Chapter Text
With the dwindling days of spring bringing greatness to the lands surrounding Ryuji’s kingdom, he could only watch as it’s citizens immediately started on summer duties. Farm lands with workers constantly out in the scorching sun, cobblers making lighter shoes with the oncoming heat… soon they’d be preparing for something else.
A harsh winter drove them to a famine, and darkness fell upon the kingdom. King Sakamoto run out by a mob a few years back, the Queen was left to pick up the messy pieces he’d left behind. Hunger spreading east to west, the poor not having proper medical attention. Needless to say, he never saw his mother much anymore. Always on her way to fix something, and dote on her people like they were her own children.
With spring brought a trade in from another province. Food, and plenty of it, in exchange for one major, heavily debated thing. Ryuji shivering at just the memory of when he was informed, he knew what had to be done. Death was spreading rather quickly, and if something out of his control had to happen to fix that, he would do it in a heartbeat... but of course, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t complain.
Leaning out on his balcony, and watching as the shrubbery swayed in the lovely breeze, he couldn’t help but to sigh. The lawn clippings not yet cleaned up, he wondered where the funding for such beautiful work had come from. Everything so hazy since the neighbors King had come over for a proposition, life had suddenly become distant.
Honestly, he still couldn’t believe it himself.
To have an arranged marriage in protection over the lives of many in their kingdom, despite his mom saying otherwise, he must do what was right. It may have been so far from desirable to him, but as the prince, he needed to step up. Even if they swore he’d be able to back out, he’d be a monster to deny aid to those who needed it most.
The gold band on his finger glistened in the sun so high in the sky, and distantly, he wondered if the person he’d be marrying knew much about him anyway. Like his hobbies, his personality, his way of life, because out of all the months this was being set up, he hadn’t once seen who he’d be marrying.
Were they good looking at least? Did they enjoy the simple things in life as much? Or perhaps, was talking and spending time together something taboo and foreign? He truly hoped for all of that, and a nice mix of interesting qualities and activities.
To spend your life together with a stranger had sounded scary and idiotic in the beginning. But as the months wore on, the thought of something so different and new, began to excite him. He’d be lucky to find someone willing enough to tame his wild needs and soul.
New lands to roam, new people to show his kindness to. Guards upon guards around, but not bombarding him as much as the castle here, it did feel awful to wish to spend his days in the kingdom of his spouse.
“Good morning, your majesty.” His ears had picked up, wind rustling the leaves around, he surely would’ve missed it if he had still been thinking so hard.
Peering over the ledge, his hands gripped the strong wood railing, and a smile spread across his face. Watching as the man below with shears in his hands, sent a gentle one back up to him. Gloves already caked in dirt, hair tied back, and rather dingy clothes, boy was he a sight for sore eyes.
“I told you to call me Ryuji. Or at least Prince Sakamoto… majesty just sounds too fancy for me,” he let his words fall over the balcony.
Shrugging and admitting defeat, the man adjusted his glasses, “But you are royalty, I must honor that in some way.”
“Then, take me away from here, thats my order as prince,” he begged, watching the others face twist into disappointment yet again, “I want to be with you, not some snotty heir to another kingdom.”
“I’m but a simple gardener, your majesty,” he repeated what he’d said so many times before, “You haven’t even given this arrangement a chance, perhaps she’s lovely.”
Rolling his eyes and playing the needy act, his roots began to show. The core of his being having been rotten by recent years of pampering, he whined, “It’s ain't a princess. That’s why it’s so freakin’ controversial throughout both our lands. Two upcoming kings wedding each other has never been done before!”
“But you still have not met him, so you shall not judge,” he said, causing Ryuji to roll his eyes.
Scoffing and thinking about more things than he should, he remembered his mother's words. Her suggestion that the king wasn’t bad, that he was young and sprite. A boy his age forced to the throne, he was doing a marvelous job at taking over, guiding his kingdom to prosperity
His mother had told him that the king was handsome, that he had a lovely voice and way of soothing things without saying a word. Which worried Ryuji immensely, because he was a jabberjaw.
