A/N: Onpu will finally be in this chapter as well as Momoko.

Since Momoko is the Princess of Albany, anything related to her 'culture' will be described as 'Albanish'

Chapter 6 - Princess Momoko
Kyoto Port, Maizuru
29 July 073

Doremi stepped out of the carriage and looked at the sparkling water; it didn't take long for her to notice a small ship sailing towards the harbour. The design of the ship was one she had never seen before.

She turned to Akatsuki, "My Lord Husband, what design is that boat? It looks quite different to what I am familiar with."

"It's a ship, dear. An Albanish one," Akatsuki replied, amusement in his voice at Doremi's naivety, "Their designs are different to ours. Please do not be surprised when the Princess comes out of the ship wearing a differently designed gown."

"I won't. I am sure it'll look lovely." Doremi assured him as Poppu joined her side.

The ship soon pulled into the port and Akatsuki stepped forward to greet the Princess first.

"Your Highness," he greeted, taking her hand and leading her over to the others while still keeping her at a distance from them, "I trust you had a safe trip?"

"Your Majesty," she curtsied deeply before responding, "I did. Aside from feeling quite ill through some of it, it was pleasant."

"I wish for you to meet my wife, the Queen." Akatsuki turned the Princess around to his red headed partner.

Momoko, once again, curtsied low, "Your Majesty. It is a privilege to meet you. I hope we can talk more soon."

"As do I," Doremi smiled. She didn't see why Akatsuki told her not to act shocked about the Princess's dress; she thought it looked amazing. Momoko wore a pale blue and white gown with a long tail flowing behind it. The neckline scooped low in a curve with silver embroidered on it. The sleeves looked heavy with the amount of layers there were compared to Doremi's gowns, but the Princess held herself with grace, not showing the strain she must feel from wearing the heavy gown along with the pale blue headdress that held her hair in place, letting it cascade down her back while also keeping it off her face. Doremi felt jealous by the attire Momoko wore. She felt like one of the ainu – the unclean – next to her.

"I trust you wish to meet the Prince?" Akatsuki asked

"It's why I'm here, isn't it?" Momoko replied. She didn't sound amused. She just wanted to get on with it; she was here to marry the Prince of Kyoto and that's what she'll do.

"Well, of course!" Akatsuki laughed, trying to ease the tension. He led her over to Doremi and then nodded at a servant to go and fetch Leon.

A few minutes later, the blonde Prince walked through the crowd of people that had come to see their King, Queen, and current heirs, and up to the Princess.

"Princess Momoko," he bowed and kissed her hand, "Such a privilege to be in your presence."

"A pleasure to be in yours also," Momoko replied with a small curtsy.

"Your trip went well?" Leon asked, hiding a smirk when he noticed Akatsuki's gobsmacked expression in his peripheral vision. Leon was never this polite and formal.

Momoko nodded, "The weather did not disrupt the trip, although, I did get sick throughout some of it."

Leon looked legitimately concerned, "And you're alright now?"

Momoko smiled, "Yes, Your Grace. It is only on the water I feel ill."

"The same goes with me, Princess. I don't like travelling via the sea."

Leon looked over his future bride. She looked quite stunning. The pale blue and white of her gown went with her pale skin and made her golden hair more noticeable. Her green eyes were sparkling, although he could see some nervousness in them. He would never have to know what she felt; he would never have to leave his homeland to marry another. Leon couldn't see much through the heavy gown that he was sure was melting her in the summer heat, but he could guess that Momoko had a decent chest and curves. Akatsuki knew how to choose a Princess – and one that spoke Japanese also.

"Are you ready to head back to the Palace, Your Highness?" Leon asked

Momoko nodded and picked up her skirts as Leon gestured over to the carriage. Yabu helped Momoko inside before Leon got in also.

Akatsuki walked over to the ship where a man was checking to make sure it was all well for the journey back.

"Thank you for bringing the Princess, sir." He said.

"You're most welcome," the man replied, "The Princess has two ladies who will be accompanying her now, but some more will be coming next week, along with the rest of the Princesses things and her dowry."

Akatsuki nodded. "I don't want the Princess to be alone in a foreign country. Where are the ladies?"

