Samurai Princess
Disclaimer: I don't own Swan Princess or SDK. That's all.
Chapter 2:
"Yuya! Get down! We can't keep them waiting!" shouted King Migeira to an open window. An orange-headed girl stuck her head out, "But father! I haven't packed! My hair needs washing too!" Migeira scowled disapprovingly. As a last attempt, his daughter pleaded, "You know I get seasick! Couldn't we travel by road?" When her father still made no move to answer her she knew that she had lost. Even when you were you're father's darling child, you never got away with everything.
Grabbing her satchel, Yuya straightened her tunic and pantaloons before heading out. This was going to be her sixth summer spent in the confines of the castle of her sworn enemy. No doubt, Mahiro was still going to be there, but nothing was like you're original home. With a familiarity any real princess wouldn't have, Yuya swung herself into the saddle of the palomino given to her by her father for her tenth birthday, two years ago. Migeira and his daughter rode to the harbour flanked by their Royal Guard.
"Yuya!" squealed a voice. The twelve-year old princess's mood soared. It was Mahiro! Dismounting quickly, Yuya didn't waste any time engulfing her faithful friend with a smothering hug. The two girls had failed to see each other for the past year as Mahiro's grandmother had been taken ill. As their family was small, Mahiro and her family had to retreat to that country where her grandmother lived. The old woman was affectionately known as Gigi (pronounced ji-ji) to both young ladies.
Migeira looked at the two friends. Over the past year, both girls had changed a lot. Mahiro had been a quiet, withdrawn, plain girl before this. Now though, she radiated an inner confidence and loyalty to her princess and best friend. Yuya on the other hand, Migeira had absolutely no idea what to make of. As a young girl, his daughter had been charming and quite sweet, therefore when those freckles had started popping up on her face was a mystery. Her wheat hair had turned a carrot orange and her mannerisms did not help anything, running around in boys' clothes and a plain disregard for etiquette. He was becoming tired of it.
The sea voyage lasted about two days. And lo and behold, Yuya didn't even turn green. Arriving at the harbor, Both King Migeira and Mahiro disembarked to pay their respects to the two sovereigns. Yuya stayed by the gangplank but on the boat. When she finally did turn to look at the happenings below her, a tomato hit her. Though it had actually hit the wood of the boat, but most of the juices and flesh had reached her face. She grimaced. The king and queen were laughing as though this was some joke that most best friends played. Yuya disembarked slowly. "Well hello Princess Yuya! My how you've grown!" exclaimed Queen Okuni. Behind her stood two boys. The jet haired one said, "Yeah, more ugly." Then the two boys snickered. The one who had just spoken was Prince Kyo and the other was his best friend, the son of a lord who had passed away a few years ago, Benitora.
Queen Okuni whacked both boys' heads. It was becoming hard for her though as Kyo was growing even taller by the day. Yuya smiled slightly, stepping forwards she bowed to her betrothed, "It is good to see you again prince." When she straightened, regardless of how much it was, Kyo still had to look up to face her. He was not happy. Yuya meanwhile was smirking with joy. Queen Okuni demanded that the two girls ride alongside her in her curicle while the men could ride the horses. Gladly, Yuya alighted the pony driven wagon. Opposite her and Okuin sat the queen. The three of them talked a mile a minute. To Yuya who had never known her mother, knew Queen Okuni to be as close to one as she could get.
"So Yuya, have you started your cycles? Yuya? Yuya!" That snapped the young princess out of her reverie, "Oh! Sorry, what was the question?" Queen Okuni smiled knowingly, "He is quite handsome is he not?" Yuya blushed at the fact that the queen had caught her staring, "He may be, but he's shorter that I. And his attitude is horrid!" Okuni's face and voice held a note of concern, "Give the height two years, as for the attitude, please don't give up just yet." Yuya knew what that meant, 'I still want my boy to marry you." But what was she to say if she completely hated the boy? "I haven't given up yet Queen Okuni." Meanwhile thinking, 'OH God what a fake!"
