HEHE THANK YOU FOR ALL THE AMAZING REVIEWS :) the compliments and reactions all mean a lot to me! To receive so many makes me so happy ^0^ There is still a few chapters in their past! So stay with me longer on the road of their rocky past! I hope you will enjoy this chapter :) It's all about inner turmoil and about snippets of our other cute couples out there ;) Hehe enjoy this long chapter! ^-^

RandomBystander: Hehe i dont plan to give up don't worry! I'm definitely finishing this story! ^0^ Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)

v: LOOOL I dont plan to stop this twistedness hehe ;) Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)

Guest 1: I'M SORRY MY MIND IS JUST TO TWISTED HAHA. Thanks for reading and reviewing :)

Guest 2,3: Haha thanks :) Thank you of reading and reviewing my lovelies ^0^

Guest 4: Not gonna lie, it did hurt to see that, but you must have a reason to think that way. Could you tell me why, so I can improve? And did you mean the whole Masamune and Ritsu flashback? This arc is kinda long cuz its important for the future development of the story. What happens here is important for later. Im sorry that its boring, so i'll try to make it more exciting somehow haha.

IMPORTANT!: Thanks to a reader for pointing it out, I realized that the night scene seemed like a dream, but it wasn't! I corrected that so it should flow better now! Sorry about that! Also, The engraving should have been "M&R" not "T&R." Sorry about my clumsiness! -bows-

Chapter 19: Steps to Fall in Love: Walking Together

"Mother, Father, why didn't you ever tell me about Ritsu?" Masamune wanted to know why his parents hid this from him all these years.

Hikaru and Mizuki glanced at each other with a solemn look. The king answered, "You were only about one at the time when all of this happened, so it wasn't unusual you wouldn't remember it at all. Ritsu wasn't with us for very long either, only for around 2 months. After we faked his death, the topic of the Cursed Prince became a taboo subject. We thought it was best to not say anything to you as well because we didn't want you to know how powerless we were. We couldn't even protect our own son…" As a ruler you had power, but that power came from the people, making you truly powerless unless you had their faith and approval. One mistake leads to a downfall. To fall is easier than to rise.

"Were you afraid that I would look at you in a bad light?"

His parents looked at him with melancholy in their eyes. Mizuki answered softly, "How could you respect your own parents when you found out that they couldn't protect your brother and almost even had to kill him?"

The ravenette replied tenderly, "But you didn't. You protected him. I know you would never do it even if people shouted and threatened you to do it. And the fact that you were willingly to send him away and never to know about you, shows how much you treasure him."

Hikaru looked down and sighed. "But we were selfish. We could have allowed him to live happily for the rest of his life. If we never told him about us, he could be very happy. But because we wanted to meet him and get to know him and have him recognize us to an extent, we shattered everything he originally knew and believed in."

The prince couldn't help but think in his mind that because his parents revealed the truth, it shattered his world as well. He unknowingly fell in love with his own blood brother and now it was too late because he can't just simply fall out of love so easily. Of course he could never reveal this secret to his parents. "Mother, Father, I can't be sure, but I feel that he doesn't hate you for telling him. Yes, he is scared because there are things he has to come to term with, but he knows that you did it to save him. I think that all you can do is show that even though you haven't been a part of his life for 19 years, you want to be in it now because you could not before then."

Mizuki asked timidly, "Do you think he will accept us?"

With a gentle look in his yes, Masamune responded, "That's up to him. All you can do is try and show him."

The rulers of Estercrest smiled and said, "Thank you son…"

The prince returned the smile. Even though he hated remembering the fact that Ritsu was his brother, he wanted to help his parents because he knew they truly wanted Ritsu to come to love and see them as his parents as well.

The ravenette stood up and said, "I still need to finish up some preparations for the ball coming in two weeks, so please excuse me." He walked out of the room and closed the door. He pressed his head against the closed doors and whispered softly, "I'm sorry for falling in love with my own brother, but I can't stop, even if you told me too… So please forgive me…"

He knew loving his own blood brother was a sin, but he has already fallen. He could never climb back out… And for that, he knows that he could never be forgiven for committing such a grave sin. All he could is ask and never receive it…

…

Ritsu sighed. He stared out the window next to his bed, but he mind wasn't focused on the scenery outside, but rather the revelation he learned of yesterday. And also his body completely ached from the night before. He blushed at that memory, but couldn't help but feel sadness at the same time.

