forum Love? You think this is out of love?

Started February 19, 2021 by @Festive_Fenrir

tune

Abrose tilted his head as he watch Malachi move towards the door. He took one last look at the archives, silently promising to visit again soon. "Surprisingly, no you are not my dear prince." Abrose clasped his hands behind his back as he brushed past Malachi and the door of the archives.
"While I am not one for violence, i can appreciate the art of a good sword fight, as well as appreciate the men doing the fighting." He shrugged with impish grin as he followed Malachi around. "We learned a bit if swordplay but I never really continued with the training." He explained as they walked, carefully watching the snow continuing to drift outside. "And you?" He inquiried. "Am I right to assume you enjoy sparring? Or is there a more gentler prince that instill don't know yet?" He gazed up at Malachi, bright emerald eyes boring into his fiance's.

Briefly, he gazed out a window. The snow was still falling down from the sky; it began to look a little heavy compared to the day before. He wondered if he should just get Abrose ready to go before it could get worse. The other prince will be back again very soon, and he could always show him around some other time. Perhaps he can just show him the sparring room and another one then send his fiancé off home. There are so many rooms in the castle, especially since the west side had two hallways added during the renovations.

Malachi turned his head to left to look at Abrose. Just at stealing a glance, he could see how soft and gentle the other was. He was not sure why he decided to show him the sparring room. For a moment, he tittered then shook his head then nodded in response. "Of course I do, I have loved sparring and sword fighting ever since I could remember," He said. Strolling around the corner, he looked around, checking for the door to the sparring room. "Sohan was quite the fighter. Sparring…fencing…haidong gumdo, he could do it all; of course he had been training since he was five or so. His Majesty only let me begin training when I was seven, I have been in the hall every day for an hour ever since. It all is such a lovely sport."

Once he had found the door, he stopped then knocked on the door three times. From outside, the sound of both wood and metal swords clashing inside. Sooner or later, it opened and he stepped inside. Looking over his shoulder, he motioned for Abrose to come in. The hall was roughly the same size as the archives room, if not bigger. The floor was a dark gray marble while the walls were a faded shade of blue. If one were to look up, they would see a painting of angels and evil spirits fighting. Usually soldiers, nobles, and other officials on the royal courts could use it. Sometimes servants were in there, but most of them were not participating in fighting.

While looking around the hall, his eyes laid on Edwin sparring with one of the men from the embassy. He knew that his friend slash ambassador was into sparring, but he did not really expect to see him here this early in the day. Malachi watched for a few moments before rolling his eyes and turning to Abrose. "When was the last time you have practice?"

Abrose gave a small laugh before falling quiet to let his fiance speak. He knew he didn't know Malachi on a personal level. Especially after only two days, but he was beginning to pick up on a few things he found himself enjoying about the man beside him. Like the way he spoke about his family and friends, with such genuine love and admiration for each of them. Abrose also liked how proud Malachi was. It wasn't in an arrogant way but in a way that enhanced his love for his home and family.
He tilted his head as they rounded the corner "was? You always speak of your brother in the past tense. Is he no longer with us?" He asked softly, looking up as they entered the training room. His breath was torn out of him as he took in the room. He slowly stepped inside, immediately feeling as if he stood out too much. His red hair far too noticeable against the black marble floors. He tilted his head skyward and gazed at the intricate painting on the ceiling. A war of the divine captured in time and preserved forever. He returned his attention back to Malachi at hearing the question and sucked in a breath, trying to think back to when he had properly trained with a sword. "I'd say about two or three years ago when my sister needed a willing sparring partner to obliterate in front of her friends." He chuckled lightly at the memory and glanced over at the couple locked in battle across the room. "I haven't really had a proper training session since then."

