Authors Note:

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Chapter 5: News from Daniel…

-Alice-

I found Daniel in the royal gardens sitting with a blank expression on his face. I couldn't help but worry. That was so unlike him… He would usually be full of energy. I hesitated a bit before approaching.

Daniel stood up with a weary expression and spoke in a tired and depressed voice, "Good day, queen Alice." He bowed in a formal manner towards me.

"Likewise, Daniel, good day to you too. You called to have a word with me?" I replied.

"This concerns Runo. I have suspicions that you have something to do with it."

"What might that be?"

"Runo is... Dead." I faked a gasp in surprise and Daniel eyed me as he continued. "One thing I know is that Shun did not do it on purpose. He likes Runo and only takes orders and does things with your permission."

"Are you honestly blaming me for Runo's death?" I countered. I wasn't expecting this. Not so suddenly… Sure, maybe in time, but already putting the pieces together?

"Honestly Alice I have suspicions. Wouldn't it be suspicious to you? Having Shun killing Runo? Shun, of all people. Anyway, this is not the end of this. I know you well, Alice. I know that even if I threatened you, I would not be hurt. You don't have the guts to kill me or lock me up. When the people heard that you are officially the queen, they gave up on overthrowing you. I will find another fault in you and make you pay for Runo's death."

Daniel turned around and left the gardens before I could speak. What could I say anyway? That threat was so cold… He was dead-set in doing something… And he was right. In spite of everything, I still liked him. I could never hurt him…

I walked back into my room, getting a headache from all the things happening. I lay on my bed. My plan was supposed to be simple, yet it ended up like this! My father was not supposed to die! Daniel was not meant to fall in love with Runo!

What was I to do?

I pondered a bit. Daniel loathed me now… But still, he only saw me as a friend then… Maybe I was wrong about him to start… Maybe… maybe I didn't love him anymore… Ugh! Why did things have to be so complicated…? All I knew was that killing Runo was probably a bad idea…

Slowly my thoughts started drifting away and soon I realized I was thinking of Shun. I shook my head and laughed to myself. I couldn't fall in love with Shun, it would only end tragically.

As if on cue, he entered the room in the midst of my thoughts. I laughed a bit to myself and Shun looked at me with a confused face.

"Milady, I have some tea and cakes for you." Shun said while pushing the cart in.

I breathed in the refreshing scent of chocolate cake and tea. Ah… I could feel myself relaxing already from the pleasant aroma. I knew a delightful snack would do wonders for my nerves.

"Thank you, Shun. Is it ok if you stay here for a while? I need some company." I patted a place next to me on my bed for Shun to sit. Shun complied and sat next to me.

For the next few minutes we just sat down talking about all different kinds of things, until I started to notice our close proximity. I had this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach, like butterflies fluttering about. That was the same feeling I had for Daniel when I was in love with him!

I spaced out for a while until I felt Shun's hand on my shoulder lightly shaking.

"Alice? Are you ok?" Shun asked with a worried expression planted on his face.

"I'm fine. No worries, I just spaced out a bit." I paused a bit. Should I tell him…? "Shun?"

"Yes, Alice?"

"Can I tell you something?"

"Anything Alice, don't worry."

"I think… I think I may have given up on Daniel."

Shun hesitated a bit before extending his arms and pulling me in an embrace, though I could tell it was awkward for him. I hugged back and felt a blush coming. I could feel Shun's impressive muscles against me. It was still amazing to see how fit he was, just from doing simple work. I was pleasantly surprised when a waft of air passed my nose. He smelled like honey… So relieving…

"Good, he was never much of a man I approved of anyway. He eats too much. I wouldn't want my Queen to have a fat husband."

I giggled at his smug remark on Daniel's eating habits. The way he said that sent shivers down my spine, in a good way. He let go of the embrace and I noticed something when I was looking on Shun's face. He looked more at peace… I'm not saying that he does not look normal every day; it's just that he looked like some kind of stress was relived off his back.

After a brief moment Shun suddenly said, "Forgive me, Alice."

He was inching his face closer to mine and held my smaller hand in his larger one.

He pressed his soft lips against mine.

He kissed me…

My eyes widened as I was processing what was happening, but soon enough I kissed back.

My heart was fluttering.

We broke the kiss to get some air.

I looked in his eyes deeply and then embraced him for another hug. Shun's face was tinted a bit pink and I could just barely tell he was blushing. I guess the butterflies in my stomach meant something. The odd nervousness being around him and the way I was losing my love for Daniel. Actually, after that kiss my heart was scowling at Daniel. I was confused and mislead; my real love was Shun Kazami. I just couldn't find a way to express it.

We said no words for a while until he spoke. "I'm sorry Alice."

"No, no, Shun I actually enjoyed it. I have to confess that I have been feeling butterflies around you lately." I blushed and thought about the words I spoke.

Shun looked towards the floor and spoke softly, "The real problem here is what we would do if we were in a relationship… They would never allow a relationship between a mere servant and a Queen. In fact the town would grow angry. It would be horrible."

I looked sadly at him and held his hands timidly. Even though he was nervous, I could feel a sense of bravery from him. I knew I had to be brave as well. "Yes, it would be tragic, but we could always keep it secret."

Shun slowly took a breath of air and said, "I love you."

These three words made my heart flutter. The way he said it was so sincere… I grinned before replying.

"I love you too…"

We pulled in for one more kiss…

~Pearlene Nishimori