Geraze90 pointed out about calling Kaneki His Highness, when it's supposed to be His Majesty. I'm sorry for my limited knowledge. I have amended every chapter. Everyone will call Touken His/Her/Your Majesty now :)

Also, I've fixed some of the grammatical errors from chapter 1 to 13. It's not perfect, but at least it's much better now. For existing readers- especially those who have been following this for months- thank you so much for still reading this even when the grammar was (and still is) super bad. *hugs

A knock on the door startled the married couple- Kaneki's back was resting against the headboard, reading one of Eto's books from the castle's library to Touka, who was leaning against his shoulder- listening to his words attentively. He chose the book with the most complex sentences, intending to make her sleep earlier that night so that he could have his meeting with King Tsuneyoshi in secret, then read her letter afterwards.

They stared at the door for a split second, then at each other, with confusion on their faces. They weren't expecting any visitors as they were in Aogiri kingdom after all.

"I wonder who that is..." Touka proceeded to open the door, while Kaneki put on his eyepatch. He would only show his eye to the people in Re, so he always wore an eyepatch whenever he left his kingdom.

Touka almost screamed at the sight of her only brother in front of her.

"Ayato!" She immediately wrapped her arms around him, holding him as tightly as possible. Seeing him safe and sound, in good health, made her relieved beyond words.

Ayato returned her hug and nodded slightly towards Kaneki, his way of greeting him. Deep inside, he was still not fond of his brother-in-law for taking two of the most important people in his life from him.

"Nico said you'll be arriving tomorrow?" Touka asked as she pulled away, taking in his features. He seemed somewhat tired, not just physically but mentally as well.

"It's rare for us to meet each other these days, so I planned to arrive as fast as I can." Touka just pinched his nose at hearing his answer.

"I'll leave the two of you alone." Kaneki said, preparing to leave the room.

"But-"

"It's alright. I'll just get some fresh air." He smiled warmly at her, his hand brushed his chin but she paid no heed to his gesture.

Once he left, the siblings sat on the chair at the small table, and Touka poured hot water and some tea leaves into two empty cups.

"Thanks for sending back the assassin."

'Oh.' She recalled the assassin from last month, she would have died if Shio wasn't there.

"Have you... executed him?" She remembered how much she wanted him to die back then. But these days she had been joining the court meetings with Kaneki more frequently, and she adored his decision making very much. He wasn't a ruthless king at all- unlike her- and it made her heart softened even more.

"Why don't you see it yourself?" Ayato smirked, patiently waiting for her to understand his words.

"See..." she paused, and then let out a shocked gasp. "You don't mean-?"

"Yeah. His dead body is displayed in the middle of the town. Quite bloody, I may say. Everyone should get the message by now." Never try to assassinate the royal family.

"Ayato..." her face fell, she had mixed feelings about this. Three months ago, maybe she would have agreed to Ayato's method of handling this, but now? She didn't feel morally good about her brother's decision.

Had Kaneki changed her that much?

"Ayato, listen. You need to learn from Kaneki."

"…What? Are you kidding me? Why would I learn from that half-assed bastard?" He had the biggest scowl on his face, clearly showing disapproval.

"I know you're not fond of him, but he's a great ruler. He rarely executes prisoners. I went to the market with him, he received a warm welcome from everyone. And he received gifts too. A lot of them. Even I got gifts as well."

The scowl remained on his face as she continued.

"Do you remember how it was when we were in the market? The people kneeled down and bowed, they were afraid of us. When father was the king, they weren't like that-"

"There you go comparing me to father again! I'm sick of this!" He yelled, his fist slamming on the table.

"Ayato, I- I didn't mean to- I just want you to become a better ruler-"

"So you're saying I'm a bad ruler?"

"No- of course not. You're doing great. But at least, you need to make our people not afraid of us."

"If they're not afraid of us, they will do whatever the hell they want to. You were the one who taught me this. Don't you remember?"

Of course she remembered. She was terrified to lose her family again. Hence, she created these rules, just to protect him, her only brother.

She sighed, feeling defeated. Ayato sipped his tea to calm himself. The cup was pretty small for his liking.

