insurmountable | everybody's challenge turning into mine / and overcame adversity

[The evening has been uneventful and pretty relaxing. Aether walks down the hall, yawning a little, thinking of just getting to his chamber and falling asleep. Then suddenly he spots Childe in the distance, the blood unmistakably dripping down from a cut eyebrow. The peacefulness is no more and the prince makes his way towards the knight, steps firm and confident.]

Let me guess, you started some trouble again?

[Childe has always been like this - unpredictable, seeking new fights one after another. Many wondered why the prince is even allowing him around himself. Surely, this man is nothing but trouble! And yet there is something about him that Aether just can't let go of. Maybe it's that unchained spirit, the strife to better oneself... or maybe it's that warmth that Childe shows ever so rarely.

Regardless of which one it is, Aether looks at his knight with a critical brow, before letting a heavy sigh and catching the other's hand into his own.]

Let's go. You need that wound cleaned before more blood gets into your eye.

[Letting the chaos into your chamber is not a good idea, but... Aether doesn't mind.]

[Heh. It's almost like Aether can read his mind, wincing not only at the pain but also at the fact that his actions were so blatant to the prince. Childe had no issue starting trouble, and bothering others, but he had a tendency to calm that part of him down when he was with the prince. Not that some friendly ribbing didn't happen, but he'd never push Aether so far to be that angry with him. Not like what he'd just done with that arrogant, weakling knight he'd just beaten half to death.]

Your compassion knows no bounds, Your Highness, [he states, grinning. Being lead by the hand is nice, he'd be lying to himself if he didn't thoroughly enjoy every small contact he had with Aether. Be it a brush of the shoulder or a simple hand hold. His fingers tangle with the prince's, his other free hand keeping pressure on the wound.]

Whatever will the attendants think, seeing you guiding me to your personal chambers so late at night...

[Not that he minded. In fact, that would cause a stir too. All fine by him.]

[He knows Childe well enough that he can tell. Especially since nobody informed him of any enemy attacks and the castle is otherwise perfectly silent. Aether honesty wishes the knight would just stop causing problems, but it seems almost impossible for him to do. He seeks only more thrills, conflict, chaos.

Even now.

Aether shoots an exasperated look at the other, then turns his head away trying to hide the blush growing on his cheeks.]

When they see the blood on your face, they will think you were a fool again, getting into a fight. That's all.

[He's sure many of his attendants would like to ask him why he pays this much attention to this knight, why keep him so close. Aether doesn't want to think about the reasons. He's sure he wouldn't be able to justify himself either, so he's happy that his attendants seem too afraid to ask him any questions.

Maybe they're afraid of Childe.]

[He hopes the attendants are afraid of him. Mission Accomplished.

Childe happily lets Aether lead him down the hall, shooting anyone who notices them a smug grin even through the blood that threatens to blind him for the time being. Jealous? Wondering why he gets this privilege? Wouldn't you like to know, resident of the castle. No one stares for too long, knowing Childe might start something. No one could tell if it was his temper or not.

But really, it's just because he enjoys it.]

Haha, perhaps. [He leaves it at that, knowing full well his presence heading towards Aether's chambers has to be riling up some gossip.] Just don't be surprised if more imaginative minds have come up with a different story. Though, their words are nothing but noise in the background, small and insignificant. Best to just ignore them if you come across it.

[Aether doesn't understand why Childe gets so much enjoyment from acting like he can get away with everything. Surely, the prince needs to do something about it but first of all, still annoyed, he declares:]

You know all too well that I'm supposed to marry a princess from another country. Everyone in the castle is aware of that and everyone knows, that I take my duties seriously. They would be fools to spreads any rumours.

[His eventual marriage is a fact and though Aether doesn't even know the name of the princess he's supposed to marry, even though he doesn't want any of this, he is loyal. His country expects him to act this way, his parents expect it - for the sake of everyone he will accept this fate.

Absent-mindedly, he squeezes Childe's hand, but says nothing more.

Soon, they arrive at the chambers and Aether quickly rushes the knight inside, before closing the door and going to grab a bowl of water and a piece of cloth for cleaning the wound and another for bandaging it.]

[Childe's expression turns a little sour- he knew. He always knew that Aether, one day, would marry. A political marriage, no doubt, one that he's sure the prince wouldn't be happy in. That is the burden of being royal, and the knight hates it. Every time it's brought up, every time it crosses his mind, it's a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. But, doesn't Prince Aether's hand belong right where it is, in his?

