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As the King slowly passed his duties off to Alberu, the crown prince, Alberu began to have less and less free time. Unfortunately, being so busy all the time meant that in the downtime he did have, he was extraordinarily bored.
He picked a flower out of a vase on his desk, and twirled it around in his hands. A memory came to him of himself and his mother. While she was a maidservant and he was the crown prince, she still found time to visit him. She would teach him games he could play by himself in order to pass the time.
This one was strange to him, but it made him feel nostalgic as he picked petals off the flower and mumbled to himself.
“Loves me, loves me not…”
He did it mostly when he missed his mother. He’s forgotten most of the other things she had taught him as he was caught in the fight for the throne, but this one had stuck with him.
When Alberu was younger, he normally ended up with loves me or loves me not an equal amount of times. Although, of course, it didn't really matter to him. He didn't have time for love, after all, whether it was platonic or romantic.
When people are constantly at your throat, it becomes harder to trust, nevermind love.
As he got older, however, he noticed that it ended up on loves me not more often than before.
Are they trying to make sure all the flowers in the palace have an even amount of petals? Alberu had thought. How tedious.
Although, something about it made him slightly crestfallen. That didn't make him stop, though.
He was taken out of his thoughts as his video communication device started flashing. Cale, probably.
–Sorry, were you busy?
A smile unconsciously formed on Alberu’s face as Cale came into view on the device. Alberu kept picking petals from the flower in his hand. “No, but I suspect I will be now, knowing you.”
Cale gave him a deadpan look, which only served to make Alberu turn his smile into a smirk. “What? You know I’m right. What do you need?”
–I just wanted to let you know ahead of time that I’ll be heading to the Capital soon.
“Really? When?”
–Tomorrow.
Tomorrow, he says. Thanks for the notice, I guess. Alberu thought, putting his face in his hands and sighing. I swear he does this on purpose.
Looking at it, it seemed like Cale was definitely staying at an inn at that moment. The plain room said a lot.
This crazy bastard was already on his way here.
Regaining his composure, he removed his face from his hands and tried to transmit his exasperation to Cale.
He wasn’t actually all that irritated. If anything, he was almost excited to be seeing the man who had done so much for (him) the kingdom so soon.
“I’ll start making the preparations for your arrival, then.” Alberu said. “Have you already arranged a place to stay?”
–I have Hans taking care of that.
“Alright. I’ll contact you later.” The petals from the flower were gone by the time he said this. He leaned forward slightly, grabbing another flower and beginning to pick the petals off as he leaned back again.
Loves me, loves me not.
He didn't notice when Cale hung up.
Loves me, loves me not.
–
Alberu had no clue why Cale came to the capital.
Apparently, Cale didn't either.
“I don't know, I just felt like coming.” Cale said, sitting in Alberu’s office. Alberu sat across from him, vaguely feeling like he was a school director scolding a student for doing something bad.
Raon sat across Cale’s shoulders, staring at Alberu lazily. The redhead almost looked as though he might collapse from the weight of it, but retained his composure nonetheless.
He’s built pretty well, Alberu observed, but I’m sure he's getting some muscle just from holding the weight of the dragon up.
Yes, Alberu thought, nodding his head, he is built quite well. Considering how little he does, anyway.
“What are you nodding about?” Cale asked him, leaning a cheek on his hand casually.
Alberu, slightly flustered, looked back up at Cale. “Mm, nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
Nice save, me. Nice save.
To admit that Alberu had been… Observing Cale’s body would be humiliating.
With slightly flushed cheeks, Alberu brought a hand to his mouth and cleared his throat awkwardly, looking anywhere but Cale. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Raon narrow his eyes at him, but he paid no mind for his own sake.
Though, the eyes of such a powerful being staring daggers at him, not quite to the point of glaring but getting close, was starting to send shivers down his spine and make his hair on his neck stand up. Alberu wasn't weak in the slightest, but there was no way he could stand a chance against a dragon.
“Well, to be honest, the kids haven't been to the capital in a while, and they wanted to go, but they didn't want to go without me.” Cale sighed, as if it were a large burden placed on his shoulders to leave his home. “I thought I might as well stop by.”
“You can help me with some work while you're here,” Alberu offered, half jokingly. “You did cause my workload to increase, after all. It’s the least you could do.”
