It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Infected

Athena awoke, deserted in their shared, royal bedroom. She'd sat up straight, her orange hair falling from the now loose plaits and a trail of drool dribbled down her chin. Grumbling, she rubbed at her eyes before throwing the thick covers off her pale body. She stumbled towards the bathroom where she sluggishly washed her face.

Her cheeks were rosy and her eyebags now invisible. She forced a smile across her thin lips before letting out a long sigh and heading back into the bedroom. She hated the amount of gold that shimmered within the room. The bedframe, the lamps, the desks, even some of the pillows? She scoffed, opening the large wardrobe and revealing a load of gowns.

"Pink, yellow, green, red…" she murmured, raking through the fabrics, "red and pink are a big no." Finally, she settled on a dark green one. The fabric was soft to the touch and warm when she stepped into it. It fanned out around her and hugged her waist tight. The sleeves were long and covered half of her hands, the edges lined with silver. It had a straight neckline and the corset was currently loose behind her. It wasn't big enough to conceal the scars on her back. 

A knock sounded at the door, causing her to jump out of her skin. "Yes?" She called, breathing out in relief when it was Yui who replied, "Yes, come in Yui."

Yui was dressed in a pretty blue gown, it was off the shoulder and the corset tied tight, the skirts kissed the polished floors as she wandered into the large room. Her blonde curls had been pinned away from her face with a pretty butterfly ornament. "Hello," Yui smiled, closing the door behind her.

"Hi," Athena smiled, "please can you help me?"

Yui wasn't gentle with the corset. Athena grasped the end of her bed, groaning as Yui tugged mercilessly at the thick ribbon.

"Is that tight enough?" She asked, eyebrows furrowed as Athena started to cough. She placed her thumbs up, nodding as her hand wrapped around her throat.

"Perfect," she wheezed as Yui carefully tied the corset in place, "thanks-"

Athena doubled over, her hand pressed to her mouth as she violently coughed. Yui stared at her, alarmed.

"Was it too harsh? I'm- That's blood…"

Athena's eyes had grown as wide as saucers as she stared at the crimson spots staining her palms. Dread churned in her stomach as Yui fussed, grasping a napkin and dabbing the corners of Athena's lips. "Are you okay?" She whispered.

"I am fine," she whispered.

-_-_-_-_-_-

Having lost their suitors, Yui and Athena spent the day attached by the hip. They'd been wandering through the ancient gardens, laughing when they came across four men. They paused before the running fountain, arms looped and eyebrows furrowed.

"Apologies for disturbing you," Athena curtsied, pulling Yui with her when the lone man glanced their way. Her head was low, curls falling from her shoulder as she slowly pulled herself back up, a smile present on her lips, "we'll move along now."

"Wait," a familiar voice sounded once the girls had turned their backs. Yui stiffened, clutching Athena tight as the first-blood turned to face the boy, a grin on her face.

"My favourite customer!" She greeted, wiggling her fingers at Ruki who stood before her, his dark hair swept back. He was dressed in his usual formal attire, his hands in his pockets as he eyed Athena up and down.

"I thought you were dead," he said, voice low as always.

"That's nice," Athena said, "did you miss me?"

"The other baristas were incompetent," he replied, "I am glad to know you are well." He took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips. "It's been a long time, Princess Athena."