After the ball, the nobility were escorted to their rooms at the castle to stay in for the night. Some would stay longer, some shorter, but the (h/c) haired girl had fallen asleep almost instantly. Her embarrassment and insociable state of mind drained her energy when she was around others, especially those that she didn't know. It wasn't an issue, however. Rei treated her kindly when she slept, watching over her until he was certain she was at peace. Only then did he fall asleep with her.

Yet, in the morning, when he woke up, he was surprised to find that his mother was waiting for him. She had a straight face, her lips pressed into a fine line with an unreadable expression. In response to her presence, he scoffed, and rolled his eyes, throwing his arm around the younger girl and ignoring the woman. He wasn't in the mood to have to engage in an early morning argument with her. The blonde would much rather lay in bed with (Y/n) and be at peace for once.

"Rei," his mother called.

The blonde groaned, closing his eyes tightly as he tucked his head in the younger girl's neck. She was so warm, especially against the early spring morning's cold air that came through the open balcony door. The male narrowed his eyes at that. Still, his mother's presence was more irritating and he found himself huffing again. It was certainly not the ideal way to start the morning - bickering with his mother - and he would much rather everything go away until the (h/c) haired girl woke up. After that, he would be fine to go about whatever needed to be done.

"This is a top priority," the woman repeated, a frown beginning to form on her lips, "and it needs to be discussed now."

At that point, Rei was fed up with his mother's interference. She had come into his room and was demanding he leave the warm embrace of his lover to speak with her about whatever. If she had continued spewing garbage, she would have woken the younger girl up, and the blonde was averse to letting that happen. She had a big night and needed her rest. Besides, it was only going to get more hectic from there, nobles and civilians alike questioning her about everything.

Thus, the male stood up and placed a kiss on the younger girl's forehead before following his mother reluctantly to the observatory. She didn't speak on the way there, possessing a stagnant gaze ahead of her and little to nothing else. It angered him how she thought she was still the most important person in the castle. She thought herself even above him, and frankly, he was getting sick of it.

"Well, what did you want?" he snapped, sitting down and focusing his attention on some birds chirping at the window.

"Now that you decided to announce to the world that girl of yours was abducted, people have already made the connection to your brothers."

"Isn't anyone capable of doing something themselves? Why do I always have to deal with everything?"

"If you didn't rush in with your guards, making a big deal of it to all of the people in that city, you wouldn't have to. But now you can't keep your brothers out of the public's eyes unless you want public outrage to spark."

Rei didn't care for the fact that he had to deal with his brothers. It shouldn't have been something complicated. They had wronged him and deserved to be punished. If it were up to him, and it wouldn't affect the (h/c) haired girl, they would have been dead already. Well, Ichiro would have been, and depending on Kazuki's involvement, he might have been let go. Still, neither would go without their just desserts.

"So, what?" the male sighed, "What do you want me to do?"

"Keep them under supervision and give them house arrest for the time being. The public needs to see them. Then you can falsify whatever you want and do as you please. I won't have you lose your crown because you're jealous."

"I am not jealous! What is there to be jealous about?!"

His mother raised an eyebrow at the male's tone. It seemed to speak against what he claimed, becoming aggravated over what he claimed was "nothing". Of course, the blonde knew he was envious in some shape or form. He didn't believe that his brother would have the ability to take (Y/n)'s love away from him without cheating. However, the fact that they took her away and were able to see her every day while he was without her and fearing for her wellbeing made him livid and frustrated.

He felt he should get something for all of his troubles, especially when he was ripped away from his beloved. Still, his mother brought up a good point. Despite the fact that Rei was the king, he was still the youngest. Most everyone had supported Kazuki's ascension to the throne had Orion been unable to claim it. He was the next eldest and an intelligent member of the family. The public and many nobles were in support of him over Rei, himself, and would have gladly taken the opportunity to overthrow the younger male's claim on the throne.

The blonde sneered his nose at the thought of being thought less of. He understood his brother's value, he did, but he wasn't in favor of it for that given reason. Obviously, something needed to be done to prevent the worst-case scenario. Thus, reluctantly, the younger male stood up and huffed again, walking quickly through the halls. His guards followed behind him as he made his way to the dungeon.

