We'll Never be Royals

✥︎ 1 ✥︎

Winters of Red

Akaashi Keiji
Present Day

The kingdom was coated in white, the winter breeze chilling down the air and frosting the villages. Keiji watched from the window in his bedroom, high above from the east wing of the Castle. He only got to see a part of the village, the rest of his view being the ocean, far below the cliff that the palace clung on to.

Winters were always so beautiful and they were Keiji's favorite season... that was, until the war. It's only been a few years since it started, he still remembered the day hundreds of Fukurodani soldiers seized their land, killing and slaughtering his people. That day, the snow was stained crimson red, leaving a harsh memory, and a promise for more heart break.

Keiji's kingdom was big, though not as big as the many neighboring Kingdoms. And definitely not big enough to stand a chance against the Kingdoms spread across the whole land. The people of his kingdom used to be so lively, throwing festivals day and night for whatever celebration they could think of. They lived peacefully, separating themselves from the rest of the world with tall, stone walls.

"The world is tainted in sin," his father told him, "when my great grandfather built those walls, he did it for the sake of his kingdom, our people, and their innocence. Purity is the most beautiful thing in this filthy world."

Innocence and purity did nothing for them against weapons and fire.

Akaashi sighed, eyes murky as he watched their soldiers return, bloodied and crippled. There was less than half the amount returning than they sent out.

Instead of celebrations held in their return, people mourned the hundreds of lives lost. They weeped over lost sons and husbands. Some nights, as Keiji laid in his bed, the crying haunted him, the splattered blood and severed bodies.

He dreamt of Akinori, a man whom he loved.

Keiji's fingertips pressed against the window, the cool glass sending shivers through his fingers. Sometimes, he could still feel the older man's fingers curling between his own.

A tear slid down his pale cheek, leaving a trail in it's wake.

There was a loud knock against the large, wooden doors before it barely cracked open. Akaashi hastily wiped the tear with the sleeve of his white, soft robes as he fixed his posture, sitting tall. Keiji watched as Kaname bowed his head, hands held behind his back.

"Your Grace," he said, voice quiet and soft. Keiji eyed the letter that was carefully held in one hand. He immediately recognized the teal and gold seal. Keiji felt himself smile, body filled with warmth. "The courier arrived with a letter for you."

Keiji held out his hand, the long sleeves of his robe falling over his palm. Kaname placed the letter on his hand, bowed, and then left. Akaashi held the envelope with a certain delicacy, examining the rich paper before carefully peeling it open.

To my dearest friend and cousin, Keiji,

Happy birthday, cousin! Though I can only assume this letter will arrive a few days too late.

It has felt like a lifetime since we last exchanged letters! And another lifetime since we've seen each other in person. Theres so much that I have to share with you, Keiji, far too much to be written in a letter. Which brings me to my first great news!

I'm sure you are aware of the celebration being held for, yours truly, me! For my seventeenth birthday! It's exiting, isn't it? My father's only son, finally of age to carry on as ruler for the kingdom of Seijou. Can you believe it?! It is all quite exciting.

This letter is your invitation to my consecration, my sweet Keiji. I wouldn't dream of celebrating without my closest friend by my side. And once you are here, we have much to catch up on.

(I found myself a secret lover)

But all the glorious details must wait, for I want to see you're reactions for myself! I hope to see you, Keiji... I miss you truly and I pray for you constantly. Please stay safe for the next seven months, I can't bare the thought of never seeing you again.

With much love,
Tooru

Keiji smiles down at the letter, eyes set with unshed tears of happiness. It always was a pleasure hearing from Tooru. The two have known one another since birth. Their mother's are sisters, and their kingdoms used to hold a great alliance.

After the passing of Tooru's mother, his father grew distant. While they still held an alliance, it was more of a mutual agreement to stay out of conflict with one another. Which was one of the few reasons Lord Oikawa refuses to help their kingdom in their war. Tooru promised to help as much as he could once he became ruler, and the thought alone filled Keiji's heart with warmth.

He read the letter again, and it was almost as if he could hear Tooru's voice clearly. He quirked an eyebrow as he read over the small mention of a lover, let alone a secret lover. Keiji knew well that Tooru could be quite rebellious... but a secret lover? Keiji only pray whoever this lover was was worth the risk of Tooru's reputation.

He grimaced.

How foolish of his cousin, to fall for someone forbidden. He chuckled at the silliness of it, how well it fit the brunet to do such a thing.

...how foolish of himself.

His happiness was only short lived when once again, there was a knock on the door. This time, it was his mother. She stood in his doorway, face grim and pallid. Just like Everything else in this kingdom. Only, his mother always stood out in their bleak little kingdom, because she never was grim. She was the only source of light left in these dark times, and seeing her look so dismal filled Keiji with utter dread.

"Keiji," she whispered, tears threatening to fall from where they hung onto her lashes, "you're father must speak with you"

—

Oooh, I'm really excited for this one. First off, yes, this is a multi ship. Some ships will be focused more on than others, but I'll try to give all of them their share fill.

Some main ships will be:

BokuAka
IwaOi
DaiSuga
KuroKen

I'm really excited for this and I hope you are too! Please keep in mind any warnings I put in chapters. This ficus based in the medieval age and so there will be some dark themes.

Some things to keep in mind is ages of characters and whatnot. In the Middle Ages, it was very normal for children and young teens to be married. Many of the characters will be 14-16 while some will be in their early twenties. I'll try to minimize the age gaps as much as I can, though.

If that makes you uncomfortable, though, then I'm sad to say that this may not be the right story for you.

Other than that, I do really hope you all enjoy this story! I'm pretty excited, I've always loved the Middle Ages and I've always wanted to write something based in that era. And this being an omega-verse will make it even more fun I think.

-Bumble