Chapter 3: Eyes of a Stranger

The young Neptunian princess sat in front of her easel as she replayed the events from the day. She stared at the white canvas, but her mind was elsewhere. Michiru thought of the young man's eyes; how they were an abnormal color for those who were born on Neptune. Teal, the color of their twin planet.

She stood from her chair and wandered onto the balcony, leaving her yet to be started painting.

Though, she always found herself thinking, before she begins to paint, that her blank canvas was an art all in itself. The open white area was a portal to imagination. With one sweep of a brush it would ruin and disturb the pure cleanliness of the canvas. The innocence of the serene, balanced canvas would have to be preserved than anyone to touch the virginity of its territory. But it was all in the mind. It is all in the imagery the person had in their imagination to mentally place colors, shapes, and lines to create illusions on the white fabric; to make a mirage. Only when she paints does the picture exist. But now, there are no portraits or paints to ignite such fantasies.

She had no intention to egotistically make a painting with any careless thoughts. To paint in nature's defense, to use its natural ability to create and her own skill to stroke its so beautiful scenery was her sole purpose to paint. She, a pawn of art, had not used uninspired brushes to brush a faulty stroke and produce flagrantly a bad picture. Emotion surged through her blood, through the brush, and onto the picture. Sadness, hate, laughter, envy, or love would birth the beginning of a deep, inspired picture.

As she gazed out into the endless sea a small white feather slowly dropped onto the stone rail in front of her. Curious, she picked it up and felt its soft texture. Small birds, pigeons and seagulls were common around the kingdom. Michiru looked around hoping to find a bird, but as she searched she saw a figure sitting on the roof of her tower. Her eyes grew wide in realization. It was the man from earlier.

"Excuse me", she called gaining their attention. "May I ask what you are doing on my roof?"

"Oh, I am sorry m'lady, I didn't realize someone was up here," the stranger jumped down onto the balcony. "I was just admiring the sea. But if it bothers you I will surely leave."

Michiru was astonished by how the stranger appeared. The tall, young man looked at least the age of twenty, but was not near the age of five and twenty years. His short, golden hair was messed, but it complimented his style, Michiru seemed to think so. He wore one earring and a dark blue cape that reached his above the ankles of his boots. Looking at his attire over again, Michiru noticed he was not a low class citizen, nor a one of royal caliber. She was captivated by his startling eyes.

"Wait," the princess tried not to sound desperate, though she could hardly speak. "Could you tell me your name sir?"

But the stranger was taken aback and gawked at the princess then soon regained composure, "Please m'lady, do not get confused. I am no sir, but my name is Haruka."

"You're a . . . woman?"

"I am sorry to disappoint you," Haruka honestly showed a sorry expression.

Michiru was appalled. Her breath was taken away from her in an instant.

"If I may ask, what might be your name miss?" Haruka so casually asked.

Trying to be as proper as possible, Michiru found her voice, "M-my name is Kaiou Michiru, last daughter of their Royal Neptunian Majesties."

Haruka stared in amazement, "Wow, in that case, I am sorry for my intrusion princess!" She quickly fell on one knee and bowed her head ashamed.

"Please stand. I feel there is no need for such formalities. We are all the same," Michiru helped her to her feet.

"As you wish," Haruka nodded making one last acknowledgment of respect before she commented. "You know, you look very familiar. Have we met before?"

She lowered her head to Michiru's eye level. As she studied her face for any familiar features, Michiru was astounded by the way Haruka suddenly altered from loyal to casual. It was unusual for her, but she liked it. It made her feel free from rules.

"Actually, we somewhat met earlier today in the market," Michiru blushed not accustomed to Haruka's sudden closeness.

"Oh yeah, I bumped into you. Sorry, I was thinking of something."

"It wasn't your fault. I was in deep thought as well."

She thought for a moment stepping away from Michiru's face, "Wait, if you're the princess, what were you doing out of the castle?"

She was shocked and embarrassed at the blunt question. She did not know what to say, But Haruka only smiled and knew why the princess had looked away.

"You snuck out didn't you?" Michiru quickly looked towards her again.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," she smiled and also made Michiru smile.

"I was only out to get more paint."

"Oh," Haruka stated intelligently. "You paint?"

"Yes, it's one of my hobbies. I also play the violin, but it is not an uncommon ability to be musically talented. Like other royal, they must also learn music."

"I think playing the violin is wonderful! I bet that you play the best in the entire galaxy!" the princess blushed at the comment.

"How would you know, you barely know me?"

"Trust me. I've seen the whole galaxy," she took her hands. "And you have the most delicate hands I have ever seen."

Michiru's blush began to deepen. The two women stared into each other's eyes, not realizing their actions. Teal orbs met blue crystals. Both were still holding each other's hands. Both could feel the warmth of their presence. No one wanted to say anything. They kept quiet in the comfortable silence. But soon the silence was broken by Haruka's gentle voice, "It's dusk, I have to go on my way."

She let go of Michiru's hands and soon missed the feeling, "Alright. Thank you for your company this evening, Haruka."

"It was an honor to be in the presence of a beautiful princess," Michiru walked inside from the balcony hoping Haruka would not see the pink on her face. This night she has certainly lost her composure one too many times.

"Haruka, you should come again tomorrow."

"I would love to. Good night Miss Michiru."

"Good ni--," when she turned towards the balcony once more to say her farewell Haruka was already gone. It was like she vanished into thin air.