Chapter 3

The castle itself was nothing special besides the color. When we entered, it started off looking all wooden and shack-like but as we continued further in, everything looked more expensive and luxurious. It was like they had something precious hidden in the center of the castle.

Leon and I were walking behind Miku, with Leon on her left and me on her right. Hiyama was walking besides Miku and he was trying to start a conversation with her. Notice how I said trying. Miku would always answer with the fewest words possible which seemed to make Hiyama fidget.

"How was your trip, Your Highness?"

"Good." I had a feeling she lied about this part.

"How do you like the castle? We just got it renovated."

"Fitting." Well I liked it.

"How are you enjoying the kingdom so far?" We were only here for like ten minutes and he was already asking this question.

"Hot."

Awkward silence. At least for Hiyama it was. Leon and I didn't care. He looked back at us with a pleading look as if the silence was killing him. Leon made no signs of life besides walking and I just made a cutting motion across my neck with my hand, trying to hint that he should just stop talking. He seemed to get the message because the rest of the walk was in silence.

He led us up a few flights of white, marble stairs. He stopped in front of a pair of silver double doors. It had teal decorations as if it was specifically made for Miku.

"This is where you shall be staying, Your Highness." Hiyama said. He motioned down the hall where another door sat. "Your guard will be staying down there."

"What about me?" I said, pointing at myself.

"I didn't know there was going to be a ninja," he said stupidly.

"Well duh, why do you think I'm here?" I asked, giving him a dumb look. Seriously we walked together for like five minutes and he never bothered to question why I was here.

He was about to say something when Miku spoke up.

"It's fine," she said sounding annoyed. "I have plans for this one." That caught my attention. I wondered what she wanted to do with me. Then I remembered the trip here and I got a bit scared.

Hiyama nodded. "I see. I shall come back later to escort you to dinner with His Highness." He bowed and walked away. Leon also walked towards his room while following Miku as she entered hers.

The room was similar to Miku's own room, with the living room, bedroom and bathroom, except everything felt more open and it was twice as big.

"If Miku thought her room was small, then does she think this is medium?"

I noticed several big bags in the middle of the room. Miku opened them and I took a peek. They were clothes. They were her luggage.

"So we didn't get robbed. But why are there so many bags? I didn't see all that on the carriage."

"Hey reject! Come take my bags to my room?" Miku demanded.

I winced. "Can you not call me reject?" I walked over to the bags and lifted them up. They were a lot heavy than they looked. "I'll take any other names but that."

Miku raised a brow at me. "And why should I? Are you traumatized by that word?" She started walking towards a door, which lead to her bedroom.

"If I said yes, would you not call me that?" Usually I wouldn't care much about the word but recently I'd been getting unpleasant memories and that word would've just made me remember more.

"Maybe if I knew what happened," she smirked at me. This girl would be the last person I'd tell.

I carried the bags into her bedroom and dropped them in front of her bed. The bed was even bigger than her own. The whole room seemed to match her theme of color. The room was connected to a large balcony that over looked the ocean.

"So why did you want me to not have a room of my own, princess."

"You're my bodyguard so you need protect me when I'm most vulnerable." She searched through her bags, looking for something to change into. She put too much trust in me for the wrong reasons. Oh well, she must have her reasons.

"So where will I be sleeping?" "Her bed is definitely big enough for two people. Oh that reminds me. I need to apologize soon."

"Sleeping?" Miku said as if the word was foreign to her. "You won't be sleeping. You are to stand guard all night."

My jaw fell. "That's impossible." I can't believe she expected me to stay up all night watching over her. "Wait would that make me a stalker? Nah, I'll just be guarding her probably from outside her room."

"Well make it possible," she said threateningly. She held out her hand with her fingers pointing up. Suddenly ice formed round her hand, making it look like a giant ice claw. "And you better not do anything weird either."

I gulped, hard. I stood up straight and saluted. "Y-yes, p-princess." Miku can get deadly serious if she wanted to. Plus she had the power to back her up.

