*Edited: 4-17-2022*
Word count: 3795
*Hi! Just a few things before this chapter starts.
Ok first, I do not own the music used above - and yes I am aware it's from cowboy bebop, but just roll with it, it is the joy of piano.°'°
*Edit: I was so tempted to change the piano cover to 'Midnight love' from 'Diabolik lovers' however I didn't want to go through the struggle of matching the needed segment again. It was a pain the first time... -^- But you should check the song out, it is beautiful!*
Secondly, please don't play the music until it says so later in the chapter. Thank you and enjoy!^°^*
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If I wasn't confused before I sure was now.
The whole day had been spent by the king's side or within his company - each anxious second slowly passing into molded hours of waiting for whatever was to come next. However, aside from a day of calming conversations held up mostly by the royal and those momentarily joining, the subtle, lighthearted teasing and occasional look that made my heart want to burn, nothing of note had really happened.
No announcement of my death. No accidental glimpse of the gallows - not so much a hint of a remark regarding it.
George was pretty much acting like how he always did. Calm, calculated - suave and gentlemanly overall with just a hint of love-filled mischief.
The sky was mixing different shades of soft blues and fiery yellow-oranges, the setting sun slowly making way for the evening canvas to paint itself with the closer strokes of midnight. The air was sweet with the floral tones of the garden - the royal's hand holding mine in a way that felt peaceful despite the unease. Our fingers remained interlocked on our quiet stroll through the terrace, the stone pathway lined with lush fields of somber green.
"It is very lovely out here." My soft start to a new conversation led the male's gaze to my profile - a gentle smile on his face.
"Indeed it is. The beauty it holds may be wonderful, however I find it doesn't quite compare to the life in your breathtaking eyes."
My hand tightens around the male's, my gaze flicking to the ground out of a feeling that wanted to return my dusted cheeks to a more natural tone. "I- thank you, George. But there isn't need for admiration."
"Just because there isn't need for it, does not mean it should be excluded." The male hums in a response I wasn't expecting - and my gaze shifts to the grass. "Still, you are welcome, my dear."
His frame slows after a moment, stopping soon after and I lift my eyes to meet with the pair of baby blues - the male's features painted with questions. "Do you love me, (Y/n)?"
Another simple question with less than clear answers.
My lips part to voice thoughts that remained unheard - settling back to how best answer it. "Well, I do not hate you- I know judgement may say I probably should after everything that has transpired, but I do not hate you." A pair of soft hands take my own with care to my gentle response - a light hum making my gaze fall.
"That wasn't the question." He says softly, his eyes holding intent. "If you do not yet share my affections, it is alright. It can be something for us to work on, together, but you shouldn't stray from honesty."
A small breath finds my voice to falter as I didn't know how to answer without causing hurt. A standstill lingered in my mind - my gaze lifting once more.
"...no." I say - a wary tone acquainting my response. "I do not hold those feelings for you- but I consider you a...well an acquaintance as well as my king."
"I appreciate the modesty." He smiles and I bite my tongue. "I will take an acquaintance. It is better than strangers, which is a step in the right direction. Now, I would like to show you something." His hand takes hold of mine - and with a hesitant nod from myself, he leads me towards the castle just as fear clicks back into my mind.
And this was it. The dread creeping in to strangle each nerve and numb any response to flee. The possibility was more than enough to crack through the sugar coated lies of the day - as now I was to be taken to the dungeon, to live out the rest of my days under careful watch where I would only then be taken out to meet my end.
Today was a day of pity, a practiced sendoff in remembrance to my freedom and the soul of my being.
I glance up to the male's profile, his calm features somehow hiding the true intent of my demise even if I could find it - and with a swallow of my fear I look down, still keeping close to his side with the knowledge that I couldn't possibly dig my grave any deeper.
~~~ °•° ~ °•° ~~~
He was humming - just a soft and simple tune that occupied the silence of the hallways he led me down, the corridors of up-kept elegance and grandeur, and the dark hues of a door he reached out to open.
The area was something many only saw in daydreams, a spacious, well lit room of many tall windows and gold plated elegance - of detailed sophistication rivalling every other room in the king's estate - and held my awed gaze like moths drawn to the warm flame. The floor was spotless shades of tan and cocoa brown, a reflection of perfect tiled designs that shifted in show of each small movement made by its occupants, the glimmer from the diamond chandelier hanging above, and the light from once burning candles divided by the evenly spaced panes of glass and lined mirrors.
Everything silently craved attention, from the highly designed walls, to the dark piano sitting near the front wall.
Each nervous thought fell to nothing more than memory.
I gather a breath at the male's soft chuckle - my frame being lead towards the center of the room with flowing grace that helped turn and shift my gaze to the royal before me.
