KING ┊ Rui x Tsukasa ┊ Royalty AU.

20 || Losing myself.

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Saki's POV,  Dialogue.

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[Flashback]

Today was the day.

I'm so done with life. After mother passed, nothing has ever been the same. All I wanted was a peaceful, happy life, and this is what I get? 

I love my brother. I love him with my dear life. I'm so sorry that I have to leave, I wish I could tell him that before I go, but I know he'd never accept it. I wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors. If only I could see his face for the last time... to give him one last hug...

I picked my bag up and slung it through and around my arms and then on my back. I grabbed extra essentials that I thought I might need.

And then, I heard a knock on the door.

"Saki... open up."

It was my brother.

"Oh- uhm... come in!" I yelled out to him, taking off my backpack and throwing it under my bed.

Tsukasa opened up the door and gave me a warm smile. "Hey. I'm going out to the store. Need anything?"

Suddenly I felt bad. Really bad. I was planning on running away.

"Uh, thanks Onii-chan but I think I'm good." I faked a smile. 

"Alright then. I'll see you at dinner." He gave me a goodbye wave, and walked back out the door.

Little did he know, that was probably the last time he'd ever see me.

Okay, now I feel even more regretful.

I crawled under my bed to get my bag, and put it on once more. This time, I was definitely going to do it. I opened my window and carefully climbed out, finding myself on the rooftop of the castle. I looked down below and saw a ladder. 

Nearly tripping multiple times, I finally got down from the ladder. I'm so glad I didn't end up falling.

Okay, so now I'm outside. Where to next?

It was already pretty late. I realize that I should've left in the morning... it would've made it much easier. I saw a passing carriage pulled by horse. They stopped for a drink of water.

That's when I made my move.

I quietly sneaked into the back of the carriage, and I don't think the man noticed. "Hup bessy!" the man yelled out. Next thing I know it, the carriage starts rumbling and we're on the road.

I look out the small crack on the walls of the carriage and stare at the passing village and grasslands. 

What a wonderful world we live in. Everybody looks so happy. Children are dancing, merchants are selling, adults are drinking. Everybody seems to be in a good mood.

And then, I knew what I was going to do next. 

I was going to find what my purpose is.

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[Present day]

Oh god, somebody found me. What do I do? Do I show myself? What if she knows me... what if she tells my brother that-

"Hey, is somebody in here...?" The girl quietly muttered. "It's just me... Nene..."

Nene? I think I've heard that name before. 

I decided to peek through. I gripped onto the sides of the sink cabinet and showed my face. Nene's eyes widened in shock. Her reaction on her face could tell me that she recognized me.

Her mouth opened. "Are you... no..."

I nodded my head. "Hello, Nene."

She covered her mouth with both her palms. It looked as if she was on the verge of tears. Seeing somebody like this made me start to cry too.

"I'm sorry I had to scare you like this, Nene." I tried my best to give her the friendliest smile possible, but it seemed more like a frown than a smile.

"No no, I'm the one who should be sorry. You were busy in here and I burst the door open with a crowbar..." She giggled. 

We both started laughing our heads off. This is the first time I've laughed in ages... and it feels good. 

Nene sat down next to the sink. Seeing my face and dirty clothes made her look a bit sad.

"Hey, what's your name?" She questioned me. I looked down at the floor.

"Saki. My name is Saki." I frowned.

"Saki... Saki Tenma..." Nene looked at me. She started laughing.

"What's so funny...?" I asked, a bit confused.

Nene sighed, "Tsukasa-kun has always been talking about a girl named Saki. At first I didn't know who she could be, but now I'm starting to get an idea."

Hearing those words made me happy and feel this fluttering sensation inside. So, Tsukasa really does remember me. 

I couldn't help but to ask Nene a few questions myself. "So, Nene... are you perhaps... Tsukasa's girlfrie-"

My sentence got cut off as Nene violently shook her head. "No no no no no! Of course not, that's disgusting! Tsukasa-kun has a boyfriend!"

"Wait, what?" I exclaimed.

Nene looked a bit surprised. Her expression then calmed down a little. "Of course you don't know yet. Tsukasa likes Rui-kun."

Rui... I've never heard that name before. Maybe he isn't some sort of prince.

"So... how's father doing?" I asked Nene. She stayed quiet for a while, but I was desperate for an answer.

"Hey, could you answer me-"

"He's locked up, Saki. He's gone."

He's... what?!

Locked...

Locked up...

No...

It can't be...

I find myself yelling. "No, you're lying. Stop lying to me!"

"I'm not lying to you, Saki. I'm telling the truth." Nene looked at me in despair.

"I'm sorry. I can't believe you." I got up walked out into the hallway, leaving Nene in the bathroom. I couldn't believe it. I broke into tears.