"Now leave. I have to change." The ice around her hand disappeared leaving a trail of glimmer in its place. I sighed in relief and left the room.

I slumped onto the white, feathery couch. I felt like I was forgetting something and at that moment, my stomach growled. Hungry. I sat and looked around for something to eat. I saw a golden bell.

"If the rumors are true, something amazing will happen when I ring that bell."

So I did. Two seconds later, five maids came barging in with trays in their hands. There was an assortment of dishes, all of which had tuna in some way or form. I felt like I was in heaven. But I found it odd that they were standing in front of the door still holding the food and not setting in down on the table.

"You may only choose one," said one of the maids. That saddened me but I guess it made sense considering I was the only one eating and there was a lot of food on one tray. I'm sure Leon knew what the bell does. I'm also sure Miku will have plenty of food to eat at her dinner with the prince.

I chose the dish with the raw tuna in the middle surrounded by a bunch of sushi. The maid put the tray on the table and left along with the other maids. Just when I was about to dig into my second feast, Miku walked out of her room.

I swore my heart stopped for a second. Miku was covered with jewels along her neck and wrists. She wore a long black dress with long black gloves. Her hair was all curly and up in a single ponytail. She looked beautiful and I got a bit jealous of Luki for a second.

"It seems you found out how to get food," she said as she observed my food. "And here I thought you were going to starve again."

I glanced over at my food. At this moment, tuna came second to me. I just wanted to keep staring at Miku. I wanted to protect her.

Miku noticed my staring and smirked. "So how do I look?" She spun around and I clutched my chest.

"Beautiful," was all I could get out. She literally took my breath away.

"Of course I do," Miku flipped her hair. "I don't know why I even asked. I am always beautiful no matter what I wear."

That broke me from my trance. I rolled my eyes and sat on the couch. She sure knew how to ruin the mood. A knock came from outside and Hiyama entered.

"I am here to escort you to dinner, Your Highness," he said as he bowed to Miku.

"Yes, let us go," Miku said, heading for the door.

"And should I go with you and be your bodyguard?" I asked.

"No that won't be necessary," she answered. "You would just make things more difficult for me. Just stand guard here." And with that, she left through the door followed by Hiyama.

I just shrugged. I pulled down my mask and started eating.

"That girl calls me her bodyguard but she won't even let me go with her to dinner. The food might be poisoned for all I know."

I stopped in mid-chew and put a hand on my throat. I wondered if my food was poisoned. I waited a few seconds and started chewing.

"Well since I'm not dead yet, the food is probably not poisoned. Wow this is some good tuna."

I'm sure the food Miku is going to eat won't be poisoned. The whole dinner smells of arrange marriage so it wouldn't make sense for the prince to kill his future wife. Especially not after he sees her.

I cleaned my tray of all food and rubbed my stomach. After I pulled my mask up, I put my head in my hands, thinking of my thoughts when I saw Miku before she left. I was so confused about my feelings. She had so many mood swings that I didn't even know how I felt. Sometimes she was mean, sometimes nice, sometimes she piques my interest, but most of the time she was mean.

"Geez, it's only been like two days and I'm already noticing the small stuff!"

I pushed these problematic feelings away because I didn't feel like dealing with them right now. I got up and paced around, thinking of what to do. My eyes fell on the golden bell again. I was curious on how the maids got here so fast. So I rang it again.

A maid came in, picked up the tray, bowed, and left. I quickly left the room and followed her. We went down some hallways and took a couple of turns.

"Oh my frigging tuna! Just where is this kitchen?!"

Then I lost her. I got distracted by a hanging portrait of a tuna swimming in the ocean. I walked around trying to find my way back to my room. But after about five minutes of confusion, I gave up and just started to explore the castle. I found myself walking down a long and dark hallway. I wondered why it was so dark while the rest of the castle was well lit. I wasn't scared but curious.

"Maybe they're hiding lots of treasure. Maybe there's a dungeon with evil people. Maybe there's a secret lab and they're conducting illegal experiments!"

As I walked towards the end of the hall, a single torch hung above a pair of golden double doors decorated with pink gems. I crossed dungeon off my list. I turned the knob and found it unlocked. I entered the room.

