Chapter Text
“You want me to marry Magnus?!?!?!” Taako stormed into his mother’s study, Lup hot on his heels. “As in, childhood friend, practically my brother, Magnus Burnsides?!” Queen Istus straightened up in her chair, pushing her papers aside to smile calmly at her children. Lup closed the door.
“It appears you’ve finally read my letter.” She’d left him that note over four days ago. She honestly hadn’t expected him to read it this early.
“Yes, I did!” Taako waved the paper frantically in front of him. “I read it and it says you want me to marry Magnus!”
“It is customary for the younger siblings to enter strategic arranged marriages, to solidify alliances. You are aware of this. I assumed this would be the most comfortable pairing, as you already know Magnus. There were other options, to strangers, and I don’t feel comfortable sending you into a stranger’s home.”
“I am absolutely not marrying Magnus fucking Burnsides.” Taako crossed his arms. Lup stood beside him, hands clasped behind her back. It was clear she had already heard this argument thoroughly.
“Sweet son, why not? I honestly don’t understand the problem.”
“Mom, listen~ You telling me to marry Mags feels the same as you telling me to, I don’t know, marry Lup.” He gestured wildly to his twin, who grimaced. Istus nodded, catching on quickly to the problem. “Also, he has a secret girlfriend I’m not supposed to tell you about but too late now, I guess!”
“Alright, well that…messes up some plans.” She scooted her chair back, opening a drawer to rifle through some papers. “There might be…some other options. Your input would be preferred this time around, I suppose.” She finally found what she was looking for, and she pulled the file out with a flourish. “Plenty of alliances to secure, with queer male heirs.”
“That’s all I’m asking.” Taako threw the current paper he had in the bin before strolling towards his mother’s desk. “Also, why does it have to be me? Can’t Lulu go and secure some alliances instead?”
“The older sibling is the first heir to the throne, as is tradition.”
“She’s only four minutes older than me! How is that fair?”
“Maybe you should have pushed harder in the womb, babe.” Lup smirked, used to this conversation. She followed her brother over to flank their mother. “You were lazy in there.”
“Lup is the brute force, but Taako is the flexibility. Quite a dexterous young one, I remember, and fast too. None of the nannies could catch you.” Istus tutted, sorting through a few sheets in the file. She pulled out two lists, handing one each to a twin. “I would honestly prefer if you both got to choose your partners, but the council has been frantic about getting some deals down and what have you. It’s quite bothersome.”
“If you just let me back into council meetings, I’m sure I could get that under control, mother.” Lup scanned the list she was given.
“I’d rather not repeat that incident this soon, dear. Taako, you have the prime list; Lup, you have the secondary.”
“So, someone from this list would be preferred?” Taako questioned, lifting his paper slightly in emphasis. Istus nodded. “Rad.” He sighed. “Magnus Burnsides of Ravens Roost. Lucas Miller of the Moon Isles. Kravitz McDonald of the Astral Kingdom.” Taako paused. “Astral Kingdom? Where’s that?” Istus thought for a moment.
“I didn’t spend too much time looking at their other suggestions…Astral Kingdom…OH MY GOODNESS!” Istus slammed her hands on the desk. “That’s where Raven is!” She stood, suddenly very excited. “Oh, I haven’t seen Raven in ages! I can’t believe we’ve both come this far, oh wow. I should write to her.”
“Hey, mom, um…” Lup raised her hand, “Who’s Raven?” Istus whirled around to face her twins, ecstatic at that question.
“Raven was my best friend in childhood. She must be Queen Raven now. She always said she’d name her child Kravitz, after her grandfather. She was dedicated, practical, very smart, loved music. Oh, now I must write her! Perhaps she could visit.” Istus began to pace now, a skip in her step. “It would give you a chance to meet Kravitz as well, and of course some diplomacy could take place. The Astral Kingdom is not large, but it is full of people and trade. A fine connection for Refuge to have indeed.” She returned to her desk, quickly grabbing fresh paper and a writing utensil. She immediately began to write. “This might take a while, perhaps you two want to take the file and learn more about the candidates? There is probably more information about Prince Kravitz.”
“Anything about Crown Prince Barry?” Taako teased, elbowing his sister.
“Shut it, Koko.” Lup whispered harshly. Their mother didn’t know about her longstanding crush.
“Oh?” Istus paused her writing, smirking up at her daughter. “Does someone have an eye on Barry Burnsides?” Taako scooted behind Lup and winked dramatically at his mother, who chuckled. “Why then certainly Taako can’t marry Magnus! Two of us with two Burnsides? That’s overkill.” Winking at Lup, Istus returned to her letter. “I’m sure they’ll come to visit soon. Ravens Roost is right next door.”
“A letter has arrived for you, your majesty.” The page presented the package to the Raven Queen, who sat upon her throne. She’d just finished seeing all her visitors and hearing all common guests. No major problems that day, but there usually wasn’t major problems in the Astral Kingdom.
“Thank you kindly.” When the room was empty, aside from the regular guards, she opened the gift. Inside was a piece of familiar fabric, soft and dotted with small birds. It was cut to be a scarf. She hadn’t seen that pattern in years. Beside the scarf in the box is a knitted toy, a black cat. The yarn was soft, like she remembered her friend preferred. A letter was nestled at the bottom. She tore it open.
