Chapter 2: As Luck Would Have It
The naming ceremony took place within the next week, after it became apparent that catching the queen's killer would take longer than expected, and Haruka of Uranus was introduced to her people, though the public was not sure of the baby's gender for she was dressed in androgynous clothes and the king had not stated specifically one way or the other. None of course, had the stupidity nor the courage to actually question him either.
Due to the extreme and personal nature of the royal query, Yukiro was unable to return to Neptune until he received an invitation to court for Megami to give birth. By this time, Yukiro had resigned himself to having his daughter wed the Neptunian prince. No one, however, could have predicted the trump card fate would play on all involved.
"It's a girl sire," a timid nurse had said quietly to the King of Neptune, who promptly glanced at Yukiro.
"So Yukiro, it seems you were right after all. I stand corrected," Daisuke said jovially, offering his hand out to the other king.
Yukiro inhaled sharply. This was certainly unexpected, wasn't it? He quickly debated with himself. Should he confess that his wife had in fact, given birth to a daughter as well? Then, he remembered one of the last memories he had of Kasumi, recalling her being so excited at the thought of having her dearest friend's child married to her own. She had no way of knowing that they would both be girls, but he became convicted in that instant to keep her wish, therefore he grasped the other man's hand firmly, and boomed with his deep voice,
" Yes, Haruka will make a fine husband for your daughter. I am certain that they will forge a steadfast alliance between our planets. What have you decided to call her by the by?" he asked, already thinking of a plan to keep his daughter's identity a secret.
"Megami had mentioned a few names to me beforehand, however, I am not sure which she decided. Nurse, what has my wife chosen?" Daisuke demanded of the nurse who had hoped to bow out of the throne room unnoticed.
"Michiru, my lord," she answered promptly, eager to return to the queen's bedside.
"Well it is settled then. Let it be decreed that my daughter, Michiru, the princess of Neptune, is betrothed to Haruka, prince of Uranus." said Daisuke. "I suppose it is fortunate that you had a son Yukiro, let us just hope he has his mother's looks, no?" he joked.
Yukiro grimaced inside, but managed to muster a smile, 'Oh if you only knew, Daisuke, if you only knew how true that statement is.'
Throughout the celebration feast and merriment, Daisuke pulled Yukiro aside and clapped a hand on the royal shoulder. "I am deeply sorry to hear what happened to Kasumi. Megami was utterly devastated. Are you alright Yukiro? And please, let us know if there is anything at all that we might be able to do to help."
The King of Uranus was grateful for the sentiment and the sincerity of the gesture, and responded in kind.
"I appreciate it Daisuke, and please do send my thanks to Megami as well. As much as I would love to stay, urgent matters do call for my immediate attention at home. I will be leaving directly after the showing of the baby. I thank you immensely for your hospitality."
As promised, baby Michiru had been presented to the court and Yukiro had seen her, but as he bent his regal brow to kiss the small forehead as is customary, he was startled by the intensity of the infant's royal blue eyes peering back at him. He noticed the similarity between his daughter's teal gaze and that of the Neptunian princess. 'Well Michiru, I am curious to see how you will react to Haruka. I get the feeling she will be stubborn as the day is long, just like her mother.' Yukiro grinned as he thought fondly about occasions where Kasumi had displayed a decidedly obstinate nature. He drew himself from reverie, and with a dramatic sweep of his cloak, he departed for Uranus to begin the implementation of his plans regarding the concealment of his daughter's true sex.
"This is to be an absolute secret, do you understand me?" the king all but hissed to a somewhat frightened nurse maid, who was appointed to be Haruka's keeper and guardian in the absence of his Majesty.
"Yes sire," she said with lowered eyes and a soft tone of voice," I am to treat Haruka in all aspects as if she were a little prince, and if I ever release the truth, it shall be my life as repayment for detriment to the crown. However, your Highness?" she asked, hoping she had not crossed him already.
He arched a sandy eyebrow," What is it Motoko?"
"I understand your orders Your Grace, but what will happen when she comes of age, and is forced to marry another woman, don't you think she will object?'
His expression grew grim. "I suppose I shall have to determine the proper course of action when the time comes. Hopefully this will be a situation where perhaps Michiru will fall in love with some young knight from her own country, and this whole thing will be avoided. Under different circumstances, I have faith that regardless of the abnormality of the situation, Haruka will hold the future in high enough regards to meet her obligation to her country, in spite of the, obstacle. Is that all?" he inquired of the maid.
Motoko bowed before him, and replied that yes, she had no other questions, then left him to his thoughts. 'Oh gods,' he prayed that night, 'please hear my predicament, and help me to succeed in the fulfilment of my wife's dying request. The balance of my world is now dependent upon it.'