Looks didn’t necessarily matter to him, but as his mom described him as suave and wonderful to look at, he figured he didn’t even need to worry about that fact.
“I know I cannot Judge, Akira.” He practically threw himself backwards, “But I’d rather marry you.”
Hearing a chuckle, the prince scowled at the gardeners ability to laugh at a deep conversation, “We both know that’s impossible. Royalty must not marry common folk if they are the only heir.”
Grunting in response, Ryuji leaned over the railing again, watching the striking man below trim up the beautiful roses so perfectly placed, “I’m the prince, I should be able to change that rule.”
“I’d love to be with you, your majesty.” Above him, he watched as the prince shrunk back in on himself in embarrassment, something he couldn’t help but smile at, “But I’m afraid our relationship wouldn’t be able to escape just the two of us.”
“I’ll run away with you.” He simply stated, like Akira’s death in doing that was some casual matter, “Then I can let you pick whatever flowers you want to plant at our new home.”
It was well known between the two that love was in the air. Ryuji spending hours milling around in the grounds, had discovered this man only recently. And had fallen head over heels in that short time, no hiding his face or denials could escape the gardeners knowledge.
He would always flirt back to Ryuji too, which made the prince even more upset. To know someone who he would love to spend his days with, someone who would return his feelings… and he was forbidden to be together with him? Life being so entirely unfair, sometimes he wished he was locked away in a tower so he never even knew what love had felt like.
“Prince Sakamoto,” someone knocked on his door, and he reluctantly turned towards it, “The meeting is beginning shortly, the Queen was asking if you were ready or not?”
The voice familiar, it wasn’t a pleasant thing. Knowing of course, that they were simply doing their job, his escorting guards only wanted to do what was told of them. Even if that meant hounding him repeatedly, protectiveness practically seeping through the thick wood door.
“Ah-“ he looked back down to catch the knowing look being thrown over the shoulder of the man below, scowling back in return, “Yes. Yes I am ready, I shall be out in a moment!”
“Akira,” he called out, glad to drop the formal language. Watching with anticipation as he finally turned, a fist full of weeds and rather sly look to his face.
“Don’t you dare let me leave this castle without speaking to you, ya prick.”
Nodding, it was the only thing he really could do, knowing that any ‘no,’ would promptly be disregarded, “I will try my best, your majesty. No promises.”
It wasn’t a good enough answer, but it simply had to do. The gardener reluctant as the prince above huffed, worry pinched between his brow, knowing full well that meetings never went extraordinarily well in his presence. Ever since the announcement of the lands only prince being sent to another kingdom, tensions had been astonishingly high. And unfortunately, Prince Ryuji was one to want and make everyone happy.
Quickly closing the doors to the balcony, there was a small and futile attempt to calm himself before reaching for the door handle. A deep breath and a hand to his chest to sooth it’s beating, this meeting was going to be tough.
With the councils of the two kingdoms joining for decisions and preparations, he was expected to be out front and center. And certainly, to be pulled back and forth between issues.
One of his favorite guards, Takamaki, who insisted on first name basis after serving Ryuji since they were both young, stood outside with a displeased face. Not matching the stone expressions his other two regulars, Suzui and Mishima. Knowing she had full power and seniority to scold the prince as much as he wanted to.
“Were you preparing in there on what to say? We laid your clothes out for you hours ago, Ryuji.” She scolded, disappointment in her features.
His mind was too busy thinking about Akira to care about such matters. Trying not to sound so uninterested in his little huff of pent up air he audibly released.
Suzui reached up and quickly fixed his collar, “Prince Ryuji, you mustn’t take this situation lightly.”
Adding on, Mishima closed the door firmly, glancing around the hall before sighing. His keys jingling at his waist, “One wrong move, and a war could break out, my Prince.”
Of course. As if he hadn’t been told the same things countless times, he truly had so many questions he’d never even think about asking. Like, why the heck a newly positioned King would choose a male bride. Someone who was barely a prince before he was on the throne. Someone he’d never met before, who he knew nothing about, and who could never provide a child???
“I am aware,” he assured, starting at his short walk to the great hall, boots of the group echoing down the corridor, “I’ve been preparing for months, please do not fret.”
