Chapter title: To the Chaos Inside
Author:
creative_kiss Characters: Teru, Yuki, Hizaki, intro to Kamijo and Jasmine You, OC
Chapter Summary: Teru's last dance with Yozora. A grand ball is held. No one in the castle is aware that the ball is really staged to ensure that Princess Yozora become acquainted with her future husband, Prince Kamijo. This introduction to Teru's competition makes it impossible to fight away his affections, like ghosts haunting his heart...
Table of Contents ~Two~
To the Chaos Inside
Return to the darkness, you ghosts.
After Yozora had woken him that morning, while all was dark and still, Teru returned to his room and swore to himself that he would stop loving her. He could not impose his feelings upon her; the hope that they might be reciprocated was dead. She had told him quite specifically that she wanted to be best friends. Not the two of them, the three of them. Her affection for Teru was looped together with her affection for her cousin, Hizaki. He was precious to her, yes, but he was not special.
Teru hoped it would be as easy as declaring himself out of love. Could it be?
Today a grand ball was to be held. Teru would serve as entertainment as always, but he was usually not a great spectacle at these events. The guests were far too preoccupied in dancing and indulging themselves with wine and giggling maids to notice a scrawny joker. However, the king usually permitted him one dance with Yozora that he could look forward to. Or not, since he was no longer in love with her.
Teru decided that he would wear his finer clothes tonight. And with those good intentions stored in his brain, he wandered about the castle aimlessly as usual. He could often pick up on noteworthy gossip from the other peasants. That always gave him pleasure.
The lovesick joker passed a cluster of off-task washer-women with bed linens bunched up in their arms. They were speaking of... Princess Yozora. That was no surprise, of course, until a foreign prince’s name was mentioned. A... betrothal? Teru could hardly catch it all. The peasants knew that Teru had both Yozora and the king’s favor, so they did not like him, nor did they trust him with gossip. He couldn’t ask. Kamijo? Prince Kamijo, yes. Yozora was betrothed to Prince Kamijo. Teru sighed, his pace quickening. Did this upset him?
No, Teru no longer loved Yozora.
“I wonder where my Teru-kun is?” Yozora muttered, pacing about her chambers. She clutched his flute against her chest tightly. He had forgotten this morning as she ushered him out, and Yozora was certain that he loved it, so she felt guilty with it in her possession. “I hope he doesn’t believe he’s lost it elsewhere.”
Hizaki cast Yozora a glance that appeared to say, If he missed it, he would come for it, but Yozora’s worry had made her quite dense. Hizaki marched over to her cousin and snatched the flute away, tucking it beneath a pillow on their bed. It was better that no one saw Yozora with it; it might look suspicious.
“Did you see my new dress, Hizaki-chan?” Yozora asked, trying her hardest to put the flute out of her mind. Hizaki shook her head at her cousin’s beaming face, her gaze following her across the room. “Apparently someone very important will be at this banquet tonight. Father wants me to look my very best. And of course, there is a gown for you, Hizaki-chan.” Hizaki nodded somberly.
Damn it! Teru remembered that he had left his flute in Yozora’s chambers. It had to be there. He drew in a deep, strenuous breath, and trudged along the corridors, now bright with the sun’s glossy rays, toward Princess Yozora’s private chambers.
At her door, he put his joker’s cap atop his head, swallowed hard, and knocked. Yuki looked down at him stoically, but he did not say anything, not at first. After no answer came from within, Teru moved to knock again. Yuki grabbed Teru’s wrist, not harshly, just in time to stop him.
“The princess cannot receive visitors at this time,” he explained.
“But I-” Teru began as Yuki produced his flute from his belt. He accepted it from the knight, bowing gratefully. He was happy to avoid conversation with Yozora, at least for now. He couldn’t bear it. Teru and Yuki stood in silence a while longer.
“Do you need something?” Yuki asked at last. Teru started, then shook his head insistently.
“No, not at all,” he said, turning sharply to leave. Yuki stopped him, his hand on the trembling boy’s shoulder.
“The princess told me to tell you...” Yuki hesitated, clearing his throat. He appeared uncomfortable. “She is greatly looking forward to dancing with you tonight. Yes, that is all.” Yuki then gave the joker a light shove, standing straight and concentrated at his post. Teru bowed slightly and then darted off down the hall.
But Teru still no longer loved her.
