The prince and his three knights: Chapter 12

[lilly0]

Title: The prince and his three knights: Chapter 12
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

 

The king has decided that they will announce it at the huge summer festival. The first one in seventy years. It’s then that Jun realizes that there are actually kids living here, grown-ups too, who have never seen green trees before, never heard singing birds, have never been swimming in a lake. They were used to the eternal ice. Of course the climate here is still rougher than somewhere else, it’s not tropical, and the winters are harsh, but it’s hopefully going to turn into a steady rhythm soon, and deep inside Jun hopes he will one day get children that will inherit his power and keep this land strong.

 

“You are certain?” Koichi has asked Jun not only once, apparently too surprised that Jun indeed fell in love to believe it.

 

Jun smiles, and nods. “There is no doubt,” he says.

 

“You talked to him?” Koichi continues.

 

Again Jun nods. “He gave his consent,” he smiles and whatever there is to be seen in his eyes, it seems to make Koichi happy.

 

“You really made this country blossom, Jun-san,” Koichi says earnestly. “When you first came here, I knew you would have potential, you had a warm, yet strong aura. You brought fresh wind, I couldn’t believe your own country would basically hand you over like an object.”

 

“You don’t need to explain yourself, my king,” Jun bows. “You gave me a home. And you told your sons to treat me with utmost respect.”

 

“They didn’t need much instruction though,” Koichi says proudly.

 

“That’s true, because they are good men.”

 

“And you chose one of them!” Koichi exclaims happily. “I hoped you would develop feelings for one of them.”

 

Jun smiles. “I think I chose the best,” he says, his heart jumping when he thinks of Satoshi and his kind smile.

 

“Why did you fall for him?” Koichi wants to know. “Don’t get me wrong, I know you can’t easily describe why you like someone more than someone else, but I’m curious what you like about Satoshi, what made you choose him.”

 

“From the beginning on he treated me normal,” Jun points out. “Like a normal person. Like someone on his eyelevel. Not a guest, not a breakable object. He was able to see more in me than I did. He wasn’t particularly careful around me when he talked, he even got upset at me, he is able to make me consider my choices and my thoughts about myself while being all calm and encouraging. It’s a bit like… he gave me the feeling that I belonged to this place. He just… understands.” Jun blushes in frustration, because he can’t put it into the right words. Satoshi will easily doze off, but when necessary he is fully here. He is sincere, calming and stays focused even when others lose their hope. When everyone thought Jun wouldn’t make it, he didn’t give up. He would get angry at Jun for something stupid he did, not hide behind a mask because he was supposed to treat him kindly. At the same time Jun can understand Satoshi’s words and see the kindness behind them even when he sounds like he is scolding him, and he was there to comfort Jun when he was at the bottom, full of sadness and despair. “He has  more insight than anyone else. I was only able to grow because of his support,” Jun summarizes it, still annoyed that he can’t voice it better, but to his surprise Koichi’s eyes light up in pride. Apparently he just said the right things.

 

“Satoshi will be a good king, and you will complement him well,” Koichi says happily. “Recently he showed quite some leadership qualities. I was surprised to be honest at how firm he suddenly can act. I expect that you will support him and help him when needed.”

 

Jun nods. “I promise. This is my home now, and everyone here in this castle but also outside of it was very kind and welcoming to me. I will not forget that, and I will give back as much as I can and help this country and Satoshi-san to my best ability.”

 

Koichi smiles softly. “Barely off age, and yet so grown-up.” He chuckles. “Thank you for bringing us summer and spring, Jun, my young prince.”

 

Jun blushes. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the people here showing me so much kindness, and without Satoshi.”

 

“Maybe.” Koichi chuckles. “But in the end it was your power. It’s beautiful to imagine that your power gets stronger the happier you feel, the more love you feel.”

 

Jun nods tentatively. He has never seen it that way. He has seen it as his weakness most of the time, but now here everyone tells him how beautiful and unique it is.

 

“Wait till the first thunderstorm will happen because he has a fight with his loved one, or a hailstorm because he is sad,” Sakamoto interrupts the talk, and both Koichi and Jun chuckle, happy about the diffusion of the serious air surrounding their talk.

 

“This will be good, Jun-kun,” Koichi says, and Jun nods carefully, hope swelling in him. He is still a bit too uncertain to really believe in having so much luck, but when he leaves the king’s quarters and proceeds to his own, still careful not to overstrain himself and stumbles over Satoshi while he does so, he knows he has find some true luck. Satoshi immediately takes him by his arm, gently, and leads him to chamber.

 

“Do you mind if I visit you later after dinner, Jun-kun?” Satoshi asks softly. “I don’t want to overstrain your strength, but I would love to see you, even if it’s just for a short time.”

 

Jun blushes slightly at these kind words and nods immediately. Like Satoshi would be able to get on his nerves and make him tired. “Do you have a new book?” he asks teasingly.

