Chapter Text
Rin always hated long journeys. The thumping along dirt roads, the unfamiliar smell of rot and dung, the anticipation of standing before the king made his stomach churn. His gloved hands loosened around the reins, breath evening out as they reached the outskirts of the kingdom. The sun was unrelenting today, the lack of trees along the path depriving the weary travelers of much needed shade. He shed his woolen shawl early into the journey, but the continually beating sun was painting his cheeks red. Reaching for his canteen, he took a greedy gulp before drying his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt.
“We’re almost there, boy,” his dad said, the long journey beginning to wear him out as well.
At the top of the cliffside, Rin could see the opulent castle, its white stone standing starkly against the blue sky. Fluffed bushes and ivy dripping on the stone walls seemed to glow green, as saturated as the skies above. As they approached the gates, he caught the twinkle of the sun reflecting off a rushing river, the sounds of which he heard long before he set his eyes onto it.
“Halt!” one of the guards called out, stamping the hilt of his halberd against the stone path. “State your name and business.”
Rin’s dad dismounted his horse, smoothing out his satin vest before approaching the guards. “Duke Itoshi,” he stated firmly. “I have returned from my expedition to Vridus. The king is expecting us.”
The knight’s face immediately lit up, loosening his grip on his weapon as he approached the party of travelers. “Please excuse my informality,” he said as he pulled the Duke into an embrace, giving him a couple of hefty pats on the back. “We took you for dead.”
The Duke let out a hearty laugh. “I may have extended my vacation a bit longer than I should have,” he joked.
“And I assume this is your son?” the guard asked, the pair turning their attention to Rin. He scrambled off his horse, which was a pony mere months ago. Bowing his head, he addressed the guard as he was trained. “Rin Itoshi of Vridus, son of Duke Itoshi of Cistrox,” he yelled out as firmly as his 12-year-old voice could muster.
“At ease, boy,” he heard the guard say, prompting him to lift his head. “Here, you are as Cistroxian as any of us. Welcome home,” the guard said to the Duke. With that, the large wooden doors were cranked open and they were ushered into the King’s keep.
Rin and his dad walked their horses to the castle doors as their assistant trailed behind with a caravan rumbling with goods from Vridus. After days of traveling, listening to the rustle of leaves and the hum of cicadas, the bustle of the town–the giggling children, the plucking of a lute, the yelling from vendors and customers alike–was rather overwhelming to Rin’s senses. He quickened his pace, dodging women with large baskets of produce propped on their hips and weathered men stumbling out of taverns.
When they reached the castle doors, there were villagers lining the steps, awaiting their turn to share their grievances with the king. Rin tightened his grip on the reins, giving his horse a few short strokes on her neck, his leather glove gliding along her white hairs. “Easy there,” he whispered to his horse, knowing this was the most commotion she has experienced in her lifetime.
As his father approached another pair of knights, the same jovial reunion commenced as the one outside the gates. Rin stared at the knights with admiration, their shining armour glistening under the sun, the kisses of rust and stories of their valiant efforts wearing away at the edges of each plate of their exoskeleton. Rin slowly trailed behind his father, wanting to get a closer look at the family crest that adorned their collarpiece.
“Ah, and here is my son,” he heard his father say.
Out of habit, Rin bowed his head again. “Rin Itoshi of Vridus, son of Duke Itoshi of Cistrox,” he stated.
Unlike the first guard, this one was older, at least 10 years older than his father–his face sterner and his voice deeper. “Very polite,” he praised. “You raised him well. I will bring you to the king. He has been awaiting you.”
Rin waited to hear the shuffling grow further away before lifting his head. The head guard moved to direct the others to take their horses and goods to the stable before returning to their side. Reluctantly, Rin passed his reins to one of the knights. “It’s going to be okay,” he whispered to his whining horse.
“Clear a path,” the head guard shouted. Following his command, the sea of villagers parted, allowing a path towards the doors. Rin ascended those steps cautiously, feeling everyone’s eyes bore into him. Stepping into his father’s shadow as protection, he braced himself as the castle doors slowly pulled open.
“State your name and your purpose,” the king’s voice bellowed out, echoing against the stone interior of the throne room.
Rin’s father walked along the crimson carpet lined with knights standing austere and proud. Dropping to one knee, he knelt before the king, head bowed humbly. Rin quickly mimed his actions, hands folded onto his knee.
“Duke Itoshi of Cistrox. I have returned from Vridus, my lord,” he said.
There was soft shuffling, Rin’s eyes still fixed on the red velvet underneath them. The sounds of clattering footsteps approached them until a pair of leather boots came into view. “Rise,” the king said sternly.
Following his command, the two pushed themselves to their feet. Rin studied the king, draped in glimmering gold and lush fur. He had a hardened look to him, the weight of the kingdom dragging on his features, folding wrinkles into his skin. The king studied the pair for a moment before a smile tugged at his lips, brightening his features.
“Old friend,” he sang, wrapping his arms around Rin’s father. “Has it been that long that you’ve forgotten how I’ve felt about these formalities?”
Rin’s father chuckled sheepishly, still standing tall with the majesty’s hands firm on his shoulders. “Yes, much longer than I anticipated, I fear.”
