Forever With You

Eight

Because Yuki had absolutely refused to let her go, even after both his dads tried to take him from her, she was offered a chair off to the side on the dias while each nation's representatives made their way from the harbor to the palace. She held Yuki close, rubbing his back and making sure he knew she was alright. Yuki stubbornly stayed unconvinced, and unmoveable, so Prince Tsuki insisted on taking Aiko, who marveled at her new, even higher view. And, of course, she made it her mission to randomly grab at his hair, ear, and even tried to reach for his crown. Prince Tsuki took it all in stride, and even tried not to laugh.

Their guests came in order of precedence, and Duke Semi had to come in like the rest of them. Though he'd whispered to her on the way to the reception hall that he would much prefer to stand by her for the duration. Unsure how to take that, she simply smiled, and suggested that he could once he was introduced, but she couldn't guarantee it.

"Their Royal Majesties of Japan, King Kaname Moniwa and Queen Mai Moniwa; Crown Prince Souji, and Princess Sen!"

Hitoka smiled as they slowly made their way down the deep red carpet, with their children being looked after by their nanny. Their majesties had only visited once since she had become part of the household, so she was immediately starstruck from they're grandeur. Even the children wore little gold circlets! After they greeted Prince Kuroo and Prince Tsuki, they each bent to greet little Haru, who cheered happily as he met the kids. Their majesties were obviously curious about little Aiko, but didn't ask, though their faces remained politely... confused.

As their majesties moved off to the right, another nation was announced:

"Prince Koutaro Bokuto and Prince-Consort Keiji Akaashi, from the Principality of Fukurodani! Crown Princess Mirai and Prince Taiyo!"
"Grand Duke Eita Semi of the Duchy of Shiratorizawa!"
"Grand Duke Tooru Oikawa and Consort Hajime Iwaizumi of the Duchy of Aoba Johsai! Duchesses Akira and Daitan!"
"Barons Atsumu and Osamu Miya of the Barony of Inarizaki! Lord Isami, Atsumu's son!"

When they were announced, a hush fell over the crowd, and everyone's faces took on a sympathetic mien. Hitoka had no idea what was going on, because even the children were quiet. Prince Kuroo and Prince Tsuki spent a little extra time speaking with the brothers, and doted just a little more on little Isami, before they finally moved to the side, Baron Atsumu took his son from the nanny and held him tight. But she didn't know who to ask, or even if she should, so she kept her curiosity to herself.

"Thank you so much for coming, everyone!" Prince Kuroo announced after everyone gathered around. "We have a late lunch waiting for you in the dining room, and you may spend the rest of the day getting comfortable in your suites. I've been told supper will be served at 8pm, also in the dining room, so please, bring the family and come prepared to eat!"
"If you wouldn't mind," Prince Tsuki spoke up from Prince Kuroo's side. "We would love it if the children could come to the nursery to play! We have snacks and plenty of toys, plus, our nanny and her helpers have arranged a playdate in the garden!"

Hitoka took that as her cue to stand up, and quite a few eyes landed on her... and Yuki, who was now sleeping, still clutching her dress. Even more confused expressions crossed royal faces, but she stood still, smiling at everyone.

"Follow me!" young Runa said to the kids, who ran straight to her. The nannies and nursemaids followed behind, and Runa led them away, with Kiyoko and Eri taking turns explaining sleeping arrangements and giving them an idea of what to expect for the week. Before she left, she noticed Prince Kuroo waving at her, and she went to meet him off to the side.

"Everything okay?" he asked, stroking a hand through his son's hair. "I didn't get a chance to ask, especially because he's been clinging to you all day."
"I'm fine, your highness. I had a bad dream this morning, and apparently I screamed and woke them up."
"Bad dream?"
"Just of when I was younger, your highness."
"Ah. Well, maybe when Yuki wakes up and realizes there are more kids to play with, he'll see fit to let go of you."
"Maybe. But... I don't mind, at all."
"I know."
She started to turn away, thinking she was free to leave, when Prince Tsuki and Duke Eita joined them.
"Yacchan, would you mind it if we asked you to stay in the nursery tonight?"
"No, of course not," she replied, but he looked concerned. "May I ask why?"
"We didn't think about the invitations too much before we left for home," he started explaining. "We had so many other things to tend to that we didn't consider our guest list. Of who to invite... and who not to invite. And because we authorized the invitations to be sent while we were gone, they were." If Prince Tsuki could fidget he would. As it was, he toyed with Aiko's little hand after she tried to pat his face. "We couldn't uninvite him. I'm sorry."