Disclaimer: I do not own Daa, Daa, Daa.

~:-Message from the Author-:~

Dear readers,

I know I've kept you waiting. I offer no excuse. Just know that this chapter took me a lot of sleepless nights to write, edit and revise.

I can only hope you find it worth the wait. :)

_:~*~:_

~:-THE SEVENTH PORTRAIT-:~

-REVISED-

A Daa Daa Daa Fanfiction

By

Cshen.J.

"He left with a promise he'll come back for her. Too bad, when he did, she was no longer there."


CHAPTER NINE –The Place Where My Heart Belongs

~:-Six Years Ago-:~

(Part 1)

The view of the stars through the glass ceiling was beckoning him to leave the palace halls and roam around the front yard to see the newly arrived guests, a task that would have been so inviting if he was not on duty to entertain the visiting monarch from Manesthy.

Prince Kanata Saionji struggled to keep his eyes open, and couldn't be more grateful to spot a butler carrying a tray of invigorating wine. Picking up two flutes, he offered one to the fair princess, too ready to drown the other one.

"Princess Daynsel, may I offer you a drink?" he said.

"How kind of you, your highness," the foreign princess answered gracefully, accepting the flute and letting her eyes linger on the prince a bit longer before turning to watch the dancing crowd.

The gigantic cuckoo clock on the wall to their right screamed that a quarter had passed since the annual ball began, and still the prince had not once asked her. In her impatience, the princess found her courage to inquire, "Your highness, if I may ask, why are you not asking me to the dance?"

Prince Kanata choked on his wine then, and calmed his coughing before he turned to her, looking apologetic. "Forgive me, fair princess, I did not mean to offend. I was actually hoping to ask you for the second dance."

"Second?" the princess cried in outrage, "Why not the first?"

"Because I wouldn't want to break tradition," he said simply, and the princess had no choice but to listen to appease her own curiosity. "You see, I have a friend who I promised all my first and last dances in every ball. It seems she's taking her precious time though. Truth is I was actually hoping to ask you for the second dance, if you would allow."

Princess Daynsel frowned but nodded in understanding.

"Is she a princess too?" she asked, unable to help herself and secretly hating the mentioned acquaintance of his highness for how easily the prince smiled so handsomely at the thought of her.

"No. She's just a royal merchant's daughter," he answered with a nonchalant shrug.

"And you say she's just a friend? Is she the maiden you're courting then?"

Again, he shook his head. Suddenly, the princess wanted to pull her hair in frustration.

"Then I don't see any problem why she would be offended if you break tradition. After all, it is not romance you promised to her, your highness," she reasoned.

"That is true, yes," agreed the prince, not at all offended, his eyes softening as he gazed back at the dancing crowd, "But I would not be at ease. What kind of prince would break a promise? Whether it's a promise made to a king or to a beggar, the weight is just the same and I would hate to break it."

A moment of silence passed, and the princess in spite of her irritation, was awed.

"Your highness, if I may express my thoughts," she began knowingly, and continued only at the prince's nod, "I do not think it is too simple a matter as keeping a promise. If I have a mirror right now, then I would offer it to you. Then you will be able to see how your face shines at the thought of this maiden. It is simply not the way a gentleman should look when thinking of a friend. "


:-Oriden Kingdom-:

Miyu could tell something was wrong with the way Kurita went rigid when the queen consented her to go with the prince. Nevertheless, she kept her smile and politely excused the both of them, before she let herself be led out of the palace patio and back into her room so she could change into something more suitable to face the unpredictable weather with.

"Tell me, what is that has you so vexed?" she asked from inside the folding screen, grateful to have an Oriden servant tie the ribbons in her corset.

Kurita paused in pouring himself a cup of tea and leaned back on the sofa chair he was currently occupying as he waits for her to finish preparation.

"Forgive me princess, but I think it be best we wait until we're alone to speak of the matter," he said.

"Well then, no time to waste," came her answer, stepping out to reveal herself dressed in a mauve gown with a matching thick wool hooded coat. With a kind tone she thanked the serving girl and ordered her to leave them. She waited for the door to close before she plopped herself in the chair across him.

"Tell me, what's on your mind? Did the queen reject our offer of an alliance? Are we no longer welcome to stay here in Oriden Palace?"

"No, quite the opposite actually," Kurita admitted, unable to hide his appreciation at the sight of her dressed in clothes befitting her status as he lifted the teapot to serve her. "The queen is very much interested in our plans. As expected, she demanded proof and I promised to give them to her in due time. She's also quite adamant that you and the prince get to know each other better, apparently."

She accepted the steaming cup from him, frowning at the bitterness in his tone at the last part. "Then what's the problem?"

Kurita sighed. "Truthfully, I'm not quite sure what to feel about entrusting you to someone other than myself. I know the importance of forging good alliances to our cause but the queen of Oriden, suffice it to say, is suspicious and intimidating that there are times I second think her willingness to be so accepting of us."

