Third Person P.O.V.

The next morning, Tsubaki woke from her sleep and immediately went to the garden before beginning her schedule for the day. Tsubaki made her way to the statue she told Hisoka about and noticed that a rose was placed in front of its feet.

He's here. She thought to herself as she looked at the statue with a smile. Upon entering the passcode, a small door opened in the ground that revealed a stairway.

"You're here." A voice greeted Tsubaki as she reached the bottom of the stairs. It was Hisoka and he looked better than he did yesterday.

"I should be saying that to you. Did your family enjoy their meal?"

"They did, thank you."

Tsubaki gave a smile in return and walked closer to Hisoka. "I didn't really introduce myself did I? My name is Tsubaki, Sakurai Tsubaki and as you can tell, I am the Princess of Northern Taira. You call yourself Hisoka, is there anything else you can tell me about yourself?"

Hisoka hesitated for a moment before giving a small smile and explaining, "It seems a turn of fate will reunite us soon enough and you will learn what you wish to. I only came here to thank you for the food and for not killing me. Then, I'll be on my way, have a wonderful day, Tsubaki-Hime." Hisoka gave Tsubaki a respectful bow and made his way toward the exit.

"Wait! That's it, you only came here to thank me?"

"As I explained" Hisoka began as he turned to lock eyes with Tsubaki, "fate will reunite the both of us very soon." Hisoka gave a small smirk and proceeded to the stairs.

Tsubaki stood there for a moment with a confused expression on her face, "What did he mean by that? He really is a mysterious person."

. . .

Tsubaki's P.O.V

It's time to practice for the tea ceremony again and the Fujiwara's are coming over in three days! If only their tea ceremony was performed the same way, I would've mastered it already.

"Okay Tsubaki-Hime, we are going to try something different for today's practice. Since you've only been practicing with me, why don't we try to act out the ceremony as well and get you comfortable with the process before the Fujiwara's come over? We have a special guest for today's practice, so prepare your items okay?"

A special guest? For the tea ceremony? Who could it be? I thought to myself as I brought the tray of tea and knelt on the floor.

"Okay Tsubaki-Chan, are you ready to begin? Remember, eye contact is delayed until you hand over your tea."

"I understand I'm ready." As soon as I heard the doors open, I focused my gaze on the tray, fixed my posture, and took a deep breathe to relax. This may not be the real thing but good thing Maria suggested this, I would've panicked when it came time to do the real thing.

From what I could tell, it was a man sitting in front of me, I only saw his pants and loafers but it definitely was a man.

Okay, the first step is to gently grab the mortar and pestle and place it in front of me. Next, grab the leaves for the tea and sprinkle it into the mortar. Next is the hard part, graceful movement, what does that even mean? How do you crush tealeaves gracefully? I held onto the pestle differently this time and slowly grinded the leaves and to my surprise, Maria didn't stop me, does that mean I did it right? Well, I'll continue anyway. Place the leaves in the teapot, gently pour the hot water, and wipe the mortar and pestle clean. While we wait for the tea to steep, sweets are prepared and it is Southern tradition for the sweets to be given directly to our guests without looking at them. I grabbed a small piece of cake, stood from my position, knelt before my guest with my head bowed down and offered the dessert. I heard a small laugh before my guest took the dessert from my hand and ate it. Did I do something wrong? Anyway, the tea finished steeping so I removed the leaves and poured it into the cup designated for the guest. I gave my guest his cup and when I finally got a chance to look at my guest's face, I couldn't help but lose my grip and drop the teacup on the floor.

"Papa… Papa!" I jumped into papa's arms and he gave me a big hug as well as a kiss on the forehead.

"Hey little one, it's good to see you again too. I was only gone for about a week but you've improved a lot with the ceremony. However, I understand what Maria meant when she said you didn't exactly master it yet."

"Eh? What do you mean Papa? Maria didn't stop me this time, doesn't that mean I did it right?"

"Maria didn't stop you because I ordered her not to, I wanted to see if I could find the problem and you can bet I did." Papa positioned me better so that I could sit on his lap comfortably as he explained what I did wrong with the ceremony.

