Chapter Text
A gentle breeze filled the room bringing with it the promise of winter and the scent of festivities to the prince’s bedroom, urging him to wake up and finally face his 21st birthday. As the prince proceeded to bury himself further into the warmth of his blankets, to escape the forming pit in his stomach, three brisk knocks permeated the room alerting him of what was to come. The warning was promptly ignored as Kaeya proceeded to cover himself with the mound of blankets, protecting him from his impending responsibilities.
The doors confidently opened as his appointed guardian, Dainsleif dutifully announced, “Prince Kaeya, it is almost time for the festivities to begin and your father was expecting you over an hour ago,” brief amusement laced his stern tone as he teased, “It’s time to stop sulking.”
All that came was a muffled groan, as the prince in question was unwilling to separate himself from the comforting weight that currently surrounded him. His face was shoved deeper into the soft pillow, debating if suffocation would be a more appropriate use of his day. As a clear message that his bed could no longer provide sanctuary, Dainsleif cleared his throat, irritated at the prince’s poor display. Kaeya began the process of untangling himself from the sheets and finally was able to run a hand through his messy hair before sending a glare to his knight, “Dainsleif, I would have been perfectly content staying here the rest of the day. Surely Father would permit me to spend my birthday the way I choose.”
“You know as well as I do you are just trying to delay the inevitable, my prince.”
Kaeya knew Dainsleif was correct. Ever since he turned the mature age of 18, a looming deadline began to warp the once easy and pleasant birthdays he used to experience. That was when his father announced that Kaeya, the crown prince to the Khaenri’ian throne, would be engaged and married by his 22nd birthday. Today was his 21st. Meaning, he had only one more year to try and escape the restraints of a loveless marriage and attempt an arrangement that would both please his father and meet his own requirements for a good match.
“I suppose you are right, Dainsleif. No use trying to delay the inevitable and keep his Majesty waiting. I’ll get ready to meet my father and officially begin the festivities.” Kaeya stated with a shrug and a fleeting glance to the open window.
“Of course, my prince.” Dainsleif responded with a bow and a knowing glance towards his charge, “It would also behoove his Highness if he refrained from keeping the window open at night, or at least try better to hide his nightly escapes.”
With a turn of his heels, Dainsleif was gone as quickly as he arrived and Kaeya was once again alone with his thoughts. As the swarming pit starts to crawl and settle in his chest, Kaeya throws the blankets off and plants his feet firmly into the plush carpet, made from the thickest deer pelt. Determination fighting back the rising anxiety, Kaeya silently vowed to himself he would find a way to get out of his future arrangement. Looking down at the head still attached to the deer’s hide, instead of pity, Kaeya only felt resentment.
Dainsleif’s exit signaled the entry of the most common intruders of his privacy, the royal attendants. He was eagerly ushered towards the bath where the servants had already begun pouring steaming water into his tub. As the steam drifted upwards he could smell hints of the woodsy, citrusy fragrance that belonged to frankincense, a scent that would typically calm and relax him. Instead, it was a reminder of the task for the day. Kaeya enjoyed his privacy when bathing, often allowing himself to lay languid in the tub and soak in the warmth of the hot water, however, due to the prince’s avoidance on a timely start to the day- he had no choice but to sit through this torture. When he was finally relinquished from his servant’s high standards, he was promptly herded towards the tailor.
“Hurry Prince Kaeya, there’s no time to waste,” His head maid tsked towards the young prince.
Upon entering the room, he was greeted with the tailor fussing about the outfit laid in front of them, anxiously awaiting to make their final touches to the garment. Before the tailor could flutter around Kaeya, his hair finally met a brush as the long locks were quickly freed from their troublesome knots, and pushed out of the way. The tailor was then finally allowed to begin their final measurements.
As the tailor rushed to make the changes required, muttering to themself, “If you had showed up for the final fitting yesterday, we wouldn’t have to bother ourselves with this,” as Kaeya tried not to shift awkwardly. After the final adjustments and 5 ‘accidental’ pin pricks, not that he was counting, a chair materialized seemingly out of nowhere and he was guided to sit. The servants tiffed over how to style the prince’s hair, one working on trimming and filing his nails as the head maid began pulling his silky strands to rest on the nape of his neck. They seemingly had come to an agreement as his hair was finally pulled back, revealing both of his star-kissed eyes.
