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#mestiako
seelestia · 1 year
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HI OMG TYSM?? IM SO FLATTERED YOURE SO NICE 💔💔🙇‍♀️
OML, HI HI! and noooo, thank you because i'm so happy one of my works can inspire a whole masterpiece. your writing and blog are sooo good <3
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aquatik · 1 year
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guardian knight , cyno 𓆝
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synopsis from the marine lover -> the seasonal winter ball is upon your region, as it’s princess, you must attend but this year there’s a few twists involved or my piece for @2022gisecretsanta​! this one goes out to you, @mestiako​, i hope you enjoy and pardon me for being late </3
phylum echinodermata -> genshin impact - sumeru
characters -> cyno x reader, nilou, yae miko, kaeya, tighnari, collei and dottore(🧍) make an appearance. diluc, ayato, tohma, and scaramouche are mentioned. sidnei is a made up character here!
word count -> 6.7k 
content -> one shot; fluff, royal AU - female reader
water levels -> all safe, warnings — dottore. just dottore. 
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your family famously holds two balls, one in the winter, and one in the summer. currently, your retainers are preparing you for the winter ball. this year, there’s more excitement, for the public at least. now you’re at the age where you are supposed to find someone to be betrothed to, and at tonight’s ball, you expect the flocking of men trying to win your hand. you aren’t excited.
“princess, is something troubling your mind?”
“nothing at all,” you sighed.
one of the ladies who was doing your hair but the brush down, and began to gush, “i bet you must be excited! you’ll be getting loads of men coming up to you today!”
“how excitingly wonderful,” you said, sarcasm seeping through your teeth.
“maybe lord ayato will ask for your hand,” she continued.
“or perhaps the duke of mondstadt, diluc!” another one piped in. they continued listing nobles that had confirmed attendance, your annoyance grew further.
“that’s enough you two, please leave the princess alone and quit pestering her,” your lady-in-waiting, nilou, said.
“nilou,” you sighed thankfully as the two maids finished their touches, delicately placing the small crown upon your head, and left the room. even when they left, you could still hear their whispering gossip.
nilou shook her head as she watched them walk away, “in your presence nonetheless.”
“it’s bound to happen, certainly won’t be the last i’ve heard of it.”
“has your father talked to you about, you know, this,” she hinted.
“no, he hasn’t actually. you know he’s always been more lax with traditions.”
“relaxed enough to let you be with him,” she giggled, placing her hands on your shoulders and looking at you through the mirror, her bright hydro vision shook at the movement.
“nilou…” you mumbled, casting your eyes to the side.
she giggled, “just teasing.”
just as you were gonna retort back to nilou, there’s a knock at your door, “princess, the ball is about to start, are you ready?” one of the maids spoke.
“yes, i’ll be right there,” you said, standing up. “how do i look?” you asked nilou.
“perfect like always,” she smiled. you thanked her and walked towards the door.
“please, pardon i wasn’t here to help you get ready, my lady,” the familiar lady bowed, “i was tasked by your father to help arrange the ballroom.”
“sidnei,” you smiled. she had been your head caretaker ever since you were born, like a mother to you since you never knew yours. “i’m glad you’re here now.”
“allow me to walk you, you look stunning tonight, as always.”
you thanked her, and began walking, “speaking of which, where is my father?” you asked.
she nervously laughed, “you see, he’s busy currently, he won’t be able to walk you tonight.”
“i see…”
“however, sir cyno will be walking you,” she said, with a knowing smile, as you both turned the corner.
“w-what—“
“the king personally appointed him.”
“you cannot be—“ you said, before you look away from sidnei to meet his piercing red eyes, standing in wait for you, your royal knight, cyno.
he was shorter than most, shoulder length white hair tied back, and ruby eyes. just from appearance, most would assume he’s a mediocre knight at best, but cyno one of the kingdom’s last lines of defense, the best of the best. and he’s your personal knight, ever since you both were young. even if officially he’s called your knight, you honestly consider him your best friend.
at least you thought you did until a while back, you realized slowly yet quickly you were developing feelings for the man. you’d seen him grow into a respectable man. many do fear him, but with you, you get to see the side of him that loves telling jokes, that is infatuated with card games, that just has a hard time forming thoughts into words. the man you know as cyno, not as the royal knight of the princess.
that’s why, you can’t help but feel this way. long before you know it, sidnei is gone and you’re left with cyno.
