Duty-Bound: Chapter 12
...xXx...
Since she had agreed to meet Lady Yuka, he waited outside of her room while she prepared herself behind closed doors. Recalling what had happened earlier, he closed his eyes.
His happiness couldn't be described with words when he heard her answer. The love of his life actually reciprocated his love. He gazed into her eyes. "Will you be my betrothed, Mikan?"
He was confused when she pulled away from him.
"I'm sorry, Natsume…"
He felt his world turn black, and he was pulled into a pit of darkness. He was brought back to reality when he heard her say, "Not now."
"At least not until I find them," she whispered quietly.
"Them?"
He was not pleased when she didn't elaborate, but he didn't press the issue.
"I'm ready to see her." She was referring to Lady Yuka.
He looked into her eyes and whispered, "Are you going to stay?"
He wouldn't lie that he wasn't afraid of what her answer would be. He didn't manage to hide his surprise when she suddenly hugged him.
"For you… I'll stay…"
He couldn't help smiling and returning her embrace. He was happy.
As the door slid open, he opened his eyes and straightened his back. Seeing her in a layered kimono, he admitted for the umpteenth time that she had grown into a beautiful woman. Dressing as a princess only made her even more beautiful.
With a smile that he knew was only for him, she turned to him. "I'm ready."
Before leading the way to Lady Yuka's study, he gazed at her for a while more. To be honest, he was still curious about what she meant by 'not until I find them.' Whom was she referring to? His eyebrows furrowed when he realized something. It can't be that she knows…