Hi, everyone. I'm sorry I took so long to write this chapter. First, my computer crashed because of a virus. Secondly, I've got exams. I hope you people will enjoy this one as much as my previous chapters.

Love is Ultimately Blind

Chapter 4: Another Guest

Kimiko stretched and awoke, yawning slightly. Sunlight streamed in from an open window and made her squint her eyes. "Rise and shine, Kimmy!" Shayla shouted from downstairs. "Breakfast is ready! Don't take your time coming down or the kids will leave none of the food for you!"
Kimiko smiled and tossed the blankets aside. She stretched and dug in the closet for some clothes and put on a black button-up shirt and black jeans that clung to her shapely legs. She went down to the kitchen to find Shayla's kids stuffing waffles into their mouths.

Kimiko sat down next to Layla and stroked the little girl's head, gently. Little baby Christopher crawled out of his baby chair and into my lap. "Christopher, get out of Sister Kimiko's lap," Shayla called from the stove where she was frying a few eggs.

"I don't mind him. After all, he is kind of cute," Kimiko said, tickling Christopher under the chin.

Shayla laughed and brought the already fried eggs over to the dining table. "He can be annoying at times but he really is adorable," Shayla said, filling Stella's and Layla's empty glasses with freshly squeezed orange juice. "None of you take the fried eggs. They're for Kimiko and I."

Layla and Stella looked upset and hung their heads. "Aww, come on, Shayla," Kimiko said. "It's not like they'll go begging for more after they have one egg."

"Believe me, Kim, they'll go for more and they won't stop," Shayla said, laughing and ruffling Layla and Stella's hair. She turned to the both of them and said, "After you finish your juice, I want you to take the horses to the groomer."

The both of them nodded and ran off at once after they had finished their juice. Stella and Layla loved the horses and never miss a chance to be near them. "So, you going back to the palace today?" she asked as she placed an egg on her plate.

"Yes," Kimiko replied, pouring herself a glass of juice. "Are you going to miss me?"

Shayla laughed and said, "I'm going to miss you but I heard that Princess Ashley has come into town. Be careful if you want to get Raimundo, that stupid princess has got many tricks up her sleeve. Especially since there are rumours that her father has captured Wuya, the witch."

Kimiko smiled warmly and hugged Shayla. "Thanks for looking out for me but I'm a big girl now," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "I can take care of myself pretty well."

"Goodbye! I'll come back to visit often!" Kimiko shouted as Mareal and her rode off on the path to the palace. "Take care."

As soon as the both horse and girl were a far distance away from the house, the whole world became silent and the only sound came from the clip-clopping of Mareal's hooves. The wind blew through Kimiko's hair and she smiled. Mareal snorted as the wind blew dust into her eyes and Kimiko laughed gently.

A white horse rode past Kimiko and Mareal at such a speed that Kimiko almost fell off her horse. Mareal who was slightly frightened by that 'whirlwind', galloped wildly and threw Kimiko off her back. Kimiko landed on her bottom with a soft thud and she winced in pain.

Just then, a black horse stood beside Kimiko and Raimundo slid off Tornado with a teasing smile. He held out a hand and Kimiko excepted it gratefully as she couldn't even get up with all the pain in her bottom and legs. Why is he out so early in the morning? At this time of day, he's usually in bed, Kimiko thought.

"Thanks," Kimiko said as she tried to stand but almost fell down as her legs were shaky. Raimundo caught her in time and she blushed at his touch. "I guess I should go and calm Mareal down."

"No, you sit down on Tornado and I'll go calm her down," Raimundo ordered, gently lifting Kimiko onto his horse. "I mean it as a direct order from your Prince."

Kimiko giggled and watched as Raimundo and his gentle ways brought Mareal's wild spirit to rest. She always admired him more than as a friend but now, her feelings have developed fully for him.

Raimundo grabbed Mareal's reins once she was calm and gently led her to where Tornado and Kimiko were waiting. He climbed onto Tornado and settled himself comfortably behind Kimiko but he didn't give her Mareal's reins. "Aren't I going to ride Mareal?" she asked when Raimundo clickled Tornado's reins and his magnificent black beauty trotted.

