Chapter 2

Kiyara couldn't help but stare, she was so infatuated. Apparently the prince noticed because he flashed a smile at her that made her heart start pounding and her breath catch in her throat. She felt her cheeks grow warmer as she continued to watch him, and he began to walk towards the two.

"Hello Madame Masami, I am here upon my father's request," he said. Kiyara felt her knees start to shake a bit.

"Yes. Did he receive word about the princess?"

"He did, which is why I am here. Where is she?"

"Right here," she said, motioning to Kiyara, who was still blushing deeply. He smiled at her again. That was all it took. She passed out then and there.

"Kiyara, you okay?" Shun asked, leaning over her. Her eyes fluttered open.

"What happened?" she asked, looking around.

"You passed out when Prince Kurama came."

"Who?"

"The red haired man who arrived earlier. We just heard. I was the one who offered my room, and her highness has allowed me to stay here with you."

Kiyara blushed again. It hit her. She was in love with Shun. Not just a crush. 100 percent true love. But how would she tell him?

"Oh, that guy…"

"Yeah. You don't mind me sleeping in here until he goes back, do you?"

"Not at all."

"Good."

She hugged him tightly.

"Hello Princess," Kurama said, smiling to her once again.

"Oh, hello. I don't believe we've been properly introduced. My name is Kiyara," she said.

"Prince Kurama, from France."

"You don't sound French."

"I know. That's the funny thing about it."

He continued to smile. She blushed.

"Is it?"

"Yes. If I'm from France, shouldn't I sound French?"

"I suppose" she said, her knees giving out. He caught her.

"Careful. We wouldn't want you hurt now, would we?" he whispered.

"Guess…Why are you holding me like that?" she asked as he pulled her into a tight hug.

"You're beauty surpasses that of any maiden I have ever seen. It is an honor to me," he said. She blushed even more.

"I'm not that beautiful."

"Such modesty. But you are more beautiful than you know Princess."

Shun looked out from the room he was in. Kiyara was crimson in her cheeks, her arms limp at her sides, looking frightened, Kurama still hugging her tightly. Shun glared at this and closed the door again. He already hated Kurama.

Kiyara sat in her room with Shun that night.

"It meant nothing to me Shun," she suddenly whispered.

"What?"

"That hug. I know you saw it. It meant nothing to me."

"I know. You seemed frightened of it."

"He caught me off guard, yes."

"Um..."

"What is it Shun?"

"N-Nothing."

"Please tell me?"

"It's nothing."

She sighed at him, closing her eyes, and lying back on her bed. He smiled at her, wishing he had the courage to just say it, and just have her know how he felt, how he had felt for such a long time.

"Good night Princess..." he whispered, then closed his eyes and went to sleep.

The next day was hectic. Shun wouldn't go anywhere near Kurama, and Kiyara was trying to convince him to so she could introduce them. And she was also trying to figure out why Shun was so upset about Kurama hugging her.

"Please!" she begged.

"No. I have no need to meet him."

"Why do you hate him so much Shun? I told you that hug meant nothing to me."

"I know you said that."

He turned to her, a serious look in his eyes, and then hugged her around her waist. She hugged him back, blushing.

"Shun…what…"

"Sh... Just tell me, does this hug mean anything to you?"

"Yes."

"What does it mean?"

"That you're my friend, and you care for me."

"That all?"

"Should it be?"

"I wish I could tell you."

"Tell me what Shun?"

"Never mind."

"Shun..."

"Just let me hold you for a minute."

She blushed even more before she said anything to him. Then she smiled some.

"Alright..."

She longed to add the word love at the end, wanting to tell him. But she didn't think he'd believe her if she told him. Kurama picked that moment to walk by. Shun looked up at him, and glared.

"Kiyara, what are you doing?" Kurama asked.

"Hugging my best friend," she said, pulling from Shun's arms.

"He's your best friend?"

"Yes. He has been for a long time, haven't you Shun?"

"Yes," he said, looking into her eyes and smiling. She then turned to Kurama.

"And I don't care what you say. We'll always be friends!"

Kurama took a step back.

"Sorry, didn't mean to offend you..."

He then walked off. Kiyara turned back and smiled at Shun.

"Sorry about him. He probably doesn't understand..." she said. She blushed again.

"It's alright Kiyara."

Kiyara sat in her room again, Shun at her side, Masami with them.

"So you haven't told Kurama that you used to be a servant here?" she asked. Kiyara shook her head.

"Is it important?"

"No, but I thought you might want to, so he understood why you and Shun know each other so well. He seemed bewildered when you told him that you and Shun are best friends."

"I don't care what anyone says about Shun and I being friends! We always will be! No matter what!"

"I understand Kiyara. I understand completely. And I trust you with it."

"Yes Madame. Shun, may I speak to the queen in private?" she asked. He nodded and walked out.

"What is it Kiyara."

"I need to tell someone this, and please keep it secret."

"Alright."

"I love Shun, and Kurama. Both very much. I care for them both."

"I see. You will have to pick one eventually, but not for a while. Not until you are old enough."

"I know, but I can't tell either of them. I'm too afraid to know what they say."

"They have both confided in me. I know what they would say, but you must find out on your own."

"I know...But it will be so hard to do..."