º º º
"How?" With a deep breath, he stabilized his tone and searched her profound gaze. "How does she resemble Juuri-sama?"
"Juuri looked just like her, same eyes, same defiance and valiance. There is no doubt about it." Fumiko shivered under her breath. Quickly hugging herself, she turned back inside of the room. "Pursuing her isn't a good idea, Kaname. Her presence is too similar to Juuri's."
"I respect Juuri-sama. If she resembles her, I don't see what the problem is?"
"Will you get a hold of your hormones?" Fumiko snapped over her shoulder. "The resemblance isn't physical. It's her presence. Like you portray your mother and father. There's an odd, unspoken bond in your presence, just like hers."
"I'm going to see her." Kaname stubbornly announced.
Fumiko widely watched her grandson step back from the doorway. "No, wait, Kaname."
"There's nothing you can say that'll change my mind. Something you mentioned made her upset."
"You're making a mistake." Fumiko couldn't bear to look at him. "She doesn't want to have anything to do with you. She was firm about it. I wouldn't cross her if I were you." She warned.
"Goodnight…" Kaname softly closed the door.
He couldn't locate Yuuki in the guest residence. She wasn't in the halls, nor did the guards see her outside. For a woman who thwarted the Kyoto palace security, broke his library ceiling and sat dying in his library later with an poisoned arrow stuck to her body, it was no surprise the palace guards didn't know about Yuuki's whereabouts.
Kaname hunted corridors, rooms, gardens and the courtyard without the slightest of hint of Yuuki's presence. He nearly had the unequivocal hope of finding her perched on a random palace roof, laughing at him from his lack of progress.
º º º
Zero found it unnecessary to ask when Yuuki adorned a jacket and a cloak. She nestled the large belt around her waist and secured her canteen heavy with blood. Without a word, Zero grabbed his own cloak and threw it on his shoulders. Yuuki strode out toward the stable in search of Cyrus. She found him and Lilly in the same corner, patiently watching her approach.
Lilly neighed happily as soon as she reached the gate. Yuuki soothed the horse through stroking. Zero led the white stallion outside while she helped Cyrus.
"How dare you leave?" Demanded a voice through the empty courtyard.
Zero turned as Yuuki ignored all interruptions preceding her plan.
Kaname glared from the silver haired to Yuuki. "You aren't permitted to leave unless Ousama orders you to. As his guests, you must abide by this rule."
"These suffocating rules are too much, aren't they?" Yuuki scoffed, "Do we look like people who'll stay around just because a pureblood tells us so?"
"You can't leave." Kaname traversed the courtyard, he halted in front of Cyrus and Yuuki. "Not secretly."
"We are and we will." Yuuki indifferently notified. "Now move out of the way."
With a worried survey of Zero, Kaname stepped closer toward Yuuki. Hurriedly he tugged her aside in private. She growled wretchedly at his grip and struggled to free. "Get your hand off of me." Yuuki muttered, "I'll hurt you if you don't!"
"Why are you leaving secretly?" Kaname demanded.
"That's none of your business."
He flung around to examine Yuuki scowling. "Did she offend you?" Kaname whispered. "Did she say something?"
"Keep your grandmother away from me. Better yet, I'm going to stay away from you royals as far as possible." Yuuki loathingly spat. "I'm done here!" She wrenched her arm and strode back to her horse, unaware she hugged the arm Kaname touched.
"Stop."
Yuuki forged her way toward Cyrus and Zero. He scowled at Yuuki and stared speechlessly at Kaname.
"Stop—Yu…Yuuki!"
A chilling breeze bounded through the courtyard, unraveling stones and dusts from the ground, around Yuuki's boots. Her body stood riveted. She gaped at nothing in particular, shock searing across her vision. A vicious realization later, Yuuki whirled around at the pureblood.
"I never told you my name." She hissed.
Kaname quietly walked closer. "Your name was mentioned multiple times by my father. You can't leave right now. The city gates won't open for you. They are under his orders."
"I'll find other means to get out of here, thank you for your concern."
"Wait, Yuuki."
She fiercely shook her fists at Kaname. "Stop telling me what to do, stop calling my name, stop coming near me!" Yuuki screamed. "I will not be your servant!"
Kaname could only stare in utter loss.
Yuuki inhaled. "Look, I did my job and whatever happened wasn't right. I told you it was a mistake, and I apologize for what happened. I wish that we both could move on form this matter. This is my way of moving on without dramatizing anything. Farewell, Ouji and good riddance." Yuuki saluted and grabbed the reigns.