He found it hard to process all the information and events that occurred the day before. Realizing that his parents were not his birth parents, but his aunt and uncle already was a whirlwind of information. To him, Kiyomi and Atushi will always be his true parents because they raised him and loved him so much. He knew they felt insecure about their position as his parents, but he reassured them that they will always be his Mama and Papa.

As for Hikaru and Mizuki, he didn't know how to feel about them. From the story, he understood what position they were in, but a part of him wished that he never even learned how they were related to him. Everything would be simply easier…

He slowly got off his bed and stood in front of the mirror. He stared at his reflection. He saw a man who he couldn't recognize. The he from before has changed and that scared him. It wasn't his features that have changed, but who he was. He was not Ritsu, the son of Onodera Atushi and Kiyomi, but Ritsu, the son of Takano Hikaru and Mizuki, the second prince of Estercrest, the supposedly dead cursed prince, and worst of all, the blood brother of Masamune.

He pressed his forehead against the cool surface of the mirror. Learning everything about his true self frightened him to the core. He wished he honestly could have stayed naive about everything. Then, he would remain happy with his parents and love Masamune without feeling so horrible.

Yet, in him, he knew that even if they were not blood brothers, they would never be able to be together forever. It wasn't that love between the same genders were disapproved of extremely heavily, but rather the fact that they were brothers and also the need to continue the royal lineage. Eventually, Masamune would need to marry a fine woman and bear a heir to continue the Takano line.

At least now, their blood would always connect them together no matter what. The brunette chuckled darkly. He felt so despicable. He would use any way to stay with Masamune, even if mean using his blood ties.

Their love itself represented an abomination.

Ritsu knew he should have broken it off with the other, but when Masamune said those words, he could help but feel weak and allow himself to indulge and have some belief that they could still be together.

He brush his finger against the warm bejeweled ring. It served to bring comfort, but also remind him that he and Masamune were something never meant to be.

Why did fate have to be so cruel? Why did he have to fall for his own brother…?

Just why…?

He wished someone could answer these repetitive question in his mind. Because all of this was just too unfair and painful…

He wished the pain in his heart would cease…

…

"Mama, Papa, do I have to go?" Ritsu didn't really want to return to the castle and face Hikaru and Mizuki again. It had already been a week since he found out about his birth or even met with Masamune. He had come to terms with his reality, but a part of him didn't want to accept it.

Kiyomi clasped her son's hand into hers and said tenderly, "I know that its been hard and I'm sorry for all of this. But I want you to know that we are happy that you consider us as your true parents, but Hikaru and Mizuki wish that you could give them a chance. They… feel horrible for being so selfish, but they want to be a part of your life that they could not be for 19 years. For you to exist is one of their greatest joys. It already hurts they could not be there for you as parents and experience those precious moments with you."

Ritsu turned away feeling slightly guilty.

"They always ask about you, you know. They have asked how you are and how you were progressing. Since they could not be there to experience anything with you with their own eyes, they experience through what we tell them. For 19 years, they desperately waited for the day they could see you and come to bond with you." The archduchess gave a gentle look. "They are the reason you are here and the reason why Atushi and I can be so happy. Because we can't have children, they granted us the privilege to raise a child just as our own. They have given you, our happiness, so please allow them to experience the happiness you have blessed us with."

"I…I will give them a chance…" Ritsu bit his lip in nervousness. "I'm just scared…"

Atushi placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I know that these things were placed onto you all the sudden, but nothing's changed. Everything is the same, just with a few additions of people who love you immensely."

The brunette couldn't help but think, 'Everything isn't the same anymore… Not after all I have done…" He sighed and nodded his head. "Okay…"

Kiyomi smiled and said, "Go get changed then. I'll bring over the clothes for you to wear."

The second prince pouted. "You just like dressing me like a girl."

"I can dress up a son and daughter all in one. What's wrong with your mama having some fun?" She winked at her son.

The three of them burst out laughing. Ritsu wished that he could always be happy with his parents forever no matter what changes come their way. They were the most important people in his life and nothing would ever change that.