As she swiftly braided his hair, she softly chuffed,“What a beautiful eye.”
Kaeya briefly winced, the golden eye was a constant reminder of his own royal heritage. He couldn’t help but feel permanently branded by the accursed eye. Even if he was able to escape the shackles of his bloodline, his eye would always remind him of where his duties ultimately resided.The other maid, unaware of his thoughts, mindlessly finishes his nails and reaches out for the silver starry ornaments to decorate his intricate braids with. The two finish weaving the man-made stars in his hair. Finally sated with their handiwork, the prince was set free for a moment before being dragged to try on the outfit before him.
They wrestle him into a white, silky shirt with sleeves that billowed out, the ends of the shirt gradienting into the same navy color as his manicured nails. Soon after, a pair of slim, navy pants were similarly presented and donned, along with a pair of knee-high boots to wiggle in. Before he could relax with the thoughts of finally being finished, a beautiful, finely woven underbust was revealed. The corset was threaded with a fine silver border that made up a starry design against the backdrop of navy blue. Kaeya normally did not mind adorning an underbust as part of his everyday outfit, however as the laces were tightened so did the growing unease in his stomach. His diaphragm was constricted and with it all the air that helped him manage his panic. The anxiety raised and settled in his throat, preventing attempts to soothe his dread regarding the upcoming ball.
The rest of the preparations for the ball are a whirlwind of events. Kaeya willingly allows himself to drift further into his thoughts before the ball and its guests could take his full attention. If only he could find a clever way to get out of his princely duties. Perhaps stowing away on a pirate’s ship? It was a game he played as a child, which gave him a life of adventure denied by these stone walls. Before he could further bury himself deeper in this wistful dream, he was suddenly aware of a large figure standing in front of him.
“Kaeya,” The stern voice snapping him out of his own thoughts with a disappointed gaze to match, “I hope you are ready to earnestly begin looking for a suitor at this ball. Your job to the-”
He easily slips into his facade; cutting off his father, “Kingdom is to continue to strengthen and provide for our people. You have no need to worry, Father. It is what I have been prepared for my entire life, after all.” The pit in his stomach continued to gnaw as the King began opening his mouth once more before being interrupted as fanfare began to announce their royal Highness’ entrance.
His father did not spare him another glance before the two of them forced smiles and entered the ballroom.
Like the peacock on his family’s crest, Kaeya felt beautifully over-dressed with his wealth clearly on display to the attending nobility. His sapphire earrings and silver crown, heavy on his head, glistened under the full lights. As a navy cape embroidered with the pavo constellation, the final touch to his already extravagant outfit, fluttered behind with his descent down the spiraling stairs.
Whispers were heard in the crowd as Kaeya glided across the floor with picturesque elegance befitting royalty, ready for his introduction. The attendants of the ball were in awe of their prince, most wanting to obtain his beauty and power for themselves. As he quickly glimpsed across the full ballroom, his eyes caught sight of the decadent feast awaiting the guests. The table was decorated with intricate pastries, a variety of fresh fruits despite the chill of fall, and most importantly brimming with freshly caught game provided by the country’s vast woodlands. The pleasant smile on his lips immediately soured as he glanced upon the group of blushing, hopeful suitors next to the table, ravenously beholding the full sight of their prince as if they were starved.
“I would like to thank everyone for attending this ball to honor my son’s 21st birthday. Our kingdom and myself could not be prouder of the young man who stands before you and how he strives to better our kingdom. Please, make yourself comfortable and let the celebration officially begin!” His father announced before heading up to his throne to observe the celebrations.
Excitement filled the ballroom as the band began to ready their instruments and the conductor took his rightful place at the front. The strings humming to life with the noble guests lining up to their first partner and bowing, like perfectly synchronized dolls, to start the orchestrated dance. Skirts began gracefully swaying as the ball began earnestly. It was an opulent event for anyone attending, the golden halls polished to the point where the nobility could see their own reflections on the floor. High columns decorated in their prince’s signature navy color with silver gems twinkling like starlight.