"You seem positively unaffected already." Kaname paused two steps behind Yuuki, "I'm impressed." He whispered over her head.
"Something you should try." Yuuki nodded.
"Do you think you can make it out of the palace if I order the guards not to let you leave?"
Yuuki could have choked Kaname. Her brilliant glare seized him by surprise.
He grabbed her by the forearms. Her clenched fangs unveiled as she snarled at his proximity. Kaname's long hands wound around her thin arms firmly. She tried to unravel the grip, twisted and struggled feasibly with a series of jerks and curse words.
She still couldn't understand how immensely strong Kaname was. His impenetrable grip was unlike anything she encountered. Zero and she combined couldn't match the virility of Kaname's shackle.
"Stop moving." Kaname murmured resignedly under his breath. She let out another violent struggle, stood panting and glared impatiently into his forbidding stare.
"What do you want? What?" Yuuki shrieked. "What is with you purebloods rendering me under your will, huh? You just love control, don't you?" She sneered.
Kaname lifted a hand to touch her pale cheek. She automatically believed he would slap her and cringed out of habit. Frowning, Kaname cradled her warm cheek, raised her face further and set his fingers flush against her soft skin. The color of her cheeks darkened from his touch.
Yuuki ogled the prince. Disbelief and awe claimed her restlessness. Sharp jolts of electrocution rattled through her skin, bubbled and bloomed in her bloodstream. The weight of its force plunged over her shoulders, gripped her system with its throttling energy.
"There…" Kaname caressed her cheek. "It's better when you aren't screaming."
A sheer fiery substance rippled through her limbs, tickled her ribcage and passed briefly over her chest. She felt power emanate from the core and curve of her body, internal and external. Her eyelids swallowed over her eyes and her legs wobbled from the power.
Yuuki heaved, let the sharp spark flicker and chase around her body. She had the need to sit down. Wearily, Yuuki opened her ruby eyes and peered into Kaname's observant orbs.
Kaname cradled both of her cheeks, reaping calm pleasure. "You feel it too." He whispered.
Her eyes widened, suddenly, Yuuki shoved him away. "Don't touch me!" She gasped, staggered against Cyrus and stared horrendously at the pureblood. "Don't come near me."
Kaname's amused eyes glazed over Yuuki. "Of course. I was only making sure of something."
Yuuki clenched her teeth, certain that he knew more than he let on, but she'd be damned if she gave into curiosity and asked him for an explanation for what she experienced. Her eyes fastened on his hands.
Refusing to let unnecessary ideas flourish, Yuuki mounted Cyrus. Her murky glare narrowed on Kaname below. "If you dare tell the guards to not let us pass, you're going to regret making me angry, Ouji. I'll make sure you wished you never came home."
"Have a safe journey." Kaname stated.
"Good choice." Yuuki breathed, fingers clamped tightly on the reigns and drew Cyrus around. She beckoned Zero with a stiff nod and rode toward the gates.
Yuuki and Zero rode unceasingly for hours, well into the morning and onward with the sun over their heads. The horses never deterred and moved with natural vibrancy. On the second day of their journey, the stopped in the afternoon to the let the horses rest.
Yuuki sat watching the sunset under a tree while Cyrus grazed the grass on her right. Zero joined her promptly and offered a canteen of blood. She stared at the item bleakly. Her fingers cupped the warm base. She swirled the contents to feel the floating substance.
Noticing how she put the canteen away, Zero's eyes beamed with questions.
"What?" She whispered.
"Aren't you going to drink? You need strength if we're to get home by tomorrow." Zero snatched the canteen and helped himself to some.
Her lips sculpted into a pout as she watched her comrade. Silently Yuuki gazed back at the setting sun. The dying colors of the flamed day twisted into blue and purple.
"I drank his blood."
Zero spat out the blood he had drunk and looked in horror at Yuuki. She didn't look at him, nor object to the wasted blood sprayed over the grass.
"It was a mistake." Yuuki slowly realized.
"That's why you want to go home."
A mixture of frustration and acceptance welled in her glare, Yuuki's bottom lip curled. "I'm fucking tired, and I want to go home, damn it! Is that too much to ask?"
Zero closed the cap on the canteen. "You're the one who always makes the decisions between us."
"Grow the hell up, Zero." She snapped. "I'm not your mother. If you wanted to stay at the palace, you could have. I told you already, it's your damn life!"
