Thanks Itasuku-chan, silverbluenchantress, and EarthGurdian for your reviews. Here's an extra long chapter.

Chapter IV: One is Silver

Haru breathed deeply inhaling the familiar scent of her room. Surprised, she could smell the lingering aroma of Baron's lavender cologne. Slowly she stretched her arms above her head and opened her eyes. Just as she had thought, the sun had not risen yet. Glancing over she saw Baron asleep atop the rags she had carefully laid out for him.

"I should find something more comfortable for him to sleep on," she thought.

A sharp pain of sadness struck her. He was only going to aid her on her mission, so that meant he'll only be with her today and tomorrow after the final test. What would she do without him? Would he even consider staying with her?

She ran through several scenarios in her mind:

A) She would lose the contest and be forced to work as the lowest class servant in the palace. "No," she thought. That would be cruel to Baron.

B) By a miracle, she would win the contest and become queen. The King did specify that the princesses should find a husband before the contest began, so did that mean she and Baron would be married? Blushing, she pictured her and Baron in a traditional wedding ceremony, her standing as a giant next to his miniscule size. What would the public think about having a miniature cat as their king?

C) She would run away from the palace and live with Baron in his quaint little house. She scoffed quietly to herself. She'd never fit anywhere in there, and the Kingdom would go to ruin if she did.

Haru had been seeing more and more people at the kitchen alley begging for a bit of food or wood for a fire. It seemed that with the prolonged contest, more and more of the lower class people were being pushed aside to accommodate for the richer class citizens who had stayed to view the contest.

She sat up quickly remembering why she had to wake up so early. Despite her participation in the contest, she was still a servant serving in the royal palace. The only reason why she spent the whole day with Baron was because it was the one day during the month which she received off. Now it was back to work.

Tying a handkerchief around her hair, she quickly rushed down to the kitchen to get her assignment for the day, never noticing a pair of glowing green eyes watching her every move.

Baron rose from his make-shift bed and looked around the room. Carefully he hooked his cane onto the window sill and pulled himself up. Perching precariously on the ledge he scanned the skies, ignoring the obvious fact that he was a very long way up from the ground. Spying his target, he gave a sharp, piercing whistle. The object flattened its wings against its body and dive bombed and hovered right in front of Baron.

"Why, you're up early today, Baron," the crow greeted the cat.

"Yes, Toto. Did you do what I asked?" Baron answered curtly.

"The crows, the cats in the Cat Kingdom, and I spent all night working on it," Toto said affirmatively.

"Excellent," Baron replied with a pleased nod. "Now, if I can ask another favor of you, Haru has gone to work, so would you could please fly me down to the main servants' quarters?"

Confused, but trusting Baron, Toto nodded, and after Baron made an elegant leap onto him, the two of them flew down to where the servants were. The servants were surprised to see him and were wary, thinking that he was as uptight and snobbish as the princesses' husband. Fortunately with his impeccable manners and cool personality they all found themselves laughing and enjoying his company.

"It's a good thing Haru found you," one servant blabbed. "I'd hate to think what would happened if she ended up with someone like one of the princes."

Baron had to still a strange feeling in his heart. Somehow the thought of Haru married to another pained him. Smiling, he replied that it was a good thing for him too, and several women around him exclaimed, "Aww…"

Blushing Baron changed the subject by questioning several of the maids about the Kingdom while they folded blankets and towels.

Some smiled bitterly, "It didn't always used to be like this," one of the elder laundry woman said.

She explained that several years ago, before Haru's uncle ruled, her grandfather, Hu, was King of the land. Despite his royal status he lived in a cottage, not unlike those of the commoners with his wife and two sons. This was before the kingdom had been very prosperous and that a majority of the people had little wealth. Despite their royal status, the two boys had a regular upbringing, went to school with the neighborhood kids, and grew up to become very close brothers.

The elder son, Ling, soon became of age and began assisting his father with ruling the kingdom. With his innovative ideas and modernization of farming techniques, the kingdom soon amassed a great deal of wealth. He never grew arrogant or selfish though, and maintained peace for his entire reign.

