![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lilly0 posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
yume_to_amePairing: It's going to be a Jun-pairing, but I don't want to spoil it yet. It's either: Sakumoto, Matsumiya or Juntoshi. Jun/Aiba as brothers, and Aiba might get his own pairing.
Rating: up to R
Genre: royality!AU, romance, a bit fantasy,
Plot: To seal the new peace agreement Prince Jun is handed over as a gift to the neighbouring kingdom, the Highlands of Ice. There is a legend surrounding Jun and his sisters and brothers, namely that they hold a secret power which will only be awakened to the fullest when their owner falls in love.
Tired of reigning the Highlands of the Ice the king announces that one of his three sons - Sho, Satoshi and Kazunari - will inherit the throne. As all of them are good men, loyal and talented, he decides to put a challenge to it: Whoever wins the young mysterious prince's heart will marry him and get the throne.*
*Important sidenote: I will not make a love triangle or anything alike. Once Jun decided, he decided. Also Sho and the others won't play dirty.
Note: This is going to be really romantic, I promise :D and I promise you all (!) that the brothers won't treat each other like sh*t. It's super fun to write this! Please tell me what you think <3
The first – and only – things King Koichi notices about the young man in front of him are his dark intense eyes and a pair of prominent eyebrows, everything else is covered by a huge scarf that he wears wrapped around his hair and parts of his body.
His gaze shifts from the young man to the two soldiers accompanying him, standing right next to him. They both bow in front of Koichi now. “Your Majesty of the Highlands of Ice we bring news from our own king, his Majesty of the Luminous Fields.”
Koichi tries to focus on his visitors, because really, nothing bores him more than official visitors when he actually has to follow a certain etiquette. He is bad with etiquettes in general, but he is brilliant in battle and his men respect him highly. He nods towards them now. “What message are you bringing me?”
“He has decided that from today on he agrees on your peace-offering. Moreover to emphasize the new bond between your kingdom and his, he is offering you a particularly valuable present.”
A present? Well, the King of the Luminous Fields has always followed the protocol very well. Koichi should think of a present in return to make their new bond a steady and good one. Their kingdoms have been in war for as long as Koichi can remember. Even when we was just a little boy. During his and the luminous king’s reign there was a truce, in which slowly prosperity in their countries started to blossom, leading to them finally discussing a settlement between them. He has never seen the King himself, only his advisor. With their new established settlement he hopes they will eventually meet and strengthen their bond so that also the next generations will accept it and not lead the countries into a new war.
“A present was not necessary,” he says politely. “As I find our settlement present enough.”
“His Majesty insisted,” one of the soldier, apparently one of the generals of the troops, explains with a stoic face.
Koichi’s curiosity grows. “So, then tell me what your king has in mind.”
The man points at the dark-eyed young man who is covered in the huge scarf. “To show his sincerity in the new-found bond between your countries, he decided to send his youngest son to you. Prince Jun is particularly beautiful and bright, intelligent, and gifted by rare talents that only very few members of the direct blood line of the king possess.”
Prince Jun also looks very nervous and sad to be sent here, Koichi adds in his mind. The last sentence of the man evokes his interest though. Talent? It’s said that a certain line of princes and princesses of the Luminous Field have specific powers, which is why the king himself has several wives to ensure many descendants, as not every son or daughter automatically possesses these secret gifts. Koichi doesn’t know what kind of gifts they have, it’s kept as a secret, but the country worships and fears their princes and princesses like they are gods. Some call it even magic. He doubts it though, it sounds like a fairy-tale and a rumour children would make up. By the way the general emphasizes Prince Jun’s talent though, there has to be something about that kid and the legend in general
Another question bothers him more though. “May I ask what the king decided for his young son to be here?”
“Whatever you want him to be.”
Koichi’s gaze wanders back to the young man. He looks almost scared. He was probably never far away from home, and now he suddenly is in a new country, with no one he knows, and an undecided fate in front of him. Koichi’s heart softens immediately. He is probably afraid that he will be held as a slave here, to be a mere tool to the country. Children should never be involved in politics, it’s always been Koichi’s credo.
Still… eyeing the young prince his mind starts to form a plan. He smiles suddenly, turning to his main guard – and secret drinking buddy – advisor, and friend. “Call my sons, Nagase-san,” he orders.