…

Sighing seemed to be a habit that Ritsu developed recently. He looked at his outfit. His mother loved dolling him too much. This time, he wore another navy blue dress that reach just above his knees. It had a sheer neckline and a sweetheart bodice. On the dress, variations of blended roses of slightly lighter and darker blues and whites were printed all around the dress. Around the waist was a sparkling belt to cinch in his waist. To compliment his outfit, he wore a simple black headband and black closed toe heels to complete the look.

It seemed that he would be dressing like this more regularly. At least, his parents allowed him to stop wearing the cloak, but he wished he had it again now. He rather disliked all the stares directed toward him as the three walked into the palace. Most were lovestruck stares or ones of admiration of his beauty. He wasn't exactly proud of the fact that he made a beautiful woman. It couldn't be help that he had the grace of a lady, when he was raised strictly in this manner.

His mother and father chuckled. Kiyomi said jokingly, "Looks like I raised the best daughter in the world."

Ritsu huffed. "I hate these type of stares. They always make me uncomfortable."

Atushi laughed. "It can't be help that you look like a beautiful young lady. As you will be here more often, I suggest you try to get to used to it."

"What's so beautiful about me?"

Kiyomi answered with mirth, "Apparently everything my daughter."

"You love saying that don't you?"

Atushi and Kiyomi just continued to grin and laugh at their son's situation. Soon, they arrived in the room that the royals were waiting for them.

Atushi asked, "Are you okay, Ritsu?"

The brunette took a deep breath and said, "Yes…"

Kiyomi placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Hikaru and Mizuki truly love you, so be open-minded and give them a chance."

Ritsu nodded, which made his parents smile. They knew it was hard for him to still digest all of this. They were proud that their son was making an effort to bring his birth parents into his life now.

Atushi knocked on the door and said, "It's us."

From outside, they could hear Hikaru's voice say, "Come in."

The archduke pushed open the door and allowed for his wife and son to enter first, before entering and closing the door behind him.

Ritsu nervously trailed his eyes from Hikaru to Mizuki to Masamune. The crown prince gave tender smile, which relaxed the brunette slightly. He felt his parents slightly push him forward. He glanced back at them and could see encouraging smiles sent toward him. Slowly, he moved forward and approached his birth parents. "Hikaru-san, Mizuki-san, I…" Ritsu had things he wanted to say, but he was not sure how to say it.

Hikaru could see that Ritsu was at lost for words, so he said, "Ritsu, we thank you for giving us a chance. I know that you can't see as parents at the moment and we do not mean to replace Atushi an Kiyomi at all, but we do hope that we can find a place there as well. We…We want you to know that we love you, even when you were so far apart from us. You will always be our beloved son."

"I… Thank you…" Ritsu's lips quirked up into a sweet and genuine smile.

Mizuki asked, "Would you allow us the pleasure to have tea with you this afternoon?"

The brunette nodded his head. "I would like that…"

All the spectators smiled at the awkward interaction between the three. They were all glad that things were turning out okay.

Atushi piped in, "Sorry to interrupt, but we must be getting to the meeting."

Hikaru and Mizuki sighed. The king said, "You're right. We will be late at this rate…"

The queen said tenderly, "Then, we shall see you later Ritsu." She pointed at Masamune, "He will show you around and spend time with you while you are here."

Ritsu looked at Masamune, who simply smiled at him. It comforted his heart that he would be able to spend time with the other. "See you later then, Hikaru-san, Mizuki-san, Papa, Mama."

Kiyomi added in quickly, "Dont forget your alias Ritsu. Right now, you are Onodera Rika, a relative of mine from the Kingdom of Illumin."

The brunette said, "I remember don't worry."

The four adults smiled and headed out to go to their meeting with the royal court.

It was only Ritsu and Masamune left in the room now. The crown prince pulled the other into a tight embrace. The cursed prince shakily returned the embrace. They haven't seen each other ever since that night. That night… was it simply a night of the moment or something true and lasting? A question they shall both perhaps answer as they move through their life.

"Ritsu…" The ravenette breathed in deeply the scent that always intoxicated him.

"Masamune…" The brunette closed his currently purple-blue eyes and listened intently to the other's heartbeat.

"I have missed you… It's only been a week, but it feel like forever."

