Kurapika x Reader One-Shot Collection - Chapter 54: Chapter 54

"Do you actually think you'll win her heart with chivalry alone?"
I halt, turning to the source of the familiar voice.
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you are referring to," I say.
The tall man flashes me a mischievous grin. He clutches a book close to his chest. I've seen him before. "You and I are fighting to win the same prize. It's no use...you should give up now before you lose your life."
His words feel like ice. I can't seem to move when he speaks.
My horse senses my apprehension, snarling at the dark-haired man.
"I...still don't understand."
He laughs. "(Y/N). You're in love with her."
I clench my jaw. How dare he mention her name. "Stay away from her!"
He closes his eyes and smiles. "(Y/N) will be mine forever."
I attempt to unsheathe my sword, but I seem to be frozen in place.
He walks closer to me, looking in the direction of the setting sun. "The question is...do I kill you now or allow you one last fight?"
My horse gallops as she races me back to the castle. The Lord has summoned me. I have no inclination as to what he wants from me. I rarely see him, as my orders come directly from the constable.
I walk up the stairs to the magnificent castle. I pull the heavy knocker and wait for someone to answer. Minutes later, the butler opens the door, allowing me in. I am then escorted by the steward into the dining room. I take in my surroundings as I take a seat at the table. I've never been inside the castle before.
A stout older woman approaches me. She greets me with a huge smile on her face.
"Oh, Sir Kurapika! It's a pleasure to have you for dinner."
I stand up and bow. "Dinner?"
"Yes. Now what would you like? Seared lamb or filet mignon?"
I had no idea I was invited to dinner. "Uh...the filet mignon sounds nice. Thank you."
She pours me a glass of wine. "Make yourself comfortable."
I sit back down. "Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality."
She waddles away back into the kitchen.
I take a sip of my wine. A pretty girl walks toward the table. I put my glass back down and watch her. She's holding a book in her hand. I tilt my head to read the title. I smile. It's one of my favorites.
She sits down, glancing in my direction. I recognize her now. She's the one I've been hired to protect. I'm so busy making sure intruders don't enter the castle, I never had the opportunity to formally meet her.
She returns her attention back to her book, twirling her hair while reading. I can't help but notice the sad expression on her face. It makes me want to reach out and hold her.
Minutes later, the dining room is bustling with people. I stand up when I see the Lord. He shakes my hand.
"This is Sir Kurapika! Tonight, we are celebrating his bravery and commitment to keeping our castle and precious daughter, (Y/N), safe."
She's his daughter. (Y/N). I say her name over and over again in my head.
"Thank you, Lord. With all due respect, I cannot accept this exquisite dinner. What I do for this castle is my job. My reward is knowing all of you are safe."
He pats me on the shoulder. "There's no need to be humble. Eat. Drink. Tonight is all about you."
My mouth salivates when the lady I met earlier places my food in front of me.
"More wine?" she asks me.
"Yes, please."
I'm not much of a drinker, but this wine is delicious. I make sure to eat before finishing my glass.
I can't help but take glances at (Y/N). She barely touches her food, paying more attention to her book. I can't blame her. It is a great book.
Her mother comes up behind her and snatches the book out of her hand. "Stop behaving rudely, (Y/N). We have a guest."
"Oh, Mother, stop pretending. You and Father both. This man risks his life everyday for us, and all you can offer him is a simple meal? Is that what my life is worth to you?"
Her mother slaps her across the face. "How dare you embarrass me in front of all these people! Go back to your chamber at once."
Sadness washes over me as I watch (Y/N) leave. I'm suddenly not in the mood to eat anymore.
When dinner is over, I thank the Lord and Lady for the meal. I walk out of the castle to find my horse.
"Hey, girl," I say, stroking her head. "You're going to have to guide us back home. I'm afraid I had too much to drink."
I hear a girl crying in the garden. "Hold on. I'll be right back."
I walk to the garden. The moonlight casts a glow over (Y/N), who is sitting on one of the concrete benches.
"Hello?" I say. I keep my distance, not wanting to frighten her.