"Well, she is the queen." Miyu began to say when she thought he was finished, rendering him befuddled at the sad smile pasted on her lips that was partially covered by the cup she was sipping, "I wouldn't say I know any more about royalty than you do, since we both know the truth anyway. I may have been born as a blue blood as you constantly remind me of, but I spent years growing up as an ordinary girl, a merchant's daughter. I did have the chance to interact with monarchs and learned many things from the experience. One is that they wouldn't bother spending so much time trying to get to know someone they do not see themselves associating with in the long run."

His eyes remained curious when she paused, fingers tapping in the cup handle as she pondered on her next words, her tone shifting to light and playful, "Besides, were you not the same with some of our acquaintances who we met in our travels? You weren't really the friendliest for the most time."

There was a knock on the door before he could reply, and they halted the conversation to listen to the soldier behind the door.

"Princess Miyu, Sir Hanakomachi, forgive the interruption. Prince Mizuki would like to inform you that they are ready to leave when you are."


:-Faithe Kingdom-:

Soldiers were lurking around the Enchanted Village when they arrived, no doubt acting on her father's orders. Disappointed but not deterred, Momoka Hanakomachi calmly turned to her local companions and ordered that they back off for the time being.

It was just fortunate that they found a cave a safe distance away, and they settled on hiding the baskets of goods inside before the rest of them carried off with the horses to avoid drawing attention. After all, it wouldn't bode well to have successfully snuck out with stolen food from the palace kitchen, only to be caught and brought back before they could make the delivery to the mourning families of the exiles.

Her lady in waiting who had seen her shiver hurriedly pulled out a shawl from inside her satchel to wrap around her. "Lady Momoka, are you feeling ill? Maybe we should have returned with the carriages."

"No, no. I'm alright, just a little cold," she assured kindly, "Ruu and Kurita are doing their best. Even Christine is keeping watch for me. I must stay. It's the least I can do to help."

Just then, they heard rustling noises coming from outside the cave. Momoka tensed and signaled her servants to step back as they held their breaths, pulling out their weapons just in case.

Footsteps rang, soft and approaching. Her knuckles were shaking and turning white for holding the sword so tightly, yet she willed her knees not to quiver, her eyes never leaving the entrance even when the intruder's shadow holding a spear loomed before them.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" the voice bellowed.

Momoka all but cried and collapsed in relief when she recognized who it belongs to. "Goodness Nanami, you scared us!"

"Lady Momoka?" the intruder responded in surprise, scanning all their faces before she relaxed and whistled with her free hand.

The servants watched curiously as one small head peaked after another before they found themselves face to face with ten frightened children.

"The kids don't need to be surrounded by all the gloom. I brought them out before the soldiers came. We were on our way back when we saw people come in here," Nanami explained, offering her a helping hand.

Momoka smiled tentatively and let herself be pulled up before throwing her arms around the elder woman.

"I'm so glad you're safe. Kurita's gone, and now Ruu's gone too. I don't even know if Karan will be back. I feel like you're all disappearing from me," she sobbed.

Nanami Tenchi felt her heart pour for the royal who'd long become her little sister even if not by blood. Patting the girl's head, she comforted, "Hey, we're still here. We just all need to make sacrifices for a while. Have faith, will you? It will be over soon."

"I know, but I still don't like it," she murmured, pulling away to wipe her eyes, and only then noticed the fidgeting children watching their exchange, save for a smallest of the lot whose stomach just grumbled.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

At the eager nods that followed, her servants couldn't be quicker to pull out bread and fruits from the baskets to distribute.

They scooted close to each other as the children ate, with her sitting closest to Nanami who chose to squat near the mouth of the cave, spear still in hand and bow and quiver tied to her back, always ready to defend.

Looking back, Momoka couldn't be more relieved that her friend turned out to be one of the six. She couldn't have fathomed that the archer who saved her from being devoured by a tiger would be the one they're looking for. And while there had been a debate on where best to hide her, Nanami had argued strongly that the Enchanted Village was the best place she can be in since no one will be suspicious of her there. With great reluctance, they eventually relented, but only because she could not be persuaded.

"Is there any news?" Nanami asked in the silence, pulling her out of her musings.

"Karan's gone to help out the exiles, but we both know he won't bring them back here. It's no longer safe for them," she answered softly.

Nanami, though she tried, was unable to hide a scoff. "I mean no offense my lady, but do you really think it's wise? That man's way too much for anyone."

At this, Momoka giggled in spite of herself, rubbing her hands together for warmth, "That may be so, but we both know he's one of our best and most loyal. We can trust him to protect them."

As soon as she said it, the eldest of the children stopped her munching and turned to them, her eyes already starting to water as she asked, "Will father ever come home?"

The adults exchanged weary glances, unsure what to do. But then the rest of the children started to join her crying, and before she realized what she was doing, Momoka already had her arms wide open for the child.

Cradling the little one in her lap, she pulled out a handkerchief to dry her eyes, "One day, your father will return to you. We will make sure of it, I promise."


~:-Six Years Ago-:~

(Part 2)

It may as well be his curse and fortune that at around this exact time on every annual ball, Nozomu Hikarigaoka was searching nooks and crannies for his prince who managed to disappear in the middle of a crowd.

The knight in training sighed and released the curtains of the thirtieth balcony he's rummaged for the night. If the previous balls were anything to go by, then he wouldn't have to wait long because the prince was sure to return for the final dance.

