A/N: This was originally written for Hilaire's HGAFFC#2. I was not able to finish the story in time for her deadline and had submitted my withdrawal. I've decided to post it now (Even if I haven't even finished it yet) and I'm looking forward for your reviews. Since I'm not really writing for the challenge, the story will most probably not meet all of the original challenge's requirements. But, for giving me the idea for this story, this one goes to HILAIRE. Hope you'll like it.

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.


"I'm not marrying her, Father." A pair of blue eyes glared heatedly at another man seated across the room.

The other man sighed. "But why not, Ruka? Lady Ayumi is beautiful, kind and she possesses every desirable quality of a good wife and a future queen."

Ruka Nogi, 19 years old and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Shalla, shook his head. "Father, I'm too young to be married. I want to travel, to learn new things—"

The King stood up, cutting off the rest of the young prince's words. "And when do you plan on settling down? When I'm dead?"

Silence reigned over the two for the King's fragile health was no secret.

"Ruka, I am old and soon I shall be no more. I will need you to run the kingdom, to take care of our people and for that you need a companion. You need a wife."

"Father, I—"

The King raised a hand, indicating him to stop and approached him. "My son, I have given you everything you have ever wanted but now is the time to be serious," he placed both hands on Ruka's shoulder, "Right now, Lady Ayumi Umihara is the most suitable choice. If and when you find someone much more suitable, present her to me."

---

Natsume Hyuuga, the son of the King's chief adviser and the Prince's best friend, was tired of watching the latter pace around the room for the last forty-five minutes or so.

"Ruka, stop walking around and sit."

The blue-eyed blonde ignored him and continued his restless movements.

Natsume sighed, stood up, grabbed Ruka by the arm and all but dumped him in a chair. "I told you to sit down and be calm."

He was answered by a glare and a muttered, "This is so unfair."

"Ruka, what if you just take a chance with Lady Umihara? I mean, you might actually find out that you like her—"

"Not all stories end up like yours, Natsume."

At the prince's words, a blush crept up to the raven-haired boy's cheeks and Ruka smiled for the first time that day.

It had been announced recently that Natsume was engaged to a brown-haired, russet-eyed daughter of a duke and Ruka believed that his stoic best friend had fallen in love at first sight and had taken it into himself to tease his friend whenever he had a chance.

"And now I'm guessing that you're planning on abandoning me any minute now to be able to be with her." The Prince shook his head. "To think that we've been best friends since we were old enough to talk."

Natsume grunted and looked away. "Stop changing the topic, Ruka." He cleared his throat before meeting a pair of amused blue eyes. "Like I was saying, why don't you give Lady Umihara a chance? She seems like a nice girl."

The prince shook his head. "Even if she was nice, I'd only be able to look at her as a friend. Nothing more, nothing less. You know this, Natsume."

Natsume stayed silent but after a few seconds, Ruka offered a bitter smile. "And yes, Natsume, even if it's painfully obvious right now, I'm still not over her."

---

She turned sharply at the sound, fully aware that someone was stalking her. With a small burst of energy, she illuminated the entire area and was able to catch the sight of several shadows.

"It's no use hiding. Show yourselves."

One by one, a group of about ten men emerged from behind trees, bushes and rocks and surrounded her. By the light shining on her right arm, she was able to recognize them as guards of the neighboring kingdom.

"I am just passing through. Bring me no harm and no harm will come to you."

One of the men moved closer to her. She presumed he was their leader.

"Our King is in need of your services. We have searched for you far and wide and now all we ask is for you to follow us, Lady Imai."

With a resigned sigh, Hotaru Imai extinguished the light she held and proceeded to follow the men towards the tall castle beyond the forest she had considered her sanctuary for the past two days.

---

The King smiled and held out his arms. "It's nice to see you again, my dear. How have you been?"

Hotaru curtsied, "I have been fine, your majesty."

The King studied her closely, noting the unhealthy color of her skin and the dark circles beneath her eyes. "You don't look as healthy as you claim to be, Hotaru. Where have you been all these years?"

"I have been staying with relatives, Your Highness."

The King nodded thoughtfully, "I have heard about your parents, Hotaru and I am truly very sorry."

She offered a polite smile. "Thank you. May I ask why you would need my services?"

"It is much too late to be talking about business right now, Hotaru. Follow Graelle and she will show you to your room. I am sure you are tired, so rest well and tomorrow we shall speak."

Hotaru curtsied, and proceeded to follow the maidservant. Before she reached the door, the King spoke again.

"No one knows you are here, my dear, and I would appreciate it if it would remain that way."

Without turning to look back, she nodded and continued to walk away.

The King's last words were a warning. Ruka must not know of your presence.


Reviews please?