Last time on the Royal Affair:

I see now, the rooftop wasn't just a mere coincidence." Kaname spat, sienna eyes darkening.

"Wait, why are you- "

"Never mind, since you've obviously are brought here because of money. Then you have no right to complain. As the Crown Princess, you shall do your duties and lessons as the future Queen of the Kuran Kingdom. Any adultery and bailing out on the engagement." Kaname paused staring directly at Zero's lilac eyes with menace. "would be unforgiven." With that Kaname turned back to him coldly.

"Wait! What Crown Princess? What the fuck are you even going on about?!" Zero slashed out, he was absolutely confused at what was happening.

Hearing that, Kaname looked coolly back at him. "Such vulgar language is befitting for the Prince's bride and of your status as the Crown Princess. I suggest you toned that down, I won't have you embarrass me."

Lilac eyes widen more at the information he just got from the Kuran Prince.

What?! I'm his fiancé. What happen to the butler job?!

:*:*:*:*:

To say that Zero was shocked, would be the greatest understatement of the century. And being jaw dropped and wide eyed wasn't helping, who wouldn't be when the person he thought would be the most familiar to him would give the chilliest shoulder ever.

"Now, that you understand your predicament, I suggest you make yourself more appropriate for the Royal Meeting." Kaname started, sienna eyes directing a straightforward gaze to Takuma's green ones, firmly avoiding having any interaction with Zero whatsoever. "Takuma, take the Crown Princess to his room. Make him look decent enough for the whole family."

Hearing that, a stress mark made itself known as it ticked on Zero's forehead. The silverette had never liked to be ignored. Years of neglect would do that to you. "Hey!" he snapped earning an appalled look from both Kaname and Takuma.

"Don't talk like I'm not fucking here!" Zero exclaimed, as point a finger at Kaname's form. "And you! You, arrogant piece of ass! First, I've been trying to tell you that I only know about the freaking butler job! And in no means, knows anything about this stupid marriage arrangement. Second, you've got quite a nerve to berate my personality and order me. And lastly, hell no! That rooftop incident was just an unfortunate coincidence, you, dumbass!" Zero finished, harshly. Panting as if he had run a marathon. Lilac eyes darkening to an amethyst shade.

Zero felt satisfaction on his part in seeing the twin aghast faces of Kaname and Takuma on his form. Both speechless and downright just shocked.

"Um-um" Kaname mumbled incoherently, not being able to let out any words for it was the very first time that he was struck down form his 'control' routine. From the moment he was born, he had exhibited control in everything and no one stood in his way in everything he does. Yet now, fate was cruel to hand him a fiancé who had a temper that could even defeat an erupting volcano and a sharp tongue that can easily cut him off instantly. "How dare you, speak that way to your prince!" Kaname retorted.

"I dare! You egoistic, pompous, arrogant- "the flowery list of insults went on as Zero let his whole vulgar dictionary out in the open. Takuma couldn't help but grin with elation at the sight he was being presented.

"Pigheaded, dumbass, idiotic- "Zero continued that earned him a furious glare from Kaname.

"Watch your tongue. I can't believe that such person was chosen to be the Crown Princess!" Kaname argued back, his anger flaring in every possible way.

"Newsflash! You idiot, Prince! I didn't sign up to be your stupid Crown Princess. It was a butler job! A butler job, once again. I'll repeat since your overbearing incapability to listen to others is so freaking high! IT WAS FOR A FREAKING BUTLER JOB!" Zero gritted his teeth. By now, the two of the were edging closer to each other. Snapping at each other's retorts.

"Silence, a selected Crown Princess shouldn't raise his voice so high!" Kaname was infuriated, now he was shouting for Pete's sake! This was so unlike him!

"If I wanted a lesson in elegance and etiquette. I would be in school instead of here, you idiot!"

"Then why don't you? Leave already!"

"Well, sorry to shut down your fucking expectation princely prince! But I will not leave until I get an exact explanation on why I was send here to be your freaking fiancé! When I was supposed to be a butler!

Sienna eyes and lilac eyes clashed, as sparks of lightning in the background dueled signaling the deep animosity that had created itself during their debate. The air was getting intense and Takuma was already contemplating on whether to pacify or to flee.

"Bloody hell, not even a minute and they're already biting each other off!" Takuma though with a frown.

