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Laughter filled the room as people twirled, chatted around, ate and drank everything they could get their hands on. Festivities were always welcome and what was better than hosting a ball open to anyone, thus letting town folks enjoy the scenery the inside of the castle had to offer? Indeed, fun times should be shared, at least once in a while. Seeing the same faces, talking about the same subjects without a trace of change is no different than playing a tape over and over again. There was only so much Tsukasa could get away with as a king after all, and voicing certain opinions was not welcome. Damn them – might he think – damn the nobles that looked his way with expectations shining in their eyes, with silent warnings, scrutinizing his every move, but what more could he do? How could he please everyone without losing himself?
He could vaguely remember a hand on his shoulder as he was rescued from another marriage proposal by an unworthy noble, when he was simply wishing to amuse his friends from town. How could this man even dare show his face and demand of him to marry his daughter while he was highly indebted to the former King and Queen? Had money the ability to bury shame, or was it perhaps a lack of any? Tsukasa refrained from showing his disdain, choosing instead to hold in an exasperated sigh that was begging to be let out as he turned towards the one asking for his attention. Should he install a no touching policy to avoid his patience from dropping considerably?
However, the urge to frown quickly disappeared once his interlocutor entered his line of sight. A wave of relief traversed Tsukasa's body in an instant and he felt like the weight resting on his shoulders was finally lifted seeing Kamishiro Rose’s smile. His attendant always seemed to know what to do and how it should be done, a true quality said attendant liked to keep hidden from others – excusing himself saying ‘he would fear for his king's life would someone else be appointed at His side when he was the most capable’ whenever the topic of a change of career was brought up. Tsukasa would usually be displeased before such a statement but there was nothing to scold when this seemingly pride happened to be the truth. Rose proved many times to be a master in whatever crafts he found worthy of his time : botanic, sword fighting and lastly, biology. Other hobbies seemed to bore him to his core, what a shame it was. Truly a shame indeed, when not even social matters could grab a bit of his interest, leaving him to be the source of many whispers and glares.
Rose grinned, noticing Tsukasa’s change of mood, as he always did. Tsukasa never bothered to hide his extravagant personality – although he did believe he could easily cancel his emotions to his public – but his attendant always found a way to read him in an instant, as if Tsukasa’s heart was open for him to see. It might as well be. There were some words exchanged between the two, perhaps even a joke or two until Rose got on one knee, a hand behind his back as the other was raised and holding his king’s before deposing a butterfly kiss on its back. A demand, Tsukasa knew. The promise of a dance, the most enjoyable one he could dream to have during this particular night. And who were the people surrounding them to dare try to stop Tsukasa from indulging himself for a bit? He never was one to appreciate standing still, especially not when the middle of the room, where couples and friends were happily spinning around, looked so inviting. Grinning, he prompted Rose to get up and to take him away.
The dance was mostly blurry. No matter how hard he tried to focus, Tsukasa had little to no memory of the face his attendant could have made, or if his eyes were always on his royal person like they were supposed to be. There were no doubts having Rose's hands on him, moving the both of them with elegance was the best part of this night but only parts of the conversation they had were still present in Tsukasa’s memory. Now was not the time to be forgetting anything.
“His Majesty always fascinates me,” had started Rose with a teasing tone as they moved to the rhythm of the music, “having the privilege to see his face at any moment means partaking in a never ending feast for my eyes. Everytime I think I can predict his next move, the exact reaction he’ll have, he finds a way to exceed my expectations. How does he manage to never miss a chance to surprise me, I wonder.”
“Mh, can’t you figure it out, Rose? I’ll have you know – although I hope you’re already well aware of it – that my person knows no limit. I could never settle for your expectations as I thrive for greatness. You admiring me is only natural.” Tsukasa would have striked a pose, had his hands not been occupied. The sound of silence followed by a sweet laughter from his dance partner will be enough of a victory for tonight.
