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livelonglaughlong · 5 days ago

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10/10 or 5/5 stars

Lies in Marriage (Part 1/???)

AN: PureShadow/PureMilk/ShadowVanilla, whatever you call it, aka Pure Vanilla X Shadow Milk.

Arranged Marriage/Royalty AU

Beware: Pure Vanilla is not the nicest in this fic, but for a reason. Things can only get better, amiright? Part 1 for a reason, lol.

“That is not fair, you cannot do that!” The prince had once argued.

“What I say is final!” The old king had responded coldly, “To unify the Vanilla Kingdom and the Yogurt Kingdom, you will marry their prince! It has been arranged! Both I and the current king have agreed to this!”

The prince was enraged, but he had no choice.

It's why he stood here, in front of not just one, but two kingdoms, at an altar, wearing a white suit with waffle cone designed cuffs and a light blue tie, being married off to someone he barely knew.

“Do you, Your Highness Pure Vanilla, take His Highness Shadow Milk, to be your lawfully wedded husband, unifying your bond as well as our kingdoms?”

The blonde clenched his teeth slightly, but put on a fake smile, “I do.” He lied.

“And do you, Your Highness Shadow Milk, take His Highness Pure Vanilla, to be your lawfully wedded husband, unifying your bond as well as our kingdoms?”

The other smiled brightly. He was beautiful, Pure Vanilla would admit. His long blue hair was pulled back into a braid, milkcrown flowers and vanilla orchids tied into it, a white veil resting on his forehead. He, surprisingly, was happy to wear a white dress, a light blue trail at the end of the dress.

He was beautiful. But Pure Vanilla couldn't help but despise him.

“I do!” Shadow Milk said enthusiastically.

“Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you both as husbands! You may now kiss the groom!”

Pure Vanilla gently took Shadow Milk’s chin in his hand and leaned down, kissing his lips. Shadow Milk seemed to smile into the kiss but, before it could last too long, Pure Vanilla pulled back. Shadow Milk seemed a bit upset but smiled nonetheless. They hooked their arms together and walked back down the aisle, smiles on their faces.

During the after party, Pure Vanilla stood with his friends, a drink in his hand.

“Are you alright?” Hollyberry asked.

“I will be.” Pure Vanilla reassured.

“Nilly~!” Shadow Milk came over, wrapping himself around Pure Vanilla’s arm, “Let’s dance!”

The blonde didn’t want to, but he had to keep appearances. He smiled and nodded at his new husband. They danced together and Shadow Milk happily, excitedly, told him how happy he was, how enthralled he was, how he was enjoying himself. He talked, a lot, and Pure Vanilla just smiled politely. Once the dance ended, Shadow Milk was the one to excuse himself, seeming to run over to some of his friends, leaving Pure Vanilla by himself.

“Pure Vanilla…”

The blonde turned, seeing the one he would have chosen if given the chance.

“I… I am sorry-”

“Please, do not apologize, White Lily.” He gently took her hand, kissing her palm, “It is not your fault. This marriage is… well, political, I suppose.”

“I still feel awful…”

“We cannot change the present. Only move forward. Perhaps, in the future, when the time is right, we can make a change.” He smiled at her, a genuine one.

White Lily smiled back, nodding.

I can only hope Shadow Milk is merely putting on an act and we can just coexist.

***

Shadow Milk was not putting on an act.

At least, Pure Vanilla didn’t think so. Otherwise, the other was a brilliant actor.

After the wedding, the two princes had their coronations in their respective kingdoms. Both became the kings of the Vanilla Kingdom and the Yogurt Kingdom. After their coronations, Shadow Milk had moved into the Vanilla palace while their parents moved into the Yogurt Kingdom, Pure Vanilla’s father explaining how “it’d be good for the newly weds.” Rubbing salt into the wound. With Shadow Milk, he brought one of his maids and butler, just to make himself more comfortable.

Shadow Milk asked to share a room, since they were married now, but Pure Vanilla delayed it, asking for time to adjust. The other seemed to accept that response, not pushing it. After he had settled into his new home, Shadow Milk began trying to insert himself into the blonde’s life.

