(Untitled)

[monarches]

[ tedium began long ago, when he was years younger than still held the title of Prince, his crown nowhere as heavy as the one placed on his hair every morning now. now, he still wakes up to the call of his servants, but the bath he slides into is one of his late father's: vast and thick of perfume. soon, it wouldn't be his servants who accompany

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[apprivoised]

[he is in the courtyard, standing guard just a few feet behind the King's betrothed as her lace-covered fingers stroke the velvet petals of a white rose, when Tiger and Jaguar interrupt his stead. the King requests an audience with him? ... in the bathhouse? w-wait- why are they undressing hi- watch where you're sticking those hands, Jaguar-!

there's a commotion outside, and soon a towel-clad and mortified Takuto is shoved unceremoniously onto the slippery tile, the doors slamming shut behind him. he rises, red with chagrin and rubbing at his bruising tailbone.]

You didn't have to push!

[he shouts after the departing servant girls, blissfully unaware that he's in the presence of his esteemed ruler.]

[monarches]

[ there's a slight smile playing on his lips the moment the commotion reaches his ears. and he reaches for the champagne glass mere seconds before his knight stumbles into the bath, with his back still facing the entrance.

he remains quiet after that, sipping at the glass and savoring the feeling of cool liquid sliding down his throat, and waiting for Takuto to realize where he is and who is with him. ]

[apprivoised]

[after engaging in a staring contest with the frosted glass door for a few pointless seconds, he exhales and slouches where he stands. a hand lifts to scratch at the back of his head, fingers combing through the his fiery hair.]

Why would he want to meet here of all-

[he'd turned about-face to examine the bathhouse in full (he'd never set foot in here, only those with royal blood strong in their veins were allowed unless they were otherwise given permission), only for his curiosity to be cut short by the discovery of his King.

the next moment he's dropped to one knee, his head bowed.]

Y-Your Majesty...

[monarches]

[ should he take offense that it took Takuto that much time to notice the presence of royalty? should there be a punishment? should there not? should he be angry?

Sugata knows he isn't angry. only amused. ]

Were you with Wako just now, Takuto?

[ he keeps his voice light, casual. after all, there is nothing to be afraid of. but Takuto doesn't seem to know that, evidently.

telling him would ruin the fun. ]