 

Satoshi chuckles. “The library here is huge. We can play your little game forever. Not that I mind though.” He takes Jun’s hand and kisses the back of it softly, before Jun can return to his room.

 

Jun watches him while he leaves, a warm feeling spreading in his chest. He actually felt tired right before, the long talk with the king did exhaust him although everyone was very kind and attentive towards him, serving him tea and making him sit down and rest. But now… he can’t wait for Satoshi to visit him.

 

First things come first though, and Jun needs to have this last talk too. With Sho. Kazu already knows his decision after all, even kind of led him to it. Satoshi naturally too, and the king and Masaki. But he wants to tell it Sho himself.

 

~~~

 

“Don’t tell me you want to do maths now,” Sho says in disbelief when he visits Jun this afternoon.

 

Jun looks at him nervously, shifting around. He isn’t sure how to tell him that he is going to marry his brother. He wished he could have asked someone else to tell him, but he doesn’t want to run away.

 

Sho frowns in worry. “What is wrong? Aren’t you feeling well?” He hurries to Jun’s side, touching his forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Are you feeling unwell? Should I call Masaki-kun?”

 

Jun has to smile. “I’m alright, really, Sho-san. It’s just…”

 

“Just?” Sho sits down and looks at Jun in worry.

 

“I-“ Before Jun can continue there is a knock at the door and Masaki looks into the room.

 

“OH.” His brother blinks. “I didn’t want to interrupt anything, I’m sorry.”

 

Actually Jun is glad that Masaki is here, but what is he supposed to do now? He is still trying to figure it out when Sho laughs all of a sudden. “Don’t worry, Masaki-san, your brother is just about to tell me that he chose my older brother.”

 

Masaki throws a glance at Jun who just looks at him helplessly. “Well…”  Masaki mumbles, his forehead furrowed in highest concentration, like he tries to figure out how to help Jun out.

 

“I’m sorry,” Jun bows, deciding he needs to man it up and stand up for himself. “I don’t even know how to say it. You were so kind and encouraging, and I always felt safe with you! When your father told me I had to choose one of his sons, I knew it would be awful at one point. I really love you, but… more like a brother.”

 

“Hey,” Masaki intervenes with a glare. “I’m your brother!”

 

Sho grins. “Well, about time you get some competition then.” He looks at Jun earnestly now. “Listen, Jun-san, this is not your fault. Of course I’m not happy that you didn’t choose me, but I’m happy that you chose Satoshi. I know it might not make sense to say that. I guess there was always something special between the both of you.” He pauses. “When you touched the white tree outside and it started blooming, Satoshi was the only one who understood what you meant when you said there is still life in it. He was also not even once leaving your side while you were sick. Everyone wanted to help you, I did too, but Satoshi was just… it’s different. I would have felt bad if you had chosen me. Satoshi’s feelings for you run deep, and I’m happy for him that you return them.” He smiles. “Does Kazunari know it?”

 

Listening to Sho a huge stone dropped from Jun’s shoulders. He nods now. “I think Kazu knew it before I did.”

 

Sho laughs now. “I see.” He brushes through his hair. “What about our lessons, Jun? Do you want to continue them?”

 

“If you don’t mind?”

 

Sho smiles. “You don’t want to study with Satoshi because it’s awkward to get taught by the person you love?”

 

Jun blinks. “You figured it out.”

 

“Kazu might be the witty one, and Satoshi the one with the insight. But when it’s about things like that, I guess I’m ahead of them.” Sho smiles warmly yet seriously. “Jun, I know Satoshi will treat you well. He is sincere and loves you deeply. Just promise me, you will treat my brother well too, love him and be there for him when he needs you.”

 

“Of course.” A bright smile curls around Jun’s lips. It’s an easy promise, probably the easiest promise to give. He knows they might argue eventually and not share the same opinion sometimes, but he will treat Satoshi well despite that, and he knows Satoshi will treat him well too.

 

Sho seems to be genuinely happy about his words, because he smiles brightly.

 

“Don’t worry,” Masaki grins all of a sudden and winks at Sho. “A fine guy like you will for sure find another beautiful partner soon!”

 

Sho blushes slightly at that, while Jun grins.

 

 

~~~

 

“I’m thinking about gold,” Satoshi muses. “Or should it be silver? Both suit you well. If the gold is filigree enough it will underline your pretty features.”

 

They had their dinner before; Jun got it served in his room to provide him from overstraining his health. The doctor told him that he will be able to join them again in a few days, right before the spring festival will be held.

 

As promised Satoshi came to visit him, wrapping a blanket around him and taking him outside to the balcony. Jun lies in his arms now, feeling warm and comfortable despite the slightly chilly air.

 

“What are you talking about?” he asks curiously.

 

“Engagement ring,” Satoshi mumbles. “It needs to be something special.”

 

“But I already have one,” Jun argues and raises his hand.

 

“But this is just something I made, clumsily, it’s nothing special.”

