Chapter Text
“For the last time, Narsus, I do not need a concubine!”
“But Daryun-”
The servants in the corridors winced as they heard the harsh voice of the king arguing with the Court Painter, Narsus, yet again. Everyone knew that the title of “Court Painter” was merely a facade; the king was best friends with him for a long time, and he served as a confidante and advisor to the king.
Inside the room, Daryun paced back and forth irritably, while Narsus stood in the corner of the room, hands folded across his chest as he watched his childhood friend struggling to come up with excuses to not marry.
“Daryun, the ambassadors from Lusitania are already here.” Narsus commented dryly. “You better hurry up and dress. It would not do to keep them waiting.”
Daryun glared at Narsus, but eventually his gaze softened and he gave into his friend’s demands.
“Fine. But I’ll only agree to meet him. That, and nothing else.”
Narsus shook his head at his friend’s stubbornness. Knowing that this was the best compromise he could get out of Daryun, Narsus nodded and left the room to give the king privacy to don his robes.
The feud between their kingdom, Pars, and Lusitania went back almost a century. However, the casualties and damage to both their countries was immense, and thus a temporary truce was established.
In order for peace to be permanent, it was agreed upon that the Crown Prince of Lusitania would be wed to the King of Pars to unite their kingdoms. The deal was made between the current king of Lusitania and the previous king of Pars, unfortunately, so Daryun had no prior knowledge of this.
Narsus understood that Daryun had a right to choose his life partner, but the alliance was the most efficient solution that would resolve the feud between the two nations. Narsus knew that no matter how much Daryun grumbled or threw violent tantrums, he always acted in the best interest of his people and would do anything to protect his country.
Besides… Narsus smirked as he walked along the corridors from the king’s chamber. At the very least, Daryun will marry a bride whose beauty is renowned over quite a few kingdoms.
According to rumors, the Crown Prince was a gentle, compassionate person whose beauty exceeded even that of his own mother, the legendary Queen Tahamine. Thankfully, he did not appear to have inherited King Andragoras’ thirst for blood and meaningless violence, but one could never tell based solely on appearances.
Still, rumors are rumors. Narsus thought, as he rounded the corner and came face to face with the door of the throne room, where their visitors were. I’ll have to confirm them for myself.
***
After Narsus left, Daryun grudgingly finished donning his kingly robes and tied his hair into its usual ponytail. He then went about polishing his weapons, paying extra attention to his battle spear. It was a memento passed onto him by the late King and his uncle, Vahriz.
Daryun shook his head to avoid walking down the memory lane. He has passed on, and all I can do right now is to respect his wishes and protect the country that he entrusted me with.
He then started off towards the throne room, where he knew Narsus and (Mithra forbid it) his future bride were waiting. Daryun slowed to a stop in front of the door as he heard voices. He raised an eyebrow as he identified Narsus’ voice and someone else laughing at whatever he was saying.
Curious, Daryun entered the room only to find himself speechless as he laid eyes on the most beautiful creature he ever saw in his whole life. Daryun did not notice Narsus smile knowingly at him – his eyes were only for his fiancé before him.
His hair and skin were pure white, like fresh snow falling from the heavens. His eyes sparkled like two sapphires, brightening every time he laughed and conversed with others. The Crown Prince was dressed in a simple white robe with a cerulean sash tied around his waist that brought out his azure eyes.
A simple gold band circled around his forehead, and an intricate necklace made of gold and diamonds adorned his neck. Around his ankles were silver anklets with little bells that tinkled pleasantly as he moved.
Daryun was mesmerized. He could only stand there dumbfounded as the Crown Prince took notice of his presence and stepped towards him. “I am honored to meet you, King Daryun.”
His voice was just as gentle as Daryun had imagined. A subtle nudge to his ribs by his smirking advisor brought back him to reality and he quickly composed himself.
“And you must be the Crown Prince of Lusitania, yes?”
“Indeed, I am he. I am known as Arslan, King Daryun.” Arslan responded, a soft smile gracing his lips. Daryun did not know it yet, but it was in that moment that the king of Pars started falling in love with the foreign Crown Prince of Lusitania.
