A/N: I'm so sorry for the long wait. I have school and a job and writing sometimes gets away from me.
Also! Haruka is 16 or 17?
I made King Sousuke in his twenties (25?)
Sing for A Cage
Haruka gulped when he entered his room, it had been twice the size of his room back at his parent's palace. The room was decorated in veils and what looked like the most expensive silks he ever saw. His bed was huge, and the furniture didn't looked like anything he'd ever seen.
"It's imported" Nagisa said, suddenly behind him.
"Oh" Haruka was embarrassed, he was raised believing he was royalty, but this room alone looked like it could buy enough water for his people. This king must be the richest in the country.
Nagisa smiled; "What do you wish for? We have plenty of food for our Sire's guests"
"Water?" Was the simplest wish Haruka asked for
Nagisa nodded and poured a pitcher by Haruka's bed into a clay cup; "Here you go my prince"
"Thank you" Haruka smiled, it was small but he had been sincerely grateful
Nagisa stood by the door, his hands folded and standing straight.
"What are you doing?" Haruka asked
"I was asked to look after you while you stay in our kingdom, like a temporary handmaiden" Nagisa said; "Ask me for anything and I will do my best to get it"
Haruka sat on his bed thoughtfully; "Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course"
"What's this king like?" Haruka asked
For a moment Nagisa looked shocked, but he quickly regained his composure; "King Sousuke is a strong king... He is very smart and has only lead this city to it's golden age"
Haruka nodded; "What about him? His personality?"
Nagisa sat down next to Haruka; "My Prince, I have never spoken directly to the king... I am not important enough to kiss his feet"
"Oh..." Haruka still knew nothing of the person he needed to marry
Nagisa beamed; "He's handsome! I can tell you that... He is also kind?"
"Kind?" Haruka looked at him
"Well I've haven't experienced his kindness but I see most of his four wives are very happy, they always smile and laugh when they are with him." said Nagisa
"Four wives? You count the other Prince as a wife?" Haruka asked
Nagisa nodded; "Yes! Prince Rin is probably more spoiled than the other wives- I mean oh no..."
"Why do you say that?" Haruka was curious
Nagisa looked around; "Prince Rin isn't like the other wives"
"Well he is man"
Nagisa frowned; "Well yes, but Prince Rin always has special attention from the King, I'm sure it makes his queen jealous"
"Wait, Queen?" Haruka was confused now.
"King Sosuke has four wives. One Queen, two princesses and one prince" Nagisa said; "Simple right?"
Haruka looked down; "If I marry him I'll just be another Prince"
"I don't think you have to worry about that" Nagisa stated; "I doubt he'll even marry you"
Haruka's eyes widened "What! Why?"
Nagisa looked away; "Because, Prince Rin is special... I've never seen King Sousuke show in interest in any male servants- Our King married Rin when he was very young..."
"How young?"
Nagisa looked embarrassed; "I was not working here yet, but I hear Prince Rin was fourteen when King Sousuke made him his second wife, since then King Sousuke married again. And last year he married Princess Chigusa... That's also why I don't think he'll marry you, it's too soon after already taking in another wife"
Haruka stared at the floor; "So I came here for no reason..." it sunk in, Haruka had failed before he even had a chance to meet the King. His people would die and his parents would be ruined.
"I'm sorry Prince Haruka! I spoke out of my place!" Nagisa stood up
Haruka shook his head; "No, you were only being honest..."
"I get in trouble a lot for it..." Nagisa sighed
No. I can't give up, I've come this far...
Haruka looked up; "What's Prince Rin like?"
Nagisa blushed; "Prince Rin? He's stubborn and often likes to throw fits whenever he wants. Him and the King have terrible arguments... And they argue a lot"
Haruka frowned; "Why would the King allow that?"
Nagisa shrugged; "I don't know but Prince Rin is the only wife that causes the King trouble, it's like he likes making the King mad"
"I've never heard of marriage like that" Haruka said; "But then again my parents are the only example I have, and they are very happy by themselves"
"Just the two of them? No extra husbands or wives?" Nagisa asked
Haruka shook his head.
Nagisa smiled; "How nice! Most royals act like marriage is contest, whoever has the most marriages wins... It's good to hear one king and queen out there love each other..."
Love.
Haruka knew arranged marriage meant he couldn't have what his parents had, it was too late for Haruka to look for the special someone or that perfect person for him his parents always tried to convince him existed.
But then again, King Sousuke sounded very interesting, perhaps Haruka could grow to love him. Maybe all love he needed was him marrying him and learning to care for him. The love might start after meeting him.
"Do you think I could have some food? I'm very hungry" Haruka asked
"Of course my prince!" Nagisa replied; "Right away!"
In a way, Haruka started feeling something he never thought he would ever, excitement.
True, it wasn't going to be easy convincing the King that Haruka should marry him but the idea of having someone care for Haruka and maybe even love him intrigued him. His room had a book case full of old stories Haruka had never read before.
