She had remained on the hill as the sun rose, basking the city in a warm, orange glow. She kept going over his words in her head.
"Oh, May, I'm in love with you."
She just could not believe it. "What is wrong with me?" she cried out. May, so worried for the state of her people, couldn't even treat her friend well. How, then, would she run a kingdom?
Suddenly, something nudged her leg. She looked down to see Glaceon, wise and regal. In her gaze lay life experience and honest advice. Having witnessed her previous altercation with Ash, she had the chance to leave and never look back; she had the chance to abandon her dishonest master. Yet she had stayed.
May smiled slightly, comforted by her Pokémon's 'words.'
A moment passed, and the princess was hurrying down the slope.
Dear Ash,
Has it only been a few short days? Has my adventure lasted only that long? Pity. I will miss the sparkling fountain; I will miss the bustling crowds; I will miss the sleepy tavern; I will miss the cobbled roads; I will miss Drew's jaunty demeanor; I will miss his amiable Roserade; I will miss Pikachu's spark; I will miss you. Our secrets, our stories. Can you believe this happened? Our different live, entwining into one. Alas, I have been called back to dresses laden with jewels and a flawed monarchy. And you shall do whatever you did before, I presume. Working the bar, enjoying Drew's performances, and playing with a lifelong companion. Perhaps, though, I still have a chance. I've made a blunder, hopefully one that can be mended. Today is my father's funeral; tomorrow evening will be the new king's coronation; the lords shall be eager to crown him, and I fear that is longest I may be able to delay it. But I believe that will be enough time for you to attire yourself in royal finery. If you wish to join me, if you wish to hear me out, come to the castle. Lady Dawn shall await you at the fountain . If you are not present when the bell tolls noon tomorrow, I understand. May Arceus and the holy trios bless you.
May.
"May Arceus bless this bereaved soul as he finds his way to paradise."
"Amen."
After dropping of her letter at Ash's house, May had snuck into the castle through a servant's chamber. Giving them a pence of gold for silence, she made her way up the servants' stairwell and into her chamber. Dawn helped her change into a somber, black gown she had laid out, and they rushed to the church, arriving right on time. Now the priest was speaking in blessings, and May's mind began to wander.
Anxiety rippled through her veins, every nerve was on end. Countless "what if's" raced through her mind, rational or no. what if Ash didn't trust her? What if he came too late? What if he arrived now and, failing to spot Dawn, left?
Shaking her jumbled head, she forced herself to focus on the priest's sermon.
I at least owe my father this, she thought.
So the princess sat, hands clasped, and shed only a few tears compared to the torrent in Petalburg. She must appear strong, lest anyone see her and accuse her of being too fragile, weighed down by a woman's petty emotions, too unstable for the throne.
She must make an impression, saying, "I am a leader, and leaders fight."
But it would all be in vain if her pauper did not come.
