Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10
cw : royalty au, strangers to lovers, arranged engagement, reader is royalty, sabo is a noble engaged to reader but upholding his anti-nobility views so you can imagine the juicy angsty clash, though he will warm up // wc : 4.278 words // a/n : I suck at time management, expect longer delays between chapters as I now dance over 20 hours per week on top of school, finding time to write is hard but I promise to always update !
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tags : @ozzities @manachiichan @stuckinmymind22 @unwillingstars @kitsunechan707 @berrybrainz @thekatisspooky @willamwrites @julieisafreakforfanfiction @minicrumbs @chocolateshortcakesblog @sweet-cuddlebug @deltamoon666
The novelty of the previous day had settled already. You realized as much under the lukewarm gaze Sabo offered beside his family. Standing at your home’s entrance, grins on display, the quartet displayed their most amiable — yet still stingy — behavior.
It had already come as a surprise earlier during breakfast when your mother announced she had, without consulting you, invited the family over and that she wanted each of her children present for some quality time regardless of schedules. Groans had echoed across the table, cutlery even rudely clashing against plates in displeasure. And even you gave an annoyed sigh of protest at having to see your fiance yet again for three days in a row. None knew how demanding time spent with him was — how easily it was for a regular atmosphere to go south.
“Are you not happy you get to see your fiance so often, dear?” Your mother had said under a coercive tone.
“Yes mama,” you had grumbled under a forced smile, ignoring the daggers your younger siblings shot at you.
Now with artificial enthusiasm, you found yourself standing beside your siblings in the castle’s lobby cordially inviting someone you partially loathed and respected, his parents who repulsed you by their impertinence and a younger brother you had yet to meet but surely shouldn’t have fallen far from the lousy three.
“Welcome,” your mother greeted under a pleasant voice. “Thank you very much for accepting our invitation,” she went and took Didit’s hands in hers, both women appearing visibly pleased.
Ignoring the cordial banter of adults, you focused your attention on Sabo — animosity was long gone, having been replaced with calmness as his eyes met yours. A complice smile was even offered, prompting you to give a questioning one in return. Was your presence in modest royal garments enough to dissipate his disdain towards the place he currently found himself in? Red carpets, expensive wallpapers and even chandeliers crowned the castle’s lobby. Sabo should be stiffening in anger and yet.
He approached nonchalantly, greeting the watchful eyes of your younger siblings under a polite nod to envelop your right hand in his, lowering his back almost too naturally to offer a light pressure of his lips against your skin. Leaving behind nothing but the increasing moisturizing sensation of your palm in his.
“It’s good to see you again,” he whispered almost too loudly, his round eyes refusing to let go of yours.
“Oh my,” your sister had opened her fan for wind while her twin grimaced.
Before you could give your own polite reply under an unimpressed composure, the clamor of Didit went to take over the scene.
“Would you look at that, they seem to have gotten closer following their engagement ring shopping,” she laughed vigorously, self-satisfied. It was irritating to the ears.
Sabo raised himself, tight in his hold of your hand despite your attempts to slip it away.
“I myself am waiting with eagerness for the arrival of the ring,” your mother expressed.
You gave Sabo a knowing look — they will be disappointed and there was no telling on whom the thundering blame from mothers would fall. Sabo gave your hand a reassuring squeeze, appearing reliable.
“Shall we all head to our main entertainment of the day then?” Your mother stated under that subtle direct tone of hers. Upon hearing no protest she led the way. “The King will be late in joining us as he has matters to tend to,” she clarified. Of course, he of all people could scarcely escape your mother’s plans without repercussions.
Closing the queue of fluttering gowns and knee length tailcoats headed for the garden, your hold had migrated to its usual nest on Sabo’s arm.
“Have you a habit of hiding the existence of your brothers from me?” you whispered low enough to pique Sabo’s interest. Named Selly, the young boy seemed to have found interest in loudly charming your sister.
Rather than appearing playful at the tease, Sabo expressed a mixture of displeasure and disgust. “This one I wish you never found the existence of,” he admitted.
“Quite the family issues you’ve got hidden,” you smirked. At least the disdain towards similar individuals was mutual.
“Like many of us. Although they say the family you choose is better.”
“Dare I assume to hold the possibility of being chosen someday?” you tightened your hold, slowing down the walking pace.
