"You're absolutely sure about this?" Colm asked. The portly older man turned to look at the princess, who was staring out the window overlooking the sea. She turned her head and gave him a slight nod. With a deep sigh, Colm sunk into his desk chair and began writing. He had been his princess's advisor since she took up her crown and this was one of he hardest things he had every done.

"I just can't believe you would do this," Aneko said, her pointy nose crinkling in distaste. She stood next to Colm's desk, spine rigid as she patted her sleek, greying bun. "You're giving up your crown, letting everyone down, and for what?"

The princess sighed and stepped to an arm chair, twining her fingers through the chair's occupant. "For love, Aunt Aneko," she said softly, giving the other hand a small squeeze.

Her decision had been a long time coming, despite what her aunt and uncle thought. Court politics had begun to weigh heavily on her and she no longer felt like the Guardian she had once been. The love she felt for her country, for her fellow Guardians, for her queen... That was where her heart lay, not in her duties required as princess.

And then she had received a proposal, one that had been a long time coming. She took it as a sign to put her thoughts into action and abdicate her crown.

Aneko scoffed and shook her head, but remained silent. The princess glanced down at her seated companion, who winked up at her. Her heart fluttered as she fought a grin. Even after all their years together, after everything they had been through, the princess still felt a rush whenever they were near.

Clearing his throat, Colm pressed his seal into the wax on the paper. He held it out to the princess, giving her a sad smile. Her eyes scanned the document, nodding slightly when she had finished reading.

"It's done then," she said softly. He nodded, silently folding the paper and placing it in an envelope.

"You know we support your decision, my dear, even if your aunt doesn't show it," he started, shooting a sharp glance at his wife when she snorted. "I hope you understand how hard it is for us, knowing that you've chosen to abdicate your crown. It also puts our court in a very precarious position, one we may have difficulty overcoming."

"I understand," the princess said softly. She glanced wistfully at the figure in the chair, earning a small nod in return. Turning back to her uncle she continued. "My cousin is next in line. Although she has been away all these years, she knows where her duty lies. I know she will accept this role."

"You honestly think she's capable? Don't be foolish," Aneko said, her nose wrinkling again. The princess's lips tightened, silently praying that her aunt's nose would stay that way for good. "She's a child. She's flighty and headstrong, always running off to who knows where. I've always thought we were wrong to name her heir to the crown."

"I don't disagree with you," said the figure in the chair, rising, arms crossed over chest. "She is flighty and headstrong. She'll probably turn out to be a disaster."

"Well that's a fine way to talk about my cousin," the princess muttered.

"You know I love her all the same," replied her companion, patting the princess on the arm. "But she's only a year younger than the two of us. She's a grown woman and has been for many years now. And let's not forget that we were all children when we started. Hell, the queen herself only recently started acting like an adult. We have to give her a chance."

Colm covered his chuckle with a cough, earning a jab from Aneko. "I'll agree with you there. And you know I'll support your decision," Aneko said, taking the princess's hand, giving her a small, but sincere smile.

"But?" the princess asked, an eyebrow raised. When it came to her aunt there was always a 'but.' Aneko sighed.

"I ask that you postpone leaving," she said, the princess nodding in agreement. "I also ask that you postpone setting a wedding date. Not for long," she added quickly, cutting the princess off before she could object. "Just until the transition is complete. Just until your cousin is settled and understands her role."

The princess shared a glance with her companion for several silent moments. With a sly grin, her companion gave her a slight shrug.

"Well, Michiru, we've waited several hundred years," Haruka said. "What's a few more months?"