Chapter 15

Roxas POV

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or The Swan Princess... but I do own this little version... you know without the names or character's physical descriptions.

I've been waiting patiently for over a week now... waiting for father to come and announce when we're going to depart. And I always have valued my self-control above everything else... except my intelligence. But when it comes to things like this... about my friends and allies, that so called control disappeared like sunlight in the night. So much so that I was currently pacing.

I am really surprising myself with my impatience... and that can cause problems. King's aren't supposed to worry about such trifling matters, or at least that's what I am taught.

Royalty is always supposed to be perfectly composed, seemingly not moved by anything but in return move their people instead.

I know these lessons; I've listened to them for most of my short life... So then why do I feel like neglecting them now? Just because I'm anxious to know our departure date for the Pendragon estate.

I sighed, pausing my pacing to flop on my chaise miserably, and gazing out the window as I normally do.

The day bed had been set parallel to one of said three large windows, so that I may watch the sun rise on my sleepless nights or whenever it catches my fancy. Though it was quite a shame that I didn't have a window seat of my own, I couldn't be too disappointed about it. I could always have one made, or find another in the castle to suit my tastes.

A bed was also placed here; mocking almost as it sat in its corner to the east, virtually secluded exempting the night table to its left. Of course there were other things in my chambers other than this, such as a desk for my studies and a line of bookcases filled with numerous volumes, plays and - dare I say -dramas.

My room was neither overly lavish in size nor pauperly* small. In fact it was a special request of mine, to convert the old room of my Mother's to what is now my own.

Yes, my Mother had a room separate from Father's... She actually had another wing separate from him -the east wing- the area that now belongs to us children. We live separately because we respect each other's privacy. Though it seems strange to many... but we find no problem with it. We all still love and respect one another, and we are close... Well, as close as you can be when keeping to one's self.

I clutched the intricate decorative pillow, hugging it to my abdomen. While the pillow really didn't look like much anymore, and even though it was a fading rose color it was the last and only thing I still kept that reminded me of my Mother.

She died of a sickness a few years after Sora's birth, which makes so I really don't remember too much about her, but significantly much more than the others. She was brunette, thus Sora's brown spikes, with blue eyes much like our shared sapphire. Small frame, creamy skin... or at least that's how my memory serves me. In fact, Sora is almost the spitting image of her; though that doesn't very well give merit his manliness... I hope he matures a bit more...

I shook my head.

That doesn't really matter right now.

What does is the fact that my mind keeps turning back to Prince Lea and our summer together. That summer was the only time I've never had to worry about sleeping because Lea would stay up late with me and we would just talk. Our conversations were mainly on books we have read together or the things we have seen that day.

I shook my head once again.

I'm going to go see Father now and get to the bottom of this.

I exited my room and walked down the hall when a thought struck.

I knocked on Sora's door and waited for my plan to fall in place.

The small brunette answered the door excitedly.

"Roxas!" I grimaced, "Have you heard when we're going to see Riku?"

I fought the urge to smile slightly at his question.

Sora had cried for half of the ride home, sleeping for the other. Riku was the first other person he'd spent a considerable amount of time with outside of family, the first he's connected with without our blood, so it quite understandable that he would become this attached.

Riku's not a bad influence, but exactly the opposite. My brother has a way of finding trouble like no other, but the older boys' influence over him kept him oddly in line. A plus to this great occurrence is that Riku was responsible, and you know what they say about birds of a feather.

I sighed and shook my head to his question.

Sora pouted, obviously trying to think of a way to solve this.

Then it struck him, just as I knew it would, his face lighting up in the process.

"Let's go ask father together, okay?"

Again I nodded, following him as he began to walk down the hall. We made a quick detour to Namine's room, collecting her also. There was strength in numbers.

"What's going on?" Namine asked. "Is this about the summer trip?"

"Yes." I answered calmly, liking how easily my plan was falling into place.

I should have done this sooner.

"Well, I was getting a little curious about it myself..."