“Well, I am so glad you’re back. And who is this?” the king asked, turning to Rin.
“Rin Itoshi of-.” The king raised his hand to stop him.
“Your son?” the king asked.
Rin’s dad nodded.
“Is this the reason you extended your expedition?”
He nodded again, shoulders sagging a bit lower. “Yes, I apologize.”
“Why must you apologize? To fall in love is to be human. Now, where is your wife? Is there a new duchess I must appoint?”
Rin shifted on his feet, but was still unable to tear his eyes away from the king with his strong grip on his father.
“She unfortunately passed away. Sweating sickness,” the Duke responded solemnly. “Now, you must understand why I couldn’t bear to leave.”
“I am sorry for your loss, dear friend, but I must also celebrate your son,” he said, smiling over at Rin. He finally lifted his hands from Rin’s fathers shoulders and made way to Rin. Towering over the child, he asked, “Now, child, why should I allow you citizenhood in my kingdom?”
Rin straightened, puffing out his chest. He stared deep into the monarch’s eyes as he declared, “I want to become a knight to serve and protect his majesty, his family, and his kingdom.”
The king’s eyes narrowed, causing Rin’s composure to momentarily falter, but a raucous laugh followed. “Like father, like son,” he laughed. “Both so serious.” He lowered himself to be eye to eye with Rin. “It would be my honor to continue our partnership with the Itoshi family. We will begin your training right away,” he said, placing a hand on Rin’s shoulder “Meguru!” he called.
Rin was so anxious about meeting the king he didn’t even notice the young boy– so heavily decorated with fur, gold, and satin he nearly blended into the throne. He peered over the king’s shoulder at the child, about his age, watching them all curiously, golden eyes catching the sunlight the way the light bounced from the rapids of the river. The child hopped from his seat, bouncing towards them, his excited movements revealing blonde locks at the nape of his neck and sprouting from his hairline.
Rin watched the child approach him with awe. An angel kiss , he thought. When his mom was still alive, she was the town midwife and, with nothing else to keep him entertained, he often tagged along when she went to work. It was gruesome work and he couldn’t bear to be in the room with the pregnant women—wailing in pain, the smell of blood seeping into the walls—but he was a great help in cleaning up.
An angel kiss is what his mom called these birthmarks that some babies were born with, causing their hair to grow blond and sometimes even silver in those areas. He has only seen children with a small patch here and there, but the boy before him had a ring of blond around his head like a halo. Like an angel .
“Your highness,” the Duke said, bowing politely. Rin followed suit, peering through the fringe of his hair to steal one long look. In that moment, he knew his purpose, why he was put onto this earth. He needed to protect those honey eyes, that sunshine smile even if it killed him.
“I was so caught up in the excitement of your return, I did not even get the chance to introduce my son,” the king said as they lifted their heads. “Meet Prince Meguru. Heir to the throne. He will need someone as valiant as you,” the king said to Rin, squeezing his shoulder gently.
The boy let out a soft giggle, melodic and sweet. “It’s very nice to meet you both,” he said, hand held to his chest as he bent into a bow.
“Now, Meguru, why don’t you take some time to show Rin around the castle grounds? The Duke and I have a lot to discuss. Dinner will be served at sundown,” he said, swinging an arm over the Duke’s shoulders. The adults trailed off, laughing and babbling as old friends do. The guard that led Rin into the castle pushed open the doors and yelled to the crowd, “The king has retired for the day. Please return tomorrow after midday to seek counsel.” There was an eruption of groans and disgruntled chatter, shielded by the closing of the doors and the loud, metallic clank of the drawbar being dropped into place.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” the Prince chirped, his voice like the chiming of bells. There was already a swarm of servants around the Prince, tending to him. Rin watched as he removed his crown, undoing the clasp of his cape. He bowed politely to the servant as he handed over his formal wear before turning back to Rin. “There’s not many kids my age around here. I hope we can be friends for a long time,” he said with a shining smile.
There was a warmth to the Prince’s smile, not like the oppressive heat from the high noon sun, but a soft, comforting caress of a summer sea breeze. It reminded Rin of home, of nights during the Feast of Nereides when the town would erupt with jubilation in a seven-day celebration in preparation for fishing season. Despite Rin’s bubbling excitement, all he could manage was a shy nod and a hum of agreement.
“C’mon,” the prince sang, easily slipping his hand into Rin’s. “Let me show you to your chambers. I’m sure you’ll want to freshen up before I give you the grand tour!”
Rin’s cracked and hardened fingers subconsciously twitched against the prince’s soft palm, smooth like dipping his hand into the babbling brook behind their old home, but comfortingly warm like the glow from their festival bonfires. The pair ascended a spiral staircase tucked behind the thrones. It was dim, a few small windows streaking in sunlight onto the haphazard steps. Rin could barely keep up with the Prince’s energetic speed as he skipped up the stairs.
“Here we are,” the Prince announced, stopping at a set of wooden doors. Rin peered up the remainder of the tower, watching the dust dance in the panels of sunlight against the darkness. The sheer scale of the structure made him dizzy, having grown up surrounded by single-story cottages all his life.