He has to quickly erases that sour face as he's ushered inside, sitting down in a chair next to a small table and keeping as much blood on his hand and not on the floor or the chair as he can. He waits for Aether to come back to him, relaxing now that they had the luxury of privacy.]

Have you ever thought to turn down your budding bride-to-be?

[It's an argument he knows he's not going to win. He doesn't care.]

You don't seem terribly excited about the prospect.

[Aether very gently starts working on cleaning the wound, pressing the wet cloth to the injured skin in order to remove the pooling blood. When Childe asks him the question, the only reaction he gets is the way the prince's eyes narrow, but he says nothing at first.

Eventually, he sighs.]

I can't do that and it doesn't matter how I feel about it.

[Because Childe is right. Aether doesn't want to marry a girl he's never seen in his life. But royalty doesn't have the luxury of choosing their life partners. They marry whoever is the best for the country's political alliance and it's the fate that awaits Aether and, eventually, his sister as well.

There are times when the prince wishes to just run away from the palace, travel the world and never come back. Then he thinks about his family, about his dear sister and about... his knight. He has too many people he cares deeply about, he can't leave them for some selfish reason.

When Aether begins to bandage Childe's wound, his eyes are distant, sad, but also fond. There's too much keeping him here.]

[Silence dominates the air around them, as that's not an answer Childe enjoys hearing. He knows it's the truth, and he wishes so badly for a way to change that inevitable outcome. He can't imagine it's any better for the princess in question, because who truly wants to marry someone they have no emotional connection to? It's no wonder to him why so many have children out of wedlock, bastards that get shunned and/or hidden away from the royal family- but that's just the way of royalty, no?

It pains him to see that look in Aether's eyes like this. If he could take him away, to release him from this cage, he'd do it. Aether wouldn't even have to ask. One word and they're gone.

But that...won't happen.

He has to close his eyes at the pain that radiates from the wound as Aether applies the pressure to it as he bandages it, breathing out a heavy sigh.]

Well, what if I said no for you, then? I could prolong it for at least five more minutes. Perhaps even ten if I get the chance to exchange blows with someone.

[That gets him a very unhappy, but also flat look from the prince.]

No.

[He stares a bit more at his knight, before continuing to dress the wound. Once he's happy with how it looks, he pulls away just a little, giving voice to the rest of his thoughts on the other's questionable offer.]

It won't change anything, so don't even try to get into any fights because of it.

[What is five minutes if even for those five minutes he still won't get what he wants? It aches him that right now he has probably the most freedom than he will ever have. Closed in his own room, with only Childe by his side. He reaches out to touch his knight's face, soft fingers brushing his cheek. But then Aether realizes what he's doing and so he withdraws his hand and hurriedly moves away.

...He can't believe he's doing things like that after he told the knight that he's planning to stay loyal to his future bride, even if he's never seen her in his life.]

[The knight only smirks back, but fine- he'd refrain from starting a fight over the hand of his prince, though only because Aether's told him not to. He's a resourceful man. He'll make trouble in other ways while still causing a ruckus.

Childe holds still while Aether checks him over, expecting that hand that reaches forward to perhaps adjust the bandage over his eye. His eyes widen when instead, fingers brush his cheek with a gentleness that he could only dream of having with the prince, feeling a small pang of hope in his heart despite all the circumstances. But but fleeting moment ends too soon, as Aether turns and moves away from him, his stomach sinking at the reaction.

Does he really have to accept this?]

Hey, [He calls after Aether, standing up and crossing the room towards the prince.] You know, your words don't entirely match your actions. And you know how actions speak far louder than words.

[His hand reaches out to gently hold the prince's chin between his fingers, the ocean blue of Childe's eyes searching Aether's expression, silently asking him if he realizes the position he's in.]

[He knows he's made a huge mistake. He should've controlled himself better. What he feels or wants doesn't matter... But Childe chases after him, calls him out, his fingers are gentle against Aether's skin and the prince finds himself staring right back into the endless blue of his knight's eyes.

The spell is broken quickly. Aether sharply moves away and closes his eyes to try and calm his loudly beating heart. A voice in the back of his mind is telling him that this is all okay - he's not actually married to anyone and nobody has to know about what happened in this room anyway--

No. This is all wrong. He doesn't feel anything towards Childe, he can't.]

...Don't be ridiculous. You're making it sound like there's something between us.

[Irritated with his own words, he runs a hand over his hair, then moves even further away from the knight. He doesn't want to admit to his own feelings.]

There's nothing. There will never be anything.

[Just why does it hurt so much to say it?]

