Disclaimer: Hunter x Hunter belongs to Togashi-sensei. I'm just a big fan!

Story: Kuroro finds out that there's another settlement of the Kurutas at the Eastern part of the Azian Continent. Suspecting that the Chain Assassin is there, Kuroro and his Spiders travel to the continent to try and capture him then steal the eyes of the people there. However, what they saw is not a mere tribe but a kingdom, open to everyone; the complete opposite of the Kuruta tribe in Rukuso Region. Twists and turns! Non-Yaoi! KuroKura. FemKura!

Warning: Some +18 scenes. :)

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Chapter 11

To Silence Them All

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It has been roughly more than a month since the grand coronation of the new King and Queen of the Eastern Kurutan Kingdom. Everything in the kingdom has pretty much settled down. The trade which has been temporarily suspended resumed with sea and land routes reopened to sailors and caravans respectively. This season's crops such as rice, melons, beans and many more, are growing steadily and are bountiful. Farmers can expect a very good harvest this year and the threat of famine has been thwarted once again.

In the capital city, the noisy bustling has finally died down. But many rumors are still going on around. The most popular of the all is about the unexpected visit of a royal prince of Kakin at the wedding-slash-coronation of the King and Queen. Rumors about an incoming war with Kakin is being passed around. Many people had witnessed the declaration of the fourth prince to kill their Queen for refusing so many times his marriage proposal and the angry retort of the protective King.

But just like any other rumor, most of them will die down eventually.

Still, those in the palace cannot relax, especially the King. And now, another vicious rumor is starting to take its roots from within the inner walls of the palace. Ever since the coronation, never has the King stepped inside the Hana together with the Queen. Not even during their wedding night during which the people expect the King and Queen to sleet together inside the Hana.

In fact, the King started to going back every night in his official residence, the Central Grand Palace, while the Queen herself has been staying inside her new residence, the Eastern Grand Palace. The Hana, a place especially built for the King and Queen to stay in for a year to conceive an heir, was left unoccupied for many nights.

And that is how the rumor about the lack of affection between the King and Queen may result to a lack of an heir as well. It is a bad omen every royal family is afraid of. A male heir is necessary to solidify the king's rule as well as for the stability of the kingdom. If the King unexpectedly dies without an heir, there is a large possibility of a civil war between the different clans erupting to claim the throne. Such a thing must be prevented no matter what or the people will suffer.

But it looks like the King and Queen are not that interested in making little princes and princesses just yet. The matter was brought up by a minister once during a general meeting. The said minister discreetly brought up the topic of having children but the King never gave a clear answer.

And now, another assembly is happening inside the Grand Hall and it is another opportunity for the ministers to bring up the topic of children.

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After the Crown Prince has been crowned king, he is to forget his birth name and carry a more suitable name for a king. It is a name the King must carry until his death and such name will be chosen by the Head Shaman. The same goes for the Queen.

Kuroro, who has been masquerading as Crown Prince Kai, is now known as His Majesty, King Alric I. The Queen, meanwhile, was given the name Queen Eleshia. That is how the two royals will be addressed by the public. However, that doesn't mean their birth names will be forgotten. They can only be used by people who are very close to them as well as by relatives and those who they permit to use those names.

Right now, Kuroro is in the middle of an assembly meeting regarding state matters such as taxes and trade. With the new monarchs on the throne, many tourists will be visiting the kingdom and many businessmen seeking to invest. Kuroro knows that the kingdom is somewhat old-fashioned, choosing to prioritize their culture and beliefs rather than completely open up to the outside world and connect with other nations in order for the economy to grow. But the new King is not old-fashioned and the Spider Head will do exactly what he thinks is right and proper to prepare the small kingdom for whatever the future might hold.

Some ministers still look at him as an outsider while others are glad at his efforts. The Royal Court has been practically separated into two factions: the Larkspur faction lead by the Head of the Larkspur Kurutas and the Iris faction lead by the Head of the Iris Kurutas. The latter faction is a great critic of the King and right now, they are bringing up a very private matter instead of the urgent state affairs that they should be discussing.

"Your Majesty, I'm sure you are aware of the malicious rumors going around the inner palace. They are passed from one court maiden to another. Perhaps it is time we address it." one minister bravely spoke up while the King is reading a report from the office overseeing trade.

Kuroro hummed silently, not responding and not even taking his eyes off the report to look at the minister. The silence went on and filled the Great Hall with an awkward atmosphere. Kuroro knew what they are talking about and he's not about to entertain what that fool of a minister just said.