One was the story of a King who was selfish and evil but pitied a young whore. Instead of walking by the King decided to marry her, she was just a child but her beauty and kindness moved him to be a better king. In the end, their love is what made them and their land happy.
Or the story of Scherazade. A young women who married a bitter King who was killing his wives everyday. She bravely married him and told him stories each night to prevent her death. And after thousand nights of telling stories, the king had fallen in love with Scheherazade, and so he spared her life, and made her his queen.
Haruka wasn't a romantic but this was what he wanted, someone to save his people and spend the rest of his life being happy.
"Prince Haruka?" Miho asked walking into his room
"Yes?"
She smiled; "You look nice" she stared at his blue and white robes.
"I'm only wearing what they provide me, I have to impress the king right?" Haruka asked
She nodded, walking over to him; "You must remember. You are beautiful as you are intelligent, you need to demonstrate how valuable you are"
Haruka took a deep breath; "What should I say?"
"I'll do most of the talking" Miho said; "But feel free to talk whenever you think it's right, he should hear your voice too"
"Are you going to talk about our people? About how their dying?" Haruka asked
Miho waved her hand; "Goodness! No! This needs to be a happy union, the King must see you and decide if you are worthy then we will negotiate the terms of the marriage and include the safety of your parents' kingdom"
"Oh... What if he doesn't want me?" Haruka asked; "What will we do?"
"We will figure that out" She said; "Remember, he's the one who asked you here"
"Right" Haruka nodded.
There was a knock on the door;
"Prince Haruka?" Rei said; "The king is ready to have an audience with you"
"Ready?" Miho asked
Haruka breathed; "Yes"
Rei escorted them through the palace, walking by many servants and beautiful rooms, Rei said that the King waited for them in his throne room. Every moment that past only made Haruka more nervous, seeing how much the King owned made him self conscious. Haruka was also surprised at all the plant life around the palace, most looked foreign or hard to manage. Rei led them to two giant doors that were rimmed with gold, there was a pause as the guards observed Haruka and Rei.
Then the doors opened and the two walked into a what looked more like a grand hall.
The room was bricked and lanterns on the walls and ceilings illuminated the room as if it were day. The hall was large enough to looked two stories, it had balconies and people who were standing and on looking from the second floor. None were dressed like servants, they were probably Nobles who visited the king. Some looked over to stare at Haruka, he could have sworn he heard some of them snicker.
"Are they laughing at us?" Miho asked, suddenly blushing
Rei just walked forward; "Of course not"
Haruka and Miho followed Rei through the hall, Haruka looked back and noticed that Miho didn't look convinced.
Rei bowed down; "My King, May I present Prince Haruka of the Southern Sands"
Haruka walked forward and was surprised to see Sousuke sitting on a large throne atop of stairs. The king was unsurprisingly wearing white robes trimmed with gold, like his doors, he had dark hair and beautifully tanned skin, he must have known for the King's clothes showed off his chest and muscles. Sousuke had turquoise eyes that resembled gems, his body sat relaxed on his throne, his face was hard and emotionless.
"Your highness..." Miho bowed; "I am Miho, I speak on behalf of the King and Queen of the Southern Sands. May I say it is an honor to be invited to this lovely city of yours..."
Miho's words echoed in Haruka's ears but his mind was occupied by what he was seeing, a King that reminded Haruka of the stories of an Cold-hearted ruler, in a story, love would cure the Ice King and he would live the rest of his life happily.
But Haruka realized this wasn't a fairy tale, his eyes wandered to the throne beside the King's, a woman wearing long and dark robes with a veil across her face, only her eyes showed and they were a large blue color. The robes she wore had jewels and gold wiring around them, her chair was gold like the Kings, perhaps she was the Queen? Her throne sat next the king a step below his, on the other side of the King sat two other women on their own thrones, each throne sat few steps below the next one. The two women were dressed like servants, showing their arms and stomachs, except these two had veils on their faces as well.
Finally Haruka noticed the throne farthest to the left, it was not a woman, but a man who wore robes and headdress. His veil was black and despite having a robe on, his midriff was also showing. Unlike the queen, some of his hair showed through his headdress, his hair's colored look like a maroon. His eyes were a deep red and they looked as cold and serious as the King's.
He must be Prince Rin...
"So this is Haruka?" The king spoke, his voice was deep and strong, it pierced through Haruka's thoughts like a dagger.
Haruka's body shivered; "Uh, Yes your highness... I am Prince Haruka"
"Hm, Your mother exaggerated your beauty" The King said
Miho gasped, and Haruka heard some of the nosey nobles laughing.
"My King, do you really need another wife?" The Queen asked; "You married that young thing already, is it wise to remarry so soon? Are you already bored of it?"
The youngest wife who sat the lowest turned her head silently.
"Perhaps King Sousuke has grown bored of his boy" The third one said, her voice was shrill
"Silence" The King said; "Prince Haruka, I hear you are dire need of help in your kingdom? A drought?"