The man turned around and gave a gesture. Two young ladies, no older than twenty stepped out of the ship and curtsied in front of the King, "Your Majesty."

Akatsuki surveyed the two girls. They both had purple hair around the same length. One girl had darker skin and wore a deep orange gown adorned with jewels while the other had lighter skin and wore a gown that was a combination of light aqua colours with aquamarine gemstones sewn into it. Both ladies were quite beautiful.

"Please state your names." Akatsuki said.

The dark skinned girl spoke first, "I am Elizabeth Brown, daughter to the Duke of Argyle. Most people call me Beth, however."

"I am Onpu Segawa. My father is the Earl of Segawa and took the name as his own."

Akatsuki nodded, "It is lovely to meet you ladies. There is a spare carriage waiting for you. The Earl of Kawasaki will escort you." He nodded to Yabu.

Beth and Onpu rose from their curtsies, their Albanish gowns dragging behind them as they made their way into the carriage.

"You two will be sitting here by yourselves," Yabu said, "I'm sorry about the inconvenience. However, once we arrive at Kyoto Palace, I will be getting you into the palace and out of this weather as soon as possible."

The two ladies smiled, "Thank you,"

Kyoto Palace
30 July 073

"Happy birthday, Doremi!" Poppu squealed, running into her sister's chamber.

Doremi smiled as she saw her sister behind her through her mirror. She was sitting at her vanity having her hair brushed and braided by Hazuki.

"Hello, and thank you, Poppu."

"Have you received any gifts from anybody yet!?" Poppu asked excitedly.

"I have not yet been awake for an hour, sister. I haven't even seen my husband, the King, yet." Doremi replied calmly.

"Oh…" Poppu said, her face flushing red.

"How is the Princess settling in?" Doremi asked. She nodded her thanks at Hazuki as she finished the braid, curtseyed and left. Poppu sat down in a chair next to Doremi.

"She is doing well. I can tell that she is very scared of being here. It's very likely that she will never see her family again and I cannot begin to imagine what that would be like. Her two ladies are more comfortable and are acting less awkward, however, so I think that is helping her."

"I'm glad," Doremi said in response, "I can remember how nervous I was when I came here to marry Akatsuki, even though I knew him already… At least Princess Momoko was raised as a Princess and not as a commoner."

"We aren't commoners, Doremi." Poppu argued.

"Yes we are," Doremi retorted stubbornly, "Our father has no proper title. He's just 'Lord of Misora'. That isn't even a real title. We grew up in the countryside. We are commoners."

A smile grew on Poppu's lips. "Doremi, our father will be receiving a title."

"He will?" Doremi eyed her sister sceptically.

"Yes. His Majesty told me yesterday that he has decided to make your father the Marquis of Misora. Only Kings, Princes and Dukes can have more power than him, Doremi!"

Doremi gasped, "Oh, wow that is truly wonderful!"

"If it were my birthday, I think that would be the greatest gift I could receive." Poppu sighed wistfully.

"Hang on a second. Where's my present, sister?"

Poppu smiled and, seeing that her sister was fully dressed, grabbed her hand and led her out of her chamber and into the Great Hall.

As soon as she heard the music and saw all the people, she knew it was a party.

"Isn't it too early for a party?" Doremi whispered to her sister, trying to hide the excitement in her voice.

Poppu shrugged, "The King really wanted it. You're coming of age, sister. You're eighteen. Why not celebrate all day about it?"

At the mention of the King, Doremi glanced up and saw her husband walking towards her, looking amazing in deep red robes.

She leaped onto him and hugged him tightly.

"Happy birthday, dear."

When Doremi finally pulled herself away from Akatsuki, he handed her a small box.

Doremi took the box and opened it. Inside was a gold chain with red jewels like rubies and garnets spread across the chain, with a few diamonds. She smiled.

"It's beautiful," she turned around to Poppu behind her and gave her the necklace so she could fasten it around her neck. The rubies appeared darker against her bright pink gown and the diamonds stood out more.

"I'm glad you like it," Akatsuki said with a smile.

Somebody called for Akatsuki, so he bowed his head at his wife and left.

"Are our parents coming?" Doremi asked

"I'm not sure. Enjoy the celebrations either way."

