It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

A Slight Lovers' Quarrel

[TW: Suicide]

"Found you!" Chortled Shin as his chubby hand gripped the back of Athena's pale blue dress. He'd been dressed in a pair of brown shorts and a white shirt with thick suspenders. The older girl let out a scream of surprise, her ponytail swinging to her shoulder as she turned around, grinning at her little brother. His golden eyes glistened with excitement as he grasped Athena's hand and dragged her through the sunny gardens. "We need to find Carla!" They giggled as they entered the library, Athena pressing her index finger to her lips as he and Shin ducked low, hiding behind the bookshelves.

Movement sounded, causing the pair to hold their hands to their mouths to suppress their excitement. Athena lifted three fingers  counting down slowly before the pair jumped out with a loud shout of glee.

The chair collapsed at that exact moment.

The rope creaked as it snapped around the servant's throat, suspending him in the air. His nails scratched at the rope, snapping as he wheezed out, the rope twisting to face the children who'd fallen witness. His eyes widened at the sight of the children as his mouth gaped open, desperate for air. After a while, his body fell limp, head hung low as his eyes stared at the poor princess.

Athena's scream was blood-curdling.

The Queen woke up with a loud gasp, her head spinning as she looked around the room she'd fallen asleep in. A figure stood before her, eyebrows furrowed and lips parted as he withdrew his slender hand, returning it to Teddy's waist. "You were screaming," said Kanato as he tilted his head to the side.

"Did I wake you?" She asked softly, rubbing her hands over her face as she looked down at the desk she'd slumbered on. The writing on the parchment was smudge, leaning ink stains on her cheek.

"It's Noon," Kanato said, frowning at the woman before him, "are you alright?"

"Noon!?" She gasped, pushing herself up from the chair and turning to look at the burning sun through the window. "Oh Dear, I have so much to do!" She turned to Kanato, placing her hands upon his shoulders. "I need you to plan a party," she said, "for Friday."

"For?"

"You cannot tell anyone."

-_-_-_-

Her bedroom was untouched since she'd moved from Reiji's chambers - she'd only slept in it once on Sayori's birthday. The woman sighed as she removed her gown, groaning groggily as she sauntered to the attatched bathroom.

Her bath was hot as she soaked, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the edge of the tub as her lips parted. The steaming water soothed the aches of her joints, making the woman feel sleepy. She didn't sit there long.

She nearly screamed at the man who'd been laying on her bed.

"Laito?" She yelled, ducking behind the dressing screen as she held her towel close to her body, "What are you doing here?"

"I thought you'd like to join me for lunch," he said.

"You couldn't have knocked?"

He thought for a while before shaking his head with a sly grin. His fedroa was resting beside him and he crossed one leg over the other as he sat up. "Don't let me stop you," he wiggled his eyebrows.

"Get out," she scowled.

"Yes Ma'am." He slipped his hand on his head, tipping it as he left the room with a wink.

Irritated, the Queen quickly flicked through the clothes in her wardrobe. Her hands hovered over another black dress before she caught sight of an all-too-familiar gown.