"You got the basics down Tsubaki but what you're missing is heart."

"Heart?" I asked questioningly.

"When it comes to the tea ceremony, you must remove all thoughts and focus on satisfying your guest. You worry too much about the technicality of the ceremony itself and the genuine feelings are lost. Don't think about it, just feel it and you'll do fine."

Don't think about it, just feel it. Can I really do it?

"Shall we try again one more time?" Papa asked as he gave me a smile.

I nodded and cleaned the materials, as well as the shattered cup, as Maria went to get new ones. When it was time to restart the preparations, I did as Papa told me and stopped thinking so hard about it. I took a small deep breath and cleared my mind.


Ikuto's P.O.V

Her movements immediately changed when she stopped thinking so much about the ceremony and they appeared more graceful. Her gentle and graceful movement is what's necessary for the ceremony and it seems she finally mastered it. I couldn't help but give her a smile as I watched her grow so quickly.

My dear daughter, anyone will be lucky to have you as their wife and it seems that that time will come soon. You've made me so proud my daughter, I'm happy for you. However, it looks like I'll have to keep the engagement a secret until the ceremony, the Southerners really do do things differently than us.

"So, how was it?" Tsubaki asked with a concerned look on her face.

"You did fantastic, isn't that right Maria?"

"Absolutely. It looks like you finally mastered the ceremony Tsubaki-Hime."

"I'm proud of you my dear daughter." I couldn't help but give a big smile to Tsubaki and kissed her forehead once more.

She looked at me with her large amethyst eyes and returned my smile. Oh how I've missed my beloved Tsubaki, she's grown so much.


Three days later

Third Person P.O.V

It is finally time for the Fujiwara's of Southern Taira to make their appearance at court and the palace was in a flurry getting everything prepared for the special visit.

Ikuto and Aiko were in their respective chambers preparing for the visit in a few hours, Maria and the other maids were making sure the decorations and meals have been successfully prepared and Tsubaki was in her room getting dressed in traditional Northern clothing which consisted of a kimono made of fabrics of light blues, whites, and accents of gold.

The ceremony starts in the common room right when the Fujiwara's arrive and after that, a special event has been prepared in the name of the King.

. . .

The sound of horse hooves clacking on the gravel caught the attention of many of the palace staff members as the members of the royal family made their way to the common room in preparation for the welcoming tea ceremony.

A carriage of red and gold was seen at the gates of the castle and out emerged a tall and proud looking King who bore the Fujiwara crest of a rose surrounded by its thorns. The King then held out his hand for his wife who wore a large and elegant kimono decorated with red and gold fabric. The King and Queen of Northern Taira stood with the utmost poise and grace that you were in awe when you saw them. The next person to emerge from the carriage was the Prince of the Fujiwara family and his name is Riku.

Riku is the same age Tsubaki and he wore a matching kimono with his mother as well as his family crest on a fabric draping over his chest. Riku possessed emerald colored eyes and messy dark brown hair. Riku gave off a presence of kind-hearted boy and he radiated a gentle aura.

The Fujiwara family was escorted to the common room where the Sakurai King, Queen and Princess were seen bowing before their guests. The Fujiwara's walked closer to the table setting and bowed before the Sakurai's.

The Kings and Queens of both houses returned to an upright sitting position and greeted each other with gentle smiles. Riku was the next to rise and he focused his gaze on the still bowing Tsubaki.

Her beautiful long white hair blended in with her kimono and even though, he has yet to see her full face, he already knew that she was as beautiful as described throughout Taira. As Riku was admiring Tsubaki's beauty, she slowly began to rise as her gaze was fixed upon the tea ingredients.

Just as she practiced the past four days, she prepared the tea while clearing her mind and Ikuto observed his daughter with pride as she managed to perform the ceremony with grace and elegance without making a single mistake. When Tsubaki poured the tea into the cup, she walked over to present it to the Prince and they finally locked eyes with one another.

Riku took the cup from her hands, took a sip of the tea and offered the cup back towards Tsubaki and this caught both Tsubaki and her mother off guard.

