–– Natsume's POV—
Time was being wasted and I had duties as the crown prince. Father was ready to retire as king and it would soon be mine. The kingdom was going to be held in my hands. Leading the kingdom seemed like little problem to me, father raised Youichi, Ruka, and I on sword fighting and jousting. I visited the commons three times a week to see how their lives were and to hear their complaints (if any) and they would often entrust their pleads to me to give to my father if there was something that prevented them from speaking with my father. They were fond of me, as I were them and I saw many of them as my family. Family that I was certain I would protect at all costs. The only problem with inheriting the kingdom was a queen beside me. The women in the kingdom were all too young or too old for me to wed or were already taken. The only option was to take a wife from another kingdom.
There were only five kingdoms; four of which were allied together. The kingdom Piras, which was my home, located east. It was known for flames that were held in our wedding ritual, hence the name. The kingdom of Chisei, which was the kingdom ruled by the family of Imai and located west. I didn't know much about them, only that the king and queen's only daughter was engaged to Ruka. They were known for the vast technology that no one but they had. The "main kingdom" of Alicia which was located south. It was ruled by the Nogi's. Ruka was an only child like Imai and his parents would take him up to Piras to play with me as a child which resulted in us becoming friends. The kingdom was known for their kindness and their easy acceptance for strangers and new traditions. People would go there for a new beginning. The last kingdom of the four was Amarefide, up north. I've only heard rumors of the kingdom, their king and queen were both beautiful and kind. They had the power to resolve any difference. Their daughter was someone I have never seen before. She was supposedly the best friend of the Chisei kingdom's princess and she had a stunning appearance and always held a stimulating conversation. And she, as a last resort, was suppose to be my fiancée. Was. She had disappeared from the public eye four months ago and no one knew where she was. Only those close. The fifth kingdom, the one that had no allies was the kingdom of Andlat. No one knew the actual ruler except those who went to war with him. He was rumored to be an evil man and the peasants were held in their homes for an unlimited amount of time.
So I decided to go to Alicia in search for a suitable wife. I knew my dear friend could help me in a way or two. I didn't expect him to help me so soon though, to be dragged out of my new class to meet this girl. My friend, my best friend wanted me to meet this one girl. I knew he had found my queen for me.
We shook hands briefly as she squeaked a quiet hello. Static came from my hand and I felt her pull away. Embarrassed, I nodded a sorry to her before running away. Ruka introduced her as his sister but I've known him since he was a baby, there was no sister. There must be something about this girl.. Something that I need to research on.
I went back to class and searched around to find the class president that was introduced to me earlier. I found him talking to two girls, Anna and Nonoko. They looked similar and I guess they were sisters but I haven't heard much about them. From the short conversation I had with them, they seemed nice enough.
"Y-Yuu.." I tapped his shoulder, interrupting their conversation. I kept my eyes down again, I wasn't worried since everyone was informed of the tradition.
"Prince Natsume?.. Is there something you needed?" He looked at me worriedly, wondering if he left something out of the guide.
"I.. Erm.. Ruka.. Prince Ruka's sister.. Can I have some information on her?"
"Miss Mikan?.. Of course. Well, she's in this class if you want to talk to her yourself tomorrow. She sits over there…" He turned and pointed at the desk that was against the window, the chair was scooted far back which explained why she was out of class. I narrowed my eyes when he addressed her without formalities.
"Is there anything else you could tell me about her?"
"She's younger than Prince Ruka by two years. She excelled in some subjects and got moved up in our class. Her.. Her adopted sister, Chiyo is only 4 years of age. She looks out for her often. Her partner happens to be one of the new students, Setsuna. Not much is known about Setsuna, but she's a beauty. She looks after Mikan a lot. Mikan in turn does the same. She's quite loyal to her friends but she doesn't say much unless you say it first. Anything else, you'll have to look in the Nogi index in the school's library."
"Thank you.. I think I'll do just that. Will you point me the way?"
"I think I can do better than that.." he pulled out something out of his pocket. It looked like a small book and was black with purple lining, I noticed some words at the bottom but I couldn't read it fast enough before he flipped it open. Out came a map of what I guessed to be the school, he spun the map around with his finger before he clicked somewhere and it showed the classroom. Slowly as he began to talk, a miniature me started walking to show me the way and ended near the Nogi index.
I stared in awe at the product, it looked to be a remote but it seemed to project destinations so.. It couldn't be?
Before I could stop myself I asked him about the product, "Who made that?.."
He smiled and turned it off, the projection slowly disappearing into wisps in the air, facing me with it in hand.
"It was made by Princess Hotaru Imai. We got it as a present since Miss Mikan said that we were nice people; she eventually warmed up to us.."
"Ruka's fiancee?"
"Ah, yes.. I'm surprised you know that.. Only a select few know of the engagement.." He stepped closer after gaining permission and began to whisper, "Truthfully, Prince Ruka had fallen in love with her a long time ago so he asked to have it arranged.."
The idea of Ruka falling in love with someone had made me chuckle. He gave me a curious look before I shook my head.
I bowed at him slightly and went on to the library. Following the directions that the curious Imai product showed me.
But on the way there, I had bumped into a small girl.
She fell down on her butt and started to tear up, looking at me. I tried to help her up but kingdom traditions had prevented me to, as only her destined one would be able to touch her, along with family and same gender.
"Chiyo!"
A girl wearing my class uniform had come running up behind her and quickly scooped her up in her arms.
–– Setsuna's POV—
I quickly scolded her for running away and wiped her tears away before looking at the person that she had bumped into.
It was the new student.
"Prince… Natsume, right?"
The male nodded quickly and got up, dusting off his trousers.
"I'm sorry that she bumped into you. I was supposed to be watching her but she had run away when I tried to have her eat her lunch."
"It's embarrassing!" She injected.
I gave her a sharp glare, "Is not! Mikan made it for you when she was still tired so eat it to the very last grain." Pinching her cheeks gently, I stared into her eyes sternly.
After getting a tearful nod, I smiled and turned to leave with her after bowing to the prince.
"You should get ready for your welcoming ball tonight, Prince Natsume. You're the main event after all.. "
I gave him smile and walked away to the bedding chambers.
{Information on the chapter: 4 pages, 1427 words}