"I don't want you to keep running away from your problems."
"What problems?"
"You set out to meet and talk to her, tell her who you are." Zero shot back, "But you didn't! What did you get out of coming out here? A pureblood's blood?"
"Don't go there." A hand stole over his shoulder and gripped the side of his throat threateningly.
He glared coldly at the hand snaked around his throat. "I'm not the one who is running away." He shoved her hand and rose to his height. "You're going to regret not telling her when you go home."
"It's not easy…" Yuuki quivered at the sunset. "It's not easy pining for someone all your life. Otou-chan has put up with too much. I didn't even stop to think how he'd react if I told him I saw her."
Zero, watching her from above, said quietly, "You still have time. We can turn back, and you can confess."
"I have nothing to confess." Yuuki growled jealously. "Just knowing…" Tears spurted from the corners of her eyes as she watched darkness swallow the sky. "Knowing she is alive is enough. She made a decision to leave, I'm sure it was a good one…. Does it make sense that a pureblood as beautiful and strong as her, isn't married or doesn't have another family after all these years? Clearly she hasn't forgotten otou-chan!"
Zero bent down and grabbed her arm. He hauled her up. "Yuuki…You can still tell her." He encouraged. "She deserves to know what happened to you. She deserves to meet you, know who you are."
"No, Zero…" She tiredly murmured. "I want to forget about it. I'm fine now. My curiosity has ended. Let's just go home now."
º º º
Tap, tap, tap….
Fumiko eyed the fingers perched on the armrest. He sat in a daze, eyes and countenance vacant, uninvolved and uncaring of his surroundings. Kaname hadn't moved from the chair in the last five hours, much less executed a sound, except for his meticulous strumming of fingers. She wondered what song or tune it was, and realized that it wasn't, merely frustrated tapping.
She held up a glass of wine for Kaname. "Here, drink, you're too tensed."
He didn't seem aware of her standing on his left.
"Kaname?" Fumiko frowned, wishing more than ever to penetrate his mental barrier with her powers and sink into his subconscious. It was the perfect time, he wasn't aware of anything but his thoughts. Fumiko reached his barrier and concentrated on the streams of his thoughts.
His fingers ceased their tapping. Kaname looked up at his grandmother.
She froze and clenched the glass, stealing away from his barrier before he noticed.
Kaname rose from the chair, towering the elder female. "She broke into the Kyoto palace looking for Juuri-sama."
"She's a rebel?" Fumiko cried incredulously.
"Not exactly." Kaname strolled toward the curtain windows and lifted one to peer at the sunny world.
"She broke into the palace, Kaname." Fumiko slammed the glass on the table. "If she is not a criminal, then what is she? Kaname…" She wagged her finger in warning, "That girl is dangerous! What do you possibly know about her? If she came to see Juuri, she certainly must be part of some rebel group or, or…"
"Obaachan." Kaname called sternly, "She saved us. She is not dangerous. If she wanted to harm Juuri-sama, she would have attempted it eons ago."
"She was trying to earn your trust."
"She is not a criminal."
"How do you know? How can you tell?" Fumiko gasped in disbelief, "Are you listening to yourself, Kaname? Did she brainwash you?"
"No." Kaname hissed between his fangs, eyes flushed with frustration, "All I want to know is what her business with Juuri-sama was in the first place. On top of it all, you claim she resembles Juuri."
"To an astonishing degree." Fumiko wiped her trembling brow with the back of her hand. "I thought it was Juuri herself sitting in front of me. Fiery anger, frank demeanor, outrageously standoffish!" She shuddered and looked away. "I miss that side of Juuri. She isn't the same anymore."
After three knocks, a maid entered the room and bowed before the royals.
"Juuri-sama has arrived."
"Herself, here?" Fumiko reeled in awe. "My goodness!" Cupping her cheeks, she excitedly turned to Kaname. "Juuri came!"
The slight movement of his clenched jaw resulted, his stolid eyes passively switched back to the window. Kaname lingered for three more seconds before departing the room.
"Kaname." Fumiko trailed after him worriedly, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing, I'm going to see Juuri-sama." He paused in the hall, looking over his shoulder, "Do you want to join me?"
"Why, yes…" Fumiko narrowed her eyes, "But you look angry."
"Your keen observation is lovely, but I can't discuss with your further about Yuuki anymore." He solemnly said.
Fumiko clenched his wrist and patted his knuckles. "I understand, but be careful, whatever you do, be careful."