Namine followed our lead, well, more of Sora's lead seeing as he was tugging on both of our arms, trying to urge us to pick up a speed that we didn't.

We exited the east wing and crossed the grand hall's grand staircase into the west wing. This wing was just as quiet as ours, the servants having other things to do or clean. Though it was still quite early in the day, I had a strong feeling that Father wasn't anywhere near his study or would be anytime soon. It was only the second day of the month, sixth of the week, and on such days Father found it easier to take it easy. All work with no play or rest isn't good for the body, or so Father frequently says.

From the many times I've visited Fathers' room in the past it had mostly stayed the same, except for the occasional change in tapestry.

The room was enormous, of course, frequently bright with several lamps along the perimeter and the crystal chandelier overhead. Then located under the main source of light was a very large canopy bed, pure white sheets and comforter covering the whole of it, and a matching footrest sitting in front of it. One corner of the room, the far right, was his private office containing only a mahogany desk and a couple of book cases, within having various titles of which I'm not to sure.

A little ways off from this was the walls were cerulean set off by the creamy tangerine curtains that framed several wide lancet windows. These windows were quite fair; a few - being two - had stained glass that were a montage of colors, the most prominent being different hues of green, blue and orange; the others were decorated simply, the crossing wires taking the shape of diamonds.

In the dead center of these lancet sets was the entrance to the balcony. Nothing was really special about the balcony it's self - though it had exceptionally good masonry – except the view.

The viewer is rewarded with a spectacular overlook of almost the entire kingdom and even some of the neighboring lands... The Kingdom of Radiance being one of which I can identify.

It would be nice to show that view to Axel someday.

I blinked, pausing in mid-stride only to shake my head and continue on walking. Hopefully the others didn't notice.

His personal chambers was the room at the far end of the hall, entrance usually closed off by an ebony door. But oddly, today said door was cracked and from what I could see the room was pitch black.

Again my steps gave pause.

His room being that dark was certainly not a good sign and made me a bit apprehensive. But this fact didn't stop Namine from entering so I dutifully followed; being the oldest male it was my job to protect.

As we stepped inside, it actually wasn't as dark as I assumed, one of the lamps to the farthest from the bed were. Though
Father was in his chambers like he usually is this early in the morning, loafing around, as it seems, or merely just thinking. About what however is unknown to me.

Our blonde paternal figure sat on his footrest, face in his hands, hair askew, elbows resting on his knees, and shoulders sagging. In short, he looked stressed.

"Father?" I questioned calmly.

The blonde man's head snapped up, quickly wiping away tears that I don't even think Namine caught, running hand through his hair and casting us a distracting smile.

That's when I noticed it; the very crumpled and what seemed to be damp letter clutched in his left hand.

As quickly as I had seen it was the parchment hidden from view.

Hmm... Interesting...

Father's queer movements and behavior were starting to pique my interest.

I glanced over at Namine to see her already meeting my eyes. She nodded ever so slightly.

She might have not caught on to the tears but she saw the letter. Although young, my sister was quite attentive for her age even though she acts so... naive.

Really quite like an angel.

Her face flushed and she averted her eyes, walking gracefully towards the door.

"Father, come join us for an early lunch - after you dress appropriately." She spoke softly, to calm him.

And then he strangely was pacified. Her words worked almost like the magic spells I've read so little about. But magic such as that is a forbidden thing - to anyone who isn't a physician, that is, and a very high one at that. I lie - all magic isn't forbidden, only magic the tampers directly with the fates. Necromancy is outlawed as well as Resurrections spells, summoning demons, time magic - basically all of black magic including a few others.

I eyed Namine suspiciously as she finally took her leave. Even though Father quieted he showed no signs that he was prepared to dress, so I took it upon myself to find him something relatively suitable.

Laying across the bed in an almost orderly manner was one of our Sire's favorite lounging robes, only slightly rumpled as if its dawning was interrupted. It was a powdery baby blue, the color that set off my Fathers' complexion beautifully.

A certain brunette interrupted the room's silence.

