Special thanks to my reviewers! Your reviews are always so supportive and motivate me to write. I hope you like this chapter! Apologies if some things aren't historically correct. I am either unaware of them or just don't feel like including them. Thanks!

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Chapter 7: Starry Night

Misaki stood on a pedestal. Everyone in the room was rushing around and she was the only one motionless. Minako hired the best seamstresses in the land to make her engagement gown and wedding dress.

The seamstresses talked amongst themselves and had different fabrics wrapped around Misaki to examine the color.

The Duke had sent all sorts of gifts of fabric. The maids in her home would often gaze longingly at the hundreds of bolts of rich fabric. Yet no one understood how Misaki felt nor did they dare ask. Asking wouldn't make a difference because what's done is done.

"This silk..." one seamstress said throwing some over Misaki's shoulder. "Would be so elegant!" The color matched the stone on Misaki's ring, a soft bluish green.

"No no" another said throwing a yard of ice blue silk over Misaki's other shoulder. "This one..."

"Announcing the Countess!" someone yelled. Everyone dropped down to their knees.

"Rise" Minako said. She approached her daughter. "Misaki" she greeted.

"Mother" Misaki said turning up her lips into a practiced smile.

"How are things progressing?" she asked.

"Color dispute" Misaki answered.

Minako nodded. "Show me"

The seamstresses rushed up and presented their ideas. Misaki didn't understand the clothing terms and let her thoughts drift to her sword fight with the Duke. What will she say if he asked? Maybe she'll just act like the idea was outrageous.

"Misaki" her mother said. Misaki blinked a few times.

"Yes?" she asked.

Her mother sighed. "I was calling your name...I think this soft blue would look so sophisticated but the ice blue would be striking. Which do you like?"

Misaki looked at the contrasting colors. Both were blue yet so different. "I don't understand such things..." she said softly.

Minako sighed again. "Let's be striking then" she decided. The seamstresses nodded and everyone was put back to work again.

"Misaki!" Sakura called, she and Shizuko were carrying boxes and chests. They unpacked the boxes revealing shoes, sashes and more jewelry.

Shizuko squeezed Misaki's hand and helped her try on different headpieces and shoes. By the evening everything was set. The dress was being made and everything from shoes to Misaki's hair was decided.

Misaki decided to skip dinner and changed into a simple linen dress with a heavy green sash. She stepped outside into the courtyard. The wind blew slightly, sending her raven hair flying. Misaki drew out her sword and pointed it at an invisible enemy.

Her hand felt like it belonged on the hilt as she swung it around and around. This seemed so natural to her, unlike all the jewels and silks. Misaki kept her skirt hitched up in one hand as she stepped through complicated steps. She always hated learning the technicalities of swordplay but now it was a welcoming distraction.

Misaki narrowed her amber eyes and sliced the top of a rose off and set it flying into the air. She swung her sword up and cut up the flower with lightening fast wrist movements. Tiny individual petals floated onto the grass.

Misaki let out a defeated breath. Her determination was wearing thin. She shoved the sword back into its scabbard and ran. She was breathing hard as she tore through the woods. She angrily knocked the branches out of her way and didn't stop until she burst into an opening. Everything was silent except the running of the brook.

Misaki dipped a bare foot into the ice cold water. She shivered but forced herself to put the other foot in too. Her feet stung as she trudged through the running water. The bottom of her skirt was soaked but she kept going. Her home could no longer be seen for large trees blocked it. She hit the dry land...running.

Misaki didn't know what she was running from. It just seemed like it she traveled far enough, all her pain would be over. She climbed up onto a hill and collapsed onto the soft grass. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was a beautiful palette of blue, orange and pink. Misaki closed her eyes and listened to her racing heart slow. She lay there motionless as if blending in with nature. The colorful sky soon faded to a midnight blue. Stars lit up one by one.

"Ayuzawa!" a voice called. Misaki listened to the calling not processing the fact that it was her name.

"Ayuzawa!" an unfamiliar voice yelled, shaking her. Misaki jerked up and found herself looking into emerald green eyes.

"Tadao?" she asked puzzled, but then her blood chilled. Tadao didn't exist...and she just blew her last cover. Misaki covered her mouth and started breathing in ragged breaths. Panic bubbled in her throat. This marriage was going to be over.

"Are you alright?" Usui said wrapping his cloak over her shoulders. "Are you hurt?" he asked.

Misaki shook her head.

"How did you get so far out here?" Usui asked gently.

"I-I ran" Misaki said.

"Your family is really worried" Usui told her. "I came looking for you when your mother said you were missing."