Any traces of potential gleam dimmed in his face. The usual look of exhaust and distraught loomed over his eyes. His body became as rigid as a statue. Malachi swallowed as he looked down at the floor. Oh how he knew the potential dangers of talking about his family too much. What else was he supposed to do? Why is he even getting angry at the question on what happened to his brother? He wouldn't know, and maybe he would never know. It is easier to leave things as they are and to move on like nothing happened. Yet, he felt the rage knocking against the doors of his heart, ready to burst out.

"His Royal Highness was murdered by an assassin the night before his wedding ten years ago," He mumbled, sighing afterwards. "It was the worst sight anyone had ever seen. There was so much blood everywhere….And the white…." And he had left it at that. His jaw clenched as he lifted his chin. For a while, he kept on looking outside. The brightness of the snow against the dark gray sky helped distract him from the thoughts looming over his mind; some of them being regret while the others were an unknown feeling.

Taking a heavy sigh, he drawn his attention back to the men who were practicing in the hall. His mood slightly lightened, but it was dim. Glancing over at Abrose, he gave a slow yet solemn nod. "That is quite the time frame I must say. Usually I am in here once a day at the least," He said. Lifting his hand, he motioned over to Edwin and his sparring partner. "I like to spar with Ambassador Moon whenever we both are free. He may be kind and gentle, but with a sword, I wouldn't want to get cornered by him. If you would like to spar sometime, I would be happy to do so. I will try to be soft."

Abrose nearly choked on his breath at hearing the eldest prince of Atrovia had died so tragically. He sputtered for a moment, looking for words to comfort Malachi, to at least show he understood the pain. But how could he? His father died of an illness when he was 15. He had gone peacefully, surrounded by his children, wife and kingdom. He was given the chance to enjoy life while Sohan had been ripped from the beginning of his. Abrose took in a strangled breath and braced a step towards Malachi. "Were they ever caught?, The ones who did this to your brother?" He asked softly, eyes glued to the window as well, the clang of swords disappearing into white noise behind him. This was something he could sympathize with Malachi. The grief and the anger that came with losing someone so deeply beloved. He glanced up as he sensed movement from the other and numbly followed him to the weapons wrack in the center of the room, eyeing the swords warrily. "I have no doubt the Ambassador, you, or anyone here would be a less than spectacular swordsman." He replied, shaking himself from his sudden state of coldness and turned to watch the pair spar. He almost smiled "soft?" He echoed, eyes gaining the familiar amusement he had moments ago. "Don't hold back on my account my prince. I think a good bit of rough training will be beneficial on my end."

With everything in his capabilites, he tried to calm down. It was easy for him to move on, yet it felt like all his problems were following him around like demons ready to jump given the chance. He doesn't need any pity or sympathy from anyone. If anyone wants to do anything, might as well give him a sharp sword and all the snakes that slither in his courts.

When he had realize that the other prince was closer to him, he hesitantly took a step back before giving a simple nod. "It took me four years to find every last one of them. I killed them all except for the one who gutted His Highness. I've giving him a fate worse than death," Malachi said, looking back over at the other men.

Malachi watched as Edwin fell back as his sparring partner dashed forward and hit him above the knee. He chuckled softly to himself. "Ah Ambassador Moon! Are you legs still sore from last night?" He shouted. Edwin stood up before turning to bow, then he flicked his chin before picking up his sword.

He laughed again before turning to Abrose. The smile still rested on his face. "You are correct, Your Highness, but I am pretty sure that are capable of being just as good as the rest of these men here."

His fiance's words made one of his brows quirk up. Slowly, he turned to face him again. "I suggest taking your words before they seath into my head," He said. "I am rough in everything and once I get the word 'Go', it is all left to the heavens to decide what's next….I am senseless and brutal in my fighting. I will be soft and gentle on you, in my own terms that is."

A long sigh left his lips. He watched other pairs fight but realized how much time they were spending there and how the weather will probably turn for the worse. "So, shall we stay here for a bit longer or do you want to go somewhere else? I am thinking of showing you on more place," He stated. "You will see almost every part of the castle soon anyways. I just wanted to show you some parts for the sake of time."

