It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Her Choice

The moon was bright in the clear sky, lighting up the beautiful gardens of the palace. Athena had chosen to sit herself on one of the benches near the roses, closing her eyes as the cold breeze kissed her skin. Her mind was racing, her head pounding. She had to make a choice… in ten minutes. In ten minutes both Reiji and Ruki would be standing there, awaiting her answer. She knew who she'd pick. She'd known from the very start… but her heart tore at the thought of hurting him. 

"I thought my warning was clear." Christa sounded as she seated herself next to Athena.

"I thought my soulmate was Reiji." She whispered in response.

"Still, what happened in my vision has not yet happened. These few weeks of bedrest might have altered the future."

"Christa," Athena said softly, "what would you do in my situation?"

"Explain the situation to me Dear."

"You're married to a man whom you're starting to fall in love with. You've had your ups and downs with one another… you used to hate each other. But then this other man shows up and he's nice and he's never hurt you, he shows that he cares for you, he notices things, he's perfect and anything you'd ever want… he's your soulmate. Who would you choose?"

Christa hummed under her breath, "My Soulmate." She looked at her step-daughter-in-law. "I would choose the man whom I know loves me."

The wind was strong as the ladies sat side-by-side, staring out at the beautiful roses.

"You remind me of my mother," Athena said after a while, "sometimes when I see you I get emotional."

"I may not be your birth mother," Christa said, "but I am the mother to every royal in this household." Her cold hand took Athena's in hers and she smiled a real smile. "Your time is up, Dear Child, choose wisely." Athena could only swallow anxiously as the Vampiress disappeared.

"Aren't you cold?" Ruki Mukami sounded as he removed his mask, flashing a grin her way. "I haven't seen you in a while." Athena stayed silent, causing him to frown. "I overheard your conversation with Reiji."

"So you were eavesdropping," She said.

"Athena… we wouldn't be running. We'd be free - happy and safe." He knelt before her. "I'll give you the wedding of your dreams, the life you've always wanted."

"Where's Reiji?" was all she asked.

Reiji had hidden himself behind the roses which were tucked behind the bench. He'd known she was going to choose Ruki, he hadn't wished to be humiliated in front of the half-blood he'd trusted so much. He listened as the pair waited for his arrival..

"He isn't coming," Ruki said after ten minutes, "he's given up on you, Athena."

"No he hasn't," she replied.

"Come with me," he pleaded, "we'll go anywhere you want-"

"I can't."

Reiji's eyes widened.

"I'm sorry Ruki," she said gently, "it's just… I don't want you to be my 'True Love' or 'Soulmate' - whatever we are called. I-I want Reiji to be that person." The King pressed his hand to his mouth as the half-blood stepped back from Athena, a heart-broken look upon his face.

"He treats you like dirt." Ruki said.

"No," she shook her head, "yes, he can be mean and he can hurt me, but I am his equal and he treats me as such. Besides, I can be just as mean as he can be sometimes." She stood from the bench. "I love Reiji," she said, "Reiji is the person who I want to wake up next to every morning. I want to see his face first every day. I want… I want to be with him. You and I may be Soulmates, Ruki… but can't we just be platonic? I don't view you in a romantic way at all."

Reiji blinked as he caught a glimpse of white saunter past. Christa sent him a sweet smile as she continued into the ballroom.

Everything was silent until there was a loud bang followed by Athena's scream. Reiji was quick to hurry to his wife's side, catching her as she fell back. A long  silver arrow had pierced Ruki's chest. "Sound the alarms!" Reiji hollered and moments later, the piercing noise stretched across the palace. "Shit, Ruki, are you alright?"

The Knight doubled over as red dribbled from his mouth, splattering against the polished stone path. Athena steadied herself, rushing to Ruki's side as she snaked his arm around her shoulders, hauling him up. Reiji helped them into the ballroom where guests were frantically whispering. Reiji stepped forward but Athena stopped him.

"There's been an attack on the East side of the castle!" She announced, voice booming as she did so, "Laito, Subaru, Ayato, round up your men. Ayato I want your men focused South-East. Subaru I want your men in the ballroom protecting our guests, Laito, your men on patrol. Understood?"

"Yes Ma'am." They chorused, heading off immediately.

"Kou, take your brother to the infirmary! Kanato, Yui I'd like you two to stay here." She offered a small smile. "We'll be okay." Then she turned to Reiji. "Let's go."

They'd been standing in the East drawing room, overlooking the gardens carefully. As instructed, Ayato's men were patrolling the South-East, hunting down the attacker. Reiji glanced down at his stoic-faced wife, a smile on his lips.

"It's nice to see you back," he said.

"I don't have time to sulk," she replied, "besides, I don't want to be known as the bedridden Queen. I'd like to do something before my reign is over. Why have you decided to give away the throne anyway?"

"You're unhappy," he said, "I'm unhappy. We're going to have a real life, Athena, the one you and I wish for."

"I appreciate the sweet gesture but we really don't have time."

"You chose me." He said, "I didn't think you would."

"I was advised against it," she said, "but it felt right."

The door slammed open and Kanato appeared pale and frightened.

"He's in the ballroom."

[Sorry for the short chapter and lack of updates! I've been too distracted playing Genshin Impact in all honesty 😥. I'll do my best to update more regularly! Thank you for the support <3]