Sorry for the late entry, I was too busy.
-Ashalita
Chapter Seventeen: My Silent Host
Night had arrived and the ballroom party was a huge success. Kitaru was sitting on the throne next to her grandfather while Dmitri stood beside him. She was wearing a red dress. Her hair was pinned up and decorated with red roses. She watched everyone dancing in the dance floor.
"Are you enjoying yourself my love?" Dmitri asked, holding her hand.
"I am enjoying it so much that I might die from the excitement." She said sarcastically, giving him a fake smile.
"I hope your heart keeps beating because tomorrow you would be all mine." Dmitri said.
"Let's just hope that my heart doesn't give out." She said. I can't stand him. He has been giving me a headache all day because of that necklace. I didn't know it was that important. It was a smart move to leave with Mori. Oh Mori, I miss you… She smoothed her ring. I hope you can forgive me for this.
Then a group of boys in princely outfits and masks walked up the stage. The tallest of all them walked to the microphone and took a deep breath. "We would like to dedicate this song to our lovely princess, Princess Kitalena." Music filled the room and he gripped the microphone.
Standing close to me close enough,
To reach perfect time to tell her
But I can't even put the words together
Bevelizing eyes getting in my disguise
Can't you see me hiding?
That voice… That can't be… Kitaru thought, listening to the beautiful song. Mori…
If eyes could speak
One look would say everything
About the way you smile
The way you laugh, the way you dress
The way your beauty leaves me breathless
If eyes could speak
I wouldn't have to talk
She smoothed her ring and leaked tears. I know that voice anywhere. Why is he here? She then kissed her ring. He is not supposed to be here. He might get capture and worse die because of me.
"My dear, are you alright?" The King asked.
"It is such a beautiful song." Kitaru said, smiling.
Maybe I can finally get it right
Finally get the nerve to speak my mind
And tell you the things I can't say
And baby, I would look into your eyes
And maybe you will finally realize
Words are just words anyway
If eyes could speak
One look would say everything
About the way you smile
The way you laugh, the way you dress
The way your beauty leaves me breathless
If eyes could speak
I wouldn't have to talk
"My dear, do you know the singer?" The King asked. Kitaru turned to him and let out a smile.
"No grandfather but his voice is so beautiful." Kitaru said. "I can hear him sing all night long."
"Sire, I didn't hire them for the entertainment." Dmitri said.
"Well my princess loves it." The King said. "I don't mind at all."
"What's the matter? Are you jealous?" Kitaru teased. Dmitri cupped her chin.
"I own you princess and yes I am jealous that my future wife fancies another man." Dmitri said.
"You should have faith and trust my dear." Kitaru said, grabbing his hand. "Jealous can be such a poison."
"Well, you are quite a woman Kitalena. I don't want anyone to take you away." Dmitri said.
"Don't count on it." Kitaru said lowly.
"What?"
"I mean, of course…" Kitaru lied. "I would never leave you."
I tell you all about the way you smile
They way you laugh, the way you dress
They way your beauty leaves me breathless
If eyes could speak
I wouldn't have to talk
Everyone clapped for their performances. "That was a splendid performance." The King praised, clapping. "I have never heard such music before."
"I can sing you something grandfather if you like." Kitaru said, smiling.
"Oh my dear, you can sing. How thrilling." The King said. "Please sing me a lovely song." Kitaru stood up from her seat and walked to the stage. Everyone paused and made sure they didn't get in her way. The singer helped her on stage. "Thank you kindly."
"Anything for you my princess…" He said, smiling.
"You don't mind if I borrow your microphone." She said.
"Not at all…" He said, giving it to her. She took a deep breath and turned to the band. She whispered something to the short musician in an orange princely outfit and mask. He also had blonde hair and a sweet grin on his face.
"This song is for all the people out there that knows how it feels to love someone so much and is too scared to let them go." Kitaru said.
The short young man started to play the acoustic guitar and the drums and bass guitar joined in. She placed the microphone on the stay and let out a sigh. This is for you Mori.
I found myself dreaming
In silver and gold
Like a scene from a movie
That every broken heart knows
We were walking on moonlight
And you pulled me close
Spilt second and you disappeared
And then I was all alone
I woke up in tears
With you by my side
A breath of relief
And I realized
No, we're not promised tomorrow
"She has a lovely voice like her father." The King said, letting out a sigh. I wish I approved her father instead of avoiding him. He was a great man and I was just a man that wanted a bargaining chip. Oh Akira, please forgive me.