Using formal language felt so unlike himself…
With a laugh and a pat to his shoulder, Ann shook her head, “It’s you, Ryuji. How could we not be concerned?”
Chatter from a few spaces ahead, his heart had started to seize up. Knowing full well his future would be decided in moments, with dozens of authoritative figures stood around and threw judgments on both sides. Placed directly in the middle of all the confusion.
The last meeting they’d held, had completely made what Ryuji was worrying about, well placed. Remembering back to the outcry of his own people when he’d publicly accepted the marriage proposal.
Just before reaching the dreaded hall, his mother emerged, head already cast to the floor. Obvious tension built up in her stance, her walk showed it even more, wracking her hands before she looked up.
Face stern and clothing as exceptional as always, everything seemed to melt away when faced with her son. Coming up rather quickly, and meeting him halfway before bringing him into a hug.
“Ryuji, please,” she practically whispered, “Please know that this is going to be difficult.”
Nodding, he pulled away, still in her embrace as he searched her face for any sort of clue, “Is he here, mamma?”
Closing her eyes, the long sigh she let out would have answered his question, “No, no sweetie. He isn’t. Everything has seemed on the fence lately, I’m fully aware. But know when I say this, you will love him.”
A laugh mixed with a scoff, he finally dropped their hold, “You’ve never told me why you’re so sure of that, ma.”
Dusting off dust that wasn’t there, two hands planted firmly on his shoulders, her eyes narrowed. The look of assurance so graciously able to transfer through her stare, “You shall find out in due time.”
As soon as he sentence ended, the peacekeeper from the other land who had started this whole ordeal, stepped in to interrupt. Gentle in the way she called out to them.
“Your highnesses,” she bowed quickly, glancing back into the room with a bit of uncertainty, “The meeting shall begin now.”
Bowing back, like she always had, Queen Sakamoto took ahold of speaking, “Thank you, Niijima.”
Looking to the prince, and his entourage of guards surrounding him, her smile full of hope caught their rather- skeptical faces. Ryuji trying his hardest to be encouraging by sending one straight back, nothing could possibly hide his overwhelming fear.
What was Akira up to? Had he left already? Gone home to whatever mysterious place he had lived all this time?
Back when he’d first stumbled upon the rather dashing looking guy tending to his flowers, everything about him seemed suspicious. Which, unfortunately for everyone, Ryuji was so, so, into. Practically falling into his arms. (if you considered his arms the flowerbed he was working on.)
All he knew was that his name was Akira, that his mother strangely trusted him far more than she should have, and that he always disappeared for periods of time. Only meeting three months ago, his presence at the start of this marriage fiasco, had caused Ryuji to fall deeply in love.
But, now, he had to marry a man he’d only heard about… and it sucked.
“Citizens and guests,” was shouted, “The Queen and Prince of West Shujin!” Some man Ryuji had never seen before shouted. Alerting the chatter and conversation to cease as the two shone brightly in the doorway. Illuminated by the large windows in the corridor, from their perspective, they couldn’t even see the masses of people standing up for them.
“Oh the prince looks radiant.” He’d heard one woman say. Trying his best to keep a cool look, and make his way to the front table without any hiccups.
“I wish I could wed him,” A girl whispered, and another snickered in response. Ryuji’s ears picking up every single thing, instead of focusing on the more pressing matters. Never in a million years did he see himself worthy of such praise.
With Ann and the others trailing close behind, he got a good look at the citizens attending before finding his seat. The sea of people spreading for what seemed like miles, he knew immediately that the hall was packed beyond the capacity limit. Everyone wanting to see what was going to become of the interesting situation before them.
Taking one last big breath, he sat down, turning to thank his wonderful guards, the whole room was put into a silence. The combined retinue of both kingdoms seated alongside him, he looked to his mother to start the meeting.
Everyone sat down. And her dazzling smile that won them over in the first place, shone through brighter than the windows above.
“Greetings, friends from near, and far!” She announced, voice reaching the back in waves, “Thank you for attending this meeting, it is my duty to have you all involved in the kingdoms affairs.”