"Come on, get up!" Sora smiled brightly, but I could tell that he was confused as to why Father wasn't his normal self.

"Well?" My brunette sibling questioned, "What are you waiting for? Santa?"

The blonde man chuckled at that.

"Up, up, up!" He tugged his hand.

"Alright, alright." Our paternal figure smiling once again.

A very good sign.

Sora helped me slip the silk robe over Father's shoulders, letting him dawn the matching bottoms himself.

Now clothed in the baby blue fabric he seemed even more like his normal persona, his smile now holding it normal natural radiance. The disheveled paper, forgotten for now, fell silently to the floor. I was so very tempted to find out what was on that paper.

"Namine is down stairs getting the meal in order," Or at least I'm guessing she would be, "Father, let's not tarry." I voiced, walking over to the door, all the while keeping the crumpled parchment in my sights.

Sora pulled Father by the arm, excitedly chattering off about something I couldn't quite catch all the words to - not like I was really trying anyways.

A blur of crimson, emerald and ivory/peach cut across my vision. My mind felt fuzzy, and for a split second, very lightheaded. Suddenly my center of balance was off, I felt like I was tipping backwards.

Then it stopped.

Very confused, I replayed the odd moment back in my mind.

I saw a blurred image and then -

I paused.

No... I did not swoon, I just...

My cheeks heated up, and I paced the room trying to get my mind off of what I didn't just do.

Who was that?

The image was steadily becoming clearer; almost clear enough that I could almost form a name.

The figure was disrobed from the torso up, hair surrounding the perfectly oval ivory tinted face. A line of darkness outlined the pure white surrounding deep emerald iris. The eyes themselves held so much emotion... I've never seen anything like it. But the pupils, pure black as they were, started to dilate until the iris was covered, then the sclera... then oddly the cheekbones... Everything was engulfed after that.

I shook my head, trying to get rid of the nagging feeling that particular image gave me.

There were more important things to think about at the moment.

My attention shifted again, back to my main reason for stating behind. The letter.

I approached it quickly, not wanting to waste anymore time, and picked up the paper and tried to smooth out all the wrinkles as best as I could.

My brows furrowed in disappointment.

Not only was the paper hardly legible, it was wet with tears no doubt.

I was stubborn though and tried to make out the letters with my best ability, starting off with the signature at the bottom.

Terra Pendragon.

Very curious over my Fathers' reaction now I started to read.

"Dear Ventus," I paused trying to make out the rest. "How have you been-" Illegible words stretched on after that for a few sentences.

"My wife has asked about you," Lord Pendragon is married? "But she was quite calm about the matter time around. Never the less she's still very concerned about your vis-" The rest of the paragraph was gone due to the worn condition of the paper, I could only pick out words such as "Sorry" and "Please".

Although I was quite interested in what could the obvious transgression Lord Pendragon, or maybe his wife, as committed the script was totally destroyed. So I searched the next paragraph for clues.

"I want this problem to blow over for a bit longer, to it would be greatly appreciated if the children could spend the country together in your Kingdom. Aqua is steadily but slowly regaining her strength so I don't want you and possibly your children to be in any danger." I blinked. Danger? What could possibly- "Please consider my request, I implore you. In memory of what we once shared, please don't let our complications interfere with our children's' futures. I would lay down my life before I would let harm befall you, again. So do not worry yourself over the matter, I promise to take care of everything - cast even the shadow of the thought of her out of your mind and always remember that I-" The last of the letter was blurred, exempting the signature which was signed, "A man of his word, Terra Pendragon."

Whoa. That was informative.

"Roxas!" Sora's childlike voice rang out, from what I could tell down the hall.

I dropped the paper, finally letting the guilt take over.
This was obviously something very private, almost intimate, that I've just spied on... Father was evidently very upset over this.

I walked over to the door with haste as I heard Sora call my name out again.

I hope he's just worried over something trivial, like abundant rainfall.

However, I knew that was not the case.