“if it makes you uncomfortable, we can find someone else,” he said, breaking your train of thought.
“no! it’s alright, i wouldn’t have it any other way,” you smiled, walking up to him.
“are you sure, your highness?”
you looked into his eyes, giving him a knowing stare. it took him a second, but once he understood he argued, “i will not—“
“you will or we won’t be moving from here,” you said, crossing your arms.
he sighed, “are you sure, [y/n]?”
“yes, i’m sure, cyno,” you smiled.
he coughed into his arm, “then, may i?” he said, extending his right arm to yours. you nod and take his hand, wrapping yourself around it as he walks you towards the ball. “nervous?” he asked you.
“not really, i just want to get the night over with.”
he hums, “i see.”
“what will you be doing?” you asked.
“pardon, me?”
you sighed, “who else would i be asking?”
“it was meant to be a joke…” he mumbled as you sighed once more. “i’m on duty tonight, i’ll be keeping guard. there’s a lot of foreign diplomats visiting tonight.”
“i see.” you nodded. you noted he had his electro vision near the sheathed weapon, a clear sign he was on duty and he wasn’t lying. “won’t you be enjoying the ball tonight?”
he pondered for a moment before shaking his head, “no i won't.”
you looked over at him, wondering what to say. he’s a hard worker, barely taking time off. even if you wouldn’t be enjoying your time tonight, maybe he could enjoy it for the both of you. alas, you couldn’t come up with something fast enough as you were about to reach the door. two knights were waiting. they salute the both of you, wishing for a successful night. you thanked them, while cyno opted to nod.
cyno led you through the door and to the stairs, you caught a glimpse of your father sitting at the throne above, a smile casted your way when he saw you. you take another glimpse downwards, you could hear the murmurs of the crowd, and you weren’t sure if your eyes were playing tricks on you, or was it seemingly a larger number of people this year?
“…we now introduce the princess, [y/n] of sumeru, and her loyal knight, sir cyno.” you heard your father’s primary royal advisor announce only thanks to cyno gesturing you to take your bow. he leads you down the last flight of stairs before taking your hand to your fathers, who had come down from the upper level, before taking his position at the right hand side of the staircase.
“thank you, cyno,” you smiled. he returned one of those rare smiles to you, and nodded.
“would you care to dance with an old man such as your father?” he joked, extending his hand to you.
you softly laughed, “it’s always a pleasure to dance with you, father.”
he led you towards the floor, the orchestra taking its cue to begin the soft serenade of the strings and woodwinds alike. typical. it was the song you always danced to with your father, without fail. it was a variation of a lullaby he used to hum to you when you were younger, not so much now due to royal duties, but you still hear it once in a while when you walk past his office.
“to think,” he begins, “perhaps next year, i won’t be having the first dance with you anymore, my little girl could be whisked away right before i know it,” he said with fake tears laced through his words.
“father��” you whined as he softly spun you, allowing you a momentary glance at cyno.
“i know, i know. i just want you to know, when the time comes, find someone you truly love. we’ve always stood for these ideals.”
you scoffed, “you sound as if i am to be wed by the strike of midnight.”
“who knows, maybe you will,” he heartedly laughs.
“in some wild fantasy,” you laugh as you take the final bow. the crowd around you begins clapping, as your father leads you to them.
“i do have some business to attend to, concerning some of the nobles from snezhnaya. please, enjoy yourself little one. try not to get married and leave this old man behind,” he jests as he walks off before you can say anything.
“princess, you looked enchanting as always,” nilou said, walking up to you. before you could respond, she perked up, “please excuse me, i believe that’s lady eula. it’s been a while since i've seen her, i’ll be back!”
an attendant passes by with a platter of drinks, offering your favorite to you. you thank him and take the glass, softly swirling it in your hand. snezhnaya and sumeru currently were in the middle of a political conflict, your father wished not to involve you, but you understand that it’s majoridly about the akademia, one of this nation’s greatest achievements. the situation was tense, your father was going to cut off the amount of control the snezhnayan court had over the akademia, but it would cause several issues, worst would be a war, but it was definitely plausible. you wanted to help your father, you truly did, but what could you do?
