The Courtship of a Brother [Private] w/ XiuLin 18+

[Rhye_Meow]

~The Courtship of a Brother~

 

In times when succession to the throne becomes a must for the royal offsprings- two princes fates changes when they are force to meet and struggle for power to take over the title of the rightful heir.

 

Two brother's - one crown.

 

 

 

Name: Zen

Age:21

Appearance:

Brown hair and eyes, 175cm in height, slim build and fair skin.

Bio:

Zen was the offspring of a king and a courtesan turned concubine. Because he is not from pure noble lineage, Zen was force out of the castle to live his sheltered life away from the public scrutiny, and from his own mother as well. There on- he practice every bit of part to become a perfect prince, doing all the orders the royal family past onto him.

Additional:

Because of many years of isolation, Zen developt a stoic personality. Doesn't like anybody to break down the walls he build to keep people off of him. With such personality, his hobby is to observe people and their behaviors.

[XiuLin]

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Name: Kai

Age: 25

Looks: Black hair, Tall about 5'11 in height, lean build but fit and pale flawless skin.

 

Bio: Of more noble blood than his brother of distance.

 

Additional: He would come visit him often, since they were children. He felt sorry that he could not see his mother. They would often get along and knew each other well, until one day Zen turned cold and started building walls around his personality and heart. Until one day, Zen returns to the castle to care for a unmotivated Kai; since all else failed. Will his brother's sincere caring spark a fire in Kai's heart?

[Rhye_Meow]

Closing his cuffs, Zen made sure that he is dress impecabbly for today. Fornthe first time, he is welcome back to the castle,where his family lives, far away from him.

Since long before , Zen was always recognize as the lowly prince; though a prince, he is still a son of such unpure woman. One that cannot received an approving favor from the parliament. As such, he didn't received any warm welcome from them, and was force to lived a secluded life just outskirts on the city, in a well hidden mansion. This all sounds horrible, but the truth is, the current king: his father did all this to protect his life. Favored by no one, a prince like him will be easily killed by this nations enemy.

 

He reached the grand main castle in less than a day of travelling. Seeing it for the first time, Zen wasn't sure what to feel. Angry? Happy? Excited? He can't really say. For one, he isn't sure what variations or feelings are. Walking with his escorts, he entered a long hall way, carpetted with flush red. He wanted to survey the room but years of princely demeanor doesn't allow him. He walked confidently towards the throne and half kneeled, one arm at his chest.

Bowing, he said

"My greetings your majesty.."

[XiuLin]

It was past noon, Kai was still lounging around in bed. He was in on the news of his brother returning. In fact a couple days prior to Zen's return, the raven haired prince had sent a letter, saying. "I can wait to have to finally home! I'll be waiting for you outside the throne room when you are done speaking with father." But once again, Kai had a blunder of a drinking problem as of private recent news. All hopes to get it worked out of Kai was a failure. No mid wives that Kai had care for him could fix it. In fact it would make him drink more to spite them and drive them out of his room. But could that have been they were women and he did not care at all for them in his bitter drinking haze? Who really know what he was going through, only one person that he would visit often during his trouble periods and to keep him company, his special and dearest brother Zen.

 

That thought of meeting him face to face after such a long time, drove him out of his bed even in his hung over state. He called for a guard to get a mid wife in a hurry to get him dressed. He then headed to the throne room in his best clothes and after personal care of his morning breath, went to go see his brother.

[Rhye_Meow]

"Rise your head my dear boy and let me look at you." Lyon the Current king open hid hands to welcome his long absent son. The queen who sat next to the king has no beed with Zen, but his mother. But she isn't accepting the fact that Zen was being welcome at the castle. So when she saw Zen kissed the king's hand , her face twitched a few times. "How have you been child?"the king ask Zen . "I'm well your highness, and i wish you have been well also." He looked at the Queen and gave his greetings with her. "I hope her majesty has been well as well."

"Oh, ah yes thank you Zen. We have. " she answered in an unnatural squeeky voice and she cleared her throat. "We will have a banquet later, for now.. please rest." The king clap his hands dismissing them.

 

As Zen sauntered his way outisde the throne room, he was being escorted back to his room. It was big and lavish, a vast improvement from his old living condition. This made him think that this was suppose to be his lifestyle. The life he was supposed to enjoy. But he was force to live an isolated life. 'Ah yes,' he stop his admiring gazes and ask his escort to bring him to the room where his brother awaits. Opening the grand double doors, Zen drew in a breath and enter.

"Hello brother. I am home." He greeted.