Kaname's mother and father had already flanked Juuri. They were drinking wine in the queen's private room. When the doors opened, Juuri instantly glided to her feet and sailed into Fumiko's crushing arms.
"Oh, it's good to see you, Fumiko-sama." Juuri breathed.
"Good to see you too, Juuri." Once she held Juuri at arms length, she inspected her form and face. "My goodness, you're still exaggeratedly beautiful as ever."
"And you?" Juuri brushed her chin, "You haven't aged since the last I saw you."
"Well, little goes around when Kaname isn't here." Fumiko looked longingly at her grandson standing a respectable distance by the door. "I get bored here."
"I know there is something about him." Juuri whispered, "If he's not around, there's no life in the palace."
"Are you two going to be whispering among yourselves the whole time, or are you going to join us?" Hanako called from the couch she occupied with her amused spouse. He refilled her glass and offered one to Fumiko, who settled next to Juuri.
"It's a delight to have you visit us, Juuri." Hanako spoke softly above her glass, "It was sudden, and no one told us you were coming."
"I didn't tell Rido either and made up my mind at the last minute." She replied, glancing hopefully at Kaname. "Actually I came to see Kaname."
Fumiko's brows ruffled, "Fine, cast us out just like that! Are we not family?"
"You are." Juuri chuckled and kissed her knuckles. "All of you are dear to me, but the business I have with Kaname is important. I'm sorry. I won't be able to stay for long. I have to hurry."
"What business?" Shigeu leaned forward with interest. "How can we help?"
"Ousama, it's nothing big, just a personal mission I have in mind, and I need your son's help."
Shigeu beckoned Kaname with a wave of his fingers. "I had multiple tasks for Kaname here. He hasn't been home for very long. What kind of a mission is this?"
"Oh, it's only an idea I drew up a couple of years ago. I've been thinking, and I promised Kaname to take him with me."
"We know how protective he is of you." Hanako smirked playfully.
"How long will you be?" Shigeu questioned.
"It's undetermined." Juuri answered, "We won't be too far."
"Where are you going?"
"Kurashiki."
Kaname riveted over the couch he was about to sit. His father looked up inquisitively. "Is it too far, Kaname?"
"Kura...Shiki?" His tongue felt heavy at the name.
"Yes." Juuri glanced at the prince. "We'll return as soon as possible."
"No, Juuri, there's no reason to rush, you just have to be careful when you're out there." Hanako warned, "If it weren't for that girl and boy last time, you'd had been in grave danger—both of you!"
Juuri gazed at her glittery wine, "Rido told you what happened, I see."
"We met your saviors, the Kiryuu son is dependable but the girl…" Hanako looked uneasily at her spouse. Kaname's eyes narrowed on the couple exchanging glances. "Very strange girl."
"Why do you say that?" Kaname demanded.
Fumiko alertly sat up, "Kaname…"
"I don't see a problem with asking a simple question, obaachan." He shot curtly.
"For starters she was disrespectful, no courtesy or grace! She stained my curtains! Awh, my beautiful curtains are ruined!"
"She did her job and escorted me safely back home. Isn't that what you wanted?" Kaname said snappishly. "Your curtains can be changed."
Shigeu stared dubiously at Kaname. "Why are you suddenly attacking your mother?"
"I'm not." Kaname looked away.
Juuri was vigilant of Kaname's glare and scowl. Instead of sitting, he strode defiantly toward a cart for a drink. The sound of wine falling in the glass echoed within the room.
"Perhaps I should go alone." Juuri startled her comrades with the suggestion.
"I will go with you." Kaname announced.
"Ah, that girl said she is from there." Shigeu stated suddenly, "Kurashiki, yes, that's the city she said she was from."
"How intriguing." Juuri murmured indifferently, not a flare of emotion winning her eyes. She watched Kaname knowingly.
"Indeed." Fumiko huffed at her wine. "Indeed, Juuri…"
º º º
Before he was able to sit inside of the carriage, Juuri swung her purse and hit Kaname, sending him plunging forward inside. He ceased and turned back with questioning eyes.
"You're making it too damn obvious." Juuri hissed, "What's going on with you?"
"You came here to retrieve me, now I'm fully at your disposal. But I have some questions for you." Kaname brushed his coat dust free.
"Kaname!" Juuri clamped onto his sleeve, "You are mad, it's deplorable watching you do what you're about to do."
"Weren't you the one who wanted me to accompany you?" Kaname merely smiled.
