Royals and Rule-breakers

Reality and Regalia

The day was long enough for the painter's satisfaction, and she was in a relatively happy mood; but as she paced the floor of her too-large room once more, the moon rising and peaking through the curtains, she felt her chest constrict, knuckles turning pale as she gripped the fabric of her nightgown.

After some debating, she finally rushed to the door, throwing it open and meeting Gustav's perplexed gaze with wide, tear-glazed eyes.

"Yes, Miss L/N?"

"Can I see Kl- his Highness, sir? Please?"

Gustav pressed his lips together, contemplating for a short minute. "I said to be in your room by nine each night. I do not mean to be the dictator-like figures you so hate, but I am already testing the limits of what I should allow you to do."

With no response, Y/N continued to stare up at him, gasping for breath, but to no avail.

"I can get you some water, if you would like- food, a book, something..."

But Y/N just quickly shook her head.

With a sigh, Gustav said, "I suppose you wish to stay the night with his Highness, and that this will not be just a mere visit."

"I- I can- it can just be a visit, if- if you insist- so long as I can go-"

"Please, take a breath, Y/N," the guard lay his hand on her shaking shoulders, "I need you to be calm; I fear you will faint."

Y/N could say nothing, but after some struggling, managed to gasp for air, and breathe a bit better. "S-sorry, sorry..."

With another sigh, Gustav finally offered, "I will take you- but I will station a guard by the window all night, and I shall watch over the prince's door. It is not only for the duty I am assigned to, but for your own safety- with all that is arising, I fear something may threaten your comfort."

Y/N nodded. "I understand, sir."

So Gustav followed Y/N down the halls and to Klaus' room, where Y/N knocked timidly.

Klaus answered the door, his finger holding his place in a book and blinking with surprise for a moment. "Y/N-"

She stumbled forward and into his good arm, Klaus dropping his book to hold her close to his chest.

"She insisted on coming to see you." Gustav explained in her silence. "I suppose there is no harm, so long as she stays here and does not leave this room until the morning."

Klaus bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, sir." He soothingly rubbed Y/N's back, devoting his attention to her, and barely nodding to the guard's words.

"Please keep an eye on her- and do make sure she will be alright." Gustav creased his brow slightly, before excusing himself with finality. "A good night to you, your Highness, and you, Miss L/N. Alert me if she needs anything." Closing the door, he left the two alone, and Y/N stayed within Klaus' embrace for a few moments more.

When she finally pulled away, she began to walk the length of the room, hands fidgeting.

"Y/N, what's wrong, dove?"

"I cannot sleep tonight." She finally whispered, tears springing to her eyes once more. "I don't know what-" the tears finally flooded down her cheeks, Klaus watching on with patient concern. "There is too much happening." She whispered.

"Y/N..." Klaus stepped toward her, but paused. "Would you like me to hold you again?"

She shook her head, and Klaus remained still.

"Alright. Would you like to talk through it?"

"What is there to say?" She said miserably. "I am tired, Klaus- tired, and isolated, and- and-" she was cut off by another sob, breaking down harder. "I'm sorry, I only wanted to be beside you tonight, I thought... I do not know..."