"I know it will be hard for you to change your way of ruling, especially since you've been doing this for six years now. So I have another plan to make Anteiku citizens not afraid of their rulers."

"And that is?" He asked before taking the final sip of his tea.

"On your behalf, I asked Hinami's hand for marriage-"

He choked, spluttering tea everywhere on the table. It was an unpleasant sight for a king.

He wiped his mouth hastily with his handkerchief.

"YOU- WHAT?!" His cheeks went red, he was blushing furiously.

"You love her. So I'm killing two birds with one stone here."

The redness on his cheeks quickly spread to his whole face. His feelings were too obvious now.

"I- but she-"

"Don't worry. She hasn't given me the answer yet. You're not angry, are you?" Smirking teasingly, she set her elbow on the table and rested her cheek on her hand, looking up at her flushed brother. He seemed embarrassed by her question, and also by what he was going to answer.

"...No." He mumbled very quietly, it didn't even reach whisper level. Touka heard it- of course, but decided to tease him more.

"I can't hear you~"

"I said NO, stupid aneki!" She laughed, satisfied with her teasing. After a while, he laughed too, though his face was still red. He missed his sister so badly. She was always there to help him make decisions. But after she left, he had to decide everything alone. Sure, he had Knight Yoshimura and Duke Renji to guide him but in the end, it was him who had to give the final words.

"I missed you." He blurted out without even realising it. "I mean, you were always there- but now-"

She tousled his hair, half smiling, "I missed you too, silly brother."

He closed his eyes as he leaned into her touch. His sister was always there for him, protecting him, making sure he was safe, and happy. Happy. She asked Hinami's hand for marriage not only to make the citizens of Anteiku not afraid of them, but because she was thinking of his happiness as well. He pressed his lips together. He wanted her to be happy too.

"Are you happy?" He asked, his eyes looked hopeful, his voice serious yet concerned.

The smile on her face disappeared instantly. She opened her mouth to answer, but paused, taking a sip of her tea before answering him.

"I… I am happy. I think so."

His eyes narrowed.

"You think so? Did he make you cry?"

"What? No. He's very kind, and gentle. Just like how he was back then." She stared at the wall across her, her eyes... they seemed... sad. "You were right, Ayato. I never stopped loving him."

"Does he love you?"

"Of- Of course." She lied, not wanting her brother to worry about her marriage.

"Are you sure?" He didn't seem convinced at all. He knew how much she loved that half-assed bastard.

'If that bastard doesn't even love her...' His insides boiled indignantly at the thought.

"Are you saying I'm delusional?"

"Well, you have loved him for a long time and- where's your rabbit hair stick?!" Shock plastered across his face. His sister cherished her birthday present from that bastard so much that it was unusual to see her hair without her precious accessory.

"I left it in Re. It's alright, don't worry too much about me."

"When you said it like that, I'm becoming more worried, you know. You're the only family I have left."

She smiled softly at him before pinching his cheeks to lighten up the mood. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to be bullied by her. It reminded him of the old days.

"I'm fine, really. Let's talk about other things. How's Anteiku? How's everyone?"

He started to get annoyed when she changed the topic, purposely avoiding his earlier question. However, he gave in, and decided to see for himself the next day. He had seen the look in Koma's full of love eyes staring at Irimi. Thus, he decided to be an observer tomorrow- during the wedding and the dancing session- to observe the look on the half-assed bastard's eyes to see if he truly loved his sister.

Kaneki entered a small meeting room located not far from the main hall. Tsuneyoshi, Yoshitoki, Kishou, and Nimura were already in the room- waiting for him.

"What would you like to talk about, King Kaneki?" Tsuneyoshi started.

"I... I agree. I'll help you to conquer V."

Kaneki was expecting more reactions from them, but they remained calm, as if they were expecting this.

"Kanou told us that you only have one year left. Desperate, aren't you?" Nimura grinned, his eyes mocking the one-eyed-King.

Before Kaneki could even counter, Tsuneyoshi asked another question- not wanting to rile up the conversation even further.

