#Ayato really did say 'the only reason you're alive is because I deem it so'

[akumanoken]

They managed to return without much of a fuss, but it was soon spread throughout the palace and the city extending around. The royal couple had returned to the capital, baby in tow...

It was at the insistence of the Crown Prince that their princess and young prince be left alone to rest after the long ride, only allowing the King and Queen to descend upon them.

Kiku was infatuated with the child, hushed whispers with Sakura as they cared for the wide-awake Haruki.

Ayato, however, had some pressing matters to address. "Fujimaru, a word?"

The king stiffened slightly, as he always did at Ayato's tone, and to say that the prince didn't enjoy it would be a falsehood. "Yes, my boy what is it??"

"Now that I have returned I feel a need to take on more. Sakura and I now have a baby, which should quell fears of a broken line for a time, and now perhaps it is time for me to take on more responsibilities for when the time comes." He made it sound as pleasant as possible, his eyes not on the king at all, but looking out onto the world below. "I have a great deal to learn still, and there are things that I know Sakura wishes to make a reality. The best way of doing that is to make sure that I am able to act as a proper king, and I shall need more of your responsibilities to grow accustomed to the load.

Fujimaru gave him a shrewd look. "Now that you have a child to carry on the succession you plan on easing me out, is that it?"

"...those are your words, Heika," he said softly. "Not mine." Of course, there was no denying the smirk on his lips. Fujimaru could be quite quick when he wanted. "You brought me here for a purpose. Sakura has been studying all he can to be a queen worthy of Makoto, I merely wish to aid him, and to be a partner worthy of the queen he will become. In order to do so," he said turning his eyes to the king, "you will need to relinquish your hold on a few things...gradually, mind. Don't worry, I have no plans on immediately throwing you out of power. Makoto has no need for such turmoil."

Fear of the prince prevented Fujimaru from immediately snapping back, instead taking a breath to calm his nerves. Gods, he liked it much better when the boy and his damnable husband were away during the winter months. "Indeed if not for the desire to keep Makoto in peace I would gladly give it all to you..." Just so see you buckle and be crushed underfoot... "But we shall go over them in a few days and you can get started immediately. In the meantime, i am eager to see my grandson--" He seized up when a hand gripped his arm.

"One more thing before this is over, Fujimaru," Ayato whispered in his ear, low and dark. "I will not have you sticking your hand in the affairs of my wife and my son, are we clear? You say or do anything that upsets Sakura, or hints at putting Haruki through the same torture you did him, and I will not promise my response will be reasonable, are we clear?"

Fujimaru was white as a sheet, thinking back to that day Ayato came riding back to the palace, and the way he was confronted. "Crystal..."

"Good..." He let the other go, turning to Sakura and the Queen with a wide smile as the king was left visibly shaken. "You two are whispering over there, makes me wonder what sordid plans you have to spoil my son..."