“mora for your thoughts?” you hear a woman’s voice say, sly in her tone. you turn your head to see the duchess of inazuma, yae miko smirking at you.
“lady yae, my apologies,” you said, fully turning towards her.
“none of that little one, i spoke out of line,” she bows.
you spoke, “i hope everything is well overseas, i’ll see it soon visit, the nation of electro is always a pleasure to see.”
lady yae smiled, saying how she wished their region had a more respectable young royal such as yourself.
“speaking of, you do know i’m obliged to ask, wouldn’t you be interested in our princes’ hand?” she hums, laughing when she sees you glancing away. “that brat really won’t ever find someone, now will he,” she sighed.
“are you allowed to speak of the prince in such a manner?” you asked.
“but of course i am. who do you think taught him the sliver of manners he knows?”
you nodded, “right, of course.”
“well then, if it isn’t the prince, might you be interested in lord ayato? or perhaps, you’re interested in the kamisatos’ lord-in-waiting, tohma?” she teased.
“lady yae!” you softly scolded as she laughed once more.
“so much for trying, could’ve made an amazing story. i better get back to making sure the prince doesn’t offend any nations, heavens knows what happened last time.” she says, walking towards a small commotion at the right hand side of the ball.
“why if it isn’t the rambunctious princess? i’ve got to say, you seemed to have mastered waking in those heels, i remember when you’d trip on flats,” a familiar voice spoke.
“kaeya!” you smiled, the marquees of mondstadt, kaeya walks up to you. you had known him and his brother, diluc ever since you were little, but after their fathers death things changed for them, subsequently you lost touch.
you both caught up, exchanging pleasantries and stories on either side. it was nice to speak with a familiar face after so long.
“kaeya, where might diluc be?” you asked him, as you hadn’t seen the red haired man tonight.
“not quite sure myself. why are you asking? looking to court him?” he mused, slightly leaning down to meet your face.
“of course not!” you argued, swatting his forearm, before you could retort, he teased once more,
“or could it be that, you’d be interested in me?” he asked.
you broke eye contact with kaeya to glance to your right, cyno was still there, keeping watch as he’d been doing. you weren’t sure if it was your imagination, but you swore you saw him make eye contact with you. you heard kaeya click his tongue, a habit he had once he realized something, and you quickly turned back to him.
“sir kaeya, with all due respect—“ you began before kaeya softly shushed you.
“i understand, i understand.” he sighs, fake sadness laced across his tongue, “i do value when a fair maiden stays true to her ideals, just like when we were younger. i remember it like yesterday, saying how you’d never marry one of us since we were like siblings after some nobel had spoken out of line. do take care, princess. i’ll be off looking for my—or should i joke, our brother to make sure he doesn’t get his hands full with, a few special guests.” he smiled.
you returned the smile, softly laughing as you caught onto his sarcasm through the whole questioning. he bowed and was about to walk away to take his leave, another male voice entered the scene.
“if i may, i’d love to speak to the princess.” a masked man says.
“who might you be?” kaeya said, smiling but slightly pushing you behind him, leaving you confused.
he chuckled, “do pardon me, where are my manners. my name is il dottore, marquess of shneznaya. it’s a pleasure to meet you, your highness.” he said, taking a bow and your hand, pressing his lips against the back of your hand.
“i leave you in his company then,” kaeya seethes as he walks away, having no other choice as he was supposed to take his leave already, evident by the glare the marquess had been sending kaeya’s way..
“lord dottore, the pleasure is all mine…” you said, nerves beginning to swarm you, from both the odd reaction kaeya had, as well as the fact a shneznayan diplomat wished to speak with you directly.
he laughs, his singular earring swings back and forth, “now now, don’t seem so tense your highness. i assure you, the political standing between our nations musnt spoil our conversation.”
“i appreciate it.”
“i must say, you look rather divine tonight, as you always do,” he says, smiling as it’s only his upper face covered by the mask.
you returned the smile, a lot smaller than his, “thank you, i’d love to complement you as well, but i only have a smile to go off.” you said inquisitively, hoping it would spark a conversation to avoid the awkward pleasantries. how wrong you’d be.
