Alone at last, Princess Mercury slipped the delicate, ice-blue heels off her sore feet. It was a wonder her toes were not calloused yet after the incredible amount of walking the young princess had done during the last few weeks. Traveling from palace to garden to ballroom in two or three different kingdoms had worn her out. This day in particular had been especially tiresome, and a peaceful moment was all she wished for now.
The Mercurian Princess sat down on the small cushioned stool in front of her polished azure vanity. For perhaps a moment the princess stared into the mirror's crystalline depths studying her reflection carefully: her midnight blue hair pulled back into a barette laced with delicate white flowers, shimmering blue bangs shadowing her pale face. A simple sky blue dress was what she wore; it was quite common to see her in such plain decor, lacking in fancy lace or expensive pearls; her reason being that she didn't particularly like drawing attention to herself. One by one she pulled the silver pins out of her hair as she recollected the days activities.
Several months prior she had been introduced to a young man named Toshi, the son of a Duchess in one of the high realms of Mercury. He was a handsome man, with short black hair and midnight eyes so blue they seemed to reflect a violet hue. He had served in the Imperial Navy as a commanding officer. As a whole Toshi was a nice young man, handsome in face and in heart. Young women of lower classes looked up at him with longing, and even those superior to him looked on admirably.
The Queen, in particular, seemed to look upon him as a jewel, or at least that's what others perceived. Hints had been dropped as to how wonderful a husband he would be, but the princess could not see him as anything more than what he was: a lovely acquaintance. Ami did enjoy his company for a time, but he seemed too young and arrogant for her likings. In conflict with his numerous good qualities, the noble did not care for intellect or fine arts, such as the princess loved. His thoughts drown in the essence of himself, the princess thought. She could never be with a man like that.
Ami was a lovely girl. She was admired for her intelligence, grace, beauty. She was seen as a prize in a young man's eyes. More than once had a band of suitors flocked to her door, some with gifts, some with talents. None of them truly interested the princess. In truth, she did not want to become involved with a person. Leading a life protecting her mistress, Princess Serenity, was all she needed right now. Still, she was eighteen, and her parents thought it high time that she settle down and continue the reign of her kingdom.
But Ami was tired now and no longer wished to think about the events of the past few seasons. She quietly undressed and slipped into a silk nightgown. Then, rolling back the fine satin covers, the Lady from Mercury fell into her bed and drifted in dream.
-----
It was no easy task for the young man to accomplish, nor would it be to any who endeavored to attempt it.
Upon seeing a beautiful young woman, a man's heart may fly away, but as easy as it is to lose his heart, getting her to return his love is especially difficult. It is an even more difficult task when the lass is a high-born lady who could have her pick in men. This was what he struggled with, though it seemed to be getting easier over the past few weeks.
Other than the royal estates, his home, a city nestled in snowdrifts, was among the finest civilizations on Mercury. Icilia was it's name, so called for the magnificent ice and snow that covered its grounds all year. It had always been a favorite escape for the King and Queen. For this reason, young men living there had an advantage over others in the nation, of seeing the Princess that is. And Toshi had an even greater advantage above them: he was the son of the Duke who governed the town. But still, competing for the heart of a coy princess was trying on a man's soul. But, oh, how he loved her.
More than anything...
He looked out upon the drifts of soft white snow. Somehow, dear Princess, I will make you mine. That is my promise.
A selfish promise, perhaps, but something inside him made him feel strong and determined.
"I love you, Ami," he whispered to the falling snow. "I know we could be wonderful together. I know I could make you happy. Please let me try, dear Princess..."
The falling flakes offered no answer to his request. Just the gentle breeze that they rested upon and a silence unique only to the moment.
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The greatest hardship a person can befall is to love someone who does not return that love. It is the soul's tragedy.