CHAPTER 6

Takara left the palace the day before the queen's unexpected arrival. With a small bag packed full of all her few possessions she fled the place of torment, leaving behind a note and the gifts she'd been given. No clues to her destination, but she couldn't stand the thought of leaving without a word. That would be too cowardly. It was bad enough that she'd not told him in person.

She wandered the town, searching for a place to stay and perhaps a place of employment, when she was approached by a man outside a busy shop front.

She'd been speaking to the owner, asking if he had any open positions or if any were known of, when the stranger introduced himself. "I could not help but over hear, as it happens the landlord of the building I live in, just down there, is looking for a cleaning hand. I could take you to ask about the position."

Part of her felt uneasy, it seemed too good to be true, and yet Clarines had not failed her yet. The vast majority were kindhearted and it wasn't as if she'd exposed herself. She was wearing her hood as always and this man had done nothing to warrant suspicion.

"I thank you-?"

"Ah," his chuckle was a pleasant one. "Kikeran. Haito Kikeran."

"Yes, Kikeran-san. Thank you, I will accept that offer."

She followed after him, listening as he spoke of his wife and found herself envying the simple life the two lived. She was with child, he said, and they had been married five years.

"Wait just a moment," he instructed when they reached his home. "I will call for the landlord."

Takara did as told and stood quietly within the entryway. It was a nice complex, well maintained. She thought there must be three or four apartments in total.

Kikeran returned a minute later with an apologetic smile. "It seems he's stepped out for a moment, but I was told he will return shortly. If you're not adverse to it, you would be welcome to wait in our flat, have a bit of tea? I'm sure my wife would be glad to meet you."

She hesitated, weighed the situation. He seemed to be an honest sort of person and others had seen her enter the building with him. There was no cause for alarm.

"That would be lovely, thank you."

/~/

Takara sat alone in the main living space of the apartment on a hard sofa; Haito, as he insisted she call him, had disappeared to find his wife and prepare the tea.

"She has laid down to rest, though she gives her greetings and hopes to meet you soon." He laughed. "Please don't feel obligated to leave, the tea will only take a moment."

It was small, but suited the needs of the couple he'd said. They had enough for the two of them and when the child arrived they would begin the search for a home with more room to grow.

"Here you are," he returned to the guest with tea in hand, sat in the arm chair. "We'll go back to the first floor shortly. Perhaps he will have returned by then."

She nodded and sipped the drink. It was strong, slightly bitter, but not unpleasant. "Thank you again," she said. "I truly appreciate your effort."

"Ah, there is no effort here! It's perfectly fine."

Another sip.

"The position is a good one. You would be given a room here. It is small, but certainly better than nothing at all!"

"I'm sure it is and I would be grateful."

Her eyes felt strangely heavy.

"Yes, I suppose anyone would be."

The tea cup shattered as it hit the floor, her grip had slackened and she gasped as her vision blurred.

"To be wanted so badly by Tallow that he would go to such lengths," Haito remained seated as she attempted to stand, watched as she lost her balance and collapsed. "I suppose you will have a good life with him. Well," he stood, lifted the unconscious girl. "That's not my business."

She was deposited in the bedroom, bound and gagged. He locked the door behind him and left the flat to send a message. His mission had been completed. Takara Hinoson had been captured, she'd left the palace of her own will and would be transported to Mariquet.

He was one of three sent to Clarines to watch for the day Takara sought new employment. There would be a reward in this for him and a hefty one at that.

Initially he'd been skeptical of the merit of this plan, but he was in no position to question his employer and Kain had been resolute. The moment he returned to Mariquet he'd gathered three together, gave his instructions and sent them to Clarines. It seemed the boy was not as insane as Haito had thought him.

It would take at least a day for the preparations to be completed and that was only if everything went according to plan. In any case all he had to do until then was wait for the carriage to arrive, the rest was up to others.

She would be sent off in the dead of night, delivered to the one who'd sought her company.

The girl was too easily misled, but that worked in his favor. She'd not questioned him, not once, hadn't found it strange that he'd not asked her name and followed without a second thought. He'd known her by her eyes, they'd been described as her most striking feature and were hard to miss, but he'd also been warned that she would fight. It had been left up to their own discretion to deal with that aspect and he thought his idea of heavily medicated tea terribly clever.

Haito supposed he should be grateful to her; his debts would be repaid thanks to her carelessness.

/~/

Izana went to Takara's room directly. Though the hour was late and it was hardly appropriate he couldn't stand to be left in suspense for a moment longer.

She would accept him now and he could hardly contain his joy at the thought.