“i assume you mean my eyes? they are indeed covered. say, wouldn’t you like to see the rest of my face.”
you hummed, “i suppose so.”
“i’d allow you to see my whole face as many times as you’d like, if we were wed.”
you nervously laughed, “i suppose i’ll never see your face then.”
“oh? why’s that?” he asked. an attendant walked by and dottore placed his empty glass on the tray. his now free hand takes yours and presses yet another kiss against it, this time taking it and placing it against his cold, metallic-like cheek. “what if this is my proposal to you?”
you remove your hand from his grasp, “i call your bluff.” you scoffed.
“wrong call,” he eerily smiles, “it’s true, i wish to marry you. think about it, we’d tie the knot, not only between us, but out nations as well, ending this vicious cycle that you and i both know will only end in a war. i know you’re smart enough, your highness.”
“i believe our nations can come to an agreement without this sort of thing,” you argued as he clicked his tongue.
“you’re breaking my heart,” he cackled, “who said i only wanted to marry you to help our nations, i could care less. i meant it when i said you’re divine, i’m infatuated by you.” he said. if it weren’t for the underlying creepiness in this strange speech, anybody would’ve thought it was a sweet, heartfelt confession. you were beyond creeped out though.
“how could i even consider a marriage proposal from someone i just met, i barely even know you.” you claimed, instinctively taking a step back, eyes wandering around the room, hoping someone you knew was close by, if cyno was close by. alas, you couldn’t find anyone in the short seconds you had.
“if i told you more about me, would you consider my proposal?” he mused, taking a step forward towards you.
“i suppose so…” you mumbled, reminding yourself you have an image to uphold as this regions princess and you couldn’t just yell out what was on your mind.
“then allow me to share some more, personal details about myself. some call me, the doctor.” he smiled.
“the doctor?” you gasped, eyes widening ever so slightly.
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you’ve been out to the main plaza before, but only a few times have you visited farther away villages. a few months ago, you headed out with cyno to gandharva ville for the first time. your father had come down with a unknown sickness, right when the ties with snezhnaya began to sever, and cyno had recommended a doctor who could help. even against the insistings of the court and cyno, you accompanied him. after all, you’d be saftest with your guard, you argued.
begrudgingly, he took you along in a disguise, and you met tighnari. you learned they were friends, good ones too it seemed. you learned tighnari was recommended to become a royal medic, but he refused, stating how his research was better out here in gandharva ville. he learned of the conditions of your father and agreed to head to the castle, but on the condition he was able to give treatment to his current patient.
you had suggested for the patient to come with you guys, only to earn a modest scolding on the dangers of doing so. smiling at your own lack of medical knowledge, you apologized where as he sighed. you concluded that the treatment wouldn’t take longer than a few hours, not ideal, but you understood.
out of curiosity, you asked about the patient. unexpectedly, cyno was the one to tell you about her.
“her name’s collei. she’s a young girl, about 11 years old. she’s…” he stopped before continuing, “she’s a victim of the doctor. some crazed lunatic taking children and experimenting on them for his nation's gain. from my intel, it seems that the bastard is from snezhnaya.”
“goodness…” you whispered. this was the first you had heard of such thing, and by the look on cyno’ s face, it seemed like it wasn’t something he wanted you to find out of.
tighnari spoke, breaking the silence, “the good thing is that she’s recovering well ever since cyno brought her over a few weeks back. she just had a major flare up this morning, and i just need to make sure she’s stable to—“ he spoke before cutting himself off.
“collei, what are you doing out of bed?” he softly scolded as she peeped out of the door.
“i thought…i thought i heard him…” she says, taking a step outside.
tighnari was going to step towards her to help calm the little girl down but you beat him to it. you took cautious steps and lowered your hood, you could already hear cyno scolding you, but to your surprise, he stood silent, only standing guard in case something happened.
“everything is going to be okay,” you softly said, kneeling to her level “he isn’t here, he won’t hurt you anymore.”
“aren’t you the…”
you shook your head, “nevermind that, what’s your name?”
“it’s collei,” she answered.
you smiled at her, “it’s lovely to meet you collei, is there something you’d like to do? i’m sure you must be tired from laying in bed.”
“can we get zaytun peaches?”