The hall in which the dance was to be held was decorated in hues: gold, white, bronze, silver, shimmering beige. There were crystal chandeliers supporting lit candles hanging from the ceiling, the marble floors covered in dancing guests. Court jokers were lined up on the east and west sides of the ballroom, pantomiming and juggling and doing flips and tickling guests as they passed by. Teru was not among them.
He had been assigned to Yozora’s personal court, and followed behind her in small procession with Hizaki and Yuki. He carried a few juggling clubs in hand in case, but he typically left them with servants as the nights wore on because they never came in handy. Teru had worn his very best outfit, also Yozora’s favorite: a white, long-sleeve shirt adorned with gold thread that revealed his stomach, a bouquet of blue, cloth flowers trailing over his shoulder, a pair of shorts made of similar material, and knee-high leather boots. The boots had become particularly popular in these parts, and at Yozora’s insistence, Yuki wore a pair as well. Of course, even he was dressed finely on this occasion.
Teru’s stomach was in knots. He dreaded his dance with Yozora, and he never had before. Butterflies, please settle down. Just leave me alone! Teru begged silently, clutching his ill stomach.
“Control yourself before the king,” Yuki whispered, patting Teru roughly on the back. “Or he will think something is wrong with you and send you off.” Yuki must have seen straight through Teru. Was it this morning? Had he done something foolish?
“What do you know?” Teru whispered back without making eye contact.
“You were crying,” Yuki replied. “You aren’t much of a man, are you?” Teru hung his head.
“Not much, no,” he agreed lamely. Yuki chuckled to himself, stepping back to allow Teru his regular position. Teru felt the shame sting his face.
Teru had not awarded himself a proper view of Yozora in her ivory ball gown. At the end of the hall, where her father sat upon his throne, Yozora turned and stood beside him, facing the rest of the room. As part of her procession, Teru was obligated to bow before them both, along with Yuki and even Hizaki. But upon standing, Teru took notice of Yozora’s dress, the bodice fitted tightly, and the shirt of the gown billowing out. It had also come into fashion to reveal much of the bosom, but the king was far too protective of his daughter to allow so much of her skin to show. Yozora’s dress accentuated her bosom without revealing it, and it was all just enough to seize poor Teru’s heart once more. The lace, the frills, the entire silhouette all impacted the joker’s brain.
He had to admit that his love had never gone.
The ball commenced, and great dancing and joy and chaos all filled the room. Yozora danced with her father while Teru sat beside Yuki on the steps leading up to the king’s throne. It was already evident that Yuki knew all about Teru’s affections. Quite frankly, Teru was surprised that no one else did. It was smeared across his face in blush-red.
“How long has it been then?” Yuki asked, smiling at Teru.
“Over a year,” Teru muttered, unable to look at the knight.
“You just might have won her too,” Yuki continued, his gaze returning to the dancing king and princess. “If it were not for the prince.” Teru turned sharply in Yuki’s direction.
“So he is here today!” he exclaimed, mortified. Yuki nodded without looking at him.
It was time for Teru’s dance with the princess. As it might be the very last now that Princess Yozora was engaged, he cherished it more than ever. He took Yozora’s hand eagerly, bowing before her and kissing it lightly. They prepared to return to the floor when a hand fell on Teru’s shoulder. Teru had imagined it was Yuki coming to tease him again, but when he turned around he realized that he stood before a much more respected man in princely dress. He was tall, with light brown hair and blue eyes, his white cloak adorned in feathers. Prince Kamijo. He must have been staring for too long, because Teru felt a staff smack into the back of his neck, urging him to bow. Teru did so quickly, wincing from the burn in his flesh. Of course this prince had wicked henchmen about. Yozora gripped his hand tightly, apparently nervous. She curtseyed, but she didn’t know who she stood before.
Prince Kamijo took Yozora’s free hand and kissed it, smiling at her. “My princess, you are even more lovely than your father has described.” Yozora blushed, bowing her head.
“I would offer thanks,” she began “But I should like to know to whom I am offering it first.” Kamijo chuckled.
“I am Prince Kamijo,” he replied. “But do not worry, we shall have plenty of time to become acquainted.” His gaze dropped down to Yozora and Teru’s entwined fingers.
“This is Teru, my joker,” Yozora quickly explained.
“Yes, I see that,” Kamijo muttered, slight disgust in his voice.
“It is time for our dance,” the princess continued. Kamijo rose an eyebrow.
“But I’m sure he won’t mind if I take this one,” he said quickly, taking Teru’s wrist. Teru immediately released Yozora’s hand and bowed at the prince.
“Yes, my lord,” he said, stepping back. Kamijo took the princess’s hand and led her out onto the floor to dance.
