In Sickness And In Health (Yandere M. Genius x F. Reader x Yandere M. Prince)

Chapter 65: To Make A Crown

Orion was irritated beyond belief. Just as he thought, (Y/n) ran right back to Haru. They had a simple funeral for the brunette's mother, burning the body as was custom. But (Y/n) hadn't taken a single step into the palace, even when the prince sent messenger after messenger. The male begged her to just see him for a bit, the official duties of a soon-to-be king driving him nearly insane. Yet there wasn't even a single word back from her. Well, there was, but he refused to acknowledge the letter since it had the brunette's name in it.

Despite what everyone hoped, the boy was being crushed under the responsibilities of being the future king. He was rushing to take the royal heir's classes while simultaneously juggling his typical duties and the international incident between Umayena, Vethela, and Echal. Then there was the preparation for his subsequent coronation and birthday along with the celebration of the new year the sun god sect reported to him about. In fact, he had burst into tears at multiple points each day, unable to do anything on his own. Even Mica couldn't help him keep pace, the man spending every waking hour in an attempt to support him.

"I-It's impossible!" he cried, hiding under the desk in immense stress, "I can't do it, uncle! I'm not good enough!"

"It's alright, Orion. There's no need to - "

"I-I...I can't be king!"

"What are you talking about? There is no one more fit for the honor than you. You are the precious child of - "

"Zuki could do it! A-And Rei could've! W-Where did he go? Why can't he just take over for me?! H-He can be king and I can just live with (Y/n) and be loved!"

"It has to be you."

"But it's too much! Uncle, it's too much! It's...t-too hard! How did grandmother do it?!"

Mica softened as he stared at the boy. He wasn't even an adult and he had never before even had the opportunity to receive a normal schooling. By no means was he clueless, but saying he was struggling was an understatement, the prince caving under the expectations he faced. Day after day, he didn't even have time to get a full night's rest, let alone focus on his health. Eating had to be done quickly and at the same time as classes, and he wasn't able to get any exercise done, except, perhaps, for the constant pounding of his heart due to the pressure.

But that was what confused Mica. His sister was in a similar position as Orion. Their parents were controlling, enough to limit their classes, even for his sister, who was to inherit the throne. And when they had died, she was only twelve years old, ascending to the throne without a hint of a clue. The people that were supposed to help her only took advantage of her young age. At the same time, she juggled her classes, the duties of the queen, a worldwide recession, and him, her younger brother. Yet she thrived. Why couldn't Orion?

"I understand that it's difficult, but - "

"What would you know, uncle? You never had to be king! You were never sick! No one ever had any expectations for you to live up to."

That was where the boy was wrong. But Mica hadn't quite realized that yet. At that point, he could only agree with the prince. After all, in the face of his sister, no one ever did have expectations for him. On the contrary, they all looked at her. Even Mica had, idolizing the woman beyond everything else and doing everything in his power to keep idolizing her. He even refused to wed, wanting to remain in the palace forever with her.

"I'm sorry," the prince mumbled, hiding his face in his knees, "I didn't want to mean. I-I just..."

"You're scared. It's alright. I'll try my best to help you, and I'll start looking for some aides. Hopefully, we can finish things with Echal soon. A-And I'm sure your mother won't mind handling your coronation and birthday celebrations."