Baron nodded in understanding.

"Things began to change, though, when he married Haru's mother," another servant piped up, pausing in her folding to tell her tale.

He was in love with his childhood sweetheart for a long time, and finally received permission to marry her. Rather than having her completely change her life to become a royal, he decided to live with her above her quilting shop. Ling would continue to rule, as his father did from humble home. Such an idea was unheard of, but his advisors agreed to let him be with her. After all, he did make many of them very wealthy.

The problem started when his wife and newborn child were nearly killed in an assassination attempt. The neighboring kingdom, belligerent and desiring wealth, had launched a secret attack on the house. They had hoped that the resulting chaos emerging from the wake of his death would allow them the opportunity to take over the kingdom. His concern for his family's safety made him act on the decision to abdicate the throne to his younger brother, Yoshi.

Not having the friendliness and charisma of his older brother, the new King was not highly trusted, but with the help of his brother, he soon maintained peace and order in the kingdom. He married soon after Ling, but instead of a marriage of love and affection it was one of convenience. Hoshi, his new wife, possessed a small tract of land laded with gold, which the kingdom had desired to possess. They had two twin daughters who were sent immediately off to boarding school. Mitsuki and Ying had grown up barely seeing their parents. Instead of love, they were showered with great gifts of money and jewelry leading them to be spoiled and selfish creatures.

Yoshi had ruled successfully for five years, often turning to his older brother for advice, but then unfortunate news had struck. Riding back to his home after a hunting trip, Ling had fallen prey to the hand of bandits.

The Kingdom mourned his death with great sadness but there was a rumor circulating that his death was an assassination attempt that had finally succeeded. The former King was an accomplished rider and warrior, fully capable of defeating some two-bit bandits. It also did not help that soon after his death Yoshi began paying a yearly tribute to the neighboring kingdom, which apparently had changed their plan after seeing the vast military power that had amassed since the last assassination attempt. Instead of taking over the kingdom, they would instead receive money from them. Yoshi obeyed this unjust action for fear of them going after his family, or after the remainder of Ling's.

He had loved his older brother deeply and was willing to take in Haru and her mother, but was persuaded by the constant nagging of his wife that the family would be bewildered from all the riches that they saw. Truthfully, she did not want to support them, and wanted the riches all for herself. Hoshi had grown too accustomed to a rich life, and was not going to let some little brat take that away from her. Yoshi was easily swayed now after losing his beloved brother and confidant. Hoshi would not enjoy her riches for long though, because the epidemic that took away Haru's mother would kill her also.

After she died, King Yoshi felt it was time to finally let Haru into his life. Unfortunately his daughters, who had inherited their mother's comfort with wealth convinced him to make her a servant instead, that was how Haru came to live in the castle.

Baron thanked the ladies profusely for their information, and that it was most helpful. He promised that everything would turn out for the best for Haru; he would make sure of it. Seeing the lateness of the time, he asked if one of them would take him to the throne room to prepare Haru for the second task.

Haru tapped her foot impatiently. She was alarmed when she did not find Baron in his usual place after her shift was over but finally spotted a maid carrying him.

"Are you okay?" she said with relief as the servant maid carefully placed him on a nearby table.

"Just having a delightful chat with your friends, Haru," Baron said calmly.

Haru frowned quietly. She was hoping he was working on the robe, but didn't want to question him. He did promise that everything would be handled, but she was still worried. They were all alone, seeing that everyone was waiting in the throne room.

Suddenly a black crow flew into the room with a wrapped parcel in its beak. Landing in front of Baron, he gently set the package in front of him.

"About time you got here Toto," Baron said crossly.

"Sorry Baron, I had some trouble getting away from the Cat King. He becomes more moody everything day," Toto explained.

"Well, maybe we can kill two birds with one stone," Baron replied unthinkingly. Seeing his friend's shocked face, he quickly apologized.

Haru curiously approached the two.

"Oh this must be the lovely Haru," Toto exclaimed with a bow. "You're all they talk about in the Crow and Cat Kingdoms," he continued.