“Greatness, was it? Why, I must agree, his Majesty is by far the most capable ruler this kingdom has seen.” Tsukasa hummed, basking in his deserved praise as Rose continued. “It’s an honor for me to serve him wholly. Is it right for me to assume this opinion is reciprocated? Our dear king is surely aware that staying by my side forever would be the solution to any danger and issue he might face.”
Tsukasa would have been offended had it been anyone else, but he had grown accustomed to Rose’s extravagant personality and his strange way of expressing want. Was he asking for an oath of loyalty? As close as they were, Rose was merely an attendant. The best attendant in the whole kingdom, Tsukasa will give him that, but still nothing more while Tsukasa was king. He couldn't and wouldn't be bound to anyone – a lover would surely be an exception, if he ever found the time to look for one – whether he liked it or not, especially not to someone who didn’t have an ounce of noble blood in his veins. Their relationship was already so daring to be publicly showcased, creating a wall of whispers around them wherever they went.
Tsukasa didn’t meet Rose’s eyes, a silent rejection causing the other to sigh. A squeeze to his hand had him look back at his partner who accelerated their dance. By the time they made a full circle around the room, other guests joined them, possibly to have fun as well, likely to have something else to focus on than the both of them. They made another circle in pure silence, then a third one, then a fourth. Right as he was about to voice his fatigue, Rose led him towards the buffet. As his meticulous eyes scanned the table, he took a piece of tiramisu and offered it to Tsukasa, along with a little spoon.
“Isn’t his Highness exhausted? As the brightest light, it was only natural he would be surrounded but hours passed without him taking any break. Now that this humble servant had taken him away to provide him some distraction, it would be time for him to eat. I couldn't bear to stay silent when my king neglects his needs.” Confessed Rose with the sweetest smile his face could create, one that was reserved to Tsukasa.
Said man happened to be, indeed, rather hungry after the events of the night. He would have liked to keep dancing a little more, or at least to correctly finish his discussion with Rose but this will have to wait. The night was still young and taking a little break to feed on delicious desserts was more welcome than he would like to admit. With a barely covered cough at having been caught red-handed once again, Tsukasa accepted the plate and happily dug in. The sweet taste of cacao, mascarpone and coffee filled his mouth, leaving him wanting for more. In an instant, the plate was emptied without a trace of its previous content visible. A king worthy of his title should never waste the food his cooks made for him and his guests, after all.
Tsukasa had been more drained than he thought, as drowsiness took a toll on his body. He quickly turned his head towards his attendant, mouth open to give him the command to escort him to his room but Rose was quicker and far more observant than people gave him credit for, reassuring Tsukasa that he will quickly carry him to his bed to let him rest. He barely felt himself being lifted and saw Rose’s mouth moving but no sound could reach Tsukasa’s slipping mind. He felt incredibly sleepy and then, then..
Then what? What had happened after? How could have Tsukasa fallen asleep in front of so many people and how could he have let himself be carried around as if he was a lady? His brain was reduced to mush and thinking was giving a painful headache. Had he really been that tired? Did he black out? He did take a few sip of his glass of champagne when he was enduring nobles boasting about their riches and accomplishment but nothing enough to get him drunk. No, Tsukasa realized the only possible answer would be that someone had spiked his drink or his food. But what? And most importantly, who?
A strong pull of his hair made Tsukasa hiss, not quite liking how brutally his delicate hair was handled. Fortunately, the sudden pain was a good wake up call to observe his surroundings and acknowledge the situation he was in. A cold sweat dripped down cheek when he saw the unfamiliar face so close to his, belonging to the hand that was restricting his movements. His first reflexes would have been to get up and back away but the strong, burning feelings of ropes around his ankles and wrists tying them to the back of the chair told him he was in no place to do as he pleased. After a quick analysis – consisting of roughly turning Tsukasa’s head in all directions to inspect him, much to the latter's displeasure – the man let go of his hair to speak.
“Minato-san! The sleeping brat is up!”