“No, no, I’ll pass.” Cale said, standing up. “I’ll be on my way, then, since you're probably busy with your crown princely duties.”
Cale gave Alberu a very exaggerated bow as he left the room, and Alberu found himself missing him almost immediately.
–
Cale is objectively attractive, Alberu had thought to himself later. It’s not like I, personally, am attracted to him. Because I’m not.
He wasn't sure who he was trying to justify himself to.
He’s just conventionally attractive, that’s all.
Though, in actuality, Alberu was quite surprised that noble ladies weren't just tripping over themselves to send marriage proposals his way. Surely, Cale would tell Alberu if he was getting marriage proposals, right?
Well, maybe someone at the Henituse Duchy was burning the marriage proposals before word ever reached Cale. He would have to applaud them for doing so. Most of the nobles, if they didn't have ignoble intentions, were airheads at best. Alberu didn't approve of the majority of them in the slightest, but especially if they were trying to plant their son/daughter at Cale’s side, or rope him into their households.
It made him sick to his stomach.
Of course, Cale wasn't the type to marry for political reasons. At least, Alberu was pretty sure that was the case. He was also sure that Duke Henituse wouldn't force Cale into a political marriage. There was no need to– the Henituse Duchy was powerful enough as it was, and they preferred to keep to themselves, anyway. Unless, of course, someone decided to intrude on their territory and their people.
Alberu prayed for the pitiful soul who might have an idea to invade the Henituse Duchy. Money could go a long way, and they had plenty of it collected over generations.
He’s not the type to marry at all, a small part of him whispered.
Why should that matter to me? Alberu whispered back.
He shook his head, refusing to think of it any further. He grabbed another flower out of the vase and began to pluck its petals.
He loves me, he loves me not…
Alberu isn't quite sure when it changed.
–
On the day Cale and his group were about to leave, Cale visited Alberu in his office again. Though, somehow, he bypassed security and got there before Alberu did.
It wouldn't be the first time he suddenly appeared in Alberu's office by bypassing security, and he had a feeling it wouldn't be the last. Maybe Cale just didn't want to deal with the hassle that came with entering the palace officially.
It wasn't like Alberu minded him being there. He was rather enthusiastic about it, if anything. It was strange, though, that Raon wasn't there with him. It wasn't unusual for the redhead to go everywhere with Raon by his side. Even if Choi Han, On, or Hong weren't there, Raon was always there.
And Alberu knew Raon wasn't just invisible– After all, Alberu was fortunate enough to be strong enough to even sense the dragon's presence. Though, embarrassingly, he’d been previously convinced that Cale wasn't human and that strong presence was coming from the human himself.
He knew better now, though. It wasn't necessarily a slight toward Cale’s abilities, but not much comes close to the power of a dragon, even an adolescent one who’d only been through his first growth.
Dragons are pretty great.
“I don't think I’ll ever understand how you manage to get in here unnoticed.” Alberu said, sitting at his chair after being startled by Cale’s surprising presence in his office.
Cale waved a hand dismissively, barely even looking at Alberu. “Magic.”
“You can’t use magic.”
Cale looked him right in the eyes this time. “Magic.”
“Fine, keep your secrets.” Alberu said, raising his hands in defeat. “But make sure you leave the same way, otherwise the guards will freak out. Though, this does raise some concerns about the security of the palace.”
God, why is everything he does so attractive? Alberu was quick to add onto that thought– Objectively, of course. I’m not attracted to him, no.
“By the way, I’m surprised Raon isn’t here,” he mentioned, trying to distract himself from whatever his brain was doing with Cale in the room. Although, he had to admit, that corset Cale was wearing right now–
“Mm, he had lessons with Eruhaben.” Cale said, opening up a book that came out of fuck knows where and flipping to a page that was around midway through the book. “Old man figured that, even though we’re not in Henituse territory, that wasn’t an excuse to slack off. I snuck out.”
Alberu chuckled. “Seems like you never have time to yourself.”
Cale flipped the page, nodding. “I can’t even sleep by myself. I don’t mind, though, but don’t tell them that.” He lifted a finger to his lips, looking up at Alberu.
Oh, that was attractive, Alberu thought, cursing at himself for a moment. What is with me today?
“Well, at least my guards stay out of my room during the night.” The crown prince lifted a stack of paper and quill, signing documents and making a very futile effort to divert his attention.