The prince let go of Rin’s hand, placing both firmly onto the wooden door to press it open. “This is the west wing,” he announced as he ushered Rin into the gray hallway. Along the walls were colorful, ornate tapestries illuminated by the soft glow of the candelabras flanking each piece of artwork. Rin followed the prince down the hall, carefully aligning his steps along the blue velvet carpet that stretched down the hall.
“This is the guest wing of the castle,” the prince said, nodding towards the various doors carved in the wall. “But my father made sure to keep these rooms empty, awaiting the Duke’s return,” he said as they reached the final two rooms of the hall. Rin immediately recognized his father’s crest, a loyal stallion raised on its hind legs pounded into a steel plate hanging on the door. “It’s not the nicest room, but it’s only temporary. Now that you have returned, we are making preparations to move you and your father into the main castle.”
Despite never stepping foot in this castle before, Rin really did feel like he was returning to somewhere belonged or, more accurately, to someone he belonged with. He flashed the prince a small tightlipped smile of appreciation before surveying the room. Besides the light dust in the air, this room was certainly nicer than the one he grew up in. Sturdy wooden floorboards, clean stone walls, high ceilings, satin draped on the bed, luxurious lacquered furniture. “This is more than enough. Thank you kindly, your highness.”
“Please, there’s no need for that here,” the prince said. “Your family has been honorably serving the crown for generations. We are friends above all. Call me Meguru.”
Rin nodded slowly, but his trained politeness would not allow him to forgo the titles. “Yes, Prince Meguru.”
The prince sighed, patting Rin’s back lightly. “We will work on that. Now, change and I can show you the fun stuff.”
Rin obliged, opening his trunk that one of the guards must have brought up. Riffling through it, he pulled out a clean, white tunic and some trousers. He moved to undress, but remembered the other child in the room, who was already settled in the arm chair, gazing out the window and humming softly.
Rin cleared his throat. “Prince,” he said shyly. “May I have some privacy?”
Meguru turned, a slight quizzical expression before realization relaxed his features. “My apologies,” he said, rising from the chair. “I’ve been dressed and undressed and redressed by others all my life. I’ve forgotten the concept of privacy. Forgive me,” he said with a soft chuckle. “I will wait for you outside.”
Once the prince exited the room, Rin shed his sweat soaked suit for the preferable breathable tunic and loose pants before emerging from his room.
“Ready?” the prince asked.
Rin nodded with a shy smile, trailing after the prince, who let him through the lavish halls of the main castle, each wall dripping in velvet and gold. Large tapestries of their family history hung in the foyer, stories of conquest and prosperity swaying tall above them. Ornate details were carved into the stones of the frieze, the stair railing, the window frame. Everywhere Rin looked it was like catching a little playful secret.
From the royal wing of the castle, Meguru led Rin into the secret gardens, hidden by the walls of the castle. The air was unfamiliarly sweet, unlike the briny tang of beach roses or the occasional delicate waft of a stray hydrangea bush. The fragrance that perfumed the air was intoxicating, like the excitement of a first love and the comfort of a last one.
The prince spun as if presenting the garden in all its glory, showing off the lush greens speckled with vibrant reds and pinks, flowers Rin didn’t even know could exist, before plopping onto the ledge of the pearlescent fountain. “This is my favorite place,” the prince sighed, dipping his fingers into the steady stream of water.
Rin found his place next to the crowned prince on the ledge of the fountain, watching him fondly as he created ripples in the water, the leaves and stray petals bobbing in the gentle waves of the movements. “So you want to be a knight,” Meguru said.
Rin straightened, nodding admirably. “Yes, to serve and protect the crown.”
Meguru giggled, “The training is no joke, I hope you know. The path to becoming a knight is treacherous, the oath to which you are bound much more strict.”
Rin nodded again, resolve solid. “I know, your highness. But I know no other higher honor than the one to serve your family.”
The prince looked at Rin with a soft pout. “I told you to call me by my name.”
“I apologize,” Rin stuttered. Before he got a chance to correct himself, the prince took his hand and submerged it into the waters.
“It’s warm, isn’t it,” Meguru giggled.
Rin let his fingers relax under the water, growing fluid in the prince’s grip. “Yeah, it’s nice,” he sighed.
“Ah, Meguru. Is that you?” a voice behind them sang. Emerging from the greenhouse, Rin turned to be met with the same glowing golden eyes he was staring into moments before. But this face was more feminine, gracefully kissed with age. A perfect brown plait, the color of a lioness’s fur, snaked over her satin cladded shoulder. She approached the pair, hugging a basket of vibrant blooms, its scent tickling Rin’s senses.
He quickly scrambled to his feet, bowing before the queen. “Your majesty,” he addressed graciously.
She let out a soft giggle, smiling at the boy before her. “You must be the Duke’s son,” she said softly.
Rin lifted his head to meet her gaze. “Welcome to Cistrox” the queen said, loosening one of the blooms in her bundle. She extended a Gladiolus to the boy, its vibrant yellow petals bursting from the stem with honor, each delicate petal sprouting with joy. “It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
Rin took the flower into his hand, bowing his head in appreciation as he held the flower to his chest. “Thank you for welcoming me into your home,” he said.
“What a sweet boy,” she said gently. “Hima and I have some business to attend to, but I assume there will be a large feast tonight to celebrate your return. We will see you then.” With that, the pair of ladies left disappeared into the stone enclosure of the castle.