Reluctantly choosing to ignore the revolting nickname, Tsukasa’s fear increased when the one called approached him. Minato Keiji was an infamous criminal, known as the leader of a group composed of four other assassin's along with his ability to disappear completely before someone’s scrutinizing eyes. He was akin to a ghost, haunting towns and stealing whatever caught his interest : alcohol, jewelries, money as well as lives. His tendency of heading for greater challenges – mostly greater rewards – had made Tsukasa's knights more vigilants as one was never completely safe. Tsukasa wouldn’t have thought an attack on his person would have happened so soon, and neither did he want it but here he was : at their nearly non-existent mercy. What a way to continue his night – or day, he wasn’t sure of the time.
“Let me admire you, your Highness,” feeling his pride insulted enough to protest, Tsukasa made the obvious mistake to headbutt the reaching hand in front of him. It didn’t take him the time to blink for a knife to rest against his Adam’s apple. The white blade of the knife sent a prickling sensation through his body, warning him to stay in place if he didn’t want to teint it in red. His pounding headache was not helping. “Feisty, aren’t you? We didn’t have anything more royal-like that we could waste on you than a ceramic knife, you’ll forgive us, won’t you?” Tsukasa would have liked to scoff, to point out how irritating his mockery was but he could only shiver as the blade pressed itself more against his throat. A threat he didn’t need.
His confused expression – a mind still trying to recover from a drug did not have the capacity to find out solutions – must have amused Minato enough for him to play a bit more with his current possession. “Why the long face, Tenma-sama? Are you perhaps not aware of the amount of money people would pay to see that arrogant head of yours fall off your shoulders? If not, then you're way more full of yourself than I gave you credit for.” A pause. Minato stared straight in Tsukasa's eyes, relishing in the palpable fear and indignation before looking up. “Let go Kotaro, that asshole shouldn't arrive before tomorrow. You'll bore yourself to death standing like that.” Another glance towards the king and Tsukasa didn’t need his sight to visualize the grin on Minato’s face. “Plus, even if he wasn’t tied up, that guy could never do much. I heard his Majesty couldn't quite literally hurt a fly.”
Laughter came from behind Tsukasa, along with the understanding that every member of the group was there : Watanabe Kotaro, who freed Tsukasa’s throat from danger the moment the order was given, Matsui Jin, Kubo Takai as well as Nishimoto Hanzo. While these four assassins had great skills, they weren't far from bees awaiting for their queen to give them their role. Were Minato not there to guide and command them, Tsukasa was entirely convinced they would be in jail after a bit of ruckus as they speak. But their leader was indeed present, meaning Tsukasa should save his words for his final wishes. Or, when he’ll most likely get saved. Although he acknowledged their constant efforts, his knights should seriously hurry up. Rose should hurry up. He sighed as quietly as he could, complaining now wasn't going to get him anywhere. Judging by the lack of marks on his body, whoever that ‘asshole’ was, they must want him alive. Better use it to his advantage.
Using the part of his brain that wasn’t all foggy, he glanced left and right to get a better grip on his surroundings. A king worthy of his title should be able to save himself, he was no damsel in distress after all! His pride was carefully putting aside the fact he let himself get taken away without making sure of what was entering his mouth. A simple, minor inconvenience, nothing more. His servants should have been as careful.
In front of him was a wall. A wall made of rock with no windows on it, nor were there on both of his sides. He doubted there were some behind him or any to begin with, if the occasional noises coming from above and the wooden ceiling were anything to go by, Tsukasa was stuck underground. Was this place some sort of base or were those living or running their business upstairs unaware of the danger they were hiding? He hoped the truth laid in the latter if he wanted to have an easier chance to flee when he’ll make a run for the door standing on his left the second he’ll break free. Knots were Tsukasa’s speciality : he was invited – rather, he mostly demanded at first – to participate in multiple workshops whenever his schedule would give him a second of rest. He learned a lot from them, despite not having participated in any show, including how to tie and untie different types of knots. He just had to be quick. These ‘assassins’ were truly incompetent for having the audacity to underestimate their king and restrict him with something as simple to undo as ropes.
