Red King & White King (complete)

    The little woman who sits before me in my office looks like she is at wit's end. It is hard to believe she is Queen Merah Muda. I offer her tea, and she sighs, relaxing back as her cotton candy hair doesn’t move. The little clockwork birds that reside in it, twitter and tweet, pop out from precisely lain curls.

    “Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Primrose,” Merah Muda sighs.

    “It’s Miss, actually,” I correct as I sit behind my desk again. “And I am actually quite shocked you would come and see me of all people.”

    She sighs, tiny shoulders slouching and disappearing into her dress. “I have exhausted every avenue I can think of. To be honest, you are my last hope.”

    I work for the Offices of Argumental Dissolvement and Resolution Center. Basically, my job is to solve arguments, mend relationships, and problem solve. I have talked people off ledges, assisted marriages, and have even gotten a cat and a dog to become friends. While Queen Merah Muda is here, I am not sure why.

    “What is it you need my help with?” I ask her.

    Merah Muda sighs, dabbing at her eyes with a fluorescent pink handkerchief. Her pale face is dotted with heart-shaped freckles, and her eyebrows swoop off her face, flourishing out at the points where a pink jewel hangs off each tip. 

    “It is my sons,” she finally answers. 

    I suddenly am struck with the hard cold reasoning of her visit. It is no secret that the twin princes have been feuding since birth. There is Rosso Rudi, who is known as the Red Prince. He is wrathful and harsh, but a brilliant military leader. He was also known as a protector of the weak, often taking civilians affected by war and finding them a place in the world, as well as his soldiers suffering from the war itself. Then there is Bianco Bumi, who is quite timid and gentle, compared to his brother. He has been a leader in higher education in the kingdom for all, not just the few. He was well as a patron of the fine arts and believed in sharing it with anyone.

    The two princes, while nearly exact opposites of one another, had been feuding even while in the womb. Or at least, how most stories go. Rosso believed in a firm grip, while Bianco practiced a soft touch. The two argued over how to rule the kingdom, and it only got worse after their father passed away. It had gotten so bad that the royal palace had literally been split in two. The two brothers cut the castle down the middle and pulled it apart, placing a massive hedge maze between the two halves.

    “I have spent so many nights in that damned maze!” Merah Muda cries in frustration. “I just want my children to get along. I want them to be the kings I know they can be. They just need each other to do it. One cannot rule without the other. Please! Mrs. Primrose, I beg you, help me fix my sons!” She throws herself on my desk, grasping my hands tight.

    “Miss,” I correct her again. “And, I will admit, this seems like a fruitless endeavor. But, I cannot say no to you.”

    Merah Muda sighs. “Oh! Thank you!”

    “If I were to say no, my head would be cut off,” I remark.

    Merah Muda’s expression shifts and she shrugs as a sly smirk spread across her far too pooched lips.

    I go with Queen Merah Muda to the palace, knowing I will not be able to leave until I find a resolution for the two princes. I have never been to the castle before, I have only seen pictures. But seeing it sliced down the middle the way it is, I can sense the stress Queen Merah Muda is suffering. 

    The two halves stand as they always have, just several hundred feet apart. The open sides have been sealed shut by a blanket of vines and plants. From one side, red flowers bloom. From the other, the flowers are white.

    Queen Merah Muda stays in a manor behind the garden. It had been a place for special guests and royal relatives, but now, she was forced to live here, rather than staying with one prince over the other.

    “They have dinner with me every night,” Queen Merah Muda replies. “Here, there are no arguments. There will be no fighting. They must remain civil.”

    “It must be very tense, then,” I reply.

    Merah Muda sighs. “It is quiet,” she answers. “They found that the best solution to not fighting is to just sit still like statues. They don’t even eat anymore!”

    “Oh my,” I murmur as she shows me to a spare bedroom. “Anything at all you need, just write it down,” she walks over to the writing desk. “It’ll find its way to you.”

    “Thank you.” I set my one single bag down on the bed. “Right now, I think it would be best if I met with Rosso and Bianco,” I tell her. “I want to be able to introduce myself and offer my services to them right away. If I build a relationship with them, then perhaps they will be more willing to talk to me.”

    “It would probably be best if you meet them individually,” Merah Muda shakes her head. Her little clockwork birds living in her hair suddenly start to sing, signaling the changing hours.

    “Oh my!” Merah Muda gasps. “I have to go, high tea!” She shuffles to the door and then quickly turns back. “Feel free to make yourself at home.” She then vanishes down the hallway as her birds continue to scream.

