Disclaimer: The BEAUTIFUL cover art is made by kingkishou (tumblr). THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Notes: In several languages, Regina means Queen.

Silence accompanied the 24-year-old one-eyed-King in his study chamber as he read the draft constitution carefully, adjusting them where necessary. The study chamber was huge but there were bookshelves everywhere, making it look less bigger than it originally was. He yawned occasionally, tired from the meeting with King Tsuneyoshi from Washuu Kingdom earlier that evening. That man was being ridiculous, wanting to overthrow other kingdoms and sought Re Kingdom's help for that purpose.

The one-eyed-King, or his real name Kaneki Ken, was known as a very strong but kind-hearted king, he conquered a lot of territories but offered shelters to them under his protection. He did not snatch other kingdom's territories and provided help whenever necessary. Thus, as usual, he declined King Tsuneyoshi's request.

The reason why Re Kingdom still maintained a good relationship with Washuu Kingdom was because they have Dr. Kanou, a genius doctor whom may have a chance of curing Kaneki. But it won't be free. To ask for the doctor's assistance, he needed to assist King Tsuneyoshi, which he had been declining numerous times due to his kind nature.

Despite 'Ken' being his given name, he insisted everyone address him as King 'Kaneki'. Since his mother, the previous Queen died he did not want to get extremely close to anyone, including his best friend. By insisting everyone call him by the surname he was hoping to form some gaps between them. Little did he know it made him feel lonelier, as he did not experience any sense of closeness with anyone.

He was making an adjustment to draft constitution #2172 when suddenly the thick white paper that contains the constitution content has tiny black splotch on it. He let out a heavy sigh before wiping them using his new handkerchief.

Black tears have been dripping from his eye more frequently now. Tsukiyama, the High Chancellor had begged him for so many times to get married soon and leave an heir so that the Kingdom won't be left heirless after he died. But Kaneki was not interested in that part of his life just yet.

Also, what was the point of getting married, leave an heir, if you were going to die after that? The Queen would be sad, well, if the Queen loved him of course. But he felt very bad if he accepted Tsukiyama's request. Deep down he was a romantic person, he would like to fall in love and has a family of his own. But with death seems to be knocking on his door oldest by the age of 30 as stated by Dr. Kanou, he felt like it would be impossible. It would be better if he just died without hurting anyone's heart.

'It's because you haven't found the right girl. Once you have found her you will be head over heels for her, trust me. Then you will have your reason to live. Your reason to seek help from Dr. Kanou.'

He chuckled at Hide's reply. Hide's death was almost a year ago, he died protecting him. Kaneki was left devastated, he didn't have a proper meal for two months. Hide was his best friend. The only friend that treated him like a normal human instead of a King. Kaneki couldn't stand to see people died saving his life. Yes, he is the King, and the King needs to be protected, but at the same time, the King also needs to protect his people. Die for his people. One man should be sacrificed for the lives of many, not the other way around.

Kaneki took a deep breath before staring at the desk's drawer. 'Okay Hide, I will try to find the right girl. Then let's see if I found my reason to live.' Inside the desk drawer was the list of queen candidates, he left it there ever since he received it from Hinami and had never bothered to check. Seeing his condition had gotten worsened and wanting to prove Hide's theory, he pulled open the drawer and placed the list on his table. His eyes began to scan each page.

Princess Rize from Washuu. 'Ahh, I missed her.' They always had discussion about books whenever King Tsuneyoshi visited Re. But she hadn't joined her father's visit for six months now. While she was definitely his type, he viewed her as a friend as Rize had straight-forward told him she was in love with someone else when Kaneki confessed his love for her three years ago.

Princess Hairu from Sunlit Garden. 'She has this graceful look in front of everyone but in front of me she looks like she wants to pick a fight.' Kaneki shivered remembering her stares and smirks.

Princess Eto from Aogiri. 'Wait isn't she engaged to Prince Kishou already?'

Princess Itori from Pierrot. 'A big NO. She parties all night, definitely not a good candidate.'

Princess Roma from Pierrot. 'Not interested.'

Princess Touka from Anteiku. '…' His heart sank, and skipped a beat.

He stared at the drawing of her for a long moment. Princess Touka has grown into a beautiful young woman in six years. She dyed her hair to light blue, her right eye was still covered, revealing only her left eye instead. That stunning indigo-colored eye, however, still looked sad despite the mesmerizing smile she gave on her lips.

Kaneki hadn't met her since King Ayato's coronation day. In Anteiku Kingdom, the first son will rule the kingdom despite Touka being the first child. He felt sympathetic at Ayato, having to shoulder the weight of ruling the kingdom at the age of 15, it must have been hard. He understood the hardship, as he became a King at a much younger age than him.

He remembered Ayato's coronation day very clearly. It was a coronation day but the atmosphere was gloomy. The people were crying. There was no joy as the previous King Arata had died tragically. Kaneki couldn't save him.

"Take care of my daughter…"

Guilt began to form into his heart as he remembered the painful conversation with Princess Touka at the ceremony.

"He could've saved himself… But he chose to save you instead! He left us, because of you!" The tears fell uncontrollably from her eyes. "You cause his death! You killed him! Killer! Coward!" Kaneki stepped forward to calm her down.

"Touka-chan-" She stepped back.

"Don't come near me. Cowards like you should stay out of Anteiku!" and she ran. Away from him. Away from the ceremony.

That was the last time he saw her. In a way, he was also running. Running from guilt. Running from fulfilling King Arata's final request. The late King was very fond of Kaneki. He could see the resemblance between the one-eyed-King and himself when he was young. He could also see the sparks in his daughter's eyes whenever Kaneki visited the Anteiku Kingdom.

"When Touka has grown up, I wish to see her marrying a good king like you. What do you think?"

That question made Kaneki widened his eyes, then gave a polite smile to the elder King. That was sort of a marriage proposal. He didn't know what to say. He didn't feel that way towards Princess Touka. He treated her like a friend, a precious friend, because deep in his heart, he liked Rize.

But Rize had rejected his feelings. And Touka had become a very beautiful young woman now. He had to admit, just by looking at the drawing, he couldn't believe such a beautiful person could ever exist in this world. She was cute back then, but now, she's breathtakingly beautiful.

He kept on staring at the drawing that he didn't realize Banjou's knock on the door. The older guy came into the chamber bringing in more constitution drafts for his king.

"Ah, so you're finally looking at those lists. Any princess caught your attention?" Banjou had known Kaneki ever since he was born. He was basically his father figure as the previous king died a few months after that. He cares for the one-eyed-King so much as if he was his own son and seeing that he's dying soon formed a painful ache in his heart.

"I choose this princess. Send out Naki's team for the proposal. Tell Tsukiyama that if she accepts, I'm counting on him for the wedding preparation."

"Yes, my king."

"Good." Said Kaneki as he left the study chamber to call off the night. He had enough of running. He was going to fulfill the late King Arata's request. He didn't love her, but he chose duty over love. He chose Re Kingdom's future over his and his candidate's heart.

Banjou walked to the desk to see which princess his King has chosen. He smiled softly reading the name on the paper.

Princess Touka from Anteiku.