CHAPTER 13

Lights, magnificent lights decorating the ball room, and colors swirling around. People, dancing and laughing, having a wonderful time, Royalty and peasants alike dancing together without a care in the world, and the royal family smiling upon their friends' joy and kingdoms' happiness. Princess' being asked to dance by princes, and being whisked away!

…

"No, Kyoko wake up! Please, love, wake up!" shouted a frantic prince…

Backwards:

"Ah! Mr. Taishou, the cakes!" a confused princess exclaimed from the door, "The cakes aren't frosted correctly… what happened?" calming down the chef explained that someone lost the instructions she gave them.

Thinking quickly though Taishou already made a new batch of cakes, waiting in the oven to be dressed, smiling cheerfully the princess set herself to work and showing them how to décor the cakes.

"And… there, all set. Now there won't be any mess ups!" undoing her apron she joyously skipped to the next location; the grand hall.

"Mr. Sawara is the list complete?" approached Ren followed by Kyoko, who was busy checking the decorations. Giving Ren an affirmative, he quickly rechecked the guest list and confirmed his affirmative.

"Good work Sawara, now let make sure nobody brings any red thorn roses, alright?" Ren gave a glare to the door and one to his friend, who clearly understood the little hidden threat: 'if someone does I'm holding you responsible.'

"Ren come on, you can play with Mr. Sawara later!" calling her dear friend to her.

Kyoko merrily walked over to the dining room. Following Ren stopped… he felt a chill, and not the good kind, run done his spine. Casually turning his head to the direction of the chill, Ren saw the bottom part of a long skirt or gown slip into the library. Moving a step closer to the door he was about to open it when his beloved charge called for him, once more. Glancing once to the library he moved, listening to Kyoko's lecture to Princess Maria and Prince Hio about them horse playing inside, Ren thought of the small image of a silky green cloth slip into the library. Coming up with nothing he shoved it to the back of his mind for later thought, and focused on what Kyoko was saying to him. Finally making it to the ball room, Kyoko helped set up the last of the props and smiled at the jobs well done.

"Okay that was a very good job everybody! I think we're all good, done with all the things needed to be finished… you all can have a break and relax 'til the party!" dismissing her hard workers Kyoko pulled Ren to her room. Once inside she looked at him from head to toe, feeling a little awkward of her observing him, he whined impatiently.

"Ren is there anything better for you to wear, rather than your gray button up and tie with black slacks?" shaking his head she sighed then frowned, motioning for him to approach her; he obliged.

"And… bwala, you have something nicer to wear!" moving her finger tips from her lips like she was blowing a kiss Kyoko stepped back and marveled at Ren's attar. The human formed shadow dog wore a dark silk blue dress shirt and a pure black tie with a suit jacket, and his black slacks and dress shoes, looking in the mirror Ren showed his sense of humor. Twisting his body as you would to check your clothes, and performing different poses Ren agreed with her sense of fashion. Snickering at his silliness, she playful smacked his arm and told him to quit admiring himself. Grinning he dismissed himself as to allow Kyoko to prepare for her party.

PARTY TIME!

The beginning was slow as most big parties begin that way, with people being introduced and groups being made (you know royals with royals, peasants with peasants… blah blah blah, labels 3:). As guests were presented, gifts to the princess were given.

"Father didn't I tell you to announce that this is a Christmas party, not my special day!" asked a slightly angered Kyoko, whom was smiling as she received these unexpected birthday gifts.

Smiling sheepishly, the king made an 'oops' with his shoulders raised and his hands upward. Shaking her head, Kyoko continued to smile and thank the kind person who presented a present to her, the princess smiled more truthfully when a little peasant girl and boy handed her a crown of small orange lion flowers and placed it on her head. Finally the announcement of King Kuu, Queen Julie, and Prince Kuon was announced and made everyone stop. Turning to watch the Hizuri family walk gracefully and prideful. Smiling widely Kyoko sat up straighter, keeping her eyes on Kuon who was doing the same. Blushing at how he looked at her, she stayed looking at his loving and smoldering eyes.

Reaching the throne steps the Hizuris all bowed and paid their respects. Raising together Kuu spoke and informed that they brought a gift for the blossoming princess, waiting the king gave permission for their gift. Kuon walked up to Kyoko, but two light guards halted him with their sharpened spears, and stared at him intensely.

"Apparently your guards seem to not want my son to hand your daughter his gift…" having a stare down, Kyoko stood from her sit and graciously walked around the guards and in between the cold death stares the two kings were giving each other.

"Enough both of you, I am surprised at you father! The king among kings acting childish, and in front of his people no less!" looking at his daughter then to his feet in shame. Before Kuu could smile at her lecturing her own father she turned to him, "I'd expect better from you, too, Mr. Hizuri. You came, and I thank you for that, however… your behavior feeds the rumors that were placed upon you and your family." Not shifting his eyes from hers, she continued.

"If my father cannot be the bigger man, then… Mr. Hizuri, you must be." Moving from her spot between the two now ashamed men Kyoko stood next to Kuon and looked at the two guards…

"And you two, my father okayed their gift, and you do this." motioning her hands up and down making them look at their spears, "Do you hoestly believe that they would try to do any harm to me?"

Eyes glued to their feet the two shook their heads and moved to their posts. Sighing then smiling at the little scene, Kyoko moved in front of Kuon, who smiled softly. Sharing a small conversation the two smiled, and he handed her the box that she accepted.

"Happy Birthday, *my* Kyoko…" he winked and moved back. Blushing Kyoko softly cleared her throat.

"Now everyone has been a counted for, correct? Then let the party begin!"

Everyone was a counted for, except the Light Queen… and Ren noticed it.

What's that slimy witch planning? Keep reading ;)