The whole kingdom adored his mom, which were well placed thoughts. Her kindness and compassion, and actual will to put the people before her, was something revolutionary. Dealing with the Sakamoto throne for years, to finally have his father take over after the decent that was his grandfather… things quickly escalated.
Poverty levels grew, angry workers with no pay or benefits. Money drained into his own selfish needs and wants, everyone was surprised a plague didn’t break out with the filth that had become the city streets.
Needless to say, when it had come out that the Queen and Prince were being abused… the people had enough. One wayward servant spilling their guts to the townspeople about the bruises and the violence of brought on by their King, even the guards stood by as he was dragged out.
“I know the circumstances around this, aren’t favorable.” She made sure to have her gaze fix upon the whole room, constantly looking in every direction, the murmurs of agreement a resonance, “But to us, it is for the good of both kingdoms.”
Gesturing to the woman in armor who spoken to them in the hall earlier, his mother stepped back for her to speak, “I am Niijima Makoto of Inaba. Right hand to the upcoming king, I can assure you of the prosperity this shall bring.”
Glancing to Ryuji, she put on a smile that could be construed as… comforting..?
“King Narukami has decided to step down after years of great ruling. His cousin who has been raised to take the position, has taken the crown.”
Another woman sitting a few people down from Ryuji, raised her hand to add on, “It was a beautiful coronation. And we assure you all that the new King is qualified beyond belief.”
“Yes, thank you Okumura.” Niijima bowed slightly.
What felt so normal for their neighbors, was the thought of same sex marriage. The former ruler having a husband from Ryuji's own kingdom, the worker-turned King, was partially responsible for the acceptance of having their prince marry someone of the same gender.
“After discussing with my peers and court, there has been a decision made about the wedding.” The guard gave the stage back to Queen Sakamoto as she mimicked the stepping back.
Gentle and calm, she smiled again. Catching a few eyes as she did so, the prince watched their immediate melting of doubt, just with a simple motion.
A hand now on Ryuji’s shoulder, her grace was radiating, “In two months time, the wedding between my son and the King shall take place here.”
Catching a few murmurs of satisfaction, her grin widened, “Prince Sakamoto will depart from our land this Friday, and I welcome you all to send him off. The route of the carriage from the castle shall be posted about.”
“He will spend the next month's learning their ways and customs. Under the strict supervision of his own guards from West Shujin, as well as Niijima herself.”
Ah? So that was it? He’d be leaving in two days.
Everything as always, was going far too fast for his liking. But of course, he had to stand by, smile, and act like these decisions were perfectly fine by him. Just a mere prince with a rightly overprotective mother, he never really got a say in what was happening.
Perhaps as King of Inaba, he could share that power within the throne with his husband. Rule together, hand in hand, and help the people of the kingdom by working nicely. Few quarrels, his new man would have to be able to deal with all of Ryuji's stubbornness. Make compromises, and actually take into account his ideas or suggestions, it could only be a guess as to whether or not any of these hopes would be met.
He’d never met the guy.
For all Ryuji knew, he could have sweaty palms… did he really want to be hand in hand with someone with sweaty palms?
Brief questions answered by anyone but Ryuji, before he’d known, Ann had tapped him on the shoulder to leave the meeting. Coming back to his senses to finally notice the mass of people beginning to depart, he bit down on his lip, and tried his best to play the role of a good prince with a practiced smile.
It was only in the long corridor, a few steps away from the door, that Ann finally placed her opinion.
“They have to be joking!” She’d startled her other guards, not caring for even a second as she continued with her rant, “Two days!? Two!?”
Suzui, in all her patience with Ann over the years, stayed calm, “At least we’ll be together.”
“She’s right, being in a new place like that… I’m glad we won’t feel so lonely!” Mishima added, everyone ignoring the blank look to Ryujis face as they continued on to his room. Not really registering the words around him.
A growl of frustration, Ann looked about ready to tear her hair out, “How do they expect us to prepare? We need substitute guards to watch over Ryuji, because if I cannot say goodbye to my family. ”
“It’s already been arranged.” The prince finally butted in, commentary a strange feeling without his input.
She snapped her mouth shut and looked to the one she’d been neglecting over her anger. Immediately softening upon seeing his downcast expression.
