[The Prince's POV]
The trip was long and I was able to pass by the town by the border where I caught the slave traders. I was quickly recognized by some of the residents, mostly the children and the young women who were once captured. They all bowed their heads at me and they told me how grateful they were. I knew that their gratitude was not for me. The person deserving of that gratitude is in another Empire. It was getting dark so I had decided to let the other guards who were with me to set up camp. We’ll leave first thing in the morning.
“Your highness, the tent has been set up.” One of my men told me. I nodded and thanked them for their hard work. Usually the guards accompanying me will take their turns keeping watch. I went to our supplies to double check that everything is still well and complete. As my father instructed, I gathered different kinds of herbs to be broug
[The Lady’s POV]I had been up for a few days now trying to take care of the patients. I couldn’t live with myself if I let even one of these people die. I had a responsibility towards these people and I made a promise. In my time, the plague was still around but it was curable. With the proper treatment and the proper care from the health workers, we can surely eradicate this infectious disease.“We have successfully finished spraying all of the houses as well as the streets with this liquid that you’ve given to us, my lady.” One of the physicians whom I asked had reported to me. I thanked him for his help and I continued to look after the patients.“My lady, do you want to rest for a while? You have been awake for the past few days and I haven’t seen you sleep
“I haven’t been completely honest with you, Himawari.” The Empress said. This caught my attention and I turned to her. Usually when I hear that phrase, I would get nervous and wonder if something bad has happened. She averted her gaze when I turned to her which made me even more nervous.“What is it, Empress?” I asked. My hands started to sweat and my anxiety just went up. The longer she stays in silence, the more nervous I get. I just want her to start talking before I lose it. And just as I had thought that, the Empress spoke.“The Emperor, my husband, sent a letter to your Emperor regarding the situation here and the deal between the two of you. I was opposed to the idea however, it was necessary. In any case, it could start a war between our two Empires if we didn’t tell them about what you’re doin
“I should be going now, Empress. Thank you for taking the time to visit me.” I said while bowing my head. All of a sudden, the Empress put her hand on my chin and she made me raise my head and meet her gaze.“When you’re with me, there’s no need for all of this formality. I’m sure you’re not quite used to it yet. It’s fine if you talk to me normally, after all we came from the same place.” The Empress said with a smile. This was the first time I felt comfortable in another person’s presence and the weird thing is,she’s the Empress. Someone who’s way above my own rank to even be my friend but I guess things work out differently for some people. The Empress left and I sat there for a while. I really need to help these people get better as soon as possible. I want to go home.The f
“Lady Himawari, please come in. I’m sure you can already tell why I called for you.” The Emperor said. I couldn’t even comprehend his words as I felt my heart beat so loudly in my chest. I felt mixed emotions and I don’t know how to express them all. I felt excited yet terrified, I have no idea why the prince is here, he didn’t even spare the time to meet me when I left the Empire so why is he here now? It’s impossible that he’s here for me so maybe he’s here under the order of the Emperor.“You must be confused, Lady Himawari. Allow me to explain, when you first arrived here and offered me that deal, I had secretly sent a letter to the Nanto Empire regarding your presence and your contribution to my Empire. The Emperor quickly responded by sending his son carrying various herbs from your empire. I’m hoping that you’ll find these
“My, it seems that Lady Himawari has found something interesting.” The Emperor said. The moment I heard his voice, I quickly realized that I’ve been acting weird ever since I grabbed this herb. I composed myself and lowered my head at the Emperor.“I apologize for my odd behaviour, your majesty. However, I’d like to tell you that I have found a very important herb that will allow me to help those people suffering from the disease. With this, I will be able to speed up the process and soon the patients will all become better.” I could hide the excitement in my voice. I knew that this was the breakthrough that I’ve been looking for. I’m glad that they managed to get this herb from the mountains. I guess they had help from all of those other people who always came to the mountain to pick herbs.“I c
“A fine selection indeed. I do see that the lady is already holding some herbs in her hands. I suppose you’re eager to use these now however, may I take a look at those herbs?” Empress Yukina asked me. Of course I immediately obliged and I gave her the basket filled with the herbs. She examined them and she even sniffed a few sprigs. She knows what this is but I doubt she knows how I’ll be able to use this since she did mention she had very little medical knowledge that she retained from her previous life.“I see, well then Lady Himawari, it seems that you’re indeed in a rush so I won’t hold you in here for much too long. You are excused.” Empress Yukina said to me as she looked back at the Emperor, who was smiling and nodding his head. I thanked the both of them and I excused myself as I went back to the affected area. I requested a small laboratory to
“My lady…” As soon as I stepped into the vicinity of the palace, I suddenly heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned to look and I was surprised to see a familiar face.“Prince Shiro…” I uttered while I was in complete shock. I thought I’d be able to avoid him by staying at the lab and focusing on the medicine. I needed a reason not to see him and it just so happens that I was able to find a key ingredient for the antibiotics. However, I never expected him to wait for me. I’m assuming it’s already way past midnight by now but he’s still out here.“I wish to talk to you, my lady.” He said calmly. How could you look at me so calmly when you scowled and drove me away when I needed you the most? I hate looking at him but I missed seeing him. It was fine when we were separated, a
“I’m sorry.” The moment he uttered those words, I felt a pang in my chest. Those were the only words I wanted to hear from him ever since. Why did it take him this long to say them? Was it really that hard to admit that you were wrong? And why now? Why here when he could’ve done it back in the Palace. He had plenty of opportunity. Why did it only take me leaving for him to apologize. I don’t understand. Before I knew it, tears were already falling down my cheeks.“Please don’t cry, my lady.” He said as he stepped forward to wrap me in his embrace. I was still angry, I was angry because he took so long to apologize but I was also angry because I knew in my heart that I still wanted this man in front of me. I started hitting him with my fist. I vented all of my anger and frustration by hitting him in the chest while he hugged me.
