Your Alliance
Chuuya narrows his eyes. Face schooled into a cold yet angry expression.
"Excuse me?", he breathes. Heart almost imploding within his chest. He is trying his best to not snap at the man before him.
The man who is his husband.
The prince tries to decipher Dazai's cryptic response but what is there to understand of those words. The tension in the room grows ten times worse as he waits for a more concrete explanation, like a fool.
He would rather get physical and have a fight right now, but unfortunately he cannot afford that kind of altercation.
Dazai just leans back on his bed, placing his weight in his palms as he gives the other a look, the sly grin still playing on his lips. "You see, Nakahara, life is a series of whimsical decisions, and this marriage is just one of them."
He loses the smile when he looks at Chuuya, truly looks at him and into his eyes. Suddenly, the room feels a lot colder. Suddenly, Chuuya can see the reason people fear this man with something as simple as just the slight shift in his attitude.
"This marriage is an exchange. It is a deal. You and I both know that, Prince of Osaka."
Chuuya's frustration deepens, and he crosses his arms, demanding a clearer answer. "Whimsical decisions?, an exchange?, is that some kind of joke?. This is a marriage we're talking about, not a game."
He did not expect this man to be such an asshole.
Besides just because it was apparently a deal doesn't mean he has to be such a dick to Chuuya.
Dazai's gaze finally shifts away from Chuuya's eyes, and the threatening aura is nowhere in sight.
"Oh, but life is a game, Nakahara. A game with rules only a few understand. And sometimes, one has to make unexpected moves to keep things interesting."
The auburn-haired prince's temper flares at the response. "Interesting? This isn't some game for your amusement. It's our lives!"
Dazai scoffs, unfazed by Chuuya's anger. "Life is worthless without reason, besides do not think that this marriage means anything besides that."
Chuuya glares at him, "Well it might be for you, but I wish to live. This marriage literally fucked me over too! you aren't special"
The other rolls his eyes as he leans forward and stands up, looking down on Chuuya as the prince reaches Dazai's collarbone at most.
"Don't be so assuming. I am aware of your role in this, Nakahara. However you will have to compromise just as much as I do."
Oh how Chuuya already loathes this man.
"So, I propose we form an alliance, an arrangement that only we know of."
"Oh yeah? and what. Just ignore each other for the rest of our lives? walk away? just pretend–"
"Quiet.", Dazai speaks, his voice low yet eyes staring daggers into Chuuya's blue as he towers over the other, nose to nose.
"You and I, we stay together in this marriage for one year, until I take over my father's throne and gain more authority over the kingdom. One year, and I will end this marriage myself, and you will be free."
A moment goes by as Chuuya's heart stays as frantic as ever, the heartbeat vertebrates throughout his ears.
"Do we have a deal, Prince Nakahara Chuuya."
The prince stares at Dazai, stares at his eye cold and sharp void of bandages. He stares at the man with authority just as high.
"We have a deal, Prince Dazai Osamu."
One year.
Just one year, and Chuuya can leave this place.
He can do it easily.
______
Or maybe not.
It takes place after a few long hours of simply unpacking after moving to Yokohama.
The grand reception ball unfolds in Yokohama's extravagant palace, adorned with silk and gold, as guests from various kingdoms grace the event. Dazai, dressed in a gothic sort of black and silver attire, and Chuuya, his crimson and gold ensemble reflecting his royal status, make a striking entrance.
The newlywed couple ascend the stairs angelically, Dazai with a new silver-leaved diamond crown atop his head, and Chuuya with a similar gold diamond one.
It's the royal tradition for new couples to wear gold and silver contrasting for their first official night. However the guests' gasps entail that this couple is by far the most beautiful.
Their eyes meet briefly, a silent understanding passing between them as they walk side by side, it isn't long before the two find themselves at the center of attention, surrounded by guests from neighboring Kingdoms.
Verlaine and Amelia are there too, along with them is their son, Kouyou, Kyouka, and Atsushi.
Chuuya's eyes don't stray from them when he finds them, heart beating in his throat as he tries and fails to keep the animosity towards most his 'family' off his face, only looking away when Dazai gently nudges his arm.
To others it may seem like a kind gesture for Chuuya to grab his arm. The look in Dazai's uncovered eyes says he knows.
They link arms and stride to the centre of the ballroom.
A dignitary from the Port Kingdom approaches with a courteous bow. "Your Graces, a pleasure to be in the esteemed presence of Yokohama's royal family. May this union bring prosperity to our lands."
Dazai smiles coolly, a diplomatic and strategic gesture, his words are carefully chosen as he speaks.
"Your words honor us. May this alliance strengthen the relations between our kingdoms."
Chuuya, though maintaining a composed demeanor, can't help but feel the weight of the diplomatic expectations. He nods in agreement, acknowledging the well-wishes.
As the night goes on, they interact with representatives from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The Kingdom of Malta brings tales of floating cities and advanced technology, while the Kingdom of Musutafu shares stories of resilience and strength.
In the midst of the mingling, Fyodor Dostoevsky appears, his stoic demeanor unchanged. "Prince Dazai, Prince Chuuya," he greets with a nod, the intensity of his gaze lingering longer on Chuuya.
It's not negative or anything inherently evil, but moreso neutral and uncaring.
Dazai responds with a polite nod, and Chuuya offers a formal acknowledgment. The air around them seems to thicken in the presence of Yokohama's elder prince. It seems the other kingdoms are still afraid of Fyodor.
Dazai shares a look with his brother, it's knowing and slightly amused.
Later in the evening, as the dance floor comes alive, Dazai extends his hand to Chuuya. "Shall we, Prince Nakahara?"
Chuuya, initially hesitant, places his hand in Dazai's. The two princes glide across the floor in a dance that mirrors the delicate balance they're attempting to strike between fucked-up tradition and the potential for something different.
As they spin through the music and navigate the intricate steps of diplomacy, the reception ball becomes a stage where alliances are forged, secrets are guarded, and the destiny of Yokohama takes shape amidst the grandeur of the night.
Most of the royal families proceed towards the dining chamber when the night falls, and so the main hall begins to empty.
Everything seems to go well, and for a moment Chuuya almost forgets there is still one tremendous task remaining.
It almost slips his mind throughout the seemingly peaceful evening. It stays that way.
Though. It is not until they finally greet the family of Osaka, do all things go to hell.