"Have you ever been to a ball before, my dear?"
His question struck me as somewhat odd, something partly shrugged off. "Well, they weren't technically balls, but a few...special occasions back home held formal dances."
"And have you ever danced with a proper gentleman?" He asks and I slowly shake my head, my eyes drawn to his.
"I have only ever danced a few times, it was mainly with my father and some of the men my family had introduced me to, however the times were still enjoyable nonetheless. Describe proper?" I ask with a tone hinting toward a kind playfulness.
"Someone who knows what they are doing. Someone who knows how to sweep a young lady off her feet, treats her like a precious, treasured gift and loves her unconditionally..." George answers and I couldn't help but chuckle, my hands falling to place themselves in front of me.
"You mean...someone like you?"
The royal smiles at my question, his hand placed over his heart as he sighs happily. "I am honored to know you think of me as a gentleman, my love." He says and my light laugh caused the male to smile more.
"You set that up."
"Caught me." He teases, taking my hands in his own to help guide them to his shoulders - his features a gentle memory of pleasant times that shone through his calming irises. "However, I think it is high time we change your history of dances." His hands fall to rest on my waist - a motion that easily caused my breathing to slow like the gentle sway of our beginning dance in the peaceful aura of the room.
My fingers trace the red silky fabric of his jacket, a twitch wanting my hands to tighten around the material in a nervous habit of sorts that wouldn't completely show for reasons that kept me calm.
"If you do not mind my asking, how many balls have you been to exactly?" I ask softly and as the male chuckles, his hands make careful work of pulling me closer.
"Too many to count, my dear." He responds and my smile remains soft, my gaze falling to his chest as though to study the loose, cream colored bow that sat tied around his neck.
Peaceful was an easy way to describe the silence broken only by the barely heard tune of gentle humming - a serene take to end a busy day, the time seeming to still with each small sway.
The golden embroidery running along the edges of the royal's scarlet red attire was laced with immaculate detail I found my eyes drawn to - each thread woven to create a sense of worth and well-being etched on to each item, even if hidden under the warmth of the matching red jacket. Many red and gold trimmed velvet buttons ran down the hem - a contrast to the white, sheer detailed ruff that lay peering over the open top section of his vest.
The material was soft, silky though lined with a breath of warmth - my features held careful tones, intrigue that resembled the gentle gaze that shone down through baby blue eyes.
"Your majesty." I speak up quietly after a moment and he smiles a little more, tilting his head and my gaze lifts to meet his.
"George, love."
"George." I correct.
"Yes, my dear?"
"Do you ever feel lonely here, in the castle? Do you not ever tire of being king?" I ask with a hint of caution - though partly, I wasn't quite sure why I had.
His smile remains soft, his hands clasping behind my back.
"The thought has crossed my mind in the past, but no, being a king may be lonely, thankless work. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my position- having the given hand to help and lead our people, to guide them though some can be...harder to handle at times."
My (e/c) eyes dull with a hint of somber tones, my words slow in kind questioning.
"But is it not stressful? Knowing all those people look up to you, count on you- hold great expectations."
He nods only slightly. "No one said ruling was easy. But it is not suppose to be, it requires a lot of attention, time, and discipline...not everyone has what it takes to be a leader and even some rulers falter under the given weight of those expectations- or their own, more selfish reasons. However, knowing I can help those who need it is more than enough to keep me going." He pauses for a moment, his eyes soft as his brow furrows just enough to show his thoughts. "My father used to say that a king is not always there when you call, but he is always on time."
"It's thankless?" I ask in a whisper and George tilts his head, offering a sympathetic smile.
"Don't get me wrong, my dear, there are people who support you, stand by you. But there always will be people who think wrongly of you, criticize your actions and call you evil or mad because you hold a position of power. But still you have to hold your head up high. You don't do it just for those people, you do it because it is the right thing to do, you do it so in good and bad times your people will have someone to look to for hope, someone who will tell them that everything will be alright."
"You make it sound easy." I say quietly.
"No need to feel down, love. Perhaps something to get your wary mind off things?" His hand takes mine and my features help to show a small smile as his free hand found my lower back, guiding my frame over towards the front of the room where a sleek, black stained grand piano sat patiently.
He sits me down, making sure I was comfortable before sitting next to my left, and I smooth down my skirt.
"You play?" I question and he smiles, gazing upon the keys in memory.
"My mother. We were not very close when I was growing up, but music was one thing we both loved. Every Sunday night she would bring me here after I had finished with the day's lessons, or family dinner; for an hour she would teach me how to play- help guide me through my mistakes." He chuckles through a breath, turning his attention to the hand I had placed upon his.