Blond curls tilted in your direction along with the unreadable eyes of Sabo. “The future remains uncertain. But I can assure you, I’ve chosen to believe in second chances,” he pressed his free hand atop your palm, providing warmth to spread across your body.
You further pushed for truth and specific answers. “Oh? And what does that entail?”
Sabo mused. “Various options.”
“Well,” you slowed your pace even more. “Since we are talking options, I shall give you one.”
“I’ll add it to the list,” Sabo nonchalantly commented, frustrating you in silence.
“No. You won’t contemplate it,” you halted your march, pressuring his arm to do suit. Keeping a firm grip so as to prevent his running away you stood unwavering in front of him. “Regarding our engagement, we are now at week two. I recall whatever business of yours you had to sort out was to lead to our falling out either this week or in the following three.”
The air around Sabo grew serious. “What is your point?”
“I request an extension,” with certainty the words were spoken. Seeing as Sabo was about to protest, you raised your free hand to cut him. “I do not care what business you need taken care of nor what trouble awaits you if you are still engaged in five week’s time. It is of no importance to me neither do I wish to know.”
A displeased frown appeared in his eyes as did creased eyebrows. Yet he graced you with further silence, allowing you to continue.
“Yesterday you vouched for me that I would bring forward the Noblesse Oblige plan, did you not?” Sabo nodded with gravity under your matter-of-factly spoken words. “Would you not hate to lose credibility, let alone trust, in front of those who depend on you so much as the guild’s number two?”
“You’re blackmailing me?” His tone was low in fury.
“One year.” Casually, you went on to tightly readjust the tie that loosely hung on his neck. “Enough time to witness the prowess or the failure of Noblesse Oblige, ensure your perpetuated reliability within your guild and the safety from our engagement for me.”
Sabo met your acute gaze, sustaining it to see if you would falter. “A fair enough proposition that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”
You couldn’t help but smile at the shift in power dynamics. Long gone were the days where you begged for a change of his heart, to have him explain himself to you, devouring the tiniest breadcrumbs. Cards had been dealt to you upon your recent frequentations together and you had now played them, only hopeful that the chains you had casted on him would be strong enough to change his mind as more cards would join the game. And most importantly, that Sabo wouldn’t deal cards of his own in the future.
“You drag me into your meetings against my will like prize money. Of course you can’t be the only one who has something to gain,” you raised yourself on your tip-toes, using the side of his chest as support. “We’re two at playing pretend now. But don’t worry, I won’t hurt your feelings like you did mine,” you softly delivered the last line with a haughty chin.
The act left you with a variety of anxiety, coldness and suppressed yearning all of which you weren’t ready to face. Deeper sunk your chances of ever having him willingly accept marriage now. Brazen must you appear after he had given you an apology, willing to start anew. Ungrateful you must be for spilling ink on this new page with selfish demands. Heavier grew your conscience. Hotter grew the air.
Tighter grew the hold he had fastened on your waist, caging you in an embrace while your ankles neared trembling in this prolonged height.
“I look forward to witnessing how you play, Your Highness.”
Anger reeled in Sabo’s eyes ; contaminating you in turn. This wasn’t about old habits resurfacing. It was something entirely new both of you had yet to navigate. Something that had made all the ear whispering, the face to face proximity and the back of the hand etiquette kisses appear foolish, innocent even. A knotted emotion that had prompted the parting of your lips, thinking a word of protest would escape which would soon allow freedom and its breathable air. But alas none creeped out.
Puzzled at your own silence you further narrowed a glaring vision at Sabo who had his lowered upon the object of your betrayal.
You had rehearsed this in your mind all morning — tell him of the one year condition in exchange for your participation in the guild. He must have reached an open minded state following the resolution of misconceptions if he allowed you into his private quarters, into his private life. And surely he’d extend the same amount of willingness to an engagement extension. You had to sound serious for him to listen, to accept. Then both of you could go back to humoring your family’s sense of entertainment under good spirits. Sure you might have gotten closer than intended in the process, but etiquette had long since been abandoned between you both to be replaced with honesty and irking manipulation.
Falling prey to his feelings, to his foreseen bitterness was an error on your part.
A miscalculation that costed you the lowering of his lips towards yours. Slowly, in realization, you reverted back to that innocence, cheeks properly flushing, eyes wavering and inner thighs growing moist under your gown’s fabric upon acknowledging the evolution of circumstances.
