This was requested by the wonderful demonslayer133-__. But there was no au request so it's time to introduce you to my good friend
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The wheel of au's and as you can tell we are doing a royal au. Please enjoy!
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(Tanjirous pov)
In the kingdom where my family resided, a resplendent empire flourished, ruling over the lands with an iron fist. Our rulers were a distinguished family of four—a sovereign king and queen accompanied by their identical twin sons. The princes, both with long ebony hair tipped in teal and piercing teal eyes devoid of any warmth, presented an almost spectral visage. Their alabaster skin and identical regal attire further set them apart, radiating a sense of unapproachable authority. The less fortunate townsfolk whispered that these boys were spoiled and cruel, a reflection of their opulent lifestyle. Those who had the dubious honor of encountering them described the princes as haughty and disdainful.
My own family straddled the line between comfort and hardship. We were neither impoverished nor affluent. My parents operated a modest bakery in town, though since my father succumbed to illness—a malady we could not afford to treat—my mother had managed it alone. The townspeople murmured that the princes were responsible for the exorbitant prices that plagued us, and while part of me doubted they wielded such power, another part could not dismiss the possibility. Regardless, I strove to focus on my own life. Well-regarded and amicable, I often lent a hand to those in need.
Yet today, I had no time for such endeavors. Today was the annual Carnation, a grand festival where the populace gathered to pay homage to the royal family. Every year, the streets overflowed with people eager to catch a glimpse of the twin princes as they were paraded through town. Rumors abounded that those fortunate enough to stand at the front might attract the notice of one of the princes. I had always dismissed such talk as fanciful.
I never anticipated this event with much enthusiasm, though my friends invariably did. "Hurry up! If we’re quick, we can get near the front!" my best friend Zenitsu called out, already darting towards the town center. "Wait up!" I shouted back, trailing behind. Our other friends were likely already there, their excitement palpable despite my own indifference. As we neared the center, Zenitsu slowed, allowing me to catch up. "Why do you enjoy this celebration so much?" I asked, breathless. "Come on, it’s the only chance to see the royal family if you don’t see them around town," Zenitsu replied with unrestrained excitement. We soon joined our friends, greeted by Inosuke's exuberant yells and Genya's crossed arms.
Minutes later, the town center was a sea of people, a throng growing denser by the moment. "Sometimes I forget how many people live here," Genya observed, surveying the crowd. "Quiet! It’s starting!" Zenitsu hissed as a hush fell over the gathering. The familiar strains of music heralded the approach of the royal carriage, moving through a cleared path amidst the spectators. I had never been this close before. Lace draperies veiled the carriage, blurring the figures of the two princes inside.
As the carriage neared, one of the princes moved the lace aside, peering out. For an instant, I locked eyes with him, his cheeks slightly flushed, perhaps with rouge. He gazed at me steadily until the carriage passed, then released the fabric, vanishing back inside. It was impossible to discern which twin it had been; some said Yuichiro wore a ponytail, while Muichiro kept his head bowed. Regardless, they were undeniably striking, as those fortunate enough to have seen them often remarked.
After the ceremony, the crowd dispersed, returning to their homes and occupations. My friends and I ambled away from the center, discussing the event. "Can you believe one of them actually looked at us?" Zenitsu exclaimed. "I don’t see the big deal; they glanced our way. So what?" I replied, unimpressed. "You have no idea how rare it is to even glimpse them, let alone be stared at!" Genya said, sharing Zenitsu's enthusiasm.
When I finally arrived home, I ascended to my room, collapsing onto my bed. The ceremony had ended just before dusk, and by the time I returned, night had fallen. Most people dined beforehand, but exhaustion overtook me swiftly as I sank into the covers and drifted to sleep.
The next morning, I rose quickly, dressing and descending to the bakery, where my mother was already serving customers. I assisted her, greeting patrons, delivering orders, and handling pastries. As I returned to the counter after a delivery, a group of armored men burst through the door. Recognizing them as royal guards, I felt a jolt of apprehension. One approached my mother, declaring sternly, "We are here for your son." My mother, bewildered, stammered, "W-what has he done?" The guard, impassive, replied, "The princes wish to see him." I took a deep breath and stepped forward. The guard scrutinized me before commanding me to follow.
I accompanied the guards to the palace, nerves tightening with each step. What had I done? As far as I knew, I had committed no misdeed. My anxiety grew as we entered the grand halls and approached the royal chamber. The guards flung open the doors, ushering me inside where the twin princes sat upon their thrones, gazing down imperiously.
Bowing low, I mustered the courage to speak. "Have I done something wrong?" I asked, striving to keep my voice steady. Both princes regarded me silently before Yuichiro, the one with the ponytail, leaned over to whisper in Muichiro’s ear. After a brief exchange, Muichiro addressed me in a detached tone, "Come closer, boy." Obediently, I advanced, nearly stumbling in my haste. "You intrigue us. What is your name?" Muichiro inquired. "Kamado Tanjirou," I responded promptly. Yuichiro, his gaze appraising, remarked, "You are quite the beauty. We have decided you may stay at the palace, be treated as royalty, but on one condition: you must agree to marry us."
Muichiro quickly added, "The choice is yours." I paused, considering the gravity of their proposition, before finally replying, "I accept your offer."