    I sit down behind the writing desk, seeing there are three notepads lined up in a row. One is white, one is red, and the other is pink. I’m not quite sure what each one is for. I take the red notepad and write ‘coffee’ on it. 

    Several moments later, I hear the front doors burst open. I step out of my room, looking over the railing and down into the foyer where Rosso is standing. Beside him is a white cat, dressed in red and holding a tray.

    “Mother?” Rosso shouts out. “Why did you ask for coffee during high tea?” His voice carries. It is loud and booming like a firework. 

    “I’m sorry,” I call out.

    Rosso looks up at me, he has his mother’s thick eyelashes and dark eyes. He has a sharp square jaw that is peppered by red stubble. He has a sharp hooked nose and diamond shaped, red freckles that cover his pale skin. His eyebrows are thick, very bushy compared to the pencil thin ones of his mother. They also come down off his face. 

    “Who the fuck are you?” Rosso growls.

    I can’t help but grimace. “I’m a guest of your mother’s,” I say as I descend the stairs. “Is that how you talk to people?”

    Rosso smirks, tilting his head to the side. “I talk to everyone in that fashion. No need to put on airs, I say.”

    I stand before him, realizing how tall and broad he is. His bright red hair hangs in short curls, shorter at the sides than the top. His crown is a circlet with a massive ruby in the center.

    Rosso’s dark eyes dart over me for a moment, and then the cat comes forward, offering me the tray of coffee.

    “Thank you so much,” I smile at the cat, and it giggles. The cat ducks his head and wipes at his face with its red gloved paws.

    Rosso takes the tray back from me. “They say tea is for company, but coffee is for the lonesome.”

    I can’t help but smirk at him. “Oh, and who says that?”

    Rosso grins. “Would you like company with your coffee?”

    “I like cinnamon for my coffee,” I throw at him. “But I suppose a prince will fare just as well.”

    Rosso grins, taking the tray into the parlor. He sets it down on a table held up by a statue of a striped cat. He pours the first cup and places a cinnamon stick inside.

    “I wasn’t expecting a prince to deliver my coffee,” I tell him. “What gives?”

    Rosso leans back in a chair and sighs. “Mother has her ways of reaching me,” he says. “But enough about me. Tell me about you. Who are you and why are you here?” He leans forward towards me, placing his elbows on his knees.

    I sip my coffee, stirring the cinnamon stick around in it. “My name is Primrose,” I reply and take another sip. “And I work at the Offices of Argumental Dissolvement and Resolution Center.”

    Rosso grimaces and leans back into his seat. “So the batty old woman did it.”

    “She’s on her last nerve,” I tell him. “She just wants help.”

    Rosso growls. “No help is needed!” He snaps. “What does she think can be accomplished? It’ll be the same as it ever was.”

    “And why do you think that?” I ask him. 

    Rosso scoffs, looking away from me. His dark eyes stare off through a doorway. He drinks his coffee, adding more sugar to it. “He won’t listen.”

    “Bianco, you mean?” I ask.

    Rosso snaps a dirty look back at me. “They say I’m the mean one?” He snaps. “They only say that because I go to war. I fight battles. I hunt. They claim I’m the cruel brother! Just because Bianco enjoys art and music, they say he’s kind! Ha!” He slams his mug down on the table. I then notice big fat tears start falling from Rosso’s eyes. 

    “All my life I have been compared to that bleached out polished turd!” He covers his face with his hands, his shoulders visibly shaking. “Dad used to say Bianco was the calm before the storm and I was the storm!” He snarls despite his tears. “I’m trying to bring about peace! I can’t help it that sometimes it requires a fist!”

    I take my handkerchief from my pocket and offer it to Rosso. I dab it to his face, mopping up his tears. “It’s ok,” I tell him. “You feel strongly, there’s no harm in that. Powerful emotions can be the sign of a sensitive heart.”

    Rosso sniffles, taking the handkerchief and wiping his face. “Not for a prince.”

    “Especially for a prince,” I take hold of his hand. “You have so much on your shoulders.”

    Rosso scoffs, sneering as he grips the hanky in his fist. “Bianco never cries.”

    “Then perhaps that is where you have a hand up on him,” I offer.

    Rosso looks at me, his eyes were bloodshot from his tears. He smirks, tilting his head towards me. “Really? You think so?”