The tall man nods and bows, and it doesn’t even take fifteen minutes for his three sons to appear. They are his personal pride (although sometimes annoying).
Satoshi is the oldest, although with a weaker exterior he is strong in mind. Someone who watches before he acts, who knows his surroundings. Underestimated because of his calm nature, he can be strong and firm when he sees fit.
Sho is his second son, extraordinarily intelligent, strong-minded, a true warrior, someone who immediately meets respect by everyone, and who shows strength and determination in battle.
And then there is Kazunari, his youngest son. Witty and very smart, he remains in the background until he has gathered enough information to finally attack – with words and fists. Fragile looking he takes it to his advantage and proves everyone not to underestimate him. Strategy is his forte.
All of them have their strengths, but also lack smaller things, like every person does. His gaze shifts back to the young prince. “Prince Jun,” he says warmly. “Welcome to my palace and country. You do not need to feel like a prisoner here, you are free to go wherever you want to. See yourself as our guest.”
The young prince’s eyes light up slightly, most likely in relief, but he lowers his head immediately again. Being sold to the neighbourhood country as an offer of peace will not easily set his mind at ease, even if the country here will treat him kindly. His own country treated him as a trait after all.
“They say you are strong in mind?” Koichi asks warmly.
The prince looks at him again. “Although they say that,” he finally answers with a shaky voice. “I don’t see myself higher than my brothers and sisters.”
Koichi eyes him in interest. He seems to have a good character. The glint in his eyes tells him that he is probably not someone to mess around with once his shyness and fears might settle. He takes a wild guess that there is a reason why his father sent him out of all. His father, the king, wants to tighten their bond, probably bothered by the same worries as Koichi that further generations might lead their countries into war again. And now he apparently sent his beautiful, intelligent, young son, who was born with a secret gift and is an important tool to his own country. The general’s eyes were shining in pride when he talked about him, so he seems to be liked by these men.
Koichi grins. Tsk… how very smart of this kingdom. And what a great idea on top of that! Why didn’t he think of it first? The king might not have sent his son as a prisoner, but…
Koichi smiles at the young man, before looking at the men accompanying him, who look very reluctant to let him go. “I would like to show my gratitude to your king,” he says. “And because of that, the prince will be a guest to us and treated with the utmost respect.” He eyes his sons, wanting them to look after their guest well. Gladly they understand immediately. “Please do not worry about his well-being,” he continues, facing Jun’s companions. “I would like to offer two of you to stay at his side as a personal guard to ensure that he will be treated well here and that there will be nothing missing in his life.”
The general nods, relief lighting up in his eyes. He points at one of the young soldiers, who has a kind and calm face. “Yamaguchi-san will remain at our prince’s side. He was his guard from the moment on he was born. And if you, your Majesty, will allow it, I will remain at the prince’s side as well.”
“So, it’s set.” Koichi smiles. “Please be our guests tonight. As for you, young prince,” he smiles at Jun, seeing with relief how the young guy slowly seems less tensed. “Why don’t you go with my sons. They will show you where you can sleep. We’ll of course respect your privacy, so you will have your own bathroom and our best room.”
Sho steps forward immediately, always the first to go to action and react. He smiles at Jun politely. “My name is Sho, these are my brothers Satoshi and Kazunari. If you like, we would show you your room. We will try to make you feel at home, please don’t hesitate to come to us when you need something.”
Jun nods shyly, eyes widening at Sho’s upfront but friendly words. “Thank you,” he stutters. “Sho-san.”
He obviously directly spoke to Sho’s gentle heart which he likes to hide behind a tougher exterior. Sho’s eyes immediately shine warmly.
Kazunari steps forward too now. “If you have any formal questions, ask the two old men here.” He points at his two brothers. “If you want to do you young-men things, talk to me.”
“What?” Sho grumbles. “We are not old men!”
Jun’s lips tug. When Nino grins and impishly winks at him, he smiles carefully.
Satoshi hasn’t said anything up to now but when they are about to leave the room, Jun stumbles slightly over his huge scarf. Satoshi grabs his arm immediately. “Watch out,” he says. “The grounds here are out of rough stone. It’s easy to fall. We don’t want you to get hurt.”