𓆩♱𓆪
When the King said Rin’s training would begin immediately, he was not joking. Rin’s schedule was packed with sword training, horseback riding practices, and religious studies. When he did have a moment to spare, he snuck away to the library where he knew he’d find the prince mulling over his government and history studies.
Today, the prince was alone, which tended to happen more often than not given how quickly his highness wore out his tutors with absurd and borderline impossible questions.
“Psst,” Rin whispered from the doorway.
The prince immediately perked up, waving his hand, beckoning Rin to the table in the middle of the library. Rin peeked further into the room, ensuring no one else was round before scurrying to the table, hopping the chair next to the prince.
“What’s the answer?” the prince whispered, pointing to his assignment. “If I finish this we can go play.”
In the two years Rin had been living in the castle, he and the prince grew to be fast friends. Neither of them had much choice as the only ones around similar age were children of housemaids that were often sequestered away for a different type of education. But Rin was happy that things turned out the way it did, that this was the prince he was destined to protect.
The prince was clumsy and aloof, but always jolly and adventurous. On more than one occasion, Rin had to catch a falling prince from the treetops or yank him from the cliffedge when they snuck out to explore beyond the castle walls. Rin never minded as the anxiety of saving the prince from near-death experiences felt like a small price to pay to be able to be in the prince’s presence, to bask in his sunlight and to see him smile.
Rin would find small gifts tucked into his rucksack after his training. Sometimes they were desirable like a jam filled biscuit or a cube of chocolate wrapped in the prince’s study notes. Other times they felt more random like an oddly shaped rock or an unknown tree seed, but regardless of the item (besides the perishables, which he immediately took back to the prince to share), Rin kept them all , small tokens of friendship hidden in a keepsake box under his bed.
Rin glanced at the assignment. It was a straightforward bookkeeping practice, which he, with his limited understanding, could easily figure out, but he knew the prince’s tendencies towards laziness. Most days he wouldn’t give the prince the answer and would patiently wait as the prince bemoaned his way through the simple assignment, but today, he didn’t have the restraint. Recently, both of their studies have ramped up, the prince travelling more often with his father to observe his diplomacy. This last trip left them apart for over a moon cycle, the longest the two have been separated.
Rin took the quill into his hand and began completing the assignment with ease.
“You’re so smart, Rin,” the prince praised with glee, quietly clapping his hands together.
“Can we go play now?” Rin asked in a half-whisper.
The prince nodded excitedly, taking Rin’s hand and dashing out of the library. “Gaston, I’m done with my work,” he called out to his tutor. The prince was a sly one, waiting to be far enough to where he knew his tutor wouldn’t bother chasing after him before announcing his leave.
The pair giggled down the hall, running towards the gardens, which also quickly grew to be Rin’s favorite place in the castle.
“Ah, wait a moment,” the prince said as they walked past the royal family’s sleeping quarters. “I got you something.” He pushed the doors to his bedroom open and led Rin inside.
The prince’s room was always a mess, clothing strewn about, bedding crumpled regardless of the time of day, florals and fauna in various stages of wilt kept in vases and jars or pressed in between books. No matter how hard the housestaff worked to keep the place tidy, the prince’s chaos worked harder to clutter his space.
The prince rummaged through the trunk of goods from his latest travels and pulled out two small brooches, one with golden sunrays, an amber diamond situated in the center and another with a teal aventurine stone lined with silver, the profile of the moon smiling softly to the right side of the stone.
The prince held up the moon brooch, watching the stone shimmer in the sunlight. “Reminded me of you,” he said quietly as if to himself, holding the brooch to Rin’s face, examining how well it matched his eyes.
Rin could only stare, watching the playfulness of Meguru’s features as he lit up with excitement at the nearly perfect match. “Thank you, Prince,” he breathed. “Not to sound ungrateful, but may I have that one?” he asked, pointing to the sun brooch in the prince’s other hand, its glowing diamond the perfect shade of honey gold.
“Oh!” the prince yelped giddily. “I like that idea!” Rin watched as the prince carefully unclasped the brooch, affixing it to the lapel of his jacket, his unsteady hands working cautiously to hook the pin close. Despite all the lavender and rose baths, the prince always had this earthy scent to him like how the air freshened in preparation for summer rain. There was a sweetness to it, a unique clarity that Rin really enjoyed.
The prince stepped back to admire the way the gem shone against the navy velvet. “Yeah, I like that a lot,” he breathed, eyes meeting Rin’s. “Can you help me with mine?”
Rin nodded, taking the moon brooch from the prince and pinning it to his crisp white shirt, just above the pocket on his chest. Before he could step back to examine his work, the prince asked softly, “When did you get taller than me? Have I been gone for that long?”
Rin lifted his eyes to meet the prince’s, which was staring at him gently, a nostalgic smile on his lips. His pupils widened, tracing the shadows along Meguru’s porcelain skin. In the presence of the highness’s grace, Rin still felt humbly small. Although he may have grown a bit taller, a bit beefier from his training, he never felt that his presence could fill a room the way the prince does, lighting every corner of darkness with a mere giggle.