    I chuckle and pat his hand. “Emotional maturity doesn’t mean you stop feeling things,” I tell him. 

    Rosso takes my hand and lifts it, he kisses my palm and my wrist. “Tell me again I’m better than my brother,” he smirks wickedly. “I like to hear it.”

    I arch my brows at him and laugh. “I’m sure you do.” I slip my hand from his grasp and sit back down. I hadn’t expected this if I were completely honest. I had expected Rosso to be fierce and angry. Instead, he had his heart on his sleeve and had very strong emotions. It was easy to see now why he was considered a storm.

    After Rosso left, I went back to my room. Taking the white notepad, I wrote ‘cake’ on it. Sure enough, a few moments later, and Bianco Bumi came through the doors. He had a white rabbit by his side holding a tray with cake on it.

    “Mother?” He calls out. His voice is deep like Rosso’s, but it is more lilting and fine. “Come out, come out, wherever you are,” he sings.

    I lean over the banister again. “Up here.”

    Bianco gasps softly, placing his hand over his chest. He looks near identical to Rosso, only his jaw is more rounded and softer. His freckles are white clubs, and they glitter. His eyebrows are like his mother’s, in that they’re arching and swoop off the face. His hair is long, draping down his chest in a thick braid that nearly touches the floor.

    “Oh my,” he says. “I wasn’t expecting a stranger here.”

    “I’m a guest of your mother’s,” I tell him. “Why don’t we go into the parlor and talk?” I suggest. 

    Bianco looks me over, and he smiles softly. “I would love to,” he replies. “But even bringing this cake has set me back quite a bit.”

    “Too bad,” I sigh, taking the cake tray. “I had such a lovely conversation with your brother, I figured-”

    Bianco snatches the tray away from me. “Oh, I suppose it would be the proper thing to do,” he leads me into the parlor. “I wouldn’t want to offend mother by being rude to her guest.” He glances down, seeing the two empty coffee cups on the table. He swats them off, the white rabbit catching them before they hit the ground.

    Bianco then gives me another charming smile. “So tell me,” he holds out the chair for me. “What makes you a guest to my mother?”

    I sit down, and Bianco sits before me. “I work for the Offices of Argumental Dissolvement and Resolution Center.”

    Bianco’s lips part and he gasps. He then laughs, covering his mouth with his gloved hand. “Sorry. I don’t mean to laugh. I’m just so shocked she finally went through with it.” He flourishes his hands in the air. “She’s been threatening it for decades now. To be honest, I’m glad she followed through with her threats. Rosso must have been at sorts.” He slices the cake, offering me a plate.

    “He took it well,” I reply. “Although, he didn’t seem to be expecting it as well as you are.”

    Bianco sighs. “I doubt it’ll work,” he looks at me, his gaze is surprisingly stoney. “I mean, I would love to come to some sort of amicable ground with my brother. But he’s too hot-headed. The slightest thing sets him off.”

    I think about the coffee cups he just swatted off the table, but I hold my tongue for now. “He seemed willing to go along with whatever I suggested.”

    Bianco shakes his head. “I would rather not put myself through that stress,” he sighs. “I know how Rosso is. I’ve known him since the womb, and I will know him in the grave.” He looks back at me. “I have been dealing with his meltdowns and episodes for far too long. I deserve to take care of my emotions, considering they were ignored all my life.”

    “Is that why you turned to the arts?” I ask. 

    Bianco huffs. “Rosso was born for the military, even when he was a child, he was lauded for it. I read my books, I studied art with Mother. But no matter what, Rosso got the praise for being an ass.”

    “But the people adore you,” I tell him. “You’re so well loved outside the palace walls. And it’s obvious your mother cares a great deal for your wellbeing. She came to me in tears.”

    Bianco scoffs.

    I reach out, touching Bianco’s hand. “You and Rosso have so many amazing qualities that seem different, but they are actually the same.”

    Bianco’s expression becomes icy and distant. “I don’t want to be compared to him.”

    “That’s going to be hard. You’re brothers, and you’re both remarkable,” I tell him. “You care about your people. It’s obvious you put your heart into everything you do. And you deserve to have that heart looked after.”

    Bianco glances at me, his gaze a little warmer. 

    “I want to help you both find a way to take care of yourselves and to keep the stress and fighting down, maybe even stop it.” I give him a warm smile. “I am here for you.”

