The Princess and the Paige
By: The Dreaming Fangirl
Chapter Twenty-Three: A Question
"So, what happens now?"
The former emperor stretched his arms and said, "Hmm?"
The princess repeated, "What do we do now?"
The older gentleman walked down the hallway, and, as soon as he reached the door leading to his room, he stopped and turned towards the young lady. "Once we get back home, I will have to perform a security sweep throughout Tamakura Castle. Until we know how deeply they've managed to infiltrate our ranks, there isn't a single place free of suspicion."
The princess asked, "Is there something I should be doing?"
"Nothing comes to mind for now. It seems we've been given a bit of an opportunity."
The princess asked, "An opportunity?"
The former emperor continued, "Yes, it will take time before these spies can strike again. In the meantime, I recommend you take the time to rest and prepare for the battles yet to come. Sound good?"
The princess nodded.
"Excellent." And with those words, he turned his body towards the door and headed inside his room. The old man yawned as he said, "Good night, Izumiko."
"Good night, grandfather. Sleep well."
The former emperor let out a grunt and closed the door behind him.
Chapter Twenty-Four: A Wake-Up Call
Time passed, and as the first rays of sunlight streamed into the princess's eyes, she let out a groan. She buried her face into her pillow, but before she could get herself back asleep, the sound of knocking jarred at her ears.
"Princess?"
She let out a groan, "Who is it?"
"You know full well who it is! It's time for you to wake up!" The door slammed open, and it was not long before the voice yelled, "Breakfast is ready!"
A hand shook her shoulder, and as the princess began to rise from her bed, her head moved towards the source of the sound. Her eyes felt heavy, but it was not long before she recognized the young woman in front of her.
"Haruna?"
The young lady smiled, "Morning, sleepyhead. Breakfast is ready."
"Can't breakfast wait?" And with those words, she closed her eyes and moved her head back towards the pillow once more. She pulled the covers over her body, and she let out a yawn before she said, "Wake me up in five minutes."
The princess shifted into a more comfortable position, but it was not long before a cold breeze forced her to wake up once more. She reached her hand down and paused. Her covers were gone. She rose from her bed and said, "Really?"
The handmaid smiled, "You don't want your breakfast to get cold, my lady." And with those words, she folded the covers and made her way towards the closet. After pulling two kimonos off from the clothing wracks, she folded the garments over one of her arms and presented them to the princess, who was quick to grab her spectacles.
The first kimono was yellow and depicted the days of early spring. Embroidered along the sides were the images of dandelions in bloom, though as the princess gazed closer, she could find patches of tiny blue, purple and red flowers too. These flowers coated the whole of the garment, and as the princess's eyes continued to examine the fabric, her eyes caught on to the images of various insects. The bees were industrious, and she marveled as they seemed to move from one flower to the next depending on how she moved the cloth. The butterflies glided with ease, and the princess was shocked to find a wasp hidden amongst all the excitement.
The second kimono was blue and told of a shrine's quiet morning atop a mountain. In one corner, the dawn sun came into view colored the embroidered clouds in shades of purple and lighter hues. From across the shrine, the sea shone like a mirror peering out towards some unknown horizon. Her eyes moved along the fabric, and as she ran her hands along the beautifully embroidered shrine gates, the embroidered wood seemed to come to life, filling her with strength. She looked towards the bottom edges of the kimono, and it was at this point that she found the article's best-selling-point: the hydrangeas. The blue and purple flowers filled the bottom of the kimono, completing the piece, and as the princess continued to stare, she marveled as the garment showed the effects of a small breeze brushing along the petals and stems.
The handmaid said, "Why do you always stare so intently at the kimonos, my lady? I figured you've worn them so often you wouldn't need to look long to pick the one that you want."
"It's not that." The princess set her spectacles onto the night stand once more, "I'm just amazed at the sheer amount of detail that gets placed into these. They're remarkable."
"Well, Ayako is one of the best seamstresses in the world. So, would your grace like to wear the yellow one or the blue one?"
"Yellow, thank you." The princess moved off the bed, and it was not long before she stood up. She yawned and let her hair down.
"Why are you dressed like that?"
The princess asked, "Dressed like what?"
The handmaid asked, "You aren't in your pajamas. What happened?"
"I had a long day yesterday. Would you help me with my hair?" She sat herself in front of the mirror, and she moved for her brush.
Haruna grabbed the brush first, "Of course." She proceeded to comb the princess's hair, and as the hand-maid gently ran her fingers through the brown strands, the princess closed her eyes and let out a small hum.
"I'm going to miss this."
"Hmm? What was that, princess?"
"Nothing. Please continue."
The two stayed like this for a while, and after thirty minutes, the princess's hair was free of all knots and being put back into braids. Haruna said, "How do you keep your hair so long?"
The princess smiled, but before she could speak, Haruna said, "You're right. Stupid question."
After fifteen minutes, Haruna finished braiding the last of Izumiko's hair. She ran a final check to make sure that the braids were even, and upon confirming her results, she let out a sigh. Haruna ran her hands along the princess's scalp, and with an exhale, her chin found its way on the top of the princess's head. The handmaid asked, "What happened yesterday?"