However he just couldn't stop searching, feeling determined to test a hunch he's had for quite a while now.

"Now where would I be if I want to hide and still have the perfect view of the dance floor?" he pondered loudly, tapping his fingers on his chin as he pondered on the possibilities.

But the crowd's applause erupted just in time and interrupted his musings. Nozomu leaned on the banister to see what the fuzz was all about.

It was curious, but very expected when he realized who was garnering most, if not all the attention. There, on the very center of the palace ballroom was their friend Miyu Kozuki, looking flustered being surrounded by the eligible sons of ministers and town workers, all hounding her for a dance.

The page could only watch her with a look akin to sympathy as she tried and failed at her escape. If he was not on a mission, then there was nothing stopping him from whisking her away to give her time to rest. However as it was, the prince comes before the damsel, no matter how lovely she was in her midnight blue gown that glittered with every step.

For a moment, he allowed himself to close his eyes and massage his temples. Whoever said it was an easy task being a knight in training does not know what he's saying, especially because the prince of Azalea was not an easy fit to deal with.

He'd barely opened his eyes when he noticed something amiss.

Had he not been looking, he would have easily missed the auburn hair that disappeared as soon as it showed from behind the battle armoured suit on the narrow space between the two marble pillars across the hall.

With quick soundless strides, he approached the armour, grinning all too widely.

He knew it was no longer necessary because the prince has already noticed him if only for the annoyed aura emitting from behind the armoured suit, but the page cleared his throat loudly nevertheless.

"Your highness if I may ask. What exactly are you doing here?"

"For the love Azalea," was the prince's groan in greeting, stepping out of hiding to glare at him, "You know very well why I'm hiding Nozomu. Those girls just wouldn't let me be."

"Ahh," said the page, pretending to look thoughtful by nodding.

Even the prince knew better than to expect him to leave, merely choosing to ignore him by focusing his attention on the palace ballroom. But the page has a hunch to prove and saw the perfect opportunity to test it.

Masking his face with an expression of nonchalance, he came to stand beside his prince, keeping his eyes ahead even as if he watched him in his peripheral vision.

"As expected, Miyu is popular among men," he said conversationally, and tried not to grin at the all too quick reaction he got from his prince.

"And your point is?" Prince Kanata snapped.

"Nothing, your highness," the page contended, "I am simply stating observation. I couldn't help but notice that right after you shared the first dance, bachelors swarmed like flies around Lady Miyu. I reckon she must be tired by now."

The prince's expression turned thoughtful as he let out a sigh, unknowing that the page was only starting.

"Do you think that they've expressed intentions to court her?" Nozomu asked, now turning to him and trying to ignore how tightly the prince was grasping the banister, "I did hear rumours that five of our ministers' sons have high hopes of asking her tonight. Not to mention the visiting librarian from-"

"I'm going," the prince declared, not even waiting for him to finish.

"Where?" he asked, failing to sound uncaring.

And before he knew it, Nozomu was left alone laughing at the silencing look that the prince sent his way.


:-Azalean Kingdom-:

They welcomed the sun like a treasured war brother mistaken to be dead. For an hour, the Azalean king, joined by his captain and crew, celebrated in a small feast of stew, lamb roast, barbecue and steamed vegetables that their cook was only too happy to prepare while the rest of them cleaned and scavenged for whatever they could salvage from the storm assault.

Hours later, they all have changed into dry and clean clothes and were taking turns to catch up on sleep. While it may be true that the Faithe soldiers had surprised the lot of them by offering a temporary truce followed by a request to send one of theirs to speak with their ship's highest authority, the Azaleans could not just leave themselves unguarded as they wait for the time of the meeting.

"You think he's really thought this through or is he just pretending to be brave? For all I know, Faithe only saved us because they want to kill us themselves," commented one of the elder sea farers, starting what was not intended to be an open discussion. But more and more people listened in and it didn't take long for everyone to be vocal of their own opinion.

Elron who have been mopping the floor dry couldn't help but look scandalized at some of their comments.

"I know Faithe isn't the best kingdom, but surely they wouldn't have saved us if they want us dead. It's counterproductive if you ask me. Besides, for all we know they may even be clueless that the king is with us," said the rigger, using his foot to move the rug.

"I agree!" piped in the boatswain as he put down a bucket of wet clothes, "They couldn't possibly know that his majesty's here. This isn't a royal ship, and even if they know the king's face, surely their eyes couldn't have been that sharp. We were all drenched. I think they meant Captain Borgen when they asked to speak with our highest authority."

"Even so, what if we welcome him aboard and he turns out an assassin and recognizes our king? None of us here are soldiers! Pirates we can deal with, but a trained Faithe assassin? Oh, I don't even want to think about it," another man cringed, "I've heard rumors of how savage they can be. You won't know you're hit until you're bleeding and your arm is falling off, detached from your shoulder! I think King Kanata Saionji is just too young to forge big alliances. Think about it. He could be trying to buy us some time till help comes."

"But we're in the middle of an off track!" countered an elder mate, "We'd have to take half a day to return to Tawhis Island. Even if we send for help now, it will come too late."

