Author’s Note: This will be a rather short chapter. I’m sorry guys! I’ve had SO. MUCH. HOMEWORK. I still do, but I needed a break. :3

                Thank you!

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Tao’s feet timidly walked down the dark-red carpeted halls of the castle.  His footsteps echoed down the hallways, but his frustration wasn’t fading whatsoever.

                What the hell is Jongdae talking about?!

                He bit his lip to resist himself from shouting in frustration, and bowed respectively to the other servants walking past him.  Tao felt his body temperature rise as his feelings for his dear prince began to go haywire.  Hell, his feelings have been crazy for years.  Confess to Prince Yi Fan?

                Jongdae sure is getting old.

                Tao sighed and hurried down the hall, the platter with the tea on it held gently between his fingertips.  Love sure is a hurtful thing.  He still couldn’t believe he developed feelings for Yi Fan in the first place.  Why couldn’t he fall in love with the pretty maids in the castle, like Jessica for example? She’s pretty, she’s nice, she can clean, and most importantly she can cook.

                But Yi Fan beat all of those aspects.

                Tao turned the corner and immediately heard shouting bounce all around the walls.  Panic grew within him as he realized it was Prince Yixing.  He couldn’t blame Yixing for shouting though.  He would be pissed if anyone just came in uninvited and proposed that he wants to marry his sister.

                As Tao drew closer to the room they are both in talking—no—shouting in, their voices were more audible.  Yixing’s usual soft and collected voice was booming with authority and power, and it caused goose bumps to erupt all over Tao’s tanned skin.

-

                “Like hell will I let you marry my sister!” Yixing spat at Yi Fan, whose face was completely unfazed. “I would never let her marry someone like you.”

                “Like me?” Kris sneered, narrowing his eyes. “Last time I checked, I aided your country in our most recent war.  No, we aided each other, but you asked for help first.  Screw the fact that you’re apparently the world’s world power, but without us, you would be in the dust.  I have no intentions of ruining any treaties between our countries, but rather, tie us together more.”

                “So a loveless marriage.” Yixing breathed out a little quietly, his tone still dark.  His black hair was beginning to plaster to his skin as he began to sweat. “That’s what you want.”

                Kris shook his head, “As much as I don’t want to say this, but I’ve always had a soft spot for your sister.”

                “You little—“

                “Your sister is nineteen for heaven’s sake, and her birthday is near isn’t it? She’ll be a woman soon.” Kris started to get defensive. “And she’s around the age where all princesses marry so countries like ours grow stronger.  That’s all the world is about now; power.  Love died so many years ago when the First World War broke out and nearly annihilated my country.”

                Yixing’s eyes stared straight into Kris, and even though Kris didn’t show it, he was feeling very intimidated.  Yixing takes after his father rather well, and it’s scary.  They both can cast fear upon anybody, anytime, but normally they are the sweetest and calmest people around.

                “It’s been fourteen years, Yixing.  They’ll strike back again to make sure they get what they want this time.  Technology is a million times better at this day and age.  I do like your sister. I like her a lot, so I can promise you it won’t be a loveless marriage.  But I want our countries to be tied strongly together so we can fight off this force with even greater power.”

                Yixing let his words seep down his pores and straight to his soul.  Right in front of him, Kris appeared to be so sincere and serious, unlike all the other times when he sees him dicking around and such.  Sweat beaded down Kris’s forehead,and the light caught his blonde hair, illuminating his surroundings.

                Can Yixing trust him?     

                Yixing opened his mouth, but there was a knock out the door.  He turned towards the door and saw it slowly open, a shiny leather shoe step in which a platter of tea followed afterwards.

                “Pardon my intrusion,” Kris’s handsome butler, Tao, spoke in a shaky voice.  Yixing tilted his head to the side as he noticed that the butler isn’t raising his eyes and meeting his like he usually does.  Well, he does that to everyone.  But this time he isn’t making eye contact.

                “I have brought tea, your Highnesses,” Tao’s voice wasn’t its usual brightness. “It is Vultaria’s signature and extremely popular white-rose tea.”

                “Thank you, Tao,” Yixing’s mood lifted up again as Tao’s innocent eyes met his and Tao grinned.  The butler bowed and turned to leave, but Yixing held his hand up.  The butler froze in his spot and faced the prince, confusion all over his face.

                “Yes, your Highness?”

                “Where is Jongdae?”

                Tao sucked in his cheeks for a quick second before answering, “He is preparing our vehicle for transportation back to Lao Tien Yah Empire because…” Tao drifted off, averting his gaze to the ground.

                Yixing’s heart fell softer for the butler, “Because?”

                “Prince Kris’s ball for him to pick a fiancée is in a few hours and we must make haste back to it if we want him and the other princes to look their finest.  Plus, I must make amends with their Majesties as well to ensure everything will run smoothly.” Tao exhaled deeply and Yixing nodded.

                Last minute engagements right?              

                Yixing motioned Tao to leave with a smile on his face, and he watched the butler bow and leave the office.  Yixing turned to Kris, who had a broad grin on his face.

                “What’re you smiling at?”

                “Are you always only nice to Tao?” Kris mused.

                “I’m nice to everyone.”

                “Sometimes you’re a complete dick to your own butler, Jongdae. But not just him, but to the other princes as well, like Luhan. God, that’s hilarious,” Kris chuckled and he flashed his perfect white teeth at Yixing. “It’s like you have a crush on Tao.”

                Yixing’s heart started to race but he shook his head, “Tao is not like other butlers.  He’s the youngest, he’s quiet, and looks very fragile.”

                “Not like other butlers,” Kris teased.

                Yixing fumed, “Kris!”

                Kris laughed and it rang out clearly, “Well, I hope you take my proposition well.  I want to marry Mei very, very much.  I’ll know your answer if you and her show up at my engagement party.” Kris walked to where the tea was and held the tea cup gingerly, bringing it to his lips and sipping the warm and delicious brew. “I’ll do anything to make sure we’re together.”

                “Anything?” Yixing hissed, glancing to the side at Kris.

                “Anything.” Kris finalized. “I’ll take my leave right now. I hope to see you in a few hours, handsome and all.”

                Yixing watched Kris put his tea cup down, but the giant disappeared as he walked out of his office.  The prince of Vultaria clenched his hands into fists and furrowed his eyebrows.  To ensure the safety of his country and to make sure Mei will marry as a woman is one of his greatest goals.  He would have never guessed that an option to make that true will be with Kris.

                There’s only one plus side to this, and that’s Kris has Tao.

                The one who easily stole his heart without even knowing.

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Hm, I wonder how this will turn out?

                What do you guys think?

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