After breakfast, of which Rei spent the majority kissing and hugging (Y/n) greatly, the blonde reluctantly parted with her to tend to his responsibilities. There was much clinging done by him, claiming he needed his "cupcake" to focus. Of course, he was denied due to the fact that no one believed him. He would only have been distracted, either kissing her or waiting for her to look or speak to him.

His father remained, his mother going off to accompany Rei during his work. There was an awkward silence between the two, the man focused on reading his novel or occasionally taking a sip of what appeared to be tea. The younger girl felt largely uncomfortable, holding her hand in her lap and focusing on a certain spot on her elegant dress. The feeling of uncertainty increased as the man's eyes trailed on her, looking her over as if to assess her worth.

"I am grateful," the man said, ending his sentence there.

"W-What for?" the (h/c) haired girl asked, stuttering to exemplify her fear of the powerful and intimidating man.

The man smirked at hearing the younger girl's voice and let out a low chuckle that almost shook her to the core. There was an awkward silence afterward, only the sound of servants' or other people's feet rushing about to prepare for the coronation. Still, it was the man's silence that greatly unnerved the younger girl, prompting shivers to run up her spine in the most uncomfortable way. The man's eyes trailed once more to her, his smirk widening as if he was greatly amused, then returning to his novel.

"Rei would be quite upset to know you've spoken in his absence. Let us keep this our little secret."

The man returned to silence, his smirk fading into a focused gaze on the paper of the book. His eyes skimmed the book, taking in what it had written in it, but he left the younger girl alone. Feeling chilled with that fact, the (h/c) haired girl stood up and promptly left. She was obviously not allowed to be left unsupervised, guards following her. Though they were temporary, her real guards were being chosen later that same day by Rei and they served as a temporary substitute.

(Y/n) was forbidden to go outside of the castle grounds, not even allowed to go near the sight of the gate that separated the castle from the public streets. Rei's explanation was that someone would try to insult her or harm her. Of course, the true idea behind it was that he didn't want anyone laying eyes on her before he officially claimed her as his. Still, he was rather strict about it.

Of all places to go, the younger girl rather enjoyed the garden. It was large and expansive, going on for as far as the eye could see. The main part was what the (h/c) haired girl truly loved about it. There were neatly kept vines and hedges, even a small maze. It was a secure place and often had the most colorful of butterflies fluttering about, their lively wings brightening the atmosphere.

"Ah," a gasp sounded, coming from behind the younger girl, "It's been a while, young miss."

The (h/c) haired girl turned around, coming face to face with an orange-haired male with vibrantly teal-colored eyes. He had a soft and kind smile on his face, his face as pale a white as a corpse. Bags were under his eyes signifying something was amiss with him, but still, he held a kind aura. He was simply overjoyed to be out in the garden even if he was surrounded by countless staff, some of which were trained doctors.

"Orion," the girl said, stumbling over her feet to bow to the boy.

"No, please don't," the older boy said, a concerned expression on his face, "I always feel so guilty about that. I wish you wouldn't treat me like some kind of..."

"Crown prince?" the (h/c) haired girl finished, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"I won't be after today," the male beamed, giving a small chuckle.

His laughs soon turned to violent coughs, the orange-haired boy falling to the ground, blood falling from his mouth. He coughed it up, more on its way as his doctors rushed to his aid. His body became weak, his limbs, his hands, even his fingertips stopped working, shutting down on him even if he tried to fight against it. The orange-haired male seemed in pain, yet was unfazed by it, so used to the feeling of agony.

"I apologize for this," he flinched, letting out a heavy sigh.

"You don't have to talk," the younger girl frowned, trying to support him while letting the doctors have space to help him, "Is there anything I can do for you? No, don't answer that, conserve your strength. I'll...um..."

Orion chuckles, but it's weak, his strength having already left his body and sapping the rest of it. Though he couldn't tell her, he was grateful just for letting her be there for him. She was a refreshing presence, someone that treated him kindly without pitying him. To him, she was a great companion, one that could cheer him up, not that he was ever able to spend much time with her. Rei wasn't quite too fond of any males spending time with her.

As the doctors picked him up in a stretcher they already had prepared, the orange-haired male gave a weak wave to the girl. He hadn't planned on leaving as soon as he came, wanting to adventure in the garden, but things never did turn out very well for him. The younger girl was left alone again, the guards behind her not keen on saying a thing. They knew very well that Rei would have their heads for talking to her.

(Y/n) was left alone for the most part, her main source of conversation or companionship being Rei and maybe a few of his relatives. Still, for the most part, people avoided her. They greatly feared the blonde and didn't want to seem as though they were crossing him. The younger girl understood the fear. She was greatly intimidated and scared by the things he had done all for the sake of his love for her.

The (h/c) haired girl let out a sigh as she thought of the male, walking along with the garden and letting herself gaze upon the exotic and perfectly grown flowers. They were made so beautifully, just for members of the royal family to admire and brag about them. Sometimes, it was open to the public, but for the most part, it was shut off and only accessible to those closest to the crown.