[XiuLin]

Kai was in his study which was "Greetings, Zen." Kai said as he smiled warmly to his brother. "It is so good to see you. It has been some time." He looked at the brunette's servant as he closed the door. "Zen, you can drop the formalities. You are no longer around father. How was seeing him?" He said going up to his brother and giving him a slight hug. "So what was the reason they ordered to bring you here?" He asked as he returned to his lounging chair. He had a glass full clear liquor, which he began slowly sipping from. "We have a banquet this evening..." He said looking down at his glass the taking a huge drink from it, almost drinking it all. "Are you going to attend it?" He asked.

[Rhye_Meow]

Carefully observing his elder brother. Zen took notice that he has become more handsome than he was the day they last saw each other. Raven haired and tall, dark piercing eyes, velvety voice. Everybit of him has a royal demeanor. Something the commoners can't reach. "Good to see you as well elder brother. I've been well and my conversation with father is short. -May i?" He points at a chair and sits there, loosening his collar. "I don't see the reason as to why he would ask me. But i'm sure he will tell me later. Father is a busy man, he woudln't waste time with pleasantries with me." Kai sat in front of him, seemingly holding a liquor in his hands , Zen thought that it's quite early for him to drink. He looked at Kai's facial reaction, and he can't pinpoint what it is exactly Kai was getting at.

"The banquet is to welcome my arrival, i think it's clear i should go." He stood up and looked around curiously around Kai's study. He stop and trace Kai's beautiful desk and under his breath he ask."How is my mother doing? Is she well?" He looked at Kai and his drink, "it's too early to be drunk,brother. Well.. i think i'll rest first, see you at the banquet." Bowing half waist down, he gave respect to the crown prince, the future king of this nation.

[XiuLin]

Someone was standing on the other side of the opened door. He was listening very carefully. It was a fellow royal of the king's kingdom. Perhaps even, Zen's mother. She arrived to her hiding place with very soft foot fall. When the brunette asked if he could sit, Kai nodded softly and carefully watched his hand travel to his neck tie and released it from the grasp around his neck. He looked at the slightly tanned skin but then looked away instantly. Zen could either take that as a sign, as the raven haired other could still have interest in him from their many night's together at the mansion on the outskirts of the kingdom. He took another drink and cleared his pipes. "I am in on some intelligence, Zen. Would you like to know?" He said with teasing smirk.

[Rhye_Meow]

"Hm?" Zen raise his head and look at Kai, stopping him to walk on out the door. He walk a few steps back and gave a soft sigh "Actually dear brother, i can only think of one possibility as to why they have summoned for my presence." He swallowed a bit and proceed " But like i said, i'd rather hear that officially. Excuse me for a bit. See you at the banquet." He nods and walked out there, not heeding attention to his surroundings. Return to his room and plomps in the bed, just staring at the ceiling, waiting for the time to past.

"Why am i so uncomfortable."

 

***

 

The banquet hall was already filled when he arrived. He did arrived on time like he was ask, but apparently - him being back to the castle was an even bigger deal that he thought it would. The very long rectangular table was filled with luscious and lavish food he never even saw before, so naturally Zen was very excited. He sat at the designated seat for him, beside his elder brother Kai. Before he did, he gave everyone a respectful nod. Just then he caught something in the side of his eyes. A brunette female eyeing him. Probably in her mid fourties, wrinkled but very beautiful. He almost stood up and blurted out 'mom' but he stop half way. Instead, Zen just trembled under the table and involuntarily reached out for his brother's hand.

[XiuLin]

Kai let his brother brush his finger tips against his hand. He looked like he was out of it. He was just starting to eat once his brother sat next to him. He reached for his water and began drinking it with leasure. He knew he would need it and the warm meal before him. He looks at Zen and brotherly nudged him with a blank expression. "Eat please. Tiny bites, it is pretty rich food." He muttered softly and began eatting as the king spoke up.

[Rhye_Meow]

Zen nodded slightly when he heard Kai. Somehow this has calm him down a bit. He took a sip at the wine in front and tried to focus on the dinner conversation. "...Zen my boy, what do you think?" His father's question caught him off guard. "Pardon me your highness, i was lost at how wonderful the meal is that i didn't hear what you're asking. Please forgive me." He said as natural as he could. "Ah is that so child? No worries." His father and the people present at the banquet guffawed at how he answered. "I actually ask you about the food, well i guess you did well choosing what to say."