Haruka was caught off guard; "I- Yes your highness... My people's survival is depending on a union between kingdoms"
"You mean it depends on you" The King corrected
"Huh?" Haruka looked up at him
Sousuke looked away; "You see Prince Haruka, Kingdoms fail and die everyday, if I were to hear every sob story or save everyone from other kingdoms, then my City would suffer. My people depend on my choices to keep them going, tell me a reason why I should consider a union between our kingdoms. What do your parents have to offer? Only you?"
"Yes, only me" Haruka said; "The lack of water has dried any farming we had and now traders refuse to visit the Kingdom"
"I would imagine that would put a damper on things. But you fail to tell me how any of this is my problem or why I should care"
"Because!" Haruka wanted to speak but his voice faltered, he had nothing, this king didn't care if Haruka or his people died tomorrow without his help.
Miho took a step forward; "My King, did you not express interest in Prince Haruka? Surely there is something about him that caught your attention?"
Haruka was speechless, mortified, everything he needed was here but he didn't know how to take it.
Sousuke looked over his wives; "I thought the Prince was somewhat desirable, but I see now how uninteresting he is, he is nothing I want"
"What do you mean? You do not think Prince Haruka is beautiful?" Miho's voice was cracking, she was sounding more desperate each minute.
The Queen scoffed; "Our King can have anyone in the world he wants, why would he want a little thing like that?"
"Anyone?" Haruka clenched his fists; "I am not just anyone, your highness, I am Prince Haruka. I was raised with integrity and class that you would not find on any commoner. I do not need your approval to tell me I'm worthy because I know I am worth my weight in gold"
He was lying through his teeth.
"You say you can have anyone, any person, any whore, maybe even any princess... But often do you get to marry a prince? Once? Are really you satisfied with only one Prince? You have so many women but only have one man" Haruka spoke as loud and as strong as he could. Perhaps he could goad the King into marrying him, no matter what Haruka couldn't leave this room without an engagement.
Miho talked; "Yes, Another Prince would be like another jewel to add to your crown"
Sosuke sat on his throne thoughtfully, he rubbed his chin staring into Haruka's eyes.
After a long silence the Queen spoke; "You aren't actually considering it?"
"The Kingdom of the Southern Sands was once known for it's crops. It was be a good investment if we returned water to it" Sosuke said
The Queen looked away, her eyes were narrowed.
"What a great idea!" The youngest wife said; "You are very wise, My King"
Sousuke stood up and walked down his steps; "Lady Miho, message your King, start the arrangements as soon as possible"
"Oh!" Miho said, startled; "Yes your Highness!"
Sousuke walked in front of Haruka, he towered over him, both in stature and confidence; "Prince Haruka"
Haruka averted his gaze; "Yes?"
"I wish to speak to you private" The King said, it wasn't a request.
Whatever the King wanted, he got.
Haruka was on a balcony that overlooked the city. The city was even more beautiful from this view, Haruka couldn't help but smile, he had won... His people and his parents would be saved. And now he would live in this amazing city.
And yet there was also an uneasy feeling that overcame him.
"Haruka" The king said, it was still chilling.
"Yes, Your highness?" Haruka said softly
Sousuke stood beside him; "I bet you think you are clever"
"Excuse me?" Haruka asked
"It's true, that by tomorrow at sunset you and I will be married, but do not be mistaken, it is not because what you said today" Sousuke's voice was harsh, it felt like being struck.
"What do you mean?"
Sousuke turned around and leaned on the balcony to look at Haruka; "Our union has nothing to do with me being bored with my Prince, as far as I'm concerned. You are dirt compared to him. So don't get arrogant and think your words had any real meaning"
"My words... aren't the reason? Then what?" Haruka asked, looking down
Sousuke forcibly grabbed Haruka's chin; "You should look at your King when you speak to him"
Haruka gasped, it hurt, his face being squeezed; "I'm sorry-"
"My king, you are to call me that" He said
"I'm sorry, My king!" Haruka said, Sousuke released him
Sousuke had a small smile, perhaps he was laughing at Haruka's pain; "You are interesting, so moody and very serious."
"I don't mean to be, My king" Haruka tried to fix his composure; "I promise to be a more cheerful wife, a good wife"
Sousuke was looking at Haruka, but it was like he was looking through him; "I don't give a damn what kind of wife you'll be, all my wives are the same in the end"
"And what is that?" Haruka tried to take a few steps back
But Sousuke followed him; "Mine. After tomorrow you will just be another one of my possessions"
Haruka wanted to look away, he didn't want to look in those eyes anymore; "A possession? I thought-"
"That's another thing, You think too much" Sousuke grabbed Haruka by his waist; "I'll have to put a stop to that"
He forced Haruka into a kiss, Haruka's eyes widened, his whole body shifted uncomfortably. Haruka took no pleasure from the exchange, he closed his eyes and felt cold inside. His lips were rough and Sousuke was squeezing Haruka painfully again, he pulled away and smiled again.
"I think I'll have fun breaking you in"
A/N: Stay tuned.