:*:*:*:*:

It was a laugh that chimed like a bell that immediately took out the dark atmosphere in the room. A woman in what look like to be in her forties glide inside, her way in stepping in and with her long brunette hair and royal blue gown decorated with sapphires and golden diamonds just screamed royalty. And the way that the woman carried herself with such dignity and grace did not go unnoticed in Zero's view. He was awestruck in all honesty on the woman's aura. If the gown the aura of the woman was a sign of the woman's position. Then her equally diamond pumps and the glittering gold crown place on the woman's head would be the dead giveaway on the woman's rank.

"My,my,my. Such a debacle. You two are not even married yet you fight already like one." The woman chided, with a smile on her lovely face. Long wavy brunette hair, dark reddish-brown eyes glinting with elation, supple lips painted in red. Zero would bet his life that the woman in front of them would be none other than the mother of the arrogant git beside him.

"Takuma, dear. It's wonderful that you're here." The woman said in kind, as her eyes settled on Takuma's form. "Your grandfather's well. I presume?" Presenting her hand.

Takuma bowed in respect. "Your highness." He greeted as he took the woman's palm and place a kiss on the back of the woman's hand. Then let go of it with a smile. "Grandfather's been well and settled to have a time off in the Ichijou Manor, though that does not stop him from doing some of his usual 'actions'." Takuma sheepishly, answered. Hinting something that Zero could not get but the woman seemed to know.

"Mother." Zero felt he wanted to just smack the owner of that voice yet refrained himself for it would not be too great that he would do such act in front of the Mother of all the Kuran Nation. Plus, it was already bad enough that they were caught bickering.

"How delightful that you grace us with your presence." Kaname said in a refined tone that had been practice from all his years of being a prince. And as such, he did the respectful notion that Takuma did as well. "It is such a relief that you're here." He continued eyes intent on Zero's form. Boldly declaring that he was happy that his mother was here diffuse such atmosphere back then.

"A relief." The woman laughed. "It was that bad."

No one answered, and it was enough for the woman who now settled her eyes on Zero. Zero felt his heartbeat lurched to his throat and the Queen's observant gaze was not making it any easier. The Queen stepped forth in a languid pace towards him and circled around him in the same relaxed state. A finger on her chin as if she was admiring a creature that she had never seen. Making Zero felt uncomfortable.

"Hmm. Silver hair and lilac eyes. Quite unique." The Queen stated. "Lithe form, toned muscles, ohhh, he will definitely not disappointment son! He works hard!" Hearing that a blush made its way up to Zero's cheeks. "Hehehe Charming blush too!" Zero yelped as he felt the Queen's hand on his hips. The Queen giggled with mirth. "Don't tense, dearie. I'm just checking something. Hmm." Zero felt that he was being examined as the Queen's hand roved around his hips while she was behind him and then it stopped much to his relief and glared at the other occupants as Takuma had a hard time hiding his grin while Kaname may expressed and emotionless façade but the twinkle in his sienna eyes would say otherwise. "Hehehe. Brilliant you have just the right 'birthing' hips! The Prime Minister did a great choice!"

That statement sent a cold wind throughout Zero's whole body. "Birthi- what!" Zero shouted, flabbergasted beyond belief.

"Mother." Kaname said in a way that meant it was not to be ignored. "May I suggest, introductions first instead of the 'complicated' things."

The Queen seemed to snap out of the giddiness she felt on her discovery, with a cough she righted herself and in just a flash was in front of him, making Zero frown on the sudden act. "How did she do that? I swear, she was behind me!" he thought and berated himself, his mind surely was playing tricks on him because of all this "Crown Princess" fiasco.

"Pardon me, my dear. Knowing that the 'Crown Princess" arrived just made me quite excited." The Queen apologized, good naturedly.

"Uh, umm." Zero could not form a sentence, for he did not know what to do right now. "Should I bow? Should I kiss her hand? Should I curtsy! Hell, why did even curtsy come to mind?" His mind swirled with those thoughts.

The Queen rose one elegant brow at seeing Zero distressed face. With a kind smile, she joined her hands with Zero's in a motherly way. "Don't fret and relax, little one." She comforted, smiling as she did so. "Now, I think it's obvious that I'm none other than the Mother of the Kuran Nation, the former Princess of the Kuran Nation, and currently the Queen of the Kuran Kingdom. Queen Kuran Juri. But I prefer you call me, mother or Juri in times were alone. I think that about sums it up. With all my titles, I can say that it would be great to have you here to lighten the load. May I know your name?"

