knight's Royal Duty || Gonkillu ||

Fun while it lasted

For the first time in what felt like years, Killua felt like himself again. There was a lightness in the air between him and Gon—an ease that had been missing during the dark months of Gon's absence. Now, with the weight of their past struggles beginning to lift, they could finally enjoy each other's company without the constant pressure hanging over them.

It started in the small moments. Simple things like their sparring sessions turning into playful bouts, with Killua finding every opportunity to trip Gon or sneak a hit when Gon was distracted. They'd laugh, mock each other, and collapse in the courtyard, breathless from both the fight and the fun. Gon was quick to retaliate, chasing Killua around the palace gardens or splashing him with water from the nearby fountain whenever they wandered too close.

One sunny afternoon, they found themselves in the palace kitchens. Killua had led them there, sneaking away from their royal duties to steal a few snacks. Gon, of course, followed, his mischievous grin mirroring Killua's.

"You sure this is a good idea?" Gon asked, eyeing the staff milling around.

Killua smirked, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth. "It's never a good idea, that's the point."

The kitchen staff, used to the prince's occasional visits, gave them knowing looks but didn't interfere. The palace chef, a grumpy man with a soft spot for Killua, pretended not to notice as the two snuck around the kitchen, stuffing their pockets with whatever they could find.

It wasn't long before Killua and Gon were back outside, lounging under the shade of a massive oak tree in the garden, their stolen snacks scattered between them.

"Remember when you couldn't stand me?" Gon teased, tossing a grape at Killua.

Killua caught it easily and popped it into his mouth, rolling his eyes. "I still can't."

"Liar."

Killua laughed, leaning back against the tree, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face. "Fine, maybe I can tolerate you now. But only because you make a good distraction."

Gon stretched out beside him, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "Distraction from what?"

"Everything." Killua closed his eyes, letting the peacefulness of the moment wash over him. "The palace. My mother. All of it."

Gon nodded, his expression turning more thoughtful. "You know, we could just run away. Forget the palace. Forget the responsibilities."

Killua snorted, cracking one eye open to look at Gon. "Oh yeah? And where would we go?"

"Anywhere," Gon said, his voice light but with a hint of sincerity. "There's a whole world out there, Killua. We could explore it. No duties. No royal titles. Just us."

For a moment, Killua let himself imagine it. The thought of leaving everything behind—his crown, his responsibilities, the ever-watchful eyes of the court—was tempting. But deep down, he knew it wasn't that simple. The weight of his lineage, the ties to his family, were too strong to cut completely. Still, the idea of a life with Gon, away from the palace, was a dream he liked to entertain, even if only for a few fleeting moments.

"Maybe one day," Killua said softly, his gaze drifting to the horizon.

Gon smiled, but Killua could tell he wasn't going to push the idea. They both knew that, for now at least, their place was here.

As the days passed, their lightheartedness continued. They spent more time together, sneaking out of the palace grounds to explore the surrounding countryside, racing each other across the meadows, or climbing the rocky hills that lined the outskirts of the kingdom. It was as though they were trying to make up for the lost year, savoring every moment of freedom they could find.

One late afternoon, after a particularly heated sparring match that ended with both of them covered in mud, Killua and Gon collapsed in the grass, laughing uncontrollably.

"I can't believe you tackled me into that puddle," Killua gasped between breaths, wiping mud from his face.

Gon grinned, completely unrepentant. "You had it coming."

Killua shoved him playfully, sending Gon rolling down the small hill. Gon's laughter echoed across the field as he tumbled, and Killua shook his head, smiling despite himself.

But as the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the hills, something shifted in the air. The warmth of the afternoon began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of unease that Killua couldn't quite place. He sat up, glancing at Gon, who had come to a stop at the bottom of the hill, staring up at the sky.

"Do you feel that?" Killua asked, frowning as he scanned the horizon.

Gon's smile faded, and he pushed himself up, his gaze sharp now. "Yeah. Something's off."

They both stood, the playfulness from moments ago forgotten. Killua's instincts were on high alert. He had learned long ago to trust his gut, and right now, it was telling him that something wasn't right.

The air felt thick, charged with an energy that was neither natural nor familiar. Killua's eyes darted to the tree line at the edge of the field. A figure emerged—cloaked, hooded, and moving with purpose.

Gon's posture shifted, tense and ready. "Who's that?"

Killua narrowed his eyes. "I don't know, but I don't like it."

The figure stopped a few paces away from them, and for a moment, the world seemed to still. Killua's heart raced, adrenaline surging through him. He glanced at Gon, who was already positioning himself between Killua and the stranger, his protective instincts kicking in.

The figure reached up and lowered their hood, revealing a familiar face that made Killua's blood run cold.

It was one of the royal advisors—one of his mother's most trusted aides.

"Prince Killua," the man said, his voice smooth but laced with a cold authority. "Your presence is requested immediately."

Killua's jaw clenched. He knew what that meant. Whatever peace he and Gon had found over the past few months was about to be shattered.

"I don't recall being summoned," Killua said, his voice sharp.

The advisor didn't flinch. "This is not a request."

Gon stepped forward, his expression hardening. "You don't have to talk to him like that."

The advisor's gaze flicked to Gon, his expression unreadable. "This is royal business, Guard. Stay in your place."

Killua's fists tightened at his sides, anger bubbling up inside him. He hated the way these advisors spoke down to Gon, as if he was nothing more than a tool to be used. He hated the way they dismissed him, treating him like a child when he was the crown prince.

But more than anything, he hated the feeling in the pit of his stomach—the sense that whatever was happening next was going to change everything.

"What's this about?" Killua demanded, his voice colder now.

The advisor's eyes glinted with something dark, something that made Killua's skin crawl. "There have been... developments. Your mother requires your immediate attention."

Killua's heart sank. His mother.

He exchanged a look with Gon, and in that moment, they both knew that whatever fun they had been having, whatever freedom they had been clinging to, was over.

"Fine," Killua said, his voice steady despite the unease gnawing at him. "Lead the way."

The advisor nodded and turned, heading back toward the palace. Killua and Gon followed, their earlier laughter a distant memory. As they walked, Killua couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much bigger—something darker.

And for the first time in a long while, Killua felt truly afraid.