"I have said nothing I wish to take back my prince. My words are final and I will not be subjected to rethink what I've already deemed truthful." He replied lightly, watching Malachi out of the corner of his eye as he watched the ambassador and his companion spar. "I expect nothing less your highness. After all all the rumors I've had, it'd be like to say my expectations for you haven't been set. But I also wish to determine them for myself." He shrugged "who knows, I may surprise you. I may not know all the proper swordman techniques but I'm not completely inept when it comes to handling a blade."
He turned his attention to Malachi and nodded "I'd love to see more." He pictured the general layout of the castle, wondering what more they could see. He'd seen most of the larger rooms. He had assumed that the rest were sleeping quarters and private studies. He couldn't imagine much more to be in the castle

"Really? Your expectations of me haven't been set yet? How interesting," He mused. The corners of his lips curved up into a faint smile as he looked over at Abrose. He sighed gently, "I thought that you already would, considering what everyone else says and the fact that we're engaged too."

Giving his fiancé a simple nod, he turned and walked over towards the door. Within a few seconds, they opened without him saying a word. He waited for Abrose then went back out into the hallway. A shiver ran down his spine but he pretended to act like it was nothing.

Like before, he let his arms stay at his sides as he ambled along. His eyes scanned the place despite walking in these parts thousands of times. Despite the fact, he felt like he found something new everytime that he did. He wondered what Abrose was thinking and how he felt about the marriage and everything.

His body remained strained as thoughts swirled around in his mind. It was difficult to figure out what his true thoughts were on the situation; regardless, he still has to follow his father's wishes. Malachi glanced over at Abrose. "What do you think about our engagement?" He asked. "What is it that you want out of it, yourself?"

Abrose shook his head as he followed Malachi through the doors. "Admittedly I did have different thoughts about you before we met, most of which influenced by those rumors but I don't think many of those are accurate, are they?" He peeked over at Malachi as they strolled through the halls. He clasped his hands behind his back to keep himself from fidgeting as he looked around at the art that was thepalace walls. He could recognize countless influences from other countries and even overseas continents.
His gaze landed on Malachi and tilted his head "mostly a better future for my kingdom. I don't want them to suffer anymore. And this would help them immensely." A smile fell to his lips at the thought of his kingdom's happiness. "As for myself, I never really thought of myself compatible in a relationship. I guess this is my way to testing that belief, one o hope will be proven wrong."

At first, he gave a simple shrug. There is only a handful of rumors that he had heard about himself. Some were true but, of course, most were false or was only a little bit true. One that he had heard after his sister passed away was about his fainting spells coming from grief and his "tragic" life. In other words, he is weak. He tried to cover it up till no one talked about it, and yet he found himself still doing it to this day.

"Ah….I am not sure," Malachi responded. "I do not think that they are. When you are a man like me, people just talk for the fun of it until it is not. At the end of the day, I suppose that it is up to your own interpretation to find out."

As he listened to Abrose, his mind wandered a little. So much would be gained from their marriage politically; he knew that his father and the council made sure of it. And yet, he wondered what other reasons his father has. His eyes glanced over at his fiancé who was smiling. "I wonder what will happen, but I hope that it will turn out in our favor."

He paused for a second to stare out the window. The snow was starting to pick up heavily. Sighing, he shook his head. Just Atrovian weather being Atrovian weather. It probably would be best to send Abrose home now so then nothing would happen to him on the way there.

"Perhaps, we should just end this little tour here and send you home," He suggested. "I am a bit worried about the weather conditions and how your family would react if you hadn't come home yet. I'll give you one of my fur coats so will stay warm. Is that alright?"