“Are you going to meet your friends? May I join? I would love to get to know them!”

“I’m heading off to meet my friends, would you like to join? I would love to introduce them to you!”

“Do you need any help with paperwork? I’m a fast reader!”

“Would you like to go out on a date with me? Or even just walk through the garden? It could be fun!”

“I want to know your kingdom more, could you give me a tour?”

Everything was rejected, yet Shadow Milk still smiled, still happy, still okay. Why was he okay with this? Why was he pretending to care? It was just a marriage to unify the kingdoms, yet he acted as though they were supposed to be some happy couple.

It annoyed Pure Vanilla.

“How’s married life treating you?” Golden Cheese asked with a snicker.

Pure Vanilla sighed. He had managed to sneak out of the palace without alerting Shadow Milk. He was not in the mood for the other to talk his ear off and ask to join him to meet his friends. It was exhausting.

“Please do not bring it up.” Pure Vanilla pinched his temples, “Shadow Milk is nice enough, but all he does is talk. It is as if he thinks, now that the kingdoms are unified, so should we.”

“Perhaps you’re being a bit too harsh on him.” Hollyberry interjected, “I know you do not love him, but perhaps you can at least be friendly with him?”

“I am trying my best, but anytime we are in the same room, I cannot help but think of how… this whole marriage is a scam!” The blonde sighed again, “I am trying not to take my anger and frustration out on him, as I know it is not his fault, but it is hard not to view him as anything more than an annoying house guest.”

Dark Cacao shook his head solemnly, “I’m sorry, my friend. I can only imagine the frustration you feel.”

White Lily took Pure Vanilla’s hand in hers, smiling softly at him, “He’s not making your life more difficult, is he?”

The blonde kissed her palm, “No, flower, he is not. Just a lot noisier.”

The group chuckled a bit and they continued to enjoy their time.

When Pure Vanilla returned home, Shadow Milk’s butler had been waiting for him. They bowed as they spoke, “His Majesty Shadow Milk wishes to speak with you. He is waiting in his study.”

The blonde waved the man off, “I will get back to him as soon as I can.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The blonde walked up the stairs and to his bedroom, opening the door and shutting it behind him.

“I knew it.”

Pure Vanilla jumped, turning and seeing Shadow Milk, arms crossed, eyes narrowed, standing in the middle of his room, “W-What are you going in my room?!”

“What? Am I not allowed to be in my husband’s room?” Shadow Milk hissed.

He’s angry? Why? The blonde sighed, “If you wish to speak with me-”

“We’re going to speak here. Because I knew you’d do everything in your power to avoid me. Hints why I had Black Sapphire lie.”

Pure Vanilla crossed his arms over his chest, “Alright, then, what do you wish to speak about?”

“How come we don’t share a room?”

“I need time to adjust-”

“It’s been four months, Nilly. How much more time do you need?”

“I am unsure-”

“Fine, how come you don’t want us to go on dates or even sit in the same room for longer than five minutes unless it’s work related?”

“I am a very busy person-”

“So busy you frequently meet up with your friends, whom I have yet to meet?”

“You saw them at the wedding-”

“I didn’t get to meet them. I would love to know the people my husband calls friends! You know, like an honest person!”

Pure Vanilla narrowed his eyes, “What are you implying?”

“I know you intentionally didn’t tell me you were meeting up with your friends.” Shadow Milk glared more, “So I decided I would try to surprise you!”

The blonde was confused.

“Imagine my shock when I found my husband not only kissed another person’s hand, but also used a petname!” He hissed, “Listen, I am not controlling, so I’m not going to say who you can or can’t be friends with, but I will not tolerate cheating and-”

“Enough.”

The other stopped, “...Pardon?”

“I said enough.” Pure Vanilla pinched his temples, “You can’t possibly believe that what I did was cheating!”

“Excuse me?! Do you take me for a fool?!”

“Admittedly, yes.”

“How dare you-”

“How dare I?! You’re the one acting like this marriage means something!” The blonde raised his voice, swinging his arms around.

Shadow Milk took a step back, face falling, arms slowly lowering to his sides, “...It… doesn’t?”

