Luka pulled the dress band around Miku's waist and knotted at the back. The princess smiled at her through the mirror and noted how much more radiant she seemed now. Over the past couple of months they had taken to leaving the castle at least once a week, maybe twice if they were lucky. The two had made friends around the town, but as for the blue haired man in the restaurant, they were yet to meet. Miku stared, and Luka eventually realised she was being watched. She smiled timidly.

"What's the matter, Miku-sama?"

Miku twisted around to meet her gaze.

"Are you going to maybe talk to him at least?" she tilted her head at the maid, whose face began to flush.

"Uh, maybe…?"

Miku wasn't satisfied.

"Today?" She gazed at Luka meaningfully. Luka squirmed under the intense look.

"Okay, okay, fine. Yes. Today."

Miku hopped and squeaked in delight, until she had a hand cover her mouth. Luka gave her a stern glance as another maid stood in the doorway. She bowed her head.

"Princess, I must inform you that your father has requested your presence tonight."

Miku groaned and almost banged her head on the wall in frustration.

"He would like you to meet the Prince of another land, I believe." The maid bowed her head again to the princess, who growled.

"Ugh, great. Brilliant. Thank you, Haku-san."

Haku nodded and left silently. Luka gazed at Miku, who had started pacing back and forth in front of the mirror, grumbling to herself and cursing her father. She stomped her foot and tilted her head back, screaming internally.

"Let's go, Luka-san," she exclaimed, seemingly bouncing back from her angry outburst. She grabbed the older woman's hand and nearly sprinted down the hallways, eager to leave as soon as possible.

When they were on the street, Luka gasped and placed her hands on her knees.

"Miku-chan," she wheezed. "Why are you running so fast?"

"'Because I wanna get out of there, that's why." She sniffed. "You don't understand what it's like."

"What?" The maid brushed pink hair from her vision and looked properly at the teenager.

"My dad's always trying to make me marry some random guy that I don't even know. I always refuse but he just keeps on persisting." She kicked the gravel. "It's so annoying. Why can't I just choose for myself?"

"Come on, Miku-chan, don't get too upset about it. Maybe this man will be different."

"Huh, I seriously doubt it. I expect he will be exactly like the rest - an insufferable, pompous, snobbish idiot." She spat the words. Luka backed away slightly and followed several steps behind her down the street.

Miku led her to the restaurant that they had become so familiar with. She pushed the door open and was greeted by Rin, the owner of the diner, who curtsied and took them over to a table in the corner. Miku thanked her, seated herself and motioned for Luka to sit. The two ordered their meals and sat in silence until Miku cleared her throat, which caught Luka's attention. They watched each other for a few moments.

"Luka-san, what should I do?" Miku asked. The maid only shook her head.

"I don't know, Miku-chan."

A man cleared his throat above them, shattering the intense atmosphere. The princess glanced up and grinned when she saw who it was.

"You," she pointed at him after he set the plates down. He glanced at her, confusion spreading out over his face. Miku indicated to another seat at the edge of the table. "Sit."

The man bowed and followed the girl's demand. Miku nodded at Luka, her eyes sparkling. She propped herself up on her elbows and turned the man again.

"What's your name?" she questioned. He seemed to shrink in his seat at her authoritative manner.

"Kaito," his voice shook.

"Kaito, huh? That's a cute name. But you know what else is a cute name?" She beamed at the maid. "Luka."

Luka blushed as Kaito turned to her. She nodded her head and introduced herself formally. The two of them began to speak properly as Miku clasped her hands and observed.

"Kawaii~" she whispered to herself.

"What was that, Miku-sama?" Luka glanced at her.

"Oh, nothing," Miku put the chopsticks to her mouth and smiled innocently. Seeing Luka and Kaito getting on so well filled her with joy, and she squealed in her mind. On the outside, however, she simply ate the rice that sat on the table in front of her and listened to Luka's laughs.

Later that evening, Miku stood next to her father and Luka, awaiting the arrival of the prince who her father was so keen for her to meet. She screwed up her face, but felt a comforting hand squeeze her shoulder. She looked up and met the maid's friendly gaze. She sighed and stood a little bit straighter, pulling on the skirt of her gown. Even though she hadn't met this man yet, he already annoyed her and she counted down the seconds until she could climb into her bed and sleep.

A knock was heard at the door as Haku came to alert them that their guest had arrived.

'Is it over yet?" Miku thought to herself.