"Your Majesty-"

"Silver and gold." Kuroro interrupted before the minister can say anything else. "The supplies in the royal mint are steadily decreasing. Care to explain that, Minister of Trade?" he asked as he put the report down.

The Minister of Trade stood up and bowed before answering.

"Your Majesty, the gold and silver being brought into the kingdom is mined and processed from Guandar province. It can only be transported by land for the province is surrounded by mountains. Lately, bandits have been ambushing the caravans carrying gold and silver." the minister explained carefully. "Extra precautions have been done by the Guandarians but to no avail that is why caravans coming in from the province is decreasing and is affecting our supply of gold and silver."

Kuroro was silent for a moment. Guandar is a very far away province and the only reason why the kingdom is doing trade with them is because of the very good relationship it had when the kingdom was still a tribe. Besides that, Guandar province is very rich in natural resources including gold, silver, bronze, nickel, coal and marble. It's practically a mining paradise. However, land travel between the kingdom and the province takes more than a week and there are a lot of risks including thieving bandits ambushing caravans passing by.

"After this meeting, I'd like to have a private talk with the Ministers of Trade, Works and Finance." he announced. "I'd like to discuss some plans regarding this matter."

His orders were acknowledged with a bow by the three ministers that were called out. Kuroro then took another deep breath before continuing with the meeting. "Anything else?" he asked.

This time, unexpectedly, the Head of the Iris Kurutas stood up, bowing before the King then presented his concern.

'This can't be good.' Kuroro thought. Dealing with this shrewd man has been difficult these past few weeks.

"I would like to present my concern about the stability of the country." the Iris minister said.

"Stability?" Kuroro repeated, knowing what he's talking about but pretending not to.

"The issue of an heir, Your Majesty. A crown prince." the minister bluntly said.

Kuroro just chuckled a little. "That issue is between the Queen and I."

"That is where you're wrong, Your Majesty." he corrected. "Having a crown prince is a national issue. The stability of the country depends on the continuity of the royal family."

"He is right, Your Majesty." one minister spoke up. "The Queen-"

"The Queen is young." Kuroro interrupted, raising his voice a little firmly. "I'm sure a big responsibility such as motherhood is not something she can handle at such a young age."

"Her Majesty, the Queen, is eighteen years of age. That is already a good birthing age." one minister argued.

Then argument between the two factions started. This has always been what Kuroro wanted to avoid. Listening to them banter with each other and with him at the middle of it gives him a headache. It's during times like this when he missed being with the Spiders. At least all they had to do is flip a coin and the argument is settled.

"Then how about this, Your Majesty?" the Iris Kuruta Head, still standing, suddenly spoke in a raised voice to capture the interests of other ministers. "If you are that concerned about the Queen, shall we offer an alternative solution?"

Kuroro kept quiet, not feeling good about where this is going.

The Iris Kuruta smiled sinisterly that Kuroro swore he would punch him once he's out of this royal business.

"Concubinage, Your Majesty."

The word concubinage garnered different reactions from the ministers. Some were shocked other were thoughtful while the rest are silently liking the notion.

One minister stood up and bowed. "The idea is splendid, Your Majesty!" he exclaimed. "The late King Otto also had a concubine as he hoped that the Royal Court Maiden will be able to give him a male heir."

Kuroro glared at the happy minister which made him flinch and sit back down.

Concubinage? The thought is absurd. So just because he refuses to sleep with the Queen which may result to a child between them they're going to force another maiden on that role?

"I have a candidate for you, Your Majesty. My daughter, Lira." the Iris Kuruta continued. "If you wish to meet her-"

"The late King Otto took in a concubine to continue his royal line since Queen Ahami can no longer bear children." Kuroro spoke sternly, interrupting them again. "But the Crown Princess, now the Queen, arrived and a concubine was no longer needed. The same thing applies to my situation. Why are you rushing for an heir? The reason that you are concerned for the country's stability is not good enough. The country is stable enough as it is. You are only creating problems that don't exist in the first place."

The king's angry lecture silenced all of them. Kuroro can't believe how little respect they showed the Queen. They only see her as someone necessary to continue the royal line. He's pretty sure that the Iris Kuruta Head only brought up the topic of concubinage to strengthen his power in the royal court. Since his son, Haru, was not able to win the Selection he must have resorted to offering his daughter instead.

"Then how about the Queen's honor, Your Majesty?" once the Iris Kuruta Head sat down to prevent angering the King further, the head of the Larkspur Kuruta spoke up. "Don't you hear what the others say about the Queen in the inner palace?" when Kuroro did not answer, the Minister continued. "Your Majesty, you were an outsider when you came and sat on the throne. Naturally, you would not know most of the traditions and beliefs we have. We have a belief that a Queen who has been untouched by the King on their wedding night is a bad omen for the kingdom's future. It is a belief we have always had when were still a minor tribe."