She looks up, furrowing her brow. "Sir...Kurapika? What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be drinking yourself into oblivion like the rest of them?"
I close the distance between us. "No. Two drinks is more than enough for me. I wanted to thank you for the invitation, but you left early."
"Why are you thanking me? It wasn't my idea."
I bow in front of her. "Well...then allow me to thank you for your presence. It brought me great pleasure."
She bites her lip, looking away. "I guess I should thank you as well. For protecting me." She pats the empty space next to her. "Have a seat."
I sit next to her. A cool breeze blows between us, sending her scent my way. She smells like wildflowers. I take this opportunity to study her features. She's flawless.
"It's nice to finally meet you, (Y/N)."
"You as well, Sir Kurapika."
I hold my hand up. "Please. Call me Kurapika."
She twirls her hair again and offers me a half smile. "You're different from the rest of the knights who come here."
I smile. "Is that so?"
"Yes. All of the other knights try to invite themselves into my bedroom. They risk being beheaded."
I tilt my head to the side. "Beheaded?"
She picks up a flower from the garden and starts to pull the petals off. "You didn't know? My mother is trying to marry me off to a prince. That being said, any knight who gets in the way will be sentenced to death."
"That sounds rather harsh. Don't you get to decide your own future?"
She tosses the flower back in the garden. "I wish. But it's been her dream since I was born."
The wind blows a petal in her hair. I reach over to pull it out. "Is that your dream as well?"
She bites her lip again when I touch her. "No, it's not." She looks up to the sky and smiles. "I want to meet a man who will love me for me and not my status. Ahh...to fall in love. I bet it feels wonderful." She turns her head to face me. "Have you ever been in love, Kurapika?"
I shake my head. "No. But it does sound nice."
She swings her legs like a child on a swing. "Doesn't it? Ohh...like in the books I read. I want to find love like that."
I raise my eyebrows. "Oh, right! I noticed you reading one of my favorite books at dinner. How do you like it so far?"
She gives me a quizzical look. "Wait. You like to read?"
"Of course. It's all I do when I'm not working."
She stands on her feet. She grabs my hands, pulling me up. "I have to show you something!" She runs off. "Follow me!"
I follow her deeper into the garden. We weave our way through the maze of statues. We stop at the fountain.
"You're fast," I say, catching my breath. "What do you want to show me?"
She places her index finger over her lips. "Shh...it's inside the castle."
I look at the castle. "But...won't I get beheaded if I'm caught with you?"
"I'm the only one who comes down here."
I follow her through a hidden door that leads to the castle.
We walk down the cold dark hallway until we reach a door. She unlocks it and pushes it open. I lift my head and gasp.
"(Y/N), do all these books belong to you?"
She nods proudly. "Yes. This is my library. Feel free to look around."
I walk around, mouth parted open. Tall bookcases line the walls. A ladder sits in the corner. "This is amazing!"
She stands next to me. Her arm brushes against mine. "Isn't it? This is where I spend most of my time. Either here or in the garden, reading." She giggles.
I turn back around to face her. Is this the same woman who I saw crying in the garden? We've only just met and I already know she deserves to be happy.
"I'd never leave this place either," I say.
"Wait here."
I watch as she runs to the back.
She comes back and extends her hand to me. I reach out and allow her to drop something in my hand. My eyes widen.
"Is this a key to your library?"
"Yes. Please. Come visit when you have a day off."
And that's how I met...you.
Months quickly pass by and I make sure to spend as much time with you as possible.
"Do you really have to go?" you ask me.
I move closer to you on the loveseat that sits in the middle of the library. "I'm afraid so."
You pout. "But we haven't even finished the chapter yet."
I wrap my arm around your shoulder. "Fine. We can finish this chapter. Then I'm afraid I must leave."
You read the rest of the chapter out loud, but to be honest, I'm not thinking about that story. I'm thinking about the story I want to create with you. I want to ask, but I'm afraid. If we were under different circumstances, would you allow yourself to fall in love with me?
"Kurapika?"
You interrupt my thoughts.
"Yes?"
"They left it on a cliffhanger."