[It can't be helped. Childe's expression falls again, inwardly sighing at Aether's reaction. He's a perceptive person, and he can tell that the prince is so torn between his own personal feelings and his sense of duty to his position, so much so that he would sacrifice his own happiness for it. Childe, on the other hand, was not one to put duty over the thrill of battle, or whatever else. If his duty lined up with his personal goals, then so be it. It just so happens his duty was to protect the one he truly cared for...but he wished so badly that the other would see that too.

But as it seems, Prince Aether would rather turn his head away from the truth of the matter to look in a direction that he shouldn't have to walk towards, in Childe's opinion.]

Are you so sure? But, if you say so, Your Highness.

[His response is aloof, if one didn't know him any better. But there was a hint of pain to it, an undertone easily missed if one wasn't listening closely enough. The knight turns, sighing quietly once he's able to safely hide his face from the dejected look that spreads across his features. He doesn't want to leave, but...maybe he's already said too much, speaking his mind like that.]

Perhaps I should retire to my own chambers now. It feels as if I've overstayed my welcome here, so I thank you for your concern for my well being, as usual. I apologize for placing the burden of my wounds on you.

[Whenever Childe speaks, there's this odd sensation washing over Aether. Maybe it's guilt, because he's hurting his knight. Maybe it's pain, because the prince is trying to ignore his heart's desires. Maybe it's a wish to just drop everything and run to Childe, but no matter how much he wants that his feet are stuck in one spot.

Aether curls his hands into fists, trying to convince himself that there really is nothing he can do now.]

The princess... Her visit is planned for the next week. She'll be joining us for the dinner.

[Next week it will be all official - he'll be engaged to the princess and nobody will ask his opinion. Childe needs to accept that... And Aether needs to accept it, too. For now it all feels quite surreal, like a dream that you're hoping will end soon.

The prince takes a deep breath.]

But Childe... if you ever get hurt again, remember that I will always patch you up. That will never change and it's no burden either.

[That's the least he can do for his reckless knight and frankly, he doesn't want it to change. If Childe will ever get hurt or sick, Aether wants to be able to check on him, help him. He will cling to this one selfish wish.]

[There had been some prep work that had started to greet the princess that Aether was to marry. He knew. But hearing Aether say it, he can feel his heart drop. It's one thing to have it all be in theory, but when presented, it becomes very real- a real confirmation that he's going to have to watch the prince from the sidelines. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, as they say.

And he hates it.]

Of course, [he says, his back still turned.] I know you've always cared for my well-being no matter the battle, whether it be a scuffle or an outright war. Goodnight, Prince Aether.

[He continues towards the door, grabbing the handle and opening it to leave. And unless he's stopped, he'll go back to his chambers for the night.]

[His heart is heavy in his chest, urging him to stop Childe from going anywhere but Aether stands still, silent. It's better like this. It's better if their relationship never goes anywhere, if they stay bound only by their duty.

Aether takes a deep breath and turns around.]

Goodnight, Childe.

[He waits for his knight to leave and only then lets himself drop down on the bed, thinking about his feelings, his duties and the destiny that awaits him. The bride will soon arrive.]

----

[The days pass faster than they should and before he knows he's standing right there in the hall, waiting for the princess to arrive. This is their first meeting, so there's much to be nervous about. The princess, Elise, is definitely beautiful, seems kind and polite, has a gentle smile on her face. If anything it makes Aether's heart sink more in his chest. They are both forced into a loveless marriage and the more the prince talks to his future bride, the more he feels guilt.

She deserves someone who could love her and that will never be him. He's too aware of his own feelings, even if he's trying to pretend otherwise. He fakes smiles as they walk towards the dining room for the dinner. Their parents seem to be in great mood, talking over the marriage.

...And the prince finds himself looking away, his gaze drifting to the servants, knights.

Ah. Of course. Even now he's looking for his knight.]

Edited 2022-04-29 23:43 (UTC)

[Aether's eyes won't find his knight. Childe is visibly absent from the dinner, before the court takes their seats at the table. What's strange however, is that there seems to be an extra seat that had been set up, next to Aether, that no one is currently sitting in. Was one more supposed to show up? Perhaps Aether's sister, Lumine, who is supposed to be out on diplomatic duties currently?

The dinner begins, and it's not long after it starts that a certain ginger-haired knight makes his way into the dining room. He strides past the guard that lines the walls, earning glares from each and every single one of them. They instinctively know what Childe is about to do, though the bride's family do not.

And that extra seat? He slides right into it like he belongs there.]

My apologies for being late, Prince Aether. Is this the lucky bride to be?