He was surprised to find that Kazuki was awake, still comforting a sleeping Ichiro. The elder male looked up at his baby brother, peeking behind him at the guards that accompanied him. It was clear that something was going to happen, but he wasn't particularly sure if he wanted anything to. After all, he was fully expecting an execution. The young king wasn't particularly merciful, especially not when someone took someone dear to him.

"Get up," Rei finally stated, watching as the male made no moves to follow his instructions, "Get up, Zuki."

"So you can hurt Ichi? I'll be staying."

The younger male's eyebrow twitched in irritation, ordering the guards to forcibly remove his elder brother. Though the blonde fought against it, doing everything in his power to remain with the bluenette, he was unused to violence, especially without a weapon. Eventually, he was dragged out of the cell and pushed up to a room. It used to be his, but it had long since changed after he had fled to Athain.

"You're under house arrest, my lord," one of the guards stated as Rei left to continue on his business.

Kazuki gave a scoff, wondering what would become of Ichiro or how he would be treated. Of course, he had his ways to ensure that his harm would be restricted, but his baby brother was much more powerful than he was, especially in the castle itself. The bluenette might have despised his older brother for attempting to steal the (h/c) haired girl away, but he still needed his help. He wouldn't ever abandon his loved ones.

"My lord," the guard spoke quietly, leaning in to the male when he was assured no one else was listening, "I support your claim to the throne, and should you require anything, I will make it happen. I am your loyal servant."

The blonde gave a pleasantly surprised expression, the tiniest hint of a smile appearing on his face. He knew that there were those that were against Rei's succession, especially since he was born of the youngest daughter of the previous and was the youngest son. It made sense that Kazuki, as the eldest remaining prince, would be preferred. Still, the guard's offer severely tempted the male, and he couldn't resist it.

. . .

It was common that maids entered the younger girl's room in the morning to get her prepared for the day ahead. Their words were often flattering and they highlighted her features, enthusing over her. This was especially true as she would often be dressed up in extravagant and overly expensive attire, so much so that the maids wouldn't be able to afford such things. In whatever happened during the process, (Y/n) was often completely embarrassed and timid with the overwhelming attention. It was likely the reason she chose to wear something simple that day.

Thus, when the door opened to her and Rei's room, her eyes opened slowly, and she sat up, rubbing at her eyes in her white nightgown. She dreaded the confrontation of her features that would occur with the maids, but, as she gazed upon the figure at the door, her eyes sparkled. The younger girl jumped out of the bed, her bare feet running along the marble ground as she jumped up on the male, hugging him with surprise.

"S-So touchy-feely," the male stuttered, turning his pale cheeks away.

The younger girl continued to hug the male, nuzzling him with joy. He was entirely too embarrassed by the ordeal but didn't make any moves to push her away. His heart was going off the rails, unable to let him hide his bashful expression from any prying eyes. That being said, he was more than just content with seeing her again. It wasn't as if he had been able to address suddenly kissing her, after all, but if she was expressing joy at seeing him, perhaps it was a sign she enjoyed it?

"How did Rei agree to let you go?" the younger girl asked quietly, tilting her head curiously.

"He's in a fit, so I'm not technically free yet, but I'll be able to see you. I-I hope that's alright with you. I find...myself thinking of you more often recently."

(Y/n) blushed subtly, the blonde finding admiration for her precious expression. It was undeniably attractive, the male bringing his fingers to her cheeks, brushing against her pinkened skin. As he felt the warmth she radiated, his cheeks became that rose color as well, pulling away with a hitch in his breath. How quickly he forgot about his brothers when he was faced with her. She was just so...perfect.

"I think it must be fairly obvious by now," he stated, clearing his throat before placing his hand on his neck in nervousness, "I am hopelessly in love. Ah, with you, I mean. I love you. D-Does that sound right when I say it?"

The blonde began to break down in fear of sounding like a fool. It had been so long since he had said those words to a woman, especially one he felt such astounding attraction to. He hadn't the faintest clue of if he'd said it correctly. It was as if he had forgotten to walk and felt as if he did it incorrectly somehow despite the fact he'd been doing it all his life. The stumble in both words and steps was all too similar to the fumbling feelings he possessed.