The second prince scrunched up the other's clothing in his hands. "I missed you too…"

The first prince pulled away slightly to look at the other's face. "I love you, Ritsu…"

Tears began to cloud his purple-blue eyes. "How can you proclaim that so easily…? We are…" He couldn't finish that sentence. He didn't want to utter that taboo of a word, "Brothers."

"Because I do truly love you. I know…I know… that what we are feeling is wrong, but I can't help it… I love you so much that it hurts… I can't possibly let you go ever… So please don't doubt this love mine… Finding out you are brother cannot possibly change that fact because you aren't my brother, but the person I have come to love…"

It became routine for him lately for tears to spill down his face. He laughed in the midst of his sobs. "You always express yourself so easily."

"You are the only one I can be this way with. You are the one person that I will not hide anything from."

Ritsu could feel the deep affection the other had for him and it truly warmed his heart. "I'm sorry…for bringing you this pain… I hope you can forgive you me…"

Masamune shook his head. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I chose to love you. Why would you need to ask forgiveness?"

"For loving you as well…"

The ravenette had a very soft and loving look. "Then forgive me as well because I will drag you down with me in the depths of hell because even if you try to run, I won't let go… Let's fall into the abyss of Hell together…" He leaned down and pressed their lips together for a very tender kiss. Right now, all they wanted was to express these gentle, but scary emotions to each other.

After a few moments, the two broke their loving kiss apart. Masamune smiled and said, "Shall I show you around then?"

"I… yes…"

The ravenette unwrapped his arms around the other and offered a hand for the other to take as they travelled through the large castle. The crown prince showed him the different parts of the castle, such as the ballroom, the conference room (stood in front of the door and said that was where their parents were), the dining hall, the kitchens and pantries, the servants wing, the knights wing, the multiple parlors, royal bed chambers. He also introduced him to important people that worked or frequented the castle often.

Next, they went Masamune's workplace. "This is my study."

"Is this where you have to work all day?"

Masamune sighed. "It's horrible to have to look at these walls for hours almost everyday."

Ritsu chuckled softly. He looked all over the room and saw a large desk with mountains of papers on it. Around it were numerous amounts of bookshelves that were pack filled with all kinds of books. "There are so many books…" It delighted him to be able to see what the ravenette's life was like.

"As much as I hate this place, it is also my haven. I can spend hours here just reading, but now I find that when I do have time, I rather be with you…"

Ritsu couldn't help but blush at that statement. "You really have no shame when you say things…"

Masamune couldn't help but laugh. "Well, when it comes to you, I don't—"

"MASAMUNE! ARE YOU IN HERE?"

The doors to the study slammed wide open to reveal and a breathless Yokozawa. The advisor glared at the prince. "MASAMUNE? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ALL OVER FOR YOU! DID YOU GO…" At this point, he realized there was a guest in the room. "off to town again…"

Masamune smirked at his friend's sudden embarrassment. He could see a flame of red beginning to glow on the other's face for behaving like that in front of a stranger.

The advisor straightened up and asked nervously, "W-who is this?"

Ritsu glanced at Masamune and then to Yokozawa before giggling. He bowed slightly and said, "Hello, I am Onodera Rika. I am Archduchess's Kiyomi's relative visiting from the Kingdom of Illumin."

He bowed slightly as well and placed his hand over his chest. "I am Yokozawa Takafumi, Prince Masamune's advisor. I-I'm sorry for letting you see my rude behavior."

The prince couldn't help but cackle loudly at what just happened. "Rika, Yokozawa is my best friend. I have known him since we were children. Mother, Father, Kiyomi-san, and Atushi-san are close to the Yokozawas, a marquis-dom in Estercrest. His family is a line of advisors for the Takano family."

The second prince snickered, "It must be hard having to manage you huh?"

Yokozawa broke out laughing, while Masamune closed and open his mouth in shock.

The advisor commented, "It certainly is." He offered a smile to the brunette. "You are an interesting person, Rika-san."

The first prince pouted, which in return made the laughter in the room grow louder.

When the laughter finally died down, Masamune smirked because he knew where he wanted to go next. "Let's go the knight's training ground." He looked at Yokozawa mischievously. "You're coming with us. Wouldn't that be nice, Rika?"

Rika titled her head in confusion and said, "Yes?", while the advisor glared murderously at his best friend.