It only sounds like a slight reprimand as Satoshi’s voice is soft and friendly. Jun’s cheeks get coloured into a tinge of red.
Deep inside Koichi already celebrates. This works better than expected. All three of his forever-single sons seem to be quite attracted to their unknown guest and the touch of exotic atmosphere he brings with him. Remembering the general’s words about the prince being quite beautiful, Koichi decides to spice things up further. He approaches the young prince and his sons too, pretending to welcome him properly. When he does so, he secretly steps on Jun’s humongous scarf, making it loose. Once his sons and Jun want to leave, the scarf slips down by the sudden movement. It reveals a slender body, with broad shoulders and a small waist, and a very beautiful face with strong features and luscious lips. The luminous king’s beautiful son.
Koichi triumphs inwardly when his sons eye Jun in sudden interest. He needs to talk with his main guard and advisor Nagase about this. He chuckles, turning towards Nagase once the young men and Jun’s companions left the room. “I have something to discuss with you,” he says non-chalantly. “Prepare some drinks, we need a plan!”
~~~
“It’s beautiful here,” Sho says casually. “I know it’s pretty cold and we have snow like ten months a year, but I promise you there are beautiful spots.”
“Beautiful spots in case you are all for winter sports, wet clothes and catching the flu,” Kazunari points out teasingly.
Jun listens to them carefully. He isn’t sure what to think or what to do actually. King Koichi doesn’t seem like a bad man, and he knows his father sent him here because he expects him to tighten the bond with this country. Jun likes his own country and its people, and his family, although they always treated him with distance and fear because of his gift, but he wants to make this work and to warm up to this country and its inhabitants, and deepen their diplomatic relationship. He has no other choice but to live here after all. He needs to make the best out of it.
Still he feels scared. This land is so different, cold and covered in snow, and the castle is thicker and more rustic, not so full of light like his family’s. And it’s freezing cold here. At least the three princes of this country seem to be decent. Jun is actually surprised that they are all so good-looking and charming in their own way. When they smiled at him at the throne room he even blushed.
Also they seem to really want to make him feel comfortable here. Which is nice. But doesn’t make him feel any better for the moment.
The room he is going to stay in is indeed huge. There is a fire in the fireplace and the bed and the furniture are rather elegant. It almost looks like it was a woman’s room first. “This was our mother’s chambers,” Sho explains, like he can sense his questions. “She sadly passed away a few years ago, but we think this would be the perfect room for you.”
“Is it really okay?” Jun asks, feeling unsure all of a sudden. “I can sleep in a smaller, less important room.”
“We are glad that someone stays here,” Kazunari says, surprisingly earnest all of a sudden. It’s interesting that he can be like that too, not just sarcastic.
Satoshi hasn’t said much up to now but he helps Jun with his luggage and without many words shows him around.
Later that afternoon Jun is finally alone. He still has some time to get ready for dinner. He should probably sleep a bit and get some rest, and… He drops into the warm soft bed, his eyes suddenly burning with tears. He feels so alone, without his favourite brother Masaki - the only person in his family who always treated him like a normal human being and loved and cherished him unconditionally and not for his gift - he feels at a loss. It’s like all his happiness is gone all of a sudden. And sure he wants to make his father proud and do this for his people, no matter if they always treated him kindly or not, but… He sobs into his pillow, not realizing how his tired body shivers.
Then however he suddenly feels a warm hand stroking his head softly. He is too out of it to really look and care for who it is. The hand doesn’t go away, it keeps brushing over his hair in a reassuring way until Jun slowly drifts into sleep. It has to be Yamaguchi, his personal guard and only friend. When he wakes up two hours later, he feels drained, but not cold anymore. To his surprise his body is covered by a thick blanket and next to him is a can with hot tea. And a note next to it. I figured you might feel cold. Please watch your health. And don’t worry, Jun-san, it is going to be alright.
How nice of Yamaguchi. Jun blinks in surprise at the note, a warm feeling spreading inside him all of a sudden. That’s nice actually. Really nice.