At first, I couldn't see anything except for the window that revealed the moon was out. After my eyes adjusted to the dark, I saw that I was in a bedroom. I sighed, a bit disappointed.

It was an abandoned room since everything was dusty and looked like it hasn't been touched for years. Even though it was in such a dirty condition, I could tell the room was quite luxurious. The room was pretty wide and in the middle of the room stood a large bed.

The room gave me a nostalgic feel yet I felt like I didn't belong in this place. I was getting a lot of mixed feelings from this room.

Thinking there was nothing else to do, I left. I walked around, half trying to find my way back and half exploring the area. There weren't many guards, at least where I was, and when a guard would come close to me, I would hide behind a curtain or something. I didn't think the guards would like seeing a random ninja wandering around the castle.

While skillfully avoiding any guards or maids, I found myself walking down another long hallway but this time it was well lit. The doors looked the same as the other one but it was silver instead of gold. I turned the knob and discovered it was unlocked. I entered.

"Ha I'm trespassing so much. Well it's not really my fault. These doors should've been locked in the first place."

The room was a bit similar to the dark room from before. It was still big and luxurious but unlike the other it was cleaner and somewhat brighter. There was an orb-like chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, which was dark. Two big, white columns towered above, holding up the room. Unlike Miku's room, there was only a bedroom (which I was in), bathroom, and a balcony. This family sure liked looking at their scenery.

Seeing the huge portrait on the wall of a pink haired boy, I guessed the prince lived here. And according to the nameplate at the bottom, his name was Luki Megurine.

I wandered around the room, looking at the prince's belongings. I noticed candles set up all around the walls but only some were lit. There was a desk with some papers that looked to be letters of some kind. In the corner stood a bookshelf full of books. Mostly math and history books.

"It seems this prince is quite sophisticated."

Suddenly I could hear footsteps getting louder from outside the room. I looked around quickly for somewhere to hide.

"Bed. Too obvious. Bathroom. Not safe enough. Outside. I can't. The door's frigging locked!"

I heard them turning the doorknob. I was freaking out. Like a lot. If I get caught by the prince, I'd ruin my name as a ninja. So I looked up and used my amazing climbing skills. I scaled one of the columns and hid behind it.

The door opened. I peeked around column while also staying hidden. It was the prince…and Miku.

Luki wore a white suit with a pink tie. He was about a foot taller than Miku so I guessed he about the same height as me. When he walked into the room, he pointed his finger at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Then a small fireball shot from his fingertip, lighting the orb.

"Oh wow. I'm pretty sure I totally just called that. Stupid royals. Always getting the cool stuff."

"I'm glad you enjoyed the dinner, Miku," said Luki as he let Miku into the room then closing the door behind her.

"Of course," replied Miku. "I especially loved the addition of the leeks. But tuna in every single dish was a bit much, don't you think?" She giggled and looked around the room.

Luki laughed. "What? I actually told the cooks to cook less tuna and to add more leek since you were coming." He gave her a playful smile and Miku blushed. I felt a slight pang of jealousy.

"Why does she always act so different around other people?"

Luki walked over to his desk. I shifted over a little bit so I avoided his line of sight. Luki held a couple pieces of paper in his hand.

"I always kept your letters." Luki said, while still staring at the letters, not noticing the Miku's face getting redder. "As much as I love writing to you, I always enjoyed talking to you in person more." He turned to Miku and smiled warmly. I don't know why but his smile seemed a bit off like it was fake.

Miku didn't seem to notice anything except his charm. It irked me how much he had an effect on her.

"I-I'm going to the b-bathroom for a second." Miku hurried to the bathroom with her head down, probably hiding her blush. It was a bit funny when she fumbled around with the doorknob. She went in and I could hear water running out of the sink.

Luki put the letters down and stood in front of his bed. He took off his jacket, revealing a white shirt and a black vest. He stared down at his hand for a second. He summoned a fireball and shot it at the chandelier again, extinguishing the light. Then he willed smaller flames at the end of his fingers and shot those at all the candles around the room. Now that the candles were lit, the room had a somewhat romantic feel.