“Is there something on my face?” the prince asked, snapping Rin from his thoughts. He quickly straightened, maintaining his usual cool composure, but unable to control the blush across his cheeks. “No, I apologize,” Rin mumbled. Now that they were face to face he did notice that he was growing a bit taller. He was no more than an inch taller at this point, but it was a noticeable reminder of the passing of time.
“You apologize too much,” the prince giggled.
Rin bowed his head sheepishly. “I know. I’m sor- I mean,” he stuttered.
“It’s okay. It’s just who you are,” Meguru smiled, thumbing the brooch on Rin’s jacket. “Will you wear it during your knighting ceremony?”
“If you wish, Prince Meguru,” Rin said dutifully.
The prince’s smile widened as he nodded. “Yes, I would very much like that.”
After a quick lunch, the pair spent the remainder of the afternoon in the garden. Rin demonstrated the new techniques he learned using a fallen branch as a makeshift sword. The prince couldn’t stop laughing as he watched the leaves quiver about frantically with each movement. Rin couldn’t help but let a little chuckle crack through as well.
“Hey, this is serious,” Rin huffed.
“I’m taking this as seriously as I can,” the prince snickered, biting into a strawberry. He extended one to Rin. “Take a break.”
Rin sighed, shrugging off his jacket and folding it in a way to protect the brooch, placing it on the ledge of the fountain before slumping to the ground into the prince’s shadow. He leaned against the fountain, letting the shaded stones cool his back. “Thank you,” he sighed, reaching for the strawberry.
The prince quickly retracted it, shaking his head slightly. “Your hands are dirty,” he said. Rin examined his own hands, which indeed caked with mud and flakes of tree bark from playing with the branch.
He patted his thighs, loosening some of the debris from his hands. “It’s fine,” he mumbled, attempting to reach for the fruit again.
“You’ll get sick,” the prince insisted. “I can’t have my knight getting sick. Who will protect me?” he asked with an exaggerated pout, lashes fluttering.
It would be no trouble for Rin to get up and extend his hands into the fountain, letting the running waters wash away the dirt and grime on his palms, but the prince was smiling at him so brightly, the ripened red strawberry held in front so tempting. He leaned in and took a careful bite from the prince’s hand. “Thank you,” he said, blushing softly.
Another giggle as sweet as the fruit on his tongue.
Meguru nodded with satisfaction, swinging his legs, his heels softly thumping against the ledge of the fountain. He presented a grape, which Rin took into his mouth as well before he had the opportunity to swallow his first mouthful of fruit. Rin barely gave the grape two chews before another one appeared in his peripheral vision. He looked up at the prince, who stared down playfully like this was some game.
“No more, please. I will choke,” he said around a cheekful of fruit.
“Sorry,” Meguru said softly, not retracting his hand. “It’s just that…you look so,” he paused, eyes wide and wild as he curiously studied Rin, his head slightly tilting to the side. “Pretty like this,” he whispered quietly as if he was grasping an epiphany.
Rin was heating up again, the prince’s saccharine praise rushing through his mind. He let lustful desire overtake his mind as he moved the only way he knew how to: obediently, craning his neck to eat the grape offered to him, the prince’s fingertips grazing against his lips. The sunlight shining down on them perfectly outlined the prince’s figure, making him look heavenly–ethereal, even. Rin’s hungry pupils widened in the face of his salvation.
Rin couldn’t tear his gaze from the prince’s darken eyes as another grape was pressed to his lips. He obliged, parting his lips and letting the prince press the piece of fruit past his teeth, mouth so full he could feel his saliva pooling in his throat, slowing his breathing. Though the threat of choking was imminent, Rin could only wait rapaciously for the prince’s command.
There were a few moments when the prince stared back silently, watching Rin’s erratic breathing, something wicked whispering in the winds around them. Finally, the prince mercifully tapped on his chin like an order to chew. The taut grape skin snapped against Rin’s molars, its sugary juices dribbling from the corners of his small, greedy mouth.
“Careful,” the prince said quietly, patting the corners of Rin’s lips with his kerchief, that devilish fog not clearing from his eyes.
𓆩♱𓆪
Another year goes by of Rin devoting himself to his training. Having shown great potential, the king invited him along with his band of guards during expeditions. As much as Rin enjoyed learning about the ways of the knight, he was most happy to no longer be separated from the prince for extended periods of time.
He never shared with anyone, not even the prince, whom he told everything to, but there were several nights he woke up in a cold sweat, images of the prince being dragged away from him by some formless shadowy figure. The wailing as the prince clawed at the earth pierced Rin’s mind, dirt and thorns kicking up into the air with desperation. Rin could only stare–paralyzed–forced to watch the wretched expression on the prince's face as his glowing eyes faded into a dark abyss.
Fortunately, the nightmares had since subsided as Rin rarely left the prince’s side nowadays.
This month, they were traveling to a small kingdom tucked between the hilltops out east. As is the usual case when negotiating with peaceful kingdoms, only the head guard was allowed into the counsel room with the king and the prince. Usually, Rin would wait patiently in his chambers for the prince to complete the meeting, but today there was a knock on his door.
“Rin,” one of the knights said, peering into the room. He was only a couple years older than Rin, freshly knighted into the order. “We’re headed to the tavern. Come join us.”