The princess hesitated for a moment, but as Haruna got closer, she answered, "It's a long story."
The handmaid wrapped her arms loosely around the princess's neck, and Haruna closed her eyes before she said, "If you ever want to talk about it, I promise I'll listen."
"Thank you." And with those words, the princess placed her hand up and tapped one of Haruna's arms. She rose from her seat, and she proceeded to stretch. She smiled. "Let's get dressed."
Chapter Twenty-Five: Some News
"Good morning, grandfather."
"Ah. Good morning, Izumiko." He pointed at a table and motioned the princess to sit down. She quickly obliged him, sitting at the table next to him. After stretching her arms, she let out a small yawn before settling herself down. The former emperor asked, "Did you sleep well?"
The princess lifted her chopsticks, and she proceeded to dig into the fried egg on one of her plates. The yolk burst, and the princess allowed for its delicious insides to slowly ooze out onto the vegetables below. Her mouth watered, but before she could take a bite, the sound of snapping fingers caught her attention. Oops.
The former emperor's hand returned to his side, and the princess felt her nerves go on edge as she recognized the 'You didn't answer me' glare. His nose twitched, and his mouth into an ominous smile before he asked, "Are you with me now?"
The princess's eyes widened, and she felt her stomach become heavy. Her voice was small, "I'm sorry. What did you say, grandfather?"
"I asked if you slept well."
"I slept as well as you would expect. I kept having this weird dream though."
His tone became lighter, "Oh? What about?"
The princess shrugged her shoulders and said, "That's the thing; I can't remember. Most of the images were in flashes, but they were all so vivid." She yawned once more, "I barely slept a wink."
"Well, that's too bad. Do you have any plans for today?"
"I was hoping to spend some time with Haruna and Ayumi after their shifts were over. Why? Did you have something in mind?"
"We're expected to receive The Silver Scarves this afternoon."
"The Silver Scarves?"
"They're an acting troupe. From what I've heard, they're quite famous."
"I see. What are they going to play?"
"Your mother didn't state what they would be performing; however, I figured you would enjoy the distraction. Nothing like a play to keep your mind off things."
"Sounds like fun." The princess looked around the room as she said, "Speaking of, where is Mother?"
"I'm afraid she had a council meeting to attend to, so she had to leave early. I'm sure we'll see her again soon."
The princess let out a sigh, "I hope so." And with those words, she returned to her breakfast once again.
Chapter Twenty-Six: Girl Talk
"So, tell us what happened with Yohei." Haruna rested her chin beneath her hand and let out a smile to her fellow handmaid.
Ayumi's cheeks turned red, and she stuttered a laugh.
The princess asked, "What happened?"
She shook her head, "He was such a dork."
"What happened?"
"After our shifts were over, I went to meet him at the spot we agreed on, right?"
The two girls nodded.
"Well, I was able to get out early, so I went to the meeting place and I caught him posing to himself in front of one of the mirrors."
"Oh no."
"Really?"
"Yeah, he was rehearsing something. He flipped out as soon as he learned I was watching him."
"And then what happened?"
"We went to try out all of the events. He kept saying he would win me a prize, but he couldn't aim to save his life. He just kept looking at me and saying, 'Watch this!'. He did win a bunch of consolation prizes though; mostly they were just coupons."
"Oh. That's so sad."
"What happened next?"
"After that, we went to get something to eat. All the more famous food vendors were booked to the gills, so we just shared a bunch savory dango instead."
"Ooh! Was it run by a guy named Mr. Noko?", chimed the princess.
"Never heard of him. I take it he sold dango too?"
"Uh hmm. He made a bunch of savory dango for Miyuki and I."
"I've been meaning to ask you about that!", exclaimed Haruna.
Ayumi said, "Can't I finish my story first?"
Haruna replied, "Oh, yes. Of course." She leaned in closer and said, "Tell me more."
"After we were done with dinner, he gave me this." She lifted a chain up from around her neck and showed it to the girls.
The chain was made of a simple string; however, the true focus lied in the pendent attached to it. The pendent was small and it was made from silver. Shaped like the sun, it lacked gemstones or fancy writing; however, the princess could tell that it was filled with a lot of heart.
The princess said, "Aw. What a cute little pendent!"
"That's wonderful."
Ayumi continued, "He said that he found this, and he thought of me, so he just knew he had to get it."
Haruna said, "Oh, that's so romantic. I wish someone would do that for me someday."
"So, then, we walked back to the castle. He escorted me back to the women's quarters, then…" Her face began to blush.
Haruna said, "Ooh! Ooh! Did he kiss you?"
Ayumi's face turned a deeper shade of red.
"You did!" Haruna scooted in closer, "So, how was it?"
For a moment, she hesitated. Ayumi's voice was small as she said, "We missed the first time."
Haruna burst into laughter. She rolled on the cherry petals surrounding them before she cackled, "How could you two miss!"
"It was our first kiss, all right! Neither one of us had ever done it before!"