“Of course not! This was a marriage our parents forced on us to unite the kingdoms! There’s no love! No care! No trust! No anything other than political gain to this marriage!” Pure Vanilla yelled, “Once we’ve given our parents everything they want, then we can be free to do what we please! In the meantime, this marriage is nothing more than ink on paper!”

Shadow Milk stared at him, expression unreadable. His shoulders shook, clenching his hands into fists, staring at Pure Vanilla. The blonde stared back, growing concerned as the other seemed to sink into the silence.

“Shadow-”

“Of course…”

“Pardon?”

The other then smiled brightly, one that nearly reached his ears, “My apologies, then! It seems I was misinformed!”

“What do-”

“I will let you wind down! I am sure you had a great time with your friends and you must want some peace and quiet!” Shadow Milk began to pass him, that smile never leaving his face, “I will leave you alone, Your Majesty!”

“Shadow Milk, wait-”

The other ignored him, opening the door and shutting it behind him, leaving the blonde alone.

Pure Vanilla thought about going after him, even reaching for the handle. Ultimately, however, he merely sighed and turned to get into more comfortable clothing.

I can apologize tomorrow. I’ll let him cool down.

***

Shadow Milk was an early riser. He had joked to Pure Vanilla that once the sun was awake, he was awake. And every morning, Shadow Milk was happy to approach Pure Vanilla, telling him good morning, asking how he slept, if there was something he could do.

But the blonde didn’t see him. He sat at the head of the table, waiting for the other to sit with him for breakfast. It wasn’t until his breakfast was served did he finally ask, “Where is he?”

“His Majesty has already eaten.” The maid explained, bowing her head, “From what I have heard, after he ate, he had gone to his study as to not disturb anyone else. I am unsure of his whereabouts at this time.”

He already ate? “Very well. Thank you.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

Pure Vanilla ate in complete silence, the only noise the clinking of his silverware.

He wasn’t sure if he liked it.

After finishing breakfast, he went to see Shadow Milk. He approached the man’s study, knocking on the door, waiting for a response. He didn’t get one. He knocked once more, waiting, tapping his foot. Still no response.

He sighed, knocked again, “Shadow Milk? I would like to speak with you.”

…No response.

Pure Vanilla finally just opened the door, manners be damned. Once he opened the door, he saw the room was completely empty, the lights turned off, no one inside. Well, now I feel dumb. He thought, shutting the door once more as he looked around. He saw a maid and immediately approached.

“Excuse me?” He asked, the woman turning, “Do you know where Shadow Milk is?”

She looked confused, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but are you not aware?”

“Aware of what?”

“His Majesty Shadow Milk informed us that he was going to meet with the princes and princesses he is friendly with.” The maid stood up straight, “He also informed us you were aware.”

“What? No I was-” He sighed, shaking his head, “Thank you, miss.”

“I-I apologize, had I known-”

“No, it is alright, you are not in any trouble. It appears Shadow Milk purposely hid this from you. Can I ask you for their names?”

Once Pure Vanilla had gotten the necessary information, he was in a carriage, off to find Shadow Milk. He knew it could take awhile to find them, and was expecting as much. For all he knew, Shadow Milk was outside of the kingdom. However, he was shocked to find Shadow Milk’s carriage outside of a cafe. In fact, this poor cafe had five carriages outside it.

Six now.

He was helped off before walking inside.

“Ah, Your Majesty!” The woman behind the counter smiled, “It’s so good to see you.”

“Forgive my intrusion.” The blonde smiled, “I am looking for… my husband.”

“Ah, yes, His Majesty Shadow Milk specifically asked for a private venue for him and his friends. Right this way!” She led the way, Pure Vanilla following her.

They walked past the main area of the cafe and towards the back, where a couple of people were waiting outside a door. Pure Vanilla recognized two of them as Shadow Milk’s butler and maid, the others he was unsure of.

Shadow Milk’s butler (Black Sapphire, if he remembered correctly) looked over and immediately stepped in front of the group and the woman, “Ah, thank you miss, I will take it from here!”

She smiled and nodded, walking away.