“i don’t see why not, why don’t you go get ready? i think tighnari is about ready to give you your medicine anyways.”
she nods and goes back inside, you turn to tighnari who had previously been bickering with cyno while you talked to collie. he excused himself and walked inside to give collei her medicine, while cyno gave you a blank stare.
“what’s wrong?”
“your highness,” he began, “have you ever…picked zaytun peaches yourself?”
“no, but that’s why i have you to—“
“good. because then you’d be hunting your own kind.”
you tilted your head, softly beginning to laugh, “i’m sorry?” you asked.
“because you’re a peach. do you get it?” he deadpanned. “i can explain it if you don’t understand. you see, when people say you’re a peach, it’s to say…”
this time, you began laughing. partially because of the joke, but mainly it was due to your knight's execution of the joke. at the sound of your laughter colored your cheeks, and while you didn’t notice, cyno allowed himself to fondly look at you and smile, a similar color painting his face as well.
“that was terrible. never say that again, cyno,” tighnari said, exiting the small hut.
“now, now, everyone has different tastes. are you insulting the princess’s taste,” you joked as tighnari looked away, mumbling something along the lines of ‘how was i supposed to know.’
“truly, i do apologize, princess. collei got the last of her medicine, we can head out if you’d like.”
“please, don’t worry about it, my knowledge in medicinal science isn’t great, i should be thanking you for teaching me, i see why cyno recomended you.” you said as you began looking around the area, “however, we can’t leave now, i did promise collei we’d pick peaches together. my father isn’t in critical condition, we have a few moments to spare. do you happen to have a basket?”
“you’re just as kind as he—i mean, as they say. i’ll grab you one. in the meantime, i’ll get my materials ready.”
you thanked him as he walked back to the small hut, and out came collei with a small basket. the three of you began to head towards an area of the forest, per cyno’s lead. collei asked you questions every once in a while, and you’d gladly respond.
at one point, she wandered off a little ahead to grab some harra fruit she had seen in a distance. you and cyno stayed behind, but still watched her.
“she’s taken a liking to you rather quickly,” he spoke, looking over at you. a faint look of jealousy washed over him.
“i guess so, what's with that look?” you laughed, poking at him.
he stopped to think for a moment then responded, “nothing, it’s just it took collei a while to like me, and she took a liking to you rather quickly.”
“aww, are you jealous?” you teased. you had expected him to remain silent, like he usually does whenever you bother him, except he surprised you.
“a little, but not really. you’re a wonderful person, it’s no wonder why she felt comfortable around you so quickly.”
you looked into his eyes to see if there was any hint of sarcasm in his statement, but there wasn’t. “cyno…” he coughed to break the silence, looking over at collei who had now resorted looking around for sumeru roses.
“since when have you known about this, the doctor i mean.” you asked, looking away from collei to glance at cyno’s expression.
he sighed, “i figured you’d ask.” he began to explain in more detail what had happened. you learned that she’s from sumeru, she suffers from eleazar. her mother couldn’t cover her treatment, but a sponsor under the name of the doctor said he’d have her treated, with no expenses. only condition is that she’d need to travel to schenzaya. from then on, she was experimented on using ancient relics. cyno had gone to mondstad for not only an expedition, but because an old alma mater had requested for his assistance. he was able to bind the ancient spirit, but it took a lot out on the poor girl.
“why didn't you tell me? you told me about everything that happened on the expedition to mondstat except this,” you argued, not loud enough to disturb collei but enough to get cyno’s attention just how upset you were.
“this is far from your realm of responsibilities, it would’ve just been a burden to add onto you.”
“as far as i'm concerned, i’m the princess of sumeru. it's my duty to make sure my people are safe, and she’s a child of sumeru who was gravely hurt, more than words can describe. this is unacceptable.” you firmly reprimanded. cyno looked shocked for once, but quickly composed himself. “we’ve always worked together, we’ve been a team since forever, cyno. my position means nothing to me when i’m with you and you know it.”
“…i didn’t know you felt that way.” he says.
“of course you knew, you just chose to ignore it at times. i’m not made of glass, you know.”
“says the one who would always complain about not having a vision when we were younger.”
you blushed, “not the time.”
he chuckled, “you’re right, please accept my apologies, for everything. i promise, i’ll let you know if i learn something new.”
