Chapter Text
The season was late spring. The air was rich with the scent of blossoms and morning dew. Aira stood by the crimson-colored curtains that were held together by a thick golden string. After arranging the tassels to resemble a bow shape, he made his way down the castle corridor.
“Oh look it’s Lady Aira, she’s just as beautiful as they say.” Aira ignored the voice and continued his stroll down the castle’s vast hallway.
He was used to the story. The one about Lady Aira. Prosperous, virtuous, kind-hearted lady. One of the kingdom’s finest. They said her beauty rivaled a goddess. Men from all over the kingdoms tried but desperately failed at having her hand in marriage.
But they are wrong, I am no lady. Aira quickly dismissed his thoughts. He was forced to keep up with his reputation for the sake of his family. His parents used his beauty to soak in royalty and riches. He was nothing more to them than a puppet, a marionette, with strings that could be pulled in any direction they pleased.
“I’m sorry I was late, Your Majesty. Did you call for me, Prince?” Aira bowed to the young prince. He quickly dismissed him with a wave.
“No need for such formalities, Lady Aira. Prince Ritsu is enough.” Ritsu answered. He offered his hand to Aira who quickly took it. The prince laced their fingers together in a loose grasp. Aira studied their hands. Long, pale fingers against small, nimble ones. Strong and skillful against weak and pitiful.
“Let’s go, Lady Aira. My parents are awaiting our presence in the throne room.” Ritsu informed, slightly tugging Aira’s hand and pulling him out of his thoughts.
“Oh yes. My apologies, Prince Ritsu.” Aira murmured apologetically but was immediately dismissed by the Prince.
“No need, Lady Aira. Now let us depart.” Ritsu replied. He wasted no time in walking towards the throne room. Hand in hand with his servant. Aira kept his head down and hidden from the whispering onlookers.
Of course, they’d overthink it. Aira internally groaned at the hushed murmurs and whispers. Ritsu noticed his friend’s inner torment and softly squeezed his hand.
“Aira, do not worry about the gossip. For I know you are no ‘Lady’ my Dearest Friend. I have no hopes of marrying you. So fear not.” Ritsu whispered, comforting the latter with his raw honesty. Aira sheepishly nodded and released their intertwined hands.
The two stood upon the throne room’s front doors. It was immense and reinforced with the strongest of metals and obsidian.
Much like the castle, which was covered in the darkest of oak and obsidian and endowed with the finest of gems, especially the ruby. Which could be found around the entire castle since the traditional colors of the kingdom were red and black.
Even the prince only wore the darkest of red and black in his daily and royal attire. He had on a black lace turtleneck and a red vest. Prince Ritsu also wore a ruby brooch with the kingdom’s symbol on it. He had crimson-colored pants and black leathered boots to match the rest of his outfit. The thing about the Sakumas’ and the Valkerinia Kingdom is the ancestral curse that passes down through birth. The Vampire Curse it’s named after the legend of the First Vampire who was rumored to be the first king of Valkerinia.
Prince Ritsu and his exiled brother Prince Rei both had the curse. One that caused them an unquenchable thirst for blood and a strong hatred of the sun. It was another reason why the Prince spent most of his time in his chambers, for sleeping was the only cure to his thirst for blood.
“Lady Aira, My Son.” King Mika’s voice boomed across the throne room causing nearby servants to cower and scurry in fear of him.
“What is it? Father.” Prince Ritsu questioned. He knelt before his father as King Mika stood up from his throne.
King Mika was the strongest of kings the Kingdom of Valkerinia have had in a long time. But he was also cursed but instead of bloodthirst, he had contrasting colored eyes that seemed to glow in radiance and power.
“We have a suitor for you. She has traveled many lands in hopes of marrying you. The Kingdom of Stars, Princess Anzu, daughter of King Jin.” Mika announced. He nodded to a servant before the throne room door was reopened.
Queen Arashi, Prince Ritsu’s mother, and King Mika’s wife walked into the room. Across from her was Princess Anzu escorted by five of their kingdom’s finest knights.
