30-day OTP challenge: NaguSuzu

#13 - pt. 1: In a fairytale

Alriiiiiiight... before you dive head-first into #13, I have some warnings:

- some homophobia
- side pairing of Touko x Rika (my gorls omg)
- it's hella long, there will probably be 2-3 parts omg
- nothing major or NaguSuzu-related actually happens in part 1? but please read it ;-;

Okay that's all, enjoy!

♡ ♡ ♡

"... The fate of our kingdoms rests in your hands!"

Nagumo looked down at the fleshy, bejeweled fingers that were clutching onto his robes and suppressed a sigh. It wasn't actually true. The fates of these kingdoms have nothing to do with each other, and they certainly have nothing to do with him either. Maybe it was because he'd heard this phrase too many times? Nagumo supposed that's what it means to be a prince. Worshipped for his royal blood, praised for his good looks, and sought after for the doubtlessly inborn ability to rescue helpless princesses from vile dragons.

It wasn't like he was complaining. He would like to put his talents to good use — helping the people, winning wars... yes, even rescuing princesses. The only drawback was the fact that he is gayer than hell itself.

He hadn't told anyone. Of course he hadn't. No one would accept a prince that doesn't like princesses. Nagumo has heard rumors of his own brother, Hiroto, who was almost made a bastard by their own parents, when he brought up the idea of being with another man. It took a lot of effort and lies to get him to where he was right now, preparing for his engagement with a princess of yet another neighboring kingdom. They had met her once, the whole family; and though Nagumo didn't totally hate her like he thought he would, he still knew that no woman could ever satisfy Hiroto, ever change him "for the better" like their parents' wishes.

So, yes. He was going to go rescue this princess. He was going to bring her back safely to her parents, and then perhaps ask for her hand, and then try his best to live his life as void of arguments and "the wrong kind of sexual longing" as possible.

Wasn't your fate supposed to rest in your own hands? He hated the fact that some could be decided by other people instead.

"Do not worry, your Highness." Nagumo replied, patting the despairing king's hand for good measure. "I shall slay the despicable dragon and bring princess Rika back safe and sound. You can count on me."

"Th-thank you! Thank you!" The king seemed like he was trying to hold back tears. Nagumo let his guards calm him, before turning to his own father, announcing in his usual flat and princely voice:

"Your Majesty, I would like permission to depart at once. A moment's delay could cost the princess her life."

"Very well. You have my permission... and blessing." The King smiled fondly at him, and Nagumo wondered when the last time he gave Hiroto the same smile was. Deciding to stop plaguing himself with such thoughts, the red-haired prince stood and began his way to the armory, determined to get this princess back to her father. Potential love interest or not... a life was still a life, and there was not a moment to waste.

***

Getting off of his horse, Nagumo gave the poor animal an encouraging pat on the neck. Truth be told, he could probably use one himself. His small crew with ten other men had been seeing a rapid decline in numbers as they rode further and further into the dragon's territory. There was barely any heat or sunshine during the day, most of the natural water sources were frozen, and heavy snowfall coupled with the already rough terrain made it extremely hard to travel fast, much less hunt or make camp, or even build a fire. Eventually, all of the men got sick or injured, and only their prince made it to the dragon's hideout. It was a tough journey, to say the least.