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It was a perfect day, the sun was shining, and the wind was blowing a breeze all throughout Mondstadt. To most, it was probably a great start to their day, but for Diluc, it was far from that. He hadn’t slept all night, barely being able to take food down during breakfast before squeezing into the tight suit that had been put on the mannequin in the corner, mocking him. The suit was tight and far fancier than any clothes he usually wears, and there was his reason, though.
It was his coronation day, and no, that isn’t a good thing. He was stressed out; this was the biggest event of his life, and he wanted it to be perfect, or well, he wanted his father to think it was perfect. So that means a perfectly tailored suit that made him feel like he was dressed in cardboard if anything. And then sitting in a chair for an hour for his hair to be slicked and tied back into a high ponytail, it wasn’t the prettiest with his hair combed out and forced to be as straight as it could be, but his father picked it for a reason.
Diluc was finally alone, no staff fixing his hair, or clothes, or makeup, so he sat at his desk putting in his favorite earrings that his father allowed him to wear.
“You okay? You look like a stiff doll,” he heard a familiar teasing voice, and let out a breath in a huff. “Shut it, Kaeya,” he muttered, but he knew he probably did look like a stiff doll in cardboard clothes.
“Yeah, okay, well, are you ready for your big night?” Kaeya moved from the spot he was watching from, drawing another sigh from Diluc’s lips. “Don’t remind me, I know how big this is already. Father has been reminding me for years now,” to think he was going to be king already, he thought the day wouldn’t come.
“Well, just to remind you, your new ‘bride’ is coming as well. Father invited her last minute.”
Diluc spun around. “I'm sorry, what?” Kaeya nodded, “Yep.” Diluc groaned, almost pulling his face in his hands before stopping himself; he really couldn’t ruin his look. “Why? I mean, wasn’t us being arranged enough?”
Kaeya played with a coin in his hand, flipping it up in the air and catching it over and over again. “I think he can tell you don’t like each other.” Was it that obvious? Sure, Jean is a nice person, but they were just friends, and he thought he had gotten good at being in love, at least in public. “Was it that obvious?”
Kaeya let out a laugh. “Well, maybe a bit, god, you have no clue how awkward you two look side by side after Father arranged the marriage.” Diluc couldn’t even lie about the fact that he and Jean really didn’t mix that well. “Maybe, but it's what father wants.” This time, it was Kaeya’s turn to sigh. He didn’t like how easily Diluc gave in to Crepus’s word.
“Really? I mean, I get it's not a woman you hate or have no clue about, but it doesn’t mean you like her at all, and neither does she.”
“Yes, I know, but we can make things work, I mean we could-”
“But you don’t love her,” Kaeya interjected, and Diluc paused. He didn’t, but Father said it was the best choice. Before Diluc could answer, the door opened and both princes turned and speak of the devil Crepus was in the doorway.
He walked into the room, one arm behind his back as he walked, looking Diluc over before cracking a small rare smile. “It fits you perfectly to think you are 18 now,” putting a hand on his shoulder, making Diluc feel a sense of pride from it. Crepus’s eyes then went to Kaeya, the love in his eyes, and the small faded, Diluc didn’t notice, but Kaeya did. “You aren’t dressed yet? The party is starting in an hour,” Kaeya nodded. “Yeah, sorry, just wanted to check on Diluc before getting dressed, Father.”
Crepus nodded. “Go get dressed and remember, keep it respectful, none of your…exquisite taste.” Kaeya left the room, leaving the two alone.
“You are all grown up, your mother would have been so proud.” Crepus carefully moved a strand of hair behind his ear. “I’m sure you will make Mondstadt proud to have a king like you after me.” Diluc liked the praise; it proved that this was the right path, the one he was chosen to be on.
“Thank you, Father.” Crepus pulled his hand away. “I got a gift for you,” he finally moved his arm behind his back, revealing a medium-sized box. It wasn’t that tall, maybe the size of a book, maybe it was wrapped up in a thin layer of black wrapping paper with a small red bow on top.
Diluc took the gift in his hands, eyes going back up at Crepus as a silent gesture that he could open it at the moment. “Well, go on, I want to see your reaction.” Crepus smiled, widening a bit more, so he took it as a good sign.
He carefully ripped open the wrapping paper, being careful not to make a mess of the paper. It wasn’t a book as he thought, instead a box, it was well made, a deep red wood color with gold detailing, the centerpiece on top being a flaming bird, a phoenix. “I haven’t seen this before.”
“No, you have not. This box has been hidden away in the treasure room for a long while. It used to be your mother’s, and I thought you would be quite fond of the pieces inside.” Crepus urged Diluc to open the box.
And Diluc did so, unclasping the small latch and opening the box, taking a peek inside. It was a jewelry box full of gold and ruby pieces, from hanging ruby earrings to a choker covered in diamonds and a ruby centerpiece encrusted with gold all over. “Woah,” the sense of awe was clear on his face. “Wait, this is for me?”