Misaki swallowed hard. "How did you find me?" she asked softly.

Usui smiled. "I tracked your steps" he explained. "Let's get you back" he said sweeping Misaki up. Misaki gasped.

"I-I I can walk!" she stammered, heat creeping up to her face. Usui ignored her protests and helped her up onto his horse. He swung himself up behind her. Misaki felt her heart racing. She had never ridden a horse with another man before. The closeness of their bodies made Misaki feel light headed for some reason.

"Don't worry you're safe now" he promised her. He kicked his horse into a trot.

"I am perfectly fine" Misaki squeaked out. "I can protect myself!" she snapped.

"I know...Mikio" Usui said with a grin.

Misaki gasped as snapped her head back. Usui smiled back at her.

"...Y-you knew?" she asked, feeling her hysteria rise again.

Usui smirked. "I think I would know a woman when I see one"

"B-but" Misaki said at a loss for words. "Y-y-y-ou agreed to marry me" Misaki spluttered. She was making a fool out of herself right now but she was too shocked to care.

"I knew Mikio was a woman but I didn't know that woman was a noble," Usui explained. "Gave me quite a surprise when I saw you" Usui admitted.

"How do you think I felt when I saw you?!" Misaki demanded.

Usui just chuckled. "Looks like we have some things in common..."

Misaki licked her lips. "Then why'd you agree to marry me?" Misaki asked. "Don't you find me improper?"

"Most improper" Usui said. Misaki's heart felt crushed when she heard his words though she wondered why she would even care.

"...But that's why I like you" he said bluntly. "You aren't like everyone else"

Misaki turned back around and looked at Usui, wide eyed.

"You're home, my lady" Usui said, sliding off the horse. He helped Misaki down despite her annoyance. They walked into the bright room. Misaki squinted slightly against the lights.

"Misaki!" Minako exclaimed throwing her arms around her. "Are you alright?" Minako asked, crying.

"I am fine" Misaki said apologetically. "I got a little sidetracked on my walk" she explained.

"I was so worried" Minako said wiping her eyes. Suzana gave running down and hugged her sister.

"I'm glad you are safe" Suzana said.

"Thank you, Duke Usui" Minako said crying. "I am so thankful for you..."

Usui patted the crying Countess's hand. "Anytime" he said. He turned to leave.

"Wait your cloak!" Misaki called after him.

"Keep it" Usui said. "I'll see you tomorrow then" he said waving.

Misaki's family and friends hugged her making her swear never to wander off like that again. Satsuki drew a hot bath for Misaki and then tucked her into bed.

"The Duke was rather romantic" Sakura said, sighing when they were alone. Misaki laughed.

"Tell us what happened" Shizuko begged.

"Did you ride his horse?" Sakura whispered excitedly.

"He gave you his cloak too," Shizuko added.

"It was nothing" Misaki said disappointing her friends. "He found me while I was looking at the stars and took me home"

Sakura pouted. "I bet he heroically draped his cloak around you" she said demonstrating with Usui's cloak. "And swept you off your feet onto his white steed"

Misaki blushed. "Stop it" she scolded. "I hardly even know him!"

"He is so handsome," Sakura said. "Have you seen those eyes?"

Misaki rolled her eyes. "Yes yes" she said waving off the silly thoughts. She had seen his eyes. Those deep green orbs that always glinted with amusement.

"Girls" Satsuki exclaimed bursting through the door. "Its late.." she scolded. "Misaki has a big day tomorrow. We don't want our lady to have dark circles"

Sakura and Shizuko both hugged Misaki goodnight and left. The girls exchanged another peal of giggles before Satsuki shut the door.

"Come now, my child" Satsuki said. Before bed, Satsuki tied Misaki's hair up with rags. "Your hair will look absolutely stunning tomorrow" Satsuki promised.

"I shall miss you" Misaki said with a sigh. Satsuki looked over tenderly at the girl she helped rear.

"My lady only needs to say the word and I will accompany her for the rest of my life" Satsuki reminded Misaki softly.

Misaki shook her head. "Stay with Suzana" she said squeezing her nurse's hands. "She will need to be looked after when I leave"

"I will care for Lady Suzana just as I cared for you" Satsuki swore.

"This sounds very old of me to say..." Misaki began. "But that puts my heart to ease"

Satsuki laughed. "You are a loving and compassionate woman" Satsuki told her. "You're fearless as well as courageous and I am positive that your future is bright. God will not forget you"

"Thanks" Misaki said. Satsuki smoothed down Misaki's blanket and blew out the candle.

"Goodnight, my lady"