I take your hand in mine. "Hmm...I wonder if the couple will get together."
To my surprise, you allow me to hold your hand. I'm scared to move in case you realize it and pull away.
"I really hope so. He loves her so much and she has no idea," you say, referring to the story we've been reading together.
"I hope so, too."
You finally let go of my hand to turn the page.
I take the book out of your hands and close it. "Don't read it without me," I say. I stand up and put the book back on the shelf.
You smile. "I won't. I promise. It's more fun with you anyway."
I kneel in front of you. "I must go."
You rest your hand on my shoulder. "To protect me?"
I nod. "Yes. I promise to protect you with every ounce of strength I have." I stand on my feet. "I hope you have the most pleasant dreams."
You stand and wrap your arms around my shoulders. "Kurapika?"
I stare down into your eyes. They're full of desire. "Yes?"
"Before you leave, there's something I want to give you."
If I only had the ability to stop time. "What would you like to give me, (Y/N)?"
My eyes widen then fall shut as you press your lips against mine. I rest one hand on the small of your back and the other behind your head, pressing your body closer to mine. I can feel your heart beating against my chest and I try to memorize the rhythm. Your tongue softly caresses mine. You taste like apples...no...pears. Or maybe it's the taste of a forbidden fruit. I should stop this...I really must go.
Except...I don't. Being careful not to allow my lips to leave yours, I lift you up, spin around, and sit on the loveseat. Your legs fall on either side of me and you deepen our kiss.
(Y/N)
I don't care about my mother's dreams. This is my life, and just like Kurapika said, I should have a say in my future.
I've never been kissed like this before. His hands aren't traveling down and they are nowhere near my breasts. Instead, he's holding my head with one hand and using his other one to gently trace circles around my back. I open my eyes briefly, and notice his brows are furrowed. I feel like melting. He's concentrating on this kiss and expects nothing more.
Afraid I won't be able to stop, I pull away, gasping for air. He gives me a soft smile and for a second, I forget he's a knight. He brushes his thumb over my lower lip and I have to part my lips to allow more air to enter my lungs. It was just a kiss. So why does my heart feel like it's filled with warmth?
I take some of his long blonde hair in between my fingers. It looks like I'm holding a ray of sunshine. I'm sure he doesn't have time for a haircut, which is probably why he ties the top half in a ponytail. His bangs fall below his eyebrows, and I wonder if they get in the way during battle.
"There's something in my bedroom I want to show you," I say.
His smile fades and is replaced with a slight frown. "Your bedroom? What if I get caught?"
"I know a secret passage that will lead you there without being seen."
He looks away, deep in thought. "I really need to check on my village...but...sure." His eyes meet mine again. "I'd love to accompany you."
I lock the door to my bedroom as soon as we arrive. We stand in the middle of the room, close to my canopy bed. I rest my hands on his chest while he combs my hair to the front, exposing my neck. He brushes the sensitive skin with his lips.
"Lady (Y/N), what do you want to show me?"
I pull back the curtain to my bed and sit on the soft mattress. "Sir Kurapika, you'll need to undress me to find out."
His cheeks blush. "But...I'm not a prince."
I grab his hands and fall back, pulling him on top of me. "Kurapika, please." I grind my hips against his. "Make love to me. You do love me, right?"
He kisses my collarbone and glides his tongue up my neck until he reaches my ear. "Yes. Very much. However, fate is not on our side."
I turn my head, allowing him to continue leaving kisses on my neck. "Please...let's just pretend."
His lips find mine. "I'm not pretending when I say, 'I love you.' I'll make sure you feel it deep within your marrow as I amorously express my desire for you."
He lifts me and places me in the middle of my bed. He removes his coat of mail and tosses it aside. He feels so much lighter without it on. He moves his hand to my back, unzipping my dress. Luckily, I'm not wearing my corset, which my mother only reserves for when I'm seeing a prince.
Once we are both undressed, Kurapika sits and admires my body. He shows such willpower as he takes his time kissing me from my neck, all the way down my torso. When he reaches my legs, he lightly kisses my inner thighs. His kisses are so light, it feels like he is dropping rose petals on me.