“Oh, course! Well, not for you, but a gift to give to your wife after your wedding.”
Oh. That made more sense after all. Why would he even give a boy jewelry? Diluc closed the box, nodding with a smile, “Of course. I am sure she will love them.” Crepus nodded as well, giving him a pat on the back. “I’m sure she will anyway. I should get dressed myself.”
Soon Diluc was alone, looking down on the box for what felt like hours before opening the box once more. The pieces were beautiful, and the craftsmanship was remarkable. He glanced around the room to be sure that no one else was around before pulling the box down onto his desk. He went over to the large wooden cabinet, pulling at it before something dropped onto the ground. Now that the item is loose, he could finally reach behind the cabinet. He pulled out a long piece of wood that used to be part of an old mop. He didn’t have a lock of any sort, so he needed a way to keep the doors shut, besides, it’s only for a bit.
He fit the wooden stick through both of the handles. The anxiety didn’t leave his body like he was being watched, but yet again, no one can get in or is around. He was alone.
He sat down in his chair, having to fix his coat, taking a deep breath. He was careful to push his hair to the side to take out the earrings he was wearing beforehand. Before opening the box again, he was careful to take out the first earring, which was bigger than most earrings he wore, mostly because Crepus didn’t want them to be noticeable. So these would be far more noticeable.
Diluc was careful to put them in, and they fit him pretty well; it would probably catch well in the light. Now for the choker, most of which was made of a soft fabric, probably brocade from the looks of it, with lace designs along the edges. A ring of diamonds went around the collar, besides the clasp on the back, and the ruby piece in the front.
It was much more his style. Jean was never a person who loved fancy or flashy, let alone black, but he was not allowed to wear something a woman should. But there is no one here.
It was a bit more difficult than he thought putting it on. He couldn’t see the clasp nor ruin his hair for the coronation. But once it was on, it was perfect; it wasn’t too thick covering his whole neck, nor too thin, it was just right. Maybe he just had his mother’s taste. He closed the box, admiring the items on him in the mirror, when, for a second, he thought he saw something in the corner of his eye in the mirror.
He turned in his seat but couldn’t even turn fully in the stiff suit, but saw nothing. Maybe he was just being paranoid and turned back to get a better look at the detailing on the fabric of the choker, then there it was again, this time it looked like a shadowy figure behind the frosted glass of the balcony doors. When he turned around once more, and again nothing, but this time he felt like he should check it out.
Getting up once more, he moved across the room, his armor felt easier to walk in than the stiff layers, taking him much longer to wobble to the large doors, but he got them open and walked out into the light. The balcony was pretty large with a good view of the kingdom below. He could see a crowd of people below around the entrance of the kingdom doors as they came in. Diluc was alone on the balcony with only his cello in the corner and the large wooden perch for his falcon, which should be out flying about. So Diluc walked back inside, and he needed to take off the jewelry before he went downstairs.
He pushed the doors closed and pulled out the small key to the balcony from his pocket. He should probably lock it up and just open the window when Aurora wants to come back inside. Before he could turn the key, a hand covered his mouth. He was quick to abandon the key, panicking to get whoever was behind him off him; the suit’s movements didn’t help him fight back.
He didn’t know how long he had been fighting, but he was feeling dizzy. Everything was going blurry; whoever it was still had a hard grip around Diluc’s nose and mouth.
“Shhh, this is for your own good.” An oddly kind male voice spoke to the invader, but the accent he hadn’t heard before, he was clearly not from around here. Was this an enemy? Coming here to kill him before he became king? If so, why say this is for his own good?
His vision blurred more as he tried to stomp or make any noise to get any attention from anyone who was outside his room, only to remember the broken mop handle that kept the doors locked. If someone did hear him, they wouldn’t be able to help him. He felt sick, his fighting slowed, and everything went from blurry to black as he fell limp.
When he woke up, the first thing he smelled was salt, sea salt. The floor felt like it was moving, swaying from side to side. He let out a groan, his head spinning. When he opened his eyes, it took him a while for his eyes to adjust to the darkness of the large room he was in. Or he thinks it is big; there were many crates, both large and small, around him. He had no clue where he could be, but he was definitely not at the palace anymore.
He went to get up from the spot he was in, only to be forced back down there must be some kind of rope keeping him in place. He needs to find a way out. How long has he even been trapped here? His coronation was probably over the moment his father realized he had been kidnapped. At least he could move around more, which means the thick layer of the suit coat seems to be gone, so maybe he can figure something out?
Before a plan could even form, a light appeared from the other side of the room. It came from above. Was he below a ship? A figure came down the steps he hadn’t noticed before, the figure had a small lamp in his hand. As he closed the door above him, he made his way around the crates to the area where Diluc sat.
Once close enough, Diluc could make out the person better, and he was not only tall but looked built. Even if Diluc managed to get out of the rope, there was no way he was going to be able to fight him. One thing did catch Diluc’s eye: the man’s eyes. They were a dark blue, nearly black in the dim lighting, not even a shine that is usually found in most eyes. He had a smirk on his face like he was pleased to find Diluc awake.