"You can't even stand up and you want to ride a horse," Raimundo said, teasingly. "I think it's best that you ride with me while I lead Mareal. That way you won't embarrass yourself in public with falling down on you butt again."

Kimiko blushed when Raimundo spoke those words. "I guess you're right," Kimiko said, softly. She leaned onto Raimundo's chest and sighed deeply. "I don't want to embarrass myself. After all, I'd go anywhere with you and you are so going to be shamed if they see me with you."

Kimiko blushed again when Raimundo wrapped his arms around her waist even tighter than before. Am I starting to develop feelings for this girl? Raimundo asked himself as they rode back to the castle in silence. She's so pretty and sweet. Her voice sounds like the singing of a thousand angels. Wait...am I really falling in love with Kimiko Tohomiko?

Raimundo pushed the thoughts away and concentrated on riding Tornado smoothly and guiding Mareal without confusing her. Why am I falling in love with the prince? A servant girl can never fall in love with the prince unless it is a show of patriotism, Kimiko thought as she listened to the beating of Raimundo's heart. He is to marry Princess Ashley. Why am I wasting my time and trying to make him fall in love with me?

Kimiko sighed and closed her eyes, listening to the clip-clopping of hooves. She tried to hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes but still, they flowed out. "Why are you crying, Kimiko?" Raimundo asked, coming to a halt in the middle of the road. "Are you hurt anywhere?"

"No," Kimiko replied, faking a smile and wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm fine. It's just that I remembered a really sad thought from my past and I couldn't stop myself from crying."

Raimundo smiled worridly and dried her tears with his hand. "Don't cry. I'll always be here with you even if you have no one else in the world," Raimundo whispered, softly but just loud enough for Kimiko to hear. Oh my, what am I saying? Am I truly in love with this girl? My feelings are hiding itself from me. I'm so confused, he thought.

Kimiko was also quite shocked when he had said that. Is he in love with me? she thought, her heart beating like a drum with a life of its own and she could hear the rush of blood to her ears. Or is this just the words a prince would say to a girl?

Raimundo and Kimiko were silent for a long time until Raimundo had something to say. "Hey, Kimiko. I have a question," Raimundo said.

"Shoot."

"Exactly how did you fall off Mareal and land perfectly on your butt?" Raimundo asked, smirking and grinning as he spoke. Kimiko was always surprised that he could do both the actions as the same time.

Kimiko folded and arms and shook her head, disobediently like a little child who has been asked to do her chores. "Come on, little Kimiko," Raimundo asked, tickling Kimiko in the ribs. "Tell me. I rpomise I won't laugh even if it's the funniest thing I've heard in my life."

Kimiko pouted and shook her head. Raimundo whispered seductively into her ear, "Tell me or I'll drop you off Tornado." Oh my God, am I whispering seductively? What is happening to me? Is that what they call love or attraction?

Is he whispering seductively? Kimiko asked herself silently. "Fine, I'll tell you but you have to tell me why are you out so early in the morning? Deal?" she asked, looking back to face Raimundo.

Raimundo nodded. "Okay, I was riding Mareal back to the palace when this beautiful white coloured horse ran past me with such speed that if frightened Mareal so she suddenly threw me off her," Kimiko replied, blushing embarrassedly. "Now, it's your turn to tell me what you are doing out here so early in the morning?"
Raimundo laughed and nodded, remembering the promise they had made earlier. "Firstly, the person who was riding that white horse was Princess Ashley and she's the reason why I'm out so early. She insisted that I join her for a morning ride through the countryside," Raimundo explained as he clicked Tornado's reins, making his black beauty gallop.

"Oh," Kimiko said, feeling slightly disappointed that Raimundo rode all the way out here to entertain that spoilt brat. "I see." Am I starting to feel jealous of Princess Ashley? Why am I thinking if Raimundo likes her better than me? Kimiko thought as Tornado galloped back to the castle grounds with Mareal just behind him.