The princess asked, "So, once you two connected, how was it?"
The handmaid put a hand up to her lips and said, "Not bad."
"Nice!"
The princess said, "I'm glad you had a nice date, so do you think you will be going out with him again?"
"We're planning on doing something in a few weeks, but for now, you guys will just have wait and see."
The handmaid whined, "Aww…"
"Well, enough about my love life! So, Haruna, were you able to swing a date to the festival?"
"I managed to make Miyuki come to the festival with me."
"Ser Sagara's son?"
"Yeah, him, but just as the date was getting started, he ditched me. It was so unfair!"
The princess said, "I guess those things can happen. Did you get the shopping that you wanted done?"
"Everything was so expensive at the fair. That said, I was able to get a few great deals on some delightfully scented candles. The shop-keep there was so nice. She even helped me with the selection and everything."
"That sounds nice."
Ayumi asked, "So, princess, what happened with you and your mother?"
The princess hesitated for a moment, but after taking in a breath, she recounted the tale of yesterday's events. The handmaids listened intently, hanging on to every word she spoke. Their faces shifted from confusion to amusement with the passing of a sentence. The princess paused for a moment, and when both girls demanded she continue, she told them of the attack that followed last. Their eyes widened, and it was Haruna that spoke first.
"You what?! Who attacked you?"
The princess described the man shrouded in black shadow, though she admitted that she couldn't see much in that haze. She spoke of the squire's heroics, but upon mentioning the squire's wound, she was interrupted once more.
Ayumi asked, "Was the wound bad?"
"He was bleeding for a good bit; however, after I bandaged his wounds and applied some anti-septic, he said he was feeling better. From what I've been told, he's just sore now."
Both girls let out a sigh, "That's a relief."
Shortly afterwards, the princess told the fate of the bodyguard the empress had assigned to watch her before she explained that her mother was attacked too. Her voice got smaller; however, before she could mention the possible spies, she stopped. A hand reached for her shoulder, and out of the two ladies, it was Ayumi who spoke first.
"You must have been so scared."
The other handmaid added, "Well, the good news is that, once we're back in Tamakura Castle, that won't happen ever again."
"I'm just glad Miyuki was there to escort you. Otherwise, who knows what could have happened."
The three young ladies were quick to move on towards lighter subjects, and it was not long before the princess added in, "I've been told a theater troupe is going to be performing at the castle in roughly an hour or so. Grandfather never said what they were playing though."
"That's odd. Did his majesty state what the troupe was called?"
"He said they called themselves 'The Silver Scarves'."
Haruna said, "Wait, The Silver Scarves?"
The princess nodded, "Yes."
"As in 'The Silver Scarves'?"
The princess answered, "I believe so."
"Princess, they are one of the greatest theater troupes in the land. How was your mother able to get them on such short notice?"
"Truth be told, Haruna, I have no idea. I just found out about it this morning. Are they really that good?"
"If the rumors are to be believed, then absolutely. One time, when the head producer was just a young actor, he nearly suffocated to death after the audience smothered him with flowers and other gifts."
The princess said, "Wow, and does he still act now?"
"Now and again, though he mostly keeps to the sidelines these days." Haruna let out a breath, "Such a waste."
Ayumi took a sip of her tea and grabbed one of the sweet-buns from atop the table. "Well, we'll be able to judge soon enough. Princess, would you like another cup of tea?"
The princess nodded, "Yes please."
Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Stage is Set
The hour passed, and the time of the performance was now at hand. The sun hung low in the afternoon sky, illuminating the stage in a warm yellow light. The princess and the paige sat at their respective seats. The square theatre was packed as the various noblemen and noble ladies flooded the palace's first theater hall, taking seats wherever they could find one.
The princess squirmed. Why did there have to be so many people here? Thankfully, the royal family's area was secluded, the paper screen shielding her from any wandering eyes.
Izumiko turned towards her mother sitting next to her. Her pose was solid, bearing with it the respect and training fit for her station. She took in a breath and turned towards the princess, "Is something wrong, Izumiko?"
"Why are there so many people here?"
"The Silver Scarves are world-class performers. I don't think anybody would have wanted to miss this. Besides, you are going to be a ruler of this nation one day. You need to get used to crowds."
The princess gulped as she said, "Okay."
The outside buzzed with the sounds of life, but with each whisper, she felt her stomach get heavier with nerves.
"Psst. Hey, scoot over."
"Back away, peasant!"
"Hey, stop shoving me!"
"Psst. Hey, you mind maybe moving back a bit? I'm feeling a bit cramped in here."
"Hey, you big oaf! I can't see!"
The noise continued until, at long last, they were interrupted by the banging of drums. The audience settled themselves down and held their breaths in anticipation.
A young man stood atop of the theater, and after releasing a small cough, he introduced himself.
"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Hodaka Murakami. I serve as director and head producer here at The Silver Scarves. Thank you all so much for coming and inviting us here. Today, we will be performing for you 'The Tragic Tale of Emperor Shin and The Princess Deity.'" The man stepped off the stage and bowed before he spoke once more, "Now, let us begin."