“Do you think we’re stupid or something?”
Tsukasa barely had the time to raise his head towards the voice before a sharp pain made itself felt, reaping a scream out of him. Looking down on his left thigh was an end of a dagger while the other end, the blade, hid itself entirely in his flesh. The blood coming out of his wound and slowly spreading to stain his pants were nothing but another cruel reminder of the reality of his situation. They attacked me. They may not need me with every part of my body still intact. Tsukasa could only pray his assaillants couldn’t hear the increasing beat of his heart nor could they pick out the way his nails were digging through his palms to keep his hands from shaking. Tsukasa was taught admitting fright was a confession of submission and today was not the day he would fail his teachers. Fleeing will be a more complicated task with an injured leg. He better think harder and faster if he wanted to get out of here.
His beating heart was soon accompanied by the sound of a loud ‘bang’, leading to his blood running colder. Am I next? What is even happening now. Tsukasa heard stern yelling from right behind him. As accustomed to noise he was, he didn’t need his ears to suffer to distract him from the ache in his leg. Still, there wasn't much to do other than listening. Finding the slightest piece of information on anything was preferable to sinking into panic.
“How fucking stupid are you?! Are your eyes the only things working on that head of yours?” Minato raised his voice, his fist itching to deliver another hit. He let out an audible sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose in an attempt to calm down his irritation. “Takai, you met that other guy, yes? Do you think that conceited ruler would have slept peacefully if money wasn’t at stake?”
Kubo stayed quiet for a moment – either by shame or pain, Tsukasa didn't care enough to wonder. What did bring a bit of a relief in his injured body was the confirmation of safety for a few more hours. Surely that would be enough time for something to happen. “..I apologize, it seems I reacted too quickly, knocking him out would have been the best option,” the audacity to act as if my person could go unnoticed, Tsukasa thought. Although he had a plentitude of qualities, patience was not his greatest. “However, I believe that guy doesn't have to know. Undressing the king would be as easy as bringing him here.”
Tsukasa certainly did not like the hand that was reaching for his belt once Kubo got a nod from Minato to do as he pleased. If he suffered another humiliation right away, he was convinced his dignity would take an almost fatal blow and no ruler worthy of their title could allow to be manhandled by lowly criminals – truly, what was Rose doing?
However, Kubo never had the chance to remove Tsukasa’s clothes as his body dropped down on the floor, a knife having likely cut one of the carotid arteries on his neck if the way he was lying motionless anything to go by. Tsukasa’s eyes widened, his brain not registering Matsui’s scream while he fell on his knees next to his former comrade. As reluctant as he was to admit it, Tsukasa was always shielded from blood or at least, kept at a certain distance from a dead body. Never had he had a corpse so close to him, nor did he exactly witness the precise moment the life would disappear from someone’s eyes. Kubo’s still open eyes seemed to be staring straight at him. He wanted to puke.
Watanabe was the first one to turn in the direction the knife came from, sending one of his own towards the intruder. It only took a second for Minato and Nishimoto to follow him while it took a little more for Tsukasa and Matsui’s eyes to part from the deceased body, still in Matsui’s arms. There, standing in all his glory, was Rose, smiling satisfyingly. When he decided to return his king’s stare, Rose was already in a deep bow, letting the weapon hit the wall where his head once was and bounce back a bit. Of course, he came for me.
Minato looked irritated and slightly uncomfortable at the sight of the man before him despite his smile – likely having taken into account the probability of someone coming but not discreetly enough and for one of his men to die so easily. Watanabe kept glancing at him, waiting for orders like the good dog he was. His aim truly was excellent but his brain was lacking enough for him to become dependent on Minato's smarts. From what he read in the archives, Matsui’s intelligence came second. He was fast and quick thinking, a threat usually completing Minato’s plans. As wishful as Tsukasa allowed himself to be from time to time, he couldn't be sure whether Kubo’s death was an attempt to save him from the touch of a vermin or a way to disrupt Matsui, with how close the two were. Nishimoto kept his distance from the scene, not wanting to attract attention him. As the one gathering information for the group, he never bothered to join fights and opted to relish in people’s fall. A snake without venom to defend himself won't last long.
