Akashi x Reader: A Dove within the crowd [RQ]

    You clambered out of the horse carriage you rode in and was helped out by your butler Drake[1]. You hummed in recognition as your eyes wandered across the lavish palace, ears ringing with lively music flooding from within the castle doors. "So this is Rakuzan. A bit too extravagant don't you think?" You asked, turning to Drake with a finger pressed against your chin.

    "Quite. But this palace proves how powerful and rich this country is. Seeing how this country has kept it's legacy for so long, you'd say they have the right to be as extravagant as they wish." Drake muttered as he led you up the long winding stairs and into the polished marble floor inside the palace halls. All across the halls were portraits of past kings and queens that had contributed to the country's rich history.

    One in particular caught your eye. The portrait of the current prince of Rakuzan, Prince Akashi Seijuro. 

    "Today is the prince's birthday is it not?" You brought out the invitation you had received and read it again to be sure. "To be crowned King at his age, he must be the youngest I've ever known, and he's calling for princesses of neighboring countries to look for a queen. No wonder mother had me dressed for the occasion." You rolled your eyes a bit and flinched unknowingly when Drake clicked his tongue.

    "You are speaking ill towards the queen. If you've forgotten then I'd very much like to remind you. You are a princess, learn how to act like one. It would be bad for the royal family if you were to act like that in front of the prince."

    "I know..." You mumbled a bit begrudgingly as you crossed your arms over your chest. "I am not a child, I am aware of how to discern my manners in front of people." Drake nodded as though trying to show approval then gestured to continue walking into the halls. You took a deep breath before entering the large ballroom, where countless beautiful gowns swept across the dance floor. Gentlemen in tuxedos and formal wear stood in one corner, champagne glasses held between delicate fingers. The sound of glasses clinking together filled the air.

    "You look like you're doing well prince, and this party is one of the best I have ever seen. I give you my honest praise." You turned your head to the sound of the voice, where you saw the prince and another noble talking. The latter speaking in a louder tone. "Thank you. I am glad to know you are enjoying. I apologize but I must excuse myself, I haven't finished my greetings yet." The red-head bowed his head curtly then in one swift motion turned his back on the noble man and you swore your eyes met when he did. His eyes, that had been filled with warmth when he talked to the noble, were narrowed to slits and the piercing glare he held now was clearly a look of disgust.

    'His eyes looked so lonely yet swirling with power...'

    "_____!" A high pitched squeal brought you back to your senses and in the next moment you were held in a tight embrace. "I knew I'd see you here! It was a good thing I forced mother to let me come! You look so different compared to last time we met, and...did you shrink?" You sighed before pulling away.

    "It's nice to see you again too Kise, and I didn't shrink. You simply grew taller." The said blonde reacted by patting your head, ruffling your hair affectionately.

    "If memory serves me right, last time I saw you was about five years ago. You never came back to the palace after that last visit, I was really really lonely!" Kise pouted, acting like the very same child you grew up with. "Well, something happened back then at our country and I guess both mother and father felt the responsibilities as royalty weighing down their shoulders." Kise looked as if he had something more to say but the moment he had opened his mouth to speak, a voice announced the start of the dance. 

    "Choose me!"

    "Prince Seijuuro I would be honored if you were to choose me as your dance partner!"

    "Oh please pick me!"

    All around the dance floor, the women flocked together. Trying to catch the prince's attention by waving the paper fans they held in their hands. You paid no attention to the crowd or the dance and continued to talk to Kise. A hand was suddenly thrust in front of you, and you slowly looked up to see the owner of the hand. "May I have this dance?" In front of you stood Akashi Seijuuro. A small kind smile on his face as he held out his hand for you. Though confused at first, you nodded then curtsied.

    "It would be my pleasure." You took his hand and left after sending Kise a glance, in which the tall blonde head had replied with a small wave. Akashi led you onto the dance floor and once in the middle of it, placed a hand on your waist and started to dance with the same slow rhythm as the song. The people watched as Akashi guided you into the dance and moved with fluid motions that captivated the crowd.

    'His eye lashes are long...and his eyes are beautiful...Do all princes have such nice complexions?' The thought continued to play in your mind for a while as you danced as you stared into his eyes. The dance ended and the crowd erupted into cheers. The women had tried to once again approach the red head prince but with a shake of his head the crowd had dispersed.

    "If it is alright, may you join me for a moment outside?" You nodded, Akashi led you out into the balcony. The air was cold, and from where you were now the music and life from the party seemed so far away. "Thank you for the dance. You were a great dancer." Silence. The warmth you had seen in the prince's eyes were completely wiped off and only coldness and a feeling of distance filled his red and gold orbs.

    'He looked so kind just a moment before, how could he have changed into a completely different person in a matter of mere seconds? I don't understand him at all...'

    "If you don't mind me asking, why did you choose to dance with me?" You asked, attempting to start a decent conversation with the silent prince.

    "Because you didn't seem to be interested in dancing with a prince. I wanted to avoid getting caught up in anything tiring if I can avoid it." Akashi replied coolly, his golden eye shimmering in the light of the full moon.

    "I see then I must certainly head back inside, my butler must be looking for me. Excuse me, your highness." You turned around and was just about ready to leave when you heard the prince call out to you again. 

    "I enjoyed dancing with you, I would like to invite you over formally after this party is done. I will have a letter sent to your palace the day after tomorrow and my servants will come pick you up. You are only allowed to reply with 'yes' and 'alright'. 'No' will not be taken for an answer and silence will be taken as yes.[2]" Akashi faced you with a slightly amused look in his eyes.

    "Then was there really any point in asking? I believe you already know the answer, your highness." You giggled, placing a hand lightly over your mouth.

    "Of course, for I am absolute. I am always right and never will be wrong. I await the day we meet again, _[First Name]_ _[Last Name]_." 

    It was the start of something new, a new tale for both. For in this dull party filled with vultures and crows, he had found a dove within the crowd.