Thank you rihori, anere-desu 05 & guest for your reviews! I know I am not really updating, I apologize for that. Was busy juggling my hectic teenage life plus the forever mortal enemy of every student out there... HOMEWORK =_= Well, here's the new chapter. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own La Corda D'oro. Only Yuki Kure owns them all besides the plot, new characters, and places. This is purely for entertainment purposes. Any incident(s) in the story which happened in real life are merely a coincidence.
Chapter 6
"Is this it?... Prince Tsukimori."
Her voice shook. Those intense amber eyes were staring straight into his soul. The blade against his throat was slowly cutting into his skin. The pain didn't matter. It was the way she was looking at him. With some unknown reason, he didn't want her looking at him that way. So much hatred, so much loathing, and pain were packed in those eyes. He grabbed her hand holding the blade, feeling the shock wave crash into his body. He heard her gasp and tried to rip her hand away. But, his grip was stronger, holding on tightly.
"I can explain..."
"No! I don't care! Let me go!" She cut him off. The wrathful eyes now having a hint of fear which was quickly masked.
Suddenly, he felt something heavy hit the back of his head.
Everything went black.
Lids with pale cerulean lashes shot open in shock. The young man jostled awake and gasped. A pair of saffron eyes tried to focus on their surroundings. The bright light shining through the velvet blue curtains had blinded his eyes momentarily. After a few moments, the owner of those eyes groggily sat up and accessed his surroundings.
'Why am I in my room?' Len thought wearily. His tired mind still in sleep mode.
He ran a hand through his tousled hair. Perspiration hung onto his torso, dampening his white cotton shirt. Slowly scanning his chamber, he noted another presence sitting on an armchair at the corner of the room near the fireplace. Getting from his four poster canopy bed, Len stumbled out of bed and slowly shuffled his way over in a very not princely like manner. Before he could take a few more steps, something slammed into his face with full force.
Growling with annoyance, Len grabbed a hold of Maurelle whose ruby red eyes glared back at him with the same amount of anger and irritation.
"What the hell, Maurelle?" Len drawled.
"What the hell?! That should be my question, you buffoon prince! I was searching for you when you didn't return by midnight. I was worried, you know?!" Tears sprang around Maurelle's big orbs, "When you didn't come back... Shinobu-sama volunteered to search for you without your parents' knowing. You should be thankful he found you in time before your old man suspected that you were gone!"
The little fairy sobbed in Len's palm. The sight somewhat stifled his annoyance at her for running into him. Patting Maurelle gently on the head, Len mumbled an apology:
"Sorry for making you worry."
"You better be," Maurelle sniffled and flew off behind Len. Sighing, Len then turned to greet his visitor which was also his savior. The bronze-haired man with olive eyes stood up, his bespectacled face graced a warm smile at Len. Shinobu bowed in respect to the young prince as Len approached him.
"Good morning, Prince Tsukimori," Shinobu greeted merrily. Len gave him a tiny smile and when he stood in front of the Grand Duke Shinobu Ousaki of the Highlands, he gave the older male a quick hug.
Chuckling in amusement at Len's shy expression, Shinobu gently ruffled the prince's messy bed hair. Since they were kids, the two of them including Duke Azuma and Baron Kazuki were all running around the palace's garden like wild animals on the loose. Well, only Kazuki ran like a wild animal. They had fun times together then, before Shinobu was called into knighthood to serve King Tsukimori, followed slowly by Azuma and Kazuki. Those times were like a distant dream to all of them now. Times had really changed for each one of them.
"How did you find me?" Len rasped. Chucking down a glass of water offered by Shinobu, he sighed in satisfaction.
"Well, I was actually notified by Dr. Aoi. I was on an errand last night and happened to meet the frantic doctor before Maurelle who magically buzzed me. It was by luck that I saw you sprawled on the musty floor in the alley."
"Did you see anyone else there?" Len asked. His hand absentmindedly rubbed the small wound on his neck, now bandaged.
"No. I didn't see who your attacker was. Can you identify the person? I will track the culprit down myself and make them pay." Grand Duke Ousaki said with compassion.
"It's fine. Partially my fault anyway," Len sighed. The prince slumped down on the cushioned seat. The young Grand Duke eyed him charily but knowing Len after so many years, he knew when not to pry. Going through his small satchel, he produced a sealed letter to the Tsukimori prince. Len broke the seal and skimmed through the contents as Shinobu, who happened to be the prince's counselor assigned by the King began relaying the message:
"I would urge you to get yourself wash up now. Earl Shimizu and his betrothed, Countess Fuyuumi will be paying you a visit, to continue on with your 'lessons' with dear Maurelle, which I recommend now that you call upon her before the Countess finds out you have made her upset again," Shinobu simpered.
"Wipe that smug look on your face. You love seeing me being reprimanded by her don't you?" Len mumbled while his valet helped dressed him up. Prince Len was donned in a royal blue brocade and silver trimmed black panned doublet. Cast silver pewter clasp and buttons adorned the outfit. Changing his crumpled black pants for another, he slipped on his black leather boots. Checking to make sure his crested sword was strapped on securely, he made his way out of the room towards the front gates to greet his 'tutors', trailed by the amused Grand Duke Shinobu Ousaki.