Rin stared back blankly, uncertain if it was a jest. “We are working, Oliver,” he mumbled, returning to polishing his armour. Although the knights were technically forbidden to take drink at all, none of them besides Rin abided by that rule, enjoying themselves liberally during feasts and apparently during duty as well.
“Eh,” the knight said casually, waving his hand languidly. “This proceeding is going to take a long time. You’re a year away from being knighted, but you’re merely a boy. C’mon, let us show you what it’s like to be a man,” he said, patting his chest, his gauntlet clanking against his chestpiece.
Another knight popped his head out from behind the door. “Yeah, are you just going to sit there and stare at the walls all afternoon,” he teased. “Waiting for the prince like a lost pup?”
Rin didn’t take offense to the comment, holding loyalty as one of his highest virtues. He pondered Oliver’s words, yet wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. As much as he disliked the idea of this, it was probably in his favor to try and be in good relations with these men he will be working alongside. “Okay,” Rin said unenthusiastically, rising from the bed. “I will join you.”
There was an eruption of cheers behind the door. As Rin stepped out, he was met with a band of the younger knights. “It’s about time you joined us,” one of them said, swinging his arm around Rin’s shoulders.
“It’s a good time. We promise,” another cooed with a smirk.
Despite the sun hanging high in the sky, the tavern was dark, a musky smell hanging heavy in the air. It was loud, boisterous with laughter, singing, and shouting. Dodging through the packed crowd of dancing patrons and nimble barmaids, the knights dragged Rin to one of the long tables situated in the back corner of the tavern, shoving him into the bench. Mere moments later, a barmaid approached, hands full of overflowing steins.
She dropped them onto the table with a thunderous clomp. “Back so soon?” she asked, her voice raspy and worn. She began launching the steins down the table, muddy liquid sloshing about as they slid clumsily down the line into awaiting hands. A couple of the knights clanked their cups together before taking greedy gulps, sighs of satisfaction following quickly after.
“You know I had to see your pretty face again,” Oliver crooned, winking at the maiden. Rin studied her as if trying to understand the appeal. Certainly, she must once have been beautiful, but the wear of dealing with these rowdy men has turned her skin waxy and jaundiced, blue eyes gone cloudy, ribbons of silver standing starkly against her once ebony hair. The skin of her chest was reddened and splotchy, a scar protruding from her collarbone, her breasts sagging the neckline of her cotton dress.
“It’s not polite to stare, boy,” she said sternly, slamming a mug of mead in front of Rin, a bit of it splashing on his lap.
“Take it easy on him,” Oliver chuckled. “It’s his first time here.” He raised his glass to Rin with a smirk before liberally gulping down his drink.
The barmaid rolled her head back and laughed. “You know I’m only teasing. I love messing with the young ones. The first one is on the house.”
Rin only blinked back blankly, not moving towards his drink.
“Ah, a shy one, eh?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Oliver only let out another chuckle, shaking his head lightly behind his hefty drink.
The barmaid looked over her shoulder tilting her head as if beckoning someone over. “They’ll be out soon,” she winked before trailing away to tend to the other patrons.
“You’re the best,” Oliver called after her. He took another gulp of his drink before looking at Rin curiously.
“Hey, c’mon, don’t be such a downer,” he said, catching Rin’s visibly uncomfortable glances around the room. “Try some,” he encouraged.
“You’ve been here before?” Rin asked.
Oliver nodded, chugging the remainder of his drink, waving his empty cup in the air, already signaling for another. “Many times.”
“What business did the king attend to here?” Rin pried. He figured if they had open trade with this kingdom or joined in partnership, he would have heard it by now, for the prince shared just as much with Rin as he did with the prince.
“Seesh, it’s always business with you. Relax a little,” he said, picking up Rin’s cup and bringing it to his face.
“I’m okay,” Rin mumbled, wincing at the scent. He took the mug from Oliver’s hand and placed it back onto the table. “Please tell me,” he begged.
“How about this?” Oliver said, his crooked smile slick as ever. “I’ll answer one question for every stein you finish.”
Rin stared into the foggy water in his cup, grimacing at the smell as he brought it closer to his face. As much as it disgusted him, the curiosity was gnawing at him unrelentingly. “Deal,” he sighed. Taking a deep breath, he began chugging the jug of mead, cheers and hoots whooping in the air as the other knights watched. They banged their empty cups against the table, whistling and egging him on. Rin slammed the empty mug onto the table, coughing at the bitter taste. The clapping and hollering roared louder around him as he wiped his chin with the sleeve of his shirt.
“Wow, impressive for your first time,” one of the knights at the other end of the table yelled, followed by loud chatters of agreement.
“Okay, now tell me,” Rin demanded.
Oliver’s shocked expression slowly melded into one of admiration. “A deal’s a deal, I guess,” he said with a shrug, watching as another barmaid replaced their empty cups with full ones. “The king wants to marry the prince to one of the princesses of this nation,” he stated. “To unite the kingdoms.”
Rin’s fist tightened, his heart wrenching. He always knew this day would come, but he never thought it would be so soon.
“How far along are they in the negotiations?” Rin asked, voice strained from his clenched jaw.
Oliver wagged his finger, pointing to the cup.