Kyo meanwhile was snickering with Benitora. "Good God! Did you see her hair! It was worse than last year!" Kyo responded, "Yeah, I think that the tomato was too bland, maybe a plum would show better?" Benitora's eyes were glued on another girl. Kyo grinned evilly, "Got a crush on a hand-maiden now. Let's see last month it was the tailor's daughter, and then it was that beautiful lady that came to ask my mother for marriage to me and just yesterday if I'm not mistaken it was the milkmaid." Benitora shoved his friend, blushing just like the tomato that had been shot at the princess.
King Migeira watched them. The prince had not grown much, but that was to be expected as he had not come to the growing age yet. Being just about fifteen, he was just starting to shoot up, he had grown his hair long and wore it loose. The shirt and pants that he wore were blue and black respectively. The prince had certainly grown up handsome. His friend who was around the same age was a charming fellow when he wanted to be. His short black hair was always messy and he wore his favourite colours of a red and white shirt with brown leather pants.
By now they had reached the castle and the women had retreated inside for a well earned hour of gossip. Sitting in the parlor, the were well supplied with tea as they began to talk. "So Yuya, you didn't answer my question. Have you started your cycles?" The young princess didn't seem shy as she nodded. Queen Okuni sighed, "That's good then." Yuya knew why she had asked. If she had not started yet, Okuni would have started to think of withdrawing the marriage proposal. Sadly, Yuya had been brought up not to lie, and therefore she wished to live up to her father's expectations.
The horses finally reached the castle and the three ladies dismounted. Instead of proceeding to the castle where she would freshen up, Yuya went straight to the stables. "Yuki! Have they treated you well? How was the voyage girl?" cooed the princess to her mare. Sadly she wasn't alone, "Well, well! Looks like you've finally lost it." She spun around, "Your Highness." Kyo sauntered forth, "Well dog face, looks like it's gonna be a long summer. Stay out of my way." Yuya tired of a one sided conversation said with wry humor, "And you prince, better keep out from underfoot." Kyo stalked closer to her, but Yuya still was taller than he, "Get this straight ugly. This is my kingdom and what I say goes!" Yuya replied, "Not according to your mother it's not. The rules clearly require you to be of marrying age before you can assume complete monarchy." "I got news for you girly. The rules don't apply here," then to top the cake, Kyo shoved her into the water trough behind her.
For a few days Yuya didn't see the young prince, but her reprieve didn't last long. "Yuya, why don't you and the prince take a turn in town? It will be a good change of scenery," suggested Queen Okuni. "Yes darling! Why don't you? You can become acquainted with the people better. I'm sure the prince is also dying to spend time with you after you've been absent for so long." All of them were seated in the palace drawing room and Yuya came close to balking at the idea of spending time in Kyo's presence. Kyo on the other hand seemed ecstatic. "Sure mother." Turning his dancing red eyes onto Yuya he asked in a mocking tone only audible to her, "Well princess, whenever you're ready." Yuya refused to back down from a challenge, but backing out seemed to be a good idea right about now. However Yuya who was used to being outspoken said the first thing that popped into her head. "Lead the way, Your Highness."
"Mahiro! How can you do this to me?" cried Yuya as she watched her handmaiden retreat back into the castle. Still in a tunic and breeches Yuya pouted while Kyo laughed at her expression. "Well then m'lady should we be going?" the signature malice seeped back into his voice. Yuya rationalized that it wasn't so bad and could have been worse so she spurred Yuki on. Even though Yuki was a fast steed, the mare had trouble keeping up with Kyo's midnight stallion; Arashi. Finally reaching the village, Yuya dismounted, grateful at the relief she felt and cursing as she thought of the bruise that was forming.
Moments into their little trip and Yuya knew that Kyo had absolutely no intention of showing her anything. He had promptly vanished and she was left wandering the streets. It seemed that everyone recognized her, A few people had shouted out greetings and a few young men had winked cheekily at her earning a blush from the maiden. Perhaph ridding herself of the ever-irritating prince had just done her a lot more good than bad. She walked along the roads eating a peach. Soon she had left the cobbled roads and was instead treading the dirt roads leading out of the village. Something seemed to beckon her in the direction her feet were dragging her. Their destination seemed to be the tree line.