The warmth in his chest turned stone cold when he found her room bare, save for the things he'd sent to her and a note addressed to himself.

Izana,

I may have been gone for days before you find this, but I will not tell you when I left. I will not tell you of my plans. Understand that I must do what I feel is right.

Takara

Succinct.

"You- She-," his rage was immediate, overwhelming his sorrow and it was directed inward. He'd been a fool for too long. She'd left him.

This would not stand.

/~/

The guard was dispatched immediately, the forest searched and when no signs of her were found in those areas, or on the roads, it was decided that the city would be combed through beginning the moment the hour struck six.

She could not have been gone long, two days at the most and Izana learned that it had only been one when he insisted on waking the staff to question them.

Zen was in a state of awe. First he'd been woken by Mitsuhide and informed of the surprise return of his mother and now this? What had happened to his elder brother to make him behave in such strange ways?

Thinking on it he supposed he could understand and he couldn't help the slight smirk as he considered the implications of these actions. It seemed Takara had stolen the heart of the Ice Prince.

"Zen," Kiki spoke when he moved toward the door.

"We're going out!"

His attendants shared a chuckle and a smile before following after their friend and sovereign; the quest to find Takara had begun.

/~/

The missing girl woke to find herself incapacitated with her hands and ankles tied and a cloth in her mouth. From her position on the bed she could see out the room's sole window and Takara realized that it was the dawning of a new day.

She wondered what sort of medicinal properties the tea she'd drunk had, briefly considered that Shirayuki might know, and then recognized that idle thoughts would get her nowhere.

Who was the man who'd deceived her? She tried to place his face, his voice, but nothing about him was familiar. She had no knowledge of her captor.

Kicking herself for her blind trust Takara considered her situation. It had been an immeasurably stupid decision to follow him. How could she have placed so much faith in a stranger? Did she not know better by this time in her life? After all that she'd been though, all the near misses, she had finally been caught and by her own fault.

She'd spent too long in comfort; the instincts she'd honed over the many years of travel had dulled from want of use. Even so, she knew there was no real excuse for her mistake and she had no one to blame but herself.

Her grief was immense, but she'd not been wallowing long when the bedroom door burst open to reveal a face she'd grown used to seeing, though only from afar.

There stood Prince Zen, wide eyed at the sight of her and behind him were his aids, who had hold of the man who'd taken her captive.

Her bindings were undone with speed and Takara attempted to convey her gratitude, but found that she was unsteady on her feet. Standing left her with a swimming head and she did not manage to utter even a word before once again falling into unconsciousness.

/~/

"...together like this...a powerful medication..."

Takara knew that voice.

"...sleep aids that never should have been mixed with one another..."

It was the one she'd heard when she first entered the Palace of Clarines, belonged to the red-headed woman who held the heart of the second prince, or so the castle gossipers would have her believe.

"She just needs to sleep now."

"I will remain here."

The sound of his words opened her eyes and Shirayuki, who'd positioned herself at the end of the bed, realized that the patient had awoken.

"Ah!" she gasped. "Awake? Already? It's too soon!"

Takara's eyes were not on the attending physician or her look of shock, instead her gaze rested on the back of the man she'd intended to escape. There he stood, as noble as ever with his head held high, and she felt a chill run through her veins. He was too still and she imagined that he was furious.

Shirayuki moved to her side, touched her forehead and watched as eyelids fluttered. "Don't try to fight sleep," she murmured earnestly. "You need it right now. Everything will be alright, you're safe again."

"I'm not-", but her words were garbled and her thoughts clouded. Sleep was coming for her once more and it was too difficult to keep her eyes open.

Shirayuki watched as Takara fell back into dreams, turned to speak some words of relief to the first prince only to find that he'd disappeared, silently as ever. She did not know the full extent of the problems that existed between Izana and Takara, but they were evidently deep seeded and serious. He'd spent the better part of the day in the infirmary, leaving only once to issue judgment upon the man who'd held her captive.

It was clear enough that Izana had feelings for Takara and Zen confirmed her musings, adding his own observations to the mix. By the end of their discussion they were both wearing confused expressions as they tried, and failed, to imagine what Izana might be like in love.

That was impossible to envision, but they found that they both hoped his feelings would be returned and for roughly the same reasons. Zen because as far apart as he sometimes felt from his brother, he still cared about him deeply. Shirayuki, meanwhile, wanted to see both princes happy.

For a while they tried to devise a plan to help the two along, but they separated without making progress; there wasn't much they could do. Whatever had transpired between Izana and Takara was going to stay between them.

Shirayuki returned to the infirmary, spent another moment observing the sleeping woman, and then went about her business. There were still other things to do.

