No More Tears

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"For her hand of marriage, I propose three hundred chara eggs and fifty embryos. I will also include a portion of land and…" I feel my mind drifting out of focus as the fifteenth suitor of the week comes and tries to buy me. So far, my parents haven't sold me yet.

"Amu!" I jerk out of my daze and find the suitor and my mother staring at me.

I feel myself sweatdrop, "Yes, mother?"

"Pay attention to this lovely gentleman," she said simply, waving a hand at the suitor. I almost gagged. Until this point, I haven't even looked at the suitor and he was anything, but lovely. He looked not a day past thirty-two, had a belly the size of the cake I had for my 13th birthday, and his mustache did not look like it had been trimmed for ages. Not to mention his droopy eyes that seemed to sag along with his bronze face. His legs were surprisingly thin, though.

"Princess Amu," he said in a voice he must have thought lovingly. He came over with his belly jiggling to the chair I was sitting on and took my hand. I resisted pulling my hand away as I saw the look my mother gave me from behind him.

"Marry me, princess, and we will have great fun. Night and day," he whispered the last line and winked.

I snatched my hand away and stood up, "You disgusting man. I do not want to have fun with you day or night and I will certainly not marry you!"

I marched away, almost tripping on the long, slim pink dress I was forced into. My tiara nearly slipped off at my abrupt exit.

As I yanked open the doors, I could hear my mother apologizing profusely and the suitor yelling about how disgraceful and unladylike I was.

I smirked. This happened so often, it was as if it was a scene written out in a play. Ever since my father ordered the command of announcing that any men could marry his daughter, suitors have poured into the castle. Everyday, men (mostly princes and those who believed themselves to be rich enough to be a prince) would come to our palace and offer this or that. Some offerings were unbelievable, like the fellow, a few days ago, who offered a lion's head. It was real too.

Why would they want to marry me? The answer's simple. So they could use me and become the next king. They don't want me, they want power. All men are selfish and pathetic, with the exception of my father.

Since my 17th birthday just passed, my parents are stressing their poor hearts out at finding me a husband. Mother says it's time I settle down and Father says he won't live forever and must find an heir now. As my parents did not bore a son, but rather two daughters, I, being the oldest of the two, must find a suitable husband to become king and I would become the queen to assist him.

My parents are the king and queen of Seiyo Kingdom. My mother was the descendent of the royal blood line, but her older brother was killed in war, therefore she had to marry in an arranged marriage. She has told me that she hated my father the moment she laid eyes on him. His short, orange hair irritated her so. But, somehow, as life moved on, she grew to love him.

I'm not quite sure if she was telling me this just to make me feel better or to persuade me to marry.

"Amu! This is the sixteenth suitor you have angered this week!" Even in the state of fury, my mother walked gracefully out of the room, like a queen.

I turn towards her, "The fifteenth," I say back coldly.

She was unfazed, "At this rate, you will be ninety by the time you find a husband!"

"I-"

She cut in, "No matter. I will find you a husband, whether you like him or not!" She stared at me, as if wishing me to snap back.

I do not give her the satisfaction. Instead I reply, "Do as you wish," and walk away.

As I'm walking away, I give myself a mental beating. I'm always like this, acting cold and distant. I want to cry to my mother and beg her not marry me off, but ever since I was twelve years old, I was labeled as the 'cool and spicy' princess.

It was the beginning of a new princess training course and I felt like throwing up. The teacher asked me to introduce myself and all that came out of my mouth was, "Hello." The class swooned and soon I became 'cool and spicy' Amu. I guess to avoid any more attention; I just followed the label, until I was tangled in it.

I want to change the façade, but I'm too much of a coward. I have two amazing friends who I can be myself with, though. Their names are Ran and Su. Even though my mother discourages me to spend time with them, mostly because they're maids, I spend my days talking and laughing with them.

I also have a cat named Miki who is remarkable at drawing. I found her dipping her paw in a bucket of paint and dripping them across the floor, making a wonderful flower design. Quickly, I ordered a small room for her to paint in. Despite her odd light blue fur, I love her more than anything. I can tell her secrets and pour my feelings to her and she'll bob her head up and down, as if she understands what I'm saying to her.

I walk to my room and flop down onto my checkered pink bed spread. I let out a huge sigh.

When will my mother give up and realize I do not want to marry? Not for money, not for love, not for anything. I catch myself. Maybe for love, but I don't believe I'll ever fall in love. Fairy tale endings just don't happen. They might for a few weeks, maybe even months, but then reality catches up with them and they fall in a pit of despair, wailing for their lost loved one.

The door creaks open and as I sit up, a dark-pink haired head pops in, followed by a blonde head. I grin.

"Amu?" They come in.

"How are you feeling?" Su asks, green eyes flashing with concern as she stands next to me, examining me.

"I'm fine," I sigh again.

"Another suitor, Amu?" Ran sits down besides me, twirling a pink visor she always carries, even though Mother objects it. I convinced her to let Ran wear it though. "You lucky brat, so many guys chasing you."

I glare at her, "You want rich, fat men all over you? Go ahead, take my position. I would gladly trade spots."

Ran laughs, "Alright. I understand."

"Look what I made, desu!" Su exclaims, taking out chocolate chip cookies from her apron.

"Cookies!" My weakness is sweet stuff, especially Su's chocolate chip cookies. I had not known such things existed until one day, she surprised me by baking them for me. My life has not been the same since.