The other man flipped another page, clicking his tongue a little bit. “Raon is growing a little bit, though, so he can’t sleep on my bed for much longer.” Cale sighed. “He’ll either break my bed, my legs, or my back at this rate. I don’t think he realizes it, though, and I don’t really plan on telling him.”
He paused, then added on. “I think he’d be happy to know he’s not as small as he was when I found him, though.”
Alberu nodded, carefully not looking at him. “Well, even if he does break your bones or back, you still have that handy dandy ability of yours, don’t you? The one that makes you spit out blood?”
Cale hummed. “I suppose so.” He looked up at Alberu. “You know, with all that work His Majesty passes off to you, you might as well just ascend the throne now.”
Alberu shrugged. “Not a good time. The continent is a bit chaotic right now, with everything that happened recently. A new king would just throw the kingdom aback a bit more than necessary. Besides, I don’t really want to right now, anyway.” He set his quill down and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Thanks to you, my position is pretty solidified, so I won’t have to worry about the second and third princes even if I wait a while.”
Cale sighed and closed his book, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back. “My father and Bassen keep trying to have me take over the Duchy. Everyone seems to think I should, but I just want to do nothing for the rest of my life.” He made a face of dread, shaking his head. “Bassen is the one with the administrative skills, so why me?”
Alberu laughed. “Maybe you’d be better at it than you think,” he offered, jesting. The lifeless look Cale leveled at him made Alberu chuckle more.
I wonder what he’d think of becoming my royal consort.
It was an experimental thought, one that made Alberu feel flustered, but he couldn’t say he minded the idea. Subconsciously, he grabbed a flower and began picking the petals.
He loves me, he loves me not…
Ah, another flower with an even number of petals. Damn it.
“By the way, I’ve seen you doing that a lot lately.” Cale spoke up, leaning forward and looking at the flower in his hand. Or, rather, what was left of it. “You also did it when I last called you.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Alberu lied. He totally noticed. He also noticed that he did it when he thought of Cale. Although he didn’t notice when, he also noticed that loves me, loves me not turned into he loves me, he loves me not. “My mother taught me this. It reminds me of her.” It reminds me of you.
Alberu wasn’t sure what this said about him. Flowers of varied colors slowly became red. Red roses, red poppies, red zinnias… Yet they always had an even number of petals. It frustrated him to no end. Before, he didn’t care, but now he was wondering when his time would be. When he would finally get that flower with an odd number of petals.
Red used to be one of his least favorite colors. Nowadays, he doesn't mind it that much.
Alberu took a deep breath in and released it. What is it that I’m feeling?
–
Feelings are complicated, was what Alberu firmly decided on.
“You and I are the same, aren’t we?” was something Alberu had once said to Cale. He hoped they were in the same boat on this feelings thing as well. Though Cale, at least, had people in his vicinity he could trust fully. Alberu could probably count the people he could be his true self to on one hand. You could never really trust anyone in the capital.
Cale, and… Well, maybe Choi Han after that. Though, Choi Han definitely could not be any better than himself and Cale with sentimental type things. But it’s still an idea.
Alberu had to think on it for a while. He needed outside input, and no way in hell would he be talking to anyone like Taylor Stan, who he knew was on his side but he wasn’t that close to him, about romance. Absolutely not.
No, he needed someone close to both him and Cale. Someone who could keep a secret. Someone, perhaps, like Choi Han. Alberu was beginning to form a foolproof plan. An infallible plan.
I’ll just talk to Choi Han and scope things out. In a totally not-suspicious very friend-like way. This is what friends do, right? Talk to each other about feelings?
Well, whatever. It’s not like Alberu knew what friends did. None of the people he knew had led normal lives, so he supposed that this might be a new experience for everyone involved.
Yes, Alberu thought, trying to justify himself, this is what good rulers do. Step outside their comfort zone. Communicate.
Honestly, he just wanted to know if Cale liked him the same way that he was pretty sure he liked Cale.
Choi Han would… probably… know?
The more he thought about it, though, the less sure he was about it.
He held the audio communication device in his hands, debating on whether or not to make the call to the swordmaster. What's the worst that could happen?
Well, he could tell Cale that I totally have a thing for him. What is Alberu doing? Trying to talk himself out of it? I don't think he would, though.