"You're so cute," the younger girl chuckled, grabbing onto the male's hand and holding it up to her cheek, nuzzling it just slightly.

Kazuki's cheeks only continued to flare pink as he accepted her free affection. She smiled and held his hand softly, pulling him into the room with an excited expression. He had little problem with it, following along with whatever she wanted as long as he got to be near her. Still, whenever she would touch him, he would never cease to be at ease - and yet nervous at the same time.

Sooner or later, the maids entered, shocked to find that (Y/n) was with another man. They chattered amongst themselves, debating on who would be the one to report the unfortunate news to the young king. As they realized that the young man was none other than Kazuki, they paused and began to mutter between each other with delight. Having another prominent member of the royal family in their presence was more than just an honor.

"Ah, am I interrupting, ladies?" he asked charismatically, pressing his hand to his heart.

They all stopped in their tracks, their cheeks becoming red. His voice was the most attractive one in all of Vethela, prompting certain positive responses whenever he would speak. It was obviously no coincidence. Nonetheless, the maids giggled together, curtsying to the male respectfully before taking the younger girl away to get dressed. The male was left in the main room, waiting patiently as he stared out of the balcony.

It was a beautiful sight from the king's quarters. He had hardly ever seen the sparkling city below the Vethelan palace nor the shining sea. It waved ever so slightly, the sound of waves crashing against the shore and peaceful wind that rushed past him. Different from the sight he saw from his office or study balcony, people weren't ants. It was simply nature before him, and nature was larger than he could have ever anticipated. He was entirely too awed by it, the serene peace of natural beauty placing him in perspective of everything else around him.

Perhaps it was that Vethelan blood he possessed that overwhelmed him with love for nature. He had never been the type to explore, but he never took the natural sights he got to observe for granted. If he saw a beautiful lake before him, he would admire it as he would the (h/c) haired girl. That being said, was it his Vethelan blood that compelled him to be astonished by her? He didn't know.

However, he didn't care if it was because of that. No, as he turned around to the younger girl bashfully gazing at the scene ahead of them, he blushed. Her simple attire for the day was something that perfectly reflected what he adored about her. She was so selfless and empathetic he couldn't help but love her. His hand traced her jaw, his eyes shaking with devotion. He would gladly give up everything just to gaze at her. And, in fact, he was.

"I never imagined I would be so lucky as to have another chance at love," the blonde sighed in relief, "and with such a beautiful being, no less. Do you...play any instruments?"

"Rei taught me," the younger girl nodded, bringing her hand shyly to her lips.

"Yes, he did so love music. I taught him when he was younger, and he never grew out of it. It was a thrill to have some kind of student even if he did end up surpassing me. But I'd like to teach you."

The blonde reached forward and gently took the girl's hand, a sigh escaping his lips at the feel of her warm skin. Through the hallways, he escorted (Y/n) with an excited skip in his step. As he pushed open the doors to the music room, she was faced with a look she had never seen on him. It was one of inspiration and fulfillment, something that he clearly had been torn apart from for quite some time. Such a thing seemed like he was ripped away from one of the things he loved the most and torn asunder for it.

Kazuki ran his fingers over the ivory keys of the piano. He hadn't touched one since he had gone to Athain with the bluenette, and he very much missed its tender notes. As he sat down, his fingers began to move by themselves, his mind recalling his favorite melodies. Für Elise was played more than just perfectly, every note hit having its own sense of being within the song, combining to create a community of harmony.

The (h/c) haired girl sat down on the bench with the male, watching how he enveloped himself fully within the songs. His eyes were closed and he swayed with the rhythm, opening his golden eyes just slightly to steal a peck on the lips from the younger girl. Still, for the most part, he immersed himself in each and every note his fingers graced, using the pedal delicately with ease and talent.

It was no wonder that Rei turned out to be such a talented and inspired individual. He simply followed in the artistic creativity and merit that the older male paved out. Both possessed great and deep feelings that pushed them to explore music, art, literature, and even baking alike. As the male continued to finish the song with an almost somber smile, his fingers lifted off the piano keys, and he turned to watch an admiring younger girl stare with an amazed gasp of awe.

"Now it's your turn," he chuckled, eagerly anticipating the sound of her voice singing sweetly for him.