"Don't try me, my prince." Juuri toothily muttered, eyes wielding animosity. "You can't fool me. You're thinking about that damn…girl—aren't you?"
"So what if I am?"
She slapped him with the purse again. "You idiot, you stop it right now! Right now, I order you!" Juuri thrashed him relentlessly.
Guards reacted and held back uncertainly. "Ju-Juuri-sama… Please, don't harm the prince."
"Believe me, if you knew anything at all, you'd do it too!" Juuri grabbed a fistful of Kaname's hair and shoved him inside of the carriage. "Get in and shut up. I'm too furious to answer your questions."
Her ferocious red eyes flamed on Kaname across her seat. Her heel slanted and connected harshly against his shin. Kaname flinched only slightly and stiffened under the acceptance that physical abuse didn't affect a pureblood like him. It was amusing watching Yuuki's anger fueled at the knowledge that no matter how much she hit him, he couldn't get hurt. Kaname blinked at his shin and Juuri's heels, his gaze flew to her piercing glare.
"You told me to tell you if there is someone in my life." He blurted sardonically.
"I did." Juuri bit her bottom lip, "Although I didn't expect this to happen. Kaname, this is ridiculous!"
"Now is a better time for you to answer my questions," He resolutely folded his arms and eyed her critically, "Why do you want to go to the city?"
"I'm not going to answer you yet." Juuri grunted. "I'm still angry with you, so you can't ask."
"Don't be shocked by my obstinacy, Juuri-sama." Kaname calculatingly notified, "You can't believe I'm all naïve and full of sweet talk. I, too, have tricks up my sleeve."
Her brows angled up at the bizarre remark. "What're you going to do with her?"
"I have nothing to do with her."
"Liar." Juuri clenched her jaw and moved to kick his shin again.
Kaname frowned at her foot. "She used to do that too…" He whispered under his breath.
"She is the reason why you are coming along."
"What if you get attacked again?"
"No one knows where I am or where I'm going, there will be no attacks on this trip."
"So why do you suddenly want to go to Kurashiki?" Kaname attempted the question once more. His cool eyes caught her twitch with discomfort. "It's strange, but I'm on to something here. When Yuuki broke into the palace, I met her."
Juuri swayed with surprise in her seat, "Broke into the palace?"
"I was the one to distract the guards and sent them in the wrong direction."
Juuri scowled, "Was she…the trespasser?"
Kaname stared out the window. "I kept checking your quarters and asked you to stay at Rido-sama's instead. She had business with you."
"With me?" Juuri tentatively swallowed her dry throat. "I wouldn't know why someone like her would have anything to do with me."
"You're shockingly alike." Kaname continued in the same drone, but his eyes were large and tensed with warning.
"And what is that supposed to mean? I don't know who she is. The fact that my destination and her hometown are the same is merely a coincidence, nothing more."
"Of course." Kaname nodded.
"Kaname."
"What's your purpose in Kurashiki?"
"Why do you care about that damn girl so much?"
"Does it have something to do with the time you ran away?"
"How dare you ask me that?" Juuri scowled.
"How dare you criticize me when I finally have something to look forward to outside of the palace?" Kaname spat. "You told me to explore and get out more, find something interesting than books and laws."
Juuri collapsed against the cushions, eyes transfixed on him. "She is that interesting."
"It's not about her."
"What is it about Kaname?" Juuri demanded impatiently. "Why don't you tell me? Because I'm tired of guessing."
Kaname's held no warmth when he brusquely answered. "I don't know why I'm drawn to her."
She leaned forward and touched his knee. "Did something happen between you and her? On your way here?"
"No."
Juuri pulled back slowly. "A man is capable of moving forward with another woman even if his heart lays elsewhere, but a woman cannot. If something happened between you, it'll be harder for her than you." Juuri glumly added, "I hope you'll move on from this phase. There are more eligible women who'd die to be at your disposal. You have to remember who you are, and where your responsibilities lie. They can't be thrown away because of some silly infatuation."
"Thank you for your wise words." He replied.
"If this continues, I promise you, you won't only hear this lecture from me. You have many things to do and places to be. If you can figure out a way to stay on that track and continue this juvenile infatuation, be my guest. But I know for sure, it'll be a tough journey, and someone will eventually have to give up. Either you or the other person…" Juuri gazed out the window, her lips trembling.
"I'll keep that in mind." Kaname noticed her suppress tears by blinking several times.
"Please do, Kaname."
