The Kitty King and the Maiden

Chapter 1

"Amu! We are going to be late for Prince Ikuto's Coronation! The King and Queen will not tolerate it, we have to go!"

I was still laying in my straw bed when mother came in yelling about that Prince what's-his-name's coronation. I sighed and sat up in the bed. I stretched and looked out at the beautiful sky and smiled. It was one rare moment of peace in the hectic life of a maiden at court.

Back to reality. My two ladies maids rushed in, stood me up, grabbed my night gown and lifted it over my head. They strapped up my corset and put it on me. Then they showed me a dress of rich green velvet and silk.

"No. I am not wearing that. Just give me my dark purple gown." I crossed my arms and shook my head disapprovingly.

"But, my lady. Your Father ordered us to dress you in this one. I'm sorry."

"Humph. Fine. But this is the last time." I said indignant but relenting. They began to dress me.

"It may not be my place to say but, don't you want to dress up for the Prince? How knows? He may pick you to be his bride once he becomes king." My ladies maid Ellen piped in rather shyly.

I spun around fast to meet there surprised gazes. "No. I do not wish for the Prince's admirations in the least. He is a disgrace to the royal blood line. You know as well as I do the talk that goes around about him. He has been seen shamelessly flirting and worse with countless ladies and serving girls alike. And because he is the King's son, no one dares to speak a word of it."

Ellen looked down. "I beg my lady's pardon. I should not have spoken." When they had finish dressing me they curtsied and left they room.

Just then Father walked in. "My child, you look beautiful. The Prince is sure to be impressed with you. And if he is, he just may make a duke. How wonderful would that be Amu, to have a big mansion in the country and one of the finest quarters at court? No more debts to pay. It would be heaven. Don't you think so child?"

"With all due respect Father, I do not plan to goat the Prince in any way into giving us these gifts. I should rather take it upon my self to solve our problems then rely on such a fickle Prince to solve them for us."

Father was enraged at this grabbed my arm hard and raised his hand to my face. To my shame I whimpered and winced, closing my eyes and steadying myself for the promised blow. But it never came. I opened my eyes, and saw him lower his hand. "If you ever speak to me like that again, I will not hesitate to mark you. You will do that I tell you." I looked down not able to meet his piercing gaze."Yes, sir." I whispered.

He finally let go of my arm. "Good, now let's go." I walked out of the room with my head still down and my hands folded in front of me. Mother and father walked in front, then me and my two ladies maids behind me. We walked all in a precession to the great hall. I kept my peace thinking about what father had said. Luckily my guardian charas came to the rescue.

Suu: Amu Chan, don't feel sad. Everything will be all right. Maybe the Prince won't be as bad as thought him to be.

Ran: Yeah! That's right! You haven't ever really met him before. You should just give him a chance.

Amu: Maybe. And maybe not.

Miki: Amu-chan. You do need to be on your guard but, don't close everyone out. If you do, you'll always be alone.

Amu: but I have you guys! Why would I need anyone else?

Charas sigh: One day shell see.