"as do I, poth for our kingdoms as well as us both personally." He nodded in agreement, eyes wandering to the window, his smile falling slightly. He touched a delicate hand to the window, pulling it away momentarily in surprise before pressing it back to feel the unnatural cold against his fingertips. Usually he's favor warmth over even the slightest if cool breezes but somehow over the years, he had come to accept winter as something equally as beautiful, despite it causing more problems.
He blinked and glanced up at Malachi, filling pulling his hand away and clenching them behind his back. He nodded slightly. "You're probably right. I wouldn't want to worry them more than I already have." He sighed softly, taking a peek around the hall that they were in before refocusing on his fiance. "You're too kind your highness but I thank you. Both for the coat and for the tour of your beautiful home. I hope to see the rest of it and your Kingdome soon when I return for the wedding." He curtsied and offered a soft smile.

Malachi gave a slight head bow in reponse. "Oh, you use such flattering words, Prince Abrose," He chuckled. "In Atrovian winter, one should not really consider going out without a fur coat and hat. I have a nice collection, especially since the animal fur used in one of mine was a spoil from hunting." He smiled for a brief second before going back to staring ahead, strolling down the hallway. Every now and then, he would glance over through a window if there was one. The snow was starting to pick up. "It should not take long. Besides, I planned to have a carriage waiting for you around this time. It should be ready by the time we get there which will not be that long."

There was a servant who was dusting off a painting of one of Malachi's ancestors. It was a young man, most likely around the same age as Abrose or a bit younger. Malachi held his hand out, motioning for Abrose to stop for a second. Walking over to the servant, he sighed. All it took was a mere second for the young servant to notice that it was him. He held his duster with both of his hands as he bowed. "Go find Lady Bizakodó and tell her to bring the dark brown furcoat and matching hat too. Then have her meet in the main hall by the entrance," Malachi ordered. He watched as the servant nodded before running off the opposite direction.

After watching the servant, he went back to walking. "I will have someone show you around the rest of the palace and kingdom when you arrive before the wedding for I will be busy. By the time you go today, I will already start to have wedding plans being arranged, but there is no need to worry about anything. I am goin g to be surprised at how the time will fly by and we will be in the middle of April right before the wedding."

"every word I speak is the truth." Ambrose laughed lightly,"well, most of the time. Chire and Lilly would argue otherwise. He blinked and glanced up as they approached a servant, offering a thankful smile when they ran off to find the lady.
He fell into step with Malachi once again, drawing the cloak near for extra warmth, "I do hope you'll write to me in the months leading you to the wedding. I'd love to hear what plans you have. After all, you can't keep your fiance in the dark about their own wedding." He smiled sweetly "but I am very excited, and admittedly a bit nervous about the wedding. All I hope is that everything will be alright, and you don't regret your decision."

Just as he said, it did not take that much time for them to get there. When they had finally arrived, Malachi halted to a stop once again. Keeping his feet together, he lifted his head and looked around the area. As always there was two guards who were standing on the sides of the door. He turned a bit to glance over at Abrose. "I can guarantee you that you and your family will not be kept in the dark about details of the wedding," He assured. "And I can also guarantee that I will write to you, not just about the wedding. Hopefully my letters will not arrive late, nevertheless I will do my best to send them as soon as possible."

An odd feeling loomed in his heart, and he was not sure what it was. A shiver ran down his spine. "I believe that I will not be regretting this. You will not have to worry about that at all," He nodded. Malachi looked over to see the lady-in-waiting walking over with a folded coat along with a hat that sat on top of it. The same servant from before walked alongside, helping the lady by putting the hat and coat on Abrose. Faintly, Malachi smiled as he watched. "There you go, you should be warmer than before. Do keep them too, they look to be a few sizes bigger but it also looks comfortable on you. It looks good on you, Abrose."

Abrosd came to a stop beside Malachi, glancing over at the two guards by the door and nodding slightly. "Then I most eagerly await your letters on more than just our wedding, my prince." He glanced up at Malachi for a moment and nodded slightly, comforted by his words, though he couldn't help but feel as if he would be weighing Malachi down with the marriage.
Abrose's attention was taken back to the lady as well as the servant approaching them with the luxurious coat and hat in hand. Abrose smiled gratefully as the two helped him pull on the coat, much heavier than Abrose was expecting. The coat alone enveloping his thinner frame in unbelievably soft and warm first. He silently promised himself he'd only borrow the coat until he could return it by the time of their wedding. A light blush emerged on his cheeks at he compliment and rare use of his name. For some reason or another, Abrose found that he liked it when Malachi used his name. "Thank you." He breathed, laughing lightly when the hat was placed on his head, his eyesight obscured.

