Disclaimer: I own none of the characters except for OC's

An Unafraid Pure Heart

The palace was in a rush of activity. Servants and maids were scrambling to get the palace completely organized before the Kingdom meeting started. It was especially frantic due to the fact that all Kingdom representatives would be attending.

Everyone was on edge; especially due to the fact no one knew what was going to happen. Would the South be dragged into the war between the Eastern and Western Kingdoms?

"Sheesh, you can really feel the tension in this place," Otoya said with a sigh, his dog-ears drooping slightly. "It's making the palace feel so stuffy."

Haruka giggled as she wiped a smudge off the window to one of the study rooms. For the whole month of preparations, Haruka was temporarily excused from her usual duties as Masato's assistant.

"How do you think the meeting will go?" Haruka asked.

"Hmm," Otoya mused. "It's a little hard to say. Especially since we don't know who the Western Kingdom is going to send."

"Is the West really as bad as people say?" Haruka asked.

The rumors floating around about the Western Kingdom weren't particularly positive. Most people would say that the West wants more land, which caused the war with the East.

There were also rumors that the West were the ones that caused the epidemic that spread throughout the kingdoms several years back and blamed it on the wolves to the east.

Haruka didn't believe any of said rumors since none of them had been proven true as of yet. People probably have a negative outlook towards the West since they are at war with an allied kingdom.

'They can't possibly be as bad as the rumors make them out to be.' Haruka said to herself.

Otoya shrugged. "Not really sure myself since I've always heard things secondhand."

"Hm."

While Otoya was wiping down one of the desks, his dog-ears twitched. He paused and walked over to one of the desks in the corner. When he peered underneath the desk, he let out a shocked yelp and stumbled backwards.

"Ittoki-kun, are you all right?" Haruka asked, rushing to her friend's side.

"Y-Yeah, it's just…" Otoya stammered.

Following where Otoya was looking, Haruka nearly had a heart attack when she spotted someone lying underneath.

From the uniform, Haruka could tell that it was a Royal Palace knight. Her heart nearly dropped when she thought the knight could have been dead. However, her fears were put to rest when she heard a loud snore.

"Not again…" Otoya sighed while he ran a hand through his hair.

"U-Um, excuse me, knight-san." Haruka said as she placed a hand on the sleeping knight's shoulder.

Upon contact, the knight immediately jumped, successfully slamming his head against the desk.

"GAH!" the knight cried, holding his wounded head.

Otoya and Haruka watched as the knight scrambled from underneath the desk until he finally made it to his feet.

"I'm awake! I'm awake! Please don't tell Captain Ichinose!" the knight cried.

Realizing that the only others in the room were the two servants, the knight's posture relaxed.

"Ah…sorry about that," The knight said with a dopy smile while he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "I get really paranoid when I get caught sleeping."

"Then maybe you shouldn't sleep on the job then, huh Daiki?" Otoya said as the knight chuckled sheepishly.

"In any case, I don't think we've met before," Daiki said, turning to Haruka. "Looks like I've been graced by the presence of a cute lady."

"Daiki, cut it out!" Otoya cried as Haruka blushed brightly from the compliment.

Daiki laughed at the young man's reaction but was cut short when someone grabbed the back of his collar.

"So this is where you were hiding," Tokiya said in annoyance.

"Tokiya? What are you doing here?" Otoya asked.

"Isn't it obvious? I noticed there was one less guard on duty."

"Oh, I um…got up early and had some extra time. So I decided to get in some extra rest before I head out. Guess I just lost track of time, Captain." Daiki said with a nervous chuckle.

Tokiya's eyes narrowed. "I suggest you get rid of that habit before I have you take double shifts. This is no time to be slacking."

"Right, right, the Kingdom meeting." Daiki said as if he was waving it off.

Tokiya immediately tightened his grip on the man's collar, causing a choking noise to escape his mouth.

"I don't think you're aware of how crucial this meeting is. If anything were to go wrong, we might find ourselves in the middle of this war."

