The Royal Secret - IWAOI Fanfic

TRS - Part Forty

When I awoke, the bed was unusually cold.

I blinked my eyes open and turned my head.

No Tooru.

Where's he gone?

I couldn't help but worry after our conversation last night.

I jumped out of bed and got ready as quickly as I could.

Just as I reached for door, it swung open barely missing my face.

'Tooru!'

I heaved a sigh of relief.

'What's all the panic for Hajime?'

'You weren't there when I woke up....after our conversation last night....I was worried.'

'Oh, dont worry about me. I'll be fine.'

I couldn't help but notice how he said it but, before I had chance to question, Yutaro barged into the room.

'Prince Hajime, the king has requested your presence.'

Haaaaah.

I really dont have time for any of this.

Yutaro advised us where my father was waiting and Tooru and I headed there together.

When we arrived, my father was looking quite relaxed though i felt Tooru grip my hand harder as we noticed his father's servant was present.

'Hajime, I've been thinking, as you are now married, I have been convinced to let you take on more responsibility.'

My eyes widened.

'I'm not a young man anymore and I think it is your time. I'm extremely proud of you, my boy. I've also been exchanging correspondence with Tooru's father and we believe now is the right time for a change.'

Tooru's hand went limp, I glanced at him from the corner of my eye and could tell he was trying to keep his emotions in check.

'Why now, father?'

I needed to ask, something didn't seem right.

'I've already told you, Hajime. I'm not young anymore, no one would be surprised if I was to be suddenly taken I'll at my age. I need to make sure you are prepared to rule the country should anything happen. Tooru's father agreed with me and his servant has also been very supportive.'

I could think of no words.

'So, Hajime, you will be taking on more responsibility with immediate affect and we will look into arranging your coronation.'

My father finished what he wanted to say and we were dismissed.

As soon as we were out of earshot, Tooru called for his attendants.

Only one appeared.

'Takahiro, what is going on?!'

'It would seem your father's servant is here to push things along.'

'This is not going to plan. Why is he doing this? What about Issei, have you heard from him?'

Takahiro glanced uncomfortably at me.

Tooru did the same.

I couldn't keep up with the conversation.

'He has not yet found anything I'm afraid.'

'Damn, we're running out of time. My father is getting involved too much.'

'Just...just hold on a minute. What the hell are you talking about?'

Tooru and Takahiro looked at me.

Tooru sighed and looked around us.

'Let's go to our room, I'll explain there.'

Tooru dragged me off at full speed until we arrived at our destination.

'So? What are you talking about?'

Tooru paced the room looking frustrated.

He came to a stop in front of me, thinking carefully about his words.

'I told you to call off the wedding, Hajime.'

'Yes, and I refused. But now we've resolved everything now I know you're a man, right?'

I questioned him but I could already tell I didn't want to know the answer.

'It seems, just before our marriage, my father decided on another plan. I was to marry you, get you to take the throne and murder you so he could then partner me to a man of his choosing who would rule your kingdom under his instruction.'

I tried to swallow the information.

'I.....'

I couldn't finish my sentence.

This explains the breakdown Tooru had just before the wedding.....

This must be the reason for burning the letters, also.

'Hajime, I'm not going along with his plan. But my father has sent his servant here and seems to be initiating the plan himself. We need to keep an eye on them. Your father will be the first target.'

'But we've left them alone together right now!'

I tried to run to get to my father but Tooru stopped me.

'He's safe right now. Nothing will happen until you are king. My fathers plan was to poison you both as it would be difficult to prove who the culprit is. I have Issei searching my father's castle for the antidote.'

I collapsed onto the floor.

This is not what I expected.

Tooru squatted down and held my cheeks in his hands.

'Don't worry, Hajime. I'll protect you. I promise.'