"Oh no. If I don't leave soon, it's going to get pretty awkward in here. At least for me it will."

Miku came out of the bathroom, her face its normal color. She put her hair down, which made her look a lot more mature. She walked over to Luki and both of them sat on his bed.

I couldn't really hear what they were saying since they were on the other side of room of me. Part of me wanted to know what they were talking about and the other part of me didn't want to know. From their body gestures, I could tell their conversation started casual. Then Luki moved a bit closer to Miku and from how Miku was starting to get red, their conversation got more personal.

"Crap, I need to get out of here. I'm pretty sure things will happen soon and I don't want to see that."

But as the two royals kept talking, I noticed something off about Miku. She seemed more nice and willing to whatever Luki said or did. Maybe she really did have feelings for him yet I couldn't shake the feeling that something wrong was happening. She looked more vulnerable.

Luki noticed this and leaned towards Miku. He kissed her and she kissed back. I looked away.

"AHH, THE AWKWARDNESS!"

After a few seconds, I decided to look back. They were still kissing. Luki was basically on top of Miku while Miku's arms were still at her side. Suddenly Miku's eyes fluttered open and she looked around as if she was confused on what was happening. Then she saw me. I didn't hide because the look in her eyes showed confusion and helplessness.

The next thing I know I was down on the bed with them, pushing Luki off of Miku. I grabbed Miku's shoulders.

"Hey, are you okay, princess?" I asked. She still looked a bit out of it.

"Who the hell are you?!" Luki screamed in fury as he got up from the ground.

"Tsk tsk. Watch your language. That's not very princely." I teased.

"Shut up! Now answer my question, you wench!" He yelled, pointing at me.

I sighed. "Oh the names will never end." "Well I'm the princess's bodyguard," I said while putting my hand on my chest.

"Bodyguard?" Luki asked. "I didn't see any bodyguards during the dinner."

"Well obviously I'm also a ninja," I said, putting my hands in the air. "I just hid in the shadows." I lied about that last part. I just felt like pushing his buttons.

"No matter. I command you to leave this instance!" He was getting really mad. His blue eyes even flashed red. I put it aside though.

"No. Not until you tell me what you did to Miku." I motioned to the girl who was looking pretty loopy. She just smiled and looked around like she didn't know where she was or what she was doing.

Luki crossed his arms. "I don't know what you are talking about." He looked away. It was so obvious he was lying.

Well he wasn't going to tell me anytime soon. So I started thinking what happened leading to loopy Miku.

"So they came in. All was normal. Miku went into the bathroom. Luki lights the candles…CANDLES!"

I looked at the candles around the room. I pulled my mask down just below my nose. I took a sniff. There was a strong smell in the air. I could feel myself slipping into the same state as Miku. I pulled my mask back up.

"You know your powers are pretty cool but it's get really sad when a prince has to resort to those methods to get a girl." I smirked at the prince.

Luki scowled at me. "Silence! Miku has always loved me. She's just a little shy when showing any affection. So I just used a bit of magic," he summoned a flame on the tip of one of his fingers, "to push her into the right direction."

It was my turn to scowl at him. "You're sick, you know that?"

"And what are you going to do, ninja?" Luki asked, raising an eyebrow. "Miku's not going to believe whatever you say. She barely knows you."

He had a point but I didn't care. "That's true, but right now I'm taking her back to her room and away from you." I got off the bed and picked Miku up in my arms.

"What?" It took him a couple of seconds to process that I was actually taking Miku away from him. "Get back here! Give me back Miku!"

I turned around abruptly, causing him to take a small step backwards. "I have no obligation to listen to you." I said coldly, giving him the most dangerous glare I could make.

His eyes widen. "Y-you're the same as-" I left the room before I heard him finish. I kicked the door shut and I felt the fire go out in his room.

"Hmph, serves him right."

Apparently the fire also went out in the hallways. So I walked in darkness only guided by the moonlight. Miku started hugging me with her arms around my neck, hanging onto my scarf. I felt my face get hot.