He held his breath and connected the call to Choi Han.
–
Choi Han was having a wonderful day. He had just gotten back to the Henituse territory from the capital, and was training when he got an audio call.
Sheathing his sword and wiping the sweat from his forehead, he accepted the call.
“He-”
“Choi Han, I need you to tell me what Cale thinks of me.”
Okay, this was strange. It’s not everyday one gets a call from the crown prince, nevermind a call about something other than a national emergency. Choi Han didn't mind this for a change, though. He wasn't too big on the whole “fighting and killing people” thing, so he was glad this was unrelated to that.
But at the same time, Choi Han wasn't sure what to think of this.
“I know he's very fond of Your Highness…” Choi Han trailed off into a whisper, like he was saying something he shouldn't. “But he's very difficult to read. Where is this coming from?”
He could hear Alberu hum from the other end, as though disappointed he couldn't get more answers out of Choi Han. Does he want me to read Cale’s mind, or something? I might be strong, but I don't think even Eruhaben can read people's minds.
Well, that might be a lie. Eruhaben was a millennium old. Who knows what that dragon can do? Maybe he can but just didn't want to.
Choi Han shook the thought from his mind, turning his attention back toward the sighing crown prince. He couldn't see Alberu, but he could imagine the pout that might be forming on the man's face, the thought bringing a smile to his own.
“Well, you know, I was just curious.” The fake way in which Alberu tried to shrug it off, even though he went so far as to call Choi Han to ask, made the swordmaster raise an eyebrow.
“Oh, is that how it is?” Maybe bordering on teasing the crown prince of the kingdom you live in wasn't the best idea, but there wouldn't be another chance like this in the millennium Choi Han would live. Really, he hadn't felt this alive since he was still a high schooler in Korea.
“No! Most definitely not!” A pause, and then a sigh. “Yeah, it most definitely is.”
“Well, I can't tell you if he feels the same,” Choi Han started, “but there is something else I heard while in the capital.”
“Continue…”
People always talk when they see Young Master Silver Shield, but they don't know his companions can hear. This was something he heard, but kept to himself. Cale didn't need to know.
“Nobles have been sending Cale marriage proposals, but never receive a reply.” Choi Han said, smiling. “He never gets them. They’re always burnt before they can reach him.”
Choi Han had taken the initiative and burned a few himself. Most of the young nobles, men and women alike, had sent letters to wherever Cale might be at the time, but they'd never reach him.
“It's mostly under the order of Duke Henituse. They all have ulterior motives, or something of the like,” he continued. “His Grace wants Cale to marry for love, not out of convenience, I guess.”
–
Out of love, huh?
Alberu still wasn't entirely sure that what he was feeling was love. He was at least 80% sure, but was that enough? He closed his eyes, reflecting. He always thought he would be forced to marry out of convenience, and had accepted that as fact. Need to continue the bloodline, or whatever, but was that really important anymore?
Whenever he thought of matters like that anymore, it was always but what if? What if?
The bloodline, after all, was so diluted at this point that all that mattered was blond hair, blue eyes. There were no divine abilities that ran through anymore. They would show up occasionally, but turn out to be very weak.
It's always succession this, succession that. Maybe one of his future nieces or nephews would have what it would take to take over the throne when Alberu is ready to retire. That way the stupid bloodline could continue and he doesn't have to have kids.
That sounded rather selfish of him, but he was far from caring at this point. Though, he would have to keep his brothers in check if he went that route.
He twisted a finger into his hair contemplatively. The damned bloodline. It was the reason he was forced to cover up. He didn't mind how he looked with pale skin and blond hair and blue eyes, but he liked himself better when he resembled his mother.
He wondered if Cale also liked him better. Did Cale mind what he looked like either way?
Why would he mind what Cale thought of him?
Alberu tried to envision his future. Every route he imagined always had Cale, Cale, Cale.
I think I’m sure now.
He grabbed a flower from the vase and mindlessly picked off the red petals. Red, like Cale.
He loves me, he loves me not…
…he loves me, he loves me not.
Today wasn't the day, he supposed. He sighed and leaned back in his chair.
–
“What do you think of the crown prince?” Choi Han asked Cale, who was laying on the floor.
“Alberu?” Cale hummed in thought. “I’m not sure.”
