Duty-Bound: Chapter 42
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"Deliver this letter to Princess Hotaru of the East," he commanded and handed the crescent moon crest to Kai, the royal messenger of the West. Each messenger who was to be sent to deliver important messages for the royal family of the four lands would have to show the crest of their own land to confirm their identity. Of course, the crest would have to be returned after the messages are delivered.
"As you wish, Natsume-sama. I shall depart immediately," replied Kai and left with a low bow.
As soon as Kai left, one of his subordinates appeared at his side. "Natsume-sama, Youichi-san is awake."
Quickly, he ordered, "Gather the first group to guard this room."
Without waiting for an answer, he walked back to her room. Although he didn't like to leave her alone, he had to. It was time to ask Youichi about her attacker.
"I have to leave for a moment, Mikan," he muttered quietly and gathered her into his arms, bringing her back to the bed. She could walk back to her bed herself, but he wished to treat her as her status indicated, a true princess.
"Will you—"
"I'll be back as soon as I finish talking to Youichi."
Hearing Youichi's name, she looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Can I come with you?"
Before he could protest, she added, "Please… I don't want you to leave me…"
Ah, she had said the magic words. Because of that, he couldn't deny her request anymore. He sighed in defeat. "As you wish, but on one condition: do not leave my side."
A chaste kiss from her was his reward, and he undeniably liked it. After shaking his head mentally to push away his dirty thoughts, he helped her up and left to Youichi's ward.