º º º
To Yuuki, home was the place where she belonged, the place where she was embraced for her wild and intolerable behavior. At home, Yuuki was safest and loved than ever. The only place she could return to form anywhere in the world, but today home was the last place she wanted to return to.
Her heart tweaked with each step she moved across the courtyard of her home. The roving breeze fingered through her hair as a welcome, and her boots skittered over the stones of the front porch. She touched the door hesitantly, afraid to disturb the peace.
Yuuki looked up at the ceiling and leaned up on her toes to hunt for the spare key tucked on a wood. The item slipped in her hand, and she was able to insert it the door lock within moments. She paused only to breathe aloud and pushed the door open.
The door closed silently behind Yuuki. She set the key on a nearby table and trekked from the glistening foyer.
The vacant parlor, drawing room and dinner table appeared. Yuuki crossed to the left corner room and descended the stairs, entering another empty room.
"Otou-chan?" Yuuki skipped over the stairs and swiveled toward a second door on the right, she peeked inside the dark room, searched the chair and closed the door.
"You're home."
Her insides throbbed at the sound. Yuuki flung around in time to find her father standing by the stairs, assessing her critically. Yuuki hurried two steps but he was faster and snaked his arms around her.
"Otou-chan!" Yuuki fell against his wide chest, eyes clenched and arms wound tight around his waist. "I missed you."
"So did I." Haruka whispered in her hair. "Are you going to tell me where you went?"
She pulled back enough to sneak a glance at his frown. "…No." Yuuki sheepishly shook her head, "I want to but I can't."
"Let me guess, it was not work related."
"No." Yuuki answered unreservedly.
Haruka brushed her hair and kissed her head. "As long as you're home safe, I'm glad to see you."
"I'm sorry for leaving without telling you." Yuuki murmured softly. "I won't do it again."
Haruka smirked, "You've pulled that trick one too many times, Yuuki. It's hard to trust you."
"I mean it this time!"
Haruka released her with a louder laugh. "Oh sure." He moved into the study and claimed a chair. "I wasn't expecting you home so soon."
"Neither did I." Yuuki frowned at her folded arms.
Haruka examined her for a moment, pensively he sat up, "Something wrong, Yuuki?"
"No, no…" She bit her lip and turned around, "I'll go freshen up and get some sleep."
"Sure, relax a little. Say, where is Zero?" He inquired.
"He went home. I'm sure he'll come around soon."
"If you see him, tell him we need to talk." Haruka requested.
"No problem." Yuuki smirked maliciously and said, "What's this about, otou-chan?"
"Hmm?" Haruka's eyes held an enigmatic sheen, "Oh, nothing at all. I wanted to see how he is doing, you two went without telling anyone in town. Kaien was concerned about him."
"Zero is doing fine, otou-chan." Yuuki assured softly. "He was with me the whole time. I never took my eyes off of him." She lied.
"Good to hear, did he keep a good eye on you too?"
"I'm not a toddler to have him watch over me!"
At this, Haruka cleared his throat and looked away.
"Stop it." Yuuki frowned, "Stop treating me like a child. I'm old enough to take care of myself."
"I know." Haruka rubbed his chin, only his lips moved at the whisper, "You're old enough for marriage."
Yuuki paled, "Don't start with that, please."
Haurka glanced at her from the corner of his eye, "And why not? I want you to live a happy married life. All of the girls in town are married. You're the last one. It's a good market to search for suitors."
"No, it's not. What about Ruka-chan? She is very available."
Haruka hissed at her, "Aissh! Don't change the subject. We're talking about you here."
"But…" Yuuki gestured at herself with a pout, "I'm not wife material, not even feminine or pretty. Who'd want to marry me?"
"Stop fooling yourself." Haruka countered. "You don't know how beautiful you are and you hide behind your…those…" He pointed at her torn cloak. "Articles that don't flatter you. What is that? A rag?"
"I'm going, bye." Yuuki sauntered toward the drawing room and entered a dark hall.
The paper screens musically fluttered from the open window, light winked and seeped through several openings. She opened the door to her room and slipped inside, momentarily eyeing her room in mild wonder. She and her father weren't extravagant vampires. Their sole comfort at home was each other's presence.
Lately her father had to resort to living alone. Though he wasn't fond of the arrangement, Haruka had gotten accustomed to her habit of leaving whenever she wanted.
She slumped on her bed listlessly and stared at the white walls.
He couldn't tell I drank someone's blood. Yuuki touched her aching throat. How did Joousama know that Ouji had given blood?