It was at this point that Elron felt he's heard enough and decided to share his thoughts, "I, for one, believe that his majesty knows exactly what we can and can't handle. He can be calm because he has a good plan. Of this, I'm certain."

He certainly did not expect his input to be answered with roaring laughter.

"Come on now cabin boy!" teased one of their elders, "Tell us, would you still be saying that if he didn't just save your life? We all saw what he did. He kept you from being plunged off the ship."

"I-" Elron started, feeling his cheeks blush and suddenly feeling very small.

He could barely take his eyes off the floor he was cleaning and failed to recognize the sudden shift in the atmosphere as all the voices were silenced.

When he did earn the courage to look up, there was his majesty, King Kanata Saionji himself, standing before them with an impassive look on his face with a glaring Captain Borgen on his side.

"IS THIS WHAT YOU'VE ALL BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST HALF HOUR?!" Captain Borgen chastised, the veins on his forehead becoming visible in anger. His eyes scanned for his quarterback who was nowhere to be found and he roared, "EDMUND!"

Instantly, the quarterback jolted awake, falling off the hammock swing. His mind was still hazy in sleep but the tension was too thick to go unnoticed. "Yes captain?"

"Take Nelvin, Narron, Jigon and Dorcas under deck with you and wait for instructions. Make haste," the captain commanded, making his crew whimper with his glare before he started to leave, but not before turning to his majesty.

"King Kanata," he respectfully addressed with voice back to its normal calm as he placed a hand on his student's shoulder.

"Yes captain?" the young king responded calmly, hiding his amusement as he recognized the glint in his mentor's eyes.

"I apologize for my crew's behavior. I was wrong to believe I've raised them better than that. Do with them as you wish. I won't even mind if you want to feed them to the sharks. The rotten bastards deserve it."

At this, the crew's eyes widened in fear and they all dropped down to their knees in shame, begging.

"Forgive us your majesty please, we beg of you! Forgive us please!" they pleaded in mantra.

But the king of Azalea only watched them, smirking and tilting his head in thought of what he'd do to them.

Whatever the guilty crew members were expecting, it was not for the king to join their circle and make himself comfortable sitting beside the stunned cabin boy and wrapping his arm around his shoulders as if they were brothers.

"Everyone, sit comfortably and stop grovelling," he ordered simply, and they obeyed speedily with uncomprehending eyes.

King Kanata Saionji took his precious time to watch them squirm. But when minutes have passed and they still would not raise their heads, he started addressing them one by one by name, leaving them no choice but to look up if only for the added shock that their king knew their names and positions in the ship.

Finally, when he was certain that he's called everyone and has all the attention he needed, King Kanata Saionji started the meeting.

"Gentlemen, I might as well start with an introduction of myself seeing as I did it for all of you," he said casually, bringing his fist together under his chin as a habit he acquired when dealing with his ministers, "My name is Kanata Saionji, and as you know, I am the King of Azalea."

"Now let me begin by commending you all for your bravery in vocalizing your thoughts on our situation, delicate as it may be. Your opinions are valuable to the well-being of our kingdom and for this reason, you have no reason to fear punishments," he explained as he would to the people who came to the palace demanding an audience with him. Dazed silence was the answer he got, and he was secretly pleased to notice that the mood has lightened significantly at his calming words.

"However," he continued, this time with voice radiating with authority, surprising his audience once again, "I need you to understand that I condemn the act of raising fears among yourselves. Simple as the act may be, take it in a larger scope and you can imagine what damage it can do to our kingdom. For this, I must implore you all to come speak with me or any of our ministers directly should you ever have a concern you want to discuss. We're here to serve you and it'll be our shame not to hear you. Am I understood?"

"Yes, your majesty," they chorused, bowing their heads in shame.

"Good," the king commented, now smiling, "Now, as for the matter of the Faithe vessel sending us their representative, let me just remind you that we are still in Azalean waters. If someone has to be scared, I assure you it is not any of you. Our agreement with Faithe is that they will be sending us their representative, meaning it will be just one man from them and all of us in this ship. Even if he turns out to be a trained assassin, there will be more of us than he can handle. And as for the rest of them, if you didn't see already, those soldiers have handicaps. They're wounded, almost as if they've just escaped a battle. They wouldn't dare cross the Azalean borders if they want another one. Of course I expect everyone to be prepared for whatever happens. Arm yourself but hide your weapons well. But know that I expect no hostility from anyone of you when he comes aboard. Treat him as you would the king of the great Cireon Kingdom. We do not need to engage in unnecessary fights."

"Of course, your majesty. Please forgive us," the seafarers said in unison.

"You're forgiven. I do trust you will remember what I said. All of you here are my people. It is in your right to share your fears with me as it is my duty to protect all of you. I know we've faced a horrifying ordeal and I applaud you all for giving your best to survive. Count my words that all of you will be rewarded handsomely and be given days off to spend with your family after this is all over."

Immediately, the weariness was replaced with appreciative grins and excited whistles as the seafarers clapped each other's hands and backs. The young king could only shake his head in astonishment, realizing how easy their fears disappeared.