The ravenette guided the three of them out of his personal study and went straight towards the knight's training ground. When they arrived, they could see a whole bunch of knights sword fighting with one another. Masamune spotted the one person he was looking for. He called out, "KIRISHIMA!"

The said person knocked his opponent over, affectively winning and looked towards the direction his name was called. He waltzed over and said, "Hey, what brings you here?" He already began to cuddle up against Yokozawa, who in return began to to almost literally burst into flames due to embarrassment. He snuggled the advisor and said, "Yoko, I cant believe you came to visit me!"

"I only came because Masamune forced me."

Kirishima pouted. "You didn't want to see me?"

"I-I didn't say that."

"So you did want to."

"Stop twisting my words!"

Ritsu noticed this and began to laugh softly because he found their interactions interesting and very adorable.

Masamune said calmly with a smirk evident on his face. "Kirishima," he then gestured to his beloved, "this Onodera Rika, she is Kiyomi's relative visiting from Illumin."

The second prince bowed slightly. "It is nice to meet you."

Kirishima didn't unhook himself from Yokozawa and said from his position, "Nice to meet you, Rika-san, I am Kirishima Zen, the head knight." He returned to snuggling and teasing the advisor.

Ritsu looked at his lover and asked, "Is this normal?"

Masamune chuckled and said, "It happens all the time. They are the 'lovey-dovey couple' of the castle. As you might have noticed, they are in a relationship. Kirishima likes to tease Yokozawa all the time. He is the only one who can rile him up constantly." He wrapped his arm around the other's waist, not knowing that this gesture sent a romantic message to those watching them. The ravenette guided them out of the knight's battleground to go see more areas of the castle.

The advisor and head knight looked at each other. They wondered why Masamune and "Rika" were so close.

After, Masamune took him to the stables. Ritsu looked around in awe all the different breeds that existed in this very spacey and large stable.

"Wow… there are so many…"

The ravenette found it rather adorable at how the other look around in utter awe. He walked over to his horse, Xander. "Ritsu, do you remember him?"

The brunette walked over. "Oh! He's the horse you were looking for when we first, right? May I pet him?"

"Of course." Masamune allowed for the other to come closer and pet his riding companion.

Gently, Ritsu brushed his fingers through the Xander's white mane. The horse in return nuzzled against the hand, indicating that he approved of him. That small gesture made the brunette smile sweetly. He looked towards the ravenette and asked, "Would it possible to go out riding with him one day?"

"I don't mind. We can't go riding today though. I have more to show you before you have tea with Mother and Father."

The second prince pouted cutely, which made the crown prince chuckle. He patted his head and said, "Next time, Ritsu."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

That made the brunette grin widely, which in return made the ravenette very happy.

Masamune asked, "Shall we go keep going then?"

Ritsu nodded.

Next, the crown prince guided them to a special place, the palace library and archives. When they were at the entrance, they could hear two people talking loudly from the inside.

"Kisa-san~ I came to see youuuuuu~"

"Yukina! How many times do I have to tell you to stop bothering when I'm working!"

"But I missed you! I haven't seen you in days because you are so busy…"

Kisa sighed. "Okay… Just sit there and wait. I will be done soon. I need to file away the information from the meeting that just ended."

From the outside, Masamune laughed. "I guess you're going to meet another interesting pair."

The two entered into the library and there was a man with black hair and brown hair and another man with light brown hair and eyes. The second man seem to radiate unnecessary sparkles.

Kisa immediately stood and bowed. "Your highness, what brings you here?"

Yukina just smiled and nodded at the prince, a usual gesture between them.

Masamune answered, "I am just showing my companion here around."

Ritsu bowed slightly and said his normal introduction. "I am Onodera Rika. I am Kiyomi-san's relative visiting from Illumin."

Kisa bowed as well and said, "I am Kisa Shouta, the palace librarian and bookkeeper."

Yukina decided to stand up as well and introduce himself. "I am Yukina Kou, the heir to the Yukina earldom."

The brunette said with a smile, "Nice to meet you both."

They returned the smile and responded, "Likewise."

Masamune said, "We are just going to walk around here, so don't mind us."

Kisa nodded and said, "If you need anything, just call for me."

The ravenette nodded and guided the brunette around the library. It was obvious that the younger was completely fascinated by the numerous amounts of books that existed in this single room.

