Chapter 39
King Of Entertainment/ Future King Of New Asia? Were the titled headlines, with comparison photos on the magazines, tabloids, and news media that were displayed on the large coffee table in Lory Takarada's office, before he and Yukihito Yashiro. Some were photos of only Kuon, some of the new Royal Couple, and others were side by side photos of him disguised as Ren and his natural form of Kuon. In some ways it was amusing that some of the tabloids had not made the connections. Honestly though, it really didn't matter. If the media made the discovery, the pair would make the reveal. If not? They would be able to continue with minimal attention in their chosen careers. If anyone asked Lory, he would protect their identities as long as possible. It was what he'd done for Kuon for many years and had no issue continuing to do so.
The honeymoon would consist of various locations throughout the territories to basically present themselves to the public, and make a show of their commitment to each other. It had been almost six years since that delicious morning, that was the start of their life together. Neither could actually believe that not a single fan had spoke the unspoken. That she and Kuon were indeed Kyoko and Ren Tsuruga. That it was a mere coincidence that their daughter was born on the same day as the new little addition to the Royal family. Tsukiko Tsuruga or, Her Royal Highness, Princess Tsukiko Hizuri. Her name had instantly become one of the more popular names for little girls born that year.
"Mommy, may I go see Oba-chan Maria today? She promised to teach me a new spell." The five year old, raven-haired imp with green eyes, begged with the cutest lost puppy look, courtesy of her own father. "Oji Lory and Oji Ruto will be there." She added for extra measure.
She always felt that little twinge of fear that stemmed from the past, and her own abduction. She never regained those lost memories of her childhood, and the fear that it could happen to her own daughter haunted her every time the little sprite wanted to leave her side. She felt the gentle touch of her husband's hand on her shoulder, and saw his reassuring smile. "She'll be okay, Sweetheart. Especially with two powerful mages and Ruto there."
She nodded and gave him a little giggle of relief. "I know... Sorry, it's just..."
He smiled softly. "I know..."
"May I Daddy?" Her sweet voice chimed like little bells in his ears.
He kissed her forehead and patted her hair. "Of course Princess. Just stay out of trouble, and listen carefully."
"Yay!" She squealed, then skipped away.
He chuckled, and kissed his beautiful wife. "Do you realize how much like you she is?"
She nodded and snuggled into him. "I don't know... I think she's more like her papa." She kissed his cheek.
It wouldn't be more than a year until they took their positions on the throne, but they would keep their status in the entertainment world, with the strength and support of the many friends and acquaintances. One day their daughter and her future prince would follow in their footsteps to the throne, to begin the cycle over as it had been for centuries, but maybe without the assistance of the Old Rules.
~fin~