Okeey~ Hey guys! This is the second version of chapter 3 of WOACH. I hope you enjoyed the chapters up til now and if you read the original chapter, you'll notice the beginning is different and such and actually everything is different...
Okay enough chat, please enjoy!
~III~
Months Earlier
"Misaki!" The lady calls out, knocking on the door gently. "Come out, darling."
"Mother?" a faint voice answers, opening the chamber doors to allow her mother in. "Is something the matter?"
"We have a visitor." The lady with long brown locks answers, her bright amber eyes were hard to read. The mother looked down at her daughter.
"Visitor?" Misaki asks, narrowing her eyes, creaking the door open more to face her mother completely. "I didn't invite anyone, mother."
"No. Me and your father did." Misaki's mother replies. "It's true you are crowned as queen now...but me and your father still have the authority."
"What's this about?" Misaki asks more seriously.
Her mother sighed and bowed her head slightly as she turned around of leave. "Just come down when you're ready dear, and your father and I will explain."
"Wa- Mother!" Misaki exclaims, grabbing hold of her mother's arm before she could take any further steps.
"Misaki..." her mother sighed, looking back.
"What's going on?! You're acting different than usual." Misaki says, her eyes were filled with anxiety. "What's going on?"
"I told you, dear, I'll explain once you are down in the throne room." Her mother says, taking Misaki's hand and holding it with a smile. "Don't worry."
Misaki nodded once. "Could you at least tell me who it is?"
Misaki's mother stared at her for a slight moment before answering with a quiet voice. "Your fiance."
Present Day
"Taking a double look at this castle..." the brunette queen sighed, crossing her arms from under her cloak. "It gets larger the second time I look at it."
"Does it?" the blond king murmurs, approaching her as he waves the coachman off. "It looks small to me."
The queen looked back at the blond king and gave him a doubtful glare. "That's an understatement."
"It's the truth." He shrugs, coming up to the queen's side. "Perhaps I've seen it too many times in my last 2 decades here."
"This castle is the size of an entire village...that is definitely not small." Misaki glares looking up at the castle. It sounded like a overstatement but it was what she felt. "My castle is not nearly as large."
"Oh?" Takumi murmured. "That's good. There's really no point in a large castle where it's all empty spaces."
"Though you have a large amount of servants and knights?" Misaki asks. "I doubt you have many empty chambers."
Takumi shook his head. "There's more space than you can think of. This castle is larger than you think...more lonely than you think."
With that said, his head bowed slightly to have the shadows of his bangs cover his eyes. Takumi strides up on the steps up to the large door. Misaki stood there, confused. Lonely?
"What does he mean by lonely...?" Misaki muttered to herself. "Seems to be rather crowded."
"Very untrue, your highness." A deep voice says from behind her. Misaki turned her head to see Takumi's butler, Cedric, approaching her slowly.
"What does that mean?" Misaki asks quietly. "Did something happen?"
Cedric nodded with a stern expression, looking at Takumi's back as he continued to walk up the steps. "His highness is...an orphan. A few years ago, he had suddenly lost his brother and then, his parents."
Misaki pressed her lips together. "I had no idea. This is news."
"Is it? It's been a popular rumor a few years ago." Cedric says and as he came up to Misaki, he gestures her to come up the steps as well. "His majesty...is a very lonely and sad man."
"Very ill-tempered as well." Misaki nodded, eyeing the snow. "I was wondering what the story behind the snow was, and now I see."
"Are you two finished?" Takumi asked, looking down at Misaki and Cedric from the corner of his eye, stopping just at the top of the stairs.
"Of course." Cedric answers and Misaki just frowned, quickening her pace up the steps.
Takumi sighs as he waited for Cedric to open the large door so that the three of them could enter the castle. Misaki came up to Takumi's side and waited.
"Are you cold?" Takumi suddenly asks, staring down at her.
Misaki shook her head once. "I'm okay. I love the cold anyway."
"You're a strange queen." Takumi frowns. "I don't know a lot of people who loves the cold."