Kaeya barely had time to enjoy his own celebration, with the amount of high nobility racing to be his next dance partner. Dance after dance, charming smiles and curt bows were exchanged before the next partner swooped in for another. It was starting to get exhausting, the endless pretending and primping. However as luck striked before the next eligible noble could snatch his dance card, a friend stepped in the way.
“I don’t believe I have gotten the pleasure to speak with His Highness this evening,” A well dressed gentleman smoothly interrupted, his deep voice unwavering.
The noblewoman was about to object until her eyes slightly widened with realization of the newcomer, “Oh! Of course Master Diluc,” Not before appraising the prince with a look, and a curtsy, “I can only hope that his Highness will keep me in mind for his next dance.”
“How could I resist dancing with someone as gracious and courteous as you,” Kaeya started with a slight bow and smile, “Now if you would excuse my honorable friend and I.”
Diluc began to guide Kaeya towards the drink table, knowing that the poor prince had barely drunk a drop the entire evening. He of all people understood the exhaustion of keeping up appearances. Before he could even reach for a glass for himself, out of the corner of Kaeya’s eye he noticed the twilight knight, Dainslief, trailing behind. He felt a ping of annoyance at the knight’s competency but knew he could not fault the man for being faithfully diligent in his watch over the troublesome prince.
“I can still feel her glare from here.” Diluc scoffed, handing Kaeya a drink before glancing him over.
“Why of course Master Diluc, after all you did prevent her from what could have been her one chance to dance with the most eligible suitor. I cannot help but thank you for saving me from my admirers,” Kaeya replied, dramatically draping one hand over his forehead, “However can I repay this debt?”
Diluc simply huffed in annoyance at the display in front of him, “Truly, I had my own motives for doing so.”
“Oh? Now what is my dearest brother hiding from me? Care to share your thoughts Master Diluc?”
“Kaeya, you know you can’t use that term with me. Your father would throw a fit if he heard you say that.” Diluc deadpanned, “Besides, you were only with us for a few years.”
“You wound me by painting our relationship as only fellow pupils, we were practically raised together,” Kaeya’s voice filled with mock offense, a playful lilt to his words, "Who else was going to save you from your terrible childhood escapades?”
Diluc gave him a hard glare before sighing heavily, “I have something waiting for you, let’s get to it.”
As Diluc led them away from the bustling atmosphere of the party, Kaeya simply sent a pleading look towards Dainsleif. Seemlying understanding the need for a private moment with his former host, the guard gave a resigned nod, allowing the two brothers to continue their impromptu journey. Kaeya struggled to muster up the courage to speak his mind. The conversation grew silent as his inner turmoil grew with the need, an inner tug, to voice the numerous unspoken apologies hanging between them. The space separating the brothers' once childish closeness is a distant reminder of what used to be. The silence stretched on, giving Kaeya ample time to reflect on his biggest regret, Crepus, the former master of Dawn Winery.
Crepus had been one of the most important people in Kaeya’s life. To escape the corrupt royal court, the once young prince was entrusted to Dawn Winery’s rolling hills and lush vineyards, to Crepus who was charged with Kaeya’s training. The powerful merchant was himself a trusted friend of his father. While his father was reigning in his court, Kaeya for once felt that he had a family. Diluc and Crepus, alongside the rest of the inhabitants of the winery, took him under their wings for his extended stay. Kaeya blossomed during the best 11 years of his life under their care, until the day the orders came for him to return back to his kingdom. Not long after this, a wyvern destroyed the most prominent father figure in his life on his brother’s 18th birthday. Grief and sorrow corrupted their once childish wishes and dreams the two sworn brothers had created for themselves. As they both began to fill their roles in life, Diluc had busied himself as master of the powerful Dawn Winery and Kaeya had no free time as the crown prince to the Khaenr’ian throne. It had not been till recently that the two had reunited.