"That commoner, he doesn't deserve your daughter." Dmitri said.
"You can control my body and words but I surprised you let me speak freely." The King said.
"It is too much work to force words in your mouth."
"Then stop this at once."
"Never."
So I'm gonna love you
Like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna hold you
Like I'm saying goodbye where ever we're standing
I won't take you for granted
Cause we'll never know when
When we'll run out of time
So I'm gonna love you
Like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
Then the singer grabbed another microphone and started singing.
In the blink of an eye
Just a whisper of smoke
You could lose everything
The truth is you never know
Kitaru was stunned but she let out a smile when he heard his reply. Mori, it is you. They slowly walked towards each other while he was still singing.
So I'll kiss you longer baby
Any chance that I get
I'll make the most of the minutes
And love with no regrets
So let's take our time
To say what we want
Use what we got
Before it's all gone
No, we're not promised tomorrow.
She then joined in to the chorus and they were in front of each other.
So I'm gonna love you
Like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna hold you
Like I'm saying goodbye where ever we're standing
I won't take you for granted
Cause we'll never know when
When we'll run out of time
So I'm gonna love you
Like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
The audience cheered for them. She always has a way with the crowd. The masked young man kneeled in front of her and gave her a rose. "You were amazing milady." He said. "We make a prefect team."
"It was fun to sing with you." She said, smiling. She grabbed the rose. "We should do it more often." She then walked down the stage and towards the throne. Her grandfather clapped as she was making her way to him.
"Oh my dear Kitalena, you were extraordinary." The King praised. "I didn't know you process such a lovely voice. You made me breathless."
"Thank you grandfather, you are too kind." Kitaru replied.
"My love, you were amazing." Dmitri said. "The song was so proud and moving. I can hardly contain myself."
"If only you knew what the song meant." Kitaru said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" He snapped.
"Calm down, I only jest. You are too serious." Kitaru said. "I can't even joke around with you." She sat back on her seat and watched everyone dancing away. If watching people dancing while you sit on the throne is all I can do, this is quite boring. The Host Club can make a fun party than this. I guess I miss them a lot. Then the singer walked in front of them.
"My King, may I ask permission to dance with your lovely flower." The singer asked, bowing in front of them.
"You may but it's all up to my princess." The King said, turning his gaze towards his granddaughter. "My dear, do you wish to dance with this man?"
"I don't think it would be necessary since she is going to be a married woman tomorrow." Dmitri said, rubbing his ring.
"Yes, I forgot." King said.
"But I am not a married woman and think of this as my wedding gift, my last dance as a single woman." Kitaru said, standing up from her seat. "My kind sir, I would love to dance with you." She walked down to the stranger and grabbed his hand. They walked to the dance floor and started waltzing around the room. She kept on staring into his eyes. Those eyes, I know those pair of eyes anywhere… He pulled her closer to him. "You're a good dancer…"
"It's just natural I guess…" He said, twirling her around. She kept silent but her eyes didn't turn away from him. "Is there something wrong milady?"
"Nothing…" She said, looking at him. It got to be him. If it is him, I can't let Dmitri know. "Nothing at all…"
"Milady, you look lovely tonight…" The stranger said.
"Thank you…" She said.
"So tell me my princess…" He said. "I sense you are not happy and I am curious to know why."
"I am happy." She lied. "I am finally home and getting married tomorrow. A girl in my position would be flowing with joy."
"No you are not…" He said. "You are hurting inside. Milady all due with respect, you are not a good liar."
"Everyone tells me that even my silent host." She said. "I have been his guest for a while now and he was always so kind and sweet to me."
"He sounds like a nice host."
"He was always someone very precious to me." Kitaru said, letting out a frown. "But I know he can move on without me. There are plenty of guests he can host. He doesn't need me."
"I believe you're wrong. I think that he needs you more than anything. I think he really misses you." He replied. "And you miss him."
"How would you know?"
"I know a lot of things." He said.
"I…" She said, looking away. "I miss him so much and I am afraid that I would never see him again. If you find him, tell him that the necklace I gave him is a sign of marriage in Kenova."
"Really?" He said. "But you are marrying the royal advisor."