Pure Vanilla went to step forward, but Black Sapphire stood in his way, “...Excuse me-”

“Apologies, Your Majesty, but I cannot let you through.”

“I beg your pardon?” The blonde narrowed his eyes.

Black Sapphire was unphased, standing straight up, face blank, “I have strict orders from His Majesty Shadow Milk that no one, and I do mean no one, is to enter the room uninvited.”

“I am his husband and the king of the Vanilla Kingdom. I suggest you step aside.”

“Sapph-”

The man ignored the maid who spoke up, “I serve the king of the Yogurt Kingdom. As you have said, you are not him.”

“...With our marriage, our kingdoms are unified-”

“I still serve His Majesty Shadow Milk, and Shadow Milk alone.” Black Sapphire’s eye twitched, as if wanting to glare but refraining, “If you have an issue, perhaps you should take it up with His Majesty elsewhere. Because I will not fault on my orders.”

“What’s going on out here? Why is-”

The two turned around, seeing Shadow Milk in the doorframe, a maid beside him.

“...Now I see why Candy Apple was freaking out.”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.” Black Sapphire blocked Pure Vanilla as best as he could, bowing his head, “I am simply abiding your orders. I did not mean to interrupt.”

“It is alright, Sapph.” Shadow Milk stepped out of the way, letting the maid (Candy Apple?) out before shutting the door behind him. He then walked to stand in front of Pure Vanilla, Black Sapphire moving out of the way, “Is something the matter, Your Majesty?”

“I simply wished to speak with you. You had disappeared and I could not find you.” The blonde responded.

“Well, here I am. If you wish to speak with me, we can discuss things after I have returned to the palace.” He turned around to walk back into the private room.

“May I join you?” Pure Vanilla said without thinking.

The other stopped. “...I beg your pardon?” Shadow Milk asked, not turning around.

“I-” The blonde cleared his throat, “I wish to join you. You and your friends. I would like to meet them, if given the chance.”

“...Fine.”

“Your Majesty-!”

“It’s alright, Sapph.” The other playfully ruffled the butler’s head, “You did good. Thank you.”

Pure Vanilla followed Shadow Milk into the private room. A large table sat in the center of it, with chairs and small couches surrounding the table, which had food and teacups already on it. Four other people seemed to wait for Shadow Milk’s return, said king walking forward to take his spot next to a woman with light pink hair, wearing a white sundress and heels.

“Everyone, my husband, Pure Vanilla, King of the Vanilla Kingdom.”

The blonde bowed slightly, “How do you do?” He asked before sitting on Shadow Milk’s other side.

Suddenly, Pure Vanilla felt like he was intruding, as all eyes were on him. One man glared daggers at him, another person had a black stare, a woman stared with annoyance, and the woman beside Shadow Milk had slightly narrowed eyes, despite her small smile.

“His Majesty wished to meet you all. Your Majesty, we have Burning Spice, Silent Salt, Mystic Flour, and Eternal Sugar. Prince of the Spice Kingdom, Ruler of the Salt Kingdom, Princess of the Flour Kingdom, and Princess of the Sugar Kingdom, respectively.” Shadow Milk then turned to Pure Vanilla, “You have met them, now. Do you wish to stay?”

“I-If permitted.”

“Very well.” Shadow Milk looked away from him before smiling at Burning Spice, “Now, as I was saying! Spicy, there is absolutely no way you are strong enough to pull an elephant with your bare hands!”

“I CAN!” Burning Spice laughed, “Just because you’re focused on the logistics, doesn’t mean anything to my brute strength!”

A playful banter between the five began and Pure Vanilla felt… awkward. He merely sat there, not saying anything, just listening to the five speak among themselves, acting as though he wasn’t here.

“Oh, my dear!” Eternal Sugar tugged on Shadow Milk’s sleeve, “You never did answer me!”

“Answer you with what?”

“When are you going to enjoy my Garden of Delights?” She giggled, “I planted so many new flowers and have had so many new decor! Well, not that you would know since you haven’t seen it! I even had Pavlova and Sugarfly help me think of new things to add!”