    Bianco takes a white rose from his hair and places it in mine. “You have a remarkable way with words, Ms. Primrose. I almost believe you.” He stands up. “Perhaps a few more conversations over cake will convince me, and if not, I got to have cake with a stunning woman.” He walks away, the little rabbit trailing behind him. 

    I sigh, leaning back in my seat. Both of them were much more different than I expected.

    The next morning when I wake up, the cat and the rabbit are in my room. They lead me downstairs to the foyer where one side is all white, and the other is all red. Each side has gowns, outfits, flowers, candy, and various other beautiful things.

    The cat and the rabbit then both present me with a letter from each of the princes. Each letter is written vastly different, but they both say the same thing.

    “Oh no,” I whisper.

    “Oh!” Merah Muda gasps from above. “Mrs. Primrose, what is all this?” Since her hair is all wrapped up, her little birds are flying around her head. “What did my boys do?”

    I glance down at the letters, and when she comes to join me, I offer them to her to read.

    “Oh!” She gasps again. “Oh my, this is not what I planned on. This is far from what I intended! Oh goodness! Oh! This is going to make everything so much worse.” Merah Muda shakes her head. “Mrs. Primrose, what are you going to do?”

    “Miss,” I correct her. I then scoff. “And honestly, I don’t know. This is unprecedented.” I look down at the cat and the rabbit who are awaiting a reply to send back to Bianco and Rosso.

    I write down a reply in each of the cards and return them to the cat and the rabbit who bounce out the door. 

    “What did you say?” Merah Muda is fanning herself.

    “I told them I am flattered. I have never been courted by two people before, let alone princes.” I then chuckle. “This certainly is a pickle.”

    Merah Muda’s eyes bug and her jaw drops. “You didn’t tell them both that, did you! They’ll fly into a rage!”

    “And if they do, they risk losing to the other,” I smirk. “I hate to play the game this way, but perhaps falling in love will work.”

    Needless to say, after both Princes received their letters, there was quite a commotion. Both of them had very different ways of dealing with things. Rosso was more direct, while Bianco was willing to wait. 

    Rosso came to the house not long after receiving his letter, while Bianco sent more gifts and another heartfelt letter. Rosso watched as this procession of gifts came in, and he stormed back off.

    I sent them both letters, asking them to continue their dinners with their mother. Only I would be joining them, and I insisted there be conversation.

    Dinner that evening started as both princes arrived at the same time. They both stood in the doorway, glaring at one another. Anytime they moved at exactly the same time, they turned and looked at one another.

    I came down the stairs, and both of them turned in my direction. “Primrose, it’s so good to-” they say and stop at the exact same time.

    “Now, now,” I coax them. “No reason to get upset.” I smile at them both. “It’s good to see you both in one place,” I remark. “You make a very handsome pair.”

    They smile, then grimace once they notice the other is smiling.

    “Thank you, Primrose,” Bianco speaks up. “I’m so glad you invited me to dinner tonight.” He takes my hand and kisses it.

    Rosso takes my other hand, kissing my palm and wrist like before. “I’m sorry about this morning,” he replies. “I plan to make up for it.”

    Bianco sniffs and drops his hands to his side. “It certainly promises to be a very eventful evening,”

    Rosso cuts his eyes to him. “And just what is that supposed to mean?”

    “Boys!” I snap at them. “If you’re going to insult one another, just say it out loud instead of grumbling it under your breath. It’s aggravating. You aren’t just bothering each other, you’re bothering everyone around you.”

    They both flinch and wilt back like scolded children.

    “Until you both learn to accept how alike you are, you’re only going to see each other as strangers.” I cross my arms against my chest. “These dinners were your mother’s attempt to get you to talk. But all you do is argue. These dinners are now under my rule. If you both want favor in my heart, you’re going to have to act a lot better than that.”

    Rosso scoffs, glancing sideways to Bianco. “I will try if he will.”

    “I have always tried,” Bianco tilts his head to the side.

    Rosso’s eyes flame up, and his diamond freckles start to glow. “You little-”

    I shove my hand between them, pushing Rosso back and giving Bianco a glare. “Stop it,” I hiss at him. “You’re poking the bear.”

    Bianco’s eyes widen, and he gasps. “ I wasn’t. He’s the one who-”

    I snap my fingers in his face. “You told me before, you know your brother inside and out. Then you know how to goad him. Just because he lashes out, doesn’t mean he’s at fault. Your words are a stick jamming into his eye.”

    Rosso smirks, pressing his chest into my palm. “I knew it.”