"Well. You can differ me special." Misaki smiled crookedly. "Being strange and different is special. Normal is boring right?"
As Misaki heard the large door creak open, Misaki looks at Takumi before entering and Takumi followed behind her inside.
"It's quiet." Cedric noted.
"The maids are probably around the castle cleaning as usual. Less of a ruckus then." Takumi says. "Cedric, you can go ahead and help out in the kitchen."
Misaki watched Cedric bow and take his leave without a second glance back at Misaki and Takumi.
"Are you coming?" Takumi asks, looking down at her, taking his cloak off.
Misaki nodded, following Takumi as he approached and started up the large staircase.
"It's very quiet here." Misaki noted, lifting her dress a little to walk easier.
"The maids are in the kitchen or on the second floor quietly cleaning— were you listening?" Takumi asked. "Half of my knights are out on a mission and the other half are training."
"That wasn't what I exactly meant." Misaki frowned. "Never mind..."
His majesty...is a very lonely and sad man...Cedric's words about Takumi floated in her head as she stared up at Takumi's broad back.
As they came to the top, Takumi turned to his left and continued walking with Misaki following close behind awkwardly at the silence.
"Do you pity me?" he asked very suddenly when they turned at another corner of the large hallway, passing the ball room entryway.
Misaki frowned. "Why would I?"
"A king who lost his loved ones and now, takes his loneliness out on his own kingdom mercilessly." Takumi murmured, not showing his expression. "Losing everything."
"I do feel a bit sorry but it's normal to lose your loved ones." Misaki answered quietly, the heels of her shoes clacking against the floor. "Everyone loses important people. Everyone."
"I'm not strong about it." Takumi continued. "I simply mourned over their deaths for years."
Misaki narrowed her eyes at how easily he could say that. "Then they meant the world to you. It doesn't mean anything of weakness of you to continue to cry for them."
"You will meet new people to love." Misaki continued on with a smile. "Do you love someone now? Someone you treasure?"
"Someone I love now...?" Takumi muttered as he stopped walking but just stood there without a word.
Misaki pressed her lips together. "Yes. Like your wife?"
"I don't have one." Takumi frowned. "If I did, this ridiculous snow wouldn't be here."
"I see. Well that's fine. I'm rather a lonely person myself." Misaki said, trying to change the sad spotlight on Takumi to herself.
"You, at least, have a family as far as I know." Takumi said.
Misaki sighed and then walked up in front of Takumi who still stood there. "Yes and I love them. But, in a way, I'm lonely. Not like you, but I desire someone by my side as well."
"We're here," Takumi said suddenly, looking to his right at the large golden doors. "King's chambers. Come in?"
"Of course." Misaki breathed, a little awkward of the moment.
As Takumi opened the door, Misaki walked in first followed by Takumi. "Take a seat anywhere." Takumi said from behind her.
"Let's get started." Takumi said as soon as Misaki sat down as well as himself, settling down on the seat in front of her.
"There shouldn't be anything to talk about." Misaki said, looking up at him. "We've discussed in on the ride here. We are here so you can apologize."
"Indeed." Takumi nodded. "Although I was hoping we'd also discuss your duties as a maid and also...I'm hoping we'd get a fresh start."
"I understand about the part of a maid but I don't understand about giving a fresh start." Misaki squinted her eyes. "I don't understand."
"Well," Takumi murmured. "We met by a very bad start. I'd like to start over."
"Interesting..." Misaki murmured with a crooked smile. "All I have to say is that I'm never going to forget our rough meeting."
"That's why we should start over." Takumi said, standing up.
"This is pathetic. What's done is done." Misaki cleared. "I've had much worse meetings with the villagers I've met along the way here, to Seika."
Takumi shook his head. "As I said in the carriage, I will allow you protection and a secret identity here in my castle. I won't let anyone know who you are except the ones I trust."
Misaki stared hard but she looked away. "I already agreed so do what you must."
Takumi nodded. He huffed, "As for the apology, I really am sorry about earlier. I realize that it was a rash choice and I was...very ill-tempered and unreasonable."
