Duty-Bound: Chapter 91
...xXx...
A contented sigh escaped her lips as she settled down before the low table. Once again, she was in the infirmary to have her special drink. She recalled how embarrassing it was when she first requested the concoction from Kaoru-ba-chan. Much to her relief, the older woman didn't lecture her.
"I was a young woman like you before becoming a mother, child." Kaoru-ba-chan smiled wistfully.
"I thought..."
"A princess you are, but you're still a 25-year-old woman, and I do believe in expressing our love through actions."
She could feel her cheeks burn slightly. "Thank you for your understanding, Kaoru-ba-chan."
Kaoru-ba-chan patted her hands. "You're welcome, child."
Her status as a single woman was over. The formal introduction of Natsume as her future husband had been done and over with last night. Thankfully, no one objected her decision – even though it was already quite obvious of whom she was going to choose. The wedding would be held within a month. Letters and invitations had been seen throughout the lands.
She was happy to receive a reply from Hotaru, who also informed her of her own impending betrothal. Though she had no longer dreamt about Aida, she knew her twin sister would be glad to know her betrothed had finally moved on. Ruka was a good man, and she knew Hotaru would make him happy.
"Have you decided where do you want to go, child?"
Turning to her soon-to-be mother-in-law, she nodded. "Natsume and I agreed to go to the South."
Her Lady Mother had given her the permission to leave the palace for a full month as a wedding gift before she resumed her duties as a princess. For that, she couldn't be more thankful. After going through the drama of being kidnapped and all, she deserved a long break.