Rin contemplated, already feeling his mind going foggy, control slipping from his fingertips. “Just tell me,” he snapped.
Oliver just shook his head, smirking as he slowly drank from his cup. “Those aren’t the terms.”
Rin sighed, staring into the darkened cup. This one he couldn't bear to gulp in one go as he had done with the last one, stomach already queasy from the unfamiliar substance. Stifling a burp, he slowly sipped on his drink, this one more bitter than the last, the tang of fermentation and rot coating his mouth.
Far off, there was an eruption of giggles as a flock of young women emerged from one of the back rooms, their obnoxiously brightly dyed, crudely cut dresses fluttering about as they charged towards the table of knights. Some of the men got up, scooping the women into their arms like a reunion between two awaiting spouses. Other women slithered into the spaces in between the men, tickling their ears with secretive titters.
“Ah, fresh meat,” Rin heard as a body flung itself to his back. He instinctively shrugged her off to concentrate on his end of the bet, taking another more ambitious gulp. The medical scent of guaiac wood, smokey and warm, clung desperately to these women as if masking something far more sinister.
“Oh, he’s feisty,” a woman said as she slid onto the bench next to him. “I like him,” she said, sharp piercing eyes boring into Rin’s throat, fingertips tracing the details of his shoulder piece. Her dark, stringy hair clung to her head like an ominous shadow as she tried to catch his gaze.
“Hey, I claimed him first,” the first girl whined, squeezing her body next to Rin’s on the bench. As he turned to the source of the shrill voice, he could not repress the expression of horror that struck his face. The girl sitting next to him was merely a child, eyes curious and doll-like, cheeks round and ruddy, forehead smooth.
“No one wants a pipsqueak like you,” the first vixen-esque woman spat, rolling her eyes.
“And no one wants a wench like you,” the child snapped back, sticking out her tongue. The two commenced to bicker behind Rin’s back, which he easily tuned out. He swallowed the reminder of his drink, shaking the empty cup across the table at Oliver, who was canoodling with one of the mistresses. “How far along are the negotiations?” Rin demanded.
Oliver rolled his eyes, peeling away from the woman on his lap. “This is the third time we’ve travelled here already. The prince has rejected every daughter thus far. This trip is for him to meet the final one.”
The barmaid came to clear their table. Without waiting, Rin grabbed another full stein from her hands, downing it as quickly as he could manage. “What happens if he does not accept this princess?” he rushed out desperately.
Oliver sighed. “Then it’s onto the next kingdom. The prince is coming of age soon,” he reminded Rin. The woman in Oliver’s lap whispered something into his ear before the two got up, giggling like children. “Duty calls,” he said, smiling smugly. He stood up with a lackadaisical salute before he said more sincerely, “I know your friendship with the prince is a strong one, but your devotion to your duty and kingdom must be stronger.” With that, he allowed the maiden to whisk him away.
The barmaid replaced his cup, but he only stared into his morphed reflection in the cup, unable to grasp the definitions of their fates. He downed it without a question in mind for Oliver, just in an attempt to dull the ache in his chest. “You,” he finally said, pointing to the child next to him as he pushed himself to his feet.
Both girls paused their squabbling to stare up at him quizzically. “Hurry,” he muttered. The young girl scrambled to her feet, sticking her tongue out at the older woman as she laced her small fingers with Rin’s gloved hand, clinging onto his arm.
“I love when the knights come to visit.,” she sighed wistfully, fluttering her lashes up at Rin. “So handsome and strong,” she said as she led him towards a back hallway, its entrance covered with thick satin rags, where he watched a couple knights and their companions disappear behind already. “I won’t disappoint.” She giggled a sickeningly sweet laugh as they were engulfed in darkness.
Around them, all Rin could hear were disembodied moans and laughter. As the intoxication began to take hold, he felt a restless sense of uneasiness, floating like a ghost alongside the child. She moved swiftly as if she had done this many times before, leading him to a small windowless room with a cot and a single candle flickering in the still air.
Without hesitation, she dropped her weathered sage overskirt, stepping towards Rin like an uncertain kitten, her white linen garb rustling about, the sleeves of her dress slipping down her shoulders. “Retire your armour,” she said softly. “Lie with me,” she whispered.
Rin grabbed her by the shoulders, a bit more roughly than he intended, but he was growing too intoxicated to notice. “Please redress,” he murmured, gently readjusting the sleeves of her thin dress back onto her shoulders. “I don’t mean any offense,” he slurred as he rummaged through the pouch around his belt, pulling out a small satchel of gold. “I just needed an escape out of there. Do you have a back exit you can direct me to?” he asked, placing the heavy coins into her hands. She stared up at him with watery eyes, the candlelight bringing her innocent brown eyes into stark clarity.
“The door all the way to the end of the hall,” she whispered, clutching the small burlap sack as if it was her final hope, “it’s marked with a red cross.”
“Thank you,” Rin managed, nodding at the small child. Rin stared at the child before she began to multiply and spin about the room. “I must go,” he muttered to himself. “Please stay here and pretend I’m with you for as long as you’d like,” he said before slipping out of the room, searching for that cross the child spoke of.