"You and your mother weren't close?" My whispered question matched my saddened features, "I'm sorry."
He smiles, placing his free hand on mine in a silent showing of empathy. "Don't be, my dear, she still...loved me of course. We just...weren't as close as my other siblings. She held higher expectations of me, as I was the next in line for the throne."
"Siblings? You have siblings?" I ask as if peaking my interest back to a more calm place, and he chuckles softly again.
"Second oldest of nine children." He responds and my eyes felt the sudden need to widen at his answer.
"E-eight siblings...did you not drive each other mad?" I chuckle in a tone attempting to show a playful side.
"We did from time to time, as I assume most siblings do. But there was a whole castle I could hide from them in." He jokes and I laugh lightly, glancing down at my lap for a moment before offering the male a sincere smile.
"Would you be willing to play something for me, please? I would be ever grateful to hear your musical talent."
"It would be my honor, my dear." He smiles, pausing just long enough to turn his attention to the piano, placing his hands so they hovered above the black and white keys.
(The song mentioned above, starts here.)
His fingers press down on the different keys on the keyboard, moving at a steady pace as soft music starts playing in the room - filling the once quiet space with an uplifting melody.
His eyes were staring intently at the task he had focused on, watching along with myself as his fingers seemingly danced among the different contrasted keys, bringing the grand instrument to a calm sense life. The song itself was sweet with gentle elegance, a happy tune etched with a small, saddened undertone that lingered with it - echoing its serene tune throughout the vacant ballroom and making a small smile form on my face as I lean forward only just.
His focus was all on the piano, his posture perfect as each hand moved on its own, playing the melody he knew all by heart.
I let my head tilt slightly, the small smile tugging at the corners of my lips as my eyes watch the moving keys, entranced by his movements and the sweet, melancholic music.
My eyes close as I place my free hand by my side, grabbing the edge of the seat as I lean towards the male in an attempt to take in each changing note, a peaceful look resting on my face.
I felt happy, peaceful and at ease, a part of me not wanting the tune to stop - wanting George to continue playing his smooth melody for as long as I could listen.
I take a small breath, opening my eyes from the soothing trance I had been put under as I quietly exhale and my gaze falls on his hands once more, watching intently as they press each key at the right time.
The music softens once again; my gaze never leaving his hands as I watch in awe, my eyes shining as the male softly smiles - the wordless tune fading out in weaker strides that remained with the elegance of the grand room...and leaving it to silence.
(Song ends.)
A soft chuckle leaves my lips as I exhale unspoken praises - my head moving to slowly shake before I look back up at the royal. "That was...breathtaking. George you really have quite the talent. You're amazing." I say kindly and he smiles, his blue eyes gazing at me in a way that matched his sweet words.
"Why thank you, my dear."
"Thank you for playing for me. Maybe you could teach me sometime?" I say kindly and he nods.
"Of course. I would do anything to make you smile, my love." He responds, placing his hand on mine as his features relax to a more calm state.
"I hope you do not mind my observation, however I have noticed that you have seemed...on edge most of the day. What is troubling you, my dear?"
He asks and I look back up at his blue eyes - shifting in my spot as my expression falls back to timid self pity.
"Despite my want to keep it to myself- to force myself into lies for my premature safety, I hold high doubt that you have let it slip your thoughts. So if you so wish to know...I have yet to- to receive my punishment regarding my actions of yesterday." My whispered words were mumbled in a showing of the unease having crept back in. "My worry is from not knowing what is to come."
"Indeed. And I suppose it is high time we proceeded with it, as there is no sense in delaying the inevitable." George stands, smoothing down his jacket as he walks behind me and I turn my upper body to follow his frame.
"You see, I told you I wouldn't ever hurt you, my dear- and many apologies for you having worried about the subject all day. So, for your first- and I'm hoping last punishment, I have decided to move the date of our wedding."
My brow furrows as I turn the other way, standing rather quickly - the king only a few feet in front of me.
"H-how so?" I question warily and he chuckles, stepping forward to gently take my hands in his.
"I am moving it closer- and will see fit to do so, along with other things everytime you misbehave." He says and my chest falls as his thumb rubs the top of my hand.
"You see, I got to thinking- and soon after realized, that I don't feel the need to wait eight months. I am a patient man yes, but knowing your little head could be planning something doesn't sit well with me. So thanks to your actions, our wedding will be in six months time."
I gently pull my hands away, taking a small step back only to lightly bump into the piano - my right hand falling to its reflective surface as my eyes lay painted with a newly remembered worry.
"Y-you can't do that. It's not fair-"
"You've said that a lot lately." He responds, closing the gap between us before his hands place themselves on the piano beside me.