The forest seemed dark and disconcerting but Yuya was pulled by it. Wandering steadily closer she was aware of a strange lilting melody that seemed to issue from the earth itself. The voiceless song urged her memory to forget it's life's story and follow the song. The tune was hypnotic and had the young princess in a trance effortlessly. A familiar nagging voice seemed to call out to her but in her state of induced bliss, the cries fell on deaf ears. For once couldn't they let her do what she wanted? A small walk in the woods wasn't too much to ask. Then a figure materialized between the trees. It was a man with white hair and dark eyes. He wore robes of rich purple and was smiling at her. The smile was endearing but chilly at the same time. Just as she was about to take a step into the shadows of the trees, something barreled into her. With the wind knocked out of her Yuya fell onto the grass; far from the shadows.
Kyo vanished making sure the girl knew not of where he was heading. "Lord Kyo!" squealed a voice. The next thing he knew was a mouth hastily fastened over his. He smirked into the kiss and deepened it, 'What the heck! I have the looks so flaunt it.' Kyo's latest fling was a girl named Alicia. All his flings were dark haired and dark eyed, he made sure that none of his interests went close to the fair-headed or emerald eyed. It reminded him too much of her. He wandered around the village with his hand on the hilt of his sword as the simpering fool trailed him. A king in all aspects or so he was to be, he walked around making sure everything was as it should be. The subjects all cared for their future king, though sometimes it was that well engrained fear that saved them from his unmerciful wrath sometimes. 'The fruit vendor seems in high spirits today,' he observed.
Speak of the devil, "Your Majesty! Good morning!" cried the middle-aged man. Kyo nodded his head in acknowledgement and the man continued even though not invited, "If you're looking for the Lady Yuya, you just missed the lady I'm afraid." Kyo's eyes sharpened, what was that girl up to? "Kyo-sama… Aren't you going to buy a peach for me?" the girl behind him asked. It was a well known fact that Kyo was partial towards peaches, and it seemed the only thing he liked definitely; therefore to be given a peach by the prince meant that he favored you…a lot. "Tsou," he said addressing the fruit seller, "Which way did the princess go?" The man seemed to think a little before snapping his fingers, "Ah that's right! If I'm not mistaken she went that way," he said pointing Eastwardly. "WHAT?" bellowed Kyo before he was off on someone's horse that he randomly found tied by the cart. The animal was not as fast as Arashi, but would have to do in his stead. On the way, Kyo whistled shrilly hoping that his steed would catch the sound.
As he cleared the village border he came upon fields of wheat, barley and oats. He scoured the land for some sign of Yuya but couldn't find her. Cursing fluently, Kyo decided to turn to his instincts that had never failed him…yet. On the ground were several trails of footprints, however looking more closely he could see lighter footprints upon the deep, old ones. Yuya! His conscience was yelling and he took the bait. Her father would see to it that he was quartered should anything happen to his precious daughter while under Kyo's care. There! Now he saw her, walking towards the East Forest. He shouted her name a few times and she must have heard him, but as he drew near, he could see her eyes were trancelike. 'Shit! Not good!' his mind screamed.