Raon stretched a claw out, laying not unlike a cat. “I think he’s weird.”
When Cale looked at him inquisitively, Raon continued. “Well, the last time we saw him he was very interested in…” The dragon paused, looking for the right words. “Observing you? I thought he was looking for signs of weakness but he looked really embarrassed by it.”
Cale nodded along. “Mm, I guess so. I didn't notice.” He did notice, but cautiously didn't point it out. He remembered Alberu being very flustered the last time they met, as well.
Choi Han sat down on the floor beside Cale, setting his sword beside him. Cale eyed it warily, knowing Choi Han would never harm him but also knowing it was best to be cautious where swords were involved.
“I don't dislike him.” Cale said. He didn't want to say what he really felt, though. He had an image to maintain, alright? Though, he was starting to care less and less about his image.
Caring about my “image” makes me feel like an actual noble.
“So, hypothetically, if he told you he was super into you, how would you respond?” Choi Han felt a little bit bad about spilling Alberu's feelings to Cale, but honestly they probably wouldn't get anywhere without Choi Han interfering. “This is completely hypothetical, by the way.”
The swordmaster was really starting to feel like a highschooler again. Cale raised an eyebrow at him. Maybe I hit the nail too hard?
“Well, I guess I wouldn't be averse to the idea.” Cale scrunched his nose. “But I feel like that would require responsibility. He’d have to promise me that I don't have to do anything for the rest of my life.”
Choi Han internally cheered a little bit for the lovestruck crown prince.
–
I have a pretty good feeling about today, Alberu thought upon waking up one morning. It was rare for him to feel that way, as most of the time he was greeted with the dread of another day, another 5 stacks of work to do.
But he was in a cheery mood today. He almost wanted to start skipping, if he knew how. He didn't, though, so he just walked with a slight pep in his step to his office. He was certain he got weird looks on the way, but today he didn't care.
He also knew that there were definitely some of the 2nd and 3rd princes’ people in his palace, and they would definitely go tell them that Alberu was weirdly happy today, but he would let them go today. What could they do with that information, anyway? Throw a party?
When he got to his office, he was delighted to find out that he had less work to do than usual. The tea that was served to him, too, somehow tasted much nicer than usual. Alberu smiled, lifting a quill and getting to work.
Maybe I’ll look around the capital today. Alberu decided, nodding his head. Why not? I’ll probably have more free time than usual.
While gems were nice and all, the markets had much more to offer, in terms of culture. Before he was saddled with responsibility, he would sometimes sneak out of the palace in disguise and peruse the market. It made him feel like a person, so to speak. Like he wasn't so different from everyone else.
He could go out in his Dark Elf form, as well. Not being of full dark elf blood had its perks– including the fact he mostly looked like a Southerner instead of a Dark Elf. People didn't question Southerners, but some still tended to shun the Dark Elves, even after their participation in the war.
Maybe I can change that once I’m king, Alberu thought, frowning slightly.
The thought didn't spoil his mood, though. He was looking forward to his excursion.
What should I buy?
He looked toward the refilled vase of flowers set on his desk. The mixed red hues of the petals reflected on the shiny surface of the table. While the reflection was slightly warped, to Alberu, it didn't look any less beautiful.
Maybe I’ll get some red roses.
Alberu nodded to himself and also promised to stop by some of the food stalls. Street food left less of a bitter taste in his mouth.
It was late afternoon when he finally finished his work. He threw a cloak with a hood on and left his office, letting the guards know where he was going and giving them strict orders not to follow.
“I’ll know if you do.” It was said with a smile, but it was a thinly veiled threat that he hoped would scare them out of ignoring his warning. “I can handle myself, anyway.”
He threw his cloak on, hoping it was decent enough to cover his face until he was completely out of the palace. He strapped a bag with spatial magic to his side and set out.
The sun was as bright as it could be in the afternoon, set high in the sky. While the cloak did provide Alberu with some shade, he also cursed himself by wearing a black cloak in the summer.
He slipped out of the crowd in the streets and entered an alleyway, releasing the magic that had changed the colors of his skin, hair, and eyes. He removed the cloak and let out a relieved breath. He was wearing simpler clothes than a crown prince normally would wear, but the idea was to blend in, not stand out.
