Brothers II

#15 Where Are You?

Lady Floran is outside the castle, an infant in her arms as she watches little Kired running around, playing with other noble boys– “Lady Floran.” A man grabbed her attention. “I have some good news for you.”

King Odie stood on the dais, standing his face blank but there’s still that stupid cockiness in his face, no matter how much he tries to look collected– Another man walked into the dais, his movements gentle and more Kingly– It’s King Kired… Everyone went silent, jaws wide open to see their King once again. “We are now Co-Rulers.” And that’s when everyone’s jaws just completely fell to the ground. Odie sat on a chair, silent as he stared blankly at the table, letting King Kired talk… “Your grace… you did it. You really did it…” Loir smiled. The King descended from the dais, flashing a small gentle smile at the men and women waiting for him– “Your grace!” Archbishop Helic’s voice stood in the noise. He halted and watched as the Archbishop gave a bow. “Your grace, I’m so glad to see you finally free and well.” “Me too, the days without me must’ve been rough.” “Indeed it is.” Archbishop Helic turned to the dais where Odie stood. “Especially with that brother of yours–“ “As much as I can see that as partly true, I highly request respect for my brother, your excellency. He is a King along with me.” Archbishop Helic lowered his head. “Of course, forgive me, your grace.” “We will talk later. That’s for you and you, Lord Loir.” The King smiled at Lord Loir waiting behind the Archbishop. They both bowed, and walked away. The King gave a smile to his subjects, before turning around and ascending to the stairs– “Kired!” The King stopped, finding Floran in front of him with tears threatening to fall out of her eyes– She ran and hugged– He held her arms, stopping her. “Kired–“ "Show some respect, it's "your grace".” Her eyes widened as her tears of happiness morphed into something else. She backed away and what it morphed into became clear when she saw a frown directed at her. “W-why? What have I done? I missed you. I missed you so much!–” She tried again but Kired stopped her. And this time he didn’t let go, but tightened his grip as he stared at her. “Don’t you dare touch me. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have experienced being locked up, I wouldn’t have lost my power, I would have more time than I do now.” She froze and her tears flooded her cheeks. “Wh- what have I done? I just love you–“ His grip loosened and his frown was lifted. “Me too…” A small sigh came out of Floran's mouth. “T-then why are you like this?!“ She sobbed. “I thought we had something special–“ “We did!” “No we don’t.” His grip returned. “All there was was my stupidity and the child you brought.” Kired clenched his eyes along with his teeth. “If only I had let go of my teenage self, I probably would’ve had the whole of Regian right now.” She flinched. “Kired–“ “"Your grace".” “It hurts– both your grip and words hurt– I love you. What have I done to you?!” “You drew Fromena away along with Kiness, leading to our humiliating defeat.” “What?! No! I didn't make any move to do so! I just love you!–“ “And I don’t.” Her eyes widened. “I’m finally able to say it… I don’t love you. I actually did before, but anymore.” She violently whipped her arms before backing away, crying, gasping. “Th-that’s not true.” “It is.” “It’s not!–“ “Sh! Don’t be loud.” She covered her mouth in disbelief. Not intending on following his orders but the man in front of her… She furrowed her eyebrows. “How about Kired and Larei?! Are you just going to leave them?! They’re yours! You know that!” “Sh! I told you already. Also, Larei?” “I named our second child after your mother. I wrote a letter informing you. You didn’t read it.” “Hm… do you want me to take them away from you?” She froze. “Wh- what? No! Absolutely not! You can’t do that!” “I can, do you want me to?” She stared up at the stranger in front of her… She fell to her knees. “No, please don’t– *hic!*” “Well, there’s that then. Life will go on quietly.” Kired walked past Floran– “As long as I don’t ever see you again.” Floran let out a cry on the floor. Hiding her face, turning her palms to a pool of her tears; while she sat, alone, with no one by her side… “Ki– Kired… where are you?”

“Where are you? Dad! Dad?! Where are you?!” A young girl, fifteen years to her age sat on the corner of the castle near the brightest spot in her dark surroundings, tears falling widely from her eyes. “Dad… where are you?” She looked up to the window– A pair of maroon eyes was there, staring right at her. Which I saw as a monster in the dark but I really wish I realized that he’s the light, my savior in the dark.  “AAAAAAH!” She jumped, pushing the boy away before running away. “Who are you?!” “Why are you crying?” The boy asked with a shocking calmness in his voice. Is he emotionally numb?! “Why are you here in the dark?!” “...Is that why you’re crying?” “No!” …”AAAH!” She jumped away, feeling a touch on her cheek. “It is.” She fell to the ground, crying, giving up. “You’re Lord Berc’s daughter, right?” She just cried and the boy just walked away.

The boy is outside the castle, talking to Bishop Helic. They seem to be very close– They are close. It’s often rare to find the Prince without the Bishop. She took a deep breath before approaching them. Bishop Helic raised an eyebrow. “Do you need something from the Prince?” She looked at the Prince who was staring blankly at her. “I just want to give him a gift…” “Hand it to me. I need to inspect it first.” She nodded and handed the gift to the Bishop. “Uhm… uh… Thank you for saving me last night… and uhm, I’m sorry for being disrespectful, your highness…” Prince Kired gave her a smile, a forced one. “You’re welcome.” “Uhm… I’m really sorry. Forgive me.” “You’re forgiven.” He said with another forced smile… “I’m really, really sorry! What can I do to make it up to you?” Bishop Helic gave an annoyed grunt. “Look, we get it. You’re sorry. The Prince has already forgiven you.” “B– but… His smile seems to be forced. I truly am sorry…” “Huh?”

“Like this! Look!” Floran smiled brightly, her cheeks getting painful but she really didn’t notice it. All my pains are forgotten every time I’m with you. “Uhm…” Prince Kired smiled awkwardly… *Sigh* “You never look genuine, no wonder some people are uncomfortable being around you.” “Are you uncomfortable being around me?” “Yes, at first. But after finding out that you just smile weirdly, I got comfortable.” Floran laughed. She looked at him and found him still trying. “You improved, do that again!”