“I told you, I would go through it once I found the right person! It’s never fun exploring gardens by yourself!” Shadow Milk chuckled.

“Yeah, well that’s not happening anytime soon.”

Pure Vanilla looked at Burning Spice, who had mumbled under his breath, the man just glaring back at the blonde.

“...Shadow Milk, may we leave?” Pure Vanilla asked.

The man looked at the blonde, humming, “How come?”

“...I am not feeling well and I still wish to speak to you in private.”

“...Alright, I suppose so.” Shadow Milk stood, smiling at his friends, “Sorry to cut this short! I’ll get His Majesty home and we can meet up again next month? I think it’s Salty’s turn to choose where we go next.”

Silent Salt nodded.

“Alright, let us go, Your Majesty.”

The blonde stood up and the two left.

They rode in the same carriage, sitting across from one another.

“...Why do you call me that?” Pure Vanilla asked.

“Call you what?”

“‘Your Majesty’ or ‘His Majesty.’ I expect that from everyone else, not a fellow royal.”

“I am merely showing respect.” Shadow Milk shrugged.

“Perhaps, but I prefer if you were to call me ‘Pure Vanilla.’”

“Your Majesty Pure Vanilla.”

“That is not what I meant.”

Shadow Milk shrugged again.

The blonde sighed, “...I wanted to apologize for my actions last night. I did not mean to raise my voice and-”

“It is alright.” The other interrupted, “It is not something I’m not used to.”

The blonde widened his eyes, “What do you mean?”

Shadow Milk, once again, shrugged, “I am sure you have work to do, as do I. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

“...You said you were misinformed about the marriage. What do you mean by that?”

Shadow Milk let out a sad chuckle. The carriage was stopped and the door was opened, Black Sapphire offering his hand to his king.

“You are just like everyone else.” Was his response before he was helped off the carriage, Pure Vanilla stunned silent.

***

It was like that for a few weeks, Shadow Milk eating breakfast before the sun rose, just to avoid Pure Vanilla, the man purposely lying to staff so the blonde couldn't find him. Before, they were coexisting with a lie, now it was as if they were strangers who didn't cross any lines.

The blonde didn't like it.

Pure Vanilla saw Shadow Milk in the garden, sitting on a bench with Black Sapphire and Candy Apple by his side, the young lady picking some flowers and making flower crowns. He hesitated.

“Your Majesty, the carriage is ready.” His own butler reminded.

“...Give me a moment.” He walked past the other and to the garden.

“Candy Apple, I told you to be careful!” He heard Black Sapphire reprimand as Shadow Milk laughed.

“Well how was I supposed to know there were thorns?! Isn't there supposed to be a royal gardener or whatever?!”

“I told you! But you never listen to me!”

“That's cause you-” She stopped, seeing Pure Vanilla as he approached. She quickly stood up straight and bowed, Black Sapphire turning and also bowing.

Shadow Milk looked over his shoulder, seeing the blonde before turning back to the flowers, “Hello, Your Majesty.”

“Greetings. I am going to be meeting with some friends.”

“Have fun.”

The blonde hesitated, “Would you like to join me?”

The other was silent.

“You allowed me to meet your friends, I would like you to meet mine.”

“...I suppose I can come.” Shadow Milk stood, brushing off his pants, “Candy Apple, stay here. Sapph, with me.”

The two nodded, Candy Apple running to go back inside the palace as the three went to the carriage. The two kings sat inside white the butlers sat outside, the two across from one another.

“You will enjoy them, they are very nice.” Pure Vanilla tried to lighten the mood.

Shadow Milk merely nodded.

“...We are going to Hollyberry's residence. I hope you do not mind. Her kingdom is just a two hour carriage ride so-”

“Does she have a garden?”

The blonde widened his eyes, “Of course.”

Shadow Milk smiled, “Good.”

“...What are your favorite flowers?”

“Pardon?”

“You like to spend your spare time in the garden. You ask if Hollyberry has a garden. Eternal Sugar mentioned she would love for you to see her garden. I assume it is because of the flowers.”

“You are wrong.”

Pure Vanilla tilted his head, “If not the flowers, then what appeases you about gardens?”