You could push him away, retract your neck in protest even. In order to have your dignity preserved — even if it had been challenged in the past. But in this moment you found yourself being a coward. Or perhaps swept up was a better term?
A disgusted groan halted the scene — Sabo inches away from breaking morality. “For pity’s sake, don’t start eating each other’s mouth and join us,” you both turned to witness your younger brother standing in the yard with crossed arms. “Says mama. These are her words.”
A lucky streak that it was your most depraved sibling who had come upon you both. Unimaginable would be the consequences otherwise.
“We are not—” You fumbled both your words and your hasty way out of Sabo’s arms. “These are not mama's words!” You exclaimed in fluster, stomping towards your sibling, leaving behind your fiance in solitude. “These words are yours for they are crude!”
Your brother shrugged and grateful did you feel that he did not make a scene out of this. “You coming, dear respectable guest?” He asked under a knowing sneer.
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Sabo strolled towards the garden, loosening his tie as he kept a watchful eye on your dissipating crimson.
“Do keep the innuendos in check would you?” Your sibling complained aloud as he led the way, silence thickening the atmosphere.
The garden had been arranged so that tents were mounted, creating comfortable shadows from the spark of the sun. An assemblage of plump, plush looking armchairs and matching sofas had been laid about in a half moon manner, small tables separating each with drinks and small bites of food available to satiate any craving. In addition to the purple wisteria tree falling overhead, more flowers in ceramic vases had been arranged as yet an endless distraction for the eyes. On one end, your sister had found herself enraptured in Selly’s sly attention, appearing as polite as she could under the unwanted care following her twin’s venture, until she beamed, personally going to fetch him upon his arrival. The other extremity housed your mother who seemed pleasant to discuss frivolities with Didit while her husband already drowned his stomach in wine.
In front were settled musicians on wooden chairs — dressed in all black, piano, cello, violin, harp, oboe, flutes and many more at the ready, their nerves stirred while they waited for their cue to start playing. Allegedly, those were newfound talents of the era coming from overseas. And your mother had graciously necessitated their presence at the palace first before they integrated the local theaters for their continental tour at the noble’s town.
"Inseperable already aren't they?” Outlook with a satisfied grin glanced upon your returning figures, leaving everyone to stare with curious eyes.
Your mother hummed in favor, "and only after a day together, I find that quite favorable.”
Sheepish, you settled down the two place sofa which had been purposefully left empty. Sabo repeated a similar motion while you positioned your palms together atop your skirt following its neat smoothing.
Didit took a pastry, "perhaps we shall expect a wedding soon.” She grinned as her teeth dug themselves in the delicate mixture.
You glanced at Sabo, expecting obvious displeasure but saw him reflecting a neutral composure. Odd. But inherently an upgrade from his visible disdain upon the first meeting two weeks ago.
"And rush through steps?” Sabo inquired towards his mother. “A year is an adequate amount of time to remain engaged while growing familiar with each other is it not?"
Clearly he had upgraded his efforts.
"A year?" Didit gasped, clearing her throat of mischievous crumbs. "Why bother with such a long delay?” She almost appeared intimidating. If not for the royal family present, threatening might have been the wiser word. Your heart grieved for Sabo’s poor family dynamics.
"Because we still have so much to take into consideration,” Sabo shifted his knees towards yours, voice devoid of emotions. “In fact we were thinking of establishing ourselves in the countryside,” he placed his palm atop your hands, smiling as a candid suitor would have it.
He had never willingly spoken about procedures following marriage. Sensing no malice nor annoyance you gave him an earnest look. It was a step forward. Although he could lose the over the top smiling, especially when his eyes didn't follow. Touches were a welcomed bonus, but you would never admit to it aloud.
"Why under heaven's eyes would you go to such a drab place,” Outlook had found enough discontentment to dispatch himself from his drink and offer his thoughts.
"With nothing but greens and trees to keep you company at that too,” Selly had added under a mocking tone.
"There'll be no entertainment!" Didit seemed on the verge of despair as though she was the one experiencing that reality.
Pressuring his hand over yours, Sabo’s face grew in obvious graveness. "Why such displeasure? We do find that there is much opportunity to be discovered amongst nature. Is marrying simply not enough for you both?” The coldness of his voice had muted his parents but chilled the atmosphere as well.
"Opportunities? Like getting to be acquainted with their ducks?" your little brother offered in light spirits, chuckling in a way that dissipated the atmosphere. Despite his many flaws, you loved him for that while watching the tension dissipate from everyone’s face.
