Emiko stared at Koske. "You what?" she asked blankly. "I arranged a marriage with Princess Mio Hio from the neighboring kingdom, Doll Palace. Daisuke will marry her on his nineteenth birthday." He said firmly. She looked at him. "I wanted Daisuke to marry who he wanted. Not be miserable with us for the rest of his life! I can't believe you did this without my consultance!" she exclaimed. He sighed heavily. "I'm king. I can do what I want. I do have plans you know." He said giving her a sly look. She looked at him angrily before stalking off to the sewing room. This was where she found sanctuary and peace. She sunk into a chair. "What an ass. I can't believe I married him. But I still love him." She said, her face softening.
Daisuke walked down the dirt road toward the cabin. He wanted to see her again. He was nervous about if she wanted to see him or not. He didn't know. She never really showed emotion. He came to the door and walked in. Mrs. Sakai recognized his bandana wearing head and waved him over. "Here again? Are you here to see a certain someone?" she asked nudging him in his side. He blushed lightly. "I...I don't like her like that!" he exclaimed. "Then why are you blushing?" she asked raising an eyebrow. He covered his face. "Are you here to see Riku? She's not here right now. She went out to do some errands. But I can keep you company until she gets back." Offered a voice. He took his hands from his face to see the long haired brunette standing in front of him, her hands behind her back. "Uh…thanks." He said.
Riku walked through the market carrying a bag full of groceries. She was tired. She was trying to save money but all the stores were over pricing. She sighed in frustration. She probably wouldn't be able to get home till late tonight. She wandered through the crowded market place, bumping shoulders with all the clumsy people who weren't paying attention. After a couple of stalls, she finally was done and started to head back. As she walked into the door she was met by an annoyed looking Daisuke with an over eager Risa. Daisuke popped up when he saw her walk in. She cracked a small smile. He walked toward her and took two of her many bags. "Thanks." She said, her smile leaving her face as she saw Risa giving an angry look at her. Daisuke followed her to the kitchen and set the bags down on the counter beside hers. "What are you doing here?" she asked looking at him as she started to put away everything. "I just wanted to apologize for leaving without telling you at the festival the other night. She eyed him suspiciously but not so he could see it. "It's okay. I'm used to having people leave without telling me." She said pausing in her task. He looked at her. "What do you mean?" he asked as she continued. "That's what my parents did. And my aunt and uncle when I went to live with them and my grandparents. They all Left Risa and I by ourselves." She said looking down.
He looked at her with sadness. He didn't know why he did what he did next. He pulled her into a hug. "I won't walk out on you." He said. She was speechless. Why did he do this? Why did he feel he had to tell her this when there was nothing special between them? She didn't know. She slowly started to hug back. She closed her eyes and held onto him tightly. After a couple of minutes, they pulled apart and both looked at the ground, embarrassed. Riku started to continue putting away everything, blushing. Daisuke went and sat on the stool at the counter, also blushing. After she finished, they went outside onto the huge porch. Nobody was on the porch except for them. She sat at one of the many tables by the railings. He followed her example. "What did you really come here for?" she asked. He looked at her. "I guess I just wanted to see you." He said. He scratched the back of his neck and looked at her. A far away look was in her eyes. After a long silence he finally stood up. "I better be going. It's late." He told her. She followed him the door. "I guess I'll see you later." She told him as she looked at the ground. "Don't worry! I'll visit again soon!" he said cheerily as usual. They waved at each other as he walked down the now empty street in the night. He kept looking back until he couldn't even see the outline of her figure. He blushed at the memory of hugging her. Why had he done that?
Risa watched as the two hugged for a long time. She was now overly jealous. She had to start planning against her sister. She wanted him. She would do anything to get him, even betray her sister.
This chapter was just to advance thier relationship. And for anyone who iswondering if I own the series, I do own it.