Chapter Twenty-Eight

Today is the day.

The day everything would either go exactly as planned, or become an absolute disaster; it all depended on what happened within the next twelve hours.

It goes without saying that Yuu was extremely terrified of the latter option.

It didn't help that his mother was rushing about the church, shouting commands at all the royal help to make sure it was scrubbed and decorated to perfection for the wedding. Yuu knew any dirt and grime had been cleaned three times over, but his perfectionist mother wanted every corner of the space to be spotless. After all, the entire city was invited to the wedding, and his mother didn't care about anything more than making a good impression.

Yuu couldn't even sit and watch the fiasco unfold, because suddenly he was whisked away by two seamstresses into one of the dressing rooms, wanting to putting final touches on his tuxedo. As one added minute adjustments to his blazer hem, the other ran a comb through his knotted hair, tidying up his messy bed head hairstyle.

The wedding was to begin at noon, which was a little over a half hour away. People had already begun to file into the seats of the gigantic church; friends of the families and the nobility got the reserved, plush seats in the front, and the old wooden benches were available for the common folk. Considering how many people had showed up to his father's speech, Yuu had a feeling there would be hundreds of people squished into the benches. It would probably break the law for maximum capacity, but no one cared about health codes on the morning of the biggest wedding of the decade.

Judging by the excited chatter that was already radiating from the church hall, Yuu confirmed that no one was going to mind the lack of personal space, as they were too excited to see the heirs of the Bruxbergian and Drelacian thrones unite in holy matrimony.

Imagine the shock on their faces when they find out that one of the heirs had disappeared without a trace tonight, Yuu thought amusedly to himself as the seamstresses continued to pull and tuck at his outfit.

"Ladies, please," Yuu stopped them by holding his hands to his chest when he couldn't take it anymore. By this point, they were just fiddling paranoidly. "That will do. Thank you."

They shared a look, a matching pair of nervous blushes forming on their face. Nodding, they bowed before exiting the tiny dress room without a word. With the women gone, Yuu allowed himself to stare at his reflection in the mirror. With his hair brushed, his fringe flipped unexpectedly nicely to the side instead of sticking out in all directions like usual. His black, marine-like outfit gleamed with gold buttons and embellishments. He pulled the tight white gloves over his fingers, wriggling them nervously.

A knock on his dressing room door alerted him out of his reverie, and he poked his head out the door hesitantly, only to find his father standing there. He was dressed in a fancy tuxedo underneath his royal robes, velvety and purple, his crown set atop his head.

"Yuichiro," He said calmly, a hidden edge to his voice. Yuu knew his father still hadn't forgiven him from their fight, and he wasn't sure if he ever would. For the slightest second, he regretted not making amends with his father before he left, but a small voice of reason in the back of his mind told him his father wouldn't change his mind last minute even if he wanted to. "I hope you understand why you're doing this."

Of course he understood, but that doesn't mean it was something he wanted. "Yes, I do, Father," Yuu bowed his head. "I just wish you'd accept me for who I am."

"Whether I wanted to accept you or not, there's nothing you can do about it. This wedding is happening, as it will save the lives of many," He explained. "You're doing a good thing, Yuichiro, by marrying Shinoa. It will bring peace after many years of tension."

Yuu wanted to make a comment that there were better ways to solve petty Capulet-versus-Montague fights than marrying their children off, but decided it wasn't in good taste. The last thing he needed was his father to explode moments before the royal wedding.

"Thank you for looking out for me, Father," Yuu forced a smile. "I understand your intentions."

"I'm glad you realize that as royalty, we have to do what's best for the country," His father agreed. "Even if it means we have to make some sacrifices for our own happiness."

"Like you did with Shinya?" Yuu blurted out before he could think twice.

For once in his life, his father looked taken aback. "How did yo-" King Ichinose looked shocked, and if Yuu looked hard enough, he could see the faintest of blush forming on his face.

Well, that was new. Yuu didn't think his father had the capability of being embarrassed, let alone blushing.

Sighing, he nodded his head. "Yes. Exactly like that." He didn't ask how Yuu knew about his past, but it wasn't hard to figure out he had talked to Shinya about it. He didn't look too bothered; in fact, he looked somewhat relieved that he didn't have to hide that part of him to his son anymore. It felt weird to have something in common with the man who's been so distant from you throughout your life, Yuu realized. But it wasn't a completely terrible feeling.