Misaki coughed. "Extremely ill-tempered." She corrected.
He rolled his eyes. "Sorry. Extremely ill-tempered."
She laughed and shook her little head,
"It's alright and I'll have to thank you for the offer." Misaki smiled. "You saved the trouble of traveling further...It took me a few weeks to get here and it wasn't easy. So thank you."
"It's my pleasure. By the way, do you have any luggages when you left your home?" Takumi asked.
Misaki blinked. "Oh...I...don't have any luggage now that I thin about it. I only left with money to feed myself. But, I guess I didn't need to bring anything but money. I survived just fine."
Takumi shrugged. "And— what about the throne that you carelessly left behind?"
"Hey— I didn't not leave it carelessly. My parents are taking over the throne for now. My mother is the Queen mother and My father is still the reigning King. However, the throne is still connected to me so my emotions will still effect my Kingdom."
Takumi nods in understanding. "I see."
"Yea." Misaki frowned, remembering her parents.
"If you go with Satsuki, she will show you your jobs." Takumi changed the topic and then a few seconds later, a young lady in her mid thirties came in with a smile when she saw Misaki.
"Yes, your majesty." Satsuki bowed to Takumi and then guided Misaki away. In a small whisper when Misaki came to Satsuki, she whispered. "I'm glad you're back."
Misaki nods. "I hope I made the right choice."
The Next Morning
"This is rather uncomfortable." Misaki whispered to a red head beside her, Erika. "The dress is poking me somewhere and— I can't pin point where."
"Really?" Erika whispered back as the the stood quietly in rows. "I'll have Aoi fix it later so try and hold up for the morning."
Misaki stiffly nodded as she yawned into her hand.
She was awoken this morning very early at 6 AM and was told to clean the castle with the other maids, clean, serve the Knights in bed and even prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for the king.
It was all to be done by 10 AM and the king will awaken at 11 AM so they got a bit of a break. So in the time she had, she got her uniform. It was all new for Misaki so she couldn't help but yawn every now and then.
When she was being woken up by Erika, she nearly spilled the beans and yelled like she always did when a servant woke her up too early.
She was then introduced to Erika, a lovely girl who was just a year older than her. She had beautiful, long fiery locks being pulled up into a pony-tail. But the introduction was short and Misaki was put to work immediately.
She helped out her maids in her castle often with cleaning do it wasn't a big deal. Waking up early, however, wasn't fun. Serving people, wasn't how it was supposed to be. Serving her, was the proper way.
No. I'm a maid now. I'll have to forget that I have a Queen status. She thought to her tired sleepy.
Right now, the maids were lined up, waiting to greet their King good morning.
Misaki unconsciously let out another yawn and Erika beside her giggled. She whispered, "Don't worry. Waking up early will be a normal thing when your body is used to it."
"Is that so..." Misaki whispered back with uneasiness. "I'll look forward to that."
Erika smiled and looked away. "I don't know how it was like it Seiyuama but here, the King likes his servants in order and greet him every morning."
Actually. I sleep in alot when I was Queen...Misaki smiled. "Wouldn't it be good enough if Cedric greeted him?"
"I don't know. I arrived just a few months ago." Erika smiled. "I guess we're kind of in the same boat huh?"
Misaki grinned and nodded.
"Yesterday, I was really impressed with you when you stood up to his majesty like that!" Erika exclaimed quietly, a little spark of excitement in her eyes. "It's also shocking that he would allow you to still work under him too! I mean, how?"
Misaki chuckled nervously as she scratched her cheek with one finger. "I guess I had a few tricks up my sleeves."
"Indeed you do! But that drama you caused yesterday could've ended your life!" Erika scolded. "His majesty is the most scariest king of Asia! Do be careful next time."
"O-Of course." Misaki nodded, restraining herself from blurring some rude things about Takumi.
"Hush!" Satsuki whispered beside them. "Cedric is waking the king up now. They should be arriving soon."