:-Oriden Kingdom-:

Halfway to the front gate and they could already hear the distinct voice of the prince of Oriden ordering what appeared to be six dozens of soldiers on how best to trail them for the hunt.

Miyu would have commented on how the number seems too much but one look at her self-declared protector was enough tell that no amount of soldiers could satisfy him when it comes to her protection.

"What seems to be the matter now?" she asked kindly in a soft whisper so only he could hear.

Kurita stopped walking three steps behind her, his eyes leaving the ground to meet her eyes for the first time since they left her room.

"I don't trust him with your safety," he said, earning her sigh.

"I think we've established that," she said, crossing her arms as she eyed him knowingly, "What else aren't you telling me?"

Had it been any other time, he would have grinned with satisfaction at how easily she could read him by now.

Releasing a tired breath, he allowed himself to keep up with her pace knowing it was what she wanted.

"Back in the cabin when those men were attacking you and I wasn't there," he groaned and wiped his face with his hand, "I couldn't get it out of my head. What if you were hurt? What if they recognized who you are? So many things could have happened all because I took a risk and left you. And now you're going to leave with someone we don't trust yet. Just the thought of something bad happening to you is driving me mad. I can't even-"

"Stop!" she scolded him, hands on her hips and narrowing her eyes at him, "How many times do I have to tell you to stop agonizing over things that didn't happen? Focusing on what ifs aren't healthy! Things that happened couldn't be changed, and truthfully, you have to see that no one is blaming you. None of those things are your fault, you hear me? You weren't the one who tried to hurt me. You were away getting us food and supplies because I asked you to, because I was hungry. So they decided to throw paralyzing gas at me, big deal. It happened. I did survive, didn't I? I escaped and you found me, like I know you would."

He looked ready to argue but she silenced him with a glare, having had enough of his pessimism, not when she was just about to face another agonizingly smug monarch who thinks that everything is a game to be played.

"Look, if you can't trust him then don't," she said with finality, and he was stunned as her tone changed to match her softening eyes, "But you can trust me. I know I wasn't the easiest person to protect as I've been told many times, believe it or not. I'd like to think that the years we spent in hiding together should be enough to assure you I wouldn't go down easily. And while it's always been our rule not to trust anyone, alliances just cannot be built without trust. They're putting themselves at risk as much as we are. We both need to work to give each other assurance that it would be worth it. We can do this, but you have to trust me. Besides, didn't you teach me a couple of good moves? If it helps, I promise to knee him where it hurts most if he even tries to be annoying."

His eyes never left her face as he stood still, and whatever reaction she was expecting from him, it was evident she did not expect him to chortle.

"What?" she asked, taken back by the sudden change in his demeanor.

"Nothing really," he said, using his knuckles to keep himself from laughing, "You always say you don't know how to act like a princess, but then you say things like that. It makes me wonder who you're trying to fool."

It was her turn to gape at him then, and she would have given him a humorous retort. But he was already smiling, and she would be a fool to sabotage her own success for making him see the bright side of reason.

"Alright, you win," he conceded at last, amusement dancing in his eyes as he added slyly in an afterthought, "again. It seems that I just can't say no to you princess. But know that if you aren't back in two hours, I'll be coming after you, no questions asked."

Miyu nodded her approval, and Kurita tried his best to keep up his good mood as he led her to the prince.

"Princess Miyu, I'm glad you could join us," greeted the prince of Oriden, approaching them with a black stallion, and nodding to him in greeting.

"Thank you for the invitation, your highness," she greeted with a curtsy.

Prince Mizuki merely shrugged and offered his hand to help her up, ignoring the Hanakomachi's glare. "Are you ready Princess Miyu?"

"Oh, will we be riding together then?" she queried, sounding worried.

The prince's brows rose, not having expected her uneasiness after the brave front she'd shown him only a while ago.

"Would that be a problem? If you prefer riding your own horse then I can always ask them to fetch us another one."

"No, no. I just thought you'd want your own. You'll be hunting after all. I'll just be an audience," she answered, accepting his hand only to end up slipping in the saddle so she was back on the ground.

"May I help?" asked the prince, amused and gesturing to her waist. When she nodded though, he surprised her at how easily he lifted her by the waist and hoisted her up his horse. "That wasn't so hard now, was it?"

The princess was about to respond but Kurita spoke first, coming to their side.

"Prince Mizuki, a word please," he said, and waited for the monarch to follow him.

Stopping in a distance that could not be heard, Kurita's voice was tense as he murmured to the prince.

"Look. I know you don't trust us, and believe me, the feeling is mutual. But if we're going to be working together then we need to start with something. Keep her away from waterfalls and return her to me in one piece, or I swear prince of Oriden or not, I'll murder you myself."

"Is that a threat? You dare threaten a prince?" the prince asked, his tone filled with scathing amusement, "Need I also remind you that you are yet to prove her bloodline."

"And yet here you are trying to earn her good graces. Tell me, why is that?"

"I suppose we are at a stalemate," the prince sneered, "But don't think you could get away threating me in my own kingdom."

Kurita smirked. "Oh no, I wouldn't dare your highness. On the contrary, I was only giving you a fair warning."