Offering a slight smile, he gave Abrose a head bow. "I will do my best to send them as soon as possible, but ne apologize in advance if they come in late," He said. Usually he carries his promises, but he is not sure how far he can go with them. Hopefully he will be able to send letters in quickly, and hopefully Abrose will be okay if they are late.

Once the two servants backed away, he gave them a soft bow. They returned with one as well before taking a few steps back then turning around, walking away. Malachi waited till they turned the corner then ambled up to his fiance.

The hat seemed to be too big on the prince. It is supposed to be fitting him, but he thought that it would work on Abrose. Removing his gloves, Malachi tucked them under his arm before trying to fix the hat on Abrose. As he adjusted it, he explained, "We tilt them back so then the back of our heads will be protected from enemies and that our foreheads are exposed a little to the heavens. Also it shouldn't obscure your vision."

His eyes lingered on Abrose for a moment. There was something about the other prince, but he was not able to determine what it was. Maybe it was just the slight redness coming from the cold weather. Perhaps it was the prince's optimism and aura. Either way, Malachi was not sure what to think at the moment.

Way behind them, near the right turn that they took, stood the royal physician. The physician bowed then signaled that he'll be waiting for the crown prince around the corner. With force, Malachi maintained the smile on his face. "My pleasure," He responded. "I am afraid I cannot see you off, but Private Vespa and Lupu will make sure that you get on the carriage safetly and soundly."

Abrose stiffened slightly at their closeness, blaming the bloom of flush on his cheeks on the cold seeping into the castle as the temperature dropped outside. "That'sthats beautiful if not a bit morbid. I would have hoped if anyone wanted to attack me it wouldn't be from behind. I'd rather see my attacker's face but I guess it is easier to attack from behind." He rambled on, his cheek only growing redder. He glanced away and nodded his head slightly "thank you, again Malachi." Abrose said sincerely, gazing up at the prince, holding it until he saw a flicker of movement over the prince's shoulder. His brows creased worriedly but he decided against voicing his concerns, fearing they'd be brushed off anyways. He nodded at the mentions of the Private sentinals assigned to see to his safetly and made a note to remember their names and faces. "I'm sure there can't be much danger on the walk between the castle and the carriage but I appreciate the added precautions."

Malachi could not resist the urge to laugh a little. His eyes picked up on how Abrose's cheeks were starting to blush. He wondered if it was the cold temperature or something else. They are in the entrance hallway; it is always bleak there no matter what. Maybe it is that little piece of information that he just told him with the hat. To others, Atrovia does have some harsh and "strange" cultural beliefs and practices, but that suggestion never really made any sense to him. Still, a string of small chuckles escapes through his lips.

"It is only a mere belief that is up to your interpretation, Prince Abrose. You may chose to believe it or not; it is up to you," He said. Realizing how close they were, and the fact that there were other people there, he took a few steps back. Lowering his chin, he covered his mouth while clearing his throat. Malachi sighed before forcing an extremely faint smile. It was not much of a struggle to force his lips to curve up, but his mind was to preoccupied to grin really. "My pleasure."

Another small laugh escaped from him. "Oh I know, but I probably should escort you. Sadly, I am afraid that I cannot, but I hope you understand," He nodded. Giving a simple head bow, he walked over towards the hallway. After taking a couple of steps, he stopped and turned around. "Thank you, Prince Abrose. Travel safely and see you soon."