The job of a palace pharmacist was ever busy.

/~/

Haruto Wistaria very much loved her sons, so it was no wonder that she grew interested in learning more of the women who'd captured their hearts. As their mother her main concern was that their feelings may have been too strong, that their love might not be returned. As a queen she worried they may find themselves caring for the wrong sorts of people, those who would fake affection for power.

She heard from those who'd worked with Shirayuki and those who worked with Takara. Neither appeared to be gold diggers. They were each painted as hard workers who insisted on pulling their own weight. They were alike, in more than one way, and the dowager queen found the idea that her sons were attracted to the same type of partner amusing.

Izana would not have been kind to Shirayuki, she knew he must have tested the girl, he may have even been cruel; to find that he fell for a woman of such unmistakably similar stature must have been a blow to his pride.

And yet he'd written to her in desperation. To him the love he felt seemed hopeless. Zen's road was not easy either, but Izana was to be king.

"Ah," she muttered. "Difficulties."

Even so she meant what she'd said. There were no laws forbidding his union with one of common rank and, unless Takara proved to be less than trustworthy, she would not stand in his way. At this point it seemed Izana's largest obstacle would be convincing his lady love that he would be faithful and that she would not disturb his life's path.

Takara's flight appeared, to Haruto, to be the surest sign of her worth. She'd refused the idea of standing as mistress and left the castle altogether to keep Izana from following that dangerous trail. Her own pride was surely part of it, but there were a great many women who would have put that feeling aside for such a position. Unable to convince Izana of his folly, or perhaps she was convinced she was the one foolish, she'd left his presence.

As for the red-haired pharmacist she'd heard from Izana that when they first met she, "...called me Zen's older brother."

That alone was worth a laugh and though he admitted to giving Zen a hard time over it, he also said that he did not hold any true objections. There was no plan to reveal this to the pair in question, but if Shirayuki was not scorned by Izana then Haruto saw no reason to inquire further.

It appeared that her son's had learned well how to choose their life's partners. It was a relief to their mother, who often felt a sense of guilt for leaving them on their own. The death of her husband had been hard on her heart and soul, one that resulted in her taking on far more work than she should have. In the end she developed something of an allergy to the castle in which her son's resided.

Once Izana was mature enough to handle the responsibility she'd handed over control of the domicile and left them for another residence, but there was never a day that she didn't miss them, that she didn't worry over them.

In some ways she'd been more troubled over Izana than Zen. The younger was brighter, happier than his elder brother. His kindness attracted a few of the unscrupulous it was true, but he was generally a good judge of character and those under his command were unquestionably loyal. He trusted many and they trusted him in turn. Love, once found, would come easily to Zen. His emotions were unmistakable and he did not attempt to hide or run from them.

Izana commanded the same type of loyalty, but the reasons for it were different. He was cold, calculating, and his judgment sound. He could play the role of ruthless all too easily. Haruto had been concerned that he would have trouble truly loving someone because of his suspicious nature and, even if he did love, would that woman ever realize it? Would Izana allow himself to become someone who displayed that kind of emotion?

That was the reason she'd not been opposed to the engagement with Haki. The head of the academy district was both beautiful and intelligent. She was well suited to the role of queen and, in all honesty, Haruto had not expected Izana to find romantic love. If that was not part of his fate then this arranged match was preferable.

Things had changed though. Izana was clearly in love with Takara and the queen suspected the common girl loved him back. Loved him enough to do what was right despite the pain it would cause them both. Haruto knew the feeling of loosing one's true love all too well; hers had been taken from her, to willingly leave because it was right was a strength she doubted even she possessed.

A powerful sense of morality, duty, and force of will. All necessary traits for one who would be queen.

However, a question remained and Haruto intended to see it answered in person.

/~/

When Takara next awoke she was met by a woman she'd never before seen. Despite this she felt immediately that she was the mother of Izana, the queen of Clarines. She had the same blond hair and the resemblance between the three family members was unmistakable.

"Ah, you're awake."

She was at a loss for words. What was she to say to the queen? Why was she here at all? She'd not heard tell of preparations for her arrival. Surely everyone would have been in an uproar if they'd known Haruto Wistaria was due to visit.

"There is no need to be nervous. I have only a small question that requires an honest answer. Do you feel up to answering?"

In all honesty Takara was not sure she did. She had a headache, her throat felt incredibly dry, and her eyes refused to focus for more than a moment. Still, she pushed into sitting position, nodded, and tried to swallow the rising nerves.