The small butterflies fluttering their wings were soaring around the beautiful, almost magical area, spinning and flipping and landing on the prettiest of roses. It didn't matter the color or the size, just the adoring fragrance of the perfect flora, adorning it with their lovely selves. Perhaps a few ladybugs would fly by and grace a leaf with their bright red or orange colors, their dots appearing like it was a strawberry perched on a verdant green vine.

It must have been forever the younger girl spent adoring the garden that seemed more like a secret paradise. She was instructed by the guards that she was needed in the throne room, escorting her to the decadent-filled room with gold and marble. Almost instantly, she saw the blonde discussing something with one of his advisors. He was incredibly focused, a stern look on his face as if he was nervous about his upcoming speech.

"(Y/n)," the blonde said, surprised, turning his full attention to the (h/c) haired girl, "I'm glad you're here. I'm feeling so super stressed. Come here and give me a nice hug, pretty please?"

The younger girl had no want to disregard the male's desires, stepping forward into his arms and letting him embrace her tightly. A small sigh escaped his lips to show his relief, another one coming to show his affection for her. He nuzzled her greatly, placing a kiss on her cheek then her forehead, then her neck. The blonde couldn't seem to find a favorite place to kiss her, always and constantly changing his mind.

When he pulled away, he walked in a circle around the (h/c) haired girl, assessing her with great detail. She was beautiful, there was no doubt about it in his mind, but he wanted her to be so captivating that someone couldn't turn away. Sure, it would make him incredibly jealous, but he wanted to feel the same pride he always had when he was with her except amplified. He especially needed to show her glorious form in front of millions of his subjects to make sure they accepted her without complaint.

"Do you think you should have more gold? Jewels?" the male asked, worry written on his face as he gave small grunts of discontent, "How about we get your hair done? Yes, that should be good. No tiara just yet, but it'll come before you know it."

The blonde took the younger girl to their room, setting her down in front of the makeup mirror. He rather preferred she didn't wear any makeup, finding her natural self to be more breathtaking, but if she wanted it, he wouldn't go against it. The blonde let some of her maids do her hair, watching to ensure they did a perfect job that suited (Y/n). He was also able to make sure he liked the hairdo as he could be rather picky about appearances.

"Well done. You look so very beautiful, cupcake," he smiled, complimenting the maids on their work well done, "I think we can meet up with my parents now, so let's move on! Don't worry about the cameras or the questions people will ask. I'll handle it. All you need to do is hold my hand, alright?"

The girl nodded, but he gave a saddened expression, pressing his thumb to her lips and caressing her cheek with his other hand. He looked into her eyes with a pleading look almost as if he was asking something of her. She understood what he wanted from her, but was terrified to speak to him. There was no telling what he would do or if he would hate what she had to say or the way she said it. Remaining quiet was her way of protecting herself from things she thought he would do even when he would never hurt her.

"Won't you please just say something small for me?" Rei asked, his voice quiet and his expression concerned yet calm, "Tell me...tell me you love me. Or just my name if it's too much for you. It'll make me very happy."

(Y/n) paused, tensing just slightly, her eyes going to the ground instead of looking up at the blonde's stunning violet eyes. His eyes drooped as did his heart, thinking he had ruined the relationship he wanted between himself and the girl he loved to death and back. He gave a sympathetic and understanding smile as he caressed her to apologize for asking something too far-reaching from her. Still, she placed her shaky hand on his, giving a small smile that shivered and a little nod.

"Rei," she said quietly, her voice timid, but clear.

The blonde was overjoyed with the sound of her stunning voice, lifting her into the air and holding her in his arms. It had been so long since he'd heard it that it was like a door was opening for him. Some kind of hope rushed into himself, prompting him to aspire moving closer to the (h/c) haired girl. He already knew he was hers, but the idea that she would be his spiraled him into bliss and paradise.

"I love you so very much, cupcake!" he said, overjoyed, stealing a kiss or two, "You're the cutest little thing! I should reward you for letting me hear that dazzling voice of yours. What would be just right for you? Uhm, I know. If you tell me what you want, I'll let you have it."

The (h/c) haired girl looked to the side. She wasn't all that comfortable with talking so casually to Rei. He'd killed before, that she knew, and he would kill again, especially if it got in the way of him getting what he wanted. That fact terrified her and prevented her from being able to let out little more than a squeak when she was in his presence. He had said he only wanted her to love him and get the voices out of his head, but she didn't know how to do it at will. She feared the day when she wouldn't be enough and he would dispose of her.

"So you don't want anything...?" the blonde male asked, tilting his head just slightly to the side before his face lit up, "Ah! I know what that means! It means you just want me, right? Oh, this is perfect! You're falling for me, you are! All my dreams are coming true~!"

