Haru went out every day to visit Baron, at first to help monitor his health, and then they progressed to dancing lessons and general courtship. That she always returned almost glowing with happiness did not go unnoticed by her mother or brother.
"Haru dear, whatever has gotten into you?" the queen asked one day, shocked to see, upon entering her daughter's chamber, that Hiromi was being kept from her duties because the princess was dancing. She was properly dancing, around her room, her hands poised perfectly as though her partner was right there with her, and a dreamy look on her face.
In her nightgown and with an utterly radiant smile upon her face.
"I think it's called being in love, Mother," the princess answered, finally submitting to Hiromi helping her to dress as Haru was distracted from her dancing by her mother talking to her.
"I can't object to that," Queen Naoko said with a chuckle as she sat down and watched Hiromi work on the royal daughter.
"Oh, could we make it a mask? Please Mother? The ball, can it be a masquerade? Baron isn't comfortable with people seeing his face, at least, until he's found a way to break the spell upon him," Haru said, holding the bedpost as Hiromi pulled her corset strings.
"A little late dear, the ball is tomorrow," Naoko answered. "But you never mentioned that he was under a spell before."
"Lord de Tourney apparently experiments in black magic, and used it to turn Baron's mother and one of his best friends into a crow, and his other best friend into a fat cat, while he himself is a half-cat." Haru said, sighing as Hiromi finished with the corset and moved on to tying on the skirt of her dress.
"Oh Haru, why didn't you say that sooner? I think I shall never understand what goes on in your head," the queen said with a resigned sigh.
Haru almost panicked.
"You're not going to say that because he looks like a cat that I can't marry him are you? If you say I cannot marry him-"
The queen held up a hand to silence her child.
"No my dear, you love him and he loves you. I wouldn't dream of separating you, even if the rest of the court will object loudly. I was talking about Lord de Tourney's use of black magic. Such activities are strictly forbidden. He can be deported, even executed for his involvement in it, depending on the things he has done," the queen said, going from doting mother to iron-willed monarch in the space of a few sentences.
There was a knock at the door.
"Yes?" Haru called as Hiromi finished buttoning her bodice for her.
"Forgive the intrusion, Highness, but have you seen her Majesty? There is a man in the south parlour who claims she requested his presence," the voice of a page said, not opening the door.
Naoko sighed and got up from her chair.
"I seem to have duties to attend to, and tomorrow is the ball, so Lord de Tourney shall have to wait," the queen said, kissing her daughter on her forehead gently before leaving her.
"Highness," Hiromi said. "Did you say your suitor had the features of a cat?"
"Yes Hiromi, he even purrs when I scratch him behind the ears just right," Haru answered, her brown eyes taking on that dreamy quality once more.
"Forgive my boldness, Highness, but the thought of such a one makes me shudder with fear at the very thought of his appearance," the blonde said.
"I am far more interested in the beauty of his soul," Haru answered, smiling to herself. "Though I think also that he is very handsome, even if he is like a cat. It is not his doing to be so."
"As you say, Highness," Hiromi said, curtsying before leaving her mistress's chamber to mend stockings.
Haru, in her own turn, danced dreamily down the halls and stairways until she reached the carriage that awaited to take her to Baron's estate.
She didn't notice the eyes that followed her, so full of malice.