“that’s more like it, there’s the cyno i know,” you smiled. “it’s settled then, we’ll find out who the doctor is and take him down, together!”
you smiled at him and he nodded, you took his hand that was in a fist and forced his pinky finger out, hooking yours onto his, intertwining them together. he looked bashful, is what you could describe. you imagined it was because he must’ve thought you were acting childish.
“i’m done, this is for you!” collei says, coming back with a small padisarah and handing it to you.
you smiled as you took it, releasing your hand, rather, your pinky from cyno’s, “thank you collei! i’ll cherish this because it came from an amazing friend!”
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“please, excuse me, lord dottore, i must attend to the other guests,” you said, looking around for a way to leave, for someone, anything.
“why so frantic, your highness?” he questioned, leaning down to your ear, “i do think i’d be wise for you to consider this…proposition of sorts.”
“i’d be best for you to—“
“to? what’s this, the princess is threatening me, shneznayan diplomat? on what grounds.” he said, roughly grabbing your forearm, pulling you towards him. “i suggest you chose your words carefully. who knows what could happen to this precious kingdom. perhaps you’d be better off accepting my proposal, you’d have an…immunity of sorts.” he laughs as you rip your arm from his grasp, running towards the back garden.
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do you inform cyno now? or even your father? accepting his proposal would put an end to all the political issues your father was facing, but it meant sacrificing your happiness, the safety of your people. who knows what would happen with a crazed lunatic like him ruling, yet again, look at the power he has already, to harm such a large number of people just as a marquess. you couldn’t, you’d be betraying collei, and all his other victims from not only your nations but others as well. but not accepting would also put your people in danger.
“i knew you’d be out here,” you heard a male voice speak. you sighed loudly.
“lord dottore, how many times do i have to tell you, i’m not interested. please leave before i—“ you said before gasping, “goodness, cyno you scared me.”
“what was that about someone pestering you,” he said, bringing his hand to the sheathed weapon on his hip, the purple vision beginning to spark.
“no, no, no need for that,” you said, placing your hand against his, both of your movements momentarily ceased. soon after, he quickly kneeled one leg on the ground, like he does on royal duty.
“your highness, what are you doing out here?” he asked.
“cyno get up,” you commanded as he rose, “i just am outside, no particular reason for it. and could you quit it? it’s just the two of us, no need for the formalities.”
“you seem to forget that tonight is an official event, i can’t toss aside formalities.”
you stepped forward and pinched his cheek, you heard a soft ‘oww’ released from his lips, you were sure it didn't hurt, he probably did as such to make you feel better. wouldn’t be the first time he’s done so.
“i understand that, trust me.” you sighed, “but it’s just the two of us, lighten up won’t you?”
he hummed before asking, “‘s something plaguing your mind?” he asked. you internally groaned. he’s good, you’d expect nothing less from the man who’s been by your side for who knows how many years.
you thought about it for a moment before shaking your head, this isn't the right time, or is it? you weren’t sure, but you had to respond before cyno became suspicious. “i don’t know, i’m just overwhelmed. i think i need to dance to clear my mind,” you said absentmindedly.
“then let me take you back inside, i’m sure there’s plenty of nobles who—“
you shook your head, “no.”
he raised his brow at you, “no? didn't you just say���?”
“i’m aware of what i said,” you sighed, “but i want to stay here.”
“allow me a moment then, i’ll find someone to come out here and dance with you—“ he said as he turned around, beginning to head back inside.
“no!” you shouted, grabbing his wrist. he looked confused, and you looked at him through your eyelashes, “i’d like for you to dance with me, cyno.”
he stared at you for a few seconds before coughing, “princess, i’m aware some of my jokes aren’t the best, but you’ve got me beat here.”
what.
“what part of what i just said sounded like a joke? i’m serious, i wish to dance with you cyno.”
“and i refuse.” he says, crossing his arms.
now you are the one to raise your brow, this time in amusement, “are you telling me no?”
“indeed i am,” he grunts.
“we’ve danced before you know.” you said, “you’re the one who taught me for my debutant.”
“its…different now.” he said, looking up to the moon.
you stood in front of him, using your hands to bring his face down, “how is it different now?”
