a/n: Hey guys! It's been a while! I hope I haven't left anyone too anxious while waiting for this chapter... but anyway- please enjoy!

Happy reading!

Ryoji

Summer was now over; time just seemed to fly right out of our hands.

King Yoshio and Prince Kyouya were to leave today. Haruhi and I were seeing the both of them off. It was a bitter farewell but at least it wasn't the last. Haruhi was quite troubled with the fact of the Prince leaving but not as sad as she was last night...

I found Haruhi in my bedroom chamber waiting for me. She had a saddened look in her eyes but when I approached her, she suddenly smiled. Haruhi had always made it easy for me to figure out that she was upset. "Haruhi... What's wrong?" I sat down beside Haruhi on the bed. She looked at me holding back her tears.

"Prince Kyouya... and I floated the lanterns today." She said in almost a whisper.

"Oh no..." I said. Guilt had taken over me. I completely forgot about the lanterns. I always floated lanterns with Haruhi during summer in memory of Kotoko. I couldn't believe I forgot. I stared into Haruhi's eyes. "I'm so sorry, honey. I guess I got too caught up with King Yoshio..." I tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle. "He practically had me doing homework about the history of our Kingdom."

Haruhi's expression didn't change.

My goofy smile lingered until I realized Haruhi wasn't in the mood. I sighed and placed my hand on her shoulder. "Haruhi, I really am sorry for forgetting about the lanterns but you know that it doesn't mean I have forgotten your mother." Haruhi only nodded her head. "Listen... maybe it's a good thing you did this with Prince Kyouya- to commemorate the year that you two met."

"...But what about mother?"

"As long as you remember and think of your mother, I'm sure it'll make her happy. She will always be with you in your heart." I pointed to Haruhi's chest and then placed myself. "As well as mine."

"So you... You still remember the promise?" Haruhi asked.

"Of course I do." I smiled. "I could never love anyone else, anyway." There was a sparkle in Haruhi's eyes as a smile crept onto her lips. She lunged at me with open arms. I squeezed her tightly. I didn't want to let her go; I suddenly felt as if she was going to leave me. I guess without even realizing it, I knew that my little girl was growing up- and it made me think- how many times will I be able to hug her like this again? How many times will I get the chance to soothe her heart when she's sad? I indulged in that moment of our embrace, wishing it could last forever...

As I stood by my daughter at the entrance of our Kingdom, I could only see a young woman. Haruhi was no longer a child in my eyes. She fought her own battles and healed her own wounds. I understood that if she was willing to have me help her, she would come to me when she was ready. Haruhi had a gleam in her eyes while Prince Kyouya whisked her away to speak with her alone for a moment. They chatted for a short while when I saw Prince Kyouya smile at Haruhi. I was amazed, to say the least. My daughter was able to pull out a sincere smile from the boy.

Prince Kyouya returned my daughter back to me, bowed to us both and walked off to the carriage they had rode in three months earlier. When the carriage finally disappeared in the distance, I looked down at Haruhi. She had the biggest grin on her face. She looked up at me as we walked back into the palace. "I like Prince Kyouya." She happily said.

My heart skipped a beat when she said that. It almost felt as if I was being the one confessed to. Haruhi smiled and patted me on my arm. She then ran off to the garden. I stood there, frozen. I was so happy she liked the Prince that I couldn't even move or say anything.

That once small sentence gave me all the hope I needed to think that my plan was working. I truly thought, at that moment, "what could possibly go wrong?"

a/n: Finally got this chapter done! Woo! :D So I was thinking... I don't know how you all are picturing their dress or the time period the story is set in but I'm starting to think a little more modern day kingdom is more like it... but not too modern. Uhh... Kind of like the Princess Diaries or something. Yeah? Know what I mean? xI Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter :) Next chapter will be up soon after Sakura-con _ Your thoughts are welcome as always!

Until next time!

~Bliss