Kimiko slid off Tornado and thanked Raimundo for giving her a ride back to the castle. "Hey, erm, you doing anything today?" Kimiko asked as she led Mareal into her stable and getting fresh hay and water. "If you weren't, maybe we could do something together like..."
Raimundo smiled and ran his fingers through Kimiko's long black hair. Why do I have the sudden urge to kiss her? Raimundo thought as both Kimiko and him remained in that position for an awfully long time. Why can't I get this feeling out of my head?

"I'm sorry but I've to accompany Princess Ashley wherever she goes as it's my duty as host to do that. I'm really sorry," Raimundo apologized, gently stroking her cheek. "Maybe some other time when I'm not acting as a host."

"Alright. That's okay," Kimiko said, smiling cheerily although she felt slightly upset as she was rejected. "I'm also quite busy today so we're even." She giggled softly like a small child and gave Raimundo a small hug.

"Have a good day, sire!" she called as she ran out of the stables.

Once Kimiko left, Raimundo sat down on a bench and sighed, putting his head in his hands. "Why do I feel as if I've done something awfully wrong?" he muttered as she stared onto the hard gray floor. "It's my duty to take care of every guest that stays at our palace but I feel as if I've commited a crime."

He closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind but everytime he tried to do that, Kimiko's face and sweet voice will always pop into his mind. Tears started to form in his eyes and he quickly blinked them away. Okay, Raimundo. A prince never cries or feels anything so you must act that way, he told himself sitting up straight.

Just as he was about to sigh and slouch, Ashley sashayed herself right into his arms. "Hello, Raimundo," she cooed, trying to be cute. "What are you doing sitting in a dirty stable when you should be having breakfast with me?"
Raimundo gently pushed her off his lap and stood up. He held out his arm and Ashley smiled evilly like a stuck-up princess is when she gets her way. "Shall we, Princess?" he asked as she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm.
Ashley gave Raimundo a childish smile and nodded, enthusiastically. Raimundo gave her a reassuring smile but it looked more like a sad one as although he was glad to be doing his job, his heart had a heavy weight on it.

Kimiko helped the kitchen maids lay the table to get her mind off things and the only way for her to do that was to help out in the kitchen. She loved cooking and whenever she was sad or confused, she would go into the kitchen and cook or bake. "Thank you so much for helping out in the kitchen," the elderly cook whose name was Muriel said, smiling gratefully. "Princess Ashley likes to eat exotic food and we always have a hard time preparing the dishes."
"Well, my father liked to eat exotic food so I guess I memorised the receipes," Kimiko said, smiling and shrugging bashfully. She didn't mention the fact that she used to be a slave as she didn't like to be reminded of those dreadful days.
Kimiko stared at the heart shaped cake that she had just baked and thought, Would Raimundo think that I'm confessing my love to him with this cake?

The dinner bell broke through her thoughts and she quickly rushed into the dining hall with the cake. She was surprised to find Raimundo, waiting patiently for the maids to finish setting the table. He gave her a polite smile and she returned it.

Kimiko was about to go up to him when Ashley sashayed herself into Raimundo's arms. At once, Kimiko stopped in her tracks and pretended to make sure that the table was clean although there was already a maid polishing the oak.

Raimundo made no response as Ashley dragged his hand and ran her hand through his hair, playfully. Her eyes...they were so sad, Raimundo thought as he replayed the scene of which Kimiko had stopped abruptly in her tracks when Ashley swung herself into his arms.

Raimundo peeled Ashley off him and ran up to Kimiko who was returning to the kitchen to help clean up. He placed a hand on her shoulder and asked, "Would you like to join me for dinner?"

Kimiko smiled sadly at him and gently shrugged his hand off her shoulder. "I'm helping out in the kitchen today so I'll eat dinner with them. One of the maids fell ill today so I'm replacing her temporarily," she replied, patting him lightly on the shoulder.

Raimundo nodded and turned to Ashley who was looking at Kimiko with a disgusted look. "Kimiko will not be eating with us tonight," he said, holding out his arm for her. "She is helping out the maids as one of them is sick."