"When are you planning to help us? We need to prepare our army first. V is powerful, I am sure you are well aware of that."

"Of course. How long do you need then?"

"Will two months be alright?" Kaneki furrowed his eyebrows, performing some sort of calculation in his mind.

'Two months seem too long but... this is my only chance.'

"...Alright. After that, can I have my surgery?"

"If you didn't die on the battlefield, then yes."

"Nimura, silence."

"I'm sorry, Father."

"Let's make an agreement. In case... accidents happened."

Everyone was well aware of what Kaneki meant by 'accidents'. Despite their offers to help, he didn't fully trust them. Washuu, especially Tsuneyoshi had been trying to conquer Re ever since Kaneki's father, King Keiji was still alive. After he died, the army of Re that was left behind was still very powerful despite the absence of their king. Nishiki's father protected Re from many attacks, and he did a very great job- an honourable job- as he sacrificed his last breath protecting the kingdom.

"Of course. You have the rights to state your terms. Let's hold a meeting next month to discuss them."

"I agree with that. Thank you." They both stared at each other with sharp gazes and indecipherable expressions before Kaneki proceeded to take his leave.

The Washuu royal family stayed, having a conspiratorial discussion of their own.

"He's aware of our plan to kill him during the surgery but he still wants to have it. What a naive guy!" Nimura was the first one to break the silence.

"I don't think we can kill him that easily... he will include a lot of rules in the agreement. Something like, we can't conquer Re if he died."

"What if I marry Touka?"

"She had been turning you down each year for seven consecutive years. What makes you think she will accept you?" Matsuri glared at his uncle, tired of his comical attitude.

"My new hairstyle? It's quite similar to hers now."

"In your dreams."

"Don't speak to your uncle like that, he's a fragile being!" Nimura defended himself, and Matsuri almost rolled his eyes. Almost.

"Father." Kishou spoke for the first time ever since he entered the room. Everyone stared at the bride-to-be, waiting for his words.

"May I offer a suggestion?"

The black lampposts illuminated the path as Kaneki made his way to the treehouse, digging the soil to retrieve the glass bottle in order to read his wife's letter.

He was absolutely desperate. He needed to survive the surgery, but he wasn't convinced if Washuu would even let him stay alive. But he was dying anyway, there was nothing else he could do but hope that they would be lenient towards him- to perform the surgery on him properly, and not killing him.

He unplugged the cork and retrieved her letter into his hand. The lampposts and the moon were bright enough for him to be able to read her small handwriting.

Dear Kaneki,

By the time you read this, I hope we're still together, and our marriage is going even stronger. I hope we have at least a prince or a princess in our castle. I hope Re is fine, both the kingdom and the people. I hope I am able to call you by your first name too. So how are things going now? Do my wishes become true? I hope they do.

The purpose of writing this letter is to tell things that we're not ready to tell each other... well, I have a lot. Which is why I suggested it in the first place.

First of all, I've forgiven you for my father's death. I know it's not your fault- I just needed someone to blame for. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable, or feeling guilty. My dad admired you, and so do I. You were so kind. A bit reserved, but always willing to help others. Before I knew it, I fell hard for you. Yes, I've loved you for a long time, Kaneki. Ever since I was 15. Coming back here in Aogiri reminds me of our first dance. I bet you can't even remember it. I've already fallen for you during that time. But you were clueless, of course. You were so busy trying to get Rize's attention. She's beautiful. She loves to read too. And she danced so gracefully with you on that night. Your eyes shone whenever you were with her. Your eyes- they only see her. There was no spot for me. I- I was jealous of her. I felt stupid. Why did I fall for someone who didn't even love me? How naive I was back then.

But looking back at those times, I didn't think it was real. It was just a stupid crush. I didn't really know how it felt like to truly love someone. Were my feelings for you love, or just mere crush? But after our marriage, I realised that I was slowly falling for you. This time, it's real.

Your eye doesn't bother me at all. Your past mistake doesn't define who you are. It was an accident, and you deserve so much more, Kaneki. Allow me into your life, into your heart. Let me love you.