Under the mansion on Énekes Street
Kahoko crouched low when she hit the ground upon landing. Her amber eyes scanned the dark room furtively, inspecting her surroundings. She let out a breath she had been holding and was about to get up when a fist appeared out of nowhere.
She quickly ducked and rolled to her side, narrowly missing the punch. She swore as her assailant aimed a kicked at her exposed abdomen. The kick wasn't that powerful to actually be able to leave a bruise, but it surely hurt. With a quick swipe, she managed to knock her assailant onto the marble floor.
Groaning, her attacker lunged at her once more. This time with his bare hands clamping around her neck. Gasping for breath, Kahoko threw a sickening punch at her opponent's jaw which caused him to let her go. Quickly leaping away, she slid across the floor to get nearer to the stone slab walls. Using them as a boost, she lunged at her opponent, sending him and her sprawling across the floor. Straddling the man who clearly was larger and bulkier than her, Kahoko began landing countless punches which were amazingly dodged with precision by her opponent.
Snarling in frustration, Kahoko aimed a kick at the man's groin. But, alas, her attempt failed. Her opponent had expected that attack and used it to his advantage. Twisting his free arm away from her grip, he grabbed a hold of her leg and twist it causing her to winch. In her moment of weakness, the emerald-haired man hauled her up with ease and pinned her against the wall. Their hot breaths mingling together came out in puffs of white in the chilly air of the underground space. Resting his head in the crook of her neck, Ryotarou mumbled:
"Getting rusty aren't you, Kahoko?"
Realizing her lost, Kahoko hissed, "I ain't rusty, you mammoth. Just a tad bit exhausted, especially just coming back from a mission. You aren't playing fair at all."
Lifting his head up, Ryotarou stared into the two pools of liquid amber. His heated gaze made Kahoko a tad bit uncomfortable. His half-naked body was glistening with sweat, making his white singlet hang onto his well-built torso.
'Stop thinking about that, Kahoko! Get your head out of the gutter!' She mentally scolded herself. Kahoko squirmed under his gaze, indicating her discomfort but it seemed as if he doesn't know or chose to ignore it.
Resting his sweaty forehead against her perspiring one, he whispered seductively, "I play fair, Kahoko. It wasn't my fault you lost. I bet you knew you were going to lose but you still went on with the brawl, didn't you? Even though, you knew it would lead to this..."
His hot breath caressed the shell of her right ear, sending shivers down her spine. Ryotarou nibbled at her lobe, causing her to whimper. Suppressing her moan and failing miserably to push her childhood playmate away, she shut her eyes tightly as his hands began to caress her cheek and back.
Behind her lids, she suddenly saw a pair of saffron eyes hidden behind a gray mask flashed before her. The way they look at her drew her in, the regret and something else in those eyes made her feel unconsciously guilty at what was transpiring between them right now. Gasping in shock, Kahoko mustered all her strength and shoved Ryotarou away.
"I'm sorry." With a bow of her head, Kahoko hurried away from the underground sparring room.
In anger, Ryotarou slammed his fists against the wall. Growling, he too left the place, leaving a small crack on the wall in his haste.
At lleuad Corner of Petryal Garden in the royal courtyard...
"What's taking them so long?" The irritated prince huffed.
Prince Len was polishing his golden violin with a linen cloth. Maurelle was busy indulging herself in the strawberry tart in a blind spot from the table. It's not as if everyone can see her unless she wants them to, but it would be extremely peculiar to see a floating tart slowly disappearing in midair. Grand Duke Shinobu stood by the prince's side and merely shrugged his shoulder at Len's question, smiling softly while answering the prince's question:
"Maybe something happened on the road."
"Yeah, I agree with Ousaki-sama," Maurelle interjected.
"Hmm." Prince Tsukimori merely hummed in response.
The trio soon fell back into silence as they await the arrival of their guests. They were on a quaint creamy white gazebo in the middle of the Petryal Garden. The spot the party acquired were far from prying eyes, a safe place to conduct any means of 'practice' for the young prince. The view was a rather calming one. Flowers, herbs, and ferns of different species decorated the garden. The gardens in the castle weren't merely for the eyes but also for the body. Alimentary and medicinal crops were planted in rectangular plots, narrow cobbled paths between them serve as a way for the collection of yields. It was actually Queen Hamai's idea to have the courtyard designed that way. She personally chose the flora to be planted here, seeing they are useful in every way possible. What many didn't know was the queen was actually a pharmacist besides being a renowned musician of the dulcimer, an instrument only a few could master.
As Len's impatience began to grow, a burst of lilac and yellow lights suddenly appeared on the small porcelain table where Maurelle was busy eating. With a gentle 'pop' sound accompanied by the clear twinkling of bells, two small figures appeared by Len's fairy side.
A purple haired fairy, with a tinge of orange at the end of her ponytail glance in distaste at Maurelle. She quickly floated over to her colleague on her lilac wings and smacked the juicy strawberry out of the dark-haired fairy's hand.
"Hey!" Maurelle retorted.