***
After all formalities were exchanged and introductions were over, Narsus directed the company to the great dining hall, where food and beverages were already prepared for their guests. On the right, Daryun, Narsus and other important figures of the imperial court of Pars were seated. On the left sat Arslan, as well as the ambassadors from Lusitania.
After all the plates and glasses were empty, and they had dined their fill, the discussion of the treaties began. Daryun sat back, content to let Narsus dominate the discussion and opted to just observe Arslan.
From what Narsus told him, Arslan was also forced into this marriage by his father, the fearsome King Andragoras. Daryun heard that although Arslan was the only child of the King and Queen of Lusitania, both treated him very coldly.
According to rumors, the King treated Arslan harshly and gave him more lectures than affectionate words, and the Queen was known for her indifferent attitude towards everything around her, including her husband and her son, both of whom craved her affections.
Daryun frowned unconsciously. Basically then, Arslan was nothing more than a pawn in politics to his parents. Despite the harsh environment he was brought up in, Arslan always managed to smile and appear cheerful. Even now, as Daryun contemplated him, Arslan was actively participating in the discussion, talking animatedly with a variety of people and seemed to be quite knowledgeable.
The sides of Daryun’s lips curved up a little. He rather enjoyed the way Arslan’s eyes brightened whenever he spoke with passion, and the way he held his ground even when he was under pressure. He also noticed that whenever Arslan appeared to be deep in thought, he would worry his bottom lip with his teeth and furrow his eyebrows slightly. Daryun thought it was rather endearing.
After two hours of barely-friendly debate between Narsus and the ambassadors representing Lusitania - it was no secret that Narsus hated King Andragoras and his views on politics, and he made sure to express his sentiments clearly by pointing out all sorts of faults in the proposed treaty – the sun was high in the sky, and both parties were exhausted.
Daryun ordered several of his attendants to direct the Lusitanians to their living quarters where they could rest for the remainder of their stay while he and Narsus made their way to the court room, where the usual mountain of work was waiting for them.
“So…” Daryun grunted as Narsus elbowed him, grinning. “Have you changed your mind yet?” Daryun glared at Narsus, rubbing his aching sides. If anyone but Narsus had dared to try that, they would be kindly escorted to the prison cell where they would be locked up for a day or two, depending on his mood.
“Do you really have to ask, you sly fox?” Daryun grumbled, with no real bite to his words. “Your face shows it all.”
If possible, Narsus’ grin became wider. “Ah, but I’m just confirming your feelings, old friend. Is the Crown Prince to your liking?” Daryun hesitated, mulling over his thoughts.
“He’s... not what I expected.”
“But of course! I bet you were expecting a rich, spoiled brat with a loud voice and annoying manners, weren’t you?” Narsus asked, already knowing the answer.
“Well, after a certain someone…” Daryun paused to glare at Narsus, who cocked his head to the side innocently, “Decided it was a good idea to play matchmaker and paired me up with a creature so vile, she still haunts my dreams, of course I was hesitant to meet Arslan!”
Narsus chuckled, holding up his hands as if to surrender. “Forgive me, my friend. I was so eager to find a partner for you that my judgment might have been clouded and I overlooked the more… disagreeable aspects of her personality.”
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”
“Of course not! Why would I purposefully torture the king I serve, the one who still fails to appreciate the splendor of my art?”
Daryun shook his head exasperatedly. Leave it up to Narsus to hold a grudge against him for insulting his work for three years straight and ongoing. It couldn’t be helped though. Narsus was gifted with an exceptional talent for devising stratagems of war and possessed an extraordinary amount of knowledge, but alas, nobody was perfect and Narsus seemed to be no exception, given his lack of talent as an artist.
Both men argued back and forth until they came to the doors of the court room. Daryun adopted his stern expression and composure benefitting the King of Pars, while Narsus molded himself into the epitome of the intelligent advisor and close confidante of the king. Then, both men entered the court room, fully prepared to carry out their duties in order to serve their kingdom.