"This room is where we collect all kind of books, ranging from fiction to nonfiction. This library is also our nation's archives. It contains information regarding past issues to current ones. We can find information that have been previously recorded to help with future problems. It also holds precious documents that have been used throughout the years."

The more the ravenette explained, the more excited the brunette became as they wandered the different sections of the library. It seemed as if there were infinite amount of knowledge that could be gained from here.

Ritsu said in delight, "I would love to stay in here and read for hours and hours till I through the whole thing."

Masamune chuckled lightly and said, "I'm sure that you will be able to, but just not right now. There is one more place I want to bring you before we go meet our parents for tea."

The second prince pouted a little because he really wanted to stay here and immerse himself in reading.

The first prince just laughed at his expression and escorted them to the next place.

As they were walking to their next destination, Masamune spotted Hatori and decided that it would be important to Ritsu to him. However, before, he could call out to him, a loud voice yelled down the hall from the opposite direction.

"TORIIIIIII!"

The ravenette looked past Hatori and saw Yoshino Chiaki, who had dark brown hair and grey eyes.

Hatori sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Please don't scream in the palace, Yoshino."

"But I was looking for you and couldn't find you! I didn't want to let you get away."

"Did you need something?"

"Tori, I need some help looking looking at some records. It seems like there is an outbreak of this disease in other countries. I want to prepare for it in case it affects us."

The royal secretary nodded his head and said, "I have some time later. I need to finish up some work before I can."

"Thank you, Tori~ You are the best!"

Hatori raised and ruffled the other's hair. "No problem, Chiaki."

Ritsu thought that it was interesting how he kept seeing such interesting scenes in the castle grounds. Such interesting relationships occurred here and that surprised Ritsu.

As for Masamune, he was used to it since all these lovey dovey behaviors were extremely common on an everyday basis. He finally decided to call out to the royal secretary and the royal physician now. "Hatori! Yoshino!"

The two said people turned and finally noticed their prince. They both bowed. "Hello, your highness."

The ravenette said, "I would like to introduce you to Onodera Rika, a relative of Kiyomi-san's visiting from Illumin. She will be here often."

The brunette bowed and said, "Nice to meet you all."

The two returned the greeting. Hatori said, "Nice to meet you. I am Hatori Yoshiyuki, the royal court secretary."

Chiaki went after. "I am Yoshino Chiaki, the royal physician. If you ever feel ill, come and see me!" He ended it with an enthusiastic smile.

Ritsu returned the smile and said, "Thank you."

Masamune said, "We have to get going now. See you later."

They all waved and departed to their ways.

The second prince finally led them to the place he wanted to bring his love. He saved the best for last.

Ritsu glanced in around in pure awe. "This garden is so beautiful…" The whole garden was like a maze. Everywhere you walked, there were walls of beautiful flowers that led to somewhere even more beautiful. All kinds of flowers, all kinds of colors, all kinds of smell intermingled together to create an unfathomable beauty.

"Let me show you to the best part." Masamune skillfully navigated through the garden and along the way, he picked up a few flowers. Finally, he brought them to the center where a beautiful, simple pavilion stood. But, something or someone was unanticipated. "Yuu?"

Yuu stood in the pavilion holding a single rose red rose, a symbol of love in the language of flowers. "Masamune?" Then he looked at the ravenette's companion, which surprised him immensely. "Rika-san? What are you doing here?"

Now, Ritsu was nervous. He couldn't have his cover blown in the whole castle and he feared that something will go amiss now. Masamune noticed his nervousness and gave him a reassuring smile, letting the other that everything will be okay.

Masamune asked in serious and stern tone, "Yuu, will keep what I am about to tell you a secret?"

Taken aback by that tone the other rarely had with him, he nodded.

"You see…I can't tell you everything, but due to… some circumstances we found out that Rika is actually related to the Takano family and no one knows of this relation. We want to keep it a secret due to various reasons, so her cover is that she is visiting from Kingdom of Illumin as Kiyomi-san's relative. No one can know that's not exactly the truth."

"I see…" Yuu could tell something serious was going on and he knew that Masamune and Rika must have a reason for all this, but it wasn't his place to question. "I will not say anything Rika-san, don't worry." He offered a smile to reassure the other.

