yume_to_ame | The prince and his three knights: Chapter 7

lilly0 posting in

Title: The prince and his three knights: Chapter 7
Pairing: 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

Kazunari eyes the tree in front of him in a mixture out of fascination, interest and horror. “Why?” he asks. “How?” There are tiny buds on a few branches, seemingly getting bigger every day. “The tree is dead. We all know it.”

“You told me Jun-kun said he could still feel its life though,” Sho points out.

Kazu tilts his head. That’s true. He found it cute last week when Jun touched the tree, looking so fond just because he likes trees and flowers, but he didn’t quite believe it when he said it was still alive.

“This is a miracle,” Nagase mumbles.

“Magic?” someone else offers.

Kazu shakes his head. “I don’t believe in magic,” he says. “Or miracles.”

“Me neither,” Sho admits.

They look at Satoshi expectantly, but their brother only frowns for a while, looking at said tree. He walks closer, expecting it carefully, his fingertips touching the branch. It’s difficult to tell what he is thinking sometimes although they are brothers, he is caught in his own world sometimes, it seems.

Although Kazu knows his brother well by now, sometimes his trail of thoughts still surprises him. He seems to be laidback, like he doesn’t care, and then he suddenly says the most serious and knowing things ever. He managed to scold Jun for a really stupid reason in Kazu’s eyes, but weirdly enough Jun understood him. However it worked.

“What do you think, Satoshi?” Kazu urges.

Satoshi pulls back. “I think that our mind cannot grasp everything,” he says calmly. “Jun-kun was convinced there is still life in this tree. We might not understand it, but it doesn’t mean that just because we don’t understand, it’s not happening.”

“You are right…” Sho agrees. “He seems to be knowledged with trees and plants. Masaki-san, by the way, told me something similar about the tree. Why should they be wrong? Just because we can’t quite follow their trail of thoughts doesn’t mean they are wrong.”

Their father and some of his generals nod at Sho’s and Satoshi’s words, and Kazu smiles proudly. Satoshi has the ability to just say the right thoughtful things at the right moment, and as his little brother it makes him incredibly proud. Actually he is proud of both his older brothers. Because also Sho is a really genuine person, an eloquent talker and a well-respected person. Kazu himself hopes that the both of them see him as someone worthy too.

“He really is precious,” Satoshi says all of a sudden, making Kazu blink for a moment, but then he nods. Satoshi is right, Jun is special.

Sho seems to agree too. “Yes, he is. He really seems to have wonderful talents, it seems.”

“That too,” Satoshi adds thoughtfully, and Kazu tilts his head, wondering what else Satoshi meant.

“Precious? You mean, valuable,” Sakamoto says and there is something in his eyes that makes Kazu frown. It’s like he wants to trick Satoshi into admitting something bad. Up to now it’s been difficult to read him and his intentions. He seems to like Jun, still he somewhat tests him sometimes, and Kazu has seen him scolding Jun occasionally. Kazu can’t get rid of the thought that he sees Jun as his son, and wants to set a trap for them here and there to see if they walk into it.

Sho looks like he has to fight back hard not to jump into Sakamoto’s face, a sentiment Kazu can highly sympathize with. He himself has to bite back a sharp answer too.

“No,” Satoshi answers calmly, pretending like Sakamoto just asked a normal question and didn’t try to set a trap for him. Kazu grins. Good move. “I mean precious. Someone who should be cherished and protected. Easy as that. It’s like with a bud. It gives us life and hope, but needs love and light in return.”

Kazu tilts his head, nodding. “You are right,” he says softly. “We need to protect him as well as we can. It seems like he is growing more confident with every day. I hope that soon he will realize just how good he himself is, and how strong and talented.”

Satoshi nods with a soft chuckle. “You are right Kazu, his confidence can still use a little push.”