Liar, Haruto thought as she watched the girl prepare. She was not at all physically well, but it seemed she was fine mentally. Another strength, though she knew from experience that working through illness and pain could take it's toll if one did not regulate oneself. The queen supposed that was something to be learned through experience. Hopefully this violet-eyed maiden was not as pigheadedly stubborn as herself.

"Well then, I am very much like Izana," she watched for a reaction to his name and was not disappointed. It was small, a fist subtly clenched at the blanket, had she been any less observant the queen would have missed it. "I ask direct questions and expect direct answers. One word is all I need from you, a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Tell me, Takara Hinoson," she looked the girl in the eye. "Do you love my son? Do you truly love Izana Wistaria, the first prince of Clarines who is to be king?"

I should have expected this, Takara thought as her cheeks heated. Of course that is why she is here. But, she had no further insight. Whether the queen was there to wreck havoc or play cupid she did not know. In any case to tell a falsehood would do no good. Lies rarely led to good outcomes at the best of times, much less in a situation as important as this.

It was not difficult for her to find the answer, only embarrassing to speak it.

"Yes."

She could not meet the eyes of the queen, could not even look at her face. It was too difficult to think that she may be against it. To hear the words spoken was one thing, but to see that expression, to be looked down upon by one so far above her, was too much to stomach.

Haruto did not require explanation for Takara's inability to make eye contact. Her flushed face spoke volumes, but her answer had been clear. There was no shaking in her voice, no hesitation. The truth was spoken.

She had no practiced response to give. Instead she stood, smiled at the girl who was still incapable of meeting her gaze, and said, "That is acceptable."

The queen's back was already turned when Takara's head shot up and even if she'd known what to say she wouldn't have had the time. The woman disappeared without another word and Takara was left to absorb the implications of what she'd just been told.

The Queen of Clarines had given her permission to love Izana. The mother of a future king had come to sit by her bedside, for how long Takara did not know, to ask if a girl of no rank had feelings for her son. More than that, she'd given her approval.

She fell back against the bed, hands covering her face as the reality settled in her mind.

Queen Haruto would not have come to see her without purpose; her decision had already been set. That meant she'd been made aware of the situation ahead of time. There was only one person with the ability to speak of the circumstances surrounding her non-relationship with the first prince and that was Izana himself.

Her mind was reeling. The significance of the meeting was almost too much to bear. She didn't dare hope that Izana would have her now though. She'd run away from him and put herself in a dangerous position; it was pure luck that she'd not been violated. Her stupidity led her into the clutches of a man with evil purpose. If not for Zen and his aids she may have found herself in an even worse position.

There was no logical reason that Izana should still desire her. She'd demonstrated herself to be quite the fool.

Those were the thoughts whirling through Takara's mind when the first prince entered the sickbay. So distracted was she that she did not notice his presence, even when he stood beside her bed.

Izana took a very small bit of pleasure in startling her once more.

One sharp inhale later Takara had been made aware of her visitor. A tap to the shoulder successfully pulled her from introspection, though she did not appreciate the scare. It was surprising enough to see him at all.

She didn't know what to say. For a long moment she stared, clouded purple met icy blue, but her eyes fell to the sheets when she realized that all she could offer was an apology.

With a deep, steadying breath she met his gaze again. He was unchanged, seemingly aloof and composed as ever. She wondered if he'd had any regret upon finding her missing, considered that she may have caused him grave injury, and then asked his forgiveness.

"Izana-denka," she was sure she'd forfeited the privilege of speaking to him informally. "I must apologize for taking rash actions. I assure you that I did not mean to cause a commotion. I meant only to leave. The circumstances that led to my capture were of my own doing, I was foolish." She lost her nerve as her eyes misted and turned to stare out the window beside her station. "Again, Izana-denka, I apologize for the-"

He sat on the edge of the bed, effectively cutting her off. Takara fell silent as his weight shifted the mattress, but still refused to face him. What must he think of her? Her hands wrung in her lap, twisted the linens, as she fought back tears.

"Have you any idea," he watched her stiffen. "How I felt when I went to speak with you, only to find you gone?" The question was rhetorical, even if he'd expected an answer he knew she didn't have one to give. "You do not. You are also ignorant of what I meant to say. I will tell you now, so that you will not have the opportunity to disappear again as I'm sure you were planning."

His pause was too long. Truly, she thought, he had a knack for making people uncomfortable. It wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't purposely done, but she knew it was. Putting those around him on edge, keeping them in suspense, she felt sure he enjoyed it.

"I do not wish for you to think of me as the first prince of Clarines or even the king of Clarines. To you, and only to you forevermore, I wish to be 'husband'."