Abrose bobbed his head "of course, my prince." He murmured, watching for a bit as Malachi turned and strode to the hall. Abrose's attention wandered to look at the decore. A small smile fell onto his lips as he touched a gentle hand to one of the nearby columns, recognizing their design from a city he had frequently visited before his father had died. He glanced up over his shoulder and nodded again, "thank you, your highness. I will. I hope to see you see you soon." He bowed the best he could in the thick coat and went back to examining the hall they were in as they waited for Private Vespa and Private Lupa to collect him. He scanned the walls and ornate does lining the halls, wondering if any of them led to the royal crypts. He had wanted to pay his respects to the deceased family member before the wedding and properly ask the prince's mother and brother for permission to marry Malachi, despite them already being engaged. He had hoped to ask Malachi so he didn't have to resort to potentially finding something the prince's didn't want Abrose to see but when they had spoken of the late queen and prince, he couldn't find the courage to ask.

A smile appeared on his face. A sincere, hopeful smile. He turned around for a second, looking over his shoulder at Prince Abrose. Without saying a word, he gave another head bow before turning the corner.

In an instant, his smile died at the sight of the royal physician. The physician reluctantly opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped by Malachi. Glancing over the corner, he waited a moment before motioning the other to come closer and speak.

"Your Majesty……" The royal physician muttered, handing over a piece of paper. The physician's eyes were filled with dread and heartbreak. His chin was low to the floor.

His words were all that Malachi needed to know. Your Majesty…. That is it. That is all that he needed in order to collapse onto his knees. Whatever happened in his mind at that moment is a mystery to him. The wave of an unknown feeling overtook him. It was too overwhelming. Your Majesty….

The prince chuckled and shook his head. Tears filled his eyes as he squeezed the letter. His arms pressed against the cold floor and his forehead lightly touched it. The strands of his hair were beginning to fall out of their neatly place.

Minutes passed by. The royal physician stood there, giving Malachi support through his prescene; he initially though of consoling through patting the prince on the shoulder, but did not. Malachi pulled himself up from the floor. In a blink of an eye, he forced himself to stop crying. Folding the letter he tucked into a inside pocket of his jacket.

Taking a few steps forward, he gave the physician a nod. He whispered, "I know it is not your job, but once Prince Abrose is out of the country, I want all Atrovian flags at half-mass. We will start the procedures when I say so."

Abrose gently accepted one of the Privares hands as he stepped into the carriage, already finding the other Private Lieutenants seated across from where he's sit. He gave a sheepish smile and settled in the corner of the carriage, closest to he window to watch the kingdoms pass by.
Abrose tried his best to make small talk with two guards and was gratefully for their compliance to talk. While it was polite, Abrose found it amusing that he could bring a small and tight smile to their features. He talk about anything, and ask about everything, especially when it came to Atrovia. The guards had tried to keep their answers vague at first but soon realized that Abrose wanted more answers. Abrose once again heard about the Queen and Eldest Prince's son, his inquiries falling silent as he settled back in his seat and into the warmth of the thick coat. Despite having already hearing it from Malachi, hearing about the Royal's death from other people other than the family suddenly made it feel sadder. Abrose had once believed that no one could match the grief his family had felt when his father had died but he was quickly proven wrong when they had the kingdom wide mourning ceremony.
After hours of talking, riding and intervals of sleeping, Abrise could feel a the temperature warm up from the window. He shed the coat, nearly folding it in his lap as the conversation switched from talking about Atrovia to talking about Cariel. (forgot the name of Abrose's kingdom so we'll go with this :))
Hours flew by as Abrose indulged the lieutenants questions and curiosity about his home land. He pointed out landmarks and favorite spots as they neared the castle, explaining to them the festivals held and the events they did for their citizens.
With slightly shaking legs from the long ride, Abrose stepped down from the carriage, flinching when he saw Chire standing by the entrance, hands crossed over his chest as he eyed his younger brother and the lieutenants flanking him. He turned to them and gave them a reassuring nod. "I'll be alright, thank you for accompanying me all the way back home. Travel back safely." He gave a small smile before climbing the steps of the castle, following Chire to the throne room.