"Can you keep a secret?" She asked.
"Of course milady, anything for you..."
"I love my silent host and he loves me too. He gave me a promise ring and I never took off. It's the only thing I have to remind me of him and I love him so much." She said. "I only came here to make sure he doesn't get hurt and the people that matter in my life won't suffer. Please don't tell anyone."
"I won't. I promise…" He said, moving to her ear. "I love you too Kita. I promise to get you out of here."
"Oh Mori, I knew it was you." She said.
"May I cut in?" A voice said. She turned and found Dmitri.
"Of course sir…" He said, backing off. I promise…. I would get you out.
"I feel that I have danced enough for one night." Kitaru said. "I would depart now. Have fun my dear, I hope you fill your needs with all these lovely women tonight." She moved away from him and turned to Mori. "I had a fun night with you kind sir, thank you."
"You are most welcome milady." Mori said, bowing in front of her. He walked away but with a flash drive. I wonder what this could be.
That brat is driving me insane. I can't wait to get rid of her. Dmitri thought, watching the princess depart to her chamber. He let out a sigh and walked back to his spot beside the King and watched the ball all night long. After the ball, Dmitri departed to his lab and was frustrated. "I was this close of having that demon soul. Curse you Ashley. You…" Why did you just say yes? Everything would be avoided.
I was served the royal family but not as an advisor. I was first a record keeper while my father was the royal advisor at the tme. I was eleven and many have high expectations for me. I also serve Prince Akechi and Princess Akira. Allenson would always be watching over Akechi and on this very day, I met her.
"Princess Akira, your father wants me to give you records of the Art Academy you wish to attend in America." I said.
"Thank you Dmitri. I am only twelve now but with all my training and studying I can attend this school with ease." She said, smiling. "Ashley, please come and see this." No one replied. I thought she was mad and was just talking to herself. "Come on Ashley…"
"Princess, who are you talking to?" I asked.
"Oh, it is my friend Ashley. She doesn't like interacting with other people besides me and her friend Mathew." Akira said. "ASHLEY!" Then a beautiful girl with long red hair appeared beside the princess and let out a sigh. She was wearing a crimson red coat and carried a long katana on her back.
"Yes Princess…"She said. "You called…" Her voice was utterly addicting. I want to hear more of her.
"You should look through these papers with me. I want to know what you think about the Art Academy." Princess Akira said.
"Master, my opinions doesn't matter."
"But it does to me." Akira said. "Ashley I would like you to meet…"
"Dmitri, the record book keeper…" Ashley said. "His father is the Royal Advisor."
"So you know me." I said, smiling.
"Yes, I make it my job to know everyone that is affiliated with my princess." Ashley said.
"What does that mean?" I asked.
"Oh, she is from the Hisatake Clan. She is assigned to look after me. She is very strong and brave." Akira explained.
"Wait, so she is in the same clan as Allenson?" I asked.
"She is Allenson's older sister and future heir. She watches over me while Allenson watches over Akechi." Princess Akira said, smiling. "Isn't she adorable? I wish I have her red hair."
"Yes she is…" I said, turning away and hiding my blush. "I mean…" She stared at me and again let out a sigh.
"Master, your white hair is beautiful as well." Ashley said. "Your hair reminds me of snow and snow is pure and beautiful."
"Thank you…" Akira said, hugging her. "You are my first friend Ashley and I am happy that I have met you."
"I am glad that I make you happy." She said, smiling. Then a boy with dirty blonde hair and red ruby eyes appeared beside them. "Mathew, is there something wrong?"
"No…I just thought you were in trouble. I heard screaming." Mathew said. He then bowed in front of her. "Mistress, are you alright?"
"She is okay. I only screamed because she didn't reply to my request." Akira said.
"Oh, then I am sorry to intrude. I don't belong here." Mathew said.
"No, you are Ashley's friend and it is not every day I get to see you." Akira said. "She tells me a lot of stories about you and I think she likes you."
"Really?" He said, blushing. Ashley let out a smile which made him blush even more. I was mad. I didn't want this to happen. I want to be with Ashley.
"Milady, are you sure it is appropriate to allow him here." I said. I didn't want him to be here. I didn't want him to be near Ashley.
"I am quite sure. A princess must respect her subjects and Mathew is such a loyal servant to Ashley." Akira said. "Please stay… I would love to learn more about you."