I close my eyes, gripping the bed sheets. I feel his fingers touch me. He slowly slides them up and down the heart of my femininity.
"You're so beautiful," he says, almost a whisper.
The delicate touch of his fingers mixed with the sound of his soft voice sends waves of pleasure throughout my entire body. All of my senses are heightened. Forbidden or not...I need to feel what true love feels like.
I open my eyes. He stares at me intently. His eyes aren't full of lust, but rather passion. He slips a finger inside, caressing the walls deep within me. My body writhes in pleasure. My eyes fall on the part that makes him a man. The part that will make us one.
I reach out and attempt to wrap my hand around it. He lets out a soft moan as I gently stroke him, urging him to replace his finger with it.
As if reading my mind, he pulls his finger out and positions himself on top of me.
"(Y/N), look at me."
I obey.
"I want you to remember this feeling. Promise me. Whenever you see me, remember what my love feels like."
I nod. "I promise."
He presses himself inside of me and I have trouble keeping my eyes open. The pleasure is too intense. My heart rate accelerates as he thrusts in and out of me. I trace the muscles on his back with my fingers. How can a strong knight be so gentle?
He reaches back and finds one of my hands, then the other. He swiftly places them over my head, holding my wrists together. I allow him to be in control as my brain stopped working a long time ago. He thrusts in, leaving himself inside as his mouth finds one of my breasts. He takes it into his mouth and sucks, flicking my nipple with his tongue.
He pulls out...then back in. His tongue trails over to my other breast, and he does the same with that one.
He continues his gentle thrusts as his lips find my neck again. He suckles the delicate skin, being careful not to leave any love bites. I pull my legs up, wanting to feel every inch of him.
"Harder," I beg.
He lets out a laugh. "As you wish, my precious darling."
He pulls back, then plunges deeper inside of me. Just when I thought I experienced the height of my pleasure, he finds a sensitive spot I never knew was there. He repeatedly hits it, bringing me closer to my climax.
"I fell in love with you a long time ago. I'm elated. I finally have the chance to confess my feelings for you. Some days, I feel the sun doesn't rise for me. I'm left in darkness. However, I can still see you."
He releases my hands, and I hook my arms under his shoulders, gripping tightly. I feel like my soul is about to leave my body.
Out...in...to the right...the left...he explores the deepest part of me.
"Oh, Kurapika. This is exactly what I imagined love would feel like. No. It's more. I'll run away with you if I have to."
He thrusts back into my center. That's when I feel it. My entire body shudders beneath him as pleasure takes over my body. I hold him in an attempt to keep myself from floating. He covers my mouth, muffling my screams.
I fall back on the mattress, watching him through blurry vision. What did he just do to me?
Once my breathing returns to normal, he plunges back inside of me. I watch as sweat drops form on his forehead. He clenches his jaw, and his thrusts become uneven. The most beautiful sounds escape his throat, and I come all over again.
His body convulses and he falls on top of me. I tuck some of his hair behind his left ear and play with the scarlet drop earring he always wears.
"I'm afraid...I must leave now," he says, breathing heavily.
"I understand. I'll count down the hours until I can see you again."
He pulls out of me, leaving me empty. He goes on to dress himself. He hands me my dress and I do the same.
Kurapika
I walk toward the door. I look over my shoulder. A melancholy expression crosses your face.
"Is something wrong?" I say.
You don't make eye contact with me. "I...umm...have a date tonight."
My heart sinks to my stomach. Even though I know we can't be together, it still hurts. "Another prince?"
"Yes. I wish I didn't have to go. Why can't I just run away with you now?"
I walk back to you, reaching down and pressing my lips against the delicate skin of your neck. "Not yet, my love. For now, we must please your mother. I shall see you soon."
I turn around to leave. I take one more look at you before opening the door. I sigh. It brings me such sadness to see you in pain.
I ride my horse back to my village.
"Slow down, girl," I say.
I look around. Villagers are frantically locking their doors. Mothers are rushing their children inside their homes. Food carts are tipped over. The smell of smoke enters my nostrils.