“you’re a lady who is supposed to be finding someone to be wed to, we aren’t children anymore.”
“i don't care about that, and you know it. cyno, i truly just want to dance with you.”
“i…” he said, finally meeting your eyes.
“please?” you asked, on the brink of giving up.
that was until you felt a pair of hands reach your waist, and your feet forcibly began to waltz. you look up at him to see the moonlight hitting his face in just the right way, enough to visibly show the pinks of his cheeks.
“please, tell me if you wish to stop,” he muttered, meeting your smiling face.
you hummed, placing your hands on his shoulders, “i doubt i will ever want to stop.”
the soft waltz became more grand, he led you through the garden gracefully, perfectly weaving through the bushes of sumeru roses before staying in place and swaying. this reminded you a lot of a few years back, when you were practicing for your debutante, except this time there was no heels stepping on the poor young man’s feet. this time, it was a graceful dance between you and the man you harbored feelings for.
“i take it back.”
“what? we can stop if you wish—“
“no, i mean what i said earlier. when you asked if i was nervous and i said i wanted this to be over with. i don’t wish for this night—well, for this moment to end.”
“you know we mustn’t,” he softly says.
you lean your head to his chest, continuing the soft swaying, “indulge me this once then, please.”
“is that an order?” he laughs.
“if it makes you stay, then yes.”
“i would’ve stayed regardless…” he whispers, low enough for it to be carried away by the midnight wind, but loud enough for you to hear, it too carries away the worries littering your mind. i’d be an issue to resolve tomorrow, you decide.
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“good morning!” you hear a cheerful voice sing. “you better wake up before i splash water on your face~” you heard the voice tease.
“nilou, please, it’s archons knows what time it is,” you whined as you sat up.
“now, now, none of that, you have to tell me what happened last night.”
you turned to her as you tilted your head. surely it wasn’t about the marquess, was it? “what are you talking about, nilou?”
“i’m talking about the dance, obviously!” she exclaimed, sitting down with you. “sir cyno brought you hear, claiming you had fallen asleep. but i heard that you were dancing with someone~” she teased as you blushed.
“it was cyno, wasn’t it,” she gushed, as you looked away, “it totally was!”
“nilou! not too loud, you’ll get him in trouble.”
“so it was him! was he the same one who proposed?” before you could ask what was she talking about, one of your attendants walked in the room.
“princess, your presence is called for in the main throne room by the king. please, allow me to assist you in getting ready.
“alright then, where’s sidnei?”
the maid looked around nervously, “she’s…she’s somewhere. we aren’t exactly sure where, this is also the case with a few other staff members.”
what was going on.
nilou walks you to the main throne room, this time she was silent, sensing you were tense. thoughts raced across your head, did your father find out about the dance you shared with cyno? was he okay? what about sidnei and the other staff, where were they? and, what happened with dottore, or rather, the doctor? you had planned on investigating further on his actions, but everything was happening so fast.
your last question was answered as soon as you entered the throne room, and the man was standing before your father.
“my beautiful daughter, you didn’t tell me!” he exclaimed when he saw you enter the room.
“father, what are you talking about?” you asked as he walked up to you, engulfing you in a hug.
“why don’t be silly, lord dottore is asking for your hand in marriage! you’d know this better than i, after the dance you both shared, so he was telling me.”
you briefly heard nilou gag, mumbling disappointedly.
“he did what…?” you asked your father, his expression being the polar opposite of yours.
“please, your majesty, allow me to ask properly,” he says, taking your hand and kneeling on one foot, pulling out a box. “princess of sumeru, will you marry me?”
gasps flooded the room with the few in the room, applauds began to echo, and you could hear the distinct sound of your father sniffling. you glance around to see everyone happy, nilou looked disappointed and was the black sheep in this crowd, alongside you. you look down at the man currently kneeling in front of you, that eerie smile painted across his face.
“i…” you stuttered, unsure what to do. lucky, you wouldn't have to decide what to do.
only a few were able to hear the footsteps, and only another handful saw the purple sparks of electricity fill the room, but everyone saw the fist of the princess’s guardian knight connect with the marquess' jaw, knocking him to the ground. the mask now forgone to the ground, splatters of blood stained the carpet below him that matched dottores eyes. if you were to make the comparison at this moment, his red eyes were blood crimson, while cyno’s eyes reminded you of rubies.
gasps yet again filled the room, whispers exchanged as the only clapping now belonged to nilou, before she ceased her excitement.
dottore groans, attempting to sit up only for cyno to throw a spear—his preferred weapon—right next to his face, grazing the man’s face, yet again more blood. he then rushed forward, holding the spear down.