    “And you,” I turn to him. “You don’t have to react to everything he says. If you don’t give him anything, then he has nothing to work from.” I huff and step away from them. “It’s like training puppies, I swear,” I grumble to myself.

    I look back at them. “Come along, then.”

    They follow me into the dining room, taking seats at opposite sides of the table. I sit at the head between.

    “Where’s Mother?” Rosso asks.

    “She got a little shocked after this morning,” I reply. “So she went on a small holiday so she could, how did she put it?” I feign thinking. “Oh yes, to get away from the spoiled brats.”

    The princes' glare at each other from across the table.

    “I’m not one for romance,” I murmur. “I’m still quite shocked by your declarations.” I glance between them, seeing things in them I do like. “I may not know how to act. But just know I don’t intend to make things worse between you. I want to help you both and find your common ground.”

    “Right now, it seems, you are the common ground,” Bianco replies. 

    Rosso scowls and looks away.

    “I would never have assumed we would both have similar taste,” Bianco smiles at me and his club freckles sparkle. 

    I then hold up my hand. “If you’re going to say more, end it there.”

    Bianco’s eyes widen, then he looks away. 

Rosso glances at me, and he smiles softly. “We always fought over toys,” he starts. “But was it ever because we liked the toy, or because we didn’t want the other to have it?”

Bianco furrows his brow and looks up at Rosso. “Good point,” he mutters.

I sigh with relief. This may not be much, but it’s a huge start.

They are quiet throughout most of the dinner, but we do agree to a plan. I would have breakfast with Rosso every morning, and then have lunch with Bianco in the afternoon. Then, we would all have dinner together in the evenings. 

In the morning, I wake up to one of Rosso’s cats who holds out a menu. I select what I want from the menu, and then he quickly scurries off. After I get dressed and ready, breakfast is waiting downstairs, along with Rosso.

“Good morning, Primrose,” he says with a bow.

I chuckle and return his bow. “Same to you. Do you mind if I ask why you wanted breakfast?”

“Because then I would get to see you first,” he smirks. “It’s that simple.” He pulls out my chair for me and then pours my coffee.

“The logic certainly works,” I reply.

“I figure, it can’t hurt to make the first impression of the day,” Rosso grins as he takes his seat.

It’s easy to see that Rosso is taking to this like a competition, strike first, and you’ll gain the upper hand. It also speaks to Rosso’s anxiety that is the cause of his extreme emotions. He wants to rip the band-aid off fast, rather than having to think about it.

It never occurred to me that Rosso would be the sensitive one. I had always imagined him being like a brick. But in truth, he was like the apple butter on my toast. 

In the afternoon, one of Bianco’s rabbits comes, providing a menu which I check off what I desire for lunch. Sometime later, a stampede of rabbits come into the house, delivering lunch. Bianco strides in behind them and kneels before me. He kisses the back of my hand, then presses his forehead to it.

“I hope your day has been going well,” he says as he rises.

“For the most part,” I chuckle. “No need to be so formal with me, Bianco, really.”

“I enjoy them,” he smiles, taking my arm as we walk into the dining room. “I think there is something to be said for theatrics in the real world. Actions speak louder than words.”

“Do they?” I remark as we sit at the table. 

“Don’t they?” Bianco laughs. “You can certainly tell a person you care, but showing it does so much more!”

Bianco has an issue with anxiety as Rosso does. Only instead of hiding behind swift actions, Bianco hides behind a character. He acts in a certain and planned way, so that way, he doesn’t have to worry about irregularities. That is why he likes the fine arts and high education. They’re predictable.

I could understand why Merah Muda wanted them to work together, rather than separate. Together they could be unstoppable, and yet they were so damn set on being separated. They even split a castle in half to prove it!

One evening as I’m coming out of my room for dinner, I hear them both arguing in the foyer. Their tones are heated, Bianco’s is a simmering quiet while Rosso’s is booming.

“How can you even ask me such a thing?” Bianco hisses.

“Because I dare!” Rosso snaps. “You have all the little muses you want, what does it matter to you?”

“You think I flit about from person to person?” Bianco scoffs. “You think I am so fickle and so cruel of heart as to toy with emotions like that?”

“It’s all you’ve ever done to me!” Rosso barks. 

“All you are is emotions!” Bianco suddenly roars. 

Rosso goes quiet suddenly, and he sighs. “Why won’t you ever let me have anything? Why can’t we just leave each other alone?”

