Work Text:
Kaeya and Albedo had danced before. Cast under eternal darkness and crystal chandeliers, dressed in pristine, shiny suits, with more gold than a rich man’s vault.
They never danced like this, though. Long blades clashing between them, bright sparks dying out in the rain.
It wasn’t sweet anymore, it was scary.
The blond blocked another slash with his blade. Weak and dull, his blade from Khaenri’ah was a long-lost dream.
Kaeya’s sword wasn’t much better, scratched and a little dull, but more effective than Albedo’s.
Albedo weakly groaned, moving to dodge another slash. He was growing tired though, he wasn’t ready for fights like this. As an alchemist, apprenticed to Rhinedottir, he hadn’t had to deal with things like this. Barely able to deal with the slimes and whopperflowers all over Teyvat. In the abyss, such things couldn’t survive.
Kaeya’s sword swung towards him again, and Albedo had no option but to block it with his own.
The sheer force of the swing knocked his sword from his hands. It flew a couple of feet in the air and landed on the soft grass behind him. Kaeya’s sword grazed his shoulder, most of the force behind it gone, but enough to cut skin. It wasn’t deep, but Albedo was a little afraid considering how old and dirty the sword was.
He stumbled back, losing balance on the wet grass and falling over unceremoniously.
He panted, hand reaching up to his wound, only for it to sting from his now dirtied finger.
Albedo felt cold metal under his chin, but his blood ran ever colder. He couldn’t move, one wrong sway or shift would get him killed. His life was in the hands of the prince who just happened to be upset with him. He couldn’t even see his gaze cast on the ground, hair slick against his forehead with rain.
“Prince Kaeya.” He whispered out, not daring to look up.
“Yes, my sweet little Kreideprinz?” He cooed as if he didn’t have a blade held up to Albedo’s throat.
“What do you want?” Albedo gritted out, scared to talk too loud. As if that would be his downfall.
“What do I want?” Kaeya echoed. “A lot. Right now, I want my kingdom back. But that isn’t possible, little homunculus, is it?”
Albedo’s heart stopped. How did he know?
“Come on, darling. Aren’t you gonna defend yourself? Or are you gonna sit in silence until I slit your throat?” Kaeya pressed the blade into his skin. Barely even nicking him, but the fear that ran through Albedo cut deep.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, my prince.” Albedo felt tears prick at his eyes. “I tried to stop her. I promise. She wouldn’t listen. She said I didn’t understand.” He choked.
“Really now?” Albedo finally faced Kaeya. His chin lifted by the tip of the sword. The prince was still beautiful. Hair like the night sky and eyes marred with the same star adorning his neck. Eye, Albedo noted, because Kaeya’s other eye was covered by an eyepatch. Fastened under his hair and dug into his skin.
“I promise, My Prince. Please, don’t kill me.” Albedo begged. “I’ll do whatever you say.”
“Whatever I say?” The Prince chuckled. “Are you sure? I could subject you to terrible, horrific things,” he said childishly, with a pout. “I could have you on your knees, begging for death. But you still begged to live.”
“Your Highness…”
“Ah, little chalk boy, I could never.” His voice was smooth as ever. Not like when he lulled Albedo to sleep, more like he was founding a diplomatic relationship at an extravagant ball. Albedo didn’t like it.
Albedo released the breath he didn’t know he was holding.
“You’re still as pretty as ever.” Kaeya’s words were so honeyed Albedo felt like he could drown. “Flawless skin, silky hair, you’re truly a treasure.”
“Is that so?” Albedo dared to question him.
“Yes, Kreideprinz.” Kaeya’s sword descended to the ground. Albedo’s chin dropped with it, digging into the space between his collarbones.
Albedo squinted, seeing small crimson stains in the dirt. The same crimson that was bubbling from his neck and torrenting out of his shoulder.
“Hm.” Kaeya pushed his sword aside, assuming the previous position of the blade. Sitting on the ground, hand under Albedo’s chin and all. He stared at the Kreideprinz, who was frightened like a bunny that had gotten caught in a net.
“Poor boy.” He tilted Albedo’s chin more, trying to see the wounds on him. “I’ll fix you up, then. Come with me, chalk prince.”
Albedo’s eyes widened. Hadn’t Kaeya just tried to kill him? And now he was willing to bandage the blond up, nurse him to health? It didn’t make sense.
“C’mon, Albedo.” Kaeya stood up, picking up his sword. “It’s going to be dark soon.”
“How do I know you’re not gonna hurt me?” Albedo panted, struggling onto his feet and reaching for his blade. The stretch hurt, pulling against the wound. He gasped in pain, immediately pulling his arm back and cradling it to his chest.
“Kreideprinz, must I carry you?” The once prince didn't even bother answering his question.
Albedo sighed, refusing. Maybe back in the castle, pining over the prince he could never have, he’d say yes. But not anymore. Not after said man had put a sword to his throat.
“‘M fine,” Albedo huffed. He stood up, limited to using one arm to push himself up. His legs were alright, sore, but he could manage.
“I can bandage you up, then I can give you some medication and new clothes.”
Albedo furrowed his brows. “Kaeya, you just tried to kill me. Why are you… helping me?” He asked, already walking to keep pace with Kaeya. Damn his long legs and even longer strides.
Kaeya sighed, stopping his movements. “Because the Abyss Order wants you.” He stated wryly.
“What?” Albedo froze, staring at Kaeya, confused. “Are you working with them?” Albedo asked, squinting. He should’ve known. Royals have their secrets, even Kaeya did, of course. Behind closed doors, he must’ve been working with them.
Kaeya scoffed. “No. Obviously not. They’re part of the reason my kingdom’s gone–” he bit his lip, holding back on saying more– “They want you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re the prime creation of Rhinedottir. They want you. They want Khaenri’ah back, and you’re the new Master of Khemia, now that she’s gone.” Kaeya continued walking. “You’re gonna have to get used to it. The heralds are hunting you down.”
“Oh.” Albedo didn’t think about that. He’d carry the burden of keeping the art of Khemia alive now, but he didn’t know if he wanted to. What happened in Khaenri’ah was awful, he didn’t want to think about what would happen in mainland Teyvat.
“Yes. ‘Oh.’” Kaeya's voice dripped with mock, but not the friendly kind anymore. Without a response from Albedo, he continued. “I’ll keep you safe, though. Until we can… part ways.”
“Okay.” Albedo swallowed. “Thank you.”
“It’s no problem.” Kaeya dropped his sword back into the sheath. “Hurry up, before one of them finds us.”