A/N: Inspiration is so rare these days. In any case, enjoy a bit of a change in pace. : 3 as always thanks to Elder-Master for the beta.

"I do not like this. I do not like you leaving me. But once more ..."

"I really must go."

"In the end I really have no choice do I? Fate conspires to steal you from me."

"It is silly to say that Fate is stealing me. Moreover, I will return."

"And when you do, I will never let you go."

(Imperial Russia: St. Petersburg: Winter Palace: 18th March 1733)

(Imperial Palace: Noble Apartments)

As the sun peeked through the void of the tapestries, to the room's occupant it mattered little. Though to say 'peek' was a nicer word, 'forced' it's way through would be better. The lone women stared at the tall ceiling. Having been woken by the same dream once again, Lady Hikari belied an almost misanthropic expression.

"Really, how much longer must I wait at my balcony? Fool's love, indeed..." Hikari allowed herself a momentary slip of the tongue, if anything, to belittle the target of her affection. This was an aspect that she showed to no one. She saw no need to expose her thoughts to others. All said thoughts were the maelstrom of a lonely woman. There were certain aspects that a noble woman had to fulfill. Expressing the discontent and seething ruminations of a scornful heart surely was not one of them.

"Lady Hikari, are you awake?" beckoned an early, but cheery voice from the other side of the servant's door. Rather exasperated already, Hikari pushed her lonely notions aside and donned the expression that she so often fought her own body to keep. Or was it she wished to wear the mask?

"Indeed. You may come in." Hikari said soon after a soft click echoed and three servant maidens entered. The women looked as just barely women. And their expressions showed an open optimism. "It would seem that the Sun does not need to come into my room." Hikari said with a soft expression.

"You are too kind Lady Hikari." One of them said as she opened the long drapes exposing a rather touching view of the city. In Hikari's mind, it was much better then staring at snow. As the maids got to work, Hikari departed from her bed to not hinder them from making it.

"Tell me is there any sign of spring?" Hikari asked somewhat forlornly.

"Nothing has begun to bloom. But, the air is softer." One of the maids said before turning around promptly. Hikari thought she noticed something about the girl. Hikari's sense of emotion was rarely wrong, so she thought to examine the issue further.

"Excuse me. You, what is your name?" Hikari asked the girl as she approached. The girl turned to look for just a moment; it was long enough for Hikari to catch sight of her eyes.

"I do not think that milady would be interested..." The girl turned suddenly to find Hikari there. The look in the maid's eyes was more than enough. "...in my name."

"The rest of you, leave us." Hikari ordered and the other two departed quietly. The building anxiousness of the girl as her two compatriots left seemed to expound as the door closed.

"What has happened to you?" Hikari asked plainly as the girl's head went down.

"I am sorry Milady ... I cannot." The girl replied just above a whisper.

"Cannot? Why?" Hikari said as she reached across to touch the girl's shoulder. The reflex of the girl pulling back was enough. "Are you injured?"

"I am not." The maid replied as she seemed to slink back.

"I will not hurt you. Tell me, what has happened to you." Hikari stated.

"No, if it were to get back to them. I would be ... I cannot talk to you." The girl whispered as she gripped at her sides.

"Then you can show me. Expose your shoulders." Hikari ordered.

"I cannot." The girl said as she began to tear up.

"If you do not show me then I cannot help you. I need a reason to have you switched over to my personal staff." Hikari said as the girl seemed to lighten up and then descend into darkness once more.

"They will still come for me, please, leave me alone." The girl said as she was nearing the door.

(Winter Palace: Chapel)

"I see. This is not the first time we have heard of this occurring. Sister Tsubomi, take this poor soul and get her some comfort. Make sure that she understands she is safe here in the house of the Lord." Yaya said. As Tsubomi nodded and took the girl back behind alter, Yaya shook her head in commiseration.

"Unfortunately, there is little I can do. We have had several reports of this behavior; the mistreatment of the servant girls, by them, and for no apparent reason. We continuously inform the Matron, but when she questions the girls, they claim nothing happened." Yaya said as she walked down the aisle.

"She is ..." Hikari couldn't bring herself to say it.

"... and there is nothing that can be done?" Hikari asked with bemusement as she followed Yaya.

"She could be banished from the palace, but not if the girls will not talk. I think that given Her Highnesses known and rumored behavior. Perhaps they believe that nothing will be done. In any case, all we can do now is pray to God for some kind of equal factor." Yaya stated in a sagely manner.

"I do not wish to talk of this anymore. I will inform Mistress Miyuki. That poor girl will become one of my personal maids." Hikari said with quite a bit of pain.

"Is that what you are going to do every time that...," Yaya paused as she made a cross and grasped her crucifix tightly. "...God forgive me, that dog Kaname violates another maid?"

"What am I supposed to do? Just allow her to do as she pleases?" Hikari said rather loudly.

"Please Hikari! We are in the house of the Lord!" Yaya protested.

"I am sorry Yaya." Hikari said with a sigh. "There are ... other things." Hikari said stopping mid sentence. "Would you like to join me for lunch? I do not think I could be very good company to Lady Nagisa at the moment." Hikari said seeming rather despondent to the idea now.

"You do not wish to receive that rascal's letter by yourself." Yaya teased lightly.

"Yaya!" Hikari responded with a blush. The response was enough to make Yaya laugh without restraint.

"I thought we were in the house of the Lord?" Hikari asked sourly.

"The Lord is happy and jubilant. He would want us to laugh and be joyful in his house from time to time." Yaya responded rather expertly.

"I have ordered some sweets for the lunch." Hikari stated trying to get away from the previous set of her own feelings.

"Wonderful. I will accept said sweets as payment." Yaya said rather boisterously.

"Even though you became a Sister, you are still like when we were children." Hikari said returning the tease.

"Oh? Just because I am a Vessel for God does not mean I have to give up my love for sweets." Yaya said parrying Hikari's jab. "I will also like to learn more about Lady Nagisa. I have never been to the German lands." Yaya said clearly interested.

"You are so easily amused." Hikari said as the two continued down the aisle and into another room.