“Next one, Teru!” Yozora called as Kamijo dragged her away. Teru grit his teeth. Presumptuous, arrogant, narcissistic, inconsiderate.... bastard! he thought angrily. This prince... he would have a lifetime with Princess Yozora if they married. Why would he steal Teru’s last dance? It was all Teru had.
“I’m under the impression that you were not expecting me,” Kamijo said, spinning Yozora around.
“I was not,” Yozora admitted. “Not exactly. Father told me that I would be meeting someone special, but I was not aware that that person was you.”
“I have been looking forward to this occasion for some time.”
“To see me?” Kamijo paused in the dance and tilted her chin up with his finger.
“Just for you.” Yozora forced herself to look away. It was all so overwhelming. Kamijo was a great dancer, and managed to steal two more dances after his “one”. Yozora was eager to get back to Teru, and when the music signaled the next dance, Yozora begged to be excused. Kamijo appeared insulted.
“To dance with the joker?” he asked.
“You must imagine that he looks forward to it,” Yozora said. “It’s his only opportunity to be a part of the festivities. Please allow this.”
“I will not stand around watching you-”
“I have a partner for you!” Yozora pleaded. Kamijo nodded his approval, and Yozora led him to Hizaki. “She doesn’t talk, but she’s a great dancer. Hizaki-chan?” Hizaki bowed before the prince, and he led her back onto the floor. Hizaki was not Yozora, but she was beautiful enough to replace her for the moment. Still, Kamijo took Yozora’s offering her joker far less divided attention over him as a personal and most offensive insult.
“Teru-kun?” Yozora stood over him beaming. “May I have this dance?” Teru smiled up at her, then looked out onto the floor apprehensively. Where was Kamijo?
“The prince is...?”
“Dancing with Hizaki-chan,” Yozora answered quickly. “Get up!” Teru leapt to his feet eagerly and glided out onto the dance floor with his partner.
It was the most energetic song of the night, and the party-goers caused the most chaotic uproar. Teru and Yozora danced in vivacious circles, clapping and keeping step with the music playing. Even amongst his joy, Teru noticed Yuki’s worried face from across the room; he always appeared tense when the surrounding crowds were excited beyond what the king might conclude appropriate. As puzzling as it was, the king also appeared concerned. In fact, he looked furious, trembling furious. He could have killed a man with his mind, his face was so harsh and concentrated. These observances made Teru quite nervous, but it was the feeling of his lady’s palm against his cheek, the icy cold, that startled him out of step.
“What’s wrong?” Yozora asked, coming closer as the dance required. “Are... are you not having fun?” Teru shook his head adamantly.
“It’s always fun with you!” he said, his desperation had his voice soaring a few notes. His face flushed, embarrassed, and he tried to calm himself before trying again. “I am having fun, Yozora-hime.” Yozora’s eyes suddenly widened with surprise. Before Teru could spin around, Yuki gripped both shoulders from behind.
In a whisper, he asked “Have you confessed yet?” Teru shook his head. “Good.” Yuki pushed Teru out of the way and took Yozora’s hand.
“What is this about?” Yozora demanded harshly, snatching back her hand. “How dare you interrupt me this way!”
“The king has requested your presence at his throne, Yozora-hime,” Yuki explained quickly, bowing. “I apologize for ruining this... moment for you.” He was speaking to Teru more than the princess. Yozora bit her lip, pouting at Teru as Yuki led her away. Dejected, the joker found nothing better to do than join the hired jokers and juggle his clubs. On his way to the lineup, he noticed a long line of guests leading up to a table with a peculiar woman seated at it. She had thick, curly brown hair and was dressed in purple with a gaudy assortment of jewelry pieces and accessories. At the center of her table was a crystal ball.
Teru wrinkled his nose in disgust and marched past, not sparing an inkling of curiosity. Damned gypsy, he thought angrily, Only she could distort my previous blessings this way. It must be her... He could think only of how happy he had been, so painlessly in love before Princess Yozora had broken his heart, and before Prince Kamijo had arrived to steal Yozora’s away from him. All of his memories he had with his beloved princess, all of the ones he had hoped to create in their future, were like haunting ghosts. He fought them to the darkest depths of his soul and prayed that they would never come back.
Notes: Definitely not an attack on Jasmine You. Because I love him. No, it was rather common for people to either love the fortune telling, or hate it quite passionately. Nobody really liked gypsies...
If there was anything else that I forgot, as a note or... otherwise, just let me know so I can clear it up.