue this conversation that we should do some introductions. She turned towards her son and gestured towards the king and queen. "They are the King and Queen of Estercrest, Takano Hikaru and Mizuki… also your father's brother and sister-in-law."

Ritsu was not shocked by the royal titles, since they were were Masamune's parents after all. He was surprised by the relations. "T-then they are my aunt and uncle?"

Before anyone could answer, Masamune cut in. "Atushi-san, Kiyomi-san, I thought you couldn't have a child…?"

Ritsu's purple-blue eyes widened. "W-what?" He looked towards his parents. Mama… Papa…?"

The four adults glanced at each other nervously. Kiyomi placed her hands over Ritsu's hands that were folded on his lap. "Remember, you will always be our precious son."

Atushi leaned closer and said gently, "Ritsu, please remove your contacts. Your questions shall be answered, especially in your eyes."

Ritsu shakily took off his purple-blue contacts and revealed the most beautiful emerald eyes, which shocked Masamune and scared him deeply to the core.

"Your eyes…"

"I-I'm sorry I never told you…" Ritsu feared that the other would be angry since he never told him that his purple-blue eyes were merely from his colored contacts.

"H-how…?" Masamune didn't understand how the other could have emerald eyes. It should be impossible, unless… No… it can't possibly be because he didn't have... "Mother, Father… why does he have emerald eyes…?"

Hikaru and Mizuki looked down for a second before looking back up again. They stared straight at Ritsu, who seemed to be extremely confused about the questions of his eye color. The brunette glanced at Kiyomi and Atushi, who looked away. He glanced at Masamune, who maintained an expression with mixture of shock and fear. He looked back at the king and queen.

The truth was finally revealed.

"Ritsu, you are—"

Everything turned dark.

Pieces of their world gradually crumbled almost completely. Only a few pieces remained…

…

Why…Please… Someone tell us why this our reality…?

CLIFF HANGER ;) I feel so evil for leaving you off here, but it will only make the chapter more exciting hehe ;) The next chapter will reveal a lot of things that will become a reason why their past was so tragic. Of course their past is long from over! The real tragedy is only beginning :( Tell me who you think Ritsu is. The next update should be soon because I already wrote half of it before i finished this haha. Thank for reading! :) I hope you enjoyed hehe.

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Love and Snow Kisses! :)