Shadow Milk shrugged, “It is nothing for you to worry about.”

“But I-”

The man looked out the window, ending the conversation. It was a painfully silent and awkward carriage ride, Pure Vanilla not attempting to make any more conversation. They arrived at the Hollyberry Palace, a Hollyberry butler opening the carriage and offering his hand, helping Pure Vanilla out. The man went to help Shadow Milk out, but Black Sapphire asked him to step aside, helping the man out himself.

“Pure Vanilla, my friend!” Hollyberry called, walking out to meet the two, “So good to see you!”

“You as well, Hollyberry!” The blonde and her shared a hug.

The woman then turned to Shadow Milk, a smile on her face, “Hello there! It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Shadow Milk! My name is Hollyberry, queen of the Hollyberry Kingdom!” She offered her hand to shake.

Shadow Milk, instead, bowed, “An honor to meet you, Your Majesty. As you know, I am Shadow Milk, king of the Yogurt Kingdom.”

The woman laughed awkwardly, retracting her hand, “Please, Hollyberry is just fine! We're friends now!”

Shadow Milk stood and smiled, “Your Majesty Hollyberry.”

“Well, I-” She laughed awkwardly again, “Alright, if that is what you wish. Well, come now! Lunch is almost ready and everyone is waiting!”

They went into the palace, Hollyberry leading them to a room where the others were waiting. Everyone introduced themselves to Shadow Milk, who smiled and bowed, addressing them as “Your Highness” or “Your Majesty” respectively. Pure Vanilla sat beside White Lily, Shadow Milk on his other side.

The group talked normally, trying to include Shadow Milk, who merely smiled and spoke with very brief answers. Food was soon served and, as conversation continued, Shadow Milk's silence became more obvious. He wasn't rude, just didn't engage, unless spoken to.

“So, Shadow Milk-” Hollyberry finally cut through the chatter, “-how are you enjoying the Vanilla Kingdom.”

“It is what I expected.” Shadow Milk smiled, taking a sip from his teacup.

“Haha, and is that a good thing?”

“It is not a bad thing.” The man held his cup in his hand, staring at his drink, a small smile on his face.

“Well, are you happy to live there?” Golden Cheese hummed, “I heard the Yogurt Kingdom has lots of rain during the year. It must be quite a change.”

“It is what I expected.”

Everyone was silent for a moment.

Dark Cacao looked at him, “Are you happy to live in the kingdom with Vanilla?”

“I am not upset.”

“That did not answer my question.”

Shadow Milk smiled and placed his cup on the table, “Forgive me, I am full. May I see the garden?”

“Huh? Oh, sure but-”

“Thank you.” He stood, turning around to leave.

“Shadow Milk, wait.” White Lily stood and grabbed his wrist, “I understand your hesitance, but I want to assure you that we are not here to judge you. The marriage doesn't have to make things awkward-”

“You misunderstand, Your Highness.” Shadow Milk pulled his arm away, “I am not upset. I am not angry. I do not feel awkward or ashamed or anything else. I am simply not surprised. Everything is what I expected.”

He quickly left, Black Sapphire close behind.

“What's his problem?” Golden Cheese crossed her arms over her chest, “We weren't being rude or anything.”

Pure Vanilla stood, “I apologize, friends. He has changed recently and I am unsure why.”

“Perhaps he's just adjusting differently?” White Lily suggested.

“I had hoped meeting you all would help ease him. I apologize. I am going to go after him.”

“Of course, take your time.” Dark Cacao nodded at him.

The blonde quickly left to catch Shadow Milk. He asked some of the butlers and maids and they explained they saw Shadow Milk go into the hedge maze. Pure Vanilla thanked them and quickly left to meet up with the other. He listened and heard the man speaking with his butler.

“You're upset, Sapph.”

“No, I'm not…”

“You can't lie to me, you know it.”

“...I just don't understand!”

“What do you mean?”

“You told them you weren't upset or angry or anything like that!”

“It's because I'm not.”

“Oh, so you're happy then?”

“Of course not.”

“Then why didn't you just say that?!”

