Guarded Whispers (GiyuuSane)

18

-ˋˏ ༻°a few days later°༺ ˎˊ-

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the castle grounds. The prince strolled through the garden, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air. His mind wandered back to the events of the past few days.

He spotted Tomioka near the fountain, seemingly lost in thought. A grin spread across Sanemi's face as he approached his bodyguard.

Tomioka turned, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Prince Sanemi." he greeted, bowing slightly.

"Oh, come on. I told you to stop with the formalities." Sanemi said, waving a hand dismissively. Giyuu straightened, his expression softening. "Of course, Sanemi."

Sanemi walked closer, his gaze lingering on Tomioka's face. "Your eyes are really pretty." he said with a genuine expression. Giyuu blinked, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I... thank you," he murmured.

Sanemi chuckled, enjoying the sight of his usually stoic bodyguard flustered. "So, what's got you so deep in thought? Thinking about me?" he teased, leaning in slightly.

Tomioka's blush deepened, and he glanced away. "Just...about the people a few nights back." he replied, his voice a bit strained.

"Come on, Tomioka, lighten up a bit," Sanemi said, placing a hand on Giyuu's shoulder. Tomioka hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright," he said softly.

Sanemi's grin widened. "That's more like it. Now, how about a little walk? Just the two of us."

As they strolled through the garden, the prince's heart felt lighter with each moment they shared.

"You know, Tomioka, you should smile more often," Sanemi said, nudging him gently. "It looks good on you." Giyuu's small smile lingered, his blue eyes shining in the sunlight. "I'll try." he said quietly.

Sanemi's gaze softened, and he reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from Tomioka's face. "Good," he said, his voice low. "Because I like seeing you happy."

Tomioka's breath hitched, and for a moment, they stood there in the glaring sunlight, the world around them fading away.

"Sanemi, I need to tell y-" Tomioka began, but the piercing sound of a gunshot cut him off, reverberating through the palace corridors.

Both men froze, their faces reflecting sheer panic. The alarms rang a high-pitched warning, signaling a crisis. "We're under attack," Tomioka murmured, his voice barely audible over the chaos. He turned urgently to the prince he was sworn to protect. "Sanemi, we need to get you out of here."

Sanemi's face hardened. "No. I can't leave without Genya and the others. Get them out fir-" Before he could finish, another round of gunshots rang out, echoing through the castle's stone walls. Sanemi's eyes widened in terror as the grim reality set in. His siblings might be in grave danger.

"Sanemi, we'll find them. Just lis-" Giyuu's voice was cut short as he gripped Sanemi's arm firmly. "No, I need to protect my siblings!" Sanemi shouted desperately, his voice tinged with panic. A cold sweat drenched his body, his emotions going into circles of rage.

"Aniki!" The familiar cry pierced through the prince's mind. Sanemi whipped around, his heart pounding as he recognized the voice of his younger brother. "Genya!" he yelled, relief flooding his veins. He sprinted towards the sound, throwing his arms around Genya in a tight embrace, fighting back tears of fear.

"Where are the others?" Sanemi's voice trembled as he scanned the area."Don't worry. They're already in the car. I came back for you," Genya reassured, though his own voice shook.

Guards hurried towards the throne room, their movements frantic and urgent. The castle halls were now a battlefield of chaos and destruction.

Sanemi's anger rose uncontrollably. "Damn it! We need to get to my siblings!" He pushed forward, dragging Giyuu along with him. The tension was palpable, each step fueled by the dire need to protect his family.

They raced through the palace corridors, Tomioka's grip glued on Sanemi's arm. The prince's heart pounded fiercely as they reached the courtyard, where the royal vehicles were being urgently loaded with the young princes and princesses.

"Sanemi, get in the car!" Tomioka commanded, his eyes darting around for any sign of danger. Sanemi hesitated, his gaze scanning the area to ensure everyone was accounted for.

"Aniki, please!" Genya's pleading voice reached Sanemi's ears, his younger brother's fear striking deep. With a pained nod, Sanemi allowed Giyuu to guide him into the car.

As the vehicle sped away from the palace, Sanemi's mind spun. His fists clenched tightly, nails digging into his palms.

"We should be at the safe house soon," the chauffeur said, trying to offer reassurance to the frightened children. "Everyone will be safe there."

Sanemi nodded, but his mind was a storm of worry. The safe house, hidden deep in the dense forest, was their only refuge. Guards were stationed around its perimeter, a barrier between them and any further threat. The vehicle came to a halt, and the children were ushered inside with swift efficiency.

Inside the safe house, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. The younger children clung to one another, their faces pale and haunted. Sanemi approached them, his heart breaking at the sight of their terror. "It's okay," he said softly, though his own voice betrayed his anxiety. "We're safe here."

Tomioka remained stationed at the door, his eyes never leaving Sanemi. He could see the stress flowing through the prince's body, the weight of his responsibilities nearly overwhelming him. Giyuu's own heart ached for Sanemi.

Hours stretched painfully, each one feeling like an eternity. The news from the hospital was grim. The king was in critical condition, fighting desperately for his life. The image of his father laying in a pool of his own blood flashed in Sanemi's mind.

Turning to Tomioka, Sanemi's voice was a whisper. "What if... I have to take the throne?"

"You will," Giyuu said, stepping closer with a reassuring presence. "And you'll be a great king. But right now, focus on what you can control. Your siblings need you. I need you."

The weight of Giyuu's words hung in the air. Sanemi felt a surge of emotion, the intensity of his feelings for Giyuu overwhelming him. He nodded, determination hardening his features.

Tomioka stayed by his side. "We'll get through this," he said softly. "Together." Sanemi met Giyuu's gaze, a spark of lightning.

As the night dragged on, the safe house settled into a tense silence. Exhaustion eventually overtook the children's fear, and they drifted into uneasy sleep. Sanemi sat by the window, staring out into the darkness of the forest. Tomioka joined him, their shoulders brushing lightly.

The two sat together, the weight of the night pressing down on them.

...

"Male suspect matching description was observed in close proximity to the eldest prince of Windiria during our assassination attempt on King Kyogo. Immediately report to the queen.."

...

(lwky hate this chpt)