Was it another rare pureblood ability?
Lethargically Yuuki stripped off her cloak and tossed the rumbled article in the basket. She sat still on the mattress, her gaze and breathing heavy from fatigue. Yuuki blinked at the white silk shirt absently. She couldn't let go of it after all. Regardless of raiding Zero's clothes at the palace, Yuuki still sported Kaname's old shirt.
She fell back on the bed, eyes winking sadly at the ceiling. The smooth shirt rippled over her ribcage, arms and chest, nestled her skin lovingly in heat. Yuuki reached her arm and testily ran a finger on the bumps. Frowning, she pushed the décolleté over her shoulder to expose the area.
Veins, black and blue angrily jutted out of her skin in a band. The place where Kaname had gripped her tightly was a series of grooves and multiple veins cropped over another. Yuuki traced the veins gently and felt tingles of fire lick over her arm and spiral down her palm.
"Shit…" She muttered under her breath and covered the area.
Gravitating in front of the full length mirror, Yuuki examined the silk white shirt hugging her bodice and chest in perfect precision. Although Kaname's shoulders were wider, the material rested around her round shoulders nicely. When she unbuttoned it, Yuuki fingered his insignia laced under the collar in fine gold calligraphy.
His name was written inside of the royal symbol.
Yuuki promptly folded the shirt and set it on the table next to her bed. Why had she brought it home? It would've been best to leave his shirt at the palace. What if Kaname noticed his shirt was missing? Was she a thief?
She scowled at the mocking shirt. After feeling guilty for destroying her clothes, Kaname offered her the shirt. It wasn't considered stealing if he had offered it to her first. Still, the reason being she had numerous opportunities to return his shirt instead of keeping it.
No, I don't want to forget. Yuuki touched the shirt hesitantly, her mind reeling at the memory of touching Kaname's white chest.
The first time someone actually treated me like a girl.
º º º
Zero accepted the drink Haruka brewed and waited until the elder seated in front of the fire before sampling the exotic wine.
"Did she give you a lot of trouble?" Haruka broke the hypnotizing silence.
"No." His tranquil answer was another effect of the soothing wine. "We weren't troubled. We met many people and returned home."
"Where did you go?"
"I can't say." Zero speculated the wine and looked up into Haruka's determined countenance, "You should ask Yuuki first."
"She refuses to tell." Haruka cradled the glass and breathed. "I wanted to thank you, Zero, for looking after her whenever I couldn't. Knowing her uncontrollable nature, she can frustrate and hurt people, but I selfishly bound you to take care of her when necessary, and you've done your job wonderfully. A toast to you." Haruka raised his glass.
"Thank you." Zero felt the littlest of smiles tug the edge of his mouth.
"When you and Yuuki were away, I began making arrangements." Haruka said. "For her future."
Rigidly Zero lowered his glass against his knee; he waited for Haruka to continue.
"I contacted a good friend of mine. They come from a well-natured, popular family. The thing is they have a son, intelligent and wise, eligible."
Zero nodded mutely and forced his throat to swallow the suddenly bitter wine.
"He is a great boy, Zero. I want him and Yuuki to marry."
He had expected a suggestion along those lines. Zero looked at him eerily, grim with doubt and eyes black in dim light, "She'll say no."
"Oh, I know she will." Haruka chuckled, resting his knuckle against his chin. "I just want Yuuki to settle down. I'd wish she stopped hunting and live an easier life. Every time she leaves the house, I get nervous. The type of work she does is dangerous and consuming. How will she raise a family if she continues hunting?"
"None of the aforementioned things are on her mind, nor will they ever be." Zero guaranteed.
"I need your help to change her mind. If she meets this boy, I know she'll change her mind."
"I'll oblige, but Haruka-sama…" Zero placed his drink on the table. "If it doesn't work, you mustn't try it again."
"I won't do it again after this."
"Who is the suitor?" Zero asked.
"Comes from an educated family, his goes by the name Hanabusa. He'll come to the Mask Festival in a few days to meet Yuuki. I want everything to move smoothly. Take Yuuki to the festival but don't tell her about whom she'll meet."
"What does this person look like?"
Haruka stood up and opened the drawer of the table by Zero's chair. He lifted the envelope and held open the monochromic sketch of a young, brilliant blue-eyed nobleman.
"He'll be there and when you see him, secretly guide Yuuki toward him. I've already sent a picture of Yuuki to the Aidous. He knows what she looks like. Don't reveal that it's a set up."