“It's exhausting holding that up all the time,” Alberu muttered, slipping back into the crowd.
It was always a wonder to see merchants on the streets. While the palaces received no end of merchants that came to sell luxury goods to royalty, in Alberu’s opinion it simply couldn't compare to the humble merchants of the street.
Somehow it's more… Comforting?
You’d never see merchants at the palace selling flowers or street food, but there was everything here. Alberu let a smile form on his face as he looked for what he needed. He bought a sandwich on the way, savoring both the food and the lack of necessity of table manners.
There was a floral stand that Alberu couldn't ever recall going to, with a kind looking old lady manning it. There were all sorts of flowers, some that Alberu even recognized as being from other regions. He walked up to the colorful stand.
“Hello, young man. Are you coming from the South?” She struck up a conversation immediately, startling Alberu, who had been in a slight daze previously, looking at the flowers. He was quick to regain his composure.
“No, ma’am. I’m from around here, I’m just exploring a little bit.” Alberu let a smile rest on his face. “I was looking to buy some flowers. Do you have red roses?”
The old lady chuckled a little bit. “Someone on your mind? You know, red roses are a common flower to symbolize true love.”
Alberu flushed. “Maybe.” Definitely. Cale had been on his mind so much that he could barely focus anymore. “But these aren't for him. I just think they look nice.”
The old lady chuckled. “Whatever you say, young man.”
She handed him the flowers as he passed some coins off to her. “Keep the change,” he said, pressing several gold coins into her hand. He slipped into the crowd before she could say anything.
She put her hand over her mouth in shock. She just teased someone who was apparently in a higher position than her. She placed a hand on her chest, feeling wobbly.
He seems like a nice young man, though.
Alberu put the magic and cloak back on with relative ease and re-entered the palace. It was early evening by this point. He had long since hid the bouquet of roses in his spatial bag out of embarrassment and slipped into his bedroom.
The flowers previously at his bedside had begun to wilt, but it didn't phase Alberu much. They probably came from palace grounds anyway, so he was sure there were many more like it. He replaced them with the roses he had just bought, but kept one in his hand, spinning it slightly at the stem.
Gingerly, he began to pick the petals off. It was routine at this point. He’d gone all day without doing it, but he decided to do it just once today since he was in a really nice mood.
He loves me, he loves me not…
…he loves me not, he loves me.
He could laugh. Maybe this was a sign? Alberu grinned.
There was an odd number this time. Red roses symbolize true love, hm? Let's see how true that is, then.
He didn't remember his heart ever racing this hard.
–
Alberu didn't leave the palace very often, nevermind the capital. This was different.
Unlike Cale, he had notified the Henituse Duchy he was on his way ahead of time, with more time than one day before. There wasn't any big or official reason for him to do so– His entourage wasn't large by palace standards– In fact, it was rather miniscule in comparison. Though, honestly, he could have just teleported or something along those lines, but the long trip calmed his nerves.
His fingers tapped his leg with an impatience far higher than he’d felt before. A nervous energy permeated throughout the carriage as he looked out the window. Fields passed as fast as the thoughts in his head– A new scenery appeared every time his brain switched gears.
I’m starting to regret taking the long way, Alberu thought as nausea began to settle in. He wasn’t even halfway there and he was pretty sure his heart was beating out of his chest.
But thankfully there were still several more days before they reached the Northeast, so maybe he could sleep on it and feel fine in the morning.
Though, every time Alberu woke up and entered the carriage once again, he didn’t feel much better. Most of his confidence was draining with each bump on the road the carriage encountered, replaced by more nervous energy. He had to, at the very least, be able to collect himself before they entered Henituse territory.
He didn’t see himself being able to do so, though.
As he passed the gates into the Duchy, he was finally making a better attempt to collect himself. He had to before he greeted Duke Henituse, after all. A nervous crown prince did not install confidence within his people. He did some breathing exercises and some meditation, finally starting to calm down his viciously beating heart.
He looked calm on the outside, but his composure was most definitely crumbling internally. Alberu came very close to backing out and making an excuse for his visit. He took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, and released it.
Another chance like this might not come again.
If he backed out now, when would he have another opportunity? He’d probably be drowning in work by the time he got back. Alberu probably wouldn’t be able to see the sun for a while, nevermind seeing Cale again.
