When Haru finally confessed what he had kept deep inside, the entire hall went silent. Aki glared at Shion with anger and reproach. For the first time in his long political career, the prince was at a loss for how to respond.
Good! That's right, show him how you feel!
Heh, looks like my makeup did its job.
Rooting for you, Haru!, Maldie thought, watching him.
Standing in the center, Haru couldn't hold back his tears. He felt such strong emotions that shivers ran through him every so often.
"H-How do we know you're telling the truth?" Aki's mother asked, her voice showing she took Haru's boldness as a personal affront.
"I… I really love him!" Haru said again.
"That still doesn't mean anything!" Aki's mother shot back. "What if it's some kind of trick?"
Shion sighed.
Haru, after what you just did, a lot of people are going to hate you.
I can't believe you went through with something this wild.
A gesture that's my ticket to freedom…
…I want to give you something back.
"What was that supposed to mean?" Aki asked, clearly annoyed at his sigh.
Shion stepped closer to Haru.
"Do you intend to behead him yourself, Your Highness?" Aki's mother asked. "Splendid!"
Everyone froze as Shion gently lifted Haru's chin, raising his bowed head.
"This means a lot to me, Haru. Let me give you more than you gave me," the prince said softly.
Haru blushed. In that moment Shion's voice sounded to Haru so… hot and seductive.
He didn't understand what was happening. Shion held his chin, his own cheeks burning from the chaos of emotions running through him.
"Prince, what are you planning to do?" one of Shion's ministers asked nervously.
"I love you too, Haru," Shion said, not caring if anyone else heard.
"Sh-Shion, I…" Haru couldn't finish his sentence.
Then, moving aside the veil, Shion kissed him in the middle of the hall. Gasps of shock and outrage rippled through the crowd.
Oh my God! Haru thought, completely blown away. Shion, what got into you?! You're kissing me like crazy, in front of everyone! T-This is so shameless…
Shion felt unstoppable. He knew he was in control of the situation, and no one would dare stop them. Aki and her mother could shout and show outrage all they wanted, but Shion – unrestricted by courtly games – let himself go.
Haru suddenly felt Shion slip his tongue between his lips, if only for a moment, then press a brief, intense kiss on him with his tongue. Moments later, Shion pulled away. Haru was flushed with both his feelings for the prince and lack of breath, panting heavily.
Shion, as he always did – calm and collected – turned his attention back to the rest of the crowd.
"I hope this leaves no doubt about whose heart I choose to follow," he said in a cold, commanding tone.
Haru heard quick footsteps behind him. Someone came running, dagger raised, screaming.
"How could you? How could you ruin everything we worked so hard for?!" the assassin shouted.
Gari knocked him down with a single punch. The attacker hit the floor, dropping his blade.
Gari pressed the desperate politician to the ground, knee digging into his back and twisting his arms painfully.
"You really thought you could be quicker than me?," she said in a grave tone.
"Thank you. Looks like I hired the right person to protect Haru," Shion said with a small smile.
"Shion, what is the meaning of this?" Aki shouted angrily.
"I'm done hiding who I am," the prince said coldly. "I rejected every partner proposed to me because none of them appealed to me. I thought I couldn't love anyone, but my key changed that. It's the cure to my pain, and I can't stop thinking about him. I want him by my side all the time."
"How bold! You invited us here just to mock my daughter's beauty?" Aki's mother thundered.
"That's not entirely it. I didn't mean to offend you. I intended to hide my true feelings for the sake of the kingdom, but I couldn't reject such a brave gesture from Haru."
"My highness, with all due respect, this isn't right. The wedding is scheduled for tomorrow," one of the ministers said.
"Then we'll change the bride. I see no obstacle," Shion replied.
"Huh?!" Haru exclaimed, surprised.
Wait, isn't this too fast? Does he really want to marry me?
After just a few days? This is crazy!
"Don't think, prince, that this decision won't have consequences," Aki said, standing from her throne. "You'll remember my words."
"Our nation is strong," another politician said. "I've always preferred the prince to have a wife from our country, to prevent foreign influence at court. I support Haru's candidacy," he added, stepping forward.
Haru looked at the politician. He had slight wrinkles under his eyes, long dark green hair, and wore a black kimono.
"If the strategist supports Haru, then I also back him," Khai said, joining the strategist.
Aki and her delegation left the palace in anger and humiliation. Meanwhile, the ministers whispered among themselves.
"Even for practical reasons," one of them said, "I'd rather change the bride than let all our preparations go to waste."
Shion sighed.
Haru looked at him.
"You're risking too much for me, idiot! But I'm glad… that… because now I know that you too…" Haru hugged Shion tightly and, beginning to cry again.
The prince held him close, tenderly wrapping his arms around his small, thin body. Maldie wiped away a tear of emotion.
"You were just as crazy," Shion said, his tone slightly amused. "Haru, thanks to you, we don't have to hide anymore. Sorry I didn't ask first. I know this might be too fast, but… do you want to be my bride?"
Haru loosened his hold to look back at Shion.
"Why are you even asking, dummy? Of course I do, but… I want us to take it slow, like before. I'd be cruel if I backed out after everything you've done for me."
"I understand." After a moment, Shion addressed the rest of the crowd: "Does anyone want to openly oppose this marriage?"
Silence fell.
"Gari, let go of the attacker," the prince ordered, letting go of Haru and moving toward the would-be assassin.
"Of course," she replied, then restrained the assassin.
The prince drew the katana at his waist – not a god's sword, just a blade.
"This is for trying to kill him," he said coldly, then plunged the katana into the politician's back.
The attacker tried to beg Shion for mercy, but the prince remained unyielding.
He didn't really want to do it, but this was about sending a message.
"I'm glad I don't hear any outright objections," Shion said. "Gari and Maldie, your special task for today: take Haru into town and find him something perfect to wear for tomorrow. My treat."
"O-okay, boss," Gari replied.
"Yes, Your Highness," Maldie said, bowing.
Haru couldn't believe what was happening. He stared at Shion with love and in amazement.
Am I… really going to be his bride?