krystalkatzfics | The king of etherin

Author: krystalkatz

Rating: G

Length: Chaptered

Genre: Historical Au, Romance,

Pairings: Ohno Satoshi/Ninomiya Kazunari

Disclaimer: I only own the plot

Ohno followed closely behind the king and his knight, watching them silently trying to push away the guilt he felt that he had been jealous over them. The king kept giving him small glances as they walked on the thickly carpeted floor towards what he assumed was the main hall. Nino had wanted the farmer by his side but he had refused and was walking three steps behind him. The staff bowed when they saw him and Nino did his best to smile at them all. They each discreetly stared at Ohno whispering behind their hands at his identity and only Mitzuki gave him a huge grin and a cheerful almost cheeky wave. The main hall was enough to make Ohno’s mouth drop open, it could easily fit at least three of his grandmothers cottages inside, high ceilings with walls of stained glass windows. The stained glass was pretty with him images of what he guessed was the old king, Nino’s father. It was oppressive and dark, designed to impress with all focus leading to the well-lit ornate gold throne that was surrounded by lighter windows. The first thing Ohno noticed was that Nino avoided the ornate throne in favour of a smaller chair that was at the side.

There was a crowd of what looked like pages standing around and a few other official looking people, Ohno wasn’t sure where he was meant to stand. He wasn’t a page or an official he was just a farmer that had stumbled his way into being the friend of the King. Jun tapped his shoulder and motioned for him to follow him and they took a place on some chairs behind Nino while Sakurai stepped forwards announcing the duties for the day. It felt like a long time until the ‘Aiba’s’ were called forwards. Yusuke and Masaki looked a little nervous but Yuuki looked as confident as ever, he gave a polite deep bow at the king and only looked mildly surprised to see Ohno sitting at the back.

“Your Majesty… It has been a long time, I’m not sure if you remember me or my boys…” Yuuki started and Ohno was surprised by the tone of voice he was using. The thick accent seemed to have been ironed out and he was once again interested in his travelling companion, Nino held up his note book

>Of course I remember you Sir Aiba,< He wrote slowly and smiled at him his eyes flicking nervously to Masaki who had seemed to have lost his shyness now and was looking around the hall studying the stained glass with a frown. Ohno was surprised by ‘sir Aiba’ that meant the tradesman was a knight

“I’m no longer a Sir… I’m just plain Aiba now, your majesty…” Yuuki mumbled his hand going through his hair

>My father took away your knighthood and sent you from the castle… But it was my fault…<

“It not be yer fault… It’s not your fault there were reasons you don’t know” Yuuki told the king softly in an overly familiar way, as if he was calming down one of his sons “I don’t regret the life I’ve led…”

>But I could give you back your title<

“Now that would be fancy on the back of me wagon ne? Sir Aiba Yuuki, tradesman esquire…”

>You would be the fanciest tradesman in town< Nino wrote and Yuuki gave a loud laugh nodding thoughtfully though he looked amazed that the king was having a joke with him.

“Aye, you’d be right about that… Thank-you but no thank-you, your majesty, I wouldn’t even know which way to hold a sword…I would like a word with the lad… Ohno Satoshi…” He said and after Nino nodded, looking at him with a smile, the framer got to his feet going to them. He was positive that if they weren’t in the presence of the king the pages and maids would have exploded with excitement as the ‘plot thickened’ about the king’s unexpected guest. Yuuki bowed at the king who inclined his head before Sakurai pulled his attention away by making him sign some documents. “So when you said friend… You failed to mention that it was the king” Yuuki said with a whistle and a grin as he led him away from the main part of the hall

“I’m sorry I didn’t think you’d believe me…” Ohno mumbled quickly hanging his head. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust him but he had become harder when they found out about his scars.

“Well, I guess we both weren’t honest…” Yuuki muttered leaning against the wall folding his arms across his chest and Ohno stared at the older man. Yuuki was as tanned as he was and when he wasn’t thinking about it had a very board accent but after hearing him talking in the smooth silky voice in front of Nino he guessed the accent was something he added.

“I never guessed that you were a knight” He said, his amazement showing in his voice and Yuuki gave a sigh

“Former knight...” he corrected “So the king does… Does he know about yer scars?” the tradesman asked and for some reason Ohno knew what he was really asking

“Yes” He answered softly, keeping his eyes steady on the tradesman watching the realisation dawn on Yuuki’s face. It went from misunderstanding to realisation and to panic in the space of a few seconds and the former knight quickly pulled him into a side room away from the crowd.

“Lad, are you sure you should stay?” He asked in a hushed rush, and Ohno was almost happy to hear the worry in the older man’s voice. Yuuki looked around over his shoulder before continuing with “I know your feelings but… At the end of the day, he is the king… If this were to end badly it won’t be him that ends up in front of them busybodies at the church”

“I want to be here” Ohno said confidently “I have to be where Nino is…No matter what”

“Well… He does seem more like his sweet mama, but… I’ve grown fond of you and… Oh bugger it…” Yuuki snapped marching out of the room again and sweeping up to Nino who looked a little confused and startled “I beg your forgiveness, your majesty, but I would have a favour from you…”

>Anything you want, ~~Si-~~Mr Aiba…< Nino wrote waving aside the guards, who Ohno noticed, had started inching closer, gripping the shiny handles of their swords.

“You offered to give me my title back, I do not want nor need it my life is the roads… My eldest… perhaps you remember him, my king…”

>Yes, I remember< Nino wrote smiling at Masaki who gave him a wide toothy grin, his gentle eyes twinkling against the almost crow’s feet that framed the corners of his eyes.

“Well the road is not the life he wants, your majesty… I ask that you take him and train him so that one day he will earn my former title”

“Eh?! Papa!” Masaki gasped turning to stare at his father but Yuuki didn’t even glance at him instead he kept his eyes on Nino. The king stared at his old friend, torn between saying yes and refusing, in the end he picked up his pen and wrote

>I will only agree, if Aiba Masaki himself wishes to train<

Now Yuuki did look at his son who looked at him uncertainly before nodding, stepping forwards and bowing his head,

“I ask to be trained your kingship…” He mumbled and Nino smiled nodding before writing,

>Very well… You will study under my friend and personal knight, Matsumoto Jun…<

“Your majesty…” Jun stammered and spluttered standing up and stepping forward, his face losing some of the calm he always showed.

>Please Jun, there is only you or Toma that I would trust with this and Toma…< The king stopped the pen, trying to flash the rest of the sentence with his eyes. Toma was busy with his healer. Jun chewed his lip looking at Aiba’s bowed head before giving a sigh and dipping his head

“Anything for my King” he mumbled and Nino smiled his thanks before turning to Masaki and Yuuki.

>Welcome back to the castle< He wrote slowly and Masaki nodded looking a little tearful. Ohno was watching Nino in wonder, here in the great hall there seemed to be no trace of the shy boy he had met in the forest and it made him feel more lonely and insecure about his choice to stay.

TBC

A/N: I hope this is okay… >.<