An old man runs to me in a panic.
I steady myself on my horse. "Hail fellow!" I say.
His eyes widen when he recognizes me. "Thank goodness. Sir Kurapika. You must help us!" He flails his arms up in the air.
I hop off my horse and ask him what happened.
"It was terrible. A group of thieves came out of nowhere. They stole everything from us!"
I lower my eyebrows. "Do you know what they were after?"
He shakes his head. "No." He runs off. "Please. Help us!"
My heart pounds against my chest. I hop back on my horse and ride back to my cottage.
I slowly walk down the pathway that leads to my front door. I place my hand on the doorknob, taking a deep breath. A feeling of impending doom washes over me. I turn the doorknob and open the door.
I fall to my knees, shouting as loud as my lungs will allow. I take in some shallow breaths, the metallic smell of blood mixed with flesh fills my nose. I don't know if the smell is making me nauseous, or the sight in front of me.
I crawl. Blood stains my hands as I get closer to them.
I go to my mother first. The blood is already cold, but I still look for a pulse. My hands shake as I comb away her golden hair from her beautiful face. I wipe my tears away, but they keep falling. I rest my head on her chest, directly under the fresh slash in her throat. I suddenly feel like a little boy again.
"Mommy...who did this to you?"
I shut my eyes, remembering her sweet scent and warmth.
"Happy Birthday, Kurapika!" my parents say in unison.
I rip open my present and stare at it in amazement.
"It's the sword I wanted!"
My mother claps her hands and my father smiles proudly.
Even though it's just a toy sword, I'm still grateful. It will be sufficient for my training. I just turned ten and I already know what I want to be when I grow up.
I run outside to start training. I climb up the willow tree with my new sword.
I look down from the branch. "I can do this," I say to myself.
I take a few deep breaths and jump. I pretend I'm slaying a dragon and my knee hits a rock when I land. I grit my teeth and stand up, still pretending the dragon is in front of me. I take one step and fall. I pull my knee up to my chest and try my hardest to hold in my tears. Knights don't cry.
"Kurapika?" I hear my mother calling me.
I feel her kneel beside me. She places her hand on my forehead. "My sweet boy, are you hurt?"
"No," I lie.
I turn from side to side on the grass, holding my knee. I'm trying...I promised myself I wouldn't...but...it hurts so bad.
The tears fall.
"Mommy, I jumped off the tree and hurt my knee."
My mother picks me up and takes me inside.
After dinner, I sit and stare at my sword.
"Don't you want to play with your new sword, sweetheart?" my mother says.
I shake my head. "No. I'm not worthy of it."
She tilts her head to the side and smiles. "Come here."
I get up and walk to her chair. She pulls me on her lap, resting my head on her chest. She's so warm and smells really good. Like sugar cookies.
She strokes my hair. "Tell me what's bothering you."
"I...I cried today."
"What's wrong with crying?"
I grip her tabard. "How am I supposed to be a knight when I grow up? I can't even slay a dragon without crying."
She lets out a soft laugh. I can feel it vibrating in her chest. "Kurapika, it's okay to cry. Even if you're a knight."
I look up at her. "It is?"
She kisses my forehead. "Of course it is. It's something everybody does."
"Even dad?"
She wraps her arms around me. "Yes, Kurapika. Even your dad."
I smile, lifting my head off her chest. "I'm going to be the strongest knight in the world! And I promise...I'm going to protect you. Forever."
She smiles back at me. "I know you will, son."
I use my arms to lift myself back up. My eyes fall to my father. I crawl over to him. The slash in his throat matches my mother's.
"I'm sorry. I broke my promise. I failed as a knight. Even worse...I failed as a son."
I notice a note next to my father. I pick it up and read it.
Let this be a warning. Stay far away from (Y/N).
Adrenaline runs through my veins. No. I will not allow this to happen to anyone else. I will avenge my parents' death.
I race back to the castle. Whoever did this is after (Y/N). I will not allow anyone to harm her. She's all I have left.
I pound on the castle's door. The butler allows me in.
"I must speak to The Lord. Immediately!"
