It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Her Lost Smile

"I don't like it." Kanato hissed as his head poked around the bookcase, round eyes glaring at the Knight whose unworthy hand brushed through the sleeping Queen's hair. "What should we do Teddy?" His purple eyes lowered to the beloved plush in his arms. "We cannot. We need evidence." He frowned as he watched his sister-in-law sleep soundly, her usual anxious expression one of tranquillity as the Knight silently watched her. "No!" He whispered sharply to Teddy, "Reiji must not know." He turned away, leaving the library with a scowl. "I will get revenge for him."

-_-_-_-

When the sun began to rise, the Knight had gently scooped the Queen into his arms before heading out of the library, blowing out the candles as he did so. He held his head high, his expression stoic as his metal shoes kissed the cobblestone floors. He was headed to the King's chambers where he knocked upon the large door.

It was opened by an agitated King whose hair was a mess and his eyes bloodshot. He stared harshly at Ruki before glancing to the body in his arms. "What happened?" He asked, immediately taking his wife from the other man's arms.

"I found her in the library, Your Highness." Ruki bowed politely, only standing tall when the King let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you," he said to Ruki, "I insist you return to your chambers to rest."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

With that, the door closed.

Ruki's face contorted into a grimace as he turned away from the royal chambers, heading in the opposite direction to his own room.

Once the door had closed behind him, the man had stripped himself bare, raking his hands through his hair as he paced back and forth in the big room.

"You're back late," a voice sounded, but Ruki didn't turn as he made his way to the bathroom.

"Haven't you learnt to knock by now, Kou?" he sighed as his brother followed him into the clean bathroom.

"I'd only knock if a lady were in your room," he smirked, leaning against the door frame, "but since you're pining for the married Queen, that will never happen." He watched as Ruki turned the taps on the bath, blue eyes sauntering to the steamy water pooling into the tub. "Where were you?"

"The library," Ruki replied as he made his way to the bathroom cabinet, pulling out a dark towel.

"And… was the lovely lady there?" Kou grinned, eyes trained on the Knight who was washing his face at the basin.

"The Queen happened to appear there, yes," he nodded, looking into the mirror at his face.

"If you get caught-"

"I'm assigned to her every waking hour," he said, "besides, I'm not actually doing anything wrong."

"You're giving yourself hope, for one," Kou replied, frowning as his brother merely shrugged before turning the taps off. "Also, she's been through hell and back - do you really think she wants to play these sorts of games?"

"I am not playing games, Kou." He groaned as he sat himself in the steaming tub. "There is no game to play."

"Oh really? Ruki, you have been playing a game of Cat & Mouse since you met her." Kou turned his back as he dragged a hand through his hair. "All you're going to do is hurt her and yourself in the long run." With that, he left the room.

Ruki hated that he was right.

-_-_-_-

The Queen awoke from her slumber feeling well rested and somewhat cheerful. Her eyes fluttered open and she slowly closed her mouth, wiping the drool from her face as she pushed herself up from the bed. Her husband's side was empty, causing sorrow to sink into the hollow of her stomach. She swallowed as she pushed herself from the bed. Her purple tulips were slowly dying, causing her to frown as she caressed the ageing petals.