~~~
Koichi is in an incredible good mood throughout the entire dinner. It doesn’t go unnoticed by him that his kind sons are indeed attending to Jun, with quite some effort even. He takes a deep breath, exchanging a secret glance with Nagase. “I have something to announce,” he says after a while. Everyone except for Nagase and Jun’s general, who tunred out to be a man named Sakamoto and whom Koichi called to his meeting with Nagase before, look at him in surprise.
“What is it father?” Sho asks. “Are you feeling unwell? Should we call someone?”
Koichi smiles. “Nothing like that.” He stands up, looking earnest now. “I just today made an important decision. By the end of the year I’ll announce my heir to the throne,” he says, well aware that although his sons love each other and respect him as their father and king, they are very competitive on top of that. “I’m tired of reigning this country and want to give the land a new young king. One of you will be my successor. However, all three of you are good men and have important strengths and talents. Over the years it got more and more difficult to decide.” His sons blink, but there is also a look of pride on their faces for being considered an option to becoming king.
Koichi turns to the young prince. “Jun-san,” he says with warmth. “The reason your father sent you here is not just any, am I right?”
Jun nods. “The general hopefully informed you,” he says.
“He did. But I’m not going to just decide it myself, but let’s talk about this later,” he answers, making his young sons look at him in confusion. “So, my lovely sons.” He grins impishly. “As I can’t decide who will be the best representative for this country, I’ll test you within this upcoming year, and once the year is over, I’ll announce my successor.” All three of them look at him through wide-opened eyes. “I just decided that one of you will have the honour to inherit the throne. The condition to it, I won’t tell you. But I’ll watch you properly throughout the next year, and once we celebrate Christmas I will reveal the new king.”
“May I say something?” Kazunari intervenes, as always the first one to find his speech when everyone else can’t.
“Yes.”
Kazunari looks at Nagase first, who looks away with a grin, then back to Koichi. “This is a competition between us, just that we don’t know the rules to this game? And the winner gets the throne?”
Koichi nods, his lips tugging slightly, already sensing how his sons’ competitive sides are awaking.
“I accept,” Kazunari says, not much to Koichi’s surprise. His youngest son looks determined and highly motivated. “I don’t know what you are plotting but I accept.”
“I accept too,” Sho agrees naturally, eyes gleaming already.
Satoshi nods, his lips turning into a smile when he looks at Koichi. “I am in too.”
~~~
Nagase pours wine into Koichi’s glass before filling his own. They clink their glasses together. “You know what I’ve been thinking,” Koichi says. “This young shy prince, Jun-san, isn’t he beautiful?”
“Yes,” Nagase chuckles. “I know. The King of the Luminous Fields has certain intentions it seems.”
“He sent us his beautiful son, young, just off age.” Koichi muses. “Said to be born with the gift, whatever this means.”
“I’ve been sneaking around the guards that accompanied him. Jun-san is said to have a good character, a kind heart. He behaves well, is well-mannered.” Nagase points out. “He is also indeed been born with a gift, though they didn’t mention what it is. Seems like deep inside they are scared because he is different.”
Koichi nods. “We could need someone like him here,” he says. “My sons are good men, but they lack someone who will keep them grounded, who will care for them, someone soft who awakes their own soft side, someone who has exactly the qualities they lack.”
“Someone like the young prince,” Nagase points out. He looks at Koichi thoughtfully. “You are thinking about marriage?”
“Indeed I am,” Koichi muses. “Let’s talk to the general, shall we?”
The general, who joins their invitation shortly afterwards, is a man named Sakamoto. He has a slender stature, but a strong face and even stronger eyes. He politely accepts the glass of wine Koichi offers him, and it impresses Koichi that he doesn’t show any fear. He has always believed that the people of the Luminous Fields are only soft and fragile, but obviously they aren’t. “You have brought us a bait, haven’t you?” Koichi asks.
Sakamoto looks at them for a long while, eyebrows scrunched. “Indeed I have.”
“Then tell us more about the prince,” Koichi demands, not able to hide the curiosity in his voice. “Everything you can tell us, as long as you are honest. I don’t want to hear any lies.”
“I’m never lying,” Sakamoto says calmly. “Up to now only two members of the royal family have the gift. The young prince is one of them. His sister is already married to a count, it’s ensured that her gift will continue to live through the next generation.”
“What kind of gift?” Nagase wants to know.