Kuroro couldn't believe his ears. But then again, he had read so many history books that he recalled a few kingdoms who more or less have the same belief with the Kuruta kingdom. There are even others where on the wedding night of the King and Queen, there are audiences in their bedroom to make sure the marriage has been consummated. A royal child is sometimes associated to prosperity of the kingdom and more so if the first born child is a boy.

Kuroro could only smirk. These ministers are wise, using his being an outsider and their Kurutan beliefs to drive him into making a crucial decision. He is quite fond of the Queen but making love to her? Kuroro felt like he's violating her just by thinking of it. He remembered her reaction when he showed her what would happen if they were to be married during the night they spent in her pavilion. She thrashed and got angry, clearly a sign that she's not ready for something intimate like making love.

In the end, all the ministers got as an answer from him was his silence on the matter.

The General Assembly at the Great Hall was finished a few moments later and the King postponed his meeting with the three ministers. He then changed clothes in this residence into a simple attire then headed out to the Eastern Grand Palace to see his Queen.

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When Kuroro arrived in the Eastern Grand Palace which is just a few blocks away from his own residence, the Central Grand Palace, he was greeted by the sight of his beautiful Queen not being Queen-like. Because of how unbelievably busy it was being the King, it has been more than two weeks since he last saw the Queen. And right now, he could only chuckle upon witnessing her relaxing like it's nothing on a large branch of the cherry tree in her residence. The cherry tree represents the queen while the sycamore tree represents the king and both those trees are planted in their residences respectively.

She is not wearing her royal apparel and just a boyish-looking white shirt and blue pants. Ever since she became Queen, she took her hands off state affairs and left everything to him. And there Kuroro understood that being the Queen doesn't make you co-ruler with the King and that made him resent the system in this kingdom. He knew that the Queen would make a great leader as she is a visionary and she cares for her people a lot that she allowed herself to be married to a total stranger like him when she is solely capable of running the kingdom by herself.

"Eleshia." Kuroro called her out as he approached by her new given name. His servants trailed behind him.

Kurapika looked down and saw her husband grinning at her. She sighed and jumped down from the tree, with her own servants sweating in frustration and nervousness with her recklessness.

She faced him and smirked. "Tea?"

"That would be nice." the King replied and the two proceeded inside the Queen's residence.

The servants scrambled to prepare everything such as snacks and the tea as quickly as they can. The King should have at least announced that he is visiting. When all was ready, Kuroro ordered them to leave them alone for they will be discussing something private. They sat on the floor with pillows, facing each other with a small table in between them.

"I see you're getting used to a king's life." Kurapika commented and Kuroro only chuckled.

"A general assembly just finished a while ago." he started and stared at his Queen as she sipped her tea. "And you know what we discussed?"

"How am I supposed to know?"

Kuroro paused, not knowing how to proceed. Then he cleared his throat and finally told her.

"They brought up the issue of children." he was closing his eyes when he said those but then opened them slightly to see her reaction.

And surprisingly, she had none. She continued eating the biscuits prepared while flipping the pages of a book she just got.

"Oh, really?" was all she said.

"You don't look...surprised."

She sighed frustratingly and closed the book. "How could I? My grandmother is practically reminding me everyday of my duty as Queen. Giving birth to an heir should be first on my list of priorities she said."

"And what do you tell her?"

"That you're too busy and have not time for such things. It's driving me crazy." she sighed again. "I mean, how does she even know we haven't done it yet just by looking at me?" she looked at her husband who looked amused.

"You want me to answer that?"

"That was rhetorical."

Well, Kuroro remembered hearing others say that a woman glows and changes after her first time. He has not seen it for himself so he's not sure about that. They continued talking leisurely, laughing once in a while and exchanging stories of their days.

"I have an idea." Kuroro suddenly brought up. "Let's silence them once and for all."

Kurapika furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"How about we sleep together in the Hana tonight?"

This rendered the Queen speechless. "Sleep?"

Kuroro chuckled at her reaction. "Yes, just sleep. Not like the ministers will come and watch what we're doing inside. Just sleep a few nights and trick them." to be honest, Kuroro is also getting tired of them pestering him.

"Oh." this made Kurapika think. But if they do that, this could mean that the ministers and Queen Dowager Ahami will be anticipating her pregnancy. If they see no sign of her getting pregnant then their trick will be seen through.

As if answering her thoughts, Kuroro spoke up once again. "If they see no sign of you getting pregnant, we can just say it probably failed and sleep in the Hana again. Just sleep."