“W-who are you?” Diluc tried to keep whatever ground he had, but it was still crumbling under him.
They let out a small laugh, sitting down on a smaller crate, putting the lamp to the side. “You don’t need to know”, that voice. It is so familiar, but the accent Diluc had no clue what it could be, then it hit him.
“You're the one who kidnapped me!”
Again, another laugh, “Of course I am, this is my ship after all.” So they are on a ship, and he owns it? He wasn’t wearing any kind of captain’s uniform, just a simple red shirt that was only half buttoned up and pants that looked worn with age, a few rips here and there.
“You can’t be all captains from any kingdom wearing uniforms, to show who they serve,” the other shook his head at Diluc like he was a confused child. “Oh, why would I wear one if I'm not a captain for any of those kingdoms?”
Once more, Diluc was confused because ships this big are owned by kingdoms…unless. “You’re a pirate.”
The smirk on the other’s face grew wider. Diluc knew he was right before the pirate could confirm the comment. “Yes, I am a pirate.”
So not only was Diluc kidnapped, he was kidnapped by a pirate, not by another kingdom that feared him being king. This was a pirate who knows why he wants him.
“Why did you bring me here? It is my coronation.”
“I know, and that is why I took you today.” What did he this on purpose? But why is this to get money from his kingdom? Before Diluc could ask why, the pirate kept talking. “After all, I have been watching you for a while now, and honestly, it's embarrassing to see how fake you are.”
Diluc was quick to get on the defective, “Fake? I'm not fake.” Since when was he fake?
“You really can’t see it? Or is everyone around you that blind? Your happiness is fake as the sky is red, even your smile in your pictures is as fake as can be. Are you ever even happy?”
A pirate of all things was asking Diluc if he was happy? He has to be dreaming; he was probably in his bed, finally fell asleep, waiting for his coronation or something like that. “What are you talking about. Of course, I am happy I am going to be king. I would have already been without you.”
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
Diluc blinked because, of course, he was happy he was going to be king; anyone would be happy being royalty. “W-what of course I am!” Why is he stumbling over his words? He is happy, he is…right?
“Are you sure?”
“Well, I-...I” Diluc felt lost. Did he really like being king? Or was it because he is supposed to be king and has to like it? Maybe the pirate is just trying to make him confuse on purpose. “What is with all these questions?”
“Because you clearly are hesitating, which means you aren’t, but I can help you with that.”
“Help? Help with what?”
“Help you be happy, of course,” He scooted closer, his face resting on his open palm.
Once more, Diluc felt a spike of confusion after all, how could this guy make him happy? Diluc should already be waiting, no, not should he is happy. “And how are you supposed to make me feel that way?”
“By giving you the freedom you crave. You hardly left the kingdom, let alone the palace itself, your whole life, and now you are as far as you have ever been.”
Freedom? Diluc never really had that, not even as a kid; he doesn’t think so. No leaving the palace without a guard or Kaeya, doors with no lock, and a daily schedule that hardly changes. But those small bits, like getting a pet or praise from his father, of course, he is happy when he gets them, he doesn’t need freedom. But there aren’t many of those memories.
Diluc must have been silent for a bit too long because the pirate kept going. “I can give you that freedom. You can join my crew and find what you like, and heck, if you don’t even like being on the open seas, I will let you pick where you want me to drop you off.”
That can’t be right. There has to be a catch of some kind. How can he give a deal that benefits only Diluc and not him? “And what do you get out of this? A ransom?” Unless he is trying to get Diluc to feel nice and safe, so he won’t be panicked on board until he gets the money from his kingdom.
“No. Don’t need a ransom, I already have the money, so I don’t need to threaten your daddy for some gold and likely get caught going back there. This is just about you and you alone.” his voice wasn’t joking or face held a smirk, but it was more gentle, almost encouraging. Trying to let Diluc pick the correct answer, letting Diluc be greedy, but can he afford to? Was it even safe to do so?
But he hadn’t been greedy before, he really wants to. To not go through the same routines to train and train until his palms are rough and fingers bleed. To relax and see what is outside the kingdom walls, he could only see from his balcony.
Diluc took in a deep breath to say his answer before he could talk himself out. “Yes. I want freedom.”
The pirate nodded, getting up from his spot on the crate, giving a small stretch before pulling out a pretty large pocket knife that made Diluc stiffen, but he only used it to cut off the ropes that held Diluc down. The redhead rubbed his wrists; now the feeling of rope rubbing against him was gone. His hand came down for Diluc to grab, helping him up at first, he hesitated before taking it and standing up.
“Well, now that you are going to be a part of the crew, let me introduce myself. I’m Childe. And you are,” he held out his hand to shake.
Diluc looks down at it before a small smile forms. It felt real, not for whatever photo is being taken or the public that will be staring at him. It felt good as he took the other’s hand in his.
“Hello Childe, Im Diluc”