“Because we’re never alone,” Bianco growls. “We can never be alone!” He snaps suddenly. 

It’s quiet for a long pause.

“Where is she?” Bianco grunts.

“Probably heard us screaming and ran off,” Rosso grumbles under his breath. “I certainly want to.”

“I hate this place,” Bianco whispers.

Rosso shifts, turning towards his brother. “What do you mean?”

“Anytime we had an argument, they would separate us. You got to stay in the palace, and I was moved out here,” Bianco huffs.

“I thought you liked that.”

“I didn’t!” Bianco laughs. “I hated being taken out of the palace. The palace was home! I was left out here alone. And why?”

Rosso is quiet.

“Exactly! Because they thought that’s how I wanted it, but I…” Bianco’s voice cuts off, and he huffs. “You were always so loud. I just wanted quiet.”

“Why did you never say anything?” Rosso asks.

“Because I couldn’t,” he grumbles. “I didn’t want…” he huffs. “Never mind why.”

Rosso sighs. “Maybe that’s why things have been so messed up for so long. We don’t say anything.”

Bianco looks back at him. 

“We cause so much trouble with just each other, we don’t want to cause any more.” Rosso then chuckles. “So we just continue going in circles.”

“Holy shit,” Bianco laughs. “Do you think Primrose is actually working?”

“Maybe,” Rosso murmurs.

“Sorry!” I call out. “I’m running late. “I’ll be down in a second.” 

I linger for a moment, wondering if all my efforts have really gotten to them. I then go down the stairs, seeing them both standing there waiting.

“Sorry I was trying to get-” I stop when they both kneel before me, each taking a hand.

“Primrose,” they say in unison.

I feel uneasy, and I squeeze their palms. “What?”

“We have a proposition,” Bianco starts.

“We both want you to stay with us in the palace,” Rosso continues.

I glance between them, studying their serious expressions. “Oh,” I whisper. “I...am I supposed to choose because I-”

“No,” they both gasp. “No, please.”

“You’ll come live with me in my side for a week,” Bianco says.

“Then me in mine,” Rosso squeezes your hand.

“Oh,” I’m pleasantly surprised. “And you both came up with this on your own?”

They stand up and smile down at me. 

“You told us to try,” Bianco says.

“What do you say?” Rosso asks. 

I think for a moment, glancing down at the ground I then look up at them. “Only if afterward, you agree to join the castle back together.”

They exchange wary looks then nod. “Ok, fine.”

    I go to spend the first week with Rosso. His half is the right and covered with red flowers. He gives me a room that is across the hall from his chambers. He’s quiet as he shows me the grounds. As he shows me to my room, he stands at the door.

    “You should rest,” Rosso says. “Spend some time to yourself.”

    I look back at him. “But that isn’t why I am here, is it?” I ask.

    Rosso clears his throat. “No, I suppose-”

    “I’d like to spend time with you.” I then stand up and go across the hall, opening the door to his chambers. “So wouldn’t it be best if we shared?”

    He gasps and looks up, cupping his hand over his mouth. “You shouldn’t,” he grumbles.

    I take hold of Rosso’s hand, pulling him inside with me. “For the week, I am yours. You don’t have to share me at all. Why not take advantage of that?”

    His diamond shaped freckles glow, and he glares down at me. “I would never take advantage!” He roars.

    I place my fingers over his lips. “I know this,” I tell him. “What I am saying is that I am here with you. Perhaps, you should enjoy it, rather than worry over it.”

    Rosso sighs, kissing my fingertips and then nuzzling into my palm as I cup his cheek. “I will try,” he grumbles. “I want to enjoy you.”

    “I want to enjoy you too,” I tangle my finger in one of his corkscrew curls. I then stand on tiptoes, tilting his head down and kissing him softly.

His face goes bright red, and when we part, he turns away, clearing his throat. “Yes, well,” he huffs. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He pours himself a glass of water from a crystal decanter. “You may not want to share a bed with me.”

I chuckle, genuinely looking forward to just that.

The first night, Rosso made some excuse and didn’t come to bed until late. I was dead asleep when he crawled in, and when I did wake up, he was perched on the edge.

The next night he lingered, sitting on the bed as I crawled under the blankets. 

“That was a good dinner,” I sigh as I snuggled into the bed. The pillows smelled like him, and it made me feel safe.

“It was,” he huffs.