As terms of reconciliations go, this wasn't too bad.

"Alright then," King Ichinose announced. "It's time, Yuichiro. Let us get going."

They exited the dressing room, entering the wide, empty hallway. The only thing in the room was a set of closed doors that led into the grandiose church. The two on the outsides opened into walkways to get to the seats, and the center was a French doorway that led to the center walkway the royal family would walk to the platform.

King Ichinose greeted Queen Kaori, who had returned from another room, with a customary kiss to the back of her hand. Like they'd done it a million times before, she linked her arm effortlessly into his, and he shot her an easy smile before they turned to face the swinging double doors, pushing them open. A roar of the excited crowd rose up as they stood and applauded, piercing Yuu's eardrums.

Like they'd practiced, Yuu counted out a full two minutes before pushing open the doors himself just as he reached the sixtieth second. He was surprised at the turnout of the wedding; every single bench was filled with people, and like he predicted, people who didn't get to a seat were standing on the sidelines. Yuu waved charismatically at the crowd, contorting his body in all directions to smile at them.

As he moved down the aisle, he was stunned by the magnificent decorations. Each seat had been covered with a plush covering, violet with gold trimmings. The sky-high ceilings of the chapel had been covered with strips of purple fabric, hanging in drop-loops on all four walls. The Ichinose and Hiragi family crests were embroidered on beautiful tapestries that hung above the platform, below the four thrones set for the two sets of royal parents. Every other row had bouquets of flowers - white and purple - sitting on marble pedestals. Flower petals littered the aisle in a walkway of white.

Yuu pushed back the nauseating feeling of everyone staring at him, hiding it with a bright, cheerful smile that he'd mastered in his years as a budding prince. He focused straight ahead when he reached the stairs, taking his designated spot to the right, slightly off-centered from where his father stood.

The organ began to play the joyous melody of weddings, which was the cue for the congregation to rise to their feet. The double doors opened once again, revealing the Hiragi family; the king in a tuxedo and royal robes similar to that of his father's, the queen in a luxurious, floor-length, velvety red gown spun with sparkling gold, and Shinoa in the middle, dressed in a virgin's white gown.

Yuu couldn't deny the fact that the to-be bride looked stunning in her gown; made of flowing silk, it swished as she moved, reminding him of flowing water. With the veil framing her face and a flower crown of white flowers matching the luxurious bouquet in her hands, she looked like a goddess of nature. Her lavender hair was let down, curled in ringlets that bounced on her shoulders as she slowly moved closer down the aisle. She avoided his gaze, focusing on the audience instead of making eye contact.

Eventually, her eyes tore away from the excited crowd to Yuu's nervous expression as she stood on the platform, giving him a timid smile. Yuu raised his eyebrows in response, and she shook her head, dismissing whatever message she was trying to get across.

Women, Yuu thought exasperatedly, sighing under his breath. I will never understand them.

Their interaction was interrupted by his father, who stood to greet the crowd with excitement. Upon his introduction and welcome, the clamorous applause started again, sounding like thunder in a storm. Yuu busied himself throughout the speech by counting the number of seconds he had left of his supposed freedom.

He couldn't help but feel antsy. The clock was ticking, and he had no way to confirm if Mika was going to uphold his part of the plan, so it was reasonable to assume Yuu was jittery. He bounced on his heels nervously until Shinoa glared at him and he stood still.

Shinoa gave her bouquet to her maid of honor, her older sister Mahiru Hiragi. Yuu didn't know much about her sister (to be perfectly honest, he didn't know much about the Hiragi family besides the boring political facts), but what was strange about Mahiru was that she was a splitting image of her younger sister. When Yuu first met Shinoa and Mahiru four years ago, he thought she and Shinoa were twins, and was surprised to find she was five years older. Since their first meeting, Mahiru had matured, and her facial structure was sharper, with more angles and shadows than baby curves like Shinoa had.

Shinoa turned to take Yuu's hands in hers as the minister stood to give the introductory words to the congregation, thus beginning the service. He spoke about the significance of their marriage and the wonders of joining two people.