“My sincere condolences for your loss, my dear friends. I can’t help sharing your sorrow, he was truly a great man,” Rose had a hand on his heart, the other coming to wipe an imaginary tear as if he didn’t have the widest grin on his face with his eyes betraying his poor excuse of empathy. “Upsetting you was never my intention! This fine gentleman was about to put his hands on what was mine and I wouldn’t dare dirty my hands. I had to go for a.. quite radical decision. Surely you understand.”
Rose’s attention went on the knife standing not too far away from him before swiftly taking it and throwing it towards the criminals. Watanabe moved to the side to avoid the weapon, taking the opportunity to check on Nishimoto – a few meters behind him – who let out a shriek as he never had a knife coming so close to his face. Caring was relatively dangerous when having your life threatened, Rose gladly made him remember with a kick to his abdomen that left him choke on. The pained scream Nishimoto let out along with the horrid smell of blood right under his nose made Tsukasa nauseous.
Not wanting to witness anything anymore, Tsukasa closed his eyes, praying to wake up from this unpleasant dream to Rose’s light touch on his face and a bright smile. His attendant would help him dress up before accompanying him to the dinner room for a copious breakfast – what a loud noise. Rose, you better not be the one suffering – where he'd greet his sister. He'd then check his schedule for the day, complaining a bit if he had any meeting with narrow minded nobles but looking forward to his afternoon walk with Rose. Then – isn’t shock supposed to keep people from yelling? Why does the sound seem to come from everywhere? – he'd let his day go by, as he always did. He was used to this kind of life, and everything was always just fine as long as the few people he truly treasured were by his side. Being a king meant he had to sacrifice some wants, whether he wanted it or not, but never would he let that affect him. It’s quiet.
Wanting to check on Rose, hoping for the almost lack of noise to be a sign of victory, Tsukasa glanced around the room and was taken aback by the unsightly scene next to him. Had he been any less frightened, Tsukasa would have felt betrayed and angry seeing his ever so loyal attendant’s tongue into an enemy's mouth. Rather, he just felt utterly bewildered. Nothing made sense since the beginning of the night and he didn’t need new questions adding to the pile he already had. What was however less pleasant was the sight of Minato – in his last moment of consciousness – flaying Rose’s arm, leaving a piece of skin and meat to hit the ground, along with blood dripping from the wound. Tsukasa puked, unable to tear his eyes away from the seemingly sleeping Minato and the sickening flesh. Keeping his calm was too much to ask of him as he felt tears run down his cheeks. How can Rose be so careless and only worry about spitting after that disgracious kiss?! Why am I the only one who cares?
Rough hands came towards his face before wrapping around his neck, instead of the sweet caress on his cheeks he so desperately needed. Tsukasa’s head slammed against the cold hard floor as Matsui tightened his hold, enraged while shooting daggers at Tsukasa with his eyes. It hurt to breathe, it hurt everywhere and he couldn't even scream. They both almost simultaneously placed their attention on Rose – still standing near Minato – with their expression screaming anguish for one and madness for the other. Rose met both of their stares, a frown being the only detail betraying his annoyance. A splendid act of self control worthy of a knight but not quite how Tsukasa currently wanted him to behave.
“Fucking bitch. You think you can take what's mine and call it a day? Hah. Don't make me fucking laugh.” Had the situation been different, had Tsukasa the ability to take a step back on this nonsense, he would have commented on Matsui's impulsivity and would have wondered if this ordeal hadn’t caused him a few screws loose. “This is the last time I’m going to be nice so open your goddamn ears and listen carefully. You either kill yourself right then and there and I’ll think about letting your sweet princess breathe or he’s the one going down in a matter of seconds. How does it sound?”