 

Jun frowns. “It is. I don’t want another ring.”

 

Satoshi looks at him earnestly. “I know this might sound stupid to you, but we will have our official engagement party in two days with our families and closest friends around. Please, Jun, let me be old-fashioned in this case. I want to do this properly.”

 

Jun sits up slightly to be able to look at Satoshi directly. “I’m not sure if I’ll ever love a ring as much as this one.”

 

“You can eye it as our personal engagement ring, while I make the real one.”

 

“You’ll make it yourself?” Jun asks carefully.

 

“Of course.” Satoshi smiles. “I want to make something that is made for you. Solely for you. I might need some professional help and good material, but I want to be the one designing it.”

 

Jun looks at Satoshi for a while. To be honest he doesn’t really care for such formalities, he already has Satoshi, and he promised him to be his. But doing it the formal way seems to be important to Satoshi and most likely also his family. So he gives in swiftly. “If it’s important to you, I will support it,” he tells him with a smile. “But this here…” He raises his hand. “Will remain my private ring of love.”

 

Satoshi laughs. “Fine.”

 

Satoshi has brought a book along, as always. This time it’s a book with short novels, rather dark yet beautiful stories. After a while however Satoshi stops. When Jun looks at him, he looks earnest. “Is something wrong?” Jun asks in worry.

 

“Jun,” Satoshi says earnestly. “You are certain of this, aren’t you?”

 

Jun blinks. “You mean of the both of us?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Jun blinks in confusion. “Of course!”

 

“Although I’m the oldest of my brothers and not as pretty as they are?” Satoshi continues.

 

“You are not even that much older. You are only one year older than Sho-san, and three years ahead of Kazu-kun,” Jun argues. “And you are very good-looking. Besides you have more than just good looks.”

 

Satoshi takes his hand. “It’s just that I just want you to know that you don’t owe me anything for being at your side while you were sick. It shouldn’t be the reason you chose me.”

 

That’s what he is thinking? How can he even think something like that now, after all the confessions and everything, and after he even talked to the king and… Jun’s eyes widen in horror. He sits up, pulling away from Satoshi who looks at him in surprise and slight worry. “Jun, you dropped the blanket. You-“

 

“You are not rejecting me, are you?” Jun asks in sudden panic.

 

Satoshi blinks in mere confusion. “What?”

 

“You are not looking for an excuse not to marry me, right?” Jun feels cold all of a sudden. He hasn’t thought of that option at all. “I kind of pressured you with my feelings. You just wanted to be kind and-

 

“Sweetheart,” Satoshi interrupts him softly, taking his face between his hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m not rejecting you, and you didn’t pressure me. How could I? You are the most important to me. I just feared that I would be the one pressuring you. I love you. And I do not doubt you!”

 

“Be careful,” Jun says with a glare. “We don’t like our feelings to get hurt.”

 

Satoshi smiles in amusement. “Our feelings are safe, I promise.” His expression turns serious again. "I promise you, I'll never hurt you intentionally."

 

Jun still feels angry. “Don’t say things like that, ever again.”

 

“Okay, Jun-kun, I won’t. I just wanted you to be one hundred percent sure. I would have been heart-broken if you chose someone else, but most of all I would always want you to be happy.”

 

“I am sure,” Jun says earnestly. “How about you?”

 

“No doubts in my case,” Satoshi states calmly. “I love you.”

 

Jun’s anger flies away by that blunt confession. He allows Satoshi to pull him closer again.

 

“You know,” Satoshi chuckles. “It’s an interesting change to see you angry for once.”

 

“Well,” Jun can’t help a grin himself. “I’ve a lot more emotions inside me. And just so you know… If you yell at me from now on, you might get in trouble with me too.”

 

Satoshi chuckles softly. “I’ll try to remember,” he jokes. “For now though I want to try something new, if you’ll let me?” He brushes over Jun’s cheeks, carefully pulling him closer.

 

Jun’s heart makes a few nervous and excited jumps. He nods when Satoshi searches for his agreement, before he feels Satoshi’s lips against his, warm and soft, guiding him through his first real kiss softly and without pressure. Jun’s confidence grows with every second. He parts his lips slightly, allowing Satoshi's tongue to slip in, his own tongue brushing over Satoshi's teeth before he gets bolder and leans into the kiss fully. It feels natural, kissing Satoshi feels natural and great. He feels so lucky to experience so many new things with the person he loves.

 

“I can’t wait for us to be married,” Satoshi smirks when he pulls  away. “I want to do lots of other things to you.”

 

Jun chuckles at this silly yet promising remark. He snuggles against Satoshi while the latter grabs the book again.


A/N: So, nothing much happened, just that Jun and Satoshi talk about feelings and get closer with each day. And Jun told Sho everything. I guess for Sho and Kazu it probably wasn't a surprise that he chose Satoshi (though I think that Sho would have been a great king too?) 
I hope this chapter isn't too boring for you :-) I promise something is going to happen soon...