"And now," The archbishop announced, flipping the page in his small book. " Dearly Beloveds and Honored Guests: We are gathered here this day in the sight of God and the company assembled to witness the giving and receiving of the marriage vows. Marriage is an institution ordained of God and is not to be entered into lightly or in jest and only after much consideration."

Obviously, the thought of vowing himself into marriage with Shinoa knowing full well they wouldn't be married for even a few hours sent a twinge of regret through Yuu. He didn't want to make any promises, especially not in front of hundreds of pairs of eyes watching his every move and taking in every word, but by this point he had to grasp at straws to make the plan work.

The minister turned towards Shinoa. "Do you, Shinoa Hiragi, take this man Yuichiro Ichinose to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and health, to love, honor and obey, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto him for as long as you both shall live?"

Shinoa did not hesitate in her answer. She gave Yuu a knowing look before nodding, saying loudly and clearly "I do."

Nodding, the minister then turned to Yuu. "And you, Yuichiro Ichinose, take this woman Shinoa Hiragi to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

No, Yuu thought immediately. He then felt the overwhelming pressure of everyone staring at him, from the royal families, to the congregation, to Shinoa's worried expression, to his father, regarding him with a mixture of apprehension and reserved hatred. Gulping, Yuu found himself nodding.

"I do."

The royal families visibly relaxed, and Yuu was certain he heard Shinoa sigh in relief. The minister, who did not notice nor care of the interactions between the two, continued the ceremony.

"If there be anyone present who may show just and lawful cause why this couple may not be legally wed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

Yuu's eyes scanned the audience, wondering what kind of hell it would raise if someone shouted out an objection. The question itself was merely a formality; no one in their right mind would break up this wedding. Yuu knew this, which is why he sighed in relief when he didn't hear anyone say anything. In fact, Mika was nowhere to be found, which was hopefully a good sign the plan was in full swing. Instead, he saw Yoichi in one of the front rows, watching him with a saddened expression.

They met eyes, and Yuu offered him a timid smile. Yoichi returned it hesitantly, though it was forced. The words of objection on his lips, Yuu could tell Yoichi would've spoken up if it were anything but this.

It's alright, Yoichi, Yuu thought, wishing his words would reach his best friend. I'll be okay.

The ring bearer, a five-year old distant cousin of the royal family, held out the velvet pillow that held the two wedding rings. Yuu and Shinoa took turns exchanging the rings. It was almost robotic, having practiced it so many times. The moment should've held emotional weight, yet Yuu felt nothing as Shinoa's delicate hands slid the silver band on his ring finger.

"By the authority vested in me by the Kingdom of Drelacia, Japan, I now pronounce you man and wife." The minister announced joyously. "You may kiss the bride."

In the romance books Yuu read into the late hours of the night when he couldn't sleep, this moment was always the most special to the couple. The words the authors used couldn't even accurately describe the happiness the newlyweds felt when their lips connected for the first time as husband and wife, officially and forever conjoined as one.

But Yuu didn't feel anything but numbness as he leaned in slowly, placing one hand on Shinoa's waist and the other on her cheek. It felt like life was moving in slow motion as they leaned achingly closer.

"You can't win this one, Yuichiro," Shinoa said under her breath. This close to her, Yuu could see her lipstick was smeared slightly on her lower lip from biting it nervously.

"You'll never be able to change who I am," Yuu whispered back just before he delicately pressed his lips to Shinoa's. Upon contact, the congregation exploded with cheers, applauding and stomping their feet, threatening to make Yuu go deaf.

King Ichinose rose to his feet, a wide, charismatic grin on his face. In this moment, he believed he had won the game they'd been playing. Yuu wondered how he'd react when he realized he hadn't. Raising his hands in front of him dramatically, he motioned to the newlywed couple.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I formally announce for the first time, your new queen and king of Southern Drelacia: Shinoa Hiragi and Yuichiro Ichinose!"

- - - -

A/N: NEXT CHAPTER IS THE LAST CHAPTER OMG *emergency alarms blaring*

(**Also sorry I have no idea how weddings work so I just copied and pasted shit off of a website lmao; if I got something wrong just yell at me in the comments)