[He nods respectfully towards Elise, charm plastered all over his face.]

[Upon spotting the empty additional seat, Aether wonders if someone made a mistake during preparations and the open spot is supposed to be for Lumine. His eyes widen when suddenly his knight shows up, casually joining them for the dinner, settling right by the prince's side. The king straightens his back, but no one seems to be keen on spoiling the good mood, so they ignore Childe's presence for the time being.

Aether can already sense things will get messy at some point. He gives Childe a small glare in a warning, before turning back to the very confused princess. She blinks a few times, before smiling sweetly.]

Yes, this is Princess Elise. [He introduces her and she gives a polite bow with a her head. Her cheeks are bright with blush.]

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir... [She trails off, waiting for the man to introduce himself. Clearly, she is completely unaware who Childe is and why he's allowed so close.]

[He returns Aether's glare with an innocent smile, as if he were ever capable of such a trait.]

Childe, [He quickly answers the princess, bowing his head towards her with respect, keeping the sweetest smile on his features. He will fail to mention his relation to Aether- on purpose.] It is a pleasure and an honor to finally meet you. I've heard much about you before your arrival, and I hope that you find your time here acceptable. Let me know if he gives you any trouble, princess.

[He says with a wink, cheerful and full of chaos beneath the surface. There was no way he wasn't going to be front and center during this dinner, as if this is the only way he could think of to deal with the situation without destroying something somewhere else in the castle. Besides, he likes it.

So he's going to make sure he'll make the most of it tonight.]

[Childe really allows himself too much and Aether knows that, yet he does nothing to stop him. The dinner is supposed to be nice and peaceful, so as long as the knight stays in his place and doesn't cause trouble, it should be fine.

...Who is Aether even kidding? This man desires chaos more than anything else in the world.

Thanks to Childe's winks and charming words, the princess blushes, mumbles a soft "o-of course" and returns to her meal. At this very same time, the king stands up, expecting attention from everyone gathered.]

Princess Elise and you, my dear son. We are immensely happy that the two of you will marry and bring splendour and peace to this land. You are perfect for each other, both so kind and hard-working. I know you will do well. [The king looks to Elise's father and the other nods in agreement, proud look on his face. The princess' mother smiles kindly at her daughter as Elise herself blushes intensely, hiding her own gaze.

Aether tries to force a polite smile, but he wonders if it's obvious that he's not looking forward to this marriage. The king doesn't seem to notice - or pay him any mind - he decides that they can now continue on with the dinner and he goes back to talking with Elise's father. It's most likely nothing more but talks about politics and how the marriage will affect the two kingdoms.]

[There's a loud rapping of a piece of silverware on a glass.

The sound is coming from Childe, cheerfully hitting the glass over and over, to get everyone's attention. Heads snap in his direction, some dreading what the knight is about to do or say. The bride's family of course, still oblivious, are confused as to what is happening here, whispers being shared among them. He can feel all eyes fall on him, and it only serves to make his smile even wider.

You are perfect for each other.

No, they're not. How can he say that when they've never even met each other. Aether doesn't want this, he knows it. Elise seems like such a nice girl. Does she want this? Probably not, he's betting on it. Though Childe's reason for his behavior is purely selfish, he doesn't see how it can't benefit the princess as well.]

Ahem, [he begins, now that he's got everyone's attention,] allow me to say a few words before we all settle into our prescribed congratulatory exchanges and spurious relations. It is truly an honor to have the princess and her family with us tonight on such a joyous occasion. In fact, I hope you allow me he privilege of ensuring their safety to me during this visit- it is, of course, my top priority to see that everything goes well.

[His eyes flash, smiling to the king as well to Elise's father.]

I could truly not be happier for the two of you, [he says as he turns to speak to the forced couple,] and I hope the two of you spend a good amount of time pondering your futures and what the coming years will bring.

[He throws a hand around Aether's shoulder, looking like he's being playful, a giant grin on his face. His free hand reaches down for his goblet, lifting it up.]

After all, the young prince here has a long life ahead of him! So a toast! To the long and promising years ahead of to these two lovely souls, may both our lands prosper forever!

Edited 2022-05-05 16:01 (UTC)

[The king doesn't look happy when Childe so casually points out the fake words and relations that exist only for the benefit of the countries involved. An awkward silence falls over everyone after the toast is offered by the knight. Aether knows all too well how much Childe hates this entire situation and that this is only the beginning. Elise and her family seem confused, Aether's father just continues to stare coldly.