"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry-gck!" Daiki choked out.

"Please heed this man no mind and continue your work." Tokiya said to the two redheads before dragging Daiki out of the room.

"The knights are on guard duty?" Haruka asked. While she was helping to clean up the palace, Haruka had noticed a lot more royal knights stationed within the palace. Which was odd since most would be patrolling the town.

Otoya nodded. "His Majesty raised security for the meeting since representatives from each Kingdom will be attending. And just like Tokiya said, if anything were to go wrong, we might end up jeopardizing our involvement in the war between the East and West. The Kingdom is already having enough problems as it is due to famine and Guardian attacks. I doubt his Majesty wants to get involved in a war that doesn't even have anything to do with us."

"That's true," Haruka said. "I just hope everything goes smoothly."

Masato exhaled deeply as he frowned at the reports in front of him. Throwing the pieces of paper ungracefully on the desk, Masato leaned back in his chair and stared up at the ceiling of his office.

The reports said there was a lot more activity coming from the West near the southwestern border. While the report concluded that nothing seemed threatening in the rising activity, Masato couldn't help but be a little suspicious. The fact there was more activity just in front of the borders was enough to make the South a little anxious.

'Something definitely isn't right…' Masato said to himself.

Masato's thoughts were cut off when the door to his office opened, revealing a familiar amber-eyed servant.

"Good morning," Haruka said while holding a tea tray. "I was wondering if you would like a cup of tea before the meeting."

Masato felt himself relax as a small smile spread across his face. "Thank you, that was very thoughtful of you. It's been a while since you've delivered my tea."

"It was you who placed me on cleaning duty in the first place, your Highness," Haruka said with a small giggle at the end. "It feels like it's been a while since we were able to talk like this."

It had been nearly a month since they interacted at length. While they would share a word when they did pass each other, Masato missed his time spent with her.

"We've been both busy with our respective duties. It couldn't be helped," Masato replied before he took a small sip of tea. "Everything should go back to normal once this meeting is over. That is, if everything goes accordingly."

"Everyone is pretty on edge about the meeting. Is it because of the Western Kingdom?"

Masato sighed. "They are a rather big part of it considering we have no idea what they're doing. However, our relations with the North are also rather shaky despite them having a neutral standing. And while we have a friendship treaty with the East, we have to continue upholding our deals. In order for us to not fall into conflict with each other, we all have to come to a consensus and I'm not sure if that is even possible."

He ran an anxious hand through his hair, desperate to keep a hold of his nerves. This would be his first time acting as a representative for his Kingdom at such a high scale meeting. While his father would be there to act as the main representative, Masato was still expected to give his input.

'What if I say something that could jeopardize our relations with the other Kingdoms?' Masato thought in a panic. 'What if I can't meet my father's expectations…?'

A hand reached out and gently lay on top of his. Masato snapped his attention up to Haruka, hardly realizing that he was clenching his fists so hard they were shaking.

"I believe you'll do everything you can to prevent conflict between us and the other Kingdoms." Haruka said as she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

Masato stared at her in surprise. Her words stirred something in him he couldn't place. How in the world did she know exactly what he needed to hear?

Letting out a shaky breath, a soft smile tugged at his lips. Closing his eyes for a moment, Masato took in a long and deep inhale. This was no time to be hesitant, not if it meant the sake of so many people. He had to be strong, strong enough to someday lead this Kingdom.

Feeling his anxiety decrease, he looked back up at Haruka with a grateful smile. "Thank you. I feel a little better now."

"I'm glad I can help," Haruka said with a brilliant smile, retracting her hand from his. "I guess even rulers need to be encouraged once in a while."

Masato chuckled. "You really are a remarkable woman, Nanami."

Haruka's cheeks immediately lit up before looking to the side bashfully. "Y-You're much too kind, your Highness."

At that very moment, Masato had an overwhelming desire to kiss her. It was then he became strikingly aware of how close they were. If he reached out to her, he could pull her to him-

Realizing his thoughts, the prince looked away and berated himself for thinking such things.