Picking up the pace, his own power in it all finally kicked in, “I had no say in deciding this, so I shall exercise my right in my final days as prince here.”
Stopping in front of his door, he pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking of the actions we would be taking until Friday, “Mishima, call replacements for you three to protect me. You deserve the time to say goodbye, as this is not fair to you in any way.”
They were silent for a moment. All watching, all too concerned for Ryuji rather than themselves.
“Are you sure?” Suzui asked, not hesitating im reaching out to comfort him, “I know this is difficult…”
Nodding solemnly, he gave an assured look to the people who would cross kingdoms to ensure his safety. To the guards he’d known since he was young, watching them train to personally serve him as if it was what they were born to do. His friends, who only wanted to protect him, “We all have our own things to do in the next two days.”
Everyone was silenced again, and Mishima heeded his orders. Making his way around to corner to go retrieve their substitutes.
With that, he opened his door, and entered his room. Standing in the middle of it for a moment, Ryuji took a deep breath. Ready to suffocate himself with a pillow, and scream out muffled profanities into the fabric. So incredibly upset, that even doing that seemed miniscule to the damage he wanted to cause in his displeasure.
Ann was right, how could this be fair?
Pacing around, body shaking more than it should’ve, his thoughts raced with so many things. What he’d be missing, what he’d have to pack, who he’d have to say farewell to.
He’d predicted a week at least… not two freakin’ days! How? How was any of this okay by his mother? How did his future husband think this was acceptable to the one he’d be wedding in… in two months.
Hot tears streamed down his face, and he swore to be quiet. Knowing that openly crying would show his weakness, and that if his mother saw, the whole thing would be canceled in minutes.
As much as he wanted her to do that, he couldn’t let his whole kingdom down. Knowing it would spark a war, and knowing he’d be disappointed with himself for years to come.
Making a mental list, the crying did not cease as he sat on his bed. Trying to come up with a game plan to make his last days in the castle enjoyable, while getting his work done at the same time.
It dawned on him, finally wiping away the tears that had left streaks to his skin, looking to the window to see that the sun had dipped below the tree line. Bringing darkness to one of his last days in this kingdom.
The meeting was that long?
So, technically… he had one day. Tomorrow would be his official last day in the castle. Tomorrow.
One god damned day.
Gathering everything he had within himself, and preparing to spend the next few hours packing every piece of clothing he possibly could into his travel trunk. That mental list from earlier? Yeah. Forget it.
He may have been far different than the other princes from other kingdoms, personality wise. But on the pampered, well off side? If he didn’t have his nice slippers and his favorite mug, he might as well have been stripped of his clothing .
One trunk of shirts and fancy jackets he wore out and about, then caused a second trunk to be pulled. His pants, pajamas, and other lounging clothing… had spurred another trunk. Because he needed one to put his shoes, and under garments.
Six of the large boxes stacked upon each other later, his room was barren, and sad looking. Well into the night by the time he’d finished, all he was left to do was plop down on his bed. Pouting all the while, trying not to think about the fact that he was moving. That his bedroom he’d had for years, with his own ways of furniture placement, and his wonderfully comfy bed… wouldn’t be his safe haven anymore.
Foreign castles were built much different, and with all of his own personality taken by the large mass of travel storage in the corner, everything seemed to really be put into perspective at that moment.
Only looking to the vase on his bedside stand, he sighed at the remnant piece of him. The flowers he’d always made sure to pick with Akira, yellow and red against each other in a mismatched bouquet.
Bouquet.
Flowers.
“Hello, your majesty, pardon the intrusion-“
He bolted up to see the tuft black hair, and then, the entire face, of the gardener he’d completely forgotten about. Scaling the buildings vines like Ryuji had done so many times before, he stepped onto the outer edge of the railing.
Akira.
Before he could even lift himself over the balcony fully, Ryuji was there at the railing, reaching over and gripping his arms. Pulling him up and over, and into an embrace he didn’t know he needed.
To have the hands wrap around him in return, and squeeze tightly, made him want to cry again. Burying his face into the floral scent on his neck, and wondering if the man ate flowers too.