Eventually, a long sigh breaks the silence as Aether abruptly takes a hold of his own goblet and stands up (maybe also to escape Childe's hold; his heart can't take too much of the other's man physical contact, his warmth).

Aether turns to the princess and offers his hand to her.]

Let's have a toast. [He repeats his knight's words. The princess blinks, looks to Childe, then back to her promised prince and she smiles bright standing up as well.

The atmosphere in the room changes, like a relief washing over all gathered. The drinks are had and the dinner can continue.]

Aether, why don't you show the princess around? [The king offers once the dinner is near its end.] Our gardens are in full bloom now. Hopefully, they will be to your liking, princess.

[Elise smiles kindly and nods. She's definitely looking forward to seeing the flowers. The king seems pleased with that, but his expression changes completely when he looks to the knight.]

Childe, I trust that you will keep them happy and safe, as you claimed you would. [There's an underlying warning in that tone. The king is not stupid, he knows the knight is scheming. Aether suspects that if something goes wrong, his father won't hesitate to have Childe's head.]

[He joins Aether in standing, that smile never leaving his face for a second. He looks around the entire room, appearing quite pleased with himself, before toasting and drinking deeply from his glass. Of course, the rest of the dinner is wonderful, being able to sample from the food meant for the royal family. Childe does enjoy this part, chatting happily with Aether and Elise during the dinner.

The king's mood towards him doesn't spoil anything for the knight. When told that he was responsible to keep them safe, Childe nods back, placing a hand over his heart. Even through his chaotic scenes, he has done this job with a level of professionalism that no one can match. If there was anything the royal family could rely on, was that Childe would make sure the prince, and by extension now the princess, would be safe from any harm that might befall them.

Of course, that doesn't mean he isn't frequently on thin ice, like right now- the knight is also aware that he might lose his head should things take a turn for the worse. And that the king is aware that he might have his own ideas brewing in his head.]

I will, Your Highness.

[So he turns to the both of them, eyes bright.]

Shall we go? It truly is a picturesque scene, the gardens. The giant arch as you enter is as exquisite as the dinner we just indulged in. You'll also find that the long winding paths are littered with colors you couldn't imagine existed in nature by itself.

[Aether honestly would like for this entire visit to be over already, but when the time comes, he and Elise will have to marry and he dreads the chaos that Childe will bring on the wedding day. However, there's a part of him that finds it incredible that his knight would go to such ridiculous lengths to... do what exactly? Is it all just to get his way? Or does he really not want Aether to marry someone he doesn't even love?

The young prince doesn't get to ponder too much about it as the princess quickly grabs him by the arm, her eyes bright like the child's.]

I simple have to see it. Please, lead the way!

[Aether is silent for another second, before smiling and nodding.]

Let's go.

[He nods to Childe to follow and the three of them make their way towards the gardens. The flowers around them seem almost otherworldly. The royal gardener is taking excellent care of every plant in this vast area and it shows. The air is fresh and soothing, making Aether think that he really needed this. The silence is welcomed, too.

The princess quickly lets go of his arm to wander around the many bushes of roses, admiring the beautiful bloom. This gives Aether a moment to step closer to Childe and whisper.]

You really enjoy trouble, don't you?

[That's always something he's admired about Aether, the fact that he can ponder his knight's reasons and logic behind what he does and get it spot on when he considers it, whether he realizes how right he is or not. Not a lot of people have the skill to perceive him like that, making Childe appreciate it all the more. Because it's both, he wants his way and he doesn't want to see Aether unhappy in a marriage he doesn't want.

He is, after all, in love with his prince- a skill in self-awareness that would have made life a little easier for him if he lacked it. But who said life was easy, and that he wanted it to be so?

He turns to Aether as he's addressed, giving him a sly smile as he answers.]

I'll admit there's a certain allure to causing a commotion that stirs within me. After all, a dish without spices really isn't much of a dish at all, even if it still fulfills life's basic needs.

[He shrugs, still pleased with himself that he even got away with that little stunt back there.]

[Aether shakes his head, but instead of giving his knight a scolding look he snorts lightly. Childe is chaos incarnated so no matter what the prince says he won't stop him. Still...]

Be careful not to add too much spice to your dishes.

[Aether puts his hands on his hips, his gaze only quickly checking on the princess before it returns to Childe. Elise seems to be lost in the beauty of the garden, so the prince and his knight may allow themselves a moment to talk.]

My father wasn't thrilled with you, but I think the princess likes you.

[She seemed pretty happy chatting with both Childe and Aether during the dinner. It truly is a shame that they are forced into this marriage. Perhaps, with time they could become good friends.]

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