A/N:

Hi everyone. . .Sorry it's been a while. I had a lot going on this past month, so I didn't have time to write. But I did today! Thank you so much for the great support, it means a lot, and please keep it coming XD

I hope you enjoy it and please review!


My Princess in Shining Armor:

Chapter Nine


As she waited for Nico's arrival in her room, Maki began playing over the simple piece she was planning on teaching her. It was one of the songs in her beginner books, so she hoped it wouldn't be too difficult.

Whenever Maki played, she felt like she was transported to another world; one where she was free to live as she wanted, no one telling her what to do, she could be herself. It would be strange let someone else in, but she was starting to feel relaxed around Nico. Being with Nico, even if she was clueless to the truth, made Maki feel that there was someone who cared about her for who she was. This would be the next step, allowing them to get closer.

But in the back of Maki's mind, she still questioned if she should tell Nico.

Would she still want to be with me? Will she hate me for not being honest? Is there a chance she'd understand and accept me?

These thoughts troubled her mind, making Maki oblivious to everything occurring in reality.

"Sounds good, Maki-chan," Rin smiled as she and Hanayo walked in with tea and sweets. Maki's head shot up, and she was quick to make eye contact with them. "Hope she likes these too! Kayochin made them herself. She let me try one and they were really good."

"Rin, stop embarrassing me," Hanayo stuttered as she finished cleaning up Maki's room. Some dust got on her glasses, so she put them down upon Maki's bed to clean later.

"Why Kayochin? They're super delicious, better than anything I've tasted before," Rin picked up the tray and brought it over to Maki. "Come on, try one and tell her she's freaking out over nothing."

"But Rin, you know I don't like sweets, Rin," Maki sighed, toying with her ponytail.

"Please Maki!" Rin begged.

"Fine," Maki picked up a small chocolate in the shape of a flower. Carefully, she took a small bite. "That's really good," She wasn't surprised, Hanayo was always good at cooking, she wished her friend had more confidence in herself. "I know Nico will like them."

"Thank you Maki," Hanayo smiled.

A knock at the door caught their attention. Maki's mother stood in the doorway. "Prince Maki, your fiance will be here shortly. Please come down to the foyer so you can greet her when she arrives."

Maki stood up from the piano bench and bowed slightly, "Yes, my Queen." She then turned back to Rin and Hanayo, "You two are excused."

"Yes, Prince Maki," They said in unison as they bowed. On their way out they also bowed to Maki's mother, not wanting to show disrespect. Maki followed behind them, meeting up with her mother. They didn't exchange any conversation, making Maki slightly nervous. She toyed with the sleeve of her jacket, hoping everything would go as planned.

Already her father was waiting in the foyer, but he wasn't alone. Standing next to him, making minimal conversation, was a familiar petite princess, unaware of Maki entering the room. Until Maki's father turned to face them.

"Thank you for joining us today, Princess Nico," Queen Nishikino smiled.

"I should be thanking you," She smiled, "For accepting my invitation so quickly," Nico bowed lightly.

"Don't think you need to wait for our approval before coming over, our home is your's too," King Nishikino assured her. "I must excuse myself now, I have a lot of work to do." He turned to Maki, "Why don't the two of you go off then?"

Nico turned to face Maki once the suggestion was made. She was more than excited for today, it would be better than perfect. Her and her prince, making music together. But something was still lingering in her mind, the previous day's event.

Why did Nozomi refuse to let me see him after he fainted? I just wanted to make sure he was okay. Maybe he can tell me what's going on?

Maki felt it become hard to breathe, an effect no person ever had on her. Nico's wide, doe like, eyes showed how genuine her emotions were. A light flush graced across her cheeks expressed her happiness. It was almost infectious. She held out her arm for Nico to take, "Shall we go then, Princess?"

"Yes let's go," Nico linked her arm and followed him through his castle.

It was much different from her own. The walls were a beige color. A long red rug lay upon the floor as far as the eye could see. Marble pedestals were evenly spaced out along the wall, on top of each of them was a glass vase, containing red flowers. But those were the only colors, beige and red, that Nico saw inside.

Well, with it looking somewhat dull here, no wonder he's so serious all the time.

Maki tried her best to keep up some amount of composure, even though she was taking a girl, Nico, to her room.

This is going to look so inappropriate if anyone sees us. Why does the only piano have to be in my room?

She was internally praying no one would spot them as they walked down the hall. It was quiet, which was quite normal around her wing of the castle, excluding when she was practicing.

Or if she was hanging out with Hanayo and Rin.

"Prince Maki," Hanayo called, not having noticed Nico. "Could you please let me into your room? I forgot my glasses."

"Of course," Maki shrugged her shoulders, not seeing anything wrong with that.

Hanayo stood on Maki's left, still not having noticed Princess Nico walking at Maki's right. Once they arrived at Maki's bedroom door, Hanayo quickly ran inside to get her glasses, not wanting to bother Maki after she gave her and Rin the rest of the day off. She struggled slightly to find them, but felt around on Maki's bed till she found them. Quickly she put them on and rushed out of the room, and that was when she noticed someone unfamiliar.

