Guarded Whispers (GiyuuSane)

25

"Giyuu," Sanemi began, his voice soft but strained, "I need to tell you something important."

The king's chambers were dimly lit, the only light coming from the lamps scattered around the room.

The sudden tension in the room was palpable, an invisible barrier that neither of them had dared to cross. The silence was broken then by the bodyguard.

Tomioka raised his head from his lover's shoulder, his expression unreadable. "What is it?"

Sanemi hesitated, knowing how his next words would affect Giyuu. "I have a meeting with Princess Kanae tomorrow." Tomioka's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of anger crossing his face. "Why?"

Sanemi moved slightly, sitting closer to face Tomioka. "We need to discuss our engagement. There are political matters that we need to address."

Tomioka's jaw tightened, his voice low and tense. "So you're going to discuss your future with her? While I stand here, waiting?"

The king sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Giyuu, it's not like that. It's about the kingdom. I have to make sure everything is secure and stable."

Tomioka's eyes flashed with anger, his fists clenching at his sides. "And what about us? Do we mean nothing compared to your precious kingdom?"

Sanemi's expression hardened, a mixture of frustration and hurt. "Of course you mean something to me! But I have responsibilities, Giyuu. I can't just ignore them because of how I feel."

Tomioka took a step closer, his voice rising. "So you're just going to marry her, then? Pretend like everything between us doesn't matter?"

Sanemi's eyes darkened, his own anger flaring. "It's not that simple! You think I want this!? You think I enjoy having to make these decisions!?"

Tomioka's eyes blazed with a mixture of hurt and fury. "Maybe you do. Maybe you care more about being king than about being with me."

Sanemi's hands clenched into fists, his voice cold. "That's not fair, Giyuu. You know how much I care about you."

Tomioka shook his head, his voice trembling with emotion. "Do I? Because right now, it feels like I'm just going to get thrown away."

Sanemi's shoulders sagged, the weight of the argument pressing down on him. "I don't know how to make you understand. I'm trying to do what's best for everyone."

Tomioka turned away, his voice barely a whisper. "Maybe you should figure out what's best for you first."

Sanemi reached out, his hand hovering just above Tomioka's shoulder, but he couldn't bring himself to touch him. "Giyuu..."

Tomioka stepped away, moving towards the door. "I need some air," he muttered, his voice cold.

Sanemi watched helplessly as Tomioka left the room, the door closing with a soft click. The silence that followed was deafening, the unresolved tension hanging in the air like a heavy fog. Sanemi sank into his bed, burying his face in his hands.

꒰ 🦍 ꒱

The next afternoon, the palace was abuzz with activity. Sanemi sat in his study, waiting for Princess Kanae's arrival. His mind was still hovering over the previous night's argument, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

When Kanae finally entered, she was graceful and composed, her presence bringing a warm smile. Sanemi stood to greet her, offering a polite bow. "Princess Kanae, thank you for coming."

Kanae gave her usual bubbly smile, her eyes kind but curious. "King Sanemi, it's a pleasure to see you!"

As they sat down to discuss the matters of their political status, Tomioka stood at the back of the room, his expression stormy.