"Of course milady, I would stay." Mathew said.
"Dmitri, are you joining us?" Ashley asked.
"Of course…" I replied.
Hours have passed and Mathew stood behind Ashley while she sat and drank tea with Princess Akira. I can tell that Ashley wasn't used to this considering she was taught to be a tool not a comrade towards the princess but the princess was different. She treated everyone as an equal and with kindness. Then something smashed through the window. It was a genade. Ashley swiftly pounced towards Akira and shields her from the explosion while Mathew pushed me away. "Master, are you okay?" She asked.
"Yes, I am fine…" Akira said. Then an army of armed men burst in the room, aiming their weapons at the princess. "Ashley…" She gripped on to Ashley with fright in her eyes.
"Don't worry… I would protect you with my life." Ashley said, patting her head with a smile. "Akira do you trust me?"
"With my life Ashley…" Akira said, smiling. She then moved away from her and kneeled in front of the Princess.
"What are you orders Master?" Ashley asked. Akira stood up and she was back being confident.
"Make sure they don't hurt my family. Get rid of them…" Akira said. "I am not a fan of killing but they barge into my home. I won't allow such idiotic and barbaric behavior. Destory them and devour their souls."I was shocked. Princess Akira was always so innocent but seeing her like this, seeing her as a bloodthirsty commander in chief was a major shocker.
"Yes, my master…" Ashley said. She stood up and turned to the intruders. "Mathew, protect Princess Akira. If she gets a scratch on her, I would punish you severely."
"Yes Mistress…" Mathew said.
"Give us the princess. You are outnumbered." One man said.
"I am the shield and blade of the Kenova Royal Family." She said, grabbing her blade. "I shield them from the menace of their enemes and eliminate their enemies with my blade." Her eyes shimmered in red. Her eyes were pink and now they were red like her hair. "I am a tool of the Kenova Royal Family." She took off her red coat and she was wearing a black sleeveless top that revealed her back. There were black marking all over her back and arms. She was also wearing shorts that were very short and long black boots.
"FIRE!" The intruder screamed. Thousands of bullets fired towards her but she swiftly cut all the bullets. "No way…"
"I am her shield…" She said. She swiftly dashed towards them and sliced them. Blood spatted in the air as she smiled. "And I am her blade…"
"KILL HER!" But it was no use. No gun can stop her. She was so swift and was too powerful. I have never seen such power before. I was beyond shock to see this beautiful girl drenched in blood with a beautiful smile. As she was done, she devoired their souls and that was that.
"Good job Ashley…" Princess Akira said. She then turned to me. "Dmitri, get a clean up crew and inform my father about the attack."
"Yes milady." I said, slowly walking out the room but my gaze was on Ashley. She looked like she was lost in thought with all the blood on her. Then Mathew walked up to her and covered her with her coat.
"Mistress, are you alright?" Mathew asked, cupping her face. She snapped out of it and placed the blade on his neck. He didn't flitch or move away. He stood there in front of her. "Mistress…"
"Sorry my pet, I was just scanning through the memories of their souls. So far, they were hired by the neighboring kingdom." She finally said, moving her blade away from his neck and grabbing his hand. "Next time… be more careful."
"Yes Mistress, it won't happen again." He said, smiling. I know that they only have this master and servant bond I sense more. I sense there is more than that. At the time I was eighteen, Princess Akira was almost leaving for her trip to America. I vist Ashley home and I wanted to ask her out on a date but it turns out I had some competiton. I found her with Mathew in her garden. I hid to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Mistress, how was your day in the palace? How is Princess Akira?" Mathew asked. He was helping her put on her wooden slipper. She was wearing her violet kimono and my God, she was beautiful.
"Everything is fine." Ashley said. "She is leaving to America soon so she wants to say her goodbyes before she leave."
"Really? I don't know. I am only a slave to you and only you." He said. "I am not important enough to say goodbye."
"Besides Princess Akira, you are also my friend. You are important." Ashley said, smiling.
"Thank you Mistress. You don't know how much that means to me." Mathew said. He sat beside her. "Mistress, I am sorry for being weak."
"You are not weak my pet." Ashley said. "You are very strong and brave. You have protected me well and made sure nothing harms me and my master." She then cupped his face. I was furious. Besides showing compassion to bloodshed and to the princess, she was showing compassion to him. He is only a slave… a servant and yet she opens up to him. "And for that, I am truly am grateful to be your Mistress."