Do you remember the rabbit hair stick that you gave to me as my birthday present seven years ago? I wore it every single day since then. But I don't wear it anymore ever since our marriage. I was afraid. I didn't want my feelings to be obvious. So I kept it inside my makeup box. I miss wearing it. I always felt like something was missing on my head ever since we're married. Maybe one day I'll wear it again. Maybe I'm already wearing it every day by the time you read this letter. Who knows?

Ever since you teased my eye makeup earlier this month, I've been asking the servant to apply makeup to both of my eyes now. But of course you don't realise it. I'm hiding that eye from the world. But I want to look beautiful for you. You always said that I'm beautiful. But am I, really? I always thought Rize is more beautiful than me. If she wasn't in love with someone else, would you still choose me? Of course you wouldn't. You don't have to fulfil my father's request, but you did. For that, I'm glad. Even though you don't love me, it's alright. I'll wait. Say, do you love me, now? After four years of marriage, if you still don't love me, I will be really sad. Even now, it hurts. Seeing you trying your best to make me happy when you don't even love me. It hurts, Kaneki. You're too kind. Please, I want you to do things because you want to, not because you have to.

I know you don't love me and I don't want to get my hopes up but, sometimes I don't know anymore. Sometimes I can see it from your eyes that you might feel the same way. Your kisses and your touch are always so gentle as if I'm a fragile being. You make me feel as if I'm so precious, I feel loved whenever you showered me with your affections. But I'm not sure. You're always so kind. What if I interpreted it wrongly? What if those actions were fake? What if you were just acting as a perfect husband to make our marriage work?

That's why I could never tell you about my feelings openly. I'm sorry. I really hope by the time you read this, I could confirm my doubts. Hopefully, the feelings are mutual by then. But this is why we're writing our letters. To tell each other about things that we're not ready to tell. So I'm going to say this again.

I love you.

My love for you is not because you're a king- or because of your wealth, or your fame. I love you for who you are, Kaneki Ken. Your kind soul. Your caring personality. Your gentle affection. Your warm smile. You were very patient in teaching me everything I need to know about Re. You know I hate reading, so you read each word just for me. You were full of surprises sometimes. I never thought I could see my rabbits every day, but you made it possible. You made me feel safe, even until this day I still think it's unnecessary to have three royal bodyguards, but you did it to ensure my safety. You kept your promise. You had your meal with me and took care of me when I was recovering from my injury even though the servants could do it. Whenever I felt insecure, you would always give me assurance, calming me down with your warmth. Your hand intertwined with mine whenever possible, and your arm always wrapped around me when we sleep. Every time you kissed me, I felt butterflies in my stomach. But you always stopped halfway, holding yourself back. Is it wrong if I want more? You tried your best to make me a better ruler compared to how I was in Anteiku. I learned a lot from you, and I wish Ayato could learn from you too. Thank you so much, Kaneki. For your hard efforts. I can never pinpoint at which exact moment that I fell for you. I just... did.

I will do my best to be a good wife to you, and a good mother to our children. My father used to tell me that love is loyalty, support, trust, responsibility, and protection. I'll stay by your side, supporting you, ruling Re with you, be with you during the good and the bad times. Even if you were not a king anymore, even if Re was conquered by some other kingdoms and we were banished to somewhere and forced to be paupers, I will always stay by your side. I will never leave you. I promise.

I know you're hiding something from me- my heart could tell- and truthfully it hurts, a lot. It hurts a lot, Kaneki. More than you can imagine. I want to be the person you confide in, your trust advisor. How can we be husband and wife if you don't trust me? All your pain, all your secrets. Please, let me share your burden. I'm here for you. And I won't judge you. I'll trust each of your decision. And I will support them. Support you. I want to protect you- not just physically, but emotionally as well. I will continue to calm you whenever you have nightmares. I will hold your hand whenever you're trembling. I want to be your home. Somewhere you return to. Somewhere you feel safe.

I'm going to say this again, so please engrave it into your heart.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

Will all my heart, body and soul.

What I'm saying is real, Kaneki. So please, don't have doubts towards me. Don't think lowly of yourself. You're a precious human who deserves so much love, and I'm one of the people who love you.