Then it clicked, "Welcome, Princess Nico," Hanayo bowed. "If there is anything I can do to make your stay more comfortable, please let me know."

Maki shot Hanayo a confused look.

She doesn't need to be so proper with Nico, now she won't get to rest.

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary," Nico assured her. "Now why don't you go off and enjoy yourself?"

"Yes, Princess Nico," Hanayo bowed again before running down the hall.

Maki sighed, it was clear to her that Hanayo was startled by seeing Nico. "Sorry about her, she's just shy."

"No worries," Nico wasn't bothered at all. "Why don't we get started then? Now that we're alone?"

Maki blushed, "Yes, let's." She opened her bedroom door and led Nico inside. Nervously, Maki walked over to her piano, sitting on one end of the bench, leaving Nico enough room to sit too, plus a large space between them.

Nico was slightly confused by this, but tried not to think anything of it. She sat down and then readjusted her skirt. "Well, what will we be playing?"

"Something simple, but with more practice I can teach you one of my compositions," Maki rested her fingers on the keys, playing the lower notes. "I'll be teaching you the higher part. You play the same keys I do, so follow my lead." Slowly Maki placed her fingers on top of the keys, holding the note till Nico mimicked her motion.

Nico kept close attention, watching his fingers gently play the keys. She tried her best to quicken her response, but she felt her heart beating faster.

Maki noticed this and immediately stopped. "Something the matter, Princess?"

The questions she wished to ask of what happened the previous day flooded Nico's mind. At the same time she wasn't comfortable asking them, causing her to stutter. She watched him scoot closer to her on the bench. He placed the back of his hand against her forehead, probably assuming she was feverish. This contact didn't help Nico's nerves ease, now her face was flushed.

She's concentrating too hard. Music sounds best when it comes from a place of peace.

Carefully, Maki moved her hand down to cup Nico's red cheek, feeling the warmth of anxiety. She rubbed her thumb against the soft ivory skin. "Just clear your mind and open your heart. I know you can make beautiful music."

Nico's eyes were wide, but soon softened as she took a deep breath. She turned away from Maki's touch and back to face the piano. Maki stood behind her, his hands snaking in front of her to the keys. He placed his fingers on top of her's, making her feel small, but comforted. With each gentle press against the tops of her fingers, Nico pressed down on the key under her. Soon she felt relaxed, enjoying the music they were creating.

Once seeing her grow confident, Maki moved to the other end of the piano and played her part. Together, the song was complete.

They both were enjoying the music so much, that they kept repeating the piece, ignoring the time passing by them. Or the little audience that collected in the doorway.

"That piece has never sounded better, Prince Maki," Maki looked up and saw her parents. Once she heard their comment, she stopped playing, as did Nico soon after.

"Thank you, my Queen," Maki bowed her head before standing.

Nico, who was unsure of why the King and Queen entered the room unannounced, was cautious and followed behind Maki.

"And you, Princess Nico, I had no idea you were musically inclined," The Queen smiled.

"Thank you, but prior to today, I'd never played piano. Prince Maki taught me everything," Nico looked over at Maki, smiling lightly. But he didn't seem as at ease. Any joy, any emotion she previously saw on his face was washed away once his parents entered the room.

Whatever is going on, it has to be their doing.

"Well it's good to know that you're such a good teacher, Prince Maki," The King smiled. "You two will rule the kingdom well."

"Of course, my King," Maki bowed her head lightly, wishing her parents would leave her and Nico alone.

"Princess Nico, we would love it if you stayed for dinner," The Queen turned to face Nico.

Nico, who was feeling more and more wary, didn't know if that was the best idea. "Thank you for the invitation, but I have my lessons tomorrow and I want to be well rested."

"Understandable, I'll have your coach prepared shortly," The Queen replied before walking out with the King.

Maki looked down at the ground once her parents were gone. After hearing Nico would be leaving, she was even more angry with them; they interrupted them and wasted their time together.

Wait. Why do I feel bad that my time with her was brief? Surely I don't feel any desire to see her longer...Stop it! Maki, you are just twisting your emotions. You don't have feeling for her. You don't want to hurt her.

"Are you alright, Maki?" Nico placed her hand gently on his shoulder. He seemed paler and flushed at the same time.

"Yes, I'm fine," Maki took Nico's hand and removed it from her shoulder. "I guess you'll soon be off."

"Sadly though. I did enjoy seeing you today," Nico looked up into Maki's amethyst colored eyes.

Maki felt herself only blush more. "I enjoyed it too. I hope we'll play again soon."

"As do I," Nico leaned forward, standing on the tips of her toes.

It was then that Maki felt her body moving on its own. Her conflicting emotions caused her to lean closer to the Princess. Her heart was pounding in her chest, making her throat dry and hands sweat. She felt so unsure, but at the same time, she needed to do this.

"Princess Nico," Hanayo called from the doorway.

"Your carriage is ready," Rin continued, also standing in the door.

And that's what Maki lost her chance.

"Coming," Nico turned and walked away from Maki, causing the kiss to never exist.