Ritsu smiled as well. "Thank you… I know I can trust you Yuu-san."

The first prince asked, "Yuu, what are you doing here?" His honey eyes stared at the single red rose in Yuu's hand. "Are you perhaps giving it to Kohinata-san?"

The duke looked down at the flower with some sadness. "I… don't know…"

"Do you love An-chan?"

Yuu didn't look at Ritsu. He simply kept staring at the delicate life in his hand. "Yes…"

"Yuu-san, I can't tell you what to do and I understand that this type of love is extremely unconventional for someone of your position, but I don't think theres anything wrong with following your heart."

"But I don't want to involve her in anything painful…"

Ritsu and Masamune understood what he meant, but for them it was different. They cannot overcome the obstacle in their way, but Yuu can. Masamune said, "If you don't act, there is no guarantee that she will love you. I'm sure other men will certainly seek her out, especially with her kind personality and beauty." He added in encouragement. "You are Yanase Yuu. You are fearless and a follower of your heart. That's what I admire about you. You are not easily stopped. Are you going to let something like this stop you?"

"Masamune…" Yuu stared at the flower. "No… I won't be easily stopped."

The two smiled. Ritsu said, "Then go and tell her."

Yuu nodded and dashed out of the garden. Before he left, he yelled, "Thank you!"

Ritsu asked, "Will everything be okay…?"

"I don't know honestly. Yuu comes from a powerful dukedom. They will not take the idea of him loving a commoner that easily. It's up to Yuu and An to overcome it if they do decide to walk their future together."

Suddenly, the brunette remember that it was time for tea with Hikaru and Mizuki. "We need to go! We should be meeting them soon." The ravenette grabbed his wrist to prevent him from going.

"Wait. There something I want to say before we go." He dragged them under the pavilion.

"Masamune?"

The crown prince got down on one knee. Honey eyes staring directly into emerald ones. "I know for us to love each other, it feels… so wrong and scary, but even so, I will and cannot stop loving you." He presented Ritsu a purple lilac flower, one he plucked earlier. "You are my purple lilac, first love." Next, he gave a gardenia. "I know that our love is a gardenia, a secret love." Finally, he presented a beautiful red rose in full bloom. "But no matter what, believe in this red rose because I will always love you. Will you always love me no matter what?"

Ritsu could see love, passion, truth, and sadness in those honey eyes. He knew that the prince meant every word he said. He could have faith in those words. However, even though the ravenette made a promise, it was scary. Their relationship and their future would bring endless possibilities. Even if they remained faithful in their love for one another, they may be split apart one day. There was no guarantee what would happen. To live simply in the present and not worry about the future was not easy. Yet, to live in the present was all they could do.

"I will always love you no matter what." 'Even if you leave me in the future…' Ritsu gave the sweetest smile that he could to overcome the sadness and fear he knew they both felt deeply.

Masamune took the other's hand and leaned in to press a soft kiss on it. "This is my proposal to you, so don't ever leave me…"

"I will not leave you. I will always be with you. I promise."

The two of them smiled tenderly. They loved each other, but it was a taboo for them to do so. However, they already fell to the pits of Hell together and there was no getting out. All they can do is love and take what comes their way. Both knew that they can have this only right now, whether they can in the future remains a mystery and something they must overcome. For now, they will live in the present and worry about what happens later. That's all they can do. If everything comes crashing down, then everything comes crashing down. They didn't care because they both know that one point, it will happen. That is simply the inevitable…

"Shall we go to tea then?"

"Yes. Let us go."

…

Tea time was sweet affair. No doubt there was some awkwardness that occurred, but it was stepping stone for Ritsu and his birth parents' relationship to evolve. Ritsu, Hikaru, and Mizuki talked about their lives during these past 19 years. They discovered little secrets and quirks about one each other made each other laugh and smile. While the three bonded with each other, Masamune, Kiyomi, and Atushi talked to one another. Masamune heard childhood stories of Ritsu that made him crack up uncontrollably. Tea time served to be a wonderful time for the six of them. Even though Ritsu still cannot see Hikaru and Mizuki as his other parents at the moment, which was only natural as that took time, Ritsu was able to develop trust in them. He came to understand them more and see them better, not that it was ever negative. Slowly, they will become family not only in blood, but in friendship, love and trust.