“I see you’ve already packed.” He commented, knowing full well he wouldn’t get an answer. Fingers ready to card through his hair as he peeked into the room.
If Ryuji hadn’t smothered himself with his pillow earlier, he sure as hell wanted to do it now with Akira’s presence.
“Come on now, Prince Ryuji,” he tried to pull away to look into his eyes. Emphasis heavily on try as the grip he held wouldn’t budge, “Did you really think I wouldn’t come to see you before you’d left?”
With no answer, the gardener furrowed his brow, and did his best to not be offended. Not even a shake of his head?
He nudged the other with his head, as it was the only body part he could really use in being bound by a hug so tightly, “Did you..?”
Feeling his presence loosen, it was worrying to the man. Finally able to get a full look at his sorrow filled face, eyes red and puffy below now that he’d been brought into the light, Akira couldn’t help but to frown. Seeing the loose version of someone so lively all the time, did this whole situation break him?
Because certainly with the whole plan of the kingdoms… that wasn’t supposed to happen. At all.
“Your majesty, please.” He coaxed, moving them into the warmth of the now barren room, “Talk to me at least.”
Ryuji dropped his hold, and shuffled back a bit, giving in to looking straight into Akira’s eyes. His pouty lip, and hunched posture, had struck something deep within the gardener that made him feel immensely sad.
The usual brown so warm and welcoming, light eyelashes fluttering when he’d become delighted, or excited, had all but disappeared. Leaving the shell of the beauty, to be murky, and watery. That honey glow that lit up when they’d met his own, was far away, matched now with wet lashes.
“I-“
What could he possibly say?
“Prince Ryuji-“
“I just wanna hear you talk, Akira.” He’d finally said, breaking any sort of predictability between the two.
It was always Ryuji who spoke. Bubbly laugh, and cute way of breaking the formalities of being a royal, it was a good way to fill what would otherwise be empty space. Voice not smooth, or steady, it’s truly what made listening to him jabber so frequently, enjoyable beyond belief.
Taking a step back to process what he thought was a request, he’d expressed his concerns, “But your majesty-“ he couldn’t help but to stutter out a laugh, “Your words are far more special than mine.”
Simply shaking his head, he hadn’t bothered making eye contact anymore, “I don’t want to forget the sound of your voice, Akira.”
A bit shocked, he choked on his words, “You act like I’m dying.”
“No I’m not,” the space between them grew, and he took no time to flop onto his bed, “I’m the one dying here.”
“You tell me not to call you a prince, but you sure act like one.” He shrugged, waiting for the mouth drop of offense.
You see, despite the crown, and the gold encrusted suits… or the fancy words… and the mom who was Queen. Ryuji wasn’t a prince by any means unless absolutely necessary. And what was just said to him by someone he was sure understood his woes… it was like being spit in the face.
“Don’t you dare make me regret wanting to see you before I leave.”
Rolling his eyes, and finding a spot on the bed not currently occupied by Ryuji, Akira clicked his tongue, and held back the urge to sigh, “Again, this isn’t the last time I’ll be seeing you, your majesty.”
He scrunched up his nose, “I’m marrying another man, Akira. A king. And I don’t think he’d appreciate me flirting with a gardener, don’t ya think?”
His points and returned fire were fair enough, but of course the man had to shrug and say something, “Well, lets just say I will make sure this isn’t the last time you’ll see me. On my life.”
“On your life?” He asked, intrigued now, “That’s some serious stuff. You gonna break into the castle or somethin’?”
Sending a quick smile, before Ryuji could even process, his knight in shining armor stood with grace. Leaning over the bed to sneak a kiss to the princes forehead, his curt laugh of satisfaction sent flame through Ryuji’s veins.
Hold up. Hold on. Wait. He needed to stay right where he was at. He needed to let the speechless man look for words to respond with, for such a wild and magnificent thing.
“Or something,” he chose.
Frozen in disbelief, he lay still in his bed, and watched as the man he’d risk everything for, disappear off the balcony. His heart already aching, trying to register his departure, his visit in general, and… the kiss!?
As if moving kingdoms wasn’t hard enough.