I draw my arms closer to my chest - the royal tracing my shoulder with his free hand and I shake my head. "But you can't- you said eight months. That the wedding would be in eight months." I say, my voice lost as his fingers graze my collarbone.
"I'm being very generous, my dear." He says in a matter of fact tone, his features resting with a look mirroring boredom. "Usually royalty gets married within a week. You should feel lucky."
"But I don't-" my worried response was quick, and my chest falls. "This situation is different-"
"I could move it closer, my dear." He says and I take a quick breath - shivering at his warm touch.
"No-"
"How does four months sound? Maybe three?" He questions mockingly and I swallow, shaking my head as I speak up once again.
"No, I don't-"
"Maybe we should have our wedding within the week. After all I recall you saying you'd give up trying as soon as your coronation day came. As soon as your crown was forcibly placed upon your head, if I remember correctly."
"No- George please." I say softly, looking away from his piercing gaze as I bite my tongue, "I need time- I'll do anything just please, keep it at eight."
"Say you love me." He answers softly, tilting my head so I looked back at his eyes.
"But I told you-"
"You said you'd do anything my dear. So, show me some of the affection I know you have for me."
I exhale, a saddened expression on my face as I shake my head - taking notice of my heartbeat. "I..." my voice falters as I cower back into the piano, each word soft and uneasy. "I love you."
He hums, placing his free hand on the other side of my frame before clicking his tongue. "I don't find myself believing you."
I furrow my brow, frowning at his statement.
"But I said what you told me to."
"Yes, I know." He chuckles softly and I bite my lip. "But I also said to show me your affection."
"How?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper as he plays with my hair.
"However you think best pet." He responds, his eyes studying the (h/c) strands curled around his fingers.
My eyes fall to the floor as I take an uneasy breath. My heartbeat a little faster as I close my eyes, opting for a few moments of silence to my shred of dignity.
"George." I whisper.
"Yes, (y/n)." He says, his eyes shifting back to mine as I open my (e/c) eyes and look back up, gathering up as much courage as I could muster.
"I...George, I can not put the amount of love- affection I have for you into words...I can not explain my feelings for you without failing to make sense." I pause for a moment, moving my right hand to cover his.
"I-I...find myself without explanations to my feelings, and I..."
"I was almost starting to believe you." He smiles and I began to feel panic. "It was a good effort-"
My hand shoots up, grabbing the collar of his red jacket and pulling the male towards me whilst moving to stand taller and planting my lips on his - trying with everything I had to kiss the male passionately - and to show the male's surprise, his left hand flinches ever so slightly before moving closer to hold mine gently, and he kisses back.
He tasted like tea, sweet and warm.
My eyes were kept closed in concentration - the kiss focused yet as gentle as the hand that trailed up my arm to leave each sense with numb tingles...until his fingers tangled themselves in my hair - a simple motion, paired with that of the hand that then found my waist, caused my cheeks to flush a calm red and my hand raises from his jacket's collar, moving up slowly to gently touch the male's sharp jaw before resting on his shoulder.
And after a blissful, relapsed moment we part - my head lowered in actions I was partly surprised by - my chest letting go of the breath it had held close.
"My..." he chuckles after a moment, his breathing only just heavier than normal, and his careful hand lifts my chin to show the child-like smile playing on his face. "My dear that was quite the show- I'm..."
"Speechless." I say softly, looking up with another exhaled breath. "I apologize if that overstepped bounds...however, will you at least consider moving the wedding back..."
George smiles. "Because you have been such a delight today, my love, I will keep it at six months, but remember I can change it at any time." He says and I sigh softly, moving my hand down to his chest.
"But..." I silence my plea - not wanting to argue anymore - and although the answer wasn't exactly what I had been hoping for, I nod kindly. "Thank you...thank you."
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Author's note~
I hope the piano scene came out fine, it was a lot harder than I thought to try and explain someone playing the piano for 1:55 seconds.
But it was worth it - I mean the image of George elegantly playing such an instrument like the king he is just- hhhhgggg.
A few quick things before I go.°'°
First, thank you guys so much for 10k reads, I never imagined my little story would get this far and I can't thank you guys enough for bearing with me!
But from the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much! <3
Secondly, big thanks once again to my friend sskmskksksksksmsks for helping me with the idea for the last scene.
And finally, to give credit where credit is due. There was a reference in this chapter that some of you may have seen, from a page in one of the Hamilton books I have.
This page to be exact-
Look at him- Ô-Ô
I know it may be a little hard to read but it's the text in the top right corner. I just wanted to state here that the reference/lines came from there.
Hope you all have a great rest of your day/night!
-Mochi<3