He took another deep breath. Now or never, Alberu. Now or never.
Entering the Duke’s residence was more anticlimactic than it's ever been. The Duke and Duchess were at the door to greet him. The Duke gave him a firm handshake as a greeting, but the Duchess stayed back. Alberu was sure she was probably scrutinizing him.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Your Graces.” Alberu said, a smile that did not accurately portray how he was feeling floating across his face. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here, but it’s not any official business.”
Alberu paused. “Well, not yet, perhaps.” He had an unsure look on his face for a split second, but it was gone as soon as it had appeared. “I do have something I need to talk to you about, though.”
“Is it about our son?” Alberu nodded at the Duke’s question. “Alright. Let’s sit in my office. I’ll have someone bring some tea over.”
He couldn’t find it in him to refuse. Not out of politeness, but more so out of nerves. His hands were starting to clam up, and a cold sweat was starting to form on his forehead. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped at his forehead and hands, hoping no one had noticed.
But he really started getting nervous once he had sat down. While Alberu himself was a force to be reckoned with, suddenly being stared down by two protective parents who didn’t know he was about to ask for their blessing to date their son, whom they loved very much, would make anyone feel small.
Alberu cleared his throat. “I’m sure your son has received many marriage proposals… Or, rather, he never received them.” When Cale’s parents started shifting in their seat on the opposite side of him, he continued. “Not that I’m upset about them being used as fuel for the fire– In fact, I’m quite happy about that.”
He paused, unsure of how to go on from there. “While it’s not tradition, most emperors and empresses of the Crossman bloodline will… Marry someone before they ascend the throne.” Alberu swallowed a lump forming in his throat. “So–”
He was cut off before he could continue. “Do you love Cale?”
It was Duchess Violan. It was, perhaps, the first time she had spoken after greeting him at the door.
“Do you actually love him? You don’t plan on using him?” Violan continued. Her husband nodded along with his line of questioning. Normally, it would be blasphemous for anyone to question the crown prince like this, but the Henituse Family was unique. If they so wanted, they could probably form their own country, but they chose not to. That was just how powerful they were.
“Yes. Of course.” Alberu interlocked his fingers, almost glad he was cut off. “I haven’t told him yet. I wanted to ask for your blessings first.”
His cheeks were slightly flushed, a pinkish hue spreading across his face.
Violan nodded in approval. “Good. You’ve done more than all of these other nobles combined.” She scrunched her nose in disgust at the thought of the letters they had received in abundance. She looked to Deruth, who nodded as well.
“You better make him the happiest man alive,” Deruth said. It was a thinly veiled threat. “If you hurt him I promise I’ll make sure to come after the capital myself.”
Is this treason? This has to be treason, Alberu thought, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Your Grace.”
“Good.” The Duke and Duchess Henituse both stood, and Alberu followed in suit. “I’ll guide you to the door– I’m sure that troublemaker is waiting for you.”
When he left the estate, Alberu was sure he was on the verge of collapsing from the stress. I’m not gonna get gray hairs early, am I? He cautiously patted the top of his head and brushed his fingers through his hair.
“So how did it go?” If anyone asked, Alberu did not almost die on the spot.
“Choi Han.” Alberu sighed. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
The swordmaster smiled lightly. “Cale didn’t want your entire entourage dying in the Dark Forest, so he sent me to guide you to the Black Castle.”
“How considerate.” The dark elf deadpanned. “This must be his way of apologizing for not giving me any time to prepare for his arrival in the capital– Letting us leave with our lives intact.”
“Ah, but,” Choi Han continued, “he also said to leave your entourage here. Have them stay at an inn for the time being.”
“For privacy reasons, I assume? He doesn’t want anyone else to know where he’s staying?” Alberu pondered. “Understandable.”
He relayed his orders to those who had joined him, for them to stop and stay at an inn until his return. As they left, Alberu sighed in relief.
“This should be easier, anyway,” Choi Han said. Alberu couldn’t help but agree. While they could fend for themselves in the forest, especially now that most of the more powerful monsters were blocked off, it was still hard to protect an entire group of people in a tree-dense area.
I’m stronger than most of the people ‘protecting’ me. How silly is that?
It took less time than Alberu preferred to arrive at the Black Castle. He was almost shaking from how nervous he was.