~:-Six Years Ago-:~

(Part 3)

"Miss Kozuki," greeted a stranger's voice, respectful and cutting in halfway through the song.

Miyu Kozuki paused in her dancing mid step, and pulled her hands away from her partner's shoulders to look at the stranger fully.

"My name is Marcel Branzione my lady, son to one of his majesty's royal advisors Andres Branzione," he introduced with a bow, and the fifteen years old maiden tried to ignore the tension emitting from her current partner, "Forgive me for interrupting, but I would hate myself too much if I don't ask. May I please have the honor of your next dance?" he asked, and bowed to her with a hopeful look on his face.

Smiling as she tried to catch her breath, Miyu turned to her current partner in a silent request for permission.

Disappointment filled Victor's eyes but he put on a smile, unable to deny her. He couldn't very well tell her that she could ask for all his wealth and he would give it in the blink of an eye.

"Thank you for the dance my lady," he said gallantly instead, giving her one last bow before taking his leave.

It was in respect of the Azalean custom that Miyu waited until he was out of sight, before she turned to give her answer to the other man.

"Yes, you may," she said, and watched her new acquaintance turn into a full beam, bright and blinding it reminded her of the crystal fairies just above them and glittering in all vibrant colors of light.

"May I?" he asked politely, and waited patiently as she took her time to give him her hand. She appeared very conscious, even if he couldn't think of anything that could embarrass her with a vision this lovely.

Around them, the twenty first song of the evening finally ended, only to be replaced by yet another Azalean favorite in a song called "Midnight Romance."

Marcel bowed to her then, all too careful with her hand that was in his as she curtsied.

With the first sound of the string, he pulled her close, leaving only a comfortable distance so she could secure her hands on his shoulders.

For the regular ball attendees who were watching them, the two form a lovely couple that they may as well be the perfect reminiscence of the infamous tale of how the late Queen Hitomi Saonji in her youth had taken the breath out of the once Prince Hosho Saionji in just once dance.

The elderlies swooned and sighed as they watched, the murmurings growing louder with each twirl. But all too soon, their eyes darted to the empty throne and excitement filled them, their thoughts on the very thing that could prevent this love story from ever standing a chance.

:-~:*:~-:-~:*:~-:-~:*:~-:

The fairy lights in the chandelier were blinding, their sound creating soft jingles that joined pleasantly with the gentle music flowing from the orchestra.

With his eyes set on his target, Prince Kanata Saionji did not waste time, parting the crowd in his strides.

Her back was on him, but the couples dancing around her were already starting to notice him.

"May I interrupt?" the prince said without preamble, halting their dance and unintentionally bringing everyone's attention to them.

"Kanata-" she acknowledged in surprise, only to realize her mistake at the smirk that decorated his face. "I mean, your highness!"

"Gentleman," greeted the prince, addressing her partner who he easily recognized was the son to one of his royal advisers. "Pardon my interruption. But I believe Miss Kozuki here promised me the last dance."

The man took his time to answer, stunned to be speaking to his prince, he suspected. Fortunately he didn't need to wait long as it was her who brought the man out of shock.

"Marcel, I hope you don't mind me cutting our dance short," she told him sheepishly, "I do have to keep a promise."

"No, of course not. You are a woman of your words Miyu, a trait that is most admirable," Marcel replied earnestly, squeezing her hand and offering her a warm smile.

Turning to his prince, he gave his greeting with a bow, before finally taking his leave.

Miyu, like she's done with her previous partners, waited until he was out of sight before she turned to glare at her prince. "Where have you been? I thought you left with Princess Daynsel."

At this, the prince's brows rose above his hairline in amusement. "Oh, so you were looking for me?"

She scoffed, offering him a curtsy for formality even when all she wanted to do was hit his charming face to wipe off his smirk. The prince had the audacity to grin as he bowed before her and reached for her hand.

"I wasn't," she bickered, letting him pull her close for their dance. "And when exactly did I promise you a dance, your highness? Truthfully, I don't remember you asking, neither do I remember promising."

But Prince Kanata Saionji only laughed at his partner's evident irritation, pulling her by the waist and swaying her as her hands wrapped around his neck.

"Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

"Kanata!" she chastised, only to earn another one of his agonizingly infectious chuckles.

"I thought it's your highness?" he taunted, giving her a twirl, "Well, I was hiding actually. But Nozomu found me and pointed out a damsel in distress. Of course, as prince, I could never turn away from a damsel."

"Oh please! I am not in distress," she retaliated but he continued as if she was not complaining.

"And as for the promise you supposedly made, you didn't have to. Didn't you hear the rumors? It's tradition," he reasoned, and watched her brows knit in confusion,"Apparently, the whole town speaks of the loveliest maiden in Azalea stealing the prince's first and last dance at every ball."

"It's just rumors," she whispered, now unable to meet his eyes.

But like always when she was in the room, his eyes never left hers. With a determined look in his eyes and before she could object, the prince tilted her chin up with his fingers, inviting her to take a peak in the windows of his soul. "It's nice to know royalties aren't the only ones born to stand out. Chin up, please. You didn't do anything wrong. It's not a crime to be so beautiful."