I reach out, touching his bare back. Rosso shivers, and he glances over his shoulder at me. “You’re tired,” he then stands up. “I should-”

I sit up and capture his arm. “Come here.”

He frowns but lets me pull him down. I kiss him softly, pressing him down into the bed. I swirl my tongue in his mouth, and he moans softly. His hands clamp around my hips, and he returns my kiss.

“What is this?” He growls.

“A goodnight kiss,” I smirk.

“It does not feel like a good night!” He snarls, his fingers digging into my hips. “How do you expect me to sleep after such a kiss?”

I lay down beside him, kissing his neck and chest. His body is hairy and strong, he’s got scars on his stomach and chest, so I kiss them.

Rosso moans, flinching with each touch of my lips. “Primrose,” he shudders.

“I told you,” I start. “I don’t know much about romance.” My hair hangs before my face. “But I know lots when it comes to affection and touch.”

Rosso grunts, biting his lip. “Then what are you doing?”

I sit up, over him. “Showing you my feelings.” I kiss him again as my hand pets down his chest. “Relax,” I purr.

He grabs my wrist, stopping me from going any further than his stomach. “Primrose,” he trembles. “If you do that,” he shudders.

“What?” I kiss his neck and gently nibble. 

He chuckles softly. “Am I going to have to chain you up?”

I smirk at him. “Would you like to?” I lay on my back and lift my arms above my head. “Like this?”

Rosso’s eyes light up, and then he looks away. “Well, I don’t mean right now,” he tries to catch his breath,

I sit back up, kissing him again. “Then what do you want?”

Rosso looks into my eyes. “Just you.” He shoves me back down into the bed, kissing me hungrily. We strip down, pressing our bare bodies together. He feels so warm, and I can feel his heat against my thigh. I shiver, panting as I take him into my hand. He’s thick and curves upward. 

I roll Rosso onto his back, climbing on top of him. I rub my slit to him, feeling him throb as we touch. I plant a palm on his chest, gazing into his eyes as I start to take him inside me. I grunt, feeling him stretch me. I slowly ease myself down on him and his back arches off the bed. He wraps his thick hands around my thighs, squeezing and kneading.

I sit on him, having taken all of him inside. I feel stretched tight, but I wouldn’t want anything else in this moment. 

“Rosso,” I purr to him, petting down his chest. I make him look at where we are joined, slowly easing up so he can see how he fits inside me. “Perfect fit,” I moan.

Rosso seethes, grinding his hips, so he moves inside me. “Really perfect,” he groans.

I start to move, shuddering as I do. His thickness and the way his shaft curves hits the sensitive spots inside me. I’ve never felt such a sensation before. As I start to move, I feel him twitching. I bounce more, growing faster and harder. I want to feel more of him, all of him. All I want in that moment is Rosso and his body. I grunt and sigh, planting my palms on his stomach to gain more leverage. 

“Primrose,” Rosso growls, his fingers digging hard into my thighs. “Primrose, please,” he begs.

I look into his eyes, and I nod. “For me,” I mewl. “Give it all to me.”

He sits up like a lightning bolt, grabbing me and kissing me. I moan into his mouth, feeling our heat melt together. I tremble and shake, feeling as if the earth is moving. I wrap my arms around him, kissing him hungrily as his thick seed fills me.

Rosso pants, pulling back and grinning at me. “Wow, I-” he gulps down a breath. “I’ve never felt that before.”

I kiss him as we fall back into bed. I lay on his chest, hearing the rapid beating of his excited heart. “That’s love,” I whisper.

Rosso sniffles. “Sorry. I’m just uhm-”

I sit up, licking the tears on his cheeks. “I love you too, Rosso,” I whisper to him.

His breath shudders, and he touches my cheek. “I love you. I really do. I want to make you happy.”

I kiss his palm. “Now is a good start.”

When it’s time to go visit Bianco, I am greeted into his half of the palace by his rabbits. They guide me around before taking me to Bianco’s quarters, where he has a lovely meal waiting.

“There you are,” he comes up to me, touching my cheek and then kissing me. His kiss is strong and hard, a little like Rosso’s.

“Mm,” I moan softly.

“Too much?” Bianco smirks.

I shake my head. “No, just right.” I kiss him again, and he grabs me, putting his hands around my waist. His lips part and he sucks my tongue.

“Damn,” he growls as we part. “Sorry,” he chuckles. “I must be hungry.”

“It’s ok,” I touch my lips. “It happens to the best of us.”

