Duty-Bound: Chapter 21
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Looking up at the moonless sky, Mikan heaved a long sigh. It had been hectic since her Lady Mother informed the elders about her position in this land. Her schedule was filled with lessons to catch up with everything she left unlearned ten years ago. To be honest, she didn't need to learn those lessons. Currently, she was irritated that her Lady Mother had broken the agreement between them. The reason she stayed in the palace was to find her twin sister's killer, not to fill the hole that was left by her twin. Before she could sigh again, fur was placed on her shoulders from behind. The person then proceeded to rest his hands on her shoulders.
"Don't sigh too much, Mikan." She could feel his hot breath on her neck as he whispered those words.
She closed her eyes and leaned on his chest. "I can't help myself, Natsume. She has put me through this without my consent."
"Lady Yuka thinks about the future of this land. It's a miracle that the Nobles haven't tried to rebel against My Lady."
Upon turning around, she immediately buried herself in his arms. "I missed you, Natsume."
He responded by tightening his hold on her.
It had only been a few days after the announcement of her return. And thanks to her Lady Mother, she hadn't gotten the chance to be with Natsume since then. She would have to talk to her Lady Mother tomorrow about taking the throne. Even though she didn't hate this land, she had no desire to reign in place of Aida. Her only wishes were to find justice for her twin sister and stay with Natsume forever. However, no matter how much she struggled, she knew she wouldn't be able to free herself from her duty.