“Is this the part where I’m supposed to yield and believe a criminal?” Rose raised an eyebrow, barely suppressing his chuckle. “You’ll excuse me but I’ll have to refuse, neither of your options are advantageous to me. How about letting Him go and mercy might go through my mind?”
“You’re pulling my leg. Or have you no consideration for that king of yours?”
“Why don’t you ask your dear comrades what place does his Majesty have in my heart?”
Rose's humor only served to boil Matsui's blood even more while Tsukasa was suffocating. There wasn't much he could do with an even bigger headache, hands tied and pressed against the floor by his own back and his legs in the air but he refused to go down without trying one last time. He couldn’t and wouldn't faint now, no matter how light headed he felt. As weirdly collected Rose was acting, he did take down most of his aggressors so there might be a chance for him to get away. His life was on the line and a king shouldn't die to vermin, not when said king was as great as he was. Matsui didn't appreciate Tsukasa’s squirming and struggling as he hesitantly turned back to glare at Tsukasa, one of his fists reluctantly letting go to deliver a punch.
“Hey, what do you think you're do-”
Matsui was interrupted by the sound of a blade piercing his heart in an ugly shluck before it disappeared again. He only had a few seconds to look taken aback before falling on top of Tsukasa, inevitably twisting the knife still deep inside Tsukasa’s leg, making the king cry out in pain. As quickly as Rose came to finish off the last enemy, he discarded the corpse on the side to free Tsukasa from his added weight then from his restraints – including the weapon. Rose didn’t say a word at first, letting his king regain his breath and look around. His clothes were tainted with puke and blood, the latter being everywhere around him with their smell unwelcomingly invading his nostrils. He felt sick and oh so tired of being here – the lack of windows did nothing to alleviate his pain. With his adrenaline drained, he let himself fall into Rose’s arms, the only comforting touch he needed.
“Is his Highness alright?” What a dumb question, Tsukasa shook his head. “Of course, of course, I apologize. His Majesty had been very brave, He didn’t let anyone get to him and was strong until the end. Nobody would have been able to do the same, our King is truly amazing. But now I’m here, and as long as I am, everything will be alright.” Rose gently stroked Tsukasa’s hair, pressing their body against each other – not minding his own injury – as if it could warm them enough in this cold, dark place.
“Where are the other knights? Why are you alone?” Tsukasa muttered, too exhausted to care about his image when Rose was the only soul here to see him being vulnerable. Looking up, an overly sweet smile was there to greet him along with a hush. The audacity he knew he could have and get away with.
“Tsukasa should rest and leave everything to me. The other knights aren’t as capable as I am, they're still searching for you. But I’m here now, and I’ll protect Tsukasa until I dare die. As long as I stay by your side, I'll only allow happiness to come your way. So sleep, now, I’ll get you back home.”
Not having anything to add, Tsukasa gave in and let his fatigue get the better of him, trusting Rose to take care of the rest. He better feel lucky to hold a star king like him. Yet again, he was right, Rose was truly incredible and he wouldn't be here if it weren't for him. Rose was always right, he could finally sleep peacefully now.
Navigating through the maze of corridors in the dungeon wasn’t a complicated task to do when you knew the map like the back of your head. Finding Minato’s cell was hardly more difficult, his arrest and soon to be execution was the talk of the town, along with admiration for the king’s resistance to the horror he surely had endured. It was quite boring to observe. Events occuring in other people's life were always more interesting than what they had to live.
Minato was not startled by someone’s entering although the next next check up was a few hours away but rather by who entered. His face contorting in an ugly grimace would have been comical if it wasn’t so predictable, truly a shame as he wouldn’t have been against a distraction. Business was business after all, better get it done quickly to rejoice in his only source of light in this dull world.