She tried to retort but no words, witty or foolish, would come out of her mouth as her cheeks turned the shade of a rose.

The prince who was watching could only laugh without humor. "Is it really so hard to believe I'm capable of seeing what the rest of kingdom see when they look at you? I'm not blind, you know."

The smile she gave him was painful, and he stood stunned as she buried her head on his chest in embarrassment.

"Words like that are the reason why people misunderstand what we are. I hope you'll stop doing that."

The prince frowned. "Stop what?"

"Kanata, I may be your friend and subject," she started to say, pulling away to finally meet his eyes, her voice soft and pleading him to understand, "but surely you know that this could not go on forever. One day you'll meet a special woman, and she would make a lovely queen. When that time comes, childhood promise or not, it will not matter because she should be the one to have your undivided attention."

The Azalean royal looked thunderstruck then, eyes narrowing as comprehension dawned on him. "Is that what this is about? Is that how you see this? I can't-" he sighed, unable to keep the frustration out of his tone, "Dear Azalea, if even Princess Daynsel noticed and you're still clueless, then maybe I'm really doing something wrong."

It was her turn to look confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Come with me," he ordered, stopping their dance to pull her by the hand and lead her to his queen mother's garden.

The soldiers hurriedly opened the door at the sight of their prince's foul mood, and waited for them to come in before they locked it close from intruders.

Miyu was instantly lulled by the sweet scent of Azaleas surrounding the enchanting fairy fountain. The sight, for some reason, always managed to comfort her and she calmed despite the wonder that was the prince pacing under the moonlight.

Compared to the hall, the garden was dim and quiet, lighted only by the crescent moon and the twinkling stars. But it was perfect for a conversation that she has reason to believe the prince currently needs.

"Your highness, is something the matter?" she asked worriedly.

At the sound of her concern, the Azalean prince stopped in his pace.

Unknown to her, her stare was enough to overwhelm him with uneasiness and he fought really hard to will his heart to beat normally, suddenly afraid that she will hear how loud it was beating before he could say what he wanted.

"Kanata, are you alright?" she tried again, taking careful steps to approach him, only to be startled when he pulled away when she touched his arm.

"I'm fine!" He blurted out, surprising the both of them and instantly regretting his action when he saw hurt pass through her face before she stepped back.

"I'm sorry," she uttered, feeling lost on what to do.

"Don't be, please. You did nothing wrong," he confessed, and reached out a hand to her. For a moment, he feared she wouldn't take it. His relief was great at the realization that he didn't scare her off.

Guiding her with her hand in his, he led her to sit on their favorite bench right in front of the fairy fountain as he settled to stand before her.

"There are thousands of things on my mind right now and I'm trying my best to open up without scaring you. I've thought about this day and night for months and yet nothing sounds good enough. Nothing's good enough for you and I'm just," he breathed in then out, eyes pleading her to wait, "Just give me a moment please."

He didn't know how to broach the subject so he gave her a question instead. "If someone were to be queen of the kingdom, what do you think she should be like?"

To her credit, the question dazzled her for only a moment, and she was quick to compose herself to answer. "Well, someone who would put the people first over herself, someone who would take care of you and your people."

"Beautiful?" he inquired, pleased to maker her laugh. At its sound, the tension between them was broken like magic.

"Fine," she consented, "she must be beautiful too, inside and out."

"Like you then?"

She froze.

The prince shrugged, taking the space beside her but leaving a distance enough for one more person between them. "It is what the people say all the time. I'm just repeating it."

Her laughter that came next was restrained. And he tried not to show how nervous he was, knowing her well enough to know she too was starting to be uncomfortable.

"We both know I'm not an option," she said after a while, looking uneasy, "I'm just a merchant's daughter. Isn't there a law that forbids-"

"My mother was a foreigner once until she became queen," he interrupted her reasoning.

"That's different and you know it! The late queen was a woman of respectable statue, a Faithe minister's daughter. And besides-" she paused, finishing in a whisper.

"And besides, what?" the prince encouraged.

Around them, the humming birds were singing in their nests and fireflies were dancing near the bushes. Miyu allowed herself to be distracted by the sound of the water flowing down the fairy fountain as she sighed. "Look, I don't even understand why we're talking about this."

Too afraid was she to look that she didn't see the prince still beside her, lifting his head to watch the crescent moon glowing brightly above them.

"Just please humor me," he implored, sounding as tired as he felt, "Let me rephrase the question. Why can't you be queen?"

She turned to him in all out defiance, "For one, you're not in love with me. That should be enough reason. Two, you know your people will disagree. No matter how much they like me or my parents, they would rather you choose someone among them to be queen. And if anything, a princess from a foreign land is better than a foreign commoner who's pretending to be one of them. I will never belong here, not like them."

"Do you really believe that?" he asked calmly, not willing to back away, knowing just how important this moment could be.

"What?" she gaped, causing him to chuckle.

"If I could have a gold coin for every time I render you speechless, I'd be richer by now. What I mean is, when the time comes when I have to choose a queen, I want you to be there."

"Why of course, I'll support you and whoever-"

He cut her off then, glaring and standing so quickly, she didn't have time to react as she watched him kneel before her.