Both of them knew it's a plan full of flaws. But this could be a temporary solution to their headaches.

In the end, Kurapika agreed and tonight, both of them will meet inside the Hana.

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That night, Kuroro had received a surprise visit from the Queen Dowager Ahami. He was changing into his sleeping clothes when she entered and with her was the Royal Physician, carrying what looked like a tonic in a golden bowl.

"Good evening, King Alric." Ahami smiled at the dressed up King. "I heard from the Queen that you will be meeting her inside the Hana."

"Your Grace." Kuroro greeted with a smile. "How may I help you? You came all they way here from your residence."

Ahami smiled and gestured for the Royal Physician to step forward and present the golden bowl to the King.

"I came to give you this before you go to the Hana. It's a tonic made from different Kurutan herbs. It is said to increase the probability of siring a male child." the Royal Physician then put the bowl on the side table nearby. "Please drink it before you go, Your Majesty."

Kuroro looked at the golden bowl then took it. He stared at it then back to the Queen Dowager. He could tell it was freshly brewed since it's hot. He can smell various combinations of herbs but can't tell them apart. The Queen Dowager does take this heir issue seriously. And it looks like she won't be leaving until she sees him gulp this whole thing down. It doesn't look very appetizing.

He smiled at her. "Thank you for your concern, Your Grace." he brought the bowl to his lips and just when he is about to take a sip, he stopped.

Ahami noticed his hesitance. "Is something wrong, Your Majesty?"

"Nothing." then Kuroro gulped the whole thing down quickly.

This satisfied the Queen Dowager and she left after saying her farewell greetings.

Kuroro's instincts said he should not have drank that tonic. But it would look very suspicious in front of Ahami if he refuses to drink it. He waited inside his bedchamber for a few more minutes. Then, when he was sure that his Queen is now waiting inside the Hana, he stood up and left his residence to head towards it.

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Kurapika had been waiting inside the Hana all by herself. When she arrived, she immediately dismissed her servants and she stayed inside the large bedchamber that had a large bed with silk sheets on it. She sat on a chair by the window and looked up to the stars. It's a peaceful night tonight.

Just then, she heard a few rustling sounds and she stood up, knowing full well that the King has arrived. She waited by the door and when it opened, in front of her stood her handsome and grinning husband in his sleeping attire. He stepped forward then suddenly embraced her, rendering her speechless and stunned.

"Oh, how I missed you." he said loud enough for the servants that were trailing right behind him to hear. And when they did hear that, they scrambled to get out of the Hana to give the couple some privacy.

When they were gone, Kuroro let go of her then smiled. "We have to at least let them witness that." he simply said. He made witnesses out of them so that the next day, rumors will fly around the palace that the King and Queen had finally consummated their marriage.

Kuroro proceeded to sit down on a nearby chair and table where a bottle of unopened wine stood. There are also some fruits, dried persimmons and plums and other food prepared for them in the event that they get hungry.

Kurapika was stunned at first but then regained her composure and joined him, sitting on the chair right before him.

"What should we do? The night is still young." Kuroro asked, drinking the wine he poured himself. He's not that sleepy yet so he'd rather do something before calling it a night.

"How about a round of gungi? There's a board inside that chest beside you." Kurapika suggested

Kuroro stood and took out the gungi board. It's a famous game originating from NGL. It is a very complicated game, even more complicated than chess.

They played for while, matching each other perfectly in skill. Both didn't want to lose to the other. Kuroro is surprised at how amazingly well the Queen countered his attacks and defended herself.

The first round of gungi was not even finished yet when Kuroro suddenly felt something stir up inside him. His hand that was about to place a piece stopped moving but Kurapika did not notice it for she's too engrossed in finding out what strategy to use. Kuroro ignored it and continued playing.

But a few moments later, he felt his chest constricting. Shit. What is happening to him?

This time, Kurapika noticed his struggle. How could she not? He started sweating profusely all of a sudden.

"Are you okay?" she asked and stood up.

"I'm fine." he insisted. He knew it. There was something else in the tonic the Queen Dowager gave him. "Shit." he cursed and stood up. He headed towards the bed to lie down but he stopped when a very strong sensation stirred up inside him.

That's when he realized what that tonic really was.

An aphrodisiac.

And a strong one at that.

"Hey, Alric." Kurapika called out to him as she approached him. "Is something wrong?"

Kuroro chuckled. "Your grandmother is a sneaky one." he proceeded to the bed, assisted by Kurapika, and lied down with his back on the backrest.

"Did she do something?" his Queen looked worried.

