Chapter Text
For everything - from birthdays, births, celebrations, success, achievements, and even deaths - there will always be a royal party. And it is customary to send out an invite to every royal in the continent. That's how things were. But mostly such gatherings are used as opportunities for talks of arranged marriages, political alliances, et cetera et cetera.
It was his bethrothed's 17th birthday a week ago. Chuuya wasn't there for the royal party - couldn't be despite some protests, but he did send a birthday letter. Just out of politeness, of course. It's a cause for murmurs and speculation if one doesn't attend the birthday party of their future husband.
Dear reader,
Happy Birthday. I apologise for not attending, as I have some matters to attend to. Perhaps on the next one I'll be able to attend, hm?
We are getting older by the day, no? Soon life will bring to us our responsibilities and duties we've been taught to prepare for our whole life, and its only us who can decide if we are willing to take them upon or not.
Yet I hope we can still enjoy ourselves.
Take care of yourself, and I pray you'll be well and happy.
From Chuuya.
His father had always forbidden him from attending any parties alone - he was always so strict, a little too overprotective for Chuuya's liking(and perhaps that's why Chuuya's sometimes rebellious and often fiery), but he's also smart and calculating, wanting to ensure his heir is prepared for the role of king. The man was away engaging in whatever royal duties for a week, so he could not come. What a shame. Surely his fiance would not mind, right?
Chuuya gives the servant a small smile as he dismisses them, a half-eaten cookie between his slender fingers. He's alone in the palace again. It has been the usual for years, given a dead mother, and a sometimes-absent father.
For now, he's merely relaxing in the palace gazebo, hidden under the shade from the bright sun, soon maybe he'll be cooped up in court, arguing and debating with advisers, wearing a heavy crown over his head... He'll be king once his father dies or retires. His father often told him to be wary, be prepared for any unexpected circumstances.
He runs his hand through his red curls, finding himself unexpectedly stressed at the matters in his mind. How unnecessary this all is, he thought. "Ugh..." He sighs, rubbing his temples. Perhaps rest is needed. There's nothing else to do anyways.
So Chuuya leaves and heads inside the palace, climbing up the stairs and entering his room before closing the door shut. Throwing himself into bed, he falls into a deep, dreamless sleep.
________
A month later
His father came back a few weeks ago with gifts as usual - a silent apology for his constant absence, not that he'd admit though. A whole lobster from a rare species only found in the west regions, some sapphires and jewelry that his father said matches his ocean-colored eyes, or his pale, faintly freckled skin. Chuuya accepted with much gratitude and dined on the lobster with glee, kept the precious gems safe in his jewelry box.
And just now, he was called downstairs by his father - as calm and thoughtful as ever. He has dark hair and brown eyes. A tall and imposing figure. Only 44 years of age, others would consider him handsome and still young enough to find another wife, though he never did. A good and wise king he is - though considered solemn and a bit distant from his people. Perhaps the loss of his wife shaped his current attitude. And it doesn't help that his son looks completely like her - red curly hair, blue eyes, a shorter but slender physique. An orphic beauty. The only thing that Chuuya inherited from his father was the sharpness in his features.
He had loved his wife dearly. Prior to her death, he was a brave and chivalrous man, fond of swords and hunting. Him and his wife was an arranged marriage, and conceiving was a difficult task - mostly due to infertility. She had 2 miscarriages prior to Chuuya's birth. When he was conceived, the people roared in celebration and excitement over crown prince. Large crowds of people gathered by palace gates just to catch a glimpse of the young babe. His father climbed on top the balcony and raised the baby high with his hands so everyone could see. "Long live the king, and his newborn heir!", they chanted proudly.
When she died in childbirth to his second child who eventually died just a week after, he wept bitterly. No longer was he the outgoing and proud king, but he still had his wits, and he took solace in the son he had by his side.
Back to present
His father sat in the large dining hall, beginning his clear tone when Chuuya enters. "Your bethrothed's parents had sent a letter earlier this morning." He started, sipping his coffee and rereading the letter over and over again. A habit of his. Words and their meanings have started to eviscerate from his mind faster nowadays. He's always needed to reread a few times to get the message.
"What'd they say...?" Chuuya asked, sitting across from him. He gets these slight curiousities whenever anything concerning his arranged marriage pops up. He was bethrothed to reader ever since they were just the measly age of 12, and they spent their whole teenhood mentally preparing for the future. Plus, Chuuya knows the other man is decent enough... well, as decent as he could be. Loud and cheerful, full of jokes and childishness, but he also had a certain charm to him, and an appreciative appearance that probably helped his image and reputation not completely sour down to just a forgettable fool. A second son he is, his older brother, already bethrothed to another royal, is next in line for the throne and is already seeming fit to be a king. But imagine if the roles were reversed and reader was the crown prince instead... eugh, that would not end well.
"They will be arriving later with your fiance here to discuss a few potential arrangements with me."
"Certainly that doesn't mean the match won't go on, right? Father, we've already been expecting and preparing for years..." His brows furrowed.
"Oh no, don't worry, Chuuya. The match will go on, just that..." His father cleared his throat, leaning back against his chair with a sigh. He looks tired, and a little annoyed.
"That?"
"They are asking if the second son could live with us. Just for a short while, they say. I don't think 2 weeks is exactly a short while, but whatever. They wanted to make you two get to know each other well enough before the inevitable wedding. As it stands, you two are mere acquaintances, and I've noticed I've never allowed either of you to properly talk during occasions."