 

Throughout the dinner, Zen was carefully observing his mother. Somehow she looks very relax, it seemsshe isn't minding Zen's presence after all. What was he expecting. A welcome greetings perhaps? But he didnt recieve one. Not knowing it, Zen has drink alot of wine. The king spoke again, "Tomorrow morning, i want the both of you- Kai and Zen present infront of me, and i shall anounce something important." The banquet table suddenly became silent.

 

The people in the banquet dispperse one by one and Zen started to feel dizzy from all the drinking. He stood wobbly and bid everyone goodnight. He looked at Kai and smile a bit. "Goodnight Kai." He forgot to call him brother and just walked out lf the hall, very dizzy.

[XiuLin]

Kai also said good evening to everyone before they left. He then walked with Zen back to his room, giving him support while walking. "Zen, you are too wasted. Are you fairing okay with you're drinks and fully belly?" He asked once they walked into Zen's bedroom with door closed tight and locked. He then gently set him on his bed and gently stroked his cheek. He looked at him with a loving and soft look, something only n private his brother would see. "We you not the one that told me not to drink earlier? But it was dinner so I guess I can let it go. I really don't want you ending up like me." He sighed and retracked his hand. "I should leave..." Before he parted he gave Zen a kiss on the lips.

[Rhye_Meow]

Zen was shaken up that night. To be honest, he didn't want to be here. He want to go back to his cold and dark former room. Well he fekt this way because he had an idea what will happen tomorrow. Something troublesome. Zen feeling very out of sorts held onto his dear brother. Drink much more than he can tolerate. When he felt the unusually soft bed behind his back, he heard Kai say something, but Zen didn't understand. "Ng." He groan as he felt his head ache. A sudden soft kiss landed on his lips and he woke up from his drunken stupor. "K-Kai..." he mumbled and grab Kai at the hem of his sleeves. "I..stay..Kai.." he pleaded, seemingly dreaming already.

[XiuLin]

Kai could feel his hand trembling. He wanted to stay, but he just could not. It was not proper to love one's brother they way he felt for Zen. His heart was pounding in his chest. "Zen, I MUST leave this room. Would you like me to call for you're servant?" Kai was honestly trying to have a serious and meaningful conversation with him. "Just don't let that guy take my place. I'll fight him if he gets to close...." He trailed off his speaking and gently removed his brother's gentle hold from around his arm. He glupped down saliva in clear view of his brother's eyes, letting him know he was nervous. He then retreated off the bed and turned to make the room darker for the brunette. "You can handle being drunk if I can, you are my equal." He said, facing him this time. He then left to get his servant, once he heard the soft mutters of drunken sleep take over Zen.

[Rhye_Meow]

Zen woke up with a throbbing sensation in his head. Groaning, he slowly sat at his bed as he smell mornign tea being serve to him. "Good morning your highness Zen, please drink this tea it'll help you with your head ache." His aide smiled at him and give him the cup. He took it, smell and sip. "It's good." He said, exprisionless. "You have to take a morning bath, and we have 2 hours to get you ready for the king's summon."his aide said.

 

After he bathe, got dress and ate breakfast at his room, Zen sauntered out of his room. He notice that the people around are in a dizzy state. 'Why are they so busy?' He ask himself. Closely watching, some are busy preparing what appears to be a military parade. One of the king's royal advisor saw Zen wandering about and he drag him out, and change his dress. "Don't you know what today is?" The man ask him. "What? What is it?" He curiously wanted to know. "What?! You mean you don't know? Today it will be announce that you are a prince and that you will viable for the crown of being next in line for the throne." He blank and got confuse. "Isn't my brother the next king?" He ask.

 

Zen unceremoniously open the door to Kai's chamber and flip him to wake. "Brother! Is it true? Am i going to have to power grab with youfor the crown?"

[XiuLin]

He frowned as he got out of bed. "What?!" He said with a frown and sighed. He got dressed quickly. "Why would father do that, Zen?! I guess we have too." He did not look to pleased. He had a bone to pick with their father. "Is it time to be summoned to the throne room?" Kai asked of Zen.

[Rhye_Meow]

Zen looked at his brother, slightly confuse of why he is reacting like so. 'Didn't he said yesterday that he had an idea as to why im being summoned?' He thought to himself but did not question Kai out loud. He just observed him trying to calm himself too. Kai was handsome even in disarrayed looks. "Ahm brother, are you sure we are going to the throne room with you unprepared? Maybe i should ask your aide to left you have a quick morning bath. We still have a few time.." Zen ask Kai out of concern. Out of his prince ethiquette education, he knew being sharplu dress and presentable when facing the king is a must. "I can wait brother." He waited for Kai's reply, carefully gauging him.