"I'll try my best but Yuuki is keen."
"That's why I'm asking you for this favor. She trusts you." Haruka closed the envelope and slipped it back in the drawer. "If you're around, everything will seem natural. Make sure they are together the whole time at the festival. If they want to go someplace alone, I suppose it's not a big matter. That means they're getting along. I'd be even better if he walked her home, then we can make a big display about how I know his father and what a great friendship we've had. It'll look like it's fated."
Zero stared in ennui at the dreamy man. "Good luck with that."
º º º
"You're my father!" Yuuki exclaimed, abruptly leaping forward, she cradled Haruka's face and whispered, "You're the best otou-chan in the world. You've given me everything I could've ever dreamed of and more. I couldn't be half the person I am today if you weren't here. Don't make me live a life I'm not made for. Marriage, that kind of thing is not for me! I'd…rather die than live that kind of a life." She pulled away.
"Marriage isn't horrible as it sounds, Yuuki!" Haruka said, "All I want is for you start building a future."
"I don't want to marry, I'm not ready." She cried. "Please, don't do this to me!"
"Yuuki...Meet him and see for yourself. He is not a bad person!" Haruka grabbed her hand.
"No." She yanked away. "I don't want to, and you can't force me to either!" Yuuki clenched her jaw and stormed toward the door. "If you do, I'll never speak to you again! I don't want to marry! I don't want to meet him! I don't care about settling down! Let me live the life I want!"
Rain tossed over Yuuki who darted to the wet courtyard. Cold water splashed from all direction, covering her vision completely.
"Yuuki!" Haruka chased after his daughter in the courtyard. "Come back inside, you'll get sick!"
"Leave me alone!" Yuuki desperately shrieked. "I don't want to marry, I told you already!" She whirled around and shoved open the gates, running into the abyss of mist.
Haruka watched her silhouette flutter in shadows and disappear before he could move a single step. "Yuuki!" Haruka called, "YUUKI!"
"YUUKI!" Racing into the streets, drenched wet from the frigid rain, Haruka persistently called into the night. "YUUKI!" Not a single sound echoed in return. He was ready to dismiss it and head home.
Horse hooves stomped on the wet mud, wheels screeched in the rain.
Haruka stared at the large carriage in front of his premises. With a hand covered over his eyes, he peered at enormous coach. Visitors were increasing due to the upcoming festival. He wondered if they needed direction to a local inn. Being a docile and hospital man, Haruka jogged toward his gates. The harsh water sprayed over his eyes, causing him to flinch several times as he strode cautiously closer to the carriage.
The door opened and he looked up at the coachman. "Looking for an inn?" Haruka pointed to the end of the street. "Go straight and turn left, there's one at the corner, very accommodating." He ensured.
The coachman nodded his head gracefully. "Thank you."
"I know all about the city, I was a mayor once." Haruka smirked.
The driver's eyes narrowed and pointed to his residence. "And this place? Whom does it belong to?"
"Me."
The passenger door sharply threw open. Skirts ruffled on the stairs and heels slapped faintly in the thick mud. A long, slender arm curled around the door handle and slammed it shut in a single movement. Haruka squinted his eyes as a forceful wind sputtered rain directly on his face, blinding him momentarily.
The figure shook against the wind, hoisted its hat desperately, but the restless wind tugged it and cast it away.
"I'm sorry, Young Miss, but the weather suddenly became terrible." Haruka began. "You may want to get back in the carriage. I've told your coachman about a nearby inn. You may rest there comfortably."
"Young Miss…?" She lowered her palms from her face to gaze at the drenched man.
His charismatic smile wilted.
Juuri straightened and regarded him intently, fighting the sprinkling water flushing over her face and clothes. Already feeling like she stood on her head, Juuri breathed hard. "Ye…Yes...Haruk..." She stuttered. Of their own will, her feet trudged over the mud toward him.
Haruka clenched his fists guardedly and twisted to the side as the closer and clearer her face became.
Juuri held still no longer than a second. "Haruka!" She launched over him, arms wrapped around his shoulders. Something shoved her back, Juuri stumbled on her heel and blinked in confusion.
His brows were furrowed, white droplets of water huddled over the curled lines of his forehead. Piercing ruby eyes chiseled Juuri's face with scathing intent. They fell over her shoulders, hair, hands and face again.
Haruka moved back one step precisely. "What are you doing here?"
Juuri smiled hesitantly, "I…came to see you, Haruka."
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© Nur Misurr
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