Minutes later, The Lord of the castle approaches me. "There's been an attack in my village. I'm afraid whoever it was is on their way here."
"Then what are you doing? Go out and find them at once!"
"Right. I just thought you should know."
I hear the sound of your giggle as I turn around to leave.
"Allow me to do a quick search of the castle."
He waves me away. "Do what you feel is necessary. But I can assure you, the only outsider here is the Prince."
It feels as if someone is squeezing my heart. "The Prince, my Lord?"
"Yes. He's having dinner with my daughter. Try not to disturb them."
(Y/N)
The Prince is actually quite charming. He places a glass of wine in front of me. I can't help but notice the book he holds close to his chest.
"What are you reading?" I ask him.
He places the book on the table and turns to a page titled, Love Potion.
"That looks like an interesting book," I say. "Is it about witches?"
He smiles. "You can say that."
I take a sip of my wine. The taste of licorice swirls in my mouth as I savor the flavor. As soon as the liquid passes my throat, a strange feeling overcomes me. "Mm...this doesn't taste like the wine I'm used to drinking."
"It's my special blend. I do hope you like it."
I finish my glass. I look back up to my Prince, feeling compelled to him.
"Prince Chrollo, I know we just met, but I feel like we belong together," I say.
His smile grows. "My Princess, I feel the same way about you."
Feeling tipsy, I tilt my head to the side and giggle. "Princess?"
He raises his hand. "My apologies. Is it too soon to call you my Princess?"
Heat rises to my cheeks. "No."
He takes my empty glass. I notice the bottle of wine he is pouring is different from the last one.
"Try this one," he says, passing the flute across the table.
The bubbles tickle my nose. Must be champagne. This one is not as sweet.
"It's good, but I like the other one more."
"You'll grow to like it." He clasps his hands together. "(Y/N), I have a question for you."
The room starts to spin around me. "Ask me anything."
He reaches for my hand. "Do you know a knight who goes by the name Kurapika?"
I stare at the table in front of me. "Kurapika?" I think hard about his question. I finally return my eyes to him. "You know...I see so many knights...it's hard to keep up with all of them."
A satisfied grin crosses his face. "Well...I advise you to stay clear of him. I'm going to have your father fire him at once."
"Why? Has he done something wrong?"
He nods. "I'm afraid so. He's stolen from the castle. The worst part is...he plans on kidnapping you."
I gasp. "Me? Whatever for?"
He lowers his eyebrows. "For his own selfish desires." He rises to his feet. "If you'll excuse me, I hear your father. I want to warn him immediately."
A cold shiver runs down my spine. "Yes. Thank you."
He walks to me and cups my cheek with his hand. "Enjoy the rest of your wine. We have a lot to celebrate."
I watch as he walks away. His long black cloak almost touches the floor. I usually don't fall for men like him, but for some reason, I feel drawn to this Prince. I giggle to myself. I might actually have a chance at love.
Kurapika
I hear you giggle again. The sound of your laugh has the power to keep my heart beating.
"Seize him at once!" The Lord says as I approach the front door.
I turn around and jump back when I see the guard marching toward me. He grabs me by the arms, spins me around, and handcuffs me.
"This has to be a mistake!" I shout. "I came here to warn you. I promise that was my only intention."
"What do you want me to do with him, my Lord?" the guard asks.
"Throw him in the dungeon! He's arrested for theft. Come morning, he'll be beheaded for rape."
The inside of my body freezes. "Did you say...rape?"
A man I've never seen before walks toward me. He introduces himself as the Prince, but something tells me he's lying.
He opens a book and a picture of you and me appears on the page. I shake my head.
"No...that was not rape. I'm sorry for breaking the rules, but (Y/N) and I are in love."
"Is that so?" The so-called prince says. "Why don't we ask her?"
"Yes. Let's ask (Y/N)!" I say.
They call you to the lobby of the castle. My eyes meet yours. You walk toward me, your dress swaying from side to side.
The Lord grabs his daughter's waist and motions toward me. "Is what this knight is saying true? Are you in love with him?"
