Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XCV

As soon as he finished his reflections and exited the room, he was hauled by Miss Uwabami back upstairs to change into his suit for the ball. This time the clothes were less grand but nevertheless were made of the finest quality materials and embellished with hints of gold. All white, from the shirt, outer jacket, trousers and waistcoat, and down to the shoes. With gold lapels, buttons, and a chain from his necktie to his chest pocket. The kingdom's crest was ornately carved onto each button, and every seam was expertly hidden from view.

There was a sort of effect that Shoto noticed when he angled himself both left and right for the tailor, that the material seemed to shimmer like water, or like the crisp and untouched first snow of the season. He caught Miss Uwabami's awed expression, and couldn't help but marvel at the delicate designs himself. He thanked her profusely, and in return she only asked that he dance with her at least once that evening. Finishing the look with a final polish of his shoes and the crown placed carefully upon his head, and with the royal sword at his side, he offered Miss Uwabami his arm and they descended to the ball together. 

Despite being several floors above the grand hall, Shoto could already hear loud, lively music and a constant stream of conversation and laughter spilling from the open doorway, the sound travelling out of the windows and down to the city beyond. He couldn't help but find strength in their joy, their faith in him, and with newfound confidence took his place at the entrance.

"His Royal Majesty, King Shoto!" 

All eyes turned to him as he descended the grand staircase, the same red carpet decorating the ornate steps, matching the gold embellishments of the bannister. The music lowered to a gentle sound, almost in time with each step he took towards his people, and as he neared the bottom step everyone bowed deeply, a hand over their chest or behind their back with reverence. He walked towards the throne that sat at the front of the hall, tables to sit at scattered around the edges with an extravagant assortment of foods scattered amongst them. He noticed the baker Satou's crafted desserts, and even some familiar foods from the Tribe lands, alongside an assortment of delicacies from his kingdom. He spent a moment taking in the sight before asking everyone to rise, instantly the party picking up once more. 

One by one, people asked their partners to dance, gracefully leading them to the centre of the hall shimmering from the dozens of glass and golden chandeliers hanging above them. Their suits and dresses seemed to glow in the candlelight, and despite the sun settling high up in the sky it was almost as if they were in another world of their own, with the candles scattered like millions of stars above them. It was so fantastical Shoto was not surprised to find himself once more questioning whether this was all a dream, and that soon he would wake up in his bed with Katsuki for his real coronation to commence. But with the sight of his friends dancing together, and of his people coming up to his throne to offer gifts and prayers of well wishes, Shoto truly hoped that this was reality...

He wasn't sure how long he spent sitting on his throne, speaking with everyone who wished to approach him, and promising offers to dance later that afternoon. He was so lost in the wondrous sight before him that he forgot to try the food himself, or even have some of the vintage wine to drink. It was when someone approached him from the side, assuming it was one of the castle workers, that he was drawn from his thoughts. 

"A drink for Your Majesty?" 

"Ah, yes. Thank y-" His voice cut off when he noticed the beautiful red patterns decorating the tanned hand that held his wine, looking strong enough to break the delicate crystal it held. He followed the red patterns that bled into a red suit, all the way up to an unbuttoned shirt and a lazy grin. "Katsuki." He spoke quietly, his heartbeat beginning to rise at the fact that he was finally able to speak to the man after being apart for so long.