"Zero." He answered, shyly. "Fujishioka Zero, to be exact."

Kaname was no doubt trying to hide his amusement on the current event and was also thankful that his mother was there to help in knowing his own fiancé's name without him asking for it. And just the sudden shyness Zero showed in front of his mother got Kaname to remember awhile back the interaction they had back at the rooftop. Yet, his lingering hatred was there. He couldn't help it, it just burned through for he loathed the very fact that the whole affair was just nonsense! And no respect to his wishes. Yes, it is great that Zero was easy on the eyes. But ever since he was young, he wanted the same deep feeling that he would see in his parents and yet he was stuck with a person that. Yes, he was adorable, gorgeous even! If only Zero's mouth was not the disadvantage on it. Let's just say, he expected a submissive, kind, gentle, and joyful lady or man as his wife but he got an over temperamental and just down to earth man that clearly hated his guts!

"Zero." Juri tested and found delight in knowing that it was not only the boy's appearance was unique but also his name. A name that means nothing yet now that she now sees the very person with that name. She realized, it fits him. Zero was such an anomaly for the whole Kuran Kingdom, simply put he was a blank slate someone who had no knowledge of their world yet at the same time would also become such great addition to the Royal Family. Zero in her eyes, showed such promise and she would want nothing but to have Zero as the blank slate of light that her pressured son needed amidst the conflicts of their regime. With that in mind, she hugged Zero.

Zero felt warmed at the hug he received from the Queen or Juri, as Juri herself wanted him to call her that. He wasn't ready to call her mother given the fact, he had no effing clue on what was going on in the first place. Just as quickly he was embraced with the warmth it also quickly fades as Juri let go of him from her embrace. "Now, that introductions are done. We best, get going." Juri started with a clap coupled with a smile. "The family meeting is due in one hour and my dear. You're still not ready." She chastised.

"Umm, but Juri—" Zero started, only to be shushed by Juri with her finger place on the center of his lips. "No, time to dawdle Zero." Juri scolded lightly. "You boys, get out of here and leave me with Zero. I'll get my future son-in-law ready." She finished with a giggle. Zero could not interject the Queen's notion and just like that he was trapped in a rigorous flow. Dread crept to him as Takuma and Kaname with his fucking smirk bowed to Juri and head out of the room. With a snap using her fingers. A trail of maids came through the doors, with them they carried an assortment of royal suits in different colors, medallions, medals, trinkets, powders, and other stuff. Zero had no clue about that led him to stare at all the items with shock and wide eyes.

Juri stifled her incoming giggle at seeing Zero's expression. Another clap from her and the whole dressing up for the 'Crown Princess" started.

:*:*:*:*:

His comfortability on the situation was in no doubt the result of the lovely lullaby Juri was humming while she busy brushing his hair. Zero was now donned in a white royal suit with silver buttons and swirling lavender decals and designs on it. Three trinkets of silver colors that had the shape of a medal, horse and lastly what Zero took for a blooming silver rose.

"Zero, your hair is just so soft, silky and like of a baby hair. It's remarkable." Juri complimented while brushing it, loving the feel of the strands on her hand as she brushed it with a comb. "Too bad. It's just so short. A pixie cut even." she continued. Her hands were massaging his scalp when she halted in her movements.

"Umm. Juri." Zero called suddenly and was concerned on the thoughtful expression Juri had on her face as he gazes upon her reflected face on the dressing mirror.

"Oh. Silly me. I had a thought." Juri admonished. "What if, I make it long?" she suddenly asked out loud. And she was aghast at the sudden laugh that she got from Zero. "Was it funny? I was serious about it." She thought, a frown marring her lovely face.

Zero contained his laughter at seeing Juri's expression. It would do no good for him to make the Queen upset. "I'm sorry, it's impossible. Hair doesn't grow overnight. Juri." He stated with politeness and in a respectful tone.

"Mother." Juri insisted. "Zero, you are the Crown Princess and just some training and then you will be ready to become Queen beside my son Kaname. So, it's imperative you call me mother."

"Umm- about that. I'm still- "Zero stated wanting to tell Juri about the butler job and all the troubles he suddenly was in.

