It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Mama

The King had locked himself away in his chambers after the maids had bathed and dressed his wife before prepping her upon their shared bed. He'd moved a cushioned chair to the side of the bed, squeezing her icy, unresponsive hand. His fuschia eyes were bloodshot, his dark hair a mess and his clothes torn and bloody. He didn't care. Nothing mattered anymore.

Reiji Sakamaki fell asleep in that chair with his gloveless hand clutching hers.

-_-_-_-_-

Gentle, her eyes peeled open, wincing as the harsh light blinded her. Her body ached as she forced herself to sit, her head pounded and spun as she did so, causing her to groan as she opened her eyes once more.

The room was big and spacious, the walls tall and brown with several paintings decorating them. She recognised one painting to be of herself as a mere child.

Krone Tsukinami stood at the end of her bed, a brush gripped in her left hand as she elegantly stroked the soft canvas, staining it with a beautiful fuschia colour.

"Mama?" Athena whispered, blinking once more as she took in her mother's beauty. Krone's hair was long a white, it had been plaited down her back. She wore her infamous red gown, it had been stained and punctured - the dress she'd died in.

Krone turned at her daughter's voice, gold eyes wide as she took in the young girl's appearance.

"What are you doing here, Sweetling?" Krone had placed her brush and palette down, rushing to her daughter's side, taking her hand in hers.

"Everything's blurry," Athena admitted, frowning as she tried to recall what had happened, "where are we?"

"You cannot stay," Krone said, pulling Athena to her feet, "it is not your time yet."

"Mother-"

"Do not argue with me child," Krone's grip was tight, so tight that it hurt, but Athena didn't care. She could feel her mother. "We need to get you out of here?"

"Why?"

"You do not belong."

"I belong with you Mummy."

"No," Krone turned, pressing a kiss to her daughter's head, "you belong with your husband."

"My husband?" Athena snorted, "I don't have a husband."

The garden that Krone dragged her daughter through was gorgeous and bright and… occupied.

"Cordelia," Krone greeted.

"Hello Aunt," Cordelia's lips stretched into a thin smile, "cousin."

"Cordelia…" Athena whispered, her eyes wide as anger bubbled within her. They didn't stay long, trekking through the strange wonderland hand-in-hand. "Mother?"

"Yes Dear?"

"Why did I feel angry when I saw Cordelia?"

"She must have done something to you when you were alive."

"Why would she do that?"

"People are complicated, my sweet."

Finally, they'd made their way to the eastern tower and Krone shoved the creaking door open, a determined look upon her angelic features.

"What the hell? Krone, you are the one who set this barrier, remember? Why are you-" Giesbach's eyes were wide as they landed on his daughter, "Athena."

"Papa?" She greeted, frowning at the stab within his abdomen, "Carla…"

"Yes," Giesbach stood from his desk and sauntered over, frowning, "the past is in the past, why are you here?"