Misaki and Erika smiled at each other and stopped talking, waiting silently. As they waiting for Takumi, Misaki looked down and as starting to feel a bit of annoyance. Her queenly instincts were starting to surface.
Now that she thought about it, she has to serve Takumi, the guy who yelled and slapped her in their first meeting. The guy she doesn't know much about...will be her master figure for as long as she's staying in the castle.
"Che." Misaki mutters quietly to herself, feeling the need to punch something. Someone. I still can't believe I agreed to become a maid for him.
STEP STEP STEP
"He's here." Erika whispers and nudges Misaki's side. "Just follow what I do."
Misaki nods and looks upon the staircase at the top where Takumi, followed by the dashing butler Cedric, close behind him.
Misaki frowned. An orphan...no wonder he's lonely...No! I can't pity him! I can't pity the devil!
Misaki held strong and held in her frustration and bowed her head but she couldn't help but glance at Takumi from the corner of her eyes. Her large Amber gaze stared at his emerald, distant ones.
When their gaze met, Misaki attempted to look away but she couldn't. Her some reason, his eyes trapped her. His kingly figure, his good and charming looks would be enough to make one fall in love.
He stared at her, expressionless but Misaki could see the smirk in them.
How embarrassing! Misaki's head yelled in frustration. When she looked around, she realized that no one else was bowing her head so she quickly lifted her head,
"Good Morning." All the maids around her suddenly bowed down quickly but elegantly. Misaki's eyes grew wide in confusion— what?
Misaki looked over at Erika who was bowing, eyes closed.
Misaki looked up at Takumi and Cedric who were decending the stairs, Takumi's eyes landed on hers in amusement. Misaki fumed.
A hand nudged Misaki's uniform and she looked down at see Erika hinting Misaki with her eyes to bow.
Misaki gawked at Erika.
"Miss. Koyuki, is there a reason why you're not bowing?" Cedric's voice popped in. Misaki looked up to see Takumi and Cedric standing in front of her. Their eyes were hard.
Misaki had the strongest urge to start yelling in complaint. Holding that behind, Misaki's voice shook as she bowed. "M-My mistake. I was...confused."
"That's strike two." Takumi said, running a hand through his blond hair. "Yesterday was strike one and not bowing is strike two."
"Hah?!" Misaki exclaimed loudly which caught everyone off guard. Her head immediately raised and her eyes glued to Takumi's. "Strike two?!"
Everyone was silent and frozen. Takumi just stared at her and Cedric said nothing,only closing his eyes.
Shoot! Act like a maid, Misaki! You're not a queen! Not a queen right now! Misaki nagged to herself.
Misaki chuckled nervously, bowing again, to her shame. "Ahaha...my apologies. That outburst was my fault. F-Forgive me..."
Takumi coughed once high made Misaki sneak a glance up at him. A little smile was plastered on her lips in amusement but disappeared instantly which caused Misaki's eyes to become wide. A smile!
"I'm starting to assume that you having an outburst with be a normal thing. I'll forgive you just this once. But, after your third strike, please expect a punishment." Takumi says. "You may rise."
Misaki bit her lips but rose and looked straight into his eyes. He was teasing her. A punishment? Was he serious?
This is so embarrassing and shameful as a queen. Misaki scolded herself again and looked away from the handsome, jerk like King.
Breakfast
Misaki and the rest of the maids stood around, in order, quietly letting the king eat his breakfast. Before Takumi sat down in front of her, he glanced at her and looked away.
A queen, serving as a maid. What could be more embarrassing for her?
As Cedric served Takumi his plate for breakfast, he asked, "Sire, would you like some porridge to start with?"
"Fine." Takumi nods and picks up his spoon as Cedric poured in some porridge.
Misaki couldn't help but smile. She's never cooked her own food successfully in her life. When she tried, it was a disaster! Something always went wrong in her cooking. It wasn't her best point.
If Takumi ate her food, he'll most likely taste the most horrible thing ever. That, made Misaki smile. Consider this, payback for slapping me yesterday!
She found herself giggling loudly as she thought about what his reaction would be.