Hence you supported him in his endeavor with a teasing tone. "I'll be sure to send one your way to keep as a pet.”
"Well," the Queen Dowager smiled, "the countryside has its charm. And seeing as we have an estate there, perhaps it'll find more use for our family if you both take it as residence." She turned to face her guests. "Of course you two are welcome to join us during our stays.”
Your brother pondered aloud. "When's the last time we've been there actually?”
It had indeed been quite a few years.
Though your mother dared not reveal such delicate information. "Perhaps it is time to dust off the place? Give you children a taste of the countryside," she hawked your eyes for no sign of disapproving.
Your sister, enticed by this change of scenery talk, clasped her hands together in excitement. "What are you thinking mama?”
She mused for a fraction of second. "A ball may very well be what kicks off the renewal of our house.”
The tell tale solution to every problem.
You heard Sabo murmur an 'of course' under his breath, palms growing lighter over yours.
"Maybe mama,” you intervened before more ideas on the matter would be exchanged. “We could consider a soirée. Make it more private with less guests and more entertainment,” you glanced at Sabo, making sure he wasn't growing any more bitter at the idea. “We don't want people thinking we've grown tired of the city.”
"Mmh yes," she nodded. "A selected few from the city along with the wealthy of the countryside,” her eyes took on that luster signifying she already began visualizing the scene. “We don't want to have them feel left behind more than they already are.”
"Perhaps I could help with the preparations?" You asked, knowing where her imagination was headed.
"And neglect being courted?" She scoffed in ridicule. "Dear child, no. You'll have plenty of time to organize such events once you become lady of your house.”
You smiled in defeat. Acknowledging of your efforts however, Sabo went on to give your palm a squeeze, grateful of your attempt. Looking up to witness the accompaniment of such a gesture, you took in a resigned look on his part — he shook his head with blank eyes, mouth thin yet still upwards while gazing on you.
Even the most stubborn man you knew wasn't foolish enough to encourage a fight with the Queen Dowager.
“Have I missed the spectacle already?" The king had appeared, a handsome smile featured on him. One he would give as he enticed favorable impressions of him from others.
“Not at all son," your mother smiled, extending an arm towards the remaining armchair. “We've all been waiting for you, the musicians included.”
Everyone glanced as the artists had all stood up at his arrival and kept a polite curtsey. Without regards of acknowledgement, the king sat in his designated seat, sparing you and the other members of his family frank smiles, keeping protocol head nods for your fiance's.
“I won't keep everyone waiting any longer then," he made a gesture for the musicians to ready themselves. “Do bless us all with the said symphony that had granted you such continental praise along with an audience to our royal estate."
Delicate notes were given life out of every instrument, each aiming to forge a path through the audience’s heart, soul and spirit. If emotions were felt, if lips were stretched, eyelids closed or body parts swaying with accurate tempo, then the goal was considered achieved. Everyone took in the connection between artist and instrument — feuds and arguments were forgotten, pleasantries ceased to be exchanged and even your fiance, whom you furtively glanced at, seemed to have found momentary contentment.
“I declare this to have been worthwhile entertainment,” the King affirmed upon the last symphony taking flight.
“Indeed it was,” advanced Sabo.
Satisfied smiles and hushed opinions were exchanged as hands clapped away the artistry of each musician who politely bowed before preparing their departure.
Getting closer to quickly whisper in Sabo’s space, you snickered at your own tease “Looks like we’ve finally found something else you enjoy other than what was it? The universal pleasure of dancing.”
Your harmless chuckling had enticed a subtle grin from your fiance and the attention of Didit.
“Here’s the thing with universal pleasures. They tend to be harmless and made to be enjoyed by everyone,” Sabo bent his neck to your height, whispering in turn without an ounce of annoyance. “The only thing that matters is having good company.”
Before your reply made itself known, Didit must have felt the urge to be in control of the conversation.
“Your highness, my son has a great love for music,” she looked at your quizzical expression with conviction before addressing your mother and brother. “He has in fact been taught to play the pianoforte and violin.”
Now the moment was ruined.
‘Perhaps we might add artist to your long list of universal yet noble inclined interests,’ were words for Sabo you suppressed down your throat under a stiff nod towards Didit.
“I couldn’t have worded it better myself. Thank you mother,” Sabo dryly expressed.