At night, the rulers of Estercrest called for their oldest son. Masamune wondered what his parents could want especially since he was currently extremely busy dealing with preparations for the ball coming up very soon. He also felt somewhat exhausted after today, but it was fun, especially since he got to spend time Ritsu.

The king and queen both seemed rather fidgety and nervous, just like when they revealed that in reality Ritsu was his long lost brother.

The prince asked, "Mother, Father, why have you called for me?"

Hikaru said, "Please sit down." He gestured for the other to sit on the couch in front of them. "You see, Avardan presented us with a deal…"

The ravenette furrowed his eyebrow in confusion. "Is that something good or bad?"

Mizuki answered, "Well… it is good deal considering as they will stop pressuring and threatening us to concede to their previous demands."

Masamune raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Then we should accept it then, right?"

The king chuckled nervously. "Well…the deal is that you will be wedded to the Princess of Avardan, Saito Kaori."

Honey eyes widened in shock. He closed and opened his mouth several times, unable to make out any words. He could not believe what he just heard.

The queen said gently, "Masamune, I know that you do not want to marry yet, but we need to say yes to this proposal. It is the simplest method to stay under Avardan's protection in the future and also keep our economy stable. I know that this is sudden, but this is the only way. Please understand…"

"I…" Masamune understood the position Estercrest was currently in. Accepting this arranged marriage would certainly be the easiest, but… he could never come to love this princess nor show any affection. His heart belonged to Ritsu only, even if the brunette was his own blood brother. He didn't want to…but as the first prince of Estercrest, he had a duty to fulfill.

Hikaru pitched in in hopes of providing some comfort. "I know an arranged marriage seems awful now, but it can turn out into a wonderful relationship, just like Atushi and Kiyomi's did. Son, I know you don't want to do this, but I need you to in order to protect this nation. It's your duty." He didn't want to use this words because he hated them himself, but he knew that being a part of the royal family meant sacrificing happiness.

"Why did Avardan present this proposal all of the sudden?" Masamune wanted answers before he said anything regarding the marriage.

Mizuki answered, "Apparently, Saito Kaori has been in love with you. The King of Avardan used our situation as an advantage in order to make his daughter happy."

Masamune felt his eye twitch. 'In love with me? How ridiculous.' "How can she be in love with me? I never met her before."

The king sighed. "She claims to have fallen in love with you at first sight at some party we attended some time ago. Ah. Speaking of parties, she will be attending the ball that will be happening soon… She requested an invitation and we couldn't refuse… I'm sorry…" The two honestly felt very apologetic that they had to use their son in order to settle this issue.

The prince sighed in extreme irritation. He already hated this princess before he even got to know her or even see her damn face. Saito Kaori was using every possible opening in order to make sure that this arranged marriage would occur.

Mizuki could see how vexed her own son became the more he heard about this princess. She also felt displeasure at the fact she had to force her son into a marriage simply because of a stupid princess's wish. "Masamune, you still have a choice. I want you to know that. Your father and I know that an arranged marriage is not something easy to deal with. If it weren't for the fact that Atushi stepped up for us, we would not be together now."

The ravenette smiled softly at his parents. He knew his parents didn't want to force him to do this, but they also had to consider the nation that they govern. They needed to ensure the nation's safety, even if they had to pay a price. "I understand… I will," he took a deep breath, "accept." He could feel his own heart breaking from even saying that. He hoped that the princess was ready for a loveless marriage because there could would certainly not be any.

The rulers of Estercrest breathed a sigh of relief. Hikaru said, "Thank you, Masamune. We are sure it will still be a happy marriage, especially because the princess seemingly adores you."

Masamune simply looked away and gazed far away. "Of course…" 'I'm sorry, Ritsu…'

YIKES! Another obstacle has already come their way. Kaori is very important so bear with her haha. (you may recognize her from my first story if you read it lol. -First works truly are the worst you write LOL- But her personality is not gonna be the same.) I hope you enjoyed this super long chapter. Certainly longer than anything I usually write lol. Thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed! :)

Please Review! ^0^

Love and Snow Kisses! :)

Purple Lilac: First Love

Gardenia: Secret Love

Red rose in full bloom: I will always love you, Love