[XiuLin]

He looked down at himself. "Care to help me? I rather have you're help." He said of his younger brother. He removed the gunk from the corners of his eyes and yawned. He knew the same too. So he quickly began washing his face quickly then brushed his hair and returned to Zen.

[Rhye_Meow]

"Well brother you'll have to forgive me but i can't help you get dress. As i have been helped to get dress as well." That's a lie. Zen didn't want to see his brother in such state. It's unbecoming of a prince. And also, he didn't want to live in the past. He wanted to just get the thing over with.

Though he said that, the truth is, he see his brother very differently. Like alot has change and he become much more beautiful. Something Zen believes he is not. "Shall i wait for you outside or here?"

[XiuLin]

Looking at Zen, Kai almost clueless and confused. But now that he was put together, he moved with shift movements. He pulled Zen to him, and wrapped his arms around his lower back. He muttered softly against his ear. "Zen, you are handsome and you made my heart skip, even though you're being sassy right now. I know it's hard for you to open up...but last night, in you're room I just could not take advantage of you." He said in a hushed tone to his brunette brother. He let him go and took a step back, watching his emotions on his face. "You are dismissed. I'll see you outside my room. I just need to put my shoes on." He said with smile and went to do just that.

[Rhye_Meow]

Zen was taken aback by Kai's sudden show of affection. He blanched as the breath from the whisper tickled his ear. He flinched and almost replied something but his brother dismissed him. Stepping back, all he could do was nod and step outside, waiting for Kai. His heartbeat was so loud and he tried to calm it by pacing back and forth. 'What does he mean by my room last night?' He was baffled by that statement. 'Did i make a blunder?' He thought and slightly pound his chest with his fist as he wait for Kai.

[XiuLin]

While he was lacing his shoes, he wondered why he was so cold towards his brother after pulling them so close. After lacing his shoes properly, he headed out of his bed chambers. He gave Zen a look like he wanted him back in their room, that was oh so enticing. He then captured his elbow gently, to nudge him forward towards the throne room. "How can you hold you're liquor so well?" He asked after he released his grip from around him just after a couple paces. "My dear sibling, you shocked me by coming into my bedding space. "It was quite daring." He said with a soft grin.

[Rhye_Meow]

Zen's shoulders jolt at his brothers last comment. Why did he? He didn't think much of it, he just wanted to know if Kai has an idea about there father's plan. "Hm, pay no heed to it brother. Ah we are here.." he interupted himself as they approach tbe throne rooms entrance. He was feeling shy maybe even blushing a bit as he can feel his brother close to him. But this isn't the time to think of it.

 

Some guards opened the door for the both of them and they were greeted by such lavish parade of military power. The royal guards was in line and in salute from left to right. Zen waa surprise, sure. But he deeped sighed and walk towards the throne where their father was waiting. "Good luck brother." He whispered to Kai under his breath because he had nothing else to say, or doesn't know what to say. When they reach the king, as protocol, he bowed down. And it seems in his head, he cant see anyone anymore because of his nervousness.

 

"There is no need to prolong this further. I Charles III , present king of this good nation, hereby declare that my two sons Kai and Zen, are both viable for the crown ro be next king. For a year, they will prove their worth and by the end of it, i shall announce who of them is worthy. Though let this be a warning to you Kai. No more blunders." The king look at Kai with a warning. And Zen look at him with alarm. 'What has happen to Kai?' He ask himself.

[XiuLin]

Kai also bowed to his father. He listened to the king's orders. "Why suddenly decide that, father? No more blunders?" He asks of the king. He felt blind sided, he did not want to fight his dear brother for the throne. He inwardly sighed to himself. "How will we prove our worth as the next king?" He asks again. He sees his brothers shocked expression and ignores it as he tries to gain more information from their father.

[Rhye_Meow]

"Simple, both of you will be assign to lead our military troops agains the rebels from the north. We will send you in the battle in a month. Prove your worth by leading us to victory. Both of your performance will be judge by the officers and knight in ranks. Further questions shall be answered by the general himself." The king said, answering Kai's questions but not Zen's. Zen was surprise by all these in all honesty. He wasn't a pure royal blood, compared to Kai. "That is all i can say. May the best prince win." The king dismissed of them.

 

The minute the king left along with his Queen and royal knight, Zen held Kai by the arms and turned him to face him. "Brother,what did you do? Tell me.? " he let go of his hold and gaze down. "What happen to you?"