Empire 《Mikayuu/YuuMika》

⥈ Chapter Fifteen ⥈

Winter faded into spring, and Mikaela enjoyed all the colors that were gradually coming to life, whether it be a green cluster of grass or the budding of leaves on trees. The sky seemed more vibrant, and the clouds looked fluffier.

He was excited to see Yuuichirou, and to wander off into the woods with him.

Even if he needed a guard to follow him around, per his mother's orders, he wouldn't mind. He could easily lose him in a crowd, anyway.

He pulled on his shoes and a light overcoat before leaving his room and effervescently descending the stairs. The whole world seemed so much brighter.

After a delicious breakfast, he announced to his mother that he was going out. He expected her to order one of the knights to follow him out the door, but, to his surprise, she took a dainty bite of her food and sent him off, without a warning or hint of disapproval.

It seemed that his mother was in a good mood, too.

He left the castle, and decided to pay his friend a visit at the training grounds, where the men were congregated. It seemed they were jousting, Mikaela figured, as they were all sporting long, colorful poles and had their horses nearby.

Mikaela wondered if they would allow him to join, but they would probably go easy on him due to his prominent stature. He huffed in annoyance. That would not be fun at all.

He climbed the hill, looking for Yuuichirou in the crowd of men and horses. Eventually, he saw the sturdy, black steed among the others, with Yuuichirou's untameable mane beside him.

Yuuichirou seemed nervous, yet self-assured by his expression and the way he was standing. He turned his head to Guren, who had called his name, and he pulled his helmet over his hair. He climbed up on his horse, and faced another knight, a tall man with a spotted horse.

"Yuu-chan!" Mikaela shouted, and Yuuichirou looked over at him, surprised at his presence. "You can do it, Yuu-chan!"

Yuuichirou's posture straightened, now filled with confidence.

"Your starting positions, men," Shinya called, overseeing the match. "Ready... Go!"

The two men leaned forward, gripping their poles tight as the horses darted through the grassy field. Mikaela could not keep his eyes off Yuuichirou. He looked so brave and noble, like the knight he always wanted to become.

As they neared each other, the prince was filled with suspense. He cheered on Yuuichirou to himself in a quiet murmur, hoping not to distract him. Soon, the pole of Yuuichirou's pole caught the mail of the other man's shoulders and knocked him off his horse.

Mikaela cheered in victory, not minding the other men's reactions to his presence, but rather focused on Yuuichirou.

Yuuichirou slowed to a halt and turned his horse around before dismounting and making his way to the other man, who was clearly upset by his defeat. Yuuichirou took off his helmet, shaking out his raven hair, and offered a hand to the other man, who hesitated, then accepted it. He lifted him from the grass and clapped him on the back.

"Good match."

"Good match," said the other man with great difficulty, taking off his helmet, as well. Mikaela recognized him to be Kimizuki, the man Yuuichirou always complained about.

The next match begun, and Yuuichirou snuck his way over to the prince, obviously excited about his victory.

"Good morning, Mika. Did you come to watch me practice?"

"I actually came to see you. Watching you practice is just a part of it. Congratulations for the win. You performed well."

He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks."

"When you're finished, would you like to take a walk in the forest?"

"I could probably go now. My match is over."

Mikaela beamed. "Okay."

Yuuichirou led his horse back to the stables and met Mikaela by a large, lone tree that overlooked the forest.

"Ready?" Yuuichirou asked.

Mikaela nodded, and Yuuichirou looked around to see if anyone was nearby before planting a kiss on Mikaela's lips. Mikaela's hands flew to his hair, and he was pushed back against the tree by the force of the kiss.

It lasted for several seconds before Yuuichirou pulled away. "I apologize. I missed you."

Mikaela smiled and pulled him back into another kiss. "I missed you too."

Yuuichirou reached for one of Mikaela's hands and intertwined their fingers, and he led him off towards the woods.

"You're so lovely, Mika," Yuuichirou mused, almost to himself, and Mikaela drew in closer to him, almost leaning against his shoulder as they walked, swinging their intertwined hands between them.

"And you're so handsome. A brave, noble knight."

"I won that match because of you."

"No, you won it all by yourself."

"You being there definitely helped."

"I'm sure it did."

Yuuichirou smiled and kissed him again.

Mikaela knew their relationship was a lot greater than a mere friendship, but he couldn't place a term for it. They could've been lovers, but he wasn't sure if Yuuichirou wanted to be. He cared greatly for him, but he was uncertain of the future, where his mother would place him. Would he be married, and Yuuichirou sent off to a faraway land to fight in the name of the kingdom? He didn't want to say goodbye, especially now.

Yuuichirou caught the uncertainty in the prince's eyes and kissed his nose. "Don't ponder too much, Mika. Who knows where you will go if you contemplate too deeply."

He knew he was right, and he gave him a smile.

"Are you my lover, Yuu-chan?"

Yuuichirou didn't hesitate. "I am whatever you want me to be, Mika."

He gave him a boyish smile that Mikaela couldn't help but return.

They stayed out all morning, and the majority of the afternoon, wandering around the forest before Mikaela thought to return.

He bade his lover goodbye with a tender kiss, then watched him hop over the garden wall.

He strode up to the castle to see an unfamiliar carriage near the entrance, guarded by a bulky, strange-looking man with deep red hair and playful eyes, which kind of reminded him of Ferid's.

Confused, he walked into the throne room, seeing his mother sitting regally before him. He bowed, then began to ask his question.

"Mother, do we have guests?"

His mother looked pleased. With a smile, she answered, "Yes we do, Mikaela."

She gestured a delicate hand to a young lady with light brown hair that cascaded down her shoulders.

"Mikaela, meet Princess Akane of Nagoya."

"It's my pleasure," he nodded respectfully at her. "What is the occasion?"

"Marriage, Mikaela," Queen Krul announced. "She is to be your wife."