Kaebedo Royal AU

🔷 1: "you're the one I want"

3rd person omniscient

A tired Albedo takes a deep breath after giving the final duties of the morning. As Seneschal to the King of Khaenri'ah, it was his job to distribute and oversee the work of the maids and butlers. The second the man was ready to relax, a Knight approaches him.

"Sir Albedo?" The Knight begins, getting the Seneschal's attention, "you're needed in the King's office."

Albedo took a deep breath in and out- and to think he was finally finished with his work.

"I will be on my way, then. Thank you, uh..." Albedo trailed off after realizing he didn't know the Knight's name.

"Knight Arne, Sir," The Knight supplied.

"Thank you," Albedo smiled at the Knight guiltily, "I shall remember it. Though, I must not keep the King waiting. Farewell, Sir Arne."

Arne watched the Albedo go, mesmerized. It was no secret that the man was attractive, and desired by most of the Castle, but the King's partialness towards him was also no secret. Nobody dared to go against their King.

Arne sighed, going back to the training grounds.

---

Knock knock.

Kaeya looked up from the paper in his hands, "Come in."

Albedo entered the large office, closing the door behind him and bowing. Kaeya watched, sitting in a chair behind his desk that was facing the door, "My, Albedo, what a surprise," sacrasm dripping from his voice, "please, sit."

The King and his Seneschal had a... strange relationship. Albedo left Khaenri'ah for years, and was made Seneschal immediately upon his return because he and Kaeya had become close. The two were also known for flirting, though nobody knew if it was serious or not. Many thought it was odd how Albedo was handed such an important position immediately upon his return, but wouldn't dare question their King's decision.

Albedo walked to the chair in front of Kaeya's desk, sitting down, "I'm not sure how it can be a surprise if it was you who asked for my presence."

"Witty as always, I see," Kaeya laughs, picking up a small golden marble from his desk and rolling it between slim fingers, "I actually have a proposal for you, one that you could benefit from greatly."

This caught Albedo's attention, "and by that you mean...?"

Kaeya sets his marble down, heterochromatic eyes trained on the man in front of him, "I'm sure you're aware that Khaenri'ah isn't doing the best in this war, yes? I've been doing some.. research."

Albedo raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and Kaeya continued, "the nations doing the best in the war are the ones with two leaders-" he held up two fingers- "a King, and a Queen. As you know, Khaenri'ah is one of the few nations with a single leader. I know about the whispers of the Knights and the Maids and the Butlers, how they think we're in love," Kaeya extends a veiny hand towards Albedo and grins menacingly, "So, Albedo, how would you like to upgrade from a Seneschal to a King by becoming my husband?"

Albedo stares at the hand in front of him, "are you aware of what you're asking, Sir? I mean, surely you could find a wife easily with your charm and reputation."

"Already calling me charming?" Kaeya teases, "but that aside, nobody in Khaenri'ah has half of the wits that you do, you can bear me an heir, can you not? Imagine my cunningness and your smarts in practically every field ruling together... and an heir with the same qualities being on the throne long after we are gone is comforting."

"There is one flaw to your plan," Albedo begins, "you know I cannot die, as I am made of chalk and not flesh and blood and bone. My blood will not run out, my skin will not turn cold, and my synthetic heart will never stop beating. You claim an heir will rule 'long after we are gone', but it is only you who will be gone."

Kaeya only laughed, his hand still extended, "then I suppose while my blood is running cold and my heart is coming to a stop, it will be my duty to use my last breath to kill you. Lovers in Khaenri'ah always die together, after all."

Albedo smiled, taking Kaeya's extended hand, "Then, Sir Kaeya Alberich, King of Khaenri'ah, humbly I accept your proposal."

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Venti edits (real!)

This chapter was short but the rest won't be, it was just an introduction of sorts.

If you've ever read the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, you might be able to tell where I got some inspiration from (I was reading the 3rd book last night).

If you haven't read the series, I def recommend it. It's a 3 book fantasy/romance series with action as well and it's an enjoyable read.

that's all from me, I hope you guys enjoy this!

-Venti

Originally posted: August 13th, 2022

Edited: January 24th, 2023

word count: 826