“What if he doesn’t like me back? What do I even do?” Alberu whispered to Choi Han, who shook his head.
“It’ll be fine. You’re worrying over nothing.”
“Nothing? Is my future nothing to you?” Alberu felt like pacing outside the gates of the castle. “I’m pretty sure he’s the love of my life. And he doesn’t even know it. Does he know how I think that everything he does is so attractive that my mind actually goes blank?”
He swallowed nervously. “The last time I saw him, he was wearing a corset, Choi Han. I think I’ve fallen so deep that I might as well be touching the other side of the planet. I could barely look away.”
Choi Han was staring at him strangely. He’d never seen the crown prince lose his composure like this. “Is this what love does to people?” he mumbled to himself, before speaking up. “Well, just let me know when you’re ready to go in, I suppose.”
“No, no,” Alberu said, trying to regain confidence. “I think I’ve got this. Yeah, let’s go in.”
Alberu wanted to let it be known– as he was walking through the castle with Choi Han– that he did not, in fact, “got this.” His mind was racing a million miles a minute, and he was pretty sure his hand was trembling slightly. He was trying to give himself a mental pep talk but everytime he thought of or even saw the color red, he got distracted and would have to start again.
“I’ll be waiting outside.” Choi Han said, looking at the crown prince, who seemed to be in a trance.
“Ah, yes, that’s fine.” Alberu said, laying a hand on the doorknob.
“...Are you not going in?”
“Ah. Yes.”
He pushed open the door, finding Cale laying on the floor. How unsurprising.
Alberu quickly shoved all his feelings down, announcing his presence. “Is this what you do in your spare time?”
Cale looked at him from the corner of his eye. “Yes. It’s surprisingly comfortable, you should try it sometime.”
Alberu scoffed. “Trust me, I won’t have the time.” He sighed. “I could barely get the time, and I definitely won’t have the time when I get back.”
Cale shook his head in what seemed like disappointment. “Well, you’re not doing anything now. It turns out that there’s a spot on the floor right here.” He patted the spot next to him with his hand, still not looking at Alberu entirely.
Alberu was reluctant, battling with his dignity as a crown prince but also not wanting to waste the opportunity to lay on the floor next to Cale. When would another time like this come again?
He sighed, and lowered himself to the floor, laying his back on it. It wasn’t as comfortable as his own bed, but there was a weird charm to it.
“Hmm, not bad,” he said, mostly to fill the space.
“Right?”
Alberu laid there with his arms over his stomach, fingers interlocked with each other. The silence was mostly comfortable, but he was pretty sure Cale would be able to hear his heartbeat if the man listened close enough. He took a deep breath in, hoping the other wouldn’t notice how nervous he was.
I’m so deeply in love with you that I want to skip the dating and engagement stage and marry you immediately, was what Alberu really wanted to say, but everytime he opened his mouth to speak, the words would lose their purpose and sink to the bottom of his stomach, effectively silencing him. He was sure that, to any spectators, he appeared to be a fish out of water with how often he was opening and closing his mouth.
“Are you trying to say something?” Fuck, he noticed. Alberu turned his head to look at Cale, who was raising an eyebrow at him. But damn he’s so pretty no matter what he’s doing.
“Yes,” he said simply. “I’m really in love with you.”
God damnit, I had a whole speech in mind. Why the hell did I do that? Fuck.
Alberu brought his hands up to his face and covered his eyes in embarrassment, cheeks flushing red. He could hear Cale sit up, but he didn’t follow. Really, he could die right now. He wouldn’t be dying happy, of course, but he would be dying nonetheless and that was what he really needed right now.
God, I messed it all up.
“Hey, uncover your eyes.” Alberu was reluctant to do so, peaking through one eye. “Completely, I mean. Remove your hands from your face.”
Cale was sitting over him, cheeks lightly flushed. He used one hand to place some of his hair that was falling off his shoulder behind his ear, and leaned down to kiss Alberu. It startled him, certainly, but he closed his eyes and went with it. It was clearly Cale’s first kiss, as well, but it made him all the more happy.
When Cale removed his lips from Alberu’s, he covered his mouth and looked away, cheeks as red as his hair. Alberu sat up and grinned cheekily. “Does that mean you love me too?”
Cale swatted at him with one hand lightly. “What do you think?”
Alberu laughed, happier than he’d been in years.