Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

LXXXVI

A quiet yet consistent knocking at his door drew him from his sleep, and as the knocks continued persistently, Shoto ignored his desire to fall back asleep and pushed himself out of his bed, grabbing a long robe to cover himself as he padded over to his door. Upon opening it, he was greeted by an older lady who he knew had been working in the castle for a long time, fulfilling most of her duties in the kitchen.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you, Your Highness." The woman bowed, Shoto assuring her it was of no issue.

"What is the matter, calling at such an hour?" he asked.

"Just a moment ago, two guests appeared at the gates with personal invitations from yourself. I was asked to call upon you so you can greet them in the main hall. They didn't wish to cause a disruption, you see." She explained, bowing once more.

"Are these guests two refined gentlemen?" he asked, walking a few steps back to put on his slippers, making sure his robe was tight enough as he shut the door to his room and let the woman lead the way.

"Indeed, sir. Though they speak rather few words."

"Of course." He spoke quietly to himself, feeling the usual anticipation of meeting his friends rise within him. "Well, I'm sure I can continue the journey myself, so would you be so kind as to have two chambers warmed and bring a pot of tea for our guests? I hope that is alright."

"Certainly, Your Highness. Shall I warm the chambers nearest to our other guests'? Miss Yaoyorozu and Miss Jirou?"

"That will be just fine, thank you." He offered a kind, slightly tired smile, and the woman bowed before turning and heading down another hallway, leading down to the kitchens.

The castle was quiet as he followed the hallways to the main entrance, down spiralling staircases and through grand blackwood doors. Only a few of the workers were awake, doing some late-night cleaning or preparing food for the next day, but most were in their own bed chambers resting. His father used to force his servants to work long hours well into the early morning, both young and old, and now Shoto was in charge he insisted on distributing duties better and hiring anyone who needed work. It was a great change, and more of his workers could have days off to fulfil their own wishes.

Casting a look outside, he saw the sky was pitch black and speckled with stars. Light raindrops pattered on the latticed glass panes, flecks of moonlight reflecting off them and dappling onto the castle grounds below. The light spring rain was nice to see, as the flowers would bloom even brighter alongside the warm, sunny days. He used to find rain rather pleasant to listen to, it drowned out both sounds and thoughts he wished to ignore, but it had been a while since he had the luxury to sit and listen to it, perhaps whilst reading in the window seat nook in the library, a cup of tea in his free hand, steam rising and condensing on the arched window.

He shook his head a little to pull himself out of his thoughts, now reaching the top of the grand staircase that led down to the entrance. As he descended, two figures came into view, both dressed in dark cloaks, slightly damp hoods resting upon their shoulders. They were ever so familiar, yet in the short weeks they had been apart it looked to Shoto like they had both matured further.

"Why is it that we always meet when I am dressed in such a way?" he asked for his greeting, the two men who were talking quietly both turned to look at him, amusement in their eyes.

"Perhaps we simply enjoy being inconvenient, Your Highness." Hitoshi teased back, cat-like eyes glinting in the dimming candle-lit sconces that lined the walls.

"Inconvenient as it may be, it is good to see you." He confessed. "I hope the journey was easy?" He asked Tokoyami, who nodded back.

"We met no disruptions along the way, it is always better to travel at night."