INDECENT PROPOSALS
He has something up his sleeve, and no, it's not a 15-carat ring.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything that's not mine. And that includes Togyuu.
THE TIARA GLEAMS a reflective silver, making her blonde curls appear more glossy than usual. Its jewels pulse with color when the door to her chambers slides open, ornate hinges scraping against mahogany. Then a resounding creak fills the room and sunlight slips in, followed by the hurried shuffle of her maids.
"Your Royal Highness," They simultaneously drop into curtsy, waiting for the princess's acknowledgement to continue.
She lowers her cool gaze in approval.
The maids exchange a glance before the one standing to the right steps forward to speak. "A guest has arrived on behalf of the Kingdom Atalia. He humbly seeks the private company of Your Royal Highness."
"Did this guest state the reason for his arrival?"
"No, Your Highness." The maid replies meekly, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "But he comes with the blessing of Her Majesty Ririko." She pulls out an envelope from her back pocket and hands it to the princess.
When she turns it over, the princess discovers that it is embossed with her sister's seal—a golden dove—along with the symbol for Atalia. She traces the dove and a memory surfaces, unbidden, of a time when Ririko used to sneak her out of balls-turned-marriage-arrangements.
Convinced, she gives a curt nod. "Very well, then. Send him in."
-x- -x- -x-
A few minutes later, the door opens again to reveal a young—she leans forward in slight anticipation—artisan. Her lips curl in disappointment.
"Your Royal Highness," He begins, bowing with a grace too fluid to belong to that of a commoner. "Her Majesty Ririko sends her regards."
She schools her features into a practiced smile. "Thank you. Please send my regards to her as well—"
"Togyuu, Your Highness."
"Togyuu." She finishes, curling her fingers idly around the armrest of her throne. "I have been told that the banquet hall is in need of new furnishings. I assume you are here to see to that?"
A pause falls between them before the artisan bows again, deep and reverent. When he retreats to stand, the brim of his cap no longer conceals his eyes and their gazes lock.
"My sincerest apologies, Princess Yuyuka." His voice is surprisingly smooth. "But I have come here to ask for your hand in marriage."
a/n: Hey, y'all. I know it's been a while since I've published a story (and I should continue "Confessions," but the inspiration isn't coming to me. sorry :( ), but I hope you like this one :) Review?