Chapter Text
Kaeyas pov
I sigh and stare at Diluc, watching him adjust his gloves again. He stared at himself in my mirror and frowned, adjusting his coat again . “Luc, you’re going to fray the damn thing at this point,” I say and cross my arms, feeling my weight shift on my bed.
Diluc stares at me through the mirror and adjusts his gloves again . “Kae, everything must be perf-”
I groan loudly and flop back on my bed. “Spare me the politics lecture, I know Luc,” I stare at the delicate blue swirls painted on the ceiling.
After a few moments of silence Diluc shuffled over to my bed and sat next to me. “I’m just… I can’t let our people down…”
I turn to look at him and grab one of his gloved hands with my own. “Diluc, you could never let us down,” I look up at him and smile softly. The furrow of his brows softens and he squeezes my hand.
A knock at my door catches our attention. “Looks like it’s time,” I say and stand up before straightening my suit. “Are you ready?” I ask and hold out my hand.
“ready as I’ll ever be,” Diluc says and takes my hand.
We walk to my bedroom door and Jean greets us with a smile. “Your highness’ the carriage is ready,” she says after bowing. I snort and Diluc sighs, “there’s no need for such formality Jean, you may rise.”
Jean chuckles and stands straight, gesturing for us to lead the way. “How are things on the frontlines?” I ask as we walk through the castle.
She hums, “things have been slow to say the least, Shneznian forces have been playing hide and seek with us.” I scrunch my nose at that, Shneznia was such an unpleasant nation.
I sigh, “I miss the battlefield, the rush of adrenaline while cutting down-“
Diluc interrupts me, “Kaeya, not tonight.”
I roll my eyes but nod.
“After tonight everything will be settled. Representatives of the neighboring kingdoms will be attending.” Jean says while opening the front double doors of the castle.
“General, do me a favor and keep an eye on Prince Kaeya?” Diluc said, though his tone implied it was an order. I roll my eyes as we walk to the carriage.
“It would be my honor, your majesty.” Jean said as we filed into the fancy carriage.
Thankfully, the ride wasn’t too long and we soon arrived at the royal vineyard. “Wow, this place looks so lively,” I say as we step out into the cool night’s air.
The vineyard had been in the family for generations, and the old estate was used mainly as a vacation home. Though, tonight it was lit up with lanterns and lively music. People danced on a raised wooden platform as crickets chirped along to a live orchestra.
Jean followed us as we walked up a small stone path to the main area of the gathering. Many people looked our way as we approached, the music died down and people stepped off the platform. Diluc stepped up onto the wooden platform, and he was joined by Madam Lisa and Jean.
“As you may know tonight is a pivotal event for Mondstat, after the death of the late king, Mondstat’s royal bloodline has met a dead end.” Diluc said, his voice echoing through the chilly air. “In hopes of strengthening alliances and securing a future for Mondstat’s royalty, I hope to find an eligible consort, who may be among us tonight.”
I yawn at Diluc's speech, though many of the people around me stare at him intently, greed in their eyes.
“Tonight is a celebration above all of our recent victories in war, and the start of a new beginning for us all,” Diluc said and stepped off the platform, followed by Jean and Madame Lisa.
The crowd applauded them and the music started back up. A few people stepped back onto the platform and started dancing around it.
Jean walked over to me with two drinks in hand, leaving Diluc and Lisa behind to probably talk politics. “Ugh, those prudes and their work ethic.”
I scrunch my nose and Jean chuckles. She hands me a glass and I happily take it.
“I just hope he finds someone he can at least tolerate,” Jean sighs and glances at Madame Lisa.
“Not everyone is as lucky as you two.” I say and take a sip from my glass, giving her a look.
Jean elbows me and shakes her head. “That’s true, but one can hope.”
I finish off my drink and place the glass on a passing servant’s tray. “Screw just standing around, I’m going to go dance.” I say and make my way to the wooden platform.
Jean follows me and offers her hand to me, “do you wish to lead your highness?”
I snort and take her hand, “gods no, I can never remember the steps.” Jean chuckles at that and leads us into the flow of people.
The music is mostly upbeat so we just prance around in circles, joy fills the air and I can feel eyes on us. I see Lisa at the edge of the platform and I wave at her. Jean leads us towards her grinning at her wife.
“It seems as though a lovely maiden is need of a dance partner,” Jean says and offers her hand to Lisa. I smile at them and step off the platform as they start to dance.
I hum to myself as I grab a glass of wine off another servant's tray. Now that my ‘chaperone’ was busy, the real fun could start. I slip away from the crowd and make my way to the old estate. I take a few sips from my glass as I make my way up the hill.
I set my glass down on a table near the front of the estate before scaling the vine covered cobblestone walls. It doesn’t take much effort to scramble up the walls and I lay back on the roof. I stare up at the clear sky and full moon. Stars and fireflies dot the sky, dancing around in a calming display.
I sigh and hold my hand up, looking at the sky through my fingers. The sky was almost never this easy to see in Sumeru’s jungle. Tall trees and claustrophobic canopies crowded the view, blocking most of the moonlight and stars.
I’m pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of a branch breaking.
Sitting up and peering over the roof, I see a hooded figure looking up at me. Their hood falls and I’m met with a charming smile. “Ah, sorry, I didn’t realize you were there,” he said.
I chuckle, “it’s quite alright, I was getting a little lonely anyway.”
The man smirks at me, ginger brows arching in surprise. “I take it you don’t mind me joining you then?” There’s a flirty tone to his voice that excites me.
“Hmmm, I suppose you can, though only if you can make it up.” I say and pat the tiles beside me. The ginger man’s grin widens and quickly scrambles up the cobblestone walls.
“Oh my, up close you’re even more beautiful.” He says as he plops down next to me.
I chuckle and lean against him, “a sweet talker are we?”
He smirks and loops his hand around my waist. “Maybe, but a gorgeous man such as yourself must be used to the compliments.”
I sigh and scrunch my nose, “sadly no, most men run away as soon as they realize who I am.”
He tilts his head and hums. “Well, their loss. I will happily keep you company.” He said and pulled me closer to him.
I grin and slide into his lap, a sly smile finds its way to my face. “Then by all means, it’s been ages since I’ve felt the warmth of another.” I whisper in his ear and loop my arms around his neck.
He buried his face against my neck and inhaled, “gods you smell divine.” He groaned and grabbed my ass.
“I bet I taste even better,” I whisper in his ear.
He groans and grinds his hips against mine, creating delicious friction. I moan in his ear and match him eagerly. The friction stings a bit, but in a way that makes you crave more.
“What’s your name?” I ask, pulling back to look him in the face. “Prince Ajax, of Shneznia.”