“Hello, Son. And Hello, Lady Aira.” Queen Arashi greeted, softly patting her son’s shoulder before making her way toward her husband.
“We are giving you one month with the beloved Princess in hopes you will get to know each other before the wedding at the end of the month.” King Mika declared not to give his son a chance to decline before ordering them to leave the room.
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“My, My, I cannot believe Prince Ritsu is getting married!” One of the female servants exclaimed. She was carrying a heavy load of laundry baskets to the washroom before Aira asked if he could be of help.
This brings them here, gossiping between servants wasn’t something Aira wasn’t familiar with. But he stayed away as much as possible in case anyone brings up rumors of him. Which were mainly about him and the prince being secretly acquainted with each other. Forbidden love is what one would call it. But in reality, he and the Prince were childhood friends. Nothing more, nothing less.
“I also cannot believe it. Prince Ritsu has never shown any interest in marriage before.” Another servant replied also intrigued with the new news.
“What do you think, Lady Aira? You’re the closest to the Prince. You must know something about what kind of person the Prince fancies?” The servant closest to him asks, causing the other servants to crowd him in hopes that he would answer their questions.
Feeling pressured by the increasing number of people surrounding him, Aira quickly dismissed himself from the servants (much to their dismay) and ran into one of the knights from the Kingdom of Stars.
“Uh-My apologies, Sir,” Aira mumbled, bowing to the man he had just run into.
“It is alright, I’m also sorry for not properly seeing you.” The man bowed to Aira who quickly forgave him and told him that he does not need to be so formal around him.
“If it is alright with you, may I ask for your name?” The knight requested and Aira could not find a reason not to.
“My name is Aira Shiratori, Lady Aira for short,” Aira muttered, once again feeling ashamed for sharing his stupid title.
“Lady Aira, you are just as beautiful as the rumors have told me.” The knight gracefully placed a feather kiss on top of Aira’s frail knuckles.
Aira felt a light brush creep on top of his cheeks, dusting them in a pale pink color. It’s alright. He wouldn’t say this if he knew I was a man. Don’t be foolish, Aira. Aira mentally shamed himself to believe the compliment was for himself and not for his title as Lady Aira.
“Thank you. You are very kind, Sir-“
“Sir Hiiro, Lady Aira.” Hiiro finished gazing into Aira’s eyes. The knight’s eyes were a deep blue, one like the ocean except this one held stories of a lifetime in them and almost seemed to shine with stars that could fill the entire universe.
Emerald. Green emerald eyes dyed in the colors of early spring. Captivating. Just like the rest of her. Hiiro thought as he continued to stare at Aira.
“You have beautiful eyes, My Lady,” Hiiro commented, causing Aira to snap out of his trance.
“Thank you, Sir Hiiro.” Aira thanked with a curtsy bow. He was just about to leave when he felt a hand on top of his own. Holding him back in a gentle grasp.
“What is it, Sir Hiiro?” Aira questioned. This caused the knight to stir out his thoughts.
“My apologies, Lady Aira. It’s just- If it’s not too much. Would you like to take a stroll with me around the kingdom’s botanical garden? I heard it was the best in all of the Seven Kingdoms.” Hiiro awkwardly suggested before retracting his hand away from Aira’s.
Aira blinked at the knight’s strange request. He was used to men asking him to go someplace with them to bounce on him in private. Or to beg for his hand. But something about the way Hiiro fiddled with his fingers as he waited for a reply made Aira giggle. It’s cute. No wait- Endearing is a better word for it. He thought before turning to face the knight.
“I would love to, Sir Hiiro,” Aira said, giving the knight a bright smile that would’ve caused him a heart attack if Aira did it again.
Hiiro held out his hand. It was thick and calloused with many battle scars. Compared to Aira’s thin, polished fingers that seemed to never experience the same history. Despite that, their hands fit together like a missing puzzle piece finding its long-lost pair.
Aira loved the way Hiiro’s fingers felt in between his own. It was a sort of comfort he had never felt before, not even Prince Ritsu’s hands could compare. He never wanted to leave this embrace. For as long as possible he wanted to stay this way, but he knew it was impossible.
