Sorry I haven't been able to write anything for the longest of times... Hopefully you know the reason... But right now please be happy that I could do this chapter!

-enjoy!

Chapter 2: An Invitation

"Zu-utto mitaite, Zu-utto mitaite, donna toki mo." I sang as I hung up our laundry.

I wished that I hadn't had that argument with Takuto. He was probably still a little angry; and he hadn't sipped any of his milk that I left out this morning. Maybe Meroko might drink it later....?

"Mitsuki! We're going on a walk with some gentlemen! We'll be back later!" Madoka called to me.

"Oh! OK!" I replied.

I was somewhat glad that they were leaving. Then Takuto, Meroko, and Izumi could come and keep me company. I hung up the last bit of clothing to dry, then I locked the front door behind my three mistresses. I skipped outside and cried out,

"Meroko! Izumi! Takuto!"

I sat on an overturned bucket and waited for my little forest friends. A light breeze blew across my face. It felt nice on this summer day. The sky was a deep blue, and the birds were singing their songs of praise to their Creator.

"MITSUKI!!!" Meroko's voice rang across the sky.

"Huh?"

Meroko landed on my lap and looked me with red swollen eyes. Had she been crying? Why?

"Meroko, what-?"

"Takuto! He's missing! We've been looking all over for him but he's GONE!!!" The little rabbit wailed.

My heart skipped a beat. Takuto was missing?! One of my dear little friends missing?!

"Have you any idea where he's gone?!" tears were already starting to trickle down my cheeks.

Meroko dug her face into my apron and wailed harder. I picked her up and held her to my chest and stroked her long bunny ears. Maybe I could comfort her a little. She was in love with him. It was harder on her then on any f us it seemed.

"Wait, were's Izumi?" I asked.

"He's still looking," Meroko sniffled.

Izumi loves Meroko, right? He's doing this for her.....

"We'll find him Meroko! I promise! He likes to wander about anyway!"

The rabbit wiped her tears away and smiled up at me.

"Thank you, Mitsuki! You're so very sweet!"

I felt my face turn red a little because of the face that she gave me. It was a face full of hope and gratitude... AND SHE WAS SO CUTE!!!

There was a tap and the door and I layed Meroko down. Who was it? I unlocked the door and opened it a crack.

"An invitation from the palace; for the Koyama-san, Wakamatsu-san, and Hayashi-san," a tall man in a uniform handed me a decorated envelope.

"Oh! Thank you much sir!" I took the envelope and closed the door.

"Meroko! Meroko! Look at this letter! You ust read it!"

Meroko looked up at me in curiousity. I handed her the letter and waited for her reation. This is what it read:

Dear Household of Koyama-san, Wakamatsu-san, and Hayashi-san,

Our dear prince is in need of a wife to become queen, and his highness is hosting a grand ball to find one. He has selected a way of choosing his wife, but the selection will be kept secret due to wicked dishonesty. Please join us out our ball if you have any intrest in his highness.

-Sir Jonathan

"Isn't this great!? I can meet Eichi again! I can meet Eichi again!" I clutched my pendant to my heart in my great joy.

Meroko giggled and celebrated with me.

"Maybe, Takuto wandered off around the palace!" Meroko smiled in hope.

"Hai!" I agreed.

After all my hard work... Maybe now I will be able to unite with my love once more...

"Why Fuzuki-san?!" Madoka slammed her fist against the dining table, "Why does this 'pauper' seem eligble to you to go to the prince's ball?!"

"I don't get it...," Hikari pouted.

Grandma's face was stern and unchanged. There was sunshine in my heart. She was going to let me go.

"But only on one condition Mitsuki," Grandma's voice was hoarse.

"Um, yes Koyama-sama?" I would do anything to see my prince.

"You need to get a decent dress to wear," she smoothed out her skirt, "I won't be willing to take you in anything else."

All the hope in Madoka's and Hikari's faces vanished; but it was restored in a sudden moment of thought.

"Where will she get such a dress?" Madoka taunted.

"Our dresses are too big for her size," Hikari tugged at my blouse.

"Oh! Don't worry Wakamatsu and Hayashi-sama! I will have a dress in time!" I assured them and continued to eat my food.

Grandma and the others were in silence afterwards, and I washed the dishes. I ran to my room and brought out my sewing kit, and different fabrics that were secretly hidden under my cot. I would make my own dress; the fairest dress at my Prince's ball.

Eichi! Do you hear? I will be seeing you at your arranged ball; and I will become you wife! You did this to find me, right? Oh, how dearly I hold my feelings for you Eichi-kun!

So, What did you think? I know this chapter was short but like I said, I don't have a lot of time...

I will try to update again as soon as possible!

Please Review!