This- This is what Ikuto was talking about, this is what the surprise event is for? He's lucky this is with the Southern rulers of Taira or else I would have refused any other offers. The Queen thought to herself as she continued her gentle façade in front of the Fujiwara's.

He returned the cup to me but in Southern Taira, when it comes to tea it's a… proposal… Could Papa and Mama have known about this? I have no choice but to say yes right? Tsubaki gave a small smile to Riku and took back the teacup as she also took a sip out of the cup symbolizing the acceptance of the union between the two families.

. . .

The Fujiwara's were shown to their respective rooms as Tsubaki and her family continued to the King's chambers to talk about the earlier affairs.

"Oi, Ikuto, you weren't going to tell me you were going to bargain her away?" Aiko questioned in her usual harsh tone.

"It was supposed to be a surprise and I was going to tell you both but the Southerners have a different way of doing things. The tea ceremony is a welcoming tradition to our palace and the sharing of tea between Riku and Tsubaki represents an attempt at a union, meaning marriage. Word of the plans was to not be made to those involved with the ceremony. I wished to tell you both but I am glad you studied the material I gave to Maria, Tsubaki."

"So, I had no choice but to say yes? Papa, we won't be married soon right?"

"Of course not, we are going to make preparations to allow Riku to stay with us for a few months and then you will do the same at the Fujiwara's. We are going to make this announcement public, in due time of course, and we need both nations to slowly accept the union before we make any drastic moves. That will give the two of you to get to know each other and hopefully, come to care for one another. That is why tonight, a ball is going to be held to celebrate this wonderful news. Close friends, family, and other royals will be joining us. I believe the Aomori family is in town for the next week or so, it'll be nice to have them here as well."

"Tsubaki, you better not screw this up, a union with the Northern family will finally give our country the stability it needs and other countries will finally open up its trade routes to us. The Southern family has access to more resources and if we can get a hold of that, our position will be more than secured."

"Aiko, our daughter just accepted a marriage offer she was not aware of to a boy she does not even know, I believe that is enough pressure for one person for today. Go get prepared, the ball will start shortly and I made sure to send the invitation to your sister and her husband. I want a word with my daughter alone, please."

Upon hearing that her sister will be arriving, Aiko was in a slightly better mood and made her way to her room to get prepared for the ball tonight. When it was just Tsubaki and Ikuto alone, Ikuto sat on the sofa and motioned for Tsubaki to sit beside him and she did as requested.

"Papa, I'm not upset or anything, just a bit surprised. This is my duty, as Princess, I am already aware of that. I just always thought that I would one day marry someone I loved."

"I know my darling Tsubaki, I hoped for that as well but the Elders have been pressuring me lately and it was the Fujiwara's themselves that have offered this proposal of marriage. I have looked into the background of Prince Riku and he is a kind and well-mannered Prince. The two of you will become great friends, and that is all I wish for you two. Even if love does not develop, a friendship will still hold the union together. I'm really proud of you my darling, and I will be beside you every step of the way."

"I know you will Papa, thank you."

Ikuto kissed Tsubaki's forehead and told her to prepare for the ball, the guests will be arriving soon.


Darkness has fallen in Taira and guests were making their way into the ballroom that was decorated with sparkling crystals and beautiful flowers of various kinds. The King and Queen of both Southern and Northern Taira were sitting together and talking to each other as they observed their children dancing among the guests. A lively and happy mood filled the room as everyone was sincerely enjoying himself or herself.

"So, Tsubaki-Hime, what's your favorite thing to do in your free time?' Riku asked as they were dancing together.

"Hmm, my favorite thing to do? Playing the piano and baking desserts with the bakers in the kitchen. What about you Riku-Ouji?"

"Reading and going out for walks with our family dog."

"Oh, you have a dog? How lucky! Mother is afraid of dogs so we can't have any, what breed?"

"A Jack Russell-Terrier, he's very energetic but really lovable, you'll be able to see him when you come to our palace. I'm sure he'll like you."