I stuffed one into my mouth and savored the taste. Warm chocolate melting in my mouth mixed with brown sugar goodness. Heaven wouldn't taste any better.

I stuffed a few more into my mouth and swallowed. "You are just amazing at cooking, Su. I don't think I've ever asked this, but how did you get so good at cooking?"

Su was chewing on a cookie and took a few seconds before she replied, "I guess since my father was a baker, I always grew up around food and fell in love with it." She shrugged, "I'm not as good as him still."

I playfully slapped her, "Of course you are. You're better than the head chef."

She smiled, "Thanks, desu. I know you know that I'm not, but I appreciate it anyway."

I smiled back. It was strange how she and Ran always saw right to my ugly core, but still stayed at my side.

Ran leaned forward, "So what are you looking for in a husband?"

I tilted my head, pretending to think, "Well, knowing the fact that I do not want one, that would be hard to decide."

She let out an exasperated sound, "Say you were older and you did. Who would you fall in love with?"

"Hm… Someone with brains, for one matter. I would hate to batter conversation with someone duller than a rock. He would have to treat everyone with respect, no matter what rank they are. Someone who can express themselves honestly, without hiding anything. I think that's about it."

"You care not about looks?" Ran asked curiously.

I thought for a moment, "You're right. This might sound extremely selfish, but I wouldn't want to wed someone with a hideous face and wake up everyday to see his face."

"Wake up from doing what?" Ran joked.

I felt myself turn red, "Ran!"

She grinned and asked seriously, "Is that all you're looking for?"

I nod.

Suddenly a masculine voice spoke, "Thankfully, I meet all your demands."

I whipped my head towards my door and stifled a gasp. There was a man with astonishingly blue hair leaning against my doorframe. How had I not noticed him?

I registered the fact that he was gorgeous, but disregarded it and demanded, "Who are you?"

He mocked a bow, which aroused my fury even more, "Your fiancé."

I laughed, "Has my mother brainwashed you already?"

"Actually, I haven't talked to her yet. A pretty young servant escorted me here," he licked his lips.

I didn't even want to think between the lines. "You revolt me. Leave and never come back," I said, ignoring the warning looks my friends were shooting at me.

He placed a hand over his chest, "I feel hurt. Why not lead me to your mother? We should have a chat."

He came over and slipped an arm around my waist. I tried to twist away, but he locked his grip tighter and said, "Let me speak to your mother."

I had no clue why I was being so obstinate, but I refused.

He grabbed my chin and made me meet his eyes which were also a beautiful color of cerulean. I felt my exteriors melting. Something that has never happened before.

"Please, Amu?"

I snapped awake, "How do you know my name?"

"Everyone knows the famous 'cool and spicy' princess Amu," he replied. He tugged me to the door. I stood completely still.

"Let go of me and I'll show you to my mother."

He sighed and loosened his hold on my waist and I twisted away.

"This way," I muttered. Ran and Su were staring at me and I sent them a look saying I would talk to them later. They nodded.

On the way to the room I call 'Ignorant suitors room', the man kept trying to slip his arm around my waist.

I shoved him away many times and asked for his name. He smirked and said he would tell me if I gave him a kiss. Finally, I commanded him to tell me his name.

"Ikuto," he responded simply.

I nodded my head, indicating I heard him.

When we got to the 'Ignorant suitors room' I was surprised to see my mother sitting there already. A man with white hair and glasses was talking to her. She looked up and said a bit too cheerfully, "Ah, Amu! This is Gozen, emperor of East Erls…apperantly a small kingdom far to the north, who has offered his son to marry you."

I was about to retort when the man named Gozen said shakily, "I-I know Ikuto i-isn't the most ch-charming man, but he honestly i-is a great person."

My mother took over, "I agreed to let Ikuto stay a few months and have you two acquainted. Who knows? You might finally fall in love? If not, you two will still be married. Gozen has offered an irresistible amount of chara eggs and embryos. Besides that, when you two marry, our kingdoms will be unified."

"You would exchange your daughter for money and a few square feet of land!? How could you?" I almost screamed my frustration. I was going to marry this arrogant man!?

"Amu…" I was about to snap back, when I realized it was Gozen who had spoken. His voice was very faint.

"I-I am very s-sorry you are unhappy. But I am g-getting old and I w-would do anything f-for my son to be w-wed. You see, i-it was his mother's d-death wish, for Ikuto to be married before b-both his parents die."

I glanced at Ikuto who standing solemnly and looked back at Gozen. I sighed as I felt my heart started feeling sympathetic. I nodded.

My mother's face was blazing with happiness and Gozen started sobbing, "Oh, t-thank you!"

I stole another glance at Ikuto and saw he was staring at me, smirking.

I snapped, "What?"

He just kept smirking and finally said, "We're going to be husband and wife in a month, Amu-chan."

I swallowed and comprehension of what I had agreed to started sinking in.

Oh dear.

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A story just popped into my mind as I was staring blankly at a few Shugo Chara fanfics, until BOOM this story formed. The title will make sense as the story progresses and I'm so happy that it seems to be an original title.

Also, I have no clue what Gozen looks like in Shugo Chara, so if you do…please tell me. Thanks!

I hope you continue to read!

Review and make me happier than Ikuto makes Amu happy!

Just a note to those who are reading Moonlit Rose:

I'm so sorry for not updating the story. Too many paths do I want to take with that story, I just can't decide. I have not abandoned the story, have no fear.