“cyno!” you gasped.
“cyno!” your dad yelled, voice filled with rage. it was rare to hear the king upset, and whenever he was, all you could do is pray for the unfortunate soul that the anger was targeted towards. “explain yourself! this is treason!”
“forgive me, your majesty, but this man is placed under arrest in the princesses orders,” he said, as everyone gasped once more
“arrested?” dottore maniacally laughed, “my fiancée wouldn’t do such a thing, i’ll have a war waged—“
“you dare make such baseless threats after you threatened this nation's princess on her own land? you’re lucky i didn’t take action last night, but today i won’t be so merciful.” he began, his spear becoming engulfed with electro.
your eyes widened, had cyno really seen everything that happened? at what moment or even where was he, you couldn’t see him at all.
“this man has gone mad!” dottore yells, “your majesty, you see, my suggestion isn’t so far fetched after all, he’s going to spread this madness to the princess.”
“the only one spreading madness here would be you, doctor!” you yelled.
“how do you know about that?” your father asked, more so rhetorically.
cyno continued, “you thought we wouldnt have noticed the missing number of attendants, especially sidnei? the princess’s personal attendant? what a fool you are. we have the reports on certain wine barrels that were contaminated by a poison coming from your region, as well as the personnel serving them. everything ties back to you. however, this is an open investigaton, im typically not allowed to arrest you in those cases, but not only did you verbally threaten the princess, you manhandled her. in front of thousands nonetheless.”
“what about the dance from last night?” the king asked.
both you and cyno coughed, but he continued speaking, “…it was i who was dancing with her.” the room was silent once more until nilou softly squealed, whispers filled the air once more.
“my daughter, is this true?” your father asked, turning towards you.
you looked over at cyno, his eyes shining with determination. you nodded, signaling you’d follow his lead.
“yes father, everything sir cyno said is true. that man on the ground is the doctor, the crazed lunatic who’s been experimenting on our people. i had cyno investigate further after he insulted me last night, and i issued the arrest order. such filth cannot be left unattended to.” you said, your stance radiating a commanding force.
“and the dance?” nilou chimed in, before one of the attendants slapped her hand across her mouth.
you sighed, “yes, the dance too,” you said bashfully.
“that does it then, guards!” your father snapped his fingers, “il dottore, marquess of shneznaya is to be arrested immediately, as per the princess’s orders!” your father commanded. as guards took dottore away, he yelled curses until his voice ran dry.
“princess,” cyno said, kneeling before you. “please, excuse me for my actions. and lack of actions last night.”
“cyno, please stand.” you said as he rose to his feet, “thank you for trusting me and for letting me help even if it was a little. please, allow me to apologize for not telling you last night.”
you turned to your father, “and to you as well, i should’ve told you both sooner rather than now.”
cyno was the first to speak, “you helped a lot more than you can imagine, my lady. you got the doctor to reveal himself. and we're a team, aren’t we?”
“that we are,” you smiled.
“so, who’s gonna court who?” your father mused.
you exclaimed, color painting your face, “father!”
he laughed as your father’s royal advisor sighed, “i thought the choice in dottore was weird, but who was i to judge who you loved?” he asked turning to cyno, “i was rooting for you the whole time, son?”
“…thank you?” he responded, visibly and understandably confused.
you sighed at your father and turned to cyno, “you know last night, i only wished to dance with you.” you smiled at cyno, walking up and kissing his cheek, “thank you.”
“it’s always my pleasure, princess.” it was an address you were used to by many, but this time it felt different given the circumstance.
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glass bottle message -> this was NOT supposed to be this long LKJAKBJB but i really hope you enjoyed, and to anyone else reading! thanks kat for pushing me, love you the most stinker @lovely-josuke​
also the fact i had to rewrite the whole thing because google docs didn’t save it 😔💔 regardless i love how this turned out hehe
requests are open, but please check the rules :)
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