Does he always speak so disrespectfully? Pure Vanilla thought, about to make his presence known.

“Because I wasn't lying when I said I wasn't upset.” The blonde paused, listening to the other's answer, “I'm not angry, I'm not unhappy, I'm just… not surprised. Everything is what I expected. How can you be upset when you're right?”

“I guess… I'm sorry, I spoke out of line-”

“Black Sapphire, you're not just my loyal little servant, you're my friend. Don't apologize when it's just us. You and Candy Apple know better.” Shadow Milk teased with a laugh before he sighed, “Don't worry, this will all be over soon.”

“What do you mean?”

“Pure Vanilla says that once we give our parents what they want, it'll be over. So, once we consummate our marriage and I bear his child, we can leave.”

Pure Vanilla widened his eyes, blushing a bit, ‘Consummate our marriage’?! 'Bear my child’?! What is he-

“That's not fair! Why should you have to do that?!”

“Because that is what is expected of me. And I will do it if it means getting closer to leaving.”

What does he mean by that? Vanilla thought, finally revealing himself, “Shadow Milk.”

“Your Majesty?” Shadow Milk quickly stood from the bench he sat on, “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to be sure you are alright.”

“I am quite fine.”

The blonde hesitated, “May I speak with you? Alone?”

Shadow Milk nodded, turning to Black Sapphire. The man bowed and quickly stepped away. Pure Vanilla gestured to the bench, both sitting down.

“...How come you have been acting differently?” Pure Vanilla asked.

Shadow Milk closed his eyes, “I merely am making it more bearable to live with me.”

“The way you acted with your friends. You were loud and talkative and… happy. What can I do to make you comfortable like that?”

Shadow Milk looked at the blonde, who looked back, “...Why do you care?”

“I do not wish for you to be miserable. We may not be in love, but we can still be friends, can we not?”

“...What did your parents tell you? About our marriage?”

“That it was merely to unify our kingdoms. A treaty, of sorts.”

Shadow Milk seemed to shrink a little at that as he looked away, “...I see.”

“...Were you told something different?”

“...I was told you loved me.”

Pure Vanilla widened his eyes, “But I did not-”

“Know me? Yeah, I did not know that. I was told you had seen me when I was outside my kingdom. That you had fallen in love at first sight. I was given letters I thought were from you, sent gifts I thought were from you. I… truly thought you loved me.” He laughed sadly, “I suppose… I believed it because I loved the idea of finally being loved. But I know now I only loved a fake version of you.”

“...I'm so sorry.”

“Me too.” Shadow Milk shrugged before he smiled at the other, “Do not worry, Your Majesty, once this marriage is over, we can go our separate ways!” He stood, “I want to keep looking through the garden.”

“Wait.” Pure Vanilla grabbed his wrist, “How do you suppose the marriage will 'end?’ You know divorce is not something we, as royals, can do.”

Shadow Milk chuckled, “Once we complete our marriage, I can give our parents what they want. Then, I will get out of everyone's hair. That is what the kingdoms want.”

“That is not-”

Shadow Milk removed himself from the other, going to leave.

“Shadow Milk, wait!” The blonde grabbed him again, “Please… do not leave.”

Shadow Milk was silent.

“I… I am truly sorry that you were lied to, that you were given false hope, and I am sorry that I was too selfish to notice you were grieving over your loss.” He gently turned the other to face him, cupping his cheeks, “But… I do not wish for you to be unhappy or miserable. I understand our relationship may have started out terribly, with lies and miscommunication, but… even if we cannot be a 'normal’ married couple, could we… could we please be friends?”

Shadow Milk stared at him.

“Let us start over.” The blonde offered his hand, smiling, “I would love to get to know you as my friend, Shadow Milk. I would love to understand you. To talk, laugh, and joke with you.”

Shadow Milk stared at his hand before he smiled a bit, “...Relationship reset?”

“Relationship reset.” The blonde nodded, Shadow Milk shaking his hand. He then kissed the other's palm, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Shadow Milk.”

“Pleasure is all mine, Pure Vanilla.” Shadow Milk winked, “Don't go falling in love with me now.”

The blonde chuckled.

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