“Are you here to make fun of me?” Minato spat, the desire to fight obvious with the way his arms tensed. What a fool to imagine being able to take him down alone, this talk will no doubt drain him unfortunately quickly.
“I wouldn't dare, I merely needed to talk to you once more. You won't ever see my face again after I step out of this place, you have my word.”
“Yeah right, that just means you won't bother visiting me again, what great news indeed.” There was no need to be a genius to understand Minato was losing patience but was afraid to press him any further to spill the reason for his visit. “Are you happy to have achieved your goal?”
It was almost cute, really. “I am, thank you for asking. However, it seems you’re mistaken on what I wanted to accomplish. Your little companions and yourself never crossed my mind before, I couldn’t care any less of your whereabouts. I will however admit that having you gone might result in a nuisance gone for my dear beloved.”
“What the fuck?! Are you seriously saying we were pawns to your little game?!” Minato shouted, his face turning red, clearly not liking being reduced to a nobody. He abruptly tugged on his restraints as if he could break them when he nodded, anger having consumed most of him. “I can’t wait to see what face will make the king when I tell him all about you.”
“Do you expect anyone to believe you? I thought you would be better than this, it seems I overestimated your capacities. Blinded by money and a prize far more valuable than any other, you were the one to cause your own fall. You dragged your people to their death without noticing the warning signs, yet you wish to pin the blame on me?” A pause, Minato was rendered silent. “Could it be that you're still digging your own grave to reunite with them?”
“..What are you even saying now?”
“Oh my, were you not aware? You don't have much time to live, I would have sworn every criminal was warned of the date of their final day. Well, it doesn’t really matter now, does it? May people look forward to your last breath.”
With a parting gift, he turned on his heels and made his way to the exit, far away from pests and boredom and towards his warm sun. The poor thing needed him now and never in his life would he keep him waiting. As improper as it was to rush, he fighted the desire to run out of this damned place to the one he belonged with.
Finally, he arrived in front of a grand door, his hands itching to open it. Containing his eagerness, he knocked twice on the door before smiling at the sound permission to enter being granted. He didn’t need to be retold to step into the room, finally feeling like he could relax upon seeing his darling shining in the light of the afternoon sun.
“How is your wound, Tsukasa-kun? The doctor told me you shouldn’t move your leg too much and to report any change to him,” Rose approached Tsukasa who was reading a book on his bed, then sat next to him to cradle him in his arms. For once, Tsukasa didn’t make any noise of complaints but leaned his head further on Rose’s shoulder.
“Of course I’m alright, I’m no ordinary king, thank you very much. It’s a hindrance to my job but nothing that could stop me – if such a thing even exists. What about you, Rose? You told me you were going on a walk but knowing you, you made an excuse to take care of some work when the same doctor told you to be careful. The stitches looked great but you can never know” Tsukasa sighed, grazing Rose’s clothed arm. Rose hummed, petting his delicate blonde hair
“You always see right through me, don’t you?” Tsukasa gave him a ‘who do you think I am’ stare which served to make Rose chuckle. “I’m deeply sorry. Would you let this humble servant rest alongside you to ensure your protection and his recovery? I wouldn’t want to be anywhere away from you after this terrible event.”
Tsukasa grumbled but made no objections, going back to reading. Rose smiled, wrapping his arms against his dear king’s waist. He would never leave him, he proved he deserved his place by his side. Now, whenever they walked together, he would be praised for his act of courage and Tsukasa would ensure to have Rose with him anytime and everywhere, even allowing him to share his room as one was never too careful.
Nothing will ever separate them, Rose had now all of Tsukasa. He just needed a bit of time to let Tsukasa realize his mounting feelings for him. After all, he was all Tsukasa could rely on.
The next day, rumours of Minato’s early death spread through both the town and the castle. The knights in duty of bringing him his meals found him liveless, sitting where they last saw him in his cell with a few petals laying near his corpse. Doctors whispered between them, wondering the source of the poison.