'What is wrong with me…?' Masato thought to himself as his heart beat almost painfully against his chest.

A part of him wanted to flee the room until he got a grip of his normally controlled emotions but remained glued to his seat. Last thing he wanted was to make a scene right before an important meeting.

Masato internally cursed. He thought he had more self-control than this. So why was he getting so flustered just by seeing Haruka's flushed expression.

'Why…why am I feeling this way…?'

The moment was broken when there was a knock at the door. Both Masato and Haruka flinched before quickly trying to compose themselves as a knight entered the room.

"Your Highness," the knight said with a bow. "Your father requests your presence in the meeting hall immediately."

Clearing his throat to try and get a hold of his feelings, Masato stood from his seat and nodded. "Thank you, I'll be there in a moment."

The knight bowed once more before excusing himself out of the room.

Masato let out another sigh before allowing his shoulders to slump.

"Are you sure you're going to be all right?" Haruka asked while her cheeks still slightly flushed.

The prince turned towards Haruka and did his best to give her a confident smile. Though he felt his confidence falter slightly. Whether it was from the stress of having to deal with his father or their little moment earlier, he wasn't sure.

"I'll do my best." Masato said.

Haruka wasn't sure what to think. Her heart was still beating at a rapid pace despite her attempts to calm it.

"You really are a remarkable woman, Nanami."

Remembering his words made Haruka's heartbeat quicken as she felt her chest get warmer. Despite her flustered state she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. She had never been complimented in such a way before. It made her feel special in a way…

Her thoughts were interrupted when she accidentally bumped into someone.

"Ah! I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going." Haruka cried before immediately bowing.

"…You again?"

Haruka looked up and was surprised to see Tokiya glaring down at her.

"Oh, Ichinose-san."

"If you have time to be daydreaming, I suggest you get back to attending your duties." Tokiya said coldly.

"I was about to…" Haruka replied rather weakly. However, she decided to try and ease the icy tension. "H-How have you been, Ichinose-san? I haven't seen you in a while."

"Why does it matter? It is none of your concern."

"Oh, I see…"

"I suggest acting nicer towards a lady, Ichi."

Haruka turned and was surprised to see Ren walking towards them.

"You'll never be popular with the ladies if you act like that."

Tokiya narrowed his eyes. "Shouldn't you be on guard duty near the front gate?"

"What's wrong with taking a break once in a while?" Ren said with a shrug.

Tokiya let out an annoyed sigh. "Only things that are taken seriously and efficiently will have the best results. As long as the job gets done efficiently, nothing else matters. However, some people don't seem to understand that."

"And this is why you don't have any friends, Ichi." Ren said with a smirk, earning him an icy glare from Tokiya.

"Being efficient is good, but are you happy?" Haruka asked as Tokiya and Ren looked over at her. "I mean, if you're focused on just your job you would miss out on the little things that could make your day so much brighter."

Thinking about it that way, Haruka realized if she had just focused on her work, she would not have become such good friends with Tomochika, Otoya and Natsuki.

Not only that, but she would not be as close to Masato as she is now as well. Not having any of these people in her life would have been so lonely.

"The lady has a point," Ren said. "Why not stop and smell the roses sometime? It would do you some good."

"Enough," Tokiya said, raising his voice before turning to Haruka. "Worry more about your own work. You don't have time to worry about someone else. The Kingdom Representatives will be arriving within the hour. I suggest both of you get back to work."

Without another word, Tokiya walked away.

"Sheesh, he and the Prince are such sticklers. They should really learn to lighten up." Ren said with a sigh while rubbing the back of his head.

Haruka's gaze fell to the floor, slumping her shoulders in the process. His words stung, but she couldn't help but think of how lonely his words had sounded. Granted, she knew nearly nothing about Tokiya, but she couldn't help but feel the want to try and change his perspective even if just a little.

