Chapter 3 – The Pillar

Saihitei was on his way to his room to change for his scheduled horseback riding. He had just finished his private lesson when he was summoned by his father to the solarium. The newly renovated room was his father's and grandfather's sanctuary. Forbidden. Why then was he being called there, he wondered.

The emperor was talking to his trusted messenger when he entered the solarium. The young prince thought there must be an urgent message from his mother. The empress visited Tendou in UK where he study at the University of Oxford. He noticed a folded letter and an envelope intricately tied with black and white ribbon and was suddenly alarmed. He regarded his father's sombre and gloomy appearance, keeping his thoughts to himself as he tried to hide the twinge of pain in his chocolate brown eyes.

When the messenger left, his father turned to him, taking a deep breath to build up courage before announcing the sad news. "Saihitei..." He heard his father say in a clear voice. Saihitei's heart drummed.

"Yes, father?"

The emperor looked at his second son intently inthe eyes. "You are good friends with Keibu's daughter, am I right?"

Saihitei turned slightly pale. His gaze flickered towards the envelope on the table. It can't be! He chastised himself and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. Straightening up, he shut off the warning bells ringing in his mind. The emperor looked closely at his second son and could make out a multitude of emotions in those golden brown eyes – panic, worry, denial – but most of all, fear.

"Father... did something happen to Miaka?" His usually gentle voice came out a little louder.

It was the first time in more than a year after their first meeting that reserved, introverted Saihitei called her by name. He used to address her as Uncle Keibu's little daughter or little girl. The emperor noted how Saihitei, even at young age, guarded his emotions so well that even he, the little prince's father, could not decipher them. The only time he saw his son genuinely smiling, laughing and enjoying other people's presence was during that 3-day celebration of their wedding anniversary last year, and only in the company of that little girl. It surprised him that she could manage to get through his calm and collected demeanour.

"Unfortunately, yes..."

Saihitei's mask of calmness fell. His face contorting with horror, he stepped back, leaning on one of the chairs for support. So that's it... the messenger... the folded letter... the envelope...

"Father and daughter were returning from their trip to Nagoya when their car crashed to a truck. According to preliminary investigation, the truck's driver suddenly had a heart attack while driving. The witnesses said Keibu tried to avoid the 8-wheeler but it was too late..." The emperor explained.

Saihitei's face was a complete void. He was unable to process the thought that the once warm, energetic and free-spirited Miaka was now a cold and lifeless body. He had only met her last year but she had changed him unconsciously. He couldn't understand it, but even the mere thought of her brought him unparalleled peace and joy. How he constantly looked forward to seeing her again.

The last chance he had was his twelfth birthday, when he asked his father to invite the Yuuki family. Only the father and the son came, though, because Miaka was down with the chicken pox. Saihitei had been so worried and had wanted to visit her, but was not allowed to do so. And now it looked like he would never see her again.

His promise had become just empty words. Even after swearing it three times...

The prince clenched his jaw to fight back tears. His father would be utterly disappointed to see him crying over a child he met only last year. It did not matter that that child was a daughter of his best friend. His father lost a long-time trusted friend too, yet he remained calm as he received the grave news.

But the three days he spent with her last year were the best in his life...

"Keibu died on the spot. The witnesses saw his body sprawled over his daughter's in an attempt to protect her." The emperor continued. His voice trembled but remained calm. "The daughter was rushed to the nearest hospital, alive yet still unconscious."

The dark cloud that blanketed Saihitei's face lifted with hope. A single tear finally gave way as he agitatedly opened and closed his fists. It was a momentary relief followed by a lightning jolt of concern and fear. "F-father...I..."

"You want to visit the daughter." The emperor finished the sentence for him. For the first time, he was able to read his mind clearly.

Saihitei's lips quivered. "Father please, I beg that you allow me to visit her. I promise to be discreet and to not do anything that will dishonor the family."

The emperor looked at his son with mixed feelings. "I will come with you, son." The prince lifted his head, eyes full of gratitude. "Go to your room and get ready, we will leave in the next hour."

Saihitei felt a jab in his heart when he saw his best friend. Her small body was completely bruised black and blue, right arm fractured. She had been in coma for 52 hours already.

The emperor was suddenly apprehensive about his decision to let the young prince visit the little girl in her current state. Such a sight could pose trauma to his son. The little girl was the first person outside the palace Saihitei considered special.

"Father... please, will you allow me to spend a few more hours with her?" The emperor heard his son pleading after he said it was time to leave the hospital.

He remembered Tendou's story about the reserved Saihitei carrying little Miaka on his back after she got herself lost inside the maze garden, something the prince had never done for his younger sisters, and wondered as to what lengths Saihitei was capable of doing just to see the little girl safe and protected. It was like a miracle. If not for the fact that they were mere children, he would have thought his second son had already met his match. His soul mate.

The emperor did not have the heart to reject Saihitei's pleading. His wife was right – even though he was a prince...Saihitei was, after all, just like any other normal boy.

Perhaps, Keibu, our children needed each other's company. Your daughter needs Saihitei's shoulder, a pillar she can lean on now that you are gone... My friend, I will never forget the day you saved my life. I owe to you my every breath since that accident 27 years ago. Allow me to return the favour. I know my young Saihitei wishes nothing but to see your daughter safe and sound.

"Maori and two bodyguards will stay here with you, then. I have to attend your uncle Keibu's wake. His wife was devastated with his death." The emperor patted his son's shoulder. Just before he left the room he looked back and said, "Son, please take care of your uncle Keibu's daughter."

Saihitei nodded solemnly. "I will father. Thank you."

After his father left the hospital with Keisukei and his bodyguards and instructed Maori to constantly update them on Miaka's condition, Saihitei finally let out a deep sigh. The young prince asked to be given a moment alone with Miaka.

Saihitei took her cold hand as if it was a precious fragile thing and placed it on his chest over his heart. His eyes squeezed themselves shut, lips pressed together in silent prayer.

Please God... please... don't take her yet. She's still too young. Please let her live. I will do anything for her, I swear. I don't know and I don't care how but whatever happens, let me protect her. I'll protect her so please, please, please... let her live...

The desperate plea awakened a dormant energy within him, slowly stirring and moving below the threshold of his consciousness until it rose up to boiling point, searing the right side of his neck.

He felt the rugged pulse on her wrist begin to synchronize with his steady heartbeat. Saihitei brought her hand to his face, pressing it onto his cheek. Please Miaka... please open your eyes. I'm here... I'm already here... so please, please open your eyes...

The young prince had not realized the tears flowing his eyes and soaking the little girl's frail hands. He had never cried before.

Only now... only for her... his precious friend... his precious Miaka...

End of Chapter 3

Phew... apologies for the long wait. 'been extremely busy but it's nice to finally update this story. Big thanks to Kay for her time to beta-edit this chapter, I'm really grateful.