𓆩♱𓆪
Somewhere between sunset and twilight, Rin managed to stumble his way back to the castle, creeping up the stairs towards the guest suite. Despite his extended walk, his mind was still murky, thoughts masticating about, vision still kaleidoscopic. He dragged himself to the end of the hall that seemed to stretch into infinite vastness. He flung the door open in anticipation of sinking into his plush bed, but a voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Where were you?”
Rin blinked, the form sitting on his bed slowly coming into focus. “Your highness,” he gasped in realization.
“Where were you?” the prince repeated, sitting poised at the edge of Rin’s bed.
Rin began to blubber incomprehensible half sentences, not wanting to snitch on his fellow knights. “We-I, um, went out to-.” An unintentional hiccup stopped him mid sentence. “I was just-,” he continued babbling, stumbling towards the prince, the heavy bedroom door slamming behind him.
“Where did you go?” the prince asked again, voice stern and unwavering.
“Into town,” Rin mumbled shamefully. Another hiccup followed.
The prince only stared at him, hand folded neatly in his lap. Cautiously, Rin stepped closer, hiccups stuttering his steps as he approached the prince, whose eyes were scrutinizing his every movement.
“What business did you have there?” the prince asked, his voice hardened and dark.
Rin gulped, hanging his head. “I-,” he began, but another hiccup interrupted him. “I took to drink,” he said quietly, hanging his head in despair.
There was a thick silence that followed, the guilt hanging so heavy on Rin that he was unable to meet the prince’s eyes. He could only watch their shadows flicker against the floor in the candlelight. The prince sat still, statuesque, letting the oppressive silence swell.
“Did you lie with another?” the prince finally squeaked.
“No,” Rin breathed, falling to his knees at the mercy of the prince, each placate of his armour clamoring for clemency. “You know me. You know my character,” he pleaded, pressing his head to the prince’s knees in defeat. “I apologize if I have defiled my oath. I will repent tenfold for what I have done tonight,” he cried, hands grabbing at the prince’s thighs, pulling himself closer until he could rest his cheek comfortably in the prince’s lap.
“At ease,” the prince whispered, stroking Rin’s hair gently. “I must apologize, too. I did not mean to be so harsh. Today’s meeting had me on edge and I only wanted to spend some time with my friend,” he murmured, voice sweet and gentle like a lullaby. “When I found your chamber empty, I was worried about you, ‘tis all.”
Rin slowly lifted his head, tears already pooling at the edges of his eyes. “May I ask what has caused your anguish?”
“Nothing I cannot take care of,” the prince replied, tucking Rin’s hair behind his ears, weary smile as comfortingly gentle as ever. “Now, will you please bathe, you smell like a whorehouse.”
Rin vigorously shook his head, unable to bear to tear himself away from the prince. Moved by the night’s libations, he snaked his hands to the prince’s hips, staking his fingers into his pelvis bone, clinging onto him as if he was a mirage. “Why are we here?” Rin whispered as if he did not know the answer.
“My dear knight,” the prince sighed, running his fingers through Rin’s hair, “I fear you must know why.” Rin could feel the prince’s plush fingertips against his cheeks, tracing them gently like an autumn breeze.
“I do not,” he lied. “I thought we agreed not to withhold secrets from one another. What is a prince’s and knight’s bond built upon if not honesty?” he said, slowly lifting his head. In the candlelight, a shimmer caught his eyes, the shimmer of aventurine above the prince’s heart in the weak candlelight glow.
The prince sighed, moving to relieve Rin of his armour, lifting his shoulder piece over his head, letting it drop to the floor. “I must wed,” he said slowly, unbuckling Rin’s leather chestpiece. “And I must produce an heir.” He laid Rin’s armour gently onto the bed. “That is the duty to which I am cursed. Do you now understand?”
Rin nodded, hands filling with the crumpled cotton of the prince’s shirt. “I guess, I must try.”
The prince laughed bitterly as he caught Rin’s chin in between his fingers. “Why must you be so solemn, my friend?”
Between the alcohol coursing through his veins and the inebriating hold of those golden eyes, he let the honesty spill from him. “What will happen to us?”
The prince’s eyes softened, gently stroking Rin’s reddened cheeks. “Nothing can change our bond. Even in death I will find my way to you,” he whispered.
“You will not leave me?” Rin whimpered.
The prince laughed, a bit more authentically, the usual chiming returning to his voice. He unravelled his kerchief and gently dried Rin’s forehead of the sweat soaking his hairline. “You must have had a lot to drink,” he teased. “This is unlike you.” He moved to wrap his hands around Rin’s which were still firmly wrapped around his hips. “I think you need to rest.”
Rin did as he was commanded, hands shaking as he released the prince from his grip, rising to his feet with a wobble. The prince crawled to the other side of the bed and promptly tucked himself under the covers, patting the spot in bed next to him. Rin extinguished the candle’s flame and kicked off his boots before climbing into bed, sinking into the mattress. He could barely see the prince with the sliver of moonlight in the sky tonight, but he could feel him slowly lacing their fingers together underneath the sheets. The prince pulled himself closer, clinging to Rin’s arm as he has always done since they were children. “I am chained to the crown,” he murmured into Rin’s shoulder, “it is I who must ask you to not leave me.”
“Never," Rin promised.