"Little lamb?"

Haruka immediately snapped out of her thoughts and looked over at Ren, who was grinning mischievously at her.

"You looked rather dazed. Is everything all right?" Ren asked, leaning close to her face. "Because I could definitely make it better."

"Um, that's quite all right. I'm fine," Haruka said with a nervous smile as she took a few steps back. "But thank you for stepping in to help."

"That's another one you owe me," Ren said with a grin. "I'm still awaiting for my reward from last time you know."

"I'm not sure if what you have in mind is within my price range." Haruka said warily.

Ren blinked at her a couple times before he burst out in laughter.

"You really are an interesting one." Ren said, still chuckling as he pat her on the head and started walking away.

"J-Jinguji-san?" Haruka stammered in slight confusion.

Ren offered a wave over his shoulder without turning to look at her. "I'll see you later, little lamb."

Haruka let out a sigh once Ren was out of sight. There were so many things running through Haruka's head that she didn't know what to do.

'No, I can't get discouraged,' Haruka told herself. 'I have to focus on what I can do now.'

Haruka slapped her cheeks with both hands, her eyes flashing with determination.

'Right, I have to continue working my best to help make the palace look the best that it can be.'

With that, Haruka took off down the hall towards the maids' supply closet.

The front gates swung open, revealing several well-dressed individuals. They came in pairs with a set of bodyguards on every side.

Tokiya observed each pair with a hawk-like gaze, wondering what they were thinking of putting down at the meeting.

The first pair to enter the palace gates were two tall males in long black cloaks. Their collars were lined with gold and had an intricate design. Underneath their cloaks, they each wore a dark suit with a tie. Tokiya gauged that they were most likely representatives of the Northern Kingdom. Always secretive and shrouded in mystery despite their neutrality.

Second pair to arrive were men in dark robes and swords attached to their belts. Both had dark hair that was tied up. One individual had longer hair that flowed down his back while the other was a bit shorter and rested comfortably on his shoulder. However, their most distinguishable traits were the wolf ears and tails, which was a large indicator they were from the Eastern Kingdom.

The last pair to arrive wore fur-like cloaks around their shoulders and white suits with black collars. They had knee high boots and golden tassels on their shoulders. Both were rather tall and slim and had cat ears and tails.

Upon seeing them, Tokiya's eyes narrowed. Out of everyone the Western Kingdom could have sent, he never would have expected them to send the Prince and his brother.

There were rumors that the two had imprisoned wolves from the East and conducted horrible experiments on them which served to escalate the war between the West and East.

Nothing was proved however, but Tokiya couldn't help but feel cautious about them. Something about them seemed a little off.

Once all the representatives passed through the gates, they were ushered into the palace and into the main meeting room. When all of them were settled into their seats, Masato and his father entered the room, the doors closing behind them.

With the doors finally closed, Tokiya could finally breathe. Watching the representatives slowly make their way to the meeting room was almost unbearable. The amount of tension that was hanging thickly in the air was causing even Tokiya to feel a little uncomfortable.

However, it was too soon to be able to relax. The tension wouldn't diminish until all the representatives left the palace.

'Now all we can do is wait…' Tokiya said to himself as he began his patrol through the halls.

While he patrolled through the hallways, Tokiya went through his mental checklist.

"Hah!"

Tokiya paused. He glanced over and out the window to see Otoya. The redhead was currently swinging around a broom as if it were a sword.

'What in the world is he doing?' Tokiya wondered in annoyance.

"Hey, Ichinose."

Captain Hyuuga walked up next to Tokiya, surprising the knight.

"Ah, Captain Hyuuga," Tokiya said with a salute. "I had heard you had returned not too long ago. How was your patrol?"

"Long. Though I suppose I should be used to it by now," Hyuuga answered. "However, I wasn't expecting a Kingdom meeting to be underway when I returned."

Tokiya nodded. "You've been away, so it's no surprise you weren't informed until you had returned."

"So it seems."