"Hello there, Maurelle," the yellow-eyed newcomer clad in her pale periwinkle frock greeted. Her wand was marigold in color topped off with purple gems.
Puffing her cheeks up, Maurelle complained. "About time that you all showed up, Violet and Ozio."
"We... are sorry for being late," Violet's companion, Ozio replied. The young male fairy had pale ruby wings which contrasted his sky blue eyes. With a mop of tousled brown hair and clad in a simple brown tunic, it looked as if the fairy had just got out of bed. He slowly floated towards Prince Tsukimori and bowed in respect.
"My master and mistress are on the... way here," Ozio mumbled incoherently. His eyelids were slowly falling as he sluggishly floated down upon the table, quickly dozing off. Ousaki merely smiled at the sight and thinking to himself how similar Ozio was to his master.
In the distance, two silhouettes were approaching the gazebo. Earl Keiichi Shimizu and Countess Shoko Fuyuumi walked hand in hand down the cobbled path. Clad in a simple black jacket along with snow white frilled collars and matching cropped trousers, the young earl guided his young fiance with care along the way. Countess Shoko was clad in an alabaster gown with long ruffled sleeves, emerald ribbons lined the collars and sleeves, giving off an ethereal feel. The young couple looked very much besotted with one another. Upon reaching the gazebo, both nobles bowed in the presence of their prince. Giving a firm handshake to Keiichi and offering a gentle kiss on Shoko's hand, the young prince greeted his mentors.
"Our humble apologize for being tardy, your Royal Highness. Some matters... happened along the way." Keiichi greeted.
"It's fine, Lord Shimizu. I accept your apology. Shall we begin our lesson?"
"Yes, let's do." Earl Shiimizu led his countess to be seated as Ozio awoke from his short nap. With a wave of his red staff decorated with green emerald gems, a large cello case appeared in the Earl's outstretched hands. In a swift movement, the shiny wooden cello unveiled itself from the velvet blue case. With a nod of his young mentor's head, both musicians began playing a paradisaical melody. Just as the melody start, Maurelle and Ozio closed their eyes and began glowing in their respective aura, Maurelle's a fiery red while Ozio's a sunny gold. As if synchronized with their masters' music, both fairies began dancing and twirling elegantly to the tune. Violet merely watched on by her mistress's side, silently humming along with the tune.
All of a sudden, Maurelle stopped glowing and fell from her spot. With a thud, she fell onto a silver platter filled with fruits. With an irritated groan, she snapped at the prince:
"Not again! Why can't you concentrate better? I thought that was one of your fine points!"
The equally annoyed prince pinched the bridge of his nose and hissed, "I can't concentrate with your mind going on and on about what happened!"
"Hey! It's not my fault that you were unconscious!"
"I don't have time for this, Maurelle. We have to be in sync with one another. And fast."
Harrumphing in an unladylike manner, Maurelle indignantly mocked, "As you wish, your Royal Highness."
Calming himself down, Len picked up his violin once more. Just as he was about to play, the countess in their midst finally spoke up:
"Pardon my intrusion, your Royal Highness, but may I know what's troubling Maurelle's mind?" Countess Fuyuumi asked gently. With a nod of his head, Maurelle floated to Shoko's side and began pouring out whatever had happened that previous night. Their hushed conversation ended with Maurelle breathing a sigh of relief, Countess Shoko giving a sweet-tempered smile.
Turning to her prince, the shy Shoko Fuyuumi began explaining, "Your Royal Highness, from what I understand from Maurelle, is that there seemed to be a lack of communication between the two of you despite the fact that both of you can read each other mind. With that said, I thought I advised both of you to lay aside your pride and at least, share what is on your mind with one another. I know that you don't want people invading your privacy but..."
Keiichi immediately picked up Shoko's sentence, "What she... meant is that both of you should suck it all up and just talk. Even if it offends the other party." With a dazed gaze, the Earl cast a small smile at his fiance who blushed a familiar shade of red that has been on the prince's mind all day. Shaking away the thought, the prince glance at his fairy who gifted him his violin. Indeed, he has the skill and precision to bond fast with Maurelle but he lacked the emotion. Not that he couldn't show it, just that it takes quite an amount of time and effort to showcase his true feelings and thoughts.
"Alright," Prince Tsukimori sighed, "I'll tell you everything later, Maurelle. However, can we make use of whatever time we have left with Lord Shimizu and his countess? Let's not waste our time anymore."
With a cheerful smile, Maurelle flew over to Len's face and pecked him on the cheek. The stoic prince was taken aback for a moment but quickly masked his embarrassment. Nodding to Earl Shimizu, both cellist and violinist began the heavenly melody once again. This time, the practice ended smoothly and with everyone feeling satisfied.
Grand Duke Shinobu who was by the sidelines, adjusted his spectacles while wearing a mysterious smile. Observing the prince and his mentors' interaction, he thought bemusedly to himself,
'It's almost time...'
A/N: Well, that's all for now! I will be taking another few months break. (/.\) Advance apology to all of you readers but fret not, I will continue writing and probably update soon, hopefully! R&R please~ Arigatou, minna!