“We are here,” Diluc spoke, breaking the solemn silence before simply opening the doors to the guest room he was currently occupying during the celebrations. Sitting on the dresser was a gift wrapped simply in navy paper. Diluc went to grab and hand it to Kaeya, “This,” clearing his throat before continuing, “This is from Father for your 21st birthday.”
“From Father?” Kaeya softly whispered, gingerly taking the gift and holding it as if it were made from the most delicate glass. With a curt nod from Diluc, he carefully opened the gift to see an ornate bow that matched the sword Crepus gave him. The bow was hand-carved by him with the same feather design, a delicate, silver in-laid pattern that decorated his sword. The weight felt just right in Kaeya’s hand as he tested the string. He sensed the love and attention that went into making the bow and all Kaeya could feel was the creeping sorrow and guilt for not being by Crepus’ side when he needed him most. He suddenly glanced up to meet Diluc’s eyes filled with regret and a softer emotion Kaeya could not place his finger on.
“You truly were his other son, Kaeya. I just wish he was here to give you the gift himself.”
~
Kaeya had many talents. Through hard work he became a master swordsman able to overcome many of his own knights, while his skill in court politics, deception, and strategy came like second nature. Many of the court advisors were pleased with his development and promise as heir to the throne. However, Kaeya had another talent that many did not know of, his ability to escape the castle walls.
The night kissed his cheeks as the promise of freedom tenderly beckoned him out of his chambers and into the chill of night. Shed from his embellished regalia and an eye patch hiding his birthright, Kaeya fully embraced his childish dreams of freedom once again under the cover of night.
As he looked into the night sky, ready for his daring escape, a singular swan flying in the night caught his eye. Its white feathers were illuminated by the moon as it descended into the nearby forest. Swans were a rare sight in Khaenri’ah, seen as symbols of everlasting love and loyalty. Some rumors were that if you caught a swan you would be blessed and find your one true love. However, Kaeya was not one to believe in Old Wives Tales, but curiosity peaked and he could not deny the thought of true love was appealing in his current situation. Regardless, swans were ill-suited for the rugged climate of Khaenr’iah and so before he leaped into the darkness, he silently stowed away the bow gifted to him and disappeared into the night.
It was truly a beautiful night to escape the stone prison that was called his home. Stars freckled the inky sky, their stories on display for those that could decipher the meaning behind the glittering lights. The moon was full tonight, awakened and wide-eyed from its daytime slumber, basking in the cool night, not unlike the unshackled prince. As he moved further from the late-night celebrations, the promised tranquility of the proud woods beckoned him.
The forest was unusually still and quiet compared to the bustling summer nights when fireflies would dance and the hum of cicadas accompanied the nighttime orchestra. The silence was broken with the crunching of dry leaves under Kaeya’s boots, further cementing that the coolness of fall was ending to soon bring the bitterness of winter. The prince knew his way around the forest well, it being a popular hunting spot due to its abundant richness in game. The dropped leaves allowed for the full moon to kiss the forest floor, cutting through the tall tree’s shadows and giving Kaeya plenty of light to navigate the path towards the lake at the end of the forest.
Eventually, Kaeya found himself at the forest edge looking out towards the scenery before him. The trees tapered off to a slight meadow that swayed from a delicate breeze leading to the lake's soft, rippling water reflecting the painted night sky. His eyes briefly skimmed the water’s surface, searching for a swan soaking in the evening glow before his vision was obstructed by an ancient weeping willow. Kaeya silently moved closer to the mourning tree and the cover it would provide for a closer inspection of the lake’s surface. He was displeased to see that the lone swan was nowhere in sight and wondering if it was fate’s cruel trick. He moved to leave, until his eye caught a lone person sitting under the tree seemingly sketching on a notebook. Kaeya allowed his curiosity to get the better of him as he soundlessly neared them before clearing his throat briefly to let them know of his presence.
Startled teal eyes met Kaeya’s own as the person began to abruptly stand, setting his work to the side. Kaeya couldn’t help but take in the person before him. Ashen blond hair, fluttering ethereal as feathers, was half tied back into braids. The eyes described as teal, unnaturally so- bewitching Kaeya with how much they evoked likeness to the ocean of his carefree youth.