"Good. After all, maids aren't meant to eat at the royal family dining table. They should be eating in the maids' quarters," Ashley said to Raimundo although Kimiko knew that her venom of words was directed at her but Kimiko ignored it.
She was right anyways, Kimiko thought, returning to the kitchen. I'm a maid eventhough Lara tells me that I'm a companion for Raimundo, I know that when Raimundo is married, I would become a mere maid.

"Kimiko, could you clean yourself up and come with me to the garden? I have a few things to say to you," Lara said, wiping her hands on her apron. "Please, change your clothes into something simple and casual yet elegant. I'm sure that you have been given that kind of clothing."

"Alright," Kimiko replied, taking off her apron and running her hands under the tap. "I'll be just a minute." She hung her apron on a hook and ran up the main staircase to her room which was through Raimundo's.

There was bouquet of flowers sitting on Raimundo's bed consisting of her favourite flowers. Kimiko picked it up and looked at the flowers that were not arranged neatly or professionally. Silly Raimundo, how can you give flowers to someone when you haven't even arranged them properly? she thought to herself as she arranged the flowers.

Secretly in her heart, she wished that the flowers were for her but she knew very well that a prince will never like a maid and she should never keep her hopes up. She quickly finished rearranging the flowers, washed up and changed into a silver-white gown that clung to her beautiful figure. (A/N:She only has gowns)

Lara was waiting for Kimiko in the main hall, dressed very beautifully. "Lara, why are you all dressed up?" Kimiko asked as she reached the last step of the magnificent staircase. "Are you taking me somewhere special? Because I don't think I have done anything very special."

"I'm taking you to meet someone special. The person is a guest of Raimundo's and has just arrived," Lara said, leading the way to a door that lead to the garden. "This person needs immediate attention and you are the only available female companion for our guest."
"Why aren't you revealing the gender of the person to me, Lara?" Kimiko asked as she waited for Lara to find the right key to the door. "Don't tell me that it's another 'Princess Ashley' here to court Raimundo. Is it?"

"Sadly, I don't even know who the person is. I'm sorry, Kimiko," Lara apologized as she stuck the key into the keyhole. "One of the guards just informed me that he's Raimundo's guest, he needs a companion and that he has just arrived."

Kimiko nodded and followed Lara into the beautiful and spacious garden that eight gardeners tended everyday because it was the size of two football fields in width. In the middle of the gardens was a little Chinese-styled pagoda to enjoy the beauty of the garden and sip tea on a beautiful afternoon.

Right now, a tall and lean figure of a masculine was sitting on one of the stone benches with his back to the path that lead to the pagoda. "Good evening, Prince Jones," Lara greeted, curtsying. "I hope I haven't been keeping you waiting for too long."

Lara moved aside and Kimiko stepped in front, curtsying. "Good evening, sir. My name is Kimiko Tohomiko," she said, looking at the man that stood before her.

Much to her surprise, the man that stood before her was even more handsome than Raimundo.(A/N: No offence for Raimundo lovers) His eyes which were a brilliant sparkling gray made even the old ladies in the street swoon at the sight of him were filled with wisdom and his hair was fashionably cut, collar-length dirty blonde with his fringe hanging in his eyes, making him have the mysterious yet handsome look.

"Pleasure to meet you, Kimiko Tohomiko. Lara has told me a lot about you," the guy said, taking Kimiko's right hand and gently kissed. His voice was so charming that Kimiko was sure he could charm the birds out of the trees and maybe even coax the most dangerous of animals. "I'm Prince Iruka Jones from the country of Immortal Heart. I'm a very close friend of Raimundo from his schooling days."

Kimiko whipped her head around and looked at Lara with a slightly annoyed yet cute face. "You said you didn't know who Raimundo's guest was but here he is telling me that you told him all about me," Kimiko said, a hint of annoyance yet amusement in her voice.

"Well, that was the only way I could tear you away from the kitchen. You wouldn't leave no matter what anyone asked you to do. All you could do was bake," Lara said, laughing and patting her lightly on the shoulder.