Everything happened so quickly. Even Malachi was not able to catch up with all that had happened the moment after he received the news. While the familiar feeling of grief hung in his heart, it was anger that was burning everything within those bloody walls down. Embarrassment soon followed as he struggled to walk. His feet felt as if they were being held down by an unknown force. One of the servants, roughly around the same age as Abrose, had to go over and help him walk.

In accordance to Atrovian tradition, Malachi had to sign a paper by the council declaring that he is the new king. Though Atrovia had coronations, at a time of the loss of a king, the next in line has to make a swift declaration so that the kingdom does not go even a second with a leading monarch. The coronation ends up being held usually within a month or so after the previous king's death. Some of his advisors began speaking to him about possible dates for his coronation ceremony, but he waved all of them off. Next thing he knew, he made his second order of business as king by declaring that the kingdom would be in a state of mourning for the next three weeks.

He spent a few moments alone in his father's chambers. The air around him was so bleak. A shiver ran down his spine but he was too sluggish to even react to it. The cloudy skies outside made everything even darker. It felt so strange to be in a place that was his father's. To be in the place in which he had passed away. The though of it made his heart sank deeper into his chest.

A soft knock rose from the other side of the door. Malachi let out a long sigh as he turned his chin to look over. There is only one other person he could really bare seeing at a time like this. Someone who has been at his side even before he was born. "Come in."

Slowly, but surely, General Maeda appeared from the other side. He did not offer his usual comforting smile, but rather, a solemn nod before stepping inside. Almost walking over to Malachi, he hesitated then gave a bow. "Your Majesty, is there anything I could do for you at this moment?"

Malachi gave a shrug as he stared down at the floor. "There's so many things to do, but I wish to be alone and rest for the remainder of the day," He managed to whisper. "Make sure that no word or evidence on my current wellbeing gets out. Anyone who says anything will be punished."

The general said nothing except for, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will do everything in my power."

"And…." Malachi added on. "I wonder if it is possible to move the wedding up to March at the latest. February sounds too soon. Oh well.. let's handle with the funeral first. Make sure that a few officials from Valenia are invited to my father's funeral. There's no point in starting off my reign with being cowardly."

Maeda's lips parted but nothing came out. Setting his hand on Malachi's shoulder, he patted the king. Briefly, silence had hung in the air around them. Well it did until Maeda said in a low tone, "Of course, my king. Although, if I may be honest, you have never been cowardly and I can assure you that you never will."

“Had I not said you would need to return the same night? Was that not what we had agreed upon?“ Chire quietly asked, deep green eyes pinning Abrose in place at the base of the throne dais. Abrose knew better than to take the soft-spoken tone of his brother’s voice as an invitation to seek sympathy. Chire and Abrose shared the same short temper, especially when it came to Abrose’s maturity and responsibility for his own well being.

“I was in the safe confines of Prince Malachi’s home. Better there than out late at night where the potential for thieves and vandals to strike was higher. Besides, by the time we had finished the matters at hand, it had been dark. I was offered a room to stay in. I was fine Chire.” Abrose replied in the same soft tone.He hated being talked down to, especially by his kingly brother, especially when Chire knew Abrose was more capable than he let on.

Chire stayed deathly silent as he regarded his youngest sibling, lips pressed into a thin line. Abrose couldn’t tell if his response had relieved Chire or only made him more angry. “I’m sorry Chire, for not warning you sooner. I didn’t want you to worry. Malachi did send you a letter of my overnight whereabouts and that I was safe. It must not have gotten here soon enough.” He added, hoping to shift Chire’s mood. He dared a glance up, only met by a controlled look of worry.
“You scared us, Rose. We had thought something happened on your way back or in Atrovia.” The king admitted softly, position relaxing as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Abrose smiled softly and rose from where he knelt on the floor. He climbed the stairs of dais and hugged Chire.