“Wait! I did not mean to startle you! Please, sit and I’ll gladly join you,” the prince began, his star-kissed eye gazing at the man before him. He eyed his intricate white coat, which was detailed with golden filigree, and made his way down to where silver arm cuffs, gleaming under the moonlight, rested against his forearms before seeking those enchanting eyes once again.
“Let me introduce myself,” with an impish glint in his eye, “My name is Kaeya. May I ask for yours, starlight?”
A tinge of pink dusted the other’s cheeks, before he collected himself, “It seems you have already decided upon a name. Besides, I’m not one to give myself away so easily.”
“Well then, I will gladly accept a challenge,” Kaeya began, “ Only if you allow me to grace you with my company.”
“Hm, I suppose. Although, I doubt I’m good company.” The man began, resuming his prior sitting position and picking up the hastily tossed work, inspecting it for damage. Teal eyes met with Kaeya’s almost expectantly, “If you still want to stay, of course,”
“It would be my pleasure, starlight.”
Kaeya found himself sitting next to the beautiful stranger, who gave him a quick glance before allowing himself once again to be absorbed in his work. As the sound of steady strokes of lead on paper resumed and filled the silence between the two, Kaeya allowed himself to observe his unwitting host once again. His eye caught an interesting detail that previously had been missed. A golden star marking the base of the stranger’s neck, the same branding that native Khaenr’ians held in their eyes. The mark was interesting, in the fact that Kaeya had never seen anything like it. But, like all good things, that meant another secret that he would have to uncover from the blonde in front of him. Besides, he had plenty himself.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Kaeya looked towards the pictures being drawn. On one page was an owl perched on a branch, its feathers immaculately drawn in detail for a simple sketch. Trailing his eye further along the page, a doe was pictured calmly grazing along the dry leaves of the forest floor. Finally, he reached the current beginnings of the view in front of them, as the waves began to take place on the blank page.
“I must say, you are quite the artist,” Kaeya hummed, “If you’re looking for a new muse, I am sure I could provide my services.”
A beat of silence passed before he looked up at Kaeya and gave a small coy smile, “Would you like a sketch?”
“How could I refuse such a tempting offer?”
“Feel free to relax,” Was the only cue he received before the other positioned himself across from where Kaeya sat, flipping to another page in his sketchbook. Inquisitive and astute eyes looking the prince over before starting the sketch.
Kaeya felt himself allowing the tension held in his shoulders from the previous events of the night go and closed his eye, listening to the scribbles and slight swaying of grass. The peaceful night lulled him into a light slumber, exhaustion from the festivities settling down.
After a while, Kaeya felt a light tap on his shoulder, drawing the prince from his nap, his company pulling away and standing before him.
“I am sorry, but it is almost dawn and I must be leaving for the night.”
“It should be me apologizing for dozing off. It seems between the two of us, you were the better company tonight Starlight,” Kaeya stretched before getting off the ground and dusting himself off, “Besides, I should be heading out myself. I suppose this is goodnight? Although good morning might be more fitting.”
“Albedo.”
“Huh?”
“My name is Albedo.”
“Oh, well Albedo,” the name was sweet on his tongue, “I hope I get the pleasure of seeing you again.”
“Perhaps,” Albedo mused, “For you before we take our leave.” A neatly folded piece of paper was handed to him. Kaeya's hand brushed over the paper accepting the small gift. Instead of opening the gift and looking at the page's content, Kaeya took his hand with a slight bow.
“Then accept this as my parting gift,” pressing a slight kiss on Albedo's knuckles.
With a rosy color painting his cheeks once more Albedo softly uttered, “Goodnight Kaeya.”
As Albedo disappeared into the night and the soft rays of dawn made themselves known on the horizon, Kaeya opened the piece of paper. With a light chuckle, he looked down at a simple drawing with three lines of his face, his eyepatch and its string. Carefully folding the page, he placed it in his pocket before heading towards the cage he was entrapped in, feeling as light as a feather.