When he finds out the truth, he will leave you. Aira thought before walking hand in hand with Hiiro towards the kingdom’s garden.
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“Hello, Prince Ritsu. I am honored to make your acquaintance.” Princess Anzu greeted Ritsu with a bow. Ritsu watched the action with mild irritation. He especially hated it when people acted overly formal in front of him. He just wanted someone to treat him with a normal amount of respect. But that was nearly impossible with his title.
“Likewise.” He muttered, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared out of his window. He was supposed to have tea with the princess in hopes of them getting closer. But he knew that no matter what happens he will be forced into this marriage. Happy or not. Because his father’s words are final. No amount of bargaining can go against a king's orders.
“Is something troubling you? Prince Ritsu?” Anzu asked, concern laced in her voice. Ritsu felt himself bitterly chuckle at her concern. They haven’t even talked to each other until today. Why show concern for someone you don’t know? It was probably all because of his title as Prince of Valkerinia. No one cares about the boy Ritsu Sakuma is. Everyone only saw his power and wealth. The only person Ritsu could ever call a friend was Aira and even he still saw him as someone superior to himself.
“Just a bit tired, that’s all. I’m going to rest for a bit and I'll meet with you later today.” Ritsu announced before dismissing himself from the meeting. His body felt slack and it was because of the curse that his throat throbbed painfully for the taste of blood.
I will sleep for a little. Then meet with the Princess when I have a clearer head. Ritsu thought to himself as he walked towards the kingdom’s garden. He loved to nap around the newly budding flowers. Nature always calmed him down when he felt overwhelmed with his princely duties so he made a personal garden just for the sake of his privacy.
So when Ritsu made it to his favorite lounging couch and saw someone else sleeping on it he was surprised, to say the least.
“What are you doing in my resting place?” Ritsu questioned the person who looked like they were in a deep slumber.
“Five more minutes, Boss.” The young male mumbled rolling over in his sleep. Ritsu stared at the boy. Who is this ‘Boss’ and why is this stranger sleeping on my couch?
“I am not your boss and that is my couch you’re sleeping on,” Ritsu grumbled. The boy didn’t respond and continued to ignore the prince’s futile attempts at waking him up.
“I give up.” Ritsu murmured in defeat as he lay beside the stranger. He had grown very tired of his attempts to wake up the trespasser that he didn’t care about the boy anymore.
“I’m just gonna sleep for a bit.” The Prince mumbled feeling his drowsiness creep through his body before his eyes went slack.
Ritsu arose with a yelp when he felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder. He glared at the culprit in pure rage. How dare they wake him from his slumber. He was just about to yell at the person but noticed the darkening sky.
“Hey, sorry for poking you in all but I just wanted to make sure you weren’t dead.” The stranger chuckled, sheepishly scratching his neck.
Ritsu’s anger dispersed in an instant. This had to be the first time someone called me without ‘Your Majesty’ or ‘Prince Ritsu’. He thought as he stared at the young boy in front of him. They were close in age and figure but the boy’s clothes were old and had a couple of patches. Their clothes were as different as the sun and moon. Gold and rock. and everything in between.
“What is your name?” The stranger asked. Ritsu furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Did this person not know who he was? He was a prince for heaven's sake! Heir to the throne. But instead of answering with his usual title of the Prince of Valkerinia. Ritsu found himself wanting to be treated normally for once.
“Ritsu, Sakuma Ritsu,” Ritsu replied half afraid that the boy would figure out his true identity from his name. He braced himself for an answer from the younger male.
“Oh, Okay! Hello, Ritsu! I’m Mao Isara. But you can just call me Mao.” Mao responded, holding his hand out for the other to shake. “Let’s be friends, Ritsu.”
Ritsu stared at the hand in front of him. It was the first time anyone had ever wanted to be his friend not just because he was a prince but for the real him. Aira doesn’t count because his parents forced them to have play dates together but they were close nonetheless.
Friends? Huh. Ritsu smiled at the boy as he returned the embrace and shook his hand. “I’d be glad to be your friend, Mao.”