He jumped off the bag of bones he was riding before it even slowed down skinning his elbow and hands in the process. Regardless to the sing of the dirt, he rushed to the girl just feet away from him at the edge of the shadows. Dread welled up as she rose a foot to place it in the land of darkness. If she put it down, he would lose any hold over her that he had. His voice though he knew was not exactly a balm on her ears, kept her here. Giving a wild shout, Kyo hit her in the gut with his shoulder effectively throwing both of them far from the trees. As though she didn't notice who he was, she writhed under him screaming. When he finally managed to pin her arms and grate out, "Snap out of it Carrot-Head!" she gave a gasp of genuine surprise. Just before she dissolved back into tears she said, "It's gone…the music is gone…"
King Migeira and Queen Okuni were crossing the courtyard to the Queen's private offices so they were witness to the spectacle that the prince brought back with him. Arashi stormed the courtyard, two riders on his back. As he reared at the sudden halt, the matriarch and patriarch managed to see the two figures. The sidesaddle rider – obviously unconscious was Princess Yuya while the rider holding her and controlling the stallion was Kyo. Jumping off the beast, Kyo had the princess in his arms refusing to relinquish her to the servants who bustled to take her from him. His mother rushed forth, "What happened?" It was the first time Kyo was unable to answer a question as his mother exasperated placed a hand on the forehead of the girl in his arms. "Prince Kyo," said King Migeira, barely controlled anger in his voice causing the princeling to wince, "What has happened to my daughter?" Okuni intervened, "Oh Migeira, she's just tired! Nothing's wrong, she should be up soon and we can ask her the details of her little fainting spell." Now she turned to Kyo, "Kyo, take her to her rooms." "Yes mother." "You know, this would be quite sweet were she sleeping and not just fainted." Kyo glared at his mother who couldn't stop grinning.
While waiting for the princess to awaken, Migeira and Okuni pulled Kyo's version of the story from him. He on the other hand seemed to be wrapped up in his own world. He told them everything, even the part where she had broken down. After some time a page was sent to collect the waiting royals As soon as they heard the princess was up, all three barreled out the door. The two adults were no match for the more agile teen in their midst who easily reached Yuya's private chambers before them. "Was wondering who would reach first. But I was betting on one of our parents…certainly not you," said a bedridden Yuya. She felt like an invalid and that's what Kyo told her to the face in less polite terms. She wrinkled her nose, "Well! All anyone needs to do when they wake up is listen to you and their day is guaranteed to never get worse." Kyo smirked, "I thank you for your compliment. Now about - " But he was cut off because Migeira and Okuni decided to appear at that moment.
After the ritual fawning and Yuya remarking more than once, "Really father! I'm fine, I'm not five!" Spying Kyo standing by the doorway she said, "My thanks Your Highness." "You said something," he said, "You said you couldn't hear the music." Realization dawned and Yuya hung her head, "I-I don't think I can explain it in words. It was so nice, like sleeping on a featherbed or floating on water. It was so relaxing…but then it was gone. It was like I had something I didn't want but once it went away… I wanted it again!" Yuya made an exasperated noise. Kyo took control of the situation, "King Migeira, I do think you and your daughter had better return home until we can sort this out. It would be for the best." Migeira saw how serious the young boy was and said, "Whenever our things are packed, we will leave." Kyo nodded, "If you will be ready within the hour sire, you will be escorted by the royal guard." Turning on his heel Kyo walked from the room. Yuya looked after him, that was the brash and rude boy that had just saved her life. Judging from what her father told her, or for tha matter didn't tell her, the person that she saw in the woods was infinitely dangerous. Though she hadn't told them, Kyo's look had conveyed more than she had understood.
Yuya watched as the castle disappeared from view. Just when it had begun to grow on her…she had to leave it. Now as the carriage ratled on the path, Yuya wished that she would somehow be able to stay. "He was quite handsome, was he not?" "Father!" squealed Yuya. He grinned, Usually his dauhter never acted this way unless what he said was true. Pressing a little more he said, "I can't wait to see what my grandchildren will look like." Yuya turned red, "We- we haven't decided yet that I would marry him father." "Ah, but if it went by looks alone, you wouldn't mind. Am I right?" Yuya blushed even redder. The carriage drew to a halt in the idle of the woods. "What's wrong?" Migeira leaned his head out, "Don't know." When he pulled his head back in he told Yuya, "Yuya whatever happens, stay inside!" Sensing her father's distress Yuya nodded. Her father went out and closed the door behind him. Pandemonium ensued outside. Then the door slammed open, lightning flashed at the same time a horse neighed in terror, Yuya stood up and blacked out.
End Chapter 2
A/N: Sorry I took so long. I had exams that i so wonderfully failed. Oh Yay! I'm in denial n just wierd. Dont mind me.