Duty-Bound: Chapter 68
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While standing in the shadows, a couple of feet away from his love, he watched Mikan and the Princess of the East converse under the Sakura tree. Mikan had told him that she had met and served Princess Hotaru at one point of her journey. The Princess was a good observer. When she met Mikan the first time, she knew his love was more than a maid at the inn she was staying. It crossed his mind before that maybe a royalty could sense another royalty, despite how good one acts. He shrugged mentally, not wanting to mull it over. Best of all was, Mikan had found a good friend.
He blinked when Mikan inclined her head to join her and the Princess. Knowing he was a mere servant under her, he complied with her silent wish. Once he was before them, he bowed towards Mikan. "What can I do for you, Princes?"
A bright smile blossomed on her lips as she gestured her hand towards Princess Hotaru. "I would like to introduce you to Princess Hotaru."
He resisted the urge to ask Mikan about her reasons for doing so. Turning his attention to Princess Hotaru, he saluted, "Pleased to meet you, Princess Hotaru."
"Likewise, Natsume-dono," the raven-haired Princess replied evenly, inspecting him silently with her piercing violet eyes.
After a while, he realised what she was trying to do. I am not the only one who is protective of Mikan…
They maintained a short eye contact. It seemed the Princess found what she wanted to in his eyes as she nodded. He let out the breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Likewise, Natsume-dono," she repeated before taking her cup of jasmine tea and sipped it quietly.
The Princess had accepted him as her best friend's suitor and protector.