"I understand. You're new to all of this. A boy, still young and suddenly plunged into a royal hierarchy, it's not easy. Even I had some hard time during my rising to becoming my husband's Queen." Juri stated.

Zero's curiosity was piqued as he heard Juri's statement. "How come? After all, you are already chosen to be the Crown Princess."

Juri gave him a meaningful look through the mirror's reflection, her dark red brown eyes staring straight in his own lilac ones. "Zero. Let me give you an advice. The Kuran Palace is a battleground. Do, remember that. Trust only the people you can trust, be alert, wise and cunning at all times."

Zero felt his breath hitched. Just, how dangerous is the Kuran palace. He was still in Cross Mainland and yet he was already feeling this kind of heavy weight on his shoulders and it only started because of aiding a senior citizen. Thinking of that he vaguely wondered where that old man was who employed him in the first place.

"Done." He heard Juri chirped, proud with her work.

Just like that his thoughts were suddenly in push to the reality he was in. With a smile reflected on the mirror towards Juri's own reflection. "Thanks, Juri. It looks—" he was about to compliment when for the second time he was just floored to see his once short silver locks had now turned to straightly flowing silver hair that ended on his waist. "Unbelievable." He whispered, totally confused on what was going on.

Juri let out a small laugh. It was great to spend some time with Zero. But at the same time, she worries for him. A human, out of all the beings in the universe their closest friend would pick for a "Crown Princess" it was a human. But their overzealous friend had never made the wrong decision for their kingdom. Juri, for sure knows that there was something more about Zero that meets the eye. After all, that friend of theirs was a hunter through and through he would have a plan amidst all of this. But she still has concerns since as a human Zero would have no idea of the paranormalities, the supernatural and of the 'blood pact' Zero would have to do with her son for the completion of the Wedding Ceremony months from now.

Nonetheless, she was afraid that it might become too much of a burden and a paranoia to a bewildered Zero. Juri have been a firsthand witness to those people who came to the palace only to lose sight of what they are and become monsters. She would never want that to happen to Zero, he was far too innocent for all of this.

"Impossible." Zero's whisper brought her back to the reality as the silverette stood up. Hand running through his now long hair. "How?"

Juri placed a comforting hand on Zero's shoulder using her own ability to project a 'calm effect' on the silverette. "It's really simple, Zero I used a comb." Juri stated with amusement as she set the comb down on the dressing table. "And it's perfectly normal." She continued, manipulating Zero's emotion so he may not freak out about it.

"It's not normal." Zero reasoned, surprising Juri. Her ability was perfect it could not be broken or deterred. No one could resist its pull. It was only her family who was immune to it being a pureblood like her. So, how come a human could do it? "Hair shouldn't grow fast like that."

"I see." Juri stated, having a problem on how to explain to Zero the whole supernatural thing. She needed a distraction for Zero and it had to be fast.

Her call for distraction was answered as a maid step into the room and bowed her head in respect towards them. "My Queen, the King and the other Royal await you and the Crown Princess' presence in the dining room." The maid informed.

"Thank you, you may now leave." Juri said with a smile and the maid took her leave. "It seems that we have to go." She stated taking hold of Zero's arm and going out of the room.

"But the-"Zero wanted to say still wanting answers about what just happen and on how his hair grow fast.

"No more of that, Zero. Now, as the Crown Princess, like me the Queen you should always be—'

"Early, never late?" Zero guessed, cutting Juri off with a huff. He will absolutely find the old man, so he can have an ally about the butler job and clear the misunderstanding on all of this.

Juri smiled mischievously. "Nope, you should always be late or you went in later than the usual to where the officials and the king had ended their topics."

"Huh, why is that so?" Zero asked as the two of the could see Kaname and Takuma's back towards them waiting for them.

Juri turned her attention to Zero. Eyes twinkling playfully. "Because, my dear. The real power comes from hearing about their problems then giving out the orders at the end, instead of being caught in it and having no answers at the end." She said with a wisdom that Zero will never doubt.

Takuma nod to them politely as Kaname turned his attention to them. "Mother, finally. You're here." He greeted his mother and was about to make another scathing remark towards Zero but found himself tongue tied as he saw Zero. To say that he was shocked would be a lie since his heart would say another meaning otherwise. It was pumping like it had never been and he felt his breath was clogged, his vision solely focus on the being in front of him. Simply put, Zero looks so beautiful and delicious in his white royal suit and he was thankful on his mother's creativity on making the once pixie cut hair of the silverette to turn into long flowy silver tresses that he was so scared to touch for if he does he might just be turned on beyond belief. It can't be helped he had some sort of attachment to long hair but what got his attention more is Zero's unique hair color, so bright, so translucent, it shone like the full moon that by now was brightening up the starry night sky.