“I can’t tell you,” Sakamoto says earnestly. “I would betray my country if I did” He looks at them intensely. “But I’ll tell you something else which I shouldn’t.”
“Something you shouldn’t?” Koichi asks, raising his eyebrow. “Why?”
“Prince Jun is a kind-hearted soul, he always treats everyone with respect, even the maids and the ones with the lowest position. He has always listened well to me and Yamaguchi, and followed his father’s orders. But in our country, although the princes and princesses with the gift are looked upon like gods, they are also feared and grow up isolated. He was barely allowed to leave the castle and its grounds, he could never talk to someone his age or to other people in general, which is why he is so shy and frightened.”
“Of course, what people don’t know, they fear,” Nagase comments with a frown. “I hope you forgive me for saying this, but I find it highly hypocritical that the country uses its gifted members as a tool, but doesn’t show them any respect or love.”
Sakamoto nods. “Jun-san grew up all alone and isolated. Like his sister, now that she is married though her status is a bit better.” He shakes his head. “Nothing about the prince is scary, his gift isn’t scary either, but superstition and rumours are. His only friend up to now is one of his brothers, Masaki, the only person aside from me and Yamaguchi who treats him with kindness. He did not deserve to grow up like he did. Would his father and those teaching him about his gift beat him? No. But would they treat him like someone who they estimated as a person with feelings? No.”
Koichi frowns. Exactly why he never liked the King of the Luminous Field. He is said to being sneaky and shady. Koichi’s own people on the other hand are a lot more upfront, rough sometimes and straight-forward, but they never lack real warmth. “There is more, isn’t it?”
Sakamoto smiles. “I want to see the young prince happy. Maybe here he can be. The people here are different, and I know you want to marry him to one of your sons, don’t you?”
Koichi nods. “Naturally. A prince of his status and of his heritage, with his qualities and a natural gift, whatever it is, is a good catch. I want one of my sons to have him at his side. For my country it will be good. Don’t fear though, we are not going to treat him as a mere tool only because it’s a political decision. Everyone who is married to one of our people is part of us, and will be treated as such, no matter what he or she is or where they come from. It’s one of our rules.”
Sakamoto nods contently, apparently pleased with what he heard. “If you, just as you said, ensure me that he will be treated as a person here not just as an object and tool, be allowed to go outside and be as free as your own sons, that your sons and everyone else will treat him with the same respect they would show towards one of their own, then I’ll tell you a secret.”
Koichi exchanges a look with Nagase. “A secret?”
“Yes, but I want you to form a contract with me, before I tell you,” Sakamoto says firmly, surprising Koichi by being so upfront. “I will tell you, but only if you give me a written contract including my conditions. It should contain everything you just told and promised me.”
Koichi nods. He normally doesn’t like to be pressured like this, but in this case he doesn’t mind. What he promised Sakamoto was not something unusual, besides he knows Sakamoto might just deal him an interesting piece of information. He gives Nagase a sign to prepare what Sakamoto asked them for, and ten minutes later they have set up the contract which both he and Sakamoto sign. “I hope this is worth it,” Koichi says warningly.
“It is,” Sakamoto says earnestly. He bends forward slightly, his voice low. “The prince has gifts that will make your country blossom and grow, he will bring prosperity, but…”
“But?” Nagase asks curiously.
“His power only awakes to the fullest if he falls in love.”
Koichi’s eyes widen. “What?”
“The powers of our gifted ones grow with their love. If they marry someone they love, their gifts will blossom and nourish and they will be able to use them to the fullest.”
Koichi and Nagase exchange a look. “It means he needs to fall in love…”
“You have three sons,” Sakamoto points out. “They couldn’t be more different. And all of them with interesting personalities and qualities. Jun has not received much love up to now, his heart is soft and vulnerable and he will probably fall for one of them. He has no experience with love or with an intimate relationship to someone, you will need to raise his awareness that all three of them might be a choice for him.”
Nagase tilts his head. “This is interesting,” he muses. “Koichi-san,” he addresses Koichi informally, like they normally only do in private. “You need to play your cards well.”
“I could tell Jun, privately, that I want him to stay here and that I want him to choose one of my sons,” Koichi muses. “Choose himself.”
