Unfated Love - DainAether (Dainsleif x Aether) fanfiction

Part 12- Arrival

"How was your journey, your highness?"

"It was fine. Though it was kinda far, I still can enjoy the scenery of your region. It's beautiful as ever," Aether replied the light blue-haired man. Prince Kamisato Ayato. The prince of Inazuma. While his father was the king of this beautiful nation, Ayato was the one who did all the works and duties to serve his country. He was a young delicate young prince who knew how to talk and handle every problem by his own hands. He was slightly older than Aether himself. Probably almost the same age as Dainsleif.

"Glad to know that. Please, welcome yourself," the Ayato said while waving his right hand to the guard who was guarding the entrance. Walking alongside with the tall man, Aether was mesmerized with the architecture of the buildings around him. It was so much different from his own country. It is not like this was his first time here but every time he set his foot in this land, he will be in awe. The tall, strong castle in front of him made him felt smaller than ever. Various flags of different nations were everywhere at the entrance, showing that Inazuma was a strong nation that made a lot of good friendships with other countries. As the both princes walked into the castle through the main entrance, Aether took a quick glance at his knight who was standing outside the entrance, leaving him to set foot into the castle with his guards.

After seeing the prince entered the enormous building with his trusted guards, Dainsleif turned his back and walked towards the castle's guards. "I would like to see your captain- or whoever lead the patrols here," he demanded the guards. Dainsleif glanced the guards' attire. Metal plates covered their chests, backs and their sides. Hard metal helmets with horn-like shape on the top carefully worn by those guards. Their hands never leave their weapons as they were guarding the castle with their lives.

"Right away, Sir," one of the guards nodded and walked away to call out his superior. Dainsleif didn't have to wait long for their superior when he saw a blonde man with a rat tail on his head approached him.

"Sir Dainsleif, it's so nice to see you again here," the green-eyed man offered his hand.

"Sir Thoma, it's a pleasure to see you again too," Dainsleif shook Thoma's hand. Thoma was a personal knight of Prince Ayato - just like him, a personal knight for Aether - and also the captain of the guards and army for the castle. Overall, he was an important person to secure the prince's family and the castle's safety. Dainsleif and Thoma had met up few times in few occasions and they had become good acquaintances.

"So, how's the prince's journey here?" Thoma asked.

Dainsleif frowned for a moment. "It was all fine until our men noticed something. When were drove through the main forest, they felt like something were following us. As we came to stop to let the prince changed, I inspected the surrounding and found nothing suspicious as I thought probably, they had mistaken them with wild animals. Then it happened again when I took the lead of the journey," Dainsleif carefully explained him. Thoma listened to him carefully while nodding to every word he spoke. "Thus, I would like to ask if you had sent any of your special force to lead and secure our safety to here?"

Thoma put his slender fingers under his chin. "As far as I remember, I didn't send any special force of mine. Not until you arrived at the border,"

"So, you were saying, those who were in the forest weren't from you?"

Thoma shook his head. "I'm sure of it, Sir Dainsleif," he stopped. "Probably it was just wild animals"

"I know my guards' capabilities and skills. They have sharp eyes for sure. I'm confident they weren't lying about it. We could've been attacked by our enemy's pawns,"

"From the north? It's too far from here. They would've attacked your castle than your carriages here,"

"The prince is the next king. They want his head for sure so there won't be the next king. His father is seriously ill now," Dainsleif sighed.

"Condolence," Thoma said, looking down and lost in thoughts. "I'll send my guards and soldiers to inspect the places. And I will tighten the patrols here until the prince return to his land," Thoma suggested.

"I apricate your help, Sir," Dainsleif smiled.

"It's no problem, Sir. Soon, your prince going to marry our princess. We need to work together again for sure!" Thoma chuckled while patting Dainsleif's back in a friendly way. Dainsleif felt his smiled getting bitter by his words. Without noticing the bitter smile, Thoma offered him to enter the castle to accompany Aether while he went talk to his guards about his plan. Dainsleif nodded and entered the building and found his way to the guest's room.

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"You left me!" Aether playfully pouted. Dainsleif closed the door behind him as he entered the wide room. Soon Aether entered the castle with Ayato, the blue-haired prince politely led him to his room to rest and get ready for dinner.

"I was meeting an acquaintance of mine," Dainsleif replied as he looked around the room. The room was too big for a guest room as it had a fully furnished living room that connected to a comfy cozy bedroom. A warm big kotatsu was placed in the middle of the living room and few soft cushions were surrounded it. Decorations of beautiful traditional paintings and flowers on the walls and on the tables had enlightened the room even more. The scents from the flowers managed to calm Dainsleif mind for a moment while he moved his legs to the bedroom. The soft floor bed was comfortable enough for the prince to sleep in so he didn't have to worry much for the prince.

Aether tilted his head to ask something but brushed off the idea and let Charles undressed him for his bath. "Dinner's at seven. Join me," Aether said.

After looking around the room to make sure it was safe enough for the prince to sleep in, Dainsleif moved his legs towards the doors. Taking a quick glance at the antique structured table clock near him, he replied, "I will, your highness."