She could practically hear her heart beating so wildly from inside her rib cage, but the prince couldn't seem to care the less, ignoring her reluctance as he took hold of both her hands in her knees.

"Let me phrase it simpler. I forgot you're too good at being in denial sometimes," he said, laughing nervously before his eyes turned serious, beckoning her to listen and hold on to every word, "When I am king, I want you to be my queen."

The breathe left her, and she wouldn't be surprised, if so did her soul.

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, the prince continued. "Princess Daynsel saw it and she's only been with us for days. Even Nozomu was teasing me without restraint. The whole kingdom sees it, and yet you don't. When will you believe me when I say you're not just any girl to me?"

She did not know why, but tears and hiccups were the only answers she could give him. Her shoulders shook as she cried, and he was all too ready to pull out a handkerchief and dry them.

Somewhere in the distance, thunders roared as lightning strikes the mountain ranges, but it was too faraway and the moment was so vulnerable that they ignored it.

"Don't cry," he pleaded, smiling fondly as he planted a soft peck on her knuckles.

"I don't know how to answer you. I never dared hope that you would-" she cried, stopping herself before she could reveal more, afraid to be embarrassed.

And yet somehow, as if it was a gift bestowed only to him, the prince of Azalea did not find any need to ask her to elaborate, the look in his eyes telling her that he understands in the way no words can.

"When you finally accept what this means, I hope you can give me your honest answer. Please think about it, because I've pondered for months and years, and every time I still arrive at the same conclusion. Nothing could make me a better king than having you beside me as my queen. When I come back for my coronation, know that I will be knocking on your door to hear your answer. But until then, may I request you to do one thing for me?"

"What is it?" she asked, eyes not leaving his as he pulled her up to stand.

Stepping close enough to envelop her in an embrace, he said his last request while locking a diamond bracelet engraved with the Azalean crest on her wrist, "Wait for me until I return. And then I promise you, I will tell you everything I want, and if you'll let me, give you everything I have."

And in the silence of the night they danced in a music only nature can give, exchanging an unsaid promises conveyed through their eyes, hearts warmed and racing as they thought of what could be, not knowing that it would be the last dance they would share in a very long while.


:-Azalean Kingdom-:

When the emergency boat landed beside their ship, it was Elron who dropped the rope to help their guest climb aboard and the quarterback who pulled him up.

"Thanks mate," said the Faithe representative, hopping down the deck with gusto and surprising them all with his youth.

The boy that greeted them barely looked a man with blonde hair and eyes sparkling blue with mischief. His clothing looked more comfortable than expensive consisting of a blue leather vest fitting tightly above his lose white shirt and grey trousers. His left arm was bandaged and he didn't even have a sheath tied to his belt, nor were his boots high enough to hide daggers.

In the cabin boy's humble opinion, he couldn't look any farther away from the cold blooded assassin his mates described. And yet he reeks of confidence and lightness followed his steps that Elron found himself guessing who exactly they were staring at.

"My name's Seiya Yaboshi and I represent the rest of the people in my ship. Thank you for agreeing to have me here. I promise I'll give my best to make it worth your time," he said politely, not seeming to mind all the eyes that were trained on him.

"Captain Claude Victorious Borgen," their captain greeted, shaking his hand firmly, "I believe I speak for all of us when I give you my gratitude for you and your men's heroic rescue. Everyone you are seeing here are Azaleans and are part of my crew. Edmund over here is my quarterback."

"A pleasure," the young man replied coolly, "You see, there is a famous saying where I come from. In gratitude we last, it said. Consider it that, which is to say that you owe me nothing."

Intrigued, the captain would have asked what he meant, but Nelvin in all his bulk came out of under deck and gestured him the signal.

"Well then, it appears we can continue this discussion later. Our highest authority is now ready to meet you," said the Captain in pausing, eying his quarterback, "But first, do you mind if we check you for weapons? We mean no offense, of course, just taking precautions. I'm sure you understand."

"Sure, go ahead." Their guest said easily, shrugging and pulling up his shirt before the quarterback could even ask him to. They gaped at his scars but he just pulled them down as if it was not a big deal when they're done.

"Please, come this way. You will be speaking in the captain's chambers," Edmund explained receiving his nod. A few steps and he couldn't stop himself from asking. "Are you a soldier?"

"No," The boy, Seiya, said simply, following him under deck without any questions. "I am what people would call a crusader, or an explorer. Either would do. I don't mind."

"And you said you own the ship?" inquired the quarterback, "Are you a captain then?"

The young man chuckled in response.

"Well, it's a bit more complicated than that. But if you don't mind, I'd like to save the rest of my introduction for your highest authority."

"Of course," Edmund said, eying him inquisitively before stopping in front of a door guarded by two of their strongest and bulkiest crew members. Clearing his throat, he knocked. "Your majesty, the Faithe representative, Mr. Seiya Yaboshi, is here to see you."

To be continued.


A/N: All praises be to God! I gave you my word that I'll write it to the very end. I hope you continue supporting me no matter how long it takes. Thank you so much for reading. And I'll be even more thankful for your reviews! God knows how much they inspire me.

-Cshen.J