“Then do us the honor of playing, won’t you?”
Everyone first looked at the Queen Dowager for having expressed the idea and lastly towards Sabo. Pressure dawned on him, cold sweat ran down Didit’s face while Outlook stroked his chin with distress, yet the man in question remained glued by your side.
“It will only ruin what has been a fine afternoon. I’m afraid I can’t be the bearer of such a tragic fate.”
You grasped his hand in yours ; appearing enthusiastic in the eyes of others while relishing in this newfound information. “Do humor us.”
“He’s never played for an audience before,” Didit nervously laughed. “We’re not here to showcase our talents are we?”
Clearly the tale had been polished beyond its truth. Sabo’s grip in yours felt faint and he refused to meet your eyes. Disappointed in the turn of events, you released him, abandoning all thoughts of what most likely would have been a pleasant characteristic to witness. Noble born Sabo was a mystery which proved harder to unveil than his commoner counterpart.
“We shall hold a talent show at another time.” The King rose from his chair, putting not only an end to the conversation but at these superficial interactions as well. “I have actually been meaning to show Sabo my library. I trust there is common ground for interest to be found while getting acquainted.”
“Am I to understand you’ll deprive him of your sister’s presence?” Your mother warned.
Your brother offered you his hand, pulling you up from your sitting position. “She may come, seeing as she is needed there.” He finished with a knowing look at your mother. He was no fool to play against cupid herself.
Sabo stood up, readjusting his coat. “I am much obliged, Your Majesty.”
“I will be joining you both momentarily for I must make a stop elsewhere first. Therefore your betrothed shall serve as your guide.”
Giving your hand which he held, your brother offered it to Sabo amiably. Good mannered curtseys were exchanged and with a natural hold of Sabo’s arm you both headed for the castle.
Each wing of the palace had its own aesthetic — from lively outdoorsy touches with plants, flowers, greens and browns, somber ones with thick curtains and chandeliers providing light to art displayed areas ; painting, sculptures, pottery and even simplistic ones harboring large windows with well positioned furniture. Staff members were found working on your path, all of whom offering polite bows before resuming their assigned duty. Nothing could be heard but soft cushioned footsteps on carpets and the occasional hushed gossip of nearby personnel.
“Does your family really have a need for all of this?” Sabo’s tone was reproachful while he surveyed, or rather analyzed, each nook and cranny.
“Do not start,” you squeezed his arm. “We had a lovely afternoon where I clearly saw you enjoying yourself, now please let us not ruin it with unnecessary talk.”
“Then would talking about what happened earlier be considered a necessary talk?”
Your eyes wandered around while your heartbeat quickened. “Whatever could you possibly mean?”
“You know, when you.” He cleared his throat. “When we got too close.”
“I recall no such memory.”
A pause occurred in which you glanced at Sabo ; he humored your feigned ignorance by giving a smirk.
“Right, my mistake then.”
Heat flushed your ears at having found yourself a coward once again.
Curled lips persisted on Sabo. “Then what reasons do you have to pretend like I do? Especially in front of your family. Perhaps I pushed your buttons far enough to make you dislike me, but what makes you so desperate to blackmail me into staying, let alone put yourself through all this turmoil?”
Your brief musing about Germa brought your eyes towards the row of windows illuminating your path, admiring the detail oriented gardening done to each bush. “We’ll appear more convincing if we’re two playing this game.”
In your opinion, the only real relationship you could hope to build had to be done without all this gilded setting. Or at least without noble company. This, you were convinced, was what Sabo preferred as well.
“You haven’t answered my second question.”
Your eyes found his briefly, curiosity well hidden behind his blond curls. “For the same reason you so obediently agreed to stay under my terms.”
A scoff pursed Sabo’s lip. “Now you’re the one withholding information.”
“Trust isn’t rebuilt overnight,” you scorned under a tight grip.
“I’m aware I lost my chance at honesty, neither will I hold this against you. It’s an answer I’ll accept for now.”
You sighed, dragging him further into the inner corners of your home. “Instead of my honesty, care to explain what we just heard about you playing two instruments?”
Perhaps the question was in poor taste, for Sabo couldn't help but take on an aggravated air, eyes wandering along the decorated walls. “I’m no musician. I was taught the basics, nothing more, nothing less.”
“A shame,” you replied, dropping the subject upon witnessing his disinterested shrug to follow along the journey in grave silence.
