Disclaimer: refer to prologue.

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Roses.

I have always loved roses all my life. Intrigued, really, by how they seemed so strong but fragile at the same time. They had thorns, but their beauty was overflowing with more than enough lure to attract you willingly to the danger of prickling your hands. Roses withered and died easily; however, the impressions made by the belle captured the mind's thoughts for perhaps, a week or more. Maybe even a lifetime.

These flowers, at first glance from afar, had seemed stereotypical to me. They always bloomed in that identical shape of its kind - a constant overlapping of more and more petals in a controlled manner – I was mystified by how uniformed they seemed to be. Upon closer inspection though, I discovered that each and every rose was, in fact, one of its own. Beneath the same exterior, a myriad of folds and furrows maintained its difference which defined each rose. With that sudden acknowledgement, I found myself enclosed within the interior of a kaleidoscope.

Such a display of harmony in schism… the grace and elegance present in the conflicting movements of light…

… it was just like me… in a sense…

Blue roses were my favourite; they were roses of fantasy and buds of new possibilities and miracles. These flowers reflected not only the colour of my eyes, but also the wish I had for something more in this perfect life I lead. Maybe I was searching for something more exciting in my sheltered life, something that would reach to the wilder side of me which was denied for my entire life.

"Chikane, are you spacing out in the garden again?"

Slowly, I turned around, taking care to be as polite and proper as possible in my actions.

"It's nothing much, father. I was just thinking on something minor."

"Ah… but my dear daughter, I am concerned about you. Perhaps you could tell me what had been occupying your thoughts lately."

You shouldn't have to worry about me, father. I am sixteen now - almost an adult soon. Besides, how could I tell you that I was thinking about the flowers in the backyard garden? You would just laugh and brush it off before ushering me back to my activities.

I gave him a reason that was not totally false as a reply.

"Much as I would like to deny, but I was feeling a little nervous on attending school tomorrow. I was wondering about the personalities of the people in the school. After all, this is my first time going to a school instead of being taught what was necessary by a private tutor."

Father gave a sheepish grin at my statement, knowing fully well that it was his fault that I hadn't been enrolled in the school for almost eight years.

"Well, I did hear that almost everyone there are well mannered and from good families. In any case, this would be a good experience for you to learn how to make acquaintances and friends on your own. Eventually, you will have to take over the Tachi Corporation in my place with your husband and it will do you well to learn more social skills."

I gave a little sigh at this.

"There's no persuading you, is there? And I thought today was one of the times where you wouldn't remind me of that unpleasant future. Hadn't you already given up on trying finding a perfect suitor for me a couple of months back?"

Stubborn old man… Even though I love you very much father, I can't stand it if you kept on pulling at the chains… Why won't you just understand that I don't like being tied down by anyone not of my choice?

"Now, now, Chikane. You know I won't give up that easily. I have been preparing you ever since you were young for this. Besides, it would only be proper that a lady of power should be accompanied by a man in order for her words to stand. You do know that people still prefer males to females in the business world. Why can't you accommodate me for this? You're so inflexible!"

"Well, I inherited the genes from you, if you don't recall…"

He grimaced slightly at my words that were spoken with more harshness than intended.

You are a good man with a sense of money and a head for business. Nevertheless, father, you don't know much about the way females think.

"That you did, that you did… Oh well, I got to get back to office for some last minute work before I leave for yet another business trip. I'm sorry that I won't be able to send you off to school, Chikane."

You were always too busy with work to attend to me on special occasions like birthdays. It doesn't matter… I've been used to it for a long time now.

"It's okay. I will be fine on my own."

I watched as the silhouette of him became smaller and smaller, before losing sight of him to the main building of the house.

I stood up, swiped the dress free of wrinkles and walked back to the mansion where I was due to start lessons in tea ceremony. I looked back to the garden; the colour of each individual rose stood out significantly in contrast with the dark green leaves.

A rose is but one flower. Even in a bouquet of them, a rose is but one rose alone.

I was right in loving roses.

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A/N: Short, but it's still just the introduction. The chapters would hopefully be longer as the story proceeds on. Do review if you like it and you want more (any kind will do). (: And of course, if you hate it or anything, just say it and give me some constructive comments and critisism on how to improve in my writing instead of flames. Any outright FLAMING would be greatly despised.