“Did my brother behave so barbarically?” Bianco asks, leading me to the table that’s set up for us to dine at.

“He was actually quite shy,” I reply. “I had to pull him out of his shell a little bit.” I steal a dumpling from a platter as Bianco turns to stare me down. I smirk up at him.

“What?” I ask knowingly.

Bianco licks his lips and chuckles. “Nothing at all. Just imagining you begging Rosso for attention.” He leans down, kissing my neck and moaning into my ear. “No worries, love, you won’t have to beg for anything.”

I chuckle, pressing my palms to his chest. “You’re excited.”

“Very,” he kisses my cheek. “I’ve been overthinking things, I will admit. I just want you to like it here. I want you to-” he hesitates as he pours wine.

“I already like you, Bianco,” I tell him. “Were you worried I wouldn’t?”

He scowls, looking away. “Rosso got you first.”

“That’s what sharing is,” I chuckle. “Maybe, one day, when you two can stand each other, you can share me at the same time.”

His club freckles sparkle brightly. “You...you would do that?”

I sit on the table top, pulling up my skirt. “I’ve fallen in love very hard. With you. With Rosso.” 

Bianco captures a kiss, placing himself between my legs. “So you’ve made up your mind, then?”

I kiss him, wrapping my arms around him as he reaches between us, dropping his pants. His finger moves aside my panties, and he rubs my slit.

“That’s why I asked you unify the castle,” I moan. “Oh god,” I shiver. His touch is far too good. “Bianco,” I whimper. I open up his clothes, touching his smooth bare chest. Where Rosso is bulky and hairy, Bianco is leaner and smooth.

He smirks and bites my cheek. “One just not enough for you? You have to have both?” His voice cracks. “It’s ok,” he sighs. “I don’t blame you.” He moves his fingers aside, and I feel his cock at my entrance.

“Mm,” I bite my lip. “Bianco,” I mewl again.

He chuckles, pressing himself inside me. He’s not as thick as Rosso, but he is quite long. I gasp, squeezing around him as he spears himself in me. As he moves, the table shakes. Glasses fall over, and the centerpieces start to shed into the trays.

I gasp and sigh, gripping onto his back. I can feel him so deep inside me, it’s almost as if he’s in my guts. I moan loudly into his ear, clawing down his back.

“Primrose,” he moans. “Oh fuck,” he pants and whines.

I kiss him and gasp suddenly. “Bianco,” I mewl. “Bianco!”

He growls, snarling. He moves faster, harder. The candles on the table fall over, lighting the centerpiece on fire. We don’t notice it though. He fills me, and my lashes flutter. My head hangs back on my shoulders and Bianco lays on me. We lay there on the table as the centerpiece bursts into flames.

I wake up the next morning with Bianco tightly wrapped around me. I giggle, kissing him good morning.

“You slept through a terror,” Bianco chuckles.

“Did I?” I smirk.

“I got you into bed before anyone saw you,” he lifts up the blankets, smirking down at my naked body.

“Excuse me,” the canopy parts and Rosso stands there.

“What?” I gasp. “What are you doing here?”

Bianco drags me down into bed as Rosso crawls in beside us. “I invited him. Aren’t I wonderful?”

Rosso lays beside me, kissing me.

    “I thought you would miss him,” Bianco murmurs.

    I smile at him. “That’s so sweet, thank you.”

    “We’ll see how long it lasts,” Rosso smarts. “You tend to fall asleep right after. Who is going to keep us from fighting when you do that?” He teases, kissing my cheek.

    They moosh me between their bodies, and it feels right. I relax, letting them snuggle me back to sleep that early morning.

    We agree that once the palace is unified again that a wedding should take place. I work with Merah Muda on planning it, but one day, as we’re picking out wedding dresses, I suddenly feel extremely nauseous and throw up on one of the gowns.

    That evening, after having gone to see a doctor, I wait for Bianco and Rosso in the Garden Manor behind the palace. When they arrive, they’re breathing hard and look worried.

    “Mother said you got sick! What’s wrong?” The both blurt at the same time.

    I glance up at them. “I may not be able to fit into a wedding gown,” I reply.

They both frown. 

I smile at them. “I’ll be quite pregnant when the wedding takes place.”

Their expressions as they take in this news make me feel happier than I have ever been. I touch my stomach, knowing our baby will be loved and treasured just as I am by these two. I don’t have to worry about anything. They have finally found peace with each other.