“But it’s wonderful how much he already opened up to us and this country,” Sho says with a bright smile. “He is such a sweet person.”

~~~

“I wish I could take you back home,” Masaki sighs and stretches on Jun’s bed next to him.

Jun raises his head in surprise. “Why? Are you leaving already?”

“No,” Masaki chuckles. “I’m definitely not leaving before I know you happy. And whoever you love of these three idiots, I’ll heck him properly. Still, I wish I could take you home with me one day.”

“To be honest…” Jun looks away guiltily. “I miss home like crazy. The country and the sun, and the flowers, but to my own surprise I might feel happier right here.”

“I know,” Masaki answers quietly, brushing through Jun’s hair softly. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” Jun asks in surprise.

“I probably didn’t protect you enough. I should have tried more. I-“

“Don’t be stupid,” Jun huffs. “You are the best brother ever. And I wouldn’t want to change you with anyone.”

Masaki blushes in obvious happiness. “Still, I couldn’t make you love your home.”

“That’s not true,” Jun argues. “I loved my home, because of you, and Yamaguchi-kun, and even Sakamoto-san.”

“That old grump?” Masaki grins.

“He isn’t that old,” Jun chuckles. “And he comes off as pretty strict but he always supported me and protected me from the nasty side of our higher ups. The only one there who treated me like a normal person. Except for you of course.”

“You love home, but you love this place more,” Masaki sighs sadly.

“I’m happier here,” Jun answers honestly. “It has nothing to do with which place I like more. But here I am free.”

“Although you are supposed to marry?”

“I have a choice here. It’s a small choice,” Jun smiles. “But a choice. The king is very respectful and friendly towards me. I can do whatever I want, the people here treat me with curiosity but with an open mind and with respect, although they have heard all kinds of rumours and although I obviously am different to the people here. It’s true that I have to marry soon, but at home I would have possibly needed to marry someone that would have treated me as a mere tool. Satoshi-san, Sho-san and Kazu-kun treat me kindly and with respect.”

“I don’t want you to marry,” Masaki grumbles.

“So you would prefer me to marry an unknown stranger who probably would only lock me into the castle and use me as a tool?” Jun asks daringly.

“Of course not!” Masaki blurts out. “I don’t want you to marry at all! I want you to come with me and just go wherever you want to go to, and do whatever you want to do.”

Jun smiles. “We know it’s not possible, and it never will be thanks to the way I was born and my awesome gift and the responsibilities that come with it. This here might just be my best choice and the closest to freedom I’ll come.”

“One day father will regret it,” Masaki points out. “He has mostly been interested in war and strength, and never saw your gift as a true one. In a few years this land here will blossom and the people here will live with growing wealth, then he will realise that he gave something important away.”

“Once he does, I’m hopefully happily married,” Jun points out. “And it will be too late for him.”

Masaki looks at Jun insistently. “You like one of these three idiots, am I right?”

“No,” Jun stutters, but his voice betrays him by shaking slightly, and he blushes.

Masaki whines dramatically. “Why~ Why do you like one of them? Who is it? Who the hell is going to be my new archenemy?”

Jun shifts around nervously. “I’m not sure,” he mumbles awkwardly. “I mean, it sounds stupid, doesn’t it? But my heart beats when I’m with them, and I… but I don’t know which one of them it is that I like.”

“Maybe it’s no one?” Masaki asks hopefully.

“Masaki,” Jun says softly.

“Yes, I know,” his brother pouts.

“I might need your help in this,” Jun urges. “If you don’t support me, then who will?”

“Don’t play the guilty card,” Masaki pouts. “I want you to stay my innocent, cute little brother who liked to play with little dolls and paint a picture for me every week.”

“That was when I was six,” Jun points out. He pushes at Masaki’s arm. “Masa, come on.”

“Fine,” Masaki grumbles. “I will not jump into their face whenever I see them.”

“And?” Jun asks firmly.

“And I will help you,” Masaki smiles. “Can’t be not there for you after all. Jun…” he pauses. “You really haven’t slept with any of them? And none of them did something immoral to you?”

Jun smiles. “I swear none of them did anything. Besides we both know what it means for me to have sex with someone, and the consequences. I want to be married safely first.”

Masaki bites his lips. “The dry tree is carrying blossoms.”

Jun’s eyes snap open. “What?”

“The wasteland you have been visiting and the tree you touched, it’s being filled with life.”

Jun looks at Masaki in deepest bewilderment and surprise, before his heart makes a careful jump. He doesn’t know why, but somehow it makes him happy to realize that his feelings are real. His powers get only awakened when he is in love. “Really?” he whispers.

“You are happy,” Masaki smiles slightly. “Your feelings are pure, Jun, and hence stronger than only via sexual contact. Let’s find out who you love so deeply alright?”

Jun nods, about to say something when there is a knock at the door. “Yes?” Jun asks. It’s Sakamoto, smiling slightly at them. “Hey my favourite prince, and Masaki.”

“Hey old grump,” Masaki says with a grin.

Sakamoto ignores him, much to Jun’s amusement. “Listen guys,” he says more earnestly now. “The king just told me something important.”

“And what’s that?” Jun asks curiously, sitting up.

“Since the tree is blossoming, the weather has become slightly warmer too. To celebrate their hope for a possible end of the never-ending winter the king will invite everyone to a masquerade. The both of you too of course.”

“Really?” Masaki asks in interest. “With masks and all that?”

“Yes,” Sakamoto smiles, looking at Jun warmly. “Dress up, wear a mask, and enjoy yourself, my little prince. I know your feelings confuse you, so this is the moment where you can switch of your mind for a few hours and just have fun without overthinking.”

“It’s true,” Masaki agrees. “Because everyone is going to be wearing a mask! You don’t need to question your own feelings for once.”

Jun’s eyes light up. That’s true. He can move around freely there and not think about who he might like or not like. His heart jumps slightly. A party, a ball actually. It’s his first time participating in such an event.