Haru could only blush and bow in return to the talking crow. She was glad that no one could see her talking with a crow. Baron made the introductions but then instructed her to take the bundle to the King.

Walking into the throne room she could see her uncle pulling out one robe. It was Mitsuki's. He tugged it on exclaiming what good workmanship it was. Haru was surprised that he did not disqualify her for being late, but ever since she had presented the meal to him, he seemed distant, and more introspective.

Mitsuki's robe was crafted by the Royal Tailor. Ever the cheapskate, she opted again to send for something made by the Kingdom instead of paying shipping costs. The robe she had was red with a rearing golden dragon embroidered across the back.

"Not bad," Yoshi murmured, "A little short in the sleeves though."

Haru was shocked. He had never criticized his children before.

"I guess there's a first time for anything," she thought drolly.

Next he tried on Ying's. She, again, had sent for a robe made in a country different from theirs. He pulled out a voluminous purple robe of velvet with gold trim. Everyone marveled at the unusual color and cloth material. None like it had ever been seen in the city. The King tried it out, it was a little wide in the waist, but otherwise a very lovely robe.

Both daughters threw each other a triumphant look at his praises. They were sure whatever Haru brought in would be inferior to their wonderful entries.

This was exactly what Haru was thinking as she placed the wrapped parcel in front of the King. He eagerly opened it like a child during his birthday. When he managed to undo the bundle, he froze and just stared at what he saw inside for several seconds. Everyone waited, but when he had not pulled the robe from its wrappings, all looked upon him but were surprised to see that his hands were shaking. His glance flew over to Haru. He strangely looked at her for a couple of seconds, as if he was really seeing her for the first time.

Haru was instantly worried. He was just sitting there staring at her entry. From her point of view it seemed to be a folded ordinary green robe. No frills, lace, or anything else. The twins were tittering behind her.

"No one of high standing would be caught wearing that!" they whispered to each other.

There snickers were silenced, however, by a cold glance from their father. He had finally pulled the robe out of its wrappings and was holding it at arms length.

"Do…do you not approve?" Haru managed to stammer out. She shot a fearful glance at Baron who stood in the doorway across the room.

"Have faith, Haru. Believe in yourself," she told herself silently as she awaited the King's response.

He finally spoke. "You know, Haru, I'm beginning to expect the unexpected ever since this contest began."

Haru blinked a couple of times. He…said her name?

"Haru," he continued. Yup, he definitely said her name.

"This," he said gesturing to the robe, "is a replica of the silk robe that your father gave me as a good luck gift when he abdicated the throne. This is the exact color and design. I'd lost the original, but this… it's amazing."

"Yeah, amazing," Haru whispered, glancing over at Baron. Meeting her uncle's eyes, she pulled herself to her tallest height.

"My father… was a good man, wasn't he?" Haru asked him softly. She was starved for information about him. Suddenly it was as if she and her uncle were the only ones in the room.

"He was a great man. I see many of his qualities in you," he spoke clearly, as if he too was realizing those qualities in her just now. A pause rose up between Yoshi, thinking of his beloved brother, and Haru, about the father she never knew.

"So who wins this contest?" a shrill voice shrieked out, breaking their intimate moment. It was Ying still believing that hers or Mitsuki's robe would win, and completely ignoring their father's odd state of mind.

Mustering as much patience as he could, Yoshi said sternly, "Ying, if you opened your eyes, you would see that I have chosen Haru's robe as the winner." Taking a deep breath, he lightly ran a hand through the silken folds in silent thought.

"For the final contest, I request a waltz between each princess and their choice of mate," and with that he returned to his royal chambers.

Haru stood in her place, shocked to the core. A waltz… her fate was sealed. She did not possess the grace and poise her cousins did, and even if she could waltz, she certainly could not with Baron due to the obvious. Bursting into tears, she ran out into the garden. Collapsing underneath the elm where she and Baron had shared lunch, she cried until she had no more tears.

Baron motioned suddenly to Toto, and with a leap, jumped on the crow's back to find his Haru.

"His Haru?" Baron thought suddenly. "No," he decided to himself. It was too late. Seeing her today, standing up to her uncle, seeing her eyes light up with joy at the mention of her father… Baron was truly and utterly in love with the girl.