Letting out a sultry chuckle, he stole a passionate kiss from (Y/n), taking her breath away with his skill at making her feel great affection. Even if for just a moment, he had put her at ease in his presence, something that she found odd and strange, but incredibly welcome at the same time. The blonde gave a gasp in her mouth, reveling in the pleasure he received even when she wasn't kissing back. He could only imagine the sheer paradise he'd be sent to when she did. It sent shivers up his spine, prompting him to lick his lips.

"I think it's time for our appearance now, honey," Rei said, his tone becoming calmer and more distant, yet not less affectionate towards the (h/c) haired girl, "Hold onto my arm while we meet up with my parents."

(Y/n) did as the older male said, tucking one of her arms under his and holding it tightly. The blonde smiled widely - though it was more of a smirk - and used his hand to tilt her head up ever-so-slightly. It came with a nonverbal message, of course. He wanted her to be proud of who he was and that she was at his side. So as he led her towards the outside where a podium and row of seats were set up, he held a confident and ready grin.

He knew that no one would dare linger their gaze on his cupcake very long or else he would have to cut them down. The thought amused him greatly, watching as their faces twisted while they were tormented with great pain and agony. Crying out with screams, pleads, and begging would only encourage his sickening actions. Torture would definitely be in the cards as well. Rei couldn't help but let out a snicker at what was in store for any unlucky person he deemed was eyeing his future queen.

As they walked out onto the elevated podium, the two were met with a long mob of reporters and photographers waiting to capture history. There were a few nobles there, but most of them already knew the news, only there for posterity and to show their loyalty to their next king. Clicks and flashes were heard from the curious people that saw the blonde walk out. Everyone already knew who he was, how could they not?

The male was already well known throughout his kingdom, not only for his talented self but because of his charisma and charm. His handsome appearance didn't hurt either. However, the reporters were more curious about the young lady on his arm, someone they didn't recognize. Some theorized she was a noble's daughter, others believed her to be a childhood friend of his. It didn't stop them from asking anyway, their questions coming rapidly and unforgivingly, almost demanding answers from the blonde.

"Who is this woman with you?!"

"Duke Hoshino, it is an honor to be at a high-ranking noble's side! You are the grandson of the former queen, after all! Is she a concubine of yours?!"

"Sir Rei, what is this groundbreaking news you've called the nation to hear?! Is it concerning dear Prince Orion?! Has something befallen him?!"

Rei let out a small chuckle when listening to the way people would tumble over their feet to please him or learn about him. Sitting (Y/n) down, he bowed to her and pressed a kiss on her hand, giving her a playful wink. The action was meant to insinuate romantic feelings were between them to prevent unnecessary gawking from unforgiving men. He took his seat next to the younger girl and crossed one leg over the other as his mother took her seat next to him.

Then the entire crowd went silent, not a sound to be heard, as they saw their crown prince walk out onto the stage with a kind smile. Everyone in the vicinity bowed deeply and lowered their heads in respect, but the orange-haired male looked to the side, feeling greatly uncomfortable. He was never one to accept power and respect so easily, finding it to be a bother and something that put unnecessary pressure on him and his well-being. Nonetheless, he approached the microphones and gave a nod of his head, telling everyone to rise and pay attention to his words.

"It's a lovely morning," Orion started, pausing strangely before speaking again, "I'm afraid I have news for you that many of you may not like. I've always been a sickly boy, as many of you know, and have been unable to do the simplest of tasks without help. I find it very presumptuous of myself to claim leadership over the people of Vethela. Forgive me, but I cannot be your future king. I must step down to give the position of leadership over to someone else in my stead."

"Prince Orion, you can't mean that!"

"It simply can't be true!"

"Are you going to die?!"

"I don't wish to leave you, please believe me," the orange-haired boy spoke up again, shaking his head somberly as it hung in despair, "but I believe that if I am unable to function as a healthy human being, I am not the best candidate for the throne. My fragile constitution may shatter at any moment, and I don't wish to cause Vethela delay. Thus, I will rescind my claim to the throne so you may have a better leader and a better role model for you all. Please accept my sincerest apologies."

An uproar was sparked in the crowd as the crown prince of their country bowed before their very eyes to them. He was sincere in his actions, truly apologizing for what he was doing, disturbing the very fabric of the monarchy. However, it was in his and everyone else's interests to have another take his place. Though his great uncle would have preferred to find alternative methods of curing him or some strange method to take away his fragile body, there could be no delay for another leader. The country had been run under the regent for far too long. They needed a real king or queen, and, regrettably, Orion knew he could not be that person.

"Who will possibly take your place?!"

"What will happen to you, Prince Orion?!"

As the orange-haired boy took his seat with a despairing expression, Rei's parents stood up and gave a bow to the press they were before. Of the two, the petite woman was the former queen's daughter, and though she would not be a candidate for the crown, she was someone to be respected. Many bowed and applauded her for stepping up to the podium to answer their questions. As she tucked a strand of pale blonde hair behind her ear, she began speaking calmly and confidently with great pride as her former husband stood beside her.

"It is with my deepest regret to announce to our great country," Rei's mother began, speaking the opposite of truth, "that my two eldest sons are illegitimate."