Oh.. A change of heart? Just a tiny bit, but Chuuya notices. He opens his mouth to reply, but his father adds:
"It is for your own good that you get to properly know your future husband and consort. Know his strengths and weaknesses, also learn how to tame that man. I heard his parents raised a wild one."
It's like that whole sentence sucked the soul out of his father, Chuuya thought.
"Soo, I'll be allowed to have conversations with him? Perhaps we can walk around the palace gardens, or eat in the gazebo, or more of that fun stuff!"
His father chuckled. "Yes, my son. But be careful. If he ever acts out of line, tell me immediately."
Ah, there's that usual protectiveness now. "Yes, father." They eat together for a while. An actual breakfast, some time together before his fiance and his family arrives.
His fiance comes from the far, cold northernmost region. One of the strongest and prosperous, as well as the largest in the continent. Their royal family is well respected by both nobility and common folk alike for their care and generosity. With great military and large resources like oils, gases, metals and minerals, they have plentiful connections with other kingdoms through trading and alliances.
___
It's late afternoon when they arrive, dressed in wools and fur as they come out of their large carriage. "It must have been an egregiously long travel." Chuuya's father bows solemnly - in that always respectful manner, and he does too.
"Oh no! Anything for my future son in law. We were quite excited, you see. So, the travel was not exactly as bad as it would usually be." Reader's mom says, in her usual gleeful smile and cheerful tone. She must be the one to raise her boy as wild as he is now, Chuuya thought. She's aged, but still beautiful. Her husband certainly got a good catch. Meanwhile, the father is more focused on whispering manners and reminders into his son's ears. Chuuya can't hear what he's saying, but his fiance's expression is saying it all. He looks exasperated, a bit tired, but still willing to listen to his old man.
He's handsome and tall. A bit different from when I last saw him a year ago.
"Ah, I see. I'm glad then. Come, let's have dinner. The servants will take your luggage and show you to your rooms later." Chuuya's father says, leading them inside. The servants take off their coats and take their luggage.
In the dining hall, the laughter of reader's parents can mostly be heard. Sometimes Chuuya's father can go back to his charming self from his old days when needed, cracking jokes and telling stories to the elderly couple. They're amused, engaged in their own private world. Meanwhile, the youngsters... reader's older brother minds his own business - or rather, food. Despite being crown prince and considered fit as heir, he's got a bit of a gluttonous appetite and curiousity for new cuisine. He's in his own world too. So that leaves the two bethrothed. Reader sometimes glances at Chuuya like a curious child observing a disdainful kitten, which leaves Chuuya slightly amused but frowning.
Truth be told, they have a bit of a history. Aside from Chuuya's father forbidding interactions during their teenage years. When they were 6 and 7, they met during one royal party of some forgotten noble's something 50th birthday. Appearances are important, and even though Chuuya's father had, at this time, turned into much of an introvert, he had to go. Chuuya and reader made a ruckus fighting over the last piece of meat available at the banquet area while their parents were off elsewhere conversing.
"Hey, It's mine! I got here first, you dimwit!" Chuuya cursed, insulted, fought. His tiny hands curled into fists as his brows furrowed, his adorable, childish face twisted into an angry expression.
"Noo, who cares?! I'm hungry! I need it more than you, you stupid red head! Stop it-" Reader protested.
"THEN GO GET FOOD ELSEWHERE!!" Chuuya shrieked, punching the younger boy.
"Oww..."
Reader began to cry. An ugly, childish and obnoxious sound. As if the whole world had just betrayed him. There's a red mark on his cheek from where Chuuya hit him. The chefs came by rushing to the injured 6 year old, while Chuuya's father and reader's parents come by now. Chuuya's fucked. There's no way to get out of this crime... He was grounded, reader got the meat, and his father had to profusely apologize to the parents, who were thankfully very understanding and even laughed about it when their boy had calmed down.
2 months after that incident, they were forced into a playdate. Chuuya's father thought it'd be a good opportunity to connect with one of the most powerful families for a bit. The younger boy seemed a little scared at first. He was an inch or two shorter, a bit timid and shy after that punch. Chuuya didn't know what he felt at that time, or what persuaded him to do so, but he befriended the other boy and ruffled his hair, signifying the beginning of what seemed like a silly childhood friendship. They rode down slides, swung together on swing sets, and played chase throughout the day - which pleased the elders immensely. At the end of the day, Chuuya gave reader a forehead kiss. He was a bit more confident and comfortable around him now.
They were friends for a few months, until reader's family had to go back home. Reader cried a lot during the travel, harboring resentment towards his parents. After then, they only met during parties at the center of the continent. And when they were bethrothed to each other, they couldn't say much to each other about it either.
Back to present
Chuuya finally stares back at him, and reader finally smirks. Gods, his blue eyes are so pretty. Reader thought, internally a bit flustered. This is the crown prince, his fiance, his former friend. If fate is as expected, they'll be married and spend their lives together - what a dream. He could compose poems for his beloved everyday(he is terrible at poetry), sing songs about his beauty, kiss and love him every morning and every night, be by his side as his prince consort once he becomes king. And what a magnificent king Chuuya would become, he's sure.
So the parents finally settle the matter:
Reader will stay at the palace not for just 2 weeks, but a whole month. It will be a good opportunity to hopefully let them bond again, as they did 11 years ago. The wedding will come around a year later, when they are both of proper age. Chuuya's father can also hopefully retire in a few years, if Chuuya proves himself worthy to be a king.