Chapter Text
Prince Kamishiro found himself wandering through the forest that served as a natural barrier, like he would every other day. Fitting the kingdom’s name, the forest was shadowy and filled with an eerie atmosphere, separating the Black Lily Kingdom from the outside world. The royals of the Kamishiro family radiated the same energy to outsiders, having peculiar characteristics that weren’t inherently bad but only different. Perhaps it was a curse to be a Kamishiro; as the black lily prince, Rui, had long been burdened by the loneliness that came with being an odd one.
The young prince’s routine included waking up before the sunrise and savoring the serenity of his solitude, even if it would only be for a while. If he was thankful for at least one thing in this kingdom, that would be his flowers which he was committed to taking care of. Though Rui developed a pessimistic nature within the cold confines of the castle, it didn’t keep him from appreciating the things that life had given him. Prince Black Lily, known for his distant and cold nature, deep down nurtured a soft, warm affection for his garden. Every flower was so dear to him, from the black lilies to the white ones. He would even find himself talking to his little companions, as they were more sincere than the royals would ever be.
“My beloveds, keep flourishing with all your love.” he said softly, caressing the white lilies with his breath.
They were his escape, his sanctuary. This was how the prince would spend his days, not a need for words, but just a presence that he could talk to. His flowers sure weren’t ‘someone’ but the boy was determined to stay this way, appreciating his flowers blooming for him in tranquility, as he didn’t need anything else. Rui closed his eyes for a moment, and let the morning breeze wash over his skin. It was another day of peace and quiet, until an unfamiliar boisterous voice called for Rui behind his back, nearly making him jump like a startled cat.
“Hey, you!”
Rui turned around to lock eyes with the stranger, the young boy around his age dressed in white, his skin slightly tan. The boy had a neat appearance with his long blond hair which was tied in the way that it sat on his shoulder. Rui could tell that the boy was a royal from his fancy clothes. He found himself lost in the boy’s eyes that matched the hues of the orange dawn sky.
The dazzling prince bowed elegantly yet in an overacted manner, “I’m Tenma Tsukasa, the future king of the White Lily Kingdom!” he exclaimed, causing the other prince to shudder.
Rui eyed the boy, too baffled to let words come out of his mouth. Future king? That’s how the royals are supposed to introduce themselves now? The prince’s words were comical. Rui knew that this would only lead him to another meaningless conversation, yet it piqued his curiosity. “Isn’t it quite early to call yourself a king?” Rui muttered, with sarcasm hidden in his voice.
“That’s why I said future king, my dear friend!” Tsukasa replied like he already expected the question beforehand. The White Lily prince’s smile radiated an extraordinary aura, his eyes reflecting the pink hues of the sun’s birth now. As the other warily averted his eyes, his gaze tugged on an invisible point in the air. This resulted in the blonde moving in sync with Rui’s eyes, not wanting to leave the prince’s sight.
“Won’t you tell me your name?” the unexpected visitor asked lively, it made Rui wonder how one could be this energetic in the early morning. His name… the reason for that question being asked was certain, Rui thought. The two have just met, thus the prince wanted to make a judgment beforehand, in other words to, act accordingly to Rui’s title. Like the fact that both boys being princes meant that they could relate to each other.
“You didn’t tell me what you were here for.” the black lily prince answered, dodging the question.
“Fair enough, I suppose.” Tsukasa replied, breaking the eye contact, and slowly starting to walk away. The other followed him with his curious eyes as the prince’s demeanor changed. The prince wandered over to a patch of black lilies, as he crouched down beside one, it made Rui’s heart drop. His flowers were like a precious treasure to him, he would never give them to a stranger’s hand. But the White Lily prince was rather gentle with them. He brushed the flower’s petals carefully with his fingers, as if they were made of glass. Treating the flowers with such care, just like how Rui would.
“They’re beautiful aren’t they?” the ‘loud’ boy said softly, surprising Rui with the unexpected gentle voice of his. Keeping his quiet demeanor, he started walking over the lilies himself.
“Who is responsible for all these precious flowers?” he asked, glancing up to face Rui again, whose eyes narrowed slightly at the blond’s words. The Black Lily prince wasn’t used to such sincerity, let alone others showing genuine interest in his dear flowers.
“They are mine,” Rui finally answered, his voice quiet yet firm. “I take care of them.”
Tsukasa’s eyes widened slightly as he slowly got back up on his feet. The hues in the prince’s eyes were once again in vibrant tones, his lips curving into a smile. “I should’ve known,” he said, walking up to the black lily prince. “I can see that in you.”
“What do you mean?” the other inquired, being unsure of the blond’s intentions.
Tsukasa let out a genuine, almost enthusiastic laugh before answering, “Worry not, my dear!” he exclaimed, softly yet firmly placing a warm hand on the other’s shoulder. The Black Lily prince blinked, momentarily at loss for words. The White Lily was the reflection of the familiar sun which painted the blue canvas in pink and orange tints every dawn. The same sun which Rui has yearned for its warmth at every lonesome night. It all felt so unbelievable, yet somehow it all resonated. And before he could process it, the blond disappeared into the morning fog, leaving the other alone in his garden of the morn.
“Will you come back?” were the words that were trapped in the prince’s throat. As the breeze swept through his hair, he just realized the grave coldness of the forest—a chill that already reached to his heart. It was always that cold, withering the flowers that just bloomed.