"Apparently...the tonic she gave me...was a strong aphrodisiac." and Kuroro wasn't kidding when he said strong. He is already reacting to it and he covered himself with the think silk blanket. Shit. It hurts badly and it doesn't look like the effects will subside sooner.

"An...aphrodisiac?" Kurapika whispered in disbelief. There's only one tonic Kurapika knew that is being used by nobles and their wives for consummation. And that tonic is truly a strong aphrodisiac.

Now Kuroro is seeing double. A herb that can affect one's perception and thought must have been added in that tonic. He needed release badly.

"Get...out." Kuroro ordered firmly. She must get out of this place before he loses his mind. He must get her out while he can still think straight. He's already starting to hallucinate.

"What?" Kurapika asked, stunned.

"I said get...out." he was panting hard. How could Kurapika leave him in that state?

This is no joke. The herbs were too strong. If they had been brewed wrongly, it could have killed a person easily. What were in that tonic anyway? Nightshade? Poppy? Gingko? Saffron? Kuroro is immune to most poisons but he didn't think he would suffer greatly by ingesting these herbs.

"Go!" he almost shouted. What is she still doing here?

All he could see now are blurred images but he could still make out Kurapika's blonde head.

"No. I'm not leaving you like this." she stood up and headed towards the bathroom, preparing a bowl of cold water and wet towel. He is burning hot. She can't believe her grandmother is willing to go this far. She must be crazy to do that.

When she returned, Kuroro has already taken off his upper night clothes. His tone muscles contracted with every surge of pain he felt from below. Kurapika hurriedly put the basin of water at the bedside table, wet the cloth and wiped off the sweat from his torso. She can see a slight relief but when will this end?

Suddenly, Kuroro grabbed her wrists and hurled her towards the bed. Kurapika gasped in surprise and the next thing she knew, she was being pinned down by her husband.

"Why...are you still...here?" his voice was hoarse and sweat trickled down his chest. "I told you to...go. Shit." he cursed.

Kurapika, stunned at how hard he's trying to hold himself back, could only stare at his pained face.

Should she go and let him deal it himself?

Or should she fulfill her duty to her country instead?

It took her a few moments before finally coming up in a decision.

Slowly, she untangled her wrists from Kuroro's hold. Then she raised them both and took hold of his face. She stared at him, looking into his deep eyes.

And then she nodded as if giving him permission for whatever may come next.

When Kuroro saw this, all logic flew out of his head as he descended to claim her lips.

And when morning comes, he knew he will regret everything he had done.

But that didn't matter to him in his muddled mind.

He kissed her fervently and she responded with equal passion. With quick hands, he untangled the ribbon tying her night robe and quickly took it off her, throwing the said garment to the ground. He then broke their kiss and he hastily pulled her night shirt up and threw it away as well. Then he resumed kissing her while his hands gently roamed her bare upper torso

Kurapika can't help but gasp into the kiss as she felt his hands caressing her delicate parts. Her arms snaked around his neck, pulling him down closer to her. His lips then trailed down her neck, leaving gentle pecks as he made his ways down her chest.

This is intoxication.

Kuroro no longer know if it was the tonic or her. She smelled milky and so raw. Despite how muddled he is, he still managed to be gentle. It's her first time but he can't stop now that they have gone this far. He is aching below and perhaps this is the only thing that can relieve it.

Her skin was so soft, a complete contrast to his rough, calloused hands. He felt her sensitive spots, eliciting a gasp or moan from her every time. Then he would kiss her again and his hands would roam further down. Down to that very sensitive spot he knew would be sacrilegious to even think about touching. Her hand fisted his hair as he prepared her for his entry. He nipped her collarbone and planted feather-light kisses on her chest to soothe her.

And when he finally can't take it anymore, Kuroro entered her as gently as he could. Kurapika gasped in pain but then they turned into moans of pleasure as she arched her back. It feels so good and hot inside her that Kuroro felt some relief from his aching shaft.

Kurapika then clutched the sheets hard when Kuroro began thrusting slowly then gradually getting faster. Her eyes burned bright scarlet at the indescribable pleasure she's feeling. The beautiful orbs told many tales that Kuroro failed to see.

They have been finally connected. The wishes of many have been granted.

This connection will serve to finally silence them once and for all.

And this is the connection that Kuroro will regret when he wakes up the next day.

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Author's Note: Hello...I'm still aliveee! Thank you readers for being patient! I apologize for updating really late so a long chapter I have prepared. Thank you for reading and don't forget to review too! Mwah! Sorry in advance for any wrong spelling, punctuation and etc. I didn't have enough time to copyread! Hahaha

So...a boy or a girl? ;)