"What are you doing, Luka? Why are you getting all flustered? Miku's not even her normal self."

I shook my head, trying to calm down. Miku's mouth was next to my ear and she started saying some incoherent words. Whatever Luki did is going to leave Miku like this for a while. I thought if Miku got away from his flames, then she would get better. But no, it seemed she was going to stay under his spell for a little longer.

Honestly I had no idea where Miku's room was but I just kept on walking, hoping I didn't bump into anyone. I didn't thankfully. By the time I found her room and placed Miku on her bed, my arms were aching. Miku wasn't heavy but I had carried her for a long time.

As I placed Miku down on her bed, Miku wouldn't let go of my neck. I put my arms on the bed behind to prop myself up.

"You need to let of me, princess. It's time to go to sleep." I laughed a bit. I felt like I was talking to a child. Miku mumbled some words.

"Speak up, princess. I can't hear you."

"I really like your laugh," she whispered, giggling. I blushed deeply. "I really like it, Luki."

Luki? I sighed. She thinks I'm Luki. I picked at my hair. Well we both have pink hair. But I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

"Well I really like your laugh too," I whispered in her ear. It was the truth but she wouldn't remember any of this anyway.

Miku pulled her face away, her arms still around my neck. She was smiling sweetly and blushing slightly, though it was her eyes that caught my attention. I couldn't see her pupils. Just teal. She was definitely still under Luki's spell.

"You should get some sleep now."

"I want to keep talking," Miku said slowly.

It would be pointless to talk to her now. First of all, she thinks I'm Luki and I don't know what Luki knows. Secondly Miku's not going to remember anything anyway.

"There's always tomorrow," I offered.

Miku nodded and loosen her grip on me. I let out a quiet sigh of relief. I got off the bed and started heading for the door. I didn't get very far when I felt a slight tug on my scarf.

"I was so close."

"Wait." Miku said in a small voice. "Can you sleep with me?"

My face grew insanely hot. I don't know why but I also noticed that the flame on the nightstand grew brighter.

"I shouldn't." I said, still facing the door.

"And why not?" Miku asked. I could just imagine her pouting.

"Well because…I'm sick." I faked a cough. I hoped she would let me leave.

Of course she didn't. Instead she actually pulled me closer. She stared at my face.

"Wow you really are sick." She put a hand up against my face. The motion only made my face redder, which made Miku smile. "You're all red, Luki."

I mentally sighed. "I'll be fine, princess. I'll just sleep in my…uh…room."

Miku looked sad then a second later she perked up. "I have an idea. I heard if you're sick then the best way to cure yourself is to hold hands with someone close to you."

"Where the heck did she hear that from? And what kind of spell is she under that makes her talk so much?"

"Don't you remember, Luki?" Miku looked as though she was about to cry. I started panicking.

"No, no, no, no, no." I put my hands on her arms. "I remember but how about refreshing my memory?"

Miku immediately stopped crying and cheered up. Sneaky girl. "Well when we were younger, you would always tell me that whenever you got sick."

"Oh that sly prince."

"I see but just for a little bit." Miku clapped and brought me onto the bed with her. She bent over her nightstand and blew the fire out. She turned around and noticed that I was on the opposite side of the bed from her. She gave me puzzled look. "You only said to hold hands."

Miku pouted but didn't say anything. She made herself comfortable under the blankets while I just laid on top of them. She held out her hand for me to take it. After a couple of seconds of more blushing, I took it. Her cool hand met with my probably hot hand because of all the emotions I was going through at the moment.

I heard Miku mutter some words. I assumed she was saying good night. "Good night, my princess."

After a few minutes, I could hear the soft and rhythmic breathing of Miku, signaling she had fallen asleep. I decided it was time for me to leave but I couldn't. Miku held tightly onto my hand, making me unable to escape.

I just laid back onto the bed and sighed deeply. Thinking over the day's events, I made one last thought before drifting off to sleep.

"I still need to apologize to Miku."

Please forgive me for any mistakes.