It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Shin's Funeral

A few weeks had passed since the passing of Shin Tsukinami and the disappearance of Carla Tsukinami. The attacks had faltered, allowing false hope to embrace the hearts of the royal family. Athena and Reiji had stayed in the kingdom, for their own safety and to strategize against the attacker who murdered her brother. 

After a long night of meetings with the royal courtiers, the King awoke with his Queen curled up in his arms. Her head was against his chest, her plump lips parted and her frizzy hair fanned out against the silky pillows. Her hand was tucked beneath her cheek, in the centre of his chest where his heart should be. The vampire smiled as he shifted, holding her closer as he relaxed in the soft, welcoming bed.

It was roughly an hour before Athena stirred, grumbling about something to do with quiches. She awoke with a gentle gasp, her hands rubbing at her face as she lifted her head groggily.

"Did you sleep well?" Reiji's voice was deep and raspy, causing Athena's eyes to widen and her cheeks to pinken as she stared at the man she was leaning on. 

"I believe so," she nodded after a few moments of silence, "did you?"

"Very much so," he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms tight around her waist and kissing her forehead, "we've a busy day today."

"Yes," she said solemnly, "Shin's funeral."

"It's a small event," Reiji said, "Carla would have been invited if we could find where he was."

"He doesn't even know who Shin is anymore," Athena sighed, sitting up in the bed and stretching her long limbs, "we should get ready," her eyes flickered to the clock above their bed, "we have three hours." He watched as the covers slipped off her body, revealing her tight, thin-strapped nightgown. It was black and hemmed with lace which tickled her inner thigh. She hummed as she stood from the bed, scratching the back of her head with a frown. "Dear?" She turned her head back, leaning her weight on her right leg as she placed her hair against the border of the archway of the opened doors leading to their bathroom.

"Yes?" He replied, sitting himself up and sliding his glasses on his face.

"When are we returning home?" She turned, leaning back against the wall with her arms folded under her chest. Reiji frowned at her question as he said, "Not until the attacks are fully ceased," with a sigh, he rubbed his forehead, "hopefully soon, before the school year is over." She twirled her hair around her finger.

"That wouldn't be so bad," she grinned at him as she kicked off the wall, heading towards the large bath. She leaned over, turning the taps as she slipped the plug into the golden tub. She hummed to herself as she watched the hot water pour in.

"Darling, you're indecent," Reiji's voice sounded as he appeared behind her, his hand placed gently upon her lower back. She stood up straight, eyebrows furrowed as she tugged her nightdress down. "I could see you from our bed," he whispered with a satisfied smirk as she huffed and rolled her eyes.

"I hope you enjoyed it," she retorted, her eyes flickering down his chiselled chest and up to his eyes as she smiled sweetly.

"Indeed I did, My Love," he replied as his hands landed upon her hips, pulling her into his embrace. She let out a loud laugh as her arms snaked around his neck and he led her in a small, swaying dance.

"I must bathe," she said to him once the bath had filled, "and then, it is your turn in the bath whilst I get ready." He hummed in response as his nose brushed hers. "Go and rest for a little bit," she said.

"As you wish," he replied, pressing a small kiss to her lips.

"You're extremely affectionate," she said to him, caressing his cheek, "are you alright?"