“So how was your first meeting with the prince? Was it all that you hoped and more? Did you manage to melt his stone cold heart?” Chire asked, teasingly poking Abrose in the side. Abrose squirmed and giggled at the teasing, shaking his head. “Not exactly. The prince is very kind and clearly loves his country. Tremendously so, but there’s something there that is off…something I can’t see through. Like half the time he’s not entirely there. His mind drift to somewhere else, as if he wishes to be anywhere but where he is presently.” Abrose huffed a sigh. “I hope it not always be like that.” He muttered.

Chire tiled his head. “Always? I understand we’ll be closer with the Atrovian family but always?”
Abrose blushed and straightened. “You might want to call Lilly in here. I sort of have an announcement.”

The old man stayed with him for another five minutes before leaving to take care of funeral matters. In those five minutes, neither of them spoke. There was no need to really. Malachi enjoyed the silence especially after Maeda left. It was difficult though, being alone. While he is more than used to the feeling, it felt different from before.

What is he supposed to be feeling right now? A lot of ideas, thoughts, and feelings were floating around in his mind. He could not think in one singular plane; his thoughts were constsntly meandering. By the seconds, he grew melancholic. His heart sinking deeper and deeper within his heart.

At least it was a cloudy and snowy day. The king hated it whenever the sun was out, beaming brightly against the dim mood within him. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, the sun was always there shining back at him.

Speaking of which, Malachi wondered about Abrose all of the sudden. Slowly, he stood up from his chair and went towards the window. He wondered how King Chire is taking the news of the engagement or what he will think about it. Same goes for Princess Lilly or Her Majesty. They must all think he is a lunatic of some sort. Perhaps he is.

However crazy they must think he is, he can assure that it will not affect Abrose for better or worse. He would never imagine anything of the sorts. Though the thought of them getting married is making him very anxious. Really he is doing it for the sake of his father, but the idea of it is making his heart beat at a fast pace.

Taking out his handkerchief, he patted the sides of his forehead. With his arm pressing against the side of the window, he glanced out watching as the snow was still falling. A long sigh drew out from his lips while a tear rolled down his cheek.

Abrose ducked behind a pillar as Lilly threw another one of her arrows at him. They were harmless, considering she hadn’t knocked the arrows into the bow slung over her shoulder. “How dare he?!” She growled, the rain of arrows finally stopping, allowing Abrose to peek behind the pillar. “And how dare you accept?” She turned towards him, narrowing her eyes. “Rose you can’t be serious.” She pleaded, running a hand through her thick auburn hair. Abrose stepped out from behind the pillar and settled in the chair between Chire and Lily. They had moved to the castle greenhouse. The enclosed gardens offering them a private place to speak without the potential of interruptions. It seemed a better place to speak with his siblings than the throne rooms, where their yells of protest could go unheard.
“Why wouldn’t I be serious? Isn’t this what you to wanted anyways?” Abrose asked, brows turned up in frustrated confusion. “I went to the ball to make an alliance with Malachi He’s the best chance e have at making this kingdom flourish the way is should. It was going to happen one day eventually.” He said, gently taking his sister’s hands in his own. “What else could this have resulted in if not marriage?” He asked softly, gently wiping away a tear from Lily’s cheek. “He’s not all that bad, definitely not like ho other people have described him.” He reassured, feeling the need to defend his new fiancé.
“Possibly but it should have been one of us, not you.” Abrose gave a sympathetic look. “I have to do something for this kingdom other than be the prince. You help our people defend themselves and provide food, Chire has his kingly duties. I have to start pulling my own weight here as well. If what I can offer is a marriage alliance, then that’s what I shall do.” He said softly, flicking his gaze to Chire to find the same sad, yet understanding look in his eyes.
“You know you’re more to this kingdom than just a prince.” He murmured, gently squeezing Abrose’s shoulder. “If Malachi thinks he can handle out little brother, then he’s more than welcome to try, It’s not like he can go back and say no.” Chire reasoned, sighing softly.