Kimiko blushed and Iruka smiled. Kimiko felt a thousand butterflies flutter in her stomach when she looked up at him and he gave her a heart-melting smile. "You're dismissed, Lara," Iruka said, kissing Lara's hand lightly. "I will call for you when you are needed."

Lara nodded and curtsied. Kimiko curtsied and left, following behind Lara but Iruka grabbed her by the wrist, gently and said, "I want you to keep me company on this starry night."

Kimiko nodded and remained by Iruka's side. Iruka smiled warmly at her and set off down the smooth gravel path, leading the way all around the garden. "Why aren't you with Raimundo tonight?" Iruka asked, sitting on a bench by the rose bushes.

Kimiko was silent for a while not because she didn't know what to say but because she could feel her hatred for Princess Ashley building up inside her and she didn't want to release her anger in front of Iruka. "I don't feel like eating with him tonight," she said, trying to bite back the sarcasm in her voice. "Besides, Princess Ashley is there to accompany him."

Iruka laughed and stroked Kimiko's silky black hair. "You're jealous and angry of Princess Ashley's presence, aren't you?" he asked, laughing gently.

Kimiko pouted angrily and folded her arms across her chest in a huff. "Come on. Admit it, Kimiko," Iruka said, teasingly. "I can hear the sarcasm in your voice when you mentioned her name."

"Yes, I am jealous and angry of Her Royal Highness' royal presence," Kimiko admitted, gritting her teeth in anger. "Is that a crime? I don't find anything wrong with hating Her Royal Highness Princess Ashley."

Iruka smiled and grinned gladly. "You're a rather interesting maid. You're the only person who doesn't address me as 'sir' or 'Your Royal Highness'." He smiled and Kimiko felt her cheeks grow warm.

"Would you like to have dinner?" Kimiko asked, smiling mysteriously at Iruka. She stood up and curtsied politely to the mysterious and very good-looking visitor. "I think Raimundo and Ashley are still having their dinner."

Iruka stood up and used his index finger to trace Kimiko's high cheekbone and all the way down her cheek. He ran his hand through her inky, silky black hair and sighed deeply. "Did anyone ever tell you that you look very beautiful and elegant in the moonlight?" he whispered, leaning closer and closer to Kimiko.

"You're the first," Kimiko whispered in return, gazing deeply into Iruka's eyes but then she suddenly pulled away. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

Iruka looked away, slightly disappointed. "It's not your fault. I shouldn't have said those stupid things," he muttered, plucking a rose from the bush and playing with it, despite the thorns.

Kimiko put a hand on his shoulder gently and smiled, sadly at him. "Don't worry about it, Prince Iruka. I was the one who pulled away. Why don't we join Ashley and Raimundo for dinner?"

Iruka smiled sadly and stroked Kimiko's cheek lovingly. "But I said some stupid things that may have tried to arouse hidden feelings in your heart," he whispered, still smiling sadly. "I'm sorry if I have hurt your feelings."

Kimiko smiled sadly and stroked Iruka's cheek gently. "The feelings have already been aroused by someone else but they have faded when some other person came into the light," Kimiko replied, laughing sadly. "I apologize if you were trying to court me but I have fallen in love with someone else."

Iruka smiled brightly at Kimiko but she knew that Iruka was disappointed as his eyes have lost its mischievous twinkle. "Never mind," Iruka said, holding out his arm for Kimiko. "So, shall we join Raimundo and Princess Ashley for dinner?"

Kimiko slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and smiled cheerily up at him. The both of them walked down the little stone pathway with the beautiful rays of moonlight shining down on them making them look like the most beautiful couple on earth.

Hope you enjoyed the story. I'm so very, very, very, very sorry for not updating earlier. I had exams up and my parents didn't allow me to use the computer for weeks. I'm sorry if I changed things by adding the OC(and using the Naruto name)but his presence is vital for this story.

Please review. I need it. I'm so depressed currently.

Sincerely,

Dragon of the Moon