"Stop." He heard the infuriated whisper of his fiancé and it got Kaname out of his trance on Zero's beauty. Kaname arched a brow, resulting for Zero to sigh in irritation. "I said, stop staring at me. It's disturbing." Zero repeated like he was talking to a child.

"As if I'd stare at you." Kaname rebuffed, denying the attraction he was developing for his fiancé.

"Whatever. Deny all you want." Zero shrugged and with a polite nod to Juri and a request that he needed to speak to Takuma about something and left mother and son there. Kaname eyed Zero like a hawk and narrowed as Zero and Takuma chatted animatedly, he could hear the distinct words of "old man", "butler" and "did you see him?"

A laugh from his mother was what distracted him from the possessive thoughts that was boiling inside him. As he turned towards his mother, he saw his mother's face with a playful smile. "What?" he inquired, smiling as he did so.

"Nothing at all, except for the fact that you only just met and you're already behaving as if any moment Takuma would steal Zero from you." Juri frankly said.

"No, umm- what you saw back then was-"Kaname reasoned, it was clear he wasn't doing a good job about it.

"The same thing you father did, when we were introduced. It's fine Kaname. Zero's your fiancé. A pureblood after all is possessive over his loved ones."

"Love?" Kaname inquisitively mumbled. Love? And in one day? His mother might be much more delusional than ever when it comes to romance.

"Don't look at me like I've grown to heads. Kaname. Be a dear and try to take heed of my words."

"But, isn't it already established that as of now we blatantly hate each other's guts?"

"Hmm. You're right. I wonder why?" Juri inquired, giving Kaname a "I-know-you-did-something-look" there was no use lying to his mother.

"I told him he was brought to this family through money, so he had no right to complain or deny whatever my claim on him." Kaname summarized, he was expecting a slap or a glare from his mother but in the end only another laugh was what he got from his mother.

"Just like your father. But you better make this right. Rectify the mistake you've done. Kaname or I will be the one you will have problems with." Juri advised then ended it with a sinister smile that got Kaname to gulp and at the same time smirk after the initial fear of his mother's underlying meaning.

"Of course. Mother. But there still about the "money issue" that I've grown to have a distrust on Zero." He confided.

Juri sighed. It couldn't be helped; her son had every right to doubt people's intentions. Being born and living in the palace would do that to you. "I know, yet Zero is a kind boy, spending some time with him. I realize that he is not what he seems to be."

"What do you mean?"

"That my dear son, is something you have to know yourself. Keep in mind, Zero is human but do keep wondering. Why did our oldest and trusted family friend thought it would be beneficial for your reign to have a human 'bride' "Juri stated and she knew that her son, bless his intelligence would no doubt will have answers lay before him on the next months with Zero. "Seriousness, aside. I suppose you approve of your fiancé's look?" she inquired and giggled when Kaname looked down and she saw that red tint painting itself on Kaname's cheek. "No need to answer. Kaname. I've already got it from your face."

"Mother!" Kaname harshly whispered, feeling embarrassed at the same time. Juri gave a reassuring pat on her son's shoulder.

"Kaname, about the 'money issue' there's always a reason for everything." With that Kaname watched with a sigh as his mother went in the dining room, following her. He halted in his steps and approached Takuma and Zero. With a cough. Takuma bowed and left him with Zero to go inside the dining room.

"Well then. Zero. Shall we?" Kaname implored presenting his arm. Zero only took a second to gaze at his offered arm and crossed his arms on his chest. Resolutely, Zero started to move and yet again Kaname was starting to feel irate by Zero's attitude as he followed suit on Zero's stride.

"I don't need to be treated, like a girl Kuran." Zero snapped back at him as they simultaneously entered.

"That may be true. But that won't stop me from doing it. Just to make sure you feel the same aggravation I'm feeling when I'm with you." Kaname snidely commented with a smirk. He was finding fun in teasing the hell out of his fiancé.

"Shut the hell up!"

"Oh, yes it was absolutely fun!" Kaname thought with glee.