Sakamoto nods. “He will eye them differently then. As potential candidates for marriage. The fact that it will be his choice will make him aware of them and probably lead to feelings at one point.”
“The question is, how will I make my sons court him. All three of them. Normally I would just choose one of them, and they would naturally follow my orders. I’ve already been looking for fitting partners for them.”
Nagase smirks. “You could,” he grins impishly. “Make it your condition.”
Koichi’s eyes snap open. “What?”
“You plan on telling them that you will choose your successor, don’t you? You are thinking about mentioning a condition, although you don’t have any, have you?”
“You are right, I just want to see how they will react throughout the next year.”
“Then make it your condition,” Nagase chuckles. “Whoever manages to capture the prince’s heart…”
“…should be my successor,” Koichi adds, eyes suddenly shining in interest. “Yes, Tomoya-san, YES! They are all good warriors, all strong, good men. But whoever of them shoes the sensitivity and insight, the patience, the ability to make a shy and closed person open up, has more to him and qualities he will need to be a good king.”
The three men grin brightly. “I’ll expect yours and Yamaguchi-kun’s help,” Koichi says with a grin towards Sakamoto. “We need to ensure that we have the perfect setting for love to blossom between two of them~”
“I won’t worry about your sons,” Nagase grins. “They already seem to be interested. Jun-san is so different and exotic, and shy, it naturally speaks to their nature, to their heart. And as for Jun… that’s going to be one of your son’s task.”
“You will stay here, just as you said,” Koichi tells Sakamoto. “You and Yamaguchi know Jun-san well and can be there for him when he needs advice.”
“I promised my king to stay here in case you need me,” Sakamoto says casually.
They all laugh and clink their glasses. “To love,” Koichi says.
“To yours and mine princes,” Sakamoto adds.
“To lots of kissing and sex,” Nagase adds casually, making all of them laugh.
Koichi has kept Jun and his guard Yamaguchi at his side, even after everyone else left the gathering.
Jun looks at Koichi nervously. “Your Majesty, it doesn’t matter for me,” he says after a while, picking up Koichi’s hint during the dinner immediately. “I will marry whoever you pick for me, your Majesty.”
Of course he minds. His hands shiver and his voice sounds strained.
“How old are you, Jun-san?”
“20,” Jun answers nervously.
Pretty young. He just hit the legal age, it seems.
Koichi smiles. “We’ll change the usual formalities,” he explains, following the plan he set up together with Nagase and Sakamoto. “This is my offer, Jun-san: I won’t force you into marriage, you will choose yourself. At the end of the year, you will tell us who you will want to marry. Your chosen one will inherit the throne.”
Jun gasps in surprise. “I am the condition to the throne?” he asks in shock.
“Yes.”
“But…” Jun blushes. “Why didn’t you tell your sons, my King?”
Koichi smiles. “Because I want them and you to be as natural around each other as possible. Just imagine they knew?”
He doesn’t tell Jun that he together with Nagase and Sakamoto indeed plans on telling his sons too, just so they know they need to court Jun. But he wants to keep each party oblivious that the other knows, well aware that chances for blossoming feelings are better if they are oblivious. He also knows marrying just any girl or guy won’t interest his boys, but the fact that it’s a real prince, and they will be able to tie the knot with another country, and become a figure of prosperity and peace, will get them interested. Jun is beautiful and brings something exotic to their country, almost like a rare wild animal. It will ensure him his sons’ attraction.
Koichi chuckles inwardly. He wonders if the rumours about these princes of the luminous fields are really true. He has never believed it, but now with Sakamoto’s revelations…who knows?
A/N: A new multi-chapter! Something I have been planning to write since forever! I hope you will like it. The setting might sound complicated, but in the end it's just: Jun needs to choose one of them. And one of the three will truly fall in love with him. I promise it's going to be really romantic ^^
There are quite some side-characters already. Shun will make an appearance too at one point. And Aiba will play an important part too! (I promise, he will come!) Sakamoto and Yamaguchi are from V6, in case you are interested :-) Nagase from TOKIO, and Koichi from Kinki Kids (thought he would be the perfect sassy and slightly annoyed king ^^)
Oh, and yes, they have ten months of winter. Would be a nightmare for me Oo
no subject
Date: 2017-05-13 01:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-05-20 02:46 pm (UTC)