~~~

“You know,” Masaki eyes the three brothers out of the window. Jun has asked him for help to get his outfit together for tonight. “I don’t get why you find them pretty.”

Jun chuckles. “Still not over it?”

“I mean, the one guy has a sleepy face, the other looks like he has stuffed too many peanut into his mouth and the third… well… the third is tiny, but I guess somewhat nice-looking. Why don’t you choose him?”

“I don’t even know which one you are talking about,” Jun answers casually. “In my opinion none of them looks chubby or sleepy or tiny. They are all pretty good-looking. Even when I just came here and had no idea what was awaiting me, I thought they were charming and beautiful in their own way.”

“Hm,” Masaki grumbles. “You are hopeless.”

Jun smiles. “No, you are.”

Masaki lets out a sigh. “Maybe you are right. Okay, seriously now.” He points out of the window. “How about you take the black-haired guy. He looks the prettiest. The one with the red vest.”

Jun throws a glance out of the window too. “You mean Kazunari-kun?”

“Whatever his name is,” Masaki grumbles.

“You find him cute?” Jun asks with a chuckle.

“Not at all,” Masaki huffs. “Why are you shifting the topic?”

“I just found it interesting that you pointed him out,” Jun explains. “If you find him cute, why don’t you talk with him?”

“No way. Besides I’m not competing against my own brother,” Masaki argues. “End of discussion.” He pulls out a wine-red velvet shirt from his bag. It’s beautifully ornamented and out of a soft fabric. “Here, how about this? It’s going to be perfect for your and underline all your beautiful features.”

“What is this?” Jun asks in surprise. “I haven’t seen it up to now.”

“It’s a present,” Masaki smiles. “For my favourite brother. I thought if we need to find you a husband, we could as well do it with style.”

Jun laughs and hugs Masaki. “Thank you,” he says. “You are my favourite brother too.”

“Well, the competition isn’t too great anyway,” Masaki jokes.

~~~

Jun can’t dance. Just another thing on the list of all the things he can’t do. He is seriously hopeless. Meanwhile the brothers – again – have to show him how to do something.

Sho plays on the piano for them while Kazu and Satoshi show him the first dance steps. Jun is surprised to see that they both move so well. “Unbelievable,” he mumbles.

“What is unbelievable?” Kazu asks curiously.

“You just can do anything,” Jun states, trying to fight back his inferior feeling. “Meanwhile I can do close to nothing.”

“Enough of that,” Satoshi states firmly. Jun winces slightly. He realizes though how Kazu throws Satoshi an annoyed glance and Sho frowns. Satoshi however doesn’t seem to care for their interventions at all. “We had to learn dancing for years, don’t compare yourself to us, Jun-kun. You cannot always compare yourself to others.”

“But what should I do then?” Jun asks helplessly, not sure what to make out of Satoshi’s words and how to actually follow his advice.

“Focus on your own strengths,” Satoshi says like it’s the most normal thing in the world. “You can learn everything we can, easily. You are already learning it and catching up fast. But you are so focused on your shortcomings in comparison to us, that you don’t see how you are very intelligent and talented yourself – or you wouldn’t be able to catch up that fast. You move well when you train with Sho. Why shouldn’t you be able to dance well?” Satoshi looks at him insistently, his voice sounding warm and soft all of a sudden. He touches Jun’s shoulder reassuringly. “It’s not bad to also look at others and see what they can do, because that’s how we improve, but you have to see what you are able to do too.”

“He is right,” Sho agrees thoughtfully. “You have lots of strengths, Jun-kun. I wish for you to see them and nourish them, and make them grow. You like flowers don’t you? See your strengths like a little plant. It needs water and nourishment to grow, doesn’t it? It’s the same for your strengths and talents.”

Jun lets their words sink down for a moment. They are right. He is so focused on feeling inferior to the brothers and basically everyone else, that he doesn’t even feel like trying properly. He needs to find his strength and get more confident, or he won’t be able to make more progress. “I see,” he finally says. “Yes, I will try to do what you two just said.”

Sho looks at him stunned. “Really?”

“Yes, the both of you are right. I need to be able to find my strengths to work on them, and while doing so I can still work on my weaknesses. Thank you for reminding me of that.” He bows slightly. “I’m sorry for being so insecure. Don’t hesitate to remind me of it when I’m getting too caught up in my negative feelings.”

Satoshi smiles warmly. “You truly have a good heart,” he mumbles, too silent for the others to hear it, but loud enough for Jun to hear it and feel happy about it.

“Sounds good,” Kazu cheers on him with a bright smile.

Sho chuckles softly. “You are so cute, Jun-kun.”

His words make Jun blush, he is relieved he doesn’t have to answer because Kazu and Satoshi start discussing which dance to teach Jun first. The first steps are difficult for Jun, but he tries to keep Satoshi’s advice in mind. Soon he finds himself moving to Sho’s beautiful music, and the brothers are having fun playing his dance partners and swirling him around.

Jun giggles when Satoshi makes him spin a few times. Satoshi chuckles too. “You should laugh more often,” he says.

“It’s easy to laugh when I’m with the three of you,” Jun points out.

Sho rewards him by playing a silly piece of music next, making Kazu snort in amusement, as he just swapped with Satoshi and dances with Jun. At one point Kazu takes Sho’s place so that Sho can dance with Jun too, and Jun is surprised to hear him play. He is even better than Sho.

This time however Jun tries not to see it as a shortcoming from his side to not be able to play the piano. He enjoys listening to Kazu’s music and focus on the task in front of him. He likes dancing, and he is proud that he is picking up so fast.