"Oh, those dogs are so cute! I've always wanted one!" The night continued on as Riku and Tsubaki got further acquainted with one another and soon it was time for guests to mingle with the royals. Riku made his way to a friend from Northern Taira and Tsubaki was looking for anyone she knew that was her age but since she didn't have much time to make friends, she simply stood near the dessert table and ate by her lonesome.

"A beautiful princess like you shouldn't be here by yourself." A familiar voice spoke from behind.

When Tsubaki turned around to face her guest she was shocked by his new appearance. A tux made for royalty with a golden sash decorated with three badges, a crest of the four suits from playing cards stitched onto his suit, and his crimson red hair glistening in the light.

"Hisoka? You… You are a royal? That crest, it belongs to the Aomori family. Then why… what? How?"

"I'm sure you have many questions and I will provide the answers as long as I have the honor of a dance." Hisoka asked as he held out his hand.

Tsubaki accepted his offered and they danced among the other guests.

Aiko was scanning the ballroom and a familiar red headed boy caught her attention. "Oi, Ikuto, that boy dancing with Tsubaki, who is he?"

"Ah, that's the Aomori Prince, Hisoka."

"Prince?!" Aiko couldn't believe the words she was hearing. That same Prince was in almost a week ago trying to steal from her kitchen and she threatened him in front of a handful of people.

"Why, is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing. I'm just glad he wasn't a marriage candidate, if I don't know of him then his family must not be rather large or important."

"They are royals in blood but their true profession is in the skill of magic. They travel throughout the different villages and perform magic, we were lucky to have them in our village, and their presence brings joy to every corner. Enjoy yourself Aiko, stop scanning and observing people and have fun. We rarely get the chance to do such things, so please, at least try to enjoy yourself."

"Yes, My King." Aiko replied with a faint smile.

"So why don't we start with your first question, Tsubaki-Hime?"

"Why were stealing from the palace bins? If you are royalty, you can certainly support yourself, isn't that true?"

"I have received word of a beautiful Princess that resides in the palace of Southern Taira and wanted to lay eyes on her myself. Who would've guessed that not only is she beautiful, she is kind." Hisoka gave a smile to Tsubaki that made her heart skip a beat.

"But why act like you were stealing?"

"In truth, my family is only a small family, we do not have the support of many royals or the resources to support or village like you or the Fujiwara's do. I have been providing for my village by stealing without my parents' knowledge. I'd rather dirty my hands to support my village than to have my people do it themselves."

"But you looked as if you were actually starving!"

"I didn't eat anything all day to look thinner than usual to pull off the theft. You were gracious enough to supply us with food to support those that wouldn't have made it another night without food."

"Is there anything else you're hiding from me, Hisoka-Ouji?" Tsubaki asked with a tone of mockery and shock.

"Haha, just Hisoka is fine but no, there is nothing else I am hiding from you, other than the fact that your people were right when describing their Princess and I'm glad I made the decision to break into your palace."

Tsubaki couldn't help but laugh at the way Hisoka casually spoke such dangerous words. "You are a very mysterious person, you know that?"

"And you, Tsubaki-Hime, you are very beautiful, inside and out, and I hope to make your acquaintance more often in the future, if you would allow me the honor."

Tsubaki gave a smile, "Absolutely, from the moment we met there was an air surrounding you that I was hoping to get to know more of."

"So I was not the only one that felt that attraction between us?" Hisoka said with a smirk that made Tsubaki respond with a small laugh.

As the mingling continued on, Tsubaki spent more time with Hisoka than she did with Riku and their night was filled with tons of smiles and laughter before Riku interrupted the two of them and asked for a dance with Tsubaki reminding her that she is now engaged to be married to the Prince of Northern Taira.

"I should be going, my family is booked to perform at an event tomorrow and the ride is about a half day's away. It was an honor and a pleasure speaking with you Tsubaki-Hime. Riku-Ouji." Hisoka gave a bow and quickly locked eyes with Tsubaki's before he made his way to the exit.

"That's the Aomori Family Prince, they're magic skills are quite remarkable, are you two are close?"

"Ah, yes. He's… a good friend." Aomori Hisoka, thank you for your company tonight, you even made me forget that I was engaged. I hope to see