Chapter Text
The triumphant sounds of trumpets filled the great hall, loyal servants and guards bowing respectively as His majesty, Pure Vanilla, made his way down the isle. His pristine robes fluttered behind him, the golden embellishments and embroidery glinting in the sunlight that streamed through the mosaic windows. Pure Vanilla ascended the steps, taking note of his loyal right-hand man, Shadow Milk. Shadow Milk bowed, watching as his childhood friend took a seat on the throne.
"Your Majesty," he greeted, standing up straight as he gazed down at Pure Vanilla.
The king gave him a gentle smile, a soft chuckle leaving his lips.
"Oh, Shadow Milk, there's no need to greet me in such a way. We are friends after all," he simply said, raising a hand to dismiss him still.
Shadow Milk simply huffed, narrowing his eyes at the blond before facing back in front at the court. He took a deep breath, letting out an exasperated sigh, slumping onto the arm chair of the throne. He gazed up at Pure Vanilla, his head now in his lap as his azure locks draped over the white robes, hands folded onto his lap
"Urgh.. Nilly.. how long do we need to stay here for? Do we EVEN need to stay here?" He huffed, motioning his arms around the great hall, seeing the mundane environment.
Pure Vanilla let's out a small chuckle, a hand brushing over Shadow Milk's hair, brushing the azure locks out of his friend's face. He gently cupped his face, heterochromic blue and yellow eyes gently gazing down at him past his long white lashes.
"My dear, you do know that my presence is needed here, especially today. The council members will be coming soon, you know how they are, what they expect.. " He softly sighed, lifting his head once more, feeling the light shine on his face.
Shadow Milk gazed up at him, his azure and turquoise eyes blinking as he admired his majesty. The way the long blond locks reflected the light, practically glowing with a slight blue sheen from the refracted luggt of his soul jam.
Soul jam...
His gaze flickered down, gently touchig the blue gem that embedded into his chest. Shadow Milk's eyes narrowed, a thought flashing in his mind before shaking his head, getting up to his feet. He cleared his throat, grinning down at his majesty.
"Well! I suppose then I shall entertain you with my wonderfullll trrricks!!" He grinned, summoning three balls put of thin air.
The blond smiled warmly, nodding in excitement as the king let's out a hearty laugh, clapping his hands. Pure Vanilla opened his arms, an invitation to carry out his delighful acts. Shadow Milk happily drifted down the steps, adding in a delightful roll before striking a pose, holding the three multicoloured balls. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a trumpet, a comical toot coming out.
"And now, specially for the oh so grrreat Vanilly! The one! The only!—"
THUNK!!!
The doors slammed open, interrupting Shadow Milk's line. He turned back, seeing Clotted Cream and Financier following close behind. Lime green eyes met mismatched cyan and cerulean eyes, the two exchanging a scowl, a silent reminder of the mutual rivalry between them.
With a deep breath, Clotted Cream composed himself. Smiling, he looked up at Pure Vanilla, his strides wide and confident, the heels of his shoes clicking and echoing in the room.
"Pure Vanilla, Your Majesty! It is truly wonderful to see you again," he smiled, stopping by the steps and bowing, an arm outstretched as the other crossed over his chest.
He soon stood up straight, meeting the gentle smile of his majesty.
"Ah, Clotted Cream, I can say the same for you. It really is a pleasure to see you once more. Though.. I would say you're early, the council meeting is not until 12pm," Pure Vanilla lowered his head, lashes lifting to meet his eyes, a slight anger behind them as his smile fell
Clotted Cream had a nervous smile, a hint of fear passing through him. He knew better than to interrupt Shadow Milk's performance, considering the... circumstances between his majesty and the loyal jester. The council member regained his composure, straightening his cravat and flipping his hair out of his face.
"Why, yes, your majesty, how could I ever forget that. The thing is, there's.... something urgent, we need to talk about. One that requires your immediate attention."
Clotted Cream glanced over at Financier, getting a nod from her.
"That is true, your majesty. It seems that the Silver Tree's magic is wavering. News from Elder Faerie says that White Lily is getting.. weaker, so to say. As though something is draining from her soul jam."
Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk were both stunned, the jester stuttering a little as he broke the small silence between them.
"O-oh but! Weren't you just done with meeting the townsfolk, Vanilly? Cmon, let him have some rest! He's been—"
"No. Let's go."
Without a second wasted, Pure Vanilla stood up, descending the steps and walking past the three. The two council members promptly followed, leaving Shadow Milk to catch up. Pure Vanilla's robes billowed behind him, his hair waving effortlessly in the wind. It was a stark contrast as Shadow Milk ran up to his side, gliding through the air as he tried to slow down the rushing king.
"Oh Nilly, slow down! You're going to hurt yourself!" He stopped him in front of his tracks, snapping the king out of his daze.
Pure Vanilla blinked, taking in the sight of Shadow Milk's expression. The hands placed on his chest, the furrowed brows and flicker of worry behind those mismatched eyes. He took a deep breath, letting out a sigh before nodding. He reached up, gently holding the smaller blue hand, removing it from his chest.
"Youre right, I'm sorry my dear," he softly said, kissing the knuckles of the jester.
Shadow Milk's gaze softened, a blush colouring his pale blue cheeks before smiling. He caressed Pure Vanilla's face, feeking the king lean into his touch for a moment, grounding himself once more. Pure Vanilla then pulled away, turning around to the two council members, noting a few of the guards who had followed as well. With a nod, he steadied himself, taking a deep breath.
"Alright, let us go to the Silver Tree," he announced, soon setting off to trek down the beaten path.
"Let's go save Miss Lily!~" Shadow Milk chirped along, floating by Pure Vanilla's side as they went into the heart of the forest.