Rui sits opposite Tsukasa in silence. They're both dressed in incredibly complex outfits, but it's obvious that both boys hate what they're wearing. It's obvious that neither of them wanted this. In the next room, they can hear their parents discussing the marriage contract. Eventually, Rui speaks.

Rui: "So... Did your parents ask you about this, or is this as much of a surprise to you as it is to me?"

Tsukasa: "A surprise... I bet they just want to get rid of me, the stupid autistic prince, and decided to kill two birds with one stone with this peace treaty..."

Rui: "Yeah, I bet... My parents are only marrying me off because my older brother, Kaito, who was meant to inherit the throne, has fallen ill... He's not meant to live all that much longer, to be honest, which is why I'm suddenly the heir... These last few days have been 20 years of court etiquette forced into a week..."

Tsukasa: "Oh god... That's awful..."

Just then, their parents enter the room, and both boys sit up straight; Prim and proper, like royalty should be. Both of their mothers refuse to look at them, and the fathers look incredibly pleased with themselves. Tsukasa's father, King Taiji, speaks first.

Taiji: "Tsukasa, stand up, and smarten yourself up. We're sending you to go and stay with Prince Rui and his family, until the wedding in 2 months."

Tsukasa: "W-What?! Father, you can't! Please! At least let me say goodbye to Saki and Toya!"

This time, Tsukasa's mother, Queen Arisu, speaks up.

Arisu: "No, dear. Now cheer up, you're leaving in 5 minutes."

The parents all leave the room after that. Tsukasa and Rui are left standing speechless in silence. There are tears welling up in Tsukasa's eyes.

Rui: "What the actual fuck?!"

Tsukasa: "Oh god..."