~~~

The only person Jun is able to recognize this evening is Masaki, mainly because they helped each other with their outfits and because Jun wouldn’t have wanted to be alone on this evening. He feels a bit at loss first though in the middle of the many people in the huge salon, everyone dressed in fancy attires and masks. Jun isn’t even able to find the king within them, and he wonders which one of them Sakamoto is. He has an idea or two, but mainly because Sakamoto is tall. He also tries to locate the brothers, but it’s even more impossible, because they are rather small in height, and basically fit into the crowd here perfectly.

When the music starts playing, Jun feels a bit excited. He looks forward to dancing. It seems like it’s finally something he is not instantly failing at.

The evening starts weird, but at one point Jun starts to enjoy it to nip at his glass of red wine and watch the people. Some couples are dancing, and it almost makes Jun feel a bit melancholic. He wished he would be able to dance too but he is too shy to ask someone.

“May I?”

Jun blinks in surprise, turning his head to eye a man, his face covered by a golden mask, his hair slicked back, and he is dressed in a black costume.

Jun nods when he realizes that the man actually asked him for a dance. He is happy to have a chance to dance for real. He hands his glass to Masaki and follows the other on the dance floor, feeling a bit nervous all of a sudden, but all his doubts are in vain, because the moment they face each other, he can feel a warm hand against his back, pressing him closer and soon he finds himself being swayed over the dance floor. He remembers what he has learned during the last days, his mask making him more confident too. He smiles brightly, having the time of his life.

Once the music stops and they walk away from the dance floor, the man smiles. “Thank you, Jun-kun.”

Jun’s eyes widen. “You know… it’s me?” Something inside Jun’s stomach suddenly tenses in sudden surprise. The hand of this man, still resting against his back, it’s so warm… like the hand that was stroking his hair when he cried alone in his room. It’s…the same man? But who?

The man’s lips tug into a smile and Jun wishes he would wear less make-up so that he could see his features. He takes Jun’s hand and squeezes it. “Even within thousands of people I would always be able to find you.”

Jun blushes under his mask, eyes wide in surprise while he watches how the man smiles at him and leaves the room altogether. On his way away though Jun can see how he seems to have lost something from his pocket. Unfortunately the man is away when Jun reaches said place, bending down to pick up the item. It’s a ring. A silver ring with beautiful ornaments on it. Who does it belong to?

A/N: So, Jun's feelings are growing :-) And Masaki is slowly trying to adjust to the idea of his little brother marrying...
Satoshi somewhat scolded him again, but this time he didn't get mad or anything. He is right though, Jun needs to see how much of a good person he is.
And the stranger appeared again, the guy who already comforted him when he cried, twice. Seems like someone likes Jun a lot too. Who is it? Do you have an idea who Jun's protector is?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

akhikaru

Ahhhhhhhh why I do keep getting more confused with every chapter xDDDDDDD I keep getting the vibes that Jun likes Satoshi but idk... don't want to rule out Sho yet, lol!
I have no idea of who's the guy protecting Jun, but so far the only thing that seems likely to me is that Jun isn't in love with Nino xD (also Masaki said he was cute????? Interesting~~~)
Will be waiting for the next one!!! >w<
Thanks for the update!!!

From:

The prince and his three knights: Chapter 7

Page Summary

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags