Hello again. Thank you for all the encouraging reviews. I really appreciate them. So I'm back with a brand new chapter. Hope you guys will like it.
So enjoy….
Disclaimer: I have no ownership over this anime and I make no money from this fic. It is simply for entertainment.
Amber eyes stared intently at the distant lake that beautified the royal gardens as its waters shimmered under the moonlight. A light breeze played with the raven locks as the figure slowly shifted her gaze towards the gigantic white orb - the moon- that shone as brightly as ever, proudly ruling the night sky as if assuring the world below that no darkness would prevail for as long as there was a single speck of light.
'Only that sometimes a speck of light isn't enough to overrule the raging darkness…' she mused.
A slight shiver went up her spine as a chilly wind brushed past her smooth skin. But she did not need to ponder on this for long as a silk shawl was gently wrapped around her shoulders.
"You shouldn't be out in the balcony at this time Princess."
Misaki quickly turned to acknowledge the new presence and smiled when she found herself looking into the deep brown orbs of Sakura, her friend, her confidant …her brother's personal slave.
"Its getting quite chilly, isn't it?" she commented meekly as she tightly draped the clothing around her form to welcome the warmth.
Sakura nodded slightly as she gazed intently at her friend's troubled face. She was very well aware of what was bothering the person who was standing before her…the only person she could confide in.
"Princess-"
"Misaki!" she interrupted instantly.
Sakura sighed before continuing, "Misaki, what's troubling you? And don't you dare deny it."
Misaki flinched. She could never hide her thoughts from Sakura.
"I didn't expect you to be free at this hour Sakura." Misaki stated, in a feeble attempt to dodge the question.
"Yes. Prince Kuuga was not in need of my…assistance tonight" Sakura replied in a soft voice.
Misaki cringed as she saw the sorrow that was now etched in her eyes.
'Great going Misaki. What an astounding way to change the topic! You deserve a pat on the back.' She silently scolded herself.
Silence stretched between as Sakura waited patiently for her answer.
"Sakura?"
"Yes?"
"Do you cherish the days before you were sold off?" Misaki blurted out.
Sakura's eyes widened.
"I-I mean-"
Before Misaki could rephrase her question, she was cut off by Sakura's curt answer.
"Every single moment of every single day."
Misaki cringed as she took in Sakura's watery eyes.
"Sakura, I am sorry."
"It is not your fault Princess…not your fault at all." Sakura assured giving a sad smile before taking her leave.
Misaki watched guiltily as Sakura gently closed the door behind her before returning to her 'moon-gazing'. Her eyes looked at everything yet saw nothing. Her ears alert to the slightest of sound yet being deaf to even the loudest of explosions. She clenched her fists and sighed as Sakura's words rang in her head.
'Every single moment of every single day.'
"Please…father" she whispered to the wind, before returning to her chamber.
…...
Honoka jerked forward and almost fell on top of Misaki as the chariot passed over another pit. Her bones had really started to remind her of her age.
"Ugh! I would really like to continue walking Sir." She screamed out to the charioteer, who quickly apologized and slowed down their pace.
Misaki giggled at her governess's childish tantrum but was immediately silenced by a mock glare.
"What made you decide to suddenly visit the market in such a fine morning Misaki!? We could have strolled around the gardens and appreciate the flowers." She whined.
"Oh Honoka!" Misaki chuckled. "Sometimes I wonder who the older one between us is."
"Definitely not me." Honoka huffed.
Misaki giggled before continuing, "I wish to buy Sakura a present as a token of my apology. I might have upset her yesterday with my stupid question."
Honoka, catching the seriousness in her voice, became alert.
"What might that be?"
"I asked her whether she cherishes the days before her enslavement."
Misaki shut her eyes as her reply immediately came rushing back to her.
'Every single moment of every single day.'
"Ah that poor child. Her young eyes have faced a lot of hardship."
Honoka's words quickly brought Misaki out of her thoughts.
"Honoka, is slavery that bad? That painful?"
Honoka smiled sadly at the innocent question as she rested a comforting hand on Misaki's head.
"More than mere words could describe."
Before Misaki could reply she was cut off by the charioteer.
"Your Highness, we have reached your destination."
"Lets go Misaki."
"H-Hai."
Honoka stepped out of the vehicle with Misaki following suit.
She rubbed her back to ease her aching bones as her eyes widened at the huge crowd that awaited them.
"Misaki has the public been informed of your arrival?"
"No Honoka. Father would have otherwise sent an army with us for protection." Misaki shuddered and continued, "To merge in with the others we have this disguise."
Honoka examined their simple clothing before resenting.
"I guess that means many people have to apologize to their friends then." She smirked.
Misaki giggled and both the females began to push their way in to the market.
-Time skip-
"Good gracious! That took a toll. I'm exhausted. Sakura better forgive you after that." Honoka exclaimed as she wiped off the beads of sweat from her forehead.
"C'mon Honoka you are tougher than that."
"Of course I am. I was worried about you Princess." Honoka sputtered.
"SShhh!" Misaki silenced Honoka by placing a finger on her lips. "It's Misaki. You wouldn't want the public to start pouncing on us, would you" she whispered.
Realizing her mistake, Honoka quickly apologized before continuing, "With your present bought, can we please now return to the pal-err cottage?"
"Sure."
As they made their way back to their vehicle, a certain word floated into Misaki's ears from a nearby gathering which stopped her dead in her tracks.
Her eyes widened before she gasped.
"KILL! KILL! KILL!"
So what do you think? Takumi is going to make an appearance in the next chapter. Please let me know your views on this chapter. Until next time…. Peace out!