"Something funny?" Takumi asked, looking behind him to look at Misaki.
Misaki quickly shook her head and left a half serious face. "No."
As Takumi looked back at his food, Misaki's smirk returned to her. Good luck. I really don't know what I put in there.
Although Misaki couldn't see him eating the porridge, she saw and heard his spoon pick up and heard him slurping the water a little.
Yes...! Misaki's head cheered.
He let the spoon fall and splattered onto the dish. Misaki should be upset that he didn't like her porridge but, Revenge was priority.
She heard a cough from him as he drank a bit of water.
Misaki's mind practically laughed evilly. Serves you right! How'd it taste, jerk!
"Cedric, who made this porridge?" Takumi asked loudly, there was a slight annoyance in his voice to Misaki's amusement and victory.
She stepped up with a smirk. "I did, your majesty."
Everyone looked at Misaki. She only smiled at Takumi innocently. His hard gaze turned to her but immediately relaxed.
"You did?" Takumi asked. Misaki nodded.
"Was there...something wrong with the porridge?" Misaki asked, cocking her head to the side.
"You..." Takumi started and looked back at the porridge and hesitated. Misaki was confused, why wasn't he yelling at her? "You never fail to surprise me! The porridge was amazing."
Amazing, he says...amazing...a-amazing?! Misaki gasped and gawked at him, her eyes twitched. "T-Thank you!"
Takumi nodded at her. "Clean this up, take the porridge and the bread back to my room. I shall eat there."
"Yes!" The maids bowed to him waited for him to stand up and head to the exit of the room.
When everyone began cleaning up, Misaki took the bowl of porridge that she made and took it out the room, she was upset, amazed and again, very upset.
As she exited into the hallways, she says to herself, "What happened!? I was sure that my cooking was horrible! It should've been awful enough for him to gag and cough uncontrollably!"
As she walked down the hall, she glared at her porridge. "Was it that good...?"
She stopped walking. She scowled. "NO! I wanted it to taste horrible, damnit!"
"Why don't you try it yourself?" Takumi asked, popping up behind her. Misaki gasped and jumped in surprise as she stumbled forward, the glass bowl tilting forward.
"Ah?!" Misaki gasped. When she tried to reach out for the bowl, it was no use. She couldn't catch it and waited for glass to break.
"Careful!" Takumi exclaims, reaching a hand out speedily and caught the falling bowl in time for it to not fall and spill everywhere.
Misaki sighed in relief, having a hand over her speeding heart. "Thank goodness!"
Takumi stared down at the porridge. "This...is something you should try."
Misaki glared at him. "What do you mean?"
Takumi shrugged and picked up the spoon and scooped up a spoonful. "Didn't I say this was amazing? You should definitely try this!"
Misaki looked at him doubtfully. "If you said it tastes amazing, then fine. I don't need to it."
Takumi poked the spoon out further, pressing her to eat it. "Try it."
"No!" Misaki exclaimed angrily. "Sheesh! I said it's okay!"
"Try it, Miss. Koyuki. I'm speaking to you as your king right now." Takumi looked at her with seriousness. Misaki gritted her teeth and clenched her hands before taking the spoon away from him.
"Only one spoon..." Misaki muttered, slowly sticking it into her mouth. She kept it in her mouth, no movement.
"Swallow it..." Takumi commanded after a little silence of them staring at each other. Misaki shook her head but Takumi nodded.
Misaki hesitantly swallowed and gagged out loud, "UGH! The is tastes horrible how can you say it tasted amazing you jerk-"
Misaki stopped talking when she saw the smirk plastered on his face and realized it. "You jerk! It was your plan the entire time wasn't it?!"
Takumi shrugged and began walking away. "You wanted me to eat it and so, you shall eat it with me. Was it good?"
"What-" Misaki scoffed and was about to start yelling at him but she heard the maids coming. So, she scowled quietly. "You king of jerks!"
He continued walking away but Misaki could feel the evil, mocking laughter from him.
Ugh! He's mocking me!
for reading guys! Review, fav and follow!
~WhiteAngel83