A/N: I like to have at least two lines of author notes per chapter to be certain that the chapter toggle as I'll call it won't mess up my layout.
Here's line two. And chapter two.
Chapter 2 - The Lady Queen
Kyoto Palace
19 June 073
Youhei and Akatsuki were walking out in the gardens enjoying the summer weather, when a messenger strolled up to them, "Your Majesty, the Lady Harukaze is here, and she requests an audience."
Akatsuki nodded his head, "Thank you, may you please bring her over to the Eastern courtyard." He raised his arm, gesturing in the direction of the visible Eastern courtyard.
The messenger bowed and went on his way to deliver the message. Akatsuki and Youhei walked along a path to the courtyard and sat down. Doremi joined them a few moments later.
She curtsied low, "Your Majesty."
Akatsuki smiled, "My Lady. How are you?"
"I am quite well, Your Grace."
"Please, sit down." Akatsuki told her. Doremi obeyed.
"I trust you got my letter?" Akatsuki inquired, although the answer was obvious; if she didn't, she wouldn't be here.
"I did, Your Majesty. Although, I was mildly surprised; I did not expect you to summon me to Court at all." Doremi paused, "Also, it saddens me to hear about the loss of your father, the King."
Akatsuki nodded, "Thank you for your sympathies, my Lady."
"So, Your Majesty, may I ask why you summoned me to Court?" Doremi asked.
"Of course," Akatsuki replied. This was it. Would she accept? "I wish for us to be betrothed. We'd have a joint coronation and the wedding would be a few days afterwards."
Doremi wasn't quite sure how to react. Secretly, she had always wished to marry Akatsuki, but he was the King's heir, and she was merely a Lady; not a Princess, nor a duchess, or even a countess. However… now he was suggesting it. All she had to do was say yes.
"You… wish to marry me?" Doremi asked, with shock.
"I do…" Oh, no, Akatsuki thought, does she not like the idea?
A huge smile broke out onto Doremi's face, "Oh, yes, Your Majesty! It would please me greatly!"
Akatsuki smiled back, "Oh, I am so glad!"
"When is the coronation?" Doremi asked suddenly.
"Next week. The day after my father's funeral, although I can't attend that of course… The funeral, coronation and wedding will all be held at the same place, however." Akatsuki said, "Now that our marriage is truly going to happen, the coronation can be organised fully, and we can start wedding preparations."
"I am glad to hear that, Your Majesty."
Akatsuki stood, causing Youhei and Doremi to do the same, "You can stay here at Kyoto Palace now if you wish, but we are moving to Osaka Castle later this week."
Doremi thought about it for a moment, "I will stay," she decided, "My Father, Lord Keisuke, thought I'd be summoned here for longer than just a temporary visit anyways."
Akatsuki looked genuinely happy that she was staying, "Come," he said, "I think some of the Court is about to have lunch, am I correct, Lord Youhei?"
Youhei pulled a pocket watch out of his expensive dark blue jacket, "Indeed you are, Your Majesty." He said, after glancing at it.
"Well, let's go then," Akatsuki said, leading them out of the courtyard.
They walked into the Great Dining Hall. Three incredibly long tables stood in the room. One table was set about a quarter of the way, however all three tables were covered in the same brown tablecloth embroidered with delicate designs done in gold. It contrasted well against the deep red walls, and for the partially set table, against the expensive silverware.
Akatsuki sat at the head of the table, as the King should, and all the others who had gathered for lunch and were waiting for the King to arrive sat down also. There was about sixty or so people eating, a relatively small number compared to normal.
Akatsuki looked over at Doremi and smiled, "You like the fruits, Lady Harukaze?" he asked.
Doremi grabbed a plum, "I do, Your Majesty. We don't have as many at home as there is here."
Akatsuki chuckled, "Help yourself. In fact…" he turned around to one of the servants standing in close proximity to the table, "Please get Lady Harukaze a plate with a collection of fruits."
"Right away, Sire." The servant replied with a bow and hurried off into the large kitchen. He came back out a minute later with a plate piled high with fruits. He placed it in front of Doremi.
Akatsuki couldn't help but laugh at Doremi's stunned expression. "You don't have to eat it all, do not fret."
Doremi sighed dramatically in relief and grabbed a peeled grape.
After lunch, Akatsuki had personally shown Doremi to the Queen's Chambers, and declared that they are now hers. He left, having Pre-King duties he needed to attend to, leaving Doremi with Youhei's wife, Lady Megumi, because she was one of the few women at Court, and it was completely absurd to leave the future Queen alone or with men.
Doremi looked around her presence chamber in awe, "This is amazing…" she whispered.
"And this isn't even all of it…" Megumi said, she stepped forward and opened the large double doors in front of her, revealing Doremi's inner chambers, "Here is your bedchamber."
Doremi gasped as she stepped inside. Rich tapestries lined the deep purple walls, with a dark red carpet beneath her feet. The room gave off a very regal image. At the centre of it all, a large bed, with silk covers and big fluffy pillows. The bed was pure white, trimmed with gold. Doremi couldn't believe her eyes.
Doremi surveyed the rest of the room. A bookshelf that needed books, a large mahogany desk with writing supplies, a large collection of chairs in one corner (Though not nearly as many as there was in the presence chamber), and a large window, showing Kyoto. It was beautiful.
"This… this is mine?" Doremi asked, clearly shocked.
Megumi smiled, "Yes, my Lady. It's quite extraordinary, isn't it?"
Doremi didn't answer. Instead, she walked up to the window. The great city of Kyoto was shown before her. "I'm not in Misora anymore…" she whispered to herself.
"Now what do I do?" Doremi asked, turning around.
"I'm not sure, my Lady," Megumi said, "Perhaps you should write a letter to your father, Lord Keisuke? Or even to your sister, asking her to become one of your maids. You have a sister, do you not? If you like, we could even do some sewing..."
Doremi smiled, "I love all of those options." She turned around and looked at the desk, "May I write my letters first?"
Megumi bowed her head, "Of course, my Lady."
Doremi went to go and sit at her mahogany desk when there was a knock at the door. Megumi rushed over to open it, the green layers of her gown sweeping the floor.
"Oh. My Lady?" Megumi said, turning to face Doremi, "It is the seamstress. She would like to get your measurements for you wedding and coronation dress."
Doremi had to contain her excitement. She hadn't been measured for a new dress for what felt like ages. "Okay, then." She said, standing up and trying to untie the lace at the back of her dress. Megumi rushed over to help her.
The pink and gold layers of Doremi's gown fell around her and she stepped out of it, wearing just her linen. "Go ahead."
The seamstress made her way over to Doremi and began to take her measurements. Doremi started to tell the lady about colours and designs she would like for her dress, and the lady was clearly paying attention. Doremi was going to be Queen after all… and Queen's need to be pleased.
And Doremi knew she was going to be pleased.
A/N: Well… another chapter… was that a bad ending? Eh. Coronation next chapter, because Akatsuki isn't allowed to attend his father's funeral… I don't know why. Some more characters will be appearing next chapter. Characters you will know.
I can't be bothered changing that Author's Note. It fits well enough.