"Mistress…" Mathew said, smiling in front of her. He did something I never thought he would do. He kissed her hand and slowly moved towards her lips. Without hesitation, he sealed his lips with hers and kissed her passionately. The thing that surprised me the most is that, she didn't push him away. All she did was pulled him even closer. He pulled back and kissed her on the forehead. "Mistress, forgive me but I have fallen in love with you."
"I am aware of that." She said.
"I promise that I would work hard to be a better man for you and when I get enough money, I would buy you a ring and ask for your hand in marriage." Mathew said. "I would work even harder to get your father's approval. I want to be with you forever my Mistress. I would serve you and love you to the bitter end."
"I don't need a ring." She said, tearing a cloth out of her kimono and wrapping it around her finger. "This would be my ring and it would never leave my finger."
"I love you my Mistress and I will never leave your side."
"I love you too my pet." She replied.
I couldn't have her and when I tried, she didn't want me. She only wanted her slave.
He walked to the dungeon and stopped in the cell that Allenson and Samuel were held in. "I see you have a very bad day." Allenson said.
"It is your niece. She is driving me insane." He snapped.
"Well, she gets that from her mother." Allenson replied. "Both of her mothers…"
"Tell me something. How is it you agreed to let that bloody servant marry your sister?" Dmitri asked.
"That bloody servant proven his worth and his love for my sister. I accepted him even with his ranks." Allenson said. "Also, my sister was happy."
"But how about now, he tried to kill your sister and you? Are you still satisfied with your answer?" Dmitri teased.
"He is under your control." Allenson said. "It is not his fault. Yes, I was mad at him at first but then all my anger is on you. And if I ever get out of here, I would kill you." Then Mathew appeared beside them.
"Milord, I have return." Mathew said, bowing in front of him.
"Good, give me your report. Did you find her?" He asked.
"Yes but the demon soul fused with her once more." Mathew said.
"So she escaped with the demon soul…" Dmitri said, gritting his teeth.
"No sire, she died and the demon soul died along with her." Mathew said. "When I found her, she was already too weak to fight me let alone move. There was no time for me to give her medical attention. The fall plus the bullet wound hit her severely."
"I see..." Dmitri said. "I guess that is one problem out of the way."
"I will avenge my sister." Allenson snapped. "I will have your head."
"All talk… You would not leave this cell and you would rot here throughout your pathetic life." Dmitri said, letting out a smile. "Ar least you have some company."
"This treason would not go unpunished." Samuel snapped. "I will bring you to justice."
"We will see my little prince." Dmitri said. "Mathew, I am off now to check up on my bride. Meet me at the lab…"
"Yes milord." Mathew said, bowing in front of him. Dmitri left the dungeon and he was alone with the prisoners.
"Mathew, please tell me that she is still alive." Allenson said. His eyes softened with plead. "I can't believe she is dead. Please tell me it is all a lie." There was silence and Mathew was shaking in front of him. "It can't…"
"I am sorry…" Mathew said lowly. "I am truly am sorry." He walked away from the cell and left Allenson with tears in his eyes.
"Ashley…" Allenson cried, shaking. "You can't be dead… Damn it, you can't be dead. You are a Hisatake. We don't die that easily." More tears leaked down his face. "You are my sister. I am supposed to protect you. I am supposed… damn it Ashley."
"Allenson…" Samuel said, frowning. The great Red Demon of Kenova is dead. How can I tell Kitaru about this? She would be crushed just like Allenson. He grabbed his hand. "I am sorry for your lost my servant. Butr I promise you… I would help you get revenge."
"Master…" Allenson said.
"Kitaru and Ashley taight me a lot about family and Ashley was like an Aunt to me." Samuel said, smiling. "You were always there for me even when my father and mother died and my grandfather didn't approve of me. You were always there for me. You are more than a servant to me. You are my family as well."
"Thank you Master…" Allenson said.
"I promise you that we will stop this madness." Samuel said. I may not be the King but I would do anything to end this. I am tried of sadness and suffering. I am tired of this… I want happiness and love. I want the life that Kitaru believes in. Ashley, rest in peace… I would watch over your brother and your daughter for your sake.