Believe(A Mirror Mirror AU)(Possibly slow updates)

Chapter 4: That Queen Radiates Crazy

Kazuto POV
It was difficult getting into the castle, which felt like a misnomer since it was just a tower, but after a bit of arguing at the gates and the display of my royal crest Eugeo and I were ushered into the throne room. Normally I attempted to be more mature than normal when meeting with the monarch of another state but this time around I was pissed so I mostly let Eugeo do the talking. I glared petulantly at Oberon, the king of Alfhiem a kingdom that had many conflicts with our own, and shivered miserably in my wet clothes. It had taken some time but after being inside for long enough all of the snow that had gathered on my clothes had melted leaving nothing but my indignant rage about the state of this kingdom and the presence of a sworn enemy of Aincrad to warm me. Once Eugeo had gotten through the introductions I stepped forward, visibly seething.
"Your majesty I have originally come here to discuss a political arrangement with you, however instead I think it would be better to discuss the state of the kingdom." I said my polite words barely hiding the bitter anger in my tone. The queen shifted in her throne, her gaudy purple dress spilling over onto the floor obscuring her feet as she rested her cheek against her fist, her silver eyes raking over me with sickening interest.
"Oh? And what about the state of the kingdom do you think requires being discussed?" She asked in a honeyed tone as she used her free hand to shift her silver tresses. My gaze hardened as I replied, "I speak of the financial state of this kingdom, on the way here my knight and I were waylaid by bandits, one of whom appeared to be barely more than a child Aincrad is always willing to provide aid however I believe that it is prudent to learn of the plan of the current monarch for the future before proceeding. That being said I believe that the political arrangement that I have been sent here to discuss may give insight into both how I can help and what the goals for the future may be." I spat barely maintaining my composure as the queen smiled at my statement.
"Prince Kazuto, I will inform you that the kingdom is in perfect condition financially, these bandits are simply renegades and enemies of the crown. That being said I would certainly be interested in discussing this 'political arrangement' to which you keep referring." She drawled languidly. I raised my chin, suppressing a shiver as the movement caused the cold air of the chamber to hit my neck, and proudly stated, "My father wishes to step down as king so that he may be able to spend more time with my mother and sister, however in accordance with Aincrad's law I cannot become king until I am married. As it has come to the attention of my father that this kingdom seems to be nearing destitute and considering the fact that he was quite close with the late king of Underworld he decided to send me here to arrange a marriage between myself and the ruler of the kingdom, and now that the rightful queen is of age I've been sent to meet her and discuss the arrangement." The queen shifted, her eyes narrowing at the mention of Underworld's rightful queen.
"And to whom exactly do you refer?" She asked her voice coming out as a dangerous purr. I feigned confusion and tilted my head slightly.
"Why your majesty, of course I mean the crown princess and heir to the throne, Princess Asuna Yuki." I stated simply allowing myself a small smile of satisfaction as the queen stiffened slightly at the mention of her stepdaughter. Asuna huh? I thought almost wistfully as my mind drifted back to the swordswoman from the woods. I'm sure it's common to name children after royalty here in this kingdom, after all it's hardly rare back home... I thought shaking off the momentary glimmer of hope that I felt stirring in my chest.
"Well, as it is my stepdaughter's birthday today I had planned on throwing her a gala, perhaps you can speak to her there." The queen stated with brittle enthusiasm. This time my confusion was genuine as I frowned.
"Is the princess not available to discuss the matter now?" I asked my frown deepening at the smug smile that graced her lips in response to my question.
"Asuna Yuki is a... shy girl, rather meek in fact, she tends to favor the upper floors of the palace, especially her room. I'm afraid to say that she prefers to avoid visitors." She drawled and I once again felt my blood boiling in response to her condescending tone.
"Well I suppose I'll just have to find her at the gala then." I all but growled as Eugeo shot me a warning look before I said anything stupid.
"I suppose you will." The queen stated with a triumphant smile.
"I'll have someone bring you to your room and bring you some dry clothes, you must be freezing." She said gesturing to a servant. I bit my tongue, not trusting myself not to be rude, electing to allow Eugeo to thank her in my place.

We were led out of the throne room and to a room with a large door.
"This is your room your highness, if your guard will follow me I will lead him to the barracks with the other knights." The servant said and I gripped Eugeo's elbow.
"My guard stays with me." I ground out giving the servant a deadly stare. She let out a yip of fright and nodded frantically. I sighed feeling my anger abate a little at her fear.
"I'm sorry, I'm not usually this harsh, it's just been a long day for me." I offered with a weary smile. She returned my smile tentatively and I reached into a pocket in my coat and pulled out a gold coin.
"I'm very attached to this coat, if you can promise to get it cleaned and dried off quickly I'll give you ten gold, plus this one as thanks." I said handing her the coin. She stared at the coin in her palm before looking back up at me in admiration.
"Thank you your highness." She exclaimed hoarsely and I wondered if she was going to cry.
"It's nothing, I can tell that times are hard for everyone so I'm happy to help." She caught me off guard by clasping me in a tight hug before jolting away and opening the door to our room.

The room was opulent and covered with gold filigree. If that damn queen spent even half of the money she wastes on decorating on the people I wouldn't have almost been robbed earlier. I thought venomously as I inspected the room. You never would have met Asuna if you hadn't been robbed though. I shook my head to rid myself of that treacherous thought and turned back to the servant.
"By the way, we never got your name." I said as I gingerly removed my coat.
"Ronye." She said simply as she took it from me.
"Well Ronye that coat has been with me through hell and high water, so I'm trusting you to get it back to me as soon as you can." I said seriously as I stared at the long black material. She nodded seriously and left. I stared wistfully at the coat until she disappeared with it around a corner.
"You are way too attached to that thing." Eugeo said with a snicker. I glared at him and threw on the clothes that had been provided for me.
"I've had that coat forever okay?! I've worn it in every battle I've ever fought in and come out in one piece, it's had my back for even longer than you." I snapped as I adjusted my shirt in the mirror. It was black with white accents outlined with gold thread. When I get my coat back I'm taking this to the tailor and having a blacksmith melt down this gold thread, maybe if someone makes it into coins it'll be useful to someone. I thought bitterly.
"You know..... it's not really like you to insist that we stay together, is everything alright Kaz?" Eugeo asked suddenly turning serious as he sat down on the bed.
"Oh, yeah everything's fine except for the fact that that queen radiates crazy!" I yelled sarcastically and Eugeo rolled his eyes.
"Oh come on you know that sometimes people go nuts when there's a prince in the room." He said and I marched over to him and jabbed a finger into his face.
"No! No! There's 'Oh my god I'm in the same room as a prince' crazy and 'just plain, good old, traditional psycho' I've seen both so believe me when I say that she is the latter!" I yelled frantically and he put his hands on my shoulders.
"Okay, okay I believe you, but you need to calm down before someone hears you and alerts the guards that you're being attacked." He said soothingly and I sat down next to him, my chest heaving from panic.
"You're right, but I'm officially giving you the order that under no circumstances are you to leave my side during our stay here, if that queen wasn't bad enough Oberon is here too." I said placing my head in my hands.
"That might make it difficult for you to make the 'political arrangements' with the princess. Though if she's anything like that girl from the woods I don't think I should be worried about my presence getting in the way." He teased and I punched him in the arm.
"Knock it off Eugeo." I laughed and he stood and gave me a flamboyant mock bow.
"Of course sire." He said grinning at me.