The day seemed long, yet short at the same time. The dancing that happened all throughout the day tired out everyone at court, and the only way Doremi could get a moment of peace would be by going to her Private Chambers; anywhere else she went, there'd be people. She really enjoyed the day however. Doremi was eighteen now; she was of age. She could make her own decisions. People would regard her as an adult. She was excited for the future.

"Your Majesty," Hazuki said as she entered Doremi's inner chamber. Poppu was the only one with her, "His Majesty the King wishes to see you in private."

"Here?"

Hazuki nodded, causing Poppu to stand, curtsey to her sister, and leave with Hazuki. Akatsuki entered moments later.

"Did you enjoy your day, dear?" Akatsuki asked

Doremi smiled, "It was wonderful. Although, I think I've changed my opinion on parties. I'm so tired."

"I am glad. Although, if you're tired, perhaps I'll visit your chamber tomorrow night instead."

"Perhaps I'm already carrying your child," Doremi said hopefully.

"I hope so."

Kyoto Palace
18 August 073

"Did you hear?" Aiko asked Doremi as they sat sewing in Doremi's chamber, "They say that Princess Momoko is already with child."

"But she's only been married to the Prince for a month. How could she be with child so quickly?" Doremi asked, surprised.

"She comes from a very fertile family. She has thirteen brothers and sisters."

Doremi sighed, "I've been married to Akatsuki since June. I am not yet with child."

"Your time will come," Aiko said, "You mustn't rush it."

Hazuki suddenly rushed in, excitement all over her face, "The King wishes to betroth me to Prince Fujio!"

"You seem very happy about this," Aiko said. Despite the rumours still being spread about the court, Hazuki could easily tell she was wrong, but was too stubborn to admit it. Aiko, however, would forgive her easily if Hazuki would apologize. Things were still a little awkward, but they were better than they were a few weeks ago.

"Of course I'm happy. Prince Fujio is great!"

Doremi was happy that Hazuki liked Fujio. She knew that Akatsuki was trying to find all of his brothers brides as his father didn't have the time or effort. He would've chosen Hazuki because of her position in the world; if Fujio married Hazuki, he would be Duke of Nagoya and Earl of Chiba, along with still having his own title, the Duke of Osaka. Being a Duke two times over and an Earl is clearly very powerful.

"When shall you be marrying?" Doremi asked

"I am unsure," Hazuki murmured, "I think the King needs to speak to Prince Fujio about it also."

"Well, I hope the marriage does happen. The two of you will do very well together," Doremi said with a smile.

"You… you want me to marry Lady Hazuki?" Fujio asked

"She prefers the title of Duchess Fujiwara, but yes, I do."

Fujio sat down opposite his eldest brother, "But, why?"

"I need to get Leon and Tooru brides, and I know they'll start complaining if I don't do the same for you. I see how well you and the Duchess get along, so, why not? It'll give you great power."

"I already have great power," Fujio said, "I'm not ready for marriage."

"Brother, please just think about it. Duchess Fujiwara seemed very happy with the idea."

"You told her before you told me?" Fujio asked

"I saw her first," Akatsuki said, remaining calm, unlike his brother, "Please just think about it."

Fujio bowed his head, and left.

Tokyo Castle
20 August 073

After Doremi's birthday, Leon and Momoko moved into what was now Leon's primary non-court residence; Tokyo Castle. Momoko was settling in well, and now had more of her things from Albany with her. The relationship between the two had brightened when Momoko appeared to be with child, which was confirmed by the examination from a midwife.

"Have you thought about what you're going to name your child, Princess?" Onpu asked.

Momoko nodded, "Of course. Although the decision will probably be Leon's, I'm guessing that I won't be able to name sons."

"If you had the choice, what would you name a son?"

"Either way, I'd name my child after my parents: Minori if a girl, and Kenzo if a boy. Leon would probably choose the names of his own parents, though." Momoko replied. She sighed, "I really miss my family."

Onpu hugged Momoko, "I miss mine too."

A/N: You know what, I'm just going to end this chapter here. It's shorter than previous chapters, but I had writer's block, and I got stuck with how to continue. The next chapter will be set a few months ahead because nothing will be happening otherwise.

I hope to include a chapter after this one that occurs before Chapter 07 when I re-write this story. Not now though.