You walk closer to me. Your eyes are searching mine.
"Tell them, (Y/N). I don't care if I get beheaded...as long as they know we're in love," I say.
You place your hand on my chest, studying my features. If my hands weren't handcuffed, I'd grab you and together we'd run far away.
"Sir Kurapika?" you say.
"Yes, it's me...Kurapika. Tell them they are making a mistake," I beg.
The Prince shows you the same picture he showed me. You gasp.
"What's this?" you say.
"This knight raped you. He must have slipped poison in your drink. That's why you can't remember," the Prince says.
Tears well up in your eyes.
"Bastard!" I shout. "It is you who is poisoning (Y/N)."
"Check his pockets," he says to the guard.
The Lord almost faints as the guard pulls out jewels from my pocket.
"No! I don't know what trickery this man is using on you, but I did not steal those. Nor did I rape your daughter."
The Lord points to the end of the castle. "To the dungeon!"
I stare at you as the guard pulls me away. "(Y/N), please. Tell them the truth. You're my only hope."
You watch as the guard takes me away. Not a word comes out of your mouth. Hours ago, we were tangled in your sheets, confessing our love for each other...now you're staring at me like I'm a stranger. Or worse...an enemy.
The guard unlatches the handcuffs and throws me in the dungeon. I rub my wrists. He pushes me against the wall and grabs my neck.
"If it were up to me, I'd kill you right now."
I grit my teeth. "I'm being framed, you dalcop."
He releases me. "Hmph. That's what they all say. You're nothing more than a yaldson."
Lava flows through me. My brain stops working and I raise my fist, striking the guard in the face.
"Nobody insults my mother and gets away with it!" I yell.
He fixes his jaw and smiles. "I'll make sure you're the last to be beheaded tomorrow. I want you to watch the prisoners in front of you as their heads fall into the basket. It's the best type of torture."
He walks out and locks me inside.
I fall on the concrete below me. I cry like I did when I was ten. Except this time, the pain is much more severe than a scrape to the knee.
At the age of nineteen, I fell in love.
At the age of nineteen, I became an orphan.
At the age of nineteen, I'll be beheaded for a crime I did not commit.
"(Y/N)...why didn't you defend me?" I say to myself.
Why does it matter? It's not like I have a home to return to. It's not like we can be together. I should welcome death with open arms.
Morning can't come soon enough.
I spread my legs out in front of me and hang my head. The end of Kurapika Kurta is near. I've dedicated my short life to defending this castle. Ironically, the people whom I defended are the very ones who will be taking my life.
(Y/N). I think back to earlier today when you snuck me into your bedroom. Back to when life was perfect. You broke your promise. You promised me you'd remember how I made you feel whenever you saw me.
I feel something strange in the center of my stomach.
"Something's wrong. And I believe that man who calls himself a prince has everything to do with what's going on."
I can't die without knowing the truth.
(Y/N)
I stare at nothing. "I can't help but feel sorry for that poor knight," I say to Prince Chrollo.
"How can you feel sorry for a man who poisoned and raped you?"
I sit on my bed. "I know. It's just hard because I don't remember any of that. His eyes...they looked so innocent."
He sits next to me. He rests his hand on my cheek, forcing me to look at him. "(Y/N), men like him should not roam this planet. Justice will be served, and I'll make sure you're sitting in the front row."
I smile at him. "Thank you. What would I do without you?"
He smiles back at me. He takes my left hand and kisses my fingers. "Marry me, (Y/N). Be my princess."
My mouth falls open. "What? But...we only just met."
He runs his fingers through my hair. "You said it yourself...you feel like we belong together. Why should we fight these feelings?"
I bite my lip. "You're right. Come tomorrow...I shall be your wife!"
"Yes. And you will bear my children."
Tears pool in the corners of my eyes. "Babies? I love babies."
He reaches behind me and unzips my dress, exposing my corset. "Then let's not waste a second more."
I close my eyes as he runs his fingers across the top of my breasts. "Shouldn't we wait until we're married?"
He presses his lips against my ear. "Why delay pleasure?"