I wish we have a long life filled with immense happiness, together.

With love,

Kaneki Touka.

June 23rd, 1409

Tears spilled endlessly from Kaneki's eyes as he read her letter, his body trembled slightly. He knew that she cared for him, but not to this extent. This, was too much. To be able to know her feelings, how much she cared for him, how loved he was- it was too much. It was unbearable for his fragile heart. He continued to weep, his hand clutching the letter, his body trembled even more.

She loved him. Despite his flaws. His gruesome eye. His past crime. His unstable mental health.

She loved him. Not because of his wealth. Nor his power. Nor his status. But his patience. His kindness. His caring personality. His affections.

She loved him for who he is.

Being abused and tortured by his mother in his childhood, he just wanted to be needed by someone- to be loved and to be treated as a normal person, not as a king. Which was why he treasured Hide so much. But after his best friend's death, he lost his reason to live. He believed no one would ever love him for who he is. Even when Tsukiyama told him about Touka's feelings, he believed that she loved him only because of his status as a king.

But he was wrong.

He was so wrong.

She loved him, for who he is.

His tears spilled even more, both the black and crystal clear liquid streaming down his cheeks and onto the letter. His heart ached at the sight of the black splotches, and he choked another sob.

Would she still love him once she found out about his dying condition? Would she stay by his side until he dies? Would she accept the role of ruling the kingdom alone, and perhaps- raising an heir alone? Would she?

His jaw clenched painfully as he couldn't find the answer to those questions. Deep inside, he wished for her to stay, to accept him even after she found out about his disease. But he didn't have the courage to tell her. He knew that he should tell her about it as soon as possible, it was unfair to her if he kept on hiding it, but he was scared. He was so scared.

But after reading her letter, maybe he could finally tell her. Maybe she won't hate him. Maybe she would still love him despite his lies, despite his short lifespan. She did mention in the letter that she would never leave him, didn't she?

No. He couldn't. It was too risky.

His kingdom needs him. If she left, and he died, there would be no hope for Re. Blood will be spilled when other kingdoms fight against each other to possess his land, his goats, and his people. He couldn't let that happen. No matter what, he had to sacrifice his wife's happiness for the sake of his kingdom. His heart clenched with pain at how selfish he was for making this unfair decision.

When he returned to their guest room, she was hugging his pillow like she always did whenever he went to bed late. A warm smile graced his face, his eyes fluttered towards her fondly. He had forgotten about his selfish decision earlier, only the thoughts of her occupying his mind.

She loved him.

Slowly, he retrieved his pillow and lay next to her, like he always did.

His ran his fingers through her hair- marvelling at the silky texture, the light blue colour and the sweet scent of lavender that seemed to magnify as he leaned in closer, closer, flooding all of his senses. His lips found her forehead, planting a gentle kiss there as his hand cupped her cheek. He stroked his thumb over her cheekbone lightly as he took in her features. Long, lush eyelashes. Soft lips, parted slightly. Her cute button nose. She looked beautiful, and he felt as if he didn't deserve to be loved by her. But she still loved him nonetheless, and this fact made his heart swell with indescribable emotion.

As he held her close- his hand rubbing her back soothingly, the drumbeat of her heart performing a steady rhythm against his chest, only a single thought ran in his mind before he fell into a deep slumber.

'I love you too.'

Nimura tiptoed towards the large tree carefully, making sure no one saw him. He was actually on his way to the treehouse when he saw the one-eyed-King reading something that seemed like a letter, and heard his cries. He bawled like a baby, which brought amusement to Nimura's ears.

He dug the same spot, found the glass bottle he was looking for and unplugged the cork immediately. The glass bottle contained two letters- addressed to Kaneki Ken and Touka respectively.

Without further ado, he unfolded both of the letters and read the contents. The letter addressed to Kaneki was damp due to his tears and some of the words were blurry, but still readable despite several black splotches staining the letter.

"So you haven't told your wife that you're dying huh… can't wait to see her reaction when I tell her about it tomorrow." He grinned, maniacally.