Hyuuga came over to the window beside Tokiya and gazed down at Otoya. "Hmph, his technique is terrible."

"Indeed."

"While staying at the palace, I've caught him a few times waving that broom around," Hyuuga said with a chuckle as an older servant came over and started scolding Otoya. "While he lacks technique, the kid has passion. Something even great knights tend to lack."

"He's just merely waving a wooden stick around. I would hardly call that passion. It's just him goofing off from his responsibilities." Tokiya replied.

"To some maybe, but you missed the fire in his eyes. If given the chance, I believe he would make a fine knight."

Tokiya shook his head. "I don't understand why you're telling me this. It has nothing to do with me."

"If that's what you think, you're missing the point."

Tokiya flinched slightly when Hyuuga suddenly jabbed him in the chest with his finger. "You're a great knight Ichinose. But I would consider doing some self-reevaluations. This Kingdom has no room for those who are lacking heart."

The dark haired knight was taken aback as Hyuuga let out a dry chuckle.

"Sorry, but I don't believe in lying. In any case, I need to get back to my post."

Hyuuga then excused himself before he strolled down the hallway, leaving Tokiya alone to dwell in his thoughts.

It had been nearly three hours since the start of the Kingdom meeting and Haruka was beginning to worry about how Masato was doing. She knew he was extremely nervous about the whole ordeal and could only pray that he would get through the meeting without problems.

"Hm? What are you thinking about?" Tomochika asked, currently resting from polishing the statues lining the front of the palace. "You looked kind of out of it. Are you all right?"

"I guess I'm just a little worried about how his Highness-" Haruka paused before feeling her face gradually get warmer and warmer.

Did she seriously just say that out loud?!

"Oh ho?" Tomochika said with a mischievous grin. "Worried about the prince, are we?"

"W-Well of course I'm worried! H-He was really worried about the meeting as well," Haruka stuttered, cursing how warm her cheeks were. "B-Besides, what's wrong with friends worrying about each other?"

Haruka visibly flinched when Tomochika's grin only widened. "So you two are more than employer and servant? Interesting…"

"W-What is?" Haruka asked nervously.

Tomochika giggled before going back to polishing the statue in front of her. "Oh, nothing~"

Haruka could only huff in annoyance at her friend's childish antics.

Unbeknownst to them, two figures watched them from one of the first story windows.

"Hmm?" the cat man purred as his slanted, golden eyes followed Haruka's every movement. "Her eyes are very interesting."

The other beside him chuckled. "Why are you interested in such a boring woman, brother? She's a mere servant. Besides, the way her eyes are makes her look like a freak."

A broad grin spread across the man's face, showing his pointed fangs. "That's what makes her interesting."

"You two!"

The two cat people glanced over to see Masato and Kaito standing a little down the hall.

"The intermission is just about over. We're waiting on the two of you." Masato said.

"And the Southern Kingdom Prince has come to retrieve us, what an honor." Mejojo replied in a tone that Masato didn't appreciate.

"Truly an honor indeed," Auger replied with an amused chuckle. "We shouldn't keep them waiting any longer, right brother?"

The cat twins smirked at each other before walking towards Masato. As they passed, Mejojo shot Masato a suspicious grin causing the Southern Kingdom prince to narrow his eyes.

"What was that about?" Kaito asked, watching the two Western Kingdom representatives continue their way down the hall.

Masato was silent for a moment before shaking his head. "We should head back as well."

Kaito huffed in acknowledgement before following after Masato down the hall and back into the meeting room. The doors closing with a loud slam.

A/N: This chapter definitely didn't take me half as long as the previous one. I'm hoping I was able to move things along here and not delay the inevitable. Anyways, yes, all characters that are appearing are from different otomes (save for my oc's). If you can name the ones I described I will give you a small snippet of the next chapter in your message box. X'D

Hope you all enjoyed and I thank you for keeping up with this fic. Reviews are much appreciated (tell me what you think works or isn't working). Thank you so much for reading!