Thanking Toto, he jumped and landed squarely by Haru's side. Looking up, Baron could see Toto soaring through the sky and dipping his wings in a gesture of farewell. He turned to see a hiccupping Haru.

Utterly dejected, Haru whispered, "It's all over."

He sternly told her, "No, Haru. Listen to me. Just keep believing in yourself."

With great anger, she shot back, "No, Baron! You listen to me! No matter how much I believe, there is no way I have a chance of winning a waltzing contest! Both Mitsuki and Ying have years of etiquette and dancing practice. I have never waltzed a day in my life!"

She paused suddenly and murmured, "I probably end up alone and working as a scullery maid." "Waltzing, of all things!" she yelled out in anger. "And even if I could, I couldn't dance…with…you."

Haru stared at her hands, refusing to meet Baron's eyes and idly twiddling a leaf through her fingers. In her heart, she knew it was a poor excuse. Baron couldn't help being his size, and together they could probably figure out the logistics to dance. She was just so angry at the King for having this idiotic contest, her cousins for thinking that this was all just a game, and at herself for not having any power to do anything.

She sighed. It wasn't her fault that she was raised along with the lower class.
She wouldn't trade it for a nobleman's life either. The Princesses knew of philosophy, mathematics and astronomy, but they had no common sense or empathy towards their fellow man. Haru had a simple education, but she knew every single person that worked in the castle and their respective families.

Baron, after pondering the right thing to say to Haru, finally spoke.

"Haru…" He gently reached out and tilted her chin up with his gloved hand so that his eyes could meet hers.

"Haru," he repeated. "You are not going to work as a scullery maid. I can teach you how to waltz."

Haru nodded quietly. She scolded herself mentally for not trusting Baron. He managed to get Muta and Toto's aid so that she could win two of the trials, so why not the third?

Baron paused. Should he say what was truly in his heart? Just as he was about to speak again, Haru exclaimed that she was late returning to her duties in the castle. She rushed back into the castle.

"You can come out now, Your Majesty," Baron called out.

Surprised the King stepped out from his hiding place around the corner.

He had just come out of a meeting with his political advisors, the mandarins, and spied Haru talking with Baron. From his vantage point around the courtyard wall, he could see the two perfectly. Now, he wasn't accustomed to spying, but he needed to observe his niece.

"You know, you're really hurting her," Baron told him flatly.

Yoshi grimaced. He didn't want to hurt Haru, but he couldn't do anything to help her either.

"I came to talk to you, Baron," he said. "I've been getting to know the other husbands, or husband-to-be and I wanted to meet you.

Baron blanched at the King's pointed comment, but ignored it for now. He knew that one of the stipulations to rule was that Haru had to have a husband, but she didn't really as him to marry her. She could, in fact, choose another if she truly wanted to. Again, a cold chill ran through his heart.

The two chatted quietly. The King found it refreshing to talk to someone who did not pander to his wishes. The other two "Princes" were empty-headed and spoke of nothing but wealth or titles. They cared not for the lower class or anything else besides themselves.

Baron snorted, "Perfect companions for the Princesses." He feared that he had offended the King, but Yoshi just waved it off.

"I have had too lenient a hand with their upbringing. I should have disciplined them more."

"It's not too late to change them," Baron added. "Anyone can change, no matter what their age."

Yoshi stared at Baron. "Yes," he agreed. "An old dog is never too old to learn new tricks." With that he sauntered off, his heart lighter than earlier that day.

He hitched a ride on a genial soldier. Baron was gratefully greeted by Haru, who looked exhausted from worry and work. Despite her fatigue, she insisted on learning how to waltz. Baron quickly ran through the steps. She practiced with an imaginary partner, and he pronounced it to be quite lovely. After murmuring their goodnights, Haru immediately drifted off to sleep.

Baron sighed and stared at the full moon. He felt strange and different today. The wind blew past him, ruffling his fur. A sudden jolt ran up his spine. His emerald eyes narrowed.

"Soon, Haru…soon," he whispered.

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Grignard