The next day, I awoke and I had never felt more rested in my life. I dressed and was brushing my hair in front of my vanity mirror when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" I called in a cheery voice.
Izana entered and he was not so cheery. He stood behind me and crossed his arms. I expected him to say something but he was silent.
"Am I getting the silent treatment?" I toyed.
"This is not a joking matter."
"No, it's not, I'm sorry. But before you get mad let me explain." I put my brush down, stood up, and leaned against the tabletop of the mirror facing him.
"I'm listening."
"Otake mentioned that his mother used to struggle with the same problem. He said that his sister would play the violin to help so I asked her to come and play for me last night."
Izana was silent for a moment. "Did it work?"
We were interrupted by a knock at the door that joined my room to the next one.
"Come in!" I called.
Asuka walked in. "I just wanted to see how-" Her eyes went wide when she saw Izana. "Your Majesty!" She gave a deep bow.
"Are you the one who played the violin for my fiance last night?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." She replied as she stood up.
"It really helped, Asuka. Your play the violin beautifully."
"Thank you, I'm glad I could help, M'lady."
"Then, for the time being, you will remain in the palace and continue to play for her." Izana concluded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Anything I can do to help."
Six months went by and finally, all the paperwork had been caught up and preparations for the wedding were complete. I stood in front of the full-length mirror and gazed over myself.
My hair was done up in a beautiful bun with a total of four braids wrapping around the base of it. Little white flowers had also been placed throughout the bun. My dress was an ivory colour with a snug, strapless bodice adorned with several rhinestones. The skirt of the dress was a ballroom style and had rhinestones that looked like they had fallen from the bodice. The train was about three feet long but I didn't mind that. Since my feet wouldn't be seen I wore my boots. If I was going to be in this uncomfortable dress all day I could at least have a decent pair of shoes.
"You look lovely, M'lady," one maid said.
"I agree. The King is going to have his breath taken away when he sees you," another said.
"Thank you. You are very kind."
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
My father entered. "How's my little girl doing?"
"I'm not your little girl anymore, that spot is taken by Yui." Akira had her baby three months ago and had asked my father and I if she could name her Yui as a way to remember my sister. Of course, we said yes.
"You're still my little girl and you always will be."
I gave my dad a hug. "I love you."
"I love you too."
We released our hug.
"Now, let's go get you married." My father offered his arm.
As I walked down the aisle and my only focus was Izana. He was dressed in his fanciest royal robes. Because the wedding was taking place outside, the natural light made him look amazing. My heart was beating rapidly with anticipation with each step.
When the time came for our vows I kept my hazel orbs locked with his sapphire ones.
"You have been many things to me. You've been a Prince, a King, a training partner, and most importantly, a friend. You have been there for me like no one else could be. I look forward to being by your side as you guide this wonderful country of ours forward and being a support for you when you need it most. I love you and I vow to be by your side always."
Izana then responded with his vows. "From the first time I met you, you have been… unusual." there were some chuckles, probably from the people who knew me. "You have always trusted me even when times were dire. You are sharp and quick witted like myself and someone who truly tries to understand me. I look forward to ruling this country with a woman like you by my side. I love you and I vow to protect you always."
A tear leaked out of my eye as I smiled at the love of my life.
The rest of the wedding and the reception flew by quickly. I went to my room and was helped out of the dress. Once I was out of it, I dismissed the maids saying that I could do the rest myself. I pulled out a rose red negligée that left little to the imagination. Akira had bought it for me and told me to wear it on the wedding night. I had tucked it in behind my clothes so that no one else would find it.
I put it on and it fit perfectly. I undid my fancy hairstyle so that it fell freely down my back like a waterfall. I then put my long, fully covering, house robe and walked to Izana's room. I lightly tapped on the door.
Izana opened the door and let me in.
My heart started to pound wildly as I heard the door close. The room was beautiful. It had several flowers strategically placed and was dimly lit by only a few candles. My eyes drifted towards the bed. It had a beautiful wooden frame and was made perfectly with blue silk blankets and pillows. I almost didn't want to mess it up.
Izana moved in front of me and placed his hand gently on my cheek as he gazed into my eyes. I noticed he was wearing a royal blue, silk, robe. His kind eyes helped me to relax.
I broke eye contact for a moment as I undid my robe and let it fall to the floor, revealing my red negligée underneath. I looked back up at him and saw him taking in the view.
"You look beautiful." He smiled at me.
"Thank you." I blushed.
Izana removed his robe to reveal that he was only wearing blue silk shorts. His chiseled torso was amazing. I knew he had strength, but his perfect body caused my body to heat up.
"Do you like what you see?" He asked.
"Y-Yes, very much so."
Izana gently took my hand and led me to the bed.