I open my eyes and stare into his. They're full of lust...not passion like I imagined they would be.
"Please...I want to wait," I say.
Disappointment crosses his face. "How about a drink to help you relax?"
The beautiful act of love shouldn't be forced. I shake my head. "No. I don't need to relax. I just want to wait. What's one more day?"
He sighs. "You're right. Anything for my future wife."
He kisses my cheek and gets off my bed. "You should get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."
I twirl my hair. "We do. Good night."
"Pleasant dreams, my Princess."
As soon as he closes the door behind him, I get up and change into my night clothes. I allow my head to fall on my pillow. A beautiful scent fills my nose. It's the scent of...a man. I press my nose against the pillow, inhaling more of the masculine scent. Chrollo was the only man here, yet it doesn't smell like him.
Could it be Kurapika? The knight who forced himself on me? I reach down and touch myself. If what Chrollo says is true, shouldn't I feel pain?
I toss and turn all night. I finally give up on sleep and walk to my bay window. I sit down and look out at the beautiful night sky. I grip my chest. I'm in love...yet I feel like it's forced. Or am I in love with the wrong person?
I walk down the spiral staircase that leads to the dungeon. The hallway is cold and dark, illuminated by the candelabra in my hand.
I walk until I find the cell Kurapika is being kept in. I look through the small window on the door. He is laying on the concrete floor, face first, with his knees up against his chest. I can tell he's not sleeping. I can't blame him. Who actually sleeps when they know they are going to die within a matter of hours?
"Sir Kurapika?" I whisper.
He lifts his head and looks in my direction. Before he has the chance to see me, I step away, blowing out the candles.
"(Y/N)?"
He runs to the door. I hold my breath. What am I doing down here? He's a thief. I watched as the guard removed my family's precious jewels from his pocket. What's worse...he raped me.
I slowly walk away, using the wall as a guide.
The clock chimes, letting me know it's midnight. I run back to my room and cry as soon as I jump into my bed.
Kurapika
I open my eyes when I hear the clanking of keys. The guard unlocks the door and pushes it open.
I stand up and allow him to handcuff me. "Feel free to relieve yourself before your execution. We wouldn't want you to piss your pants on the bascule of the guillotine." He laughs.
The sun hits my face as soon as I walk outside. Just as promised, I'm the last to be executed. I spent all night trying to figure out a way to escape, but nothing. I must accept my fate.
You're probably wondering if I'm scared. The answer is no. There's nothing left for me here. To be honest, I'm more afraid of leaving you with that monster who calls himself a prince. I know he's behind all of this. You're smart though. I'm confident you'll figure it out soon and run away before he traps you.
I take a few steps forward as the first prisoner is taken to the guillotine. I look to my right. My heart skips a beat when our eyes lock. I didn't expect to see you here!
"Excuse me," I say to the guard beside me. "Is it possible for me to apologize to Lady (Y/N)?"
He scowls at me. "Fine. Even though you're a scumbag, she still deserves an apology."
I sigh a breath of relief. At least I get to hear your voice before I die.
I watch as they summon you to me.
"Sir Kurapika?" you say as you crinkle your forehead in pity.
I look to my left then my right to see who can hear us.
"(Y/N), I don't have a lot of time. I just don't want to die without telling you the truth."
"I'm listening."
"I did not harm you. Nor did I steal those jewels. I became a knight to protect people. Not hurt them. I hope you believe me. And I hope that one day you'll remember the promise you made me."
You stare into my eyes, reading them. "Sir Kurapika..."
I shake my head. "No. It's just Kurapika."
"Kurapika, I don't know what to say."
"Just say that you trust me."
The guard shoves me away from you. "That's enough!" he shouts.
I watch as you walk away. You glance back at me before returning to your seat next to your mother and father. And...him.
My eyes never leave you. I want to look at you for as long as possible.
"Kurapika Kurta..."
The guard pulls me forward. The executioner ties a blindfold over my eyes before placing me facedown on the bascule. He pushes me until my neck is firmly secured in the lunette.
Life actually flashes before your eyes seconds before you die. The last scene I see is...you.