My Dear Raven,
I am so terribly sorry for not writing you before this day. It has been far too long since I’ve seen you, old friend. Since your wedding, I believe? How dreadfully long ago! Refuge was never the same with you away. I hope the Astral Kingdom is doing well – from what I can recall, trade has increased, and you’ve seen a decade of peace. And a son too! Congratulations. I have two grown children myself, though they are still quite a handful. Taako and Lup. They’re twins, a boy and a girl. I treasure them, of course, but children will always be a challenge. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience with Kravitz. We simply must catch up, Raven. Refuge is always welcome to you and your family. It is a refuge, after all. You always used to make that joke. I cannot believe I’ve been so caught up in the kingdom and my family to forget you, my first and dearest friend. The Astral Kingdom is simply so far away, and with the war in Ravens Roost we had to support, it must have slipped my mind. I deeply apologize. Your kingdom will always have a special place in my heart, as will you.
I suppose I must include the other meaning behind your possible visit: my council wishes to arrange my son’s marriage. I originally put him together with Magnus Burnsides of Ravens Roost, as they are friends since childhood like us. However, just today did my twins bust in my study and request a different submission. Apparently, they are too familiar with Prince Magnus, and it would be uncomfortable. We have, however, seen an interest in Prince Kravitz. If he is anything like you, I am certain Taako will adore him. (I also learned today that my darling daughter Lup fancies Crown Prince Barry Burnsides – what a coincidence! Barry wasn’t as present as Magnus in their youth, being the Crown Prince and all, and slightly older. He was always away studying. Recently, however, I suppose we have seen more of him. I will keep you updated on this.) So, I humbly request that, upon your visit to Refuge, you bring your son along with you. Take my suggestion of arrangement to your council if you wish, but I want our children to be comfortable in the relationship – they cannot have happy and healthy futures otherwise. Therefore, they should meet in person and we can move forward from there. I do not know of your son’s preference, but mine is quite clear about his. He specified his type is “tall, dark, and handsome”, so perhaps Kravitz fits that bill? We will see.
Raven, again, I am so sorry for missing all these years with you. If I could go back and have you grow with me more, I would allow it in a heartbeat. However, you know I believe that Fate does what Fate believes is best, so I must believe this time apart was best for us. But now, Fate wishes to bring us together again and I support that idea fully. With all my heart, I love you. May we be in each other’s’ presence soon. Please enjoy these simple gifts. I would offer more than memories, but I wanted to reach you as close to when my mind began to think of you again as possible. As the sun sets and the moon rises, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Through Fate and Love,
Queen Istus of Refuge
Raven could not help but smile as she read through her childhood friend’s letter. She also couldn’t believe her own forgetfulness – life had been so busy, she let her treasured friend be taken into memory. She called for her council at once, and also her sons. They must be off to Refuge, as soon as possible. They had much time to make up for and plans to set into motion. After her council set a date, she informed her children.
“I know we do not go on many trips, but this is important for both me personally and your future, Kravitz. We are headed to Refuge in just a week’s time, to stay with Queen Istus and her family.”
“Refuge? The large kingdom by the ocean?” Kravitz struggled to remember the geography of the nearby kingdoms and beyond. His brother nodded excitedly.
“Refuge is one of the largest kingdoms on this continent! We haven’t seen an ambassador from them in over five years. What personal matters do you have with the queen, mother?” Angus prodded. At just eight years of age, his curiosity often pulled before his royal manners.
“Istus is an old friend of mine. Duty and family have kept us apart for a long time.” Angus nodded, while Kravitz was still trying to remember more about Refuge.
“Then how does it also pertain to Kravitz’s future?” Angus pressed on. Plenty observant, that one.
“The royal council of Refuge is currently trying to arrange Prince Taako in a marriage. Your brother is a candidate, but we do not wish for them to be strangers.” That pulled Kravitz out of his head.
“Arranged marriage?!”
“No need to worry, dear. If Taako is anything like his mother, I’m sure you will adore him.”
“Because you adored Istus?” Angus’s head tilted to the side, trying to process all the information being brought forth, while checking it with all his possibly connected memories.
“That would be correct again, Angus. Are your tutors not challenging you enough?” The young prince blushed.
“No, no, I’m fine at the moment, mother. But perhaps I can learn some new things in Refuge!”
“I’m sure you will.”
“Are you sure an arranged marriage is the only option for me? I am Crown Prince.” Kravitz spoke up, finally over the shock.
“If you do not like him, we won’t hold it against you. We want both of you to be happy going into the future. We will not force anything on you, I promise. It is less an arranged marriage and more…an arranged meeting and arranged courtship. I would write Istus for more information, but we would already be on the way to Refuge by the time my letter arrived. I have already arranged for her to be sent warning, but beyond that, you might want to check around the castle for more information on the boy. He should be around your age, and he has a twin sister. That is all I am certain of.”
“Thank you, mother.” Kravitz bowed. Always formal, that one. “I will inquire on the matter.”
“I’m sure your brother would love to help.” Raven gestured to Angus, who was bouncing on the balls of his feet, looking up hopefully at his older brother.
“Of course. He is quite the detective.” Angus beamed, tucking himself into his brother’s side. Raven lifted up the knitted black cat.
“Perhaps you would like this as well, Angus? Istus made it herself, I can tell.” She rose from the throne and met her sons halfway, placing the toy gently in her young son’s hands so he could study it. She pat his head before kissing Kravitz on the cheek. “I am so excited to show you the land I called home so long ago. The greatest tutors were in Refuge at the time, so I spent my formative years in their castle.”
“It sounds promising, mother.” The Crown Prince nodded. Raven winked at him.
“Plenty of promise, I would say.”