When the door was opened, I was pulled by my elbow down the hall by my seven-year-old brother.

I was reminded of the time when I was the one doing the dragging, and just like now Axel didn't really make a fuss.

Once again angry with myself, I pulled my arm from Sora managing to free myself without too much effort.

"I can walk myself."

Sora didn't seem to take offence to my harsh tone, just shrugging and continuing on his way.

Ironically we were on the stairs, almost finished our descent.

I tried to suppress my anger but it quickly given a little room.

Why was my mind so obsessed with thoughts of this boy?

My mind quickly supplied me an answer. My attachment was probably similar to Sora's when it comes to Riku; because when I really think about it Lea is technically also the first person outside the family I've become attached.

I paused before continuing into the dining area.

Yes, I was satisfied with this answer. For now.

Upon sitting our meals set in front of us and conversation started to flow.

"So Father, what do we have planned for the summer?" Namine asked, trying to take it slowly.

"... I'm not too sure at the moment." Was his hesitant answer.

"Why? I was pretty sure that I would have some time to spend with my betrothed."

I smiled at the sly answer. Namine and I were truly siblings.

"Yeah, and I wanted to spend time with Riku. When are we leaving?" My brother had less tact and more food in his mouth but the result was about the same.

"Sora... I'm not sure about this year..."
"Why?" I spoke up, trying to look nonchalant by actually trying some of my breakfast.

It was an omelet, with some sort of greens, cheese and beef cooked inside. Some parsley decorated the plate, with some fried potato slices and some roast beef.

It looked appetizing enough.

"Well I-... I've just been informed that Lord Pendragon is... having a few problems with in his castle. I'm afraid that this summer will be no good."

We all sat in silence for a few seconds, then they all started talking at once.

"I'm sorry children I know you're disappointed-"

"But Father I thought that this was going to be an annual occurrence! I've already promised Namine that I'd show her my newest painting."

"That's not fair! I wanna see Riku!"

It's bad but I thought of how comical my family must look to the servants right now. Then I thought of Lea and my promise to come back this summer. I thought of how sad he'd probably be, how he wouldn't trust my word anymore; because a King's word is his solemn oath. I plan to keep my word, to the best of my ability.

They were still yelling - well Sora was - when I came out of my thoughts.

"Father." I said in an even, clear and practically overpowered voice.

I was surprised when their complaints silenced, and they turned to look at me.

My chest started to tighten, and I winced at the slightly painful twinge.

"What exactly is the problem occurring at the Kingdom of Radiance?"

Father look stuck for a moment, as if deciding to actually tell me. Whatever it was lost.

"There have been a number of uprisings in the neighboring towns, Terra- Lord Pendragon thinks it best if we just stay put this year."

What a blatant lie... but I wouldn't know that if I weren't snooping. We're both in the wrong.

"Is the royal family safe?"

Father looked surprised as if he wasn't expecting me to ask that.

It was a very natural question to ask.

"Yes, everyone's currently unharmed."

"Father, wouldn't it be better if the Pendragon family came and spent the summer here?"

All our eyes turned to our blonde parent, who sat there motionless for a moment before hanging his head slightly in defeat.

Sora was the first to react.

"Yay! Now I can show Riku the new game I made up."

Namine was a bit more gracious, smiling with a soft, "Thank you."

I was a bit relieved, the nervous tension clenching in my chest finally loosening somewhat and I felt as if I could actually finish my breakfast now.

Maybe now Lea can see the view from Father's room.

A/N: Yeah so I finally freaking updated, Yay! Don't really like the last line though... oh well. This is a long chapter, compared to the others anyways, and I really hope this makes some type of sense 'cause I want the filler to be just… a filler. Sustenance and all that jazz, it's good, makes the world go round, blah blah blah.

*yeah this word isn't really real... but I liked it so I'm using it.

I've done some weird things with the chapters so if they're out of order let me know and I've tried to spell check them and all of that... I was planning on rewriting the whole thing but I didn't have the patience for it so I just put it up with the spell check.