Summary: Kaoru Kamiya is of royal blood. Kenshin Himura, is not. They are best friends, sneaking around in order to be able to see each other. One day, Kaoru finds out she is to marry another man. What extents will Kenshin go to in order to get his friend out of this mess? And ... what will he find out he has been hiding since he met Kaoru?

Chapter one: Kaoru.

A beautiful woman silently walks through the gardens of her father's palace. She is wearing a gorgeous kimono, a rich purple in color and printed with flowers, adding an elegant touch to the smooth silk fabric. The long obi is also purple, but a darker shade, and tied tightly around her rib area. Her long hair is black as obsidian, and tied up in a formal style.

Her make up is formal as well. Red is painted upon her lips, and a slight blush is on her cheeks. Black make up lines her eyes perfectly, and the white make up on her flawless porslin skin causes the look of an angel.

The woman is made up to be a bride.

---

I sigh as I walk through the seemingly everlasting gardens. The lovely cherry blossoms are growing nicely this spring, and are giving off the most pleasant scent. I only wish I could have been happy on such a day.

Today is the day I am meeting my fiance for the first time, as well as marrying him. Though an arranged marriage it may be, I must respect my ill father's request to carry on a royal name.

I know little about the man I am to wed. His name is Makoto Shishio, son of another highly ranked family in Japan. My only purpose to him is a wife. I must refer to him by last name only. It makes not a sense to me, but I dare not question, for my father's wish is at stake. Shishio-sama, that's who I will be spending my life with. Hopefully we can learn to get along.

I am still wandering, when I here a familiar voice. I turn, and there he is.

No, not my fiance, and not my father. The man before has known me since a young age. Long red hair is tied back loosely, and lavender eyes stare at me. The kind faced redhead is wearing a magenta haori, with white hakama, his usual wear.

"Miss Kaoru, you have asked to see me at this time?" He asks, approaching me slowly, with that caring look in his eyes, a hint of worry trying to hide. He obviously notices what I must say, being as I am in bridal clothing.

I wanted this to be easy, even though I knew that would be impossible for such a situation. "Kenshin..." I say, tears forming in my eyes. Kenshin is my best friend. We met years ago, one day when I was only 10 years old. Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday ...

---

My feet carry me faster than I have ever ran in my life. I look back, making sure no body is following me on my run away from the palace. I hate it there. So many stuck up people, refined people, people with manors, and people who are trying to get me to attend a 'royal get together' of some sort.

I reach a small village just outside of the Kamiya property. I look around in awe as average looking children my age run around with each other.

I wander around many pathways until I see a small shop. I walk to it, noticing it is a doll shop.

There are many beautiful dolls there. Porslin dolls, hand crafted dolls, any kind you can think of!

While I gaze at the many faces before me, I don't even here the approaching footsteps until it is to late.

I am suddenly being pushed around by a couple of boys my age.

"Stop it!" I cry, "Leave me alone!"

The pushing and shoving goes on, and I feel my butt hit the ground hard. I try to scoot away, as they are coming for me again.

"Hey! Why don't you pick on someone your own size!" I here someone call.

Every one turns to see a red headed boy fuming.

Little did I know he would be my savior and best friend for years to come.

---

Now I am seventeen years old, as is he. "I-I..." I manage to stutter, trying not to let my tears fall. "I-I'm very sorry Kenshin, I cannot see you any more." I choke out.

Kenshin goes stiff. All of the years he secretly came to take me away from my duties, all of the times we shared, all of our laughter, every thing we have ever done was being shot.

"W-why is this so Miss Kaoru?" He finally asks.

My eyes glow like I am about to smile, but I can't. Seven years of knowing each other and he still refers to me in a somewhat formal manor. I take his hand. "Kenshin, I am to be married off today." I say quietly.

He looks at me with sad lavender eyes. "Why can we not see each other?" He decides to ask, just as quiet as my tone.

I look away, as tears are now rolling down my cheeks. "I am arranged to marry today, and the man I am arranged with is a strict one indeed." I choke out.

He takes my chin into his grasp gently, and turns my head so I am facing him once again. "Miss Kaoru, please don't cry ... y-your going to mess up that beautiful make up that someone took so long on." He manages, and I notice that he looks like he may cry also.

He is about to say more, but is interrupted by an angered voice.