“Miss, here are the papers that need your signature for the finalization of the Spring Collection that will be featured in our fashion show.” My assistant came into my office and handed me a stack of papers. My name is Nagatsuka Akina, I’m the Founder and CEO of Hanazu Couture. Although my company hasn’t been around for as long as the other famous brands out there, we’ve become a household name in the fashion industry. I’ve worked tirelessly for the last 15 years to make this company what it is today.“Miss, I’ve received a call from...your father.” My assistant reluctantly told me. I had instructed her before that any business with regards to my family, I will not accept. I’ve told her that if anyone called saying they were my immediate family, disregard what they say and blacklist their number so they won’t be able to call again. She
I walked towards the shadow guard who called for me. When I was finally in front of him, he slowly lowered his mask, revealing his face. This was considered taboo for a shadow guard. No one, not even their master should see their faces. That was the only secret they were allowed to keep from their masters. I was surprised when he pulled down his mask."What are you doing?" I asked him frantically. I didn't want him to get into trouble. He shook his head and sat down on the windowsill. He was calm and it didn't seem like he was going to cause trouble. I relaxed my shoulders a bit and I took a step back from him."Why did you do that?" I asked. He was looking down on the floor when I asked that question. He turned his head towards me and shrugged."All this time, I believed that the master that I was serving was a good person. I knew of his story yet I couldn't understand the decision he made." He answered. I wasn't able to recall any memories fr
“Miss, here are the papers that need your signature for the finalization of the Spring Collection that will be featured in our fashion show.” My assistant came into my office and handed me a stack of papers. My name is Nagatsuka Akina, I’m the Founder and CEO of Hanazu Couture. Although my company hasn’t been around for as long as the other famous brands out there, we’ve become a household name in the fashion industry. I’ve worked tirelessly for the last 15 years to make this company what it is today.“Miss, I’ve received a call from...your father.” My assistant reluctantly told me. I had instructed her before that any business with regards to my family, I will not accept. I’ve told her that if anyone called saying they were my immediate family, disregard what they say and blacklist their number so they won’t be able to call again. She
We arrived at the Imperial Palace and all of the guards weren't present outside. This was really unusual since guards were supposed to be stationed all over the Palace to ensure the safety of his Majesty. Whatever is happening must be big for all of these changes to happen. Prince Shiro held my hand as we ran towards the audience chamber of the Palace. There were guards sprawled all over the place, thankfully there was no blood which means the guards are only unconscious and not dead. When we arrived at the audience chamber, I was shocked to see the chancellor, on his knees in front of the Emperor. Imperial guards and Shadow guards were scattered all over the whole room, all of them were unconscious. "Father!" I instinctively called out.
"The Emperor knew of the Empress' schemes however he was unable to stop her. The fight for the throne was a battle that your mother shouldn't have been a part of yet she was killed because of it. The Chancellor was blinded by his grief and anger over the loss of your mother. Ever since then, in his heart, he blamed the Emperor for the death of his wife." The shadow guard finished his story. I couldn't believe what I heard. How could something like this happen to Himawari's family? Is this the price the chancellor had to pay by being so close to the Imperial Family? "But it wasn't because the Emperor didn't do anything for the Chancellor, he was unable to do anything for fear of the people's reaction towards the Imperial Family. He had to keep everything in secret and so the crimes of the Empress were never investigated and she was never found guilty for all the people she killed and all the crimes she committed. Until recently, when you exposed her crimes for the whole
I walked towards the shadow guard who called for me. When I was finally in front of him, he slowly lowered his mask, revealing his face. This was considered taboo for a shadow guard. No one, not even their master should see their faces. That was the only secret they were allowed to keep from their masters. I was surprised when he pulled down his mask. "What are you doing?" I asked him frantically. I didn't want him to get into trouble. He shook his head and sat down on the windowsill. He was calm and it didn't seem like he was going to cause trouble. I relaxed my shoulders a bit and I took a step back from him. "Why did you do that?" I asked. He was looking down on the floor when I asked that question. He turned his head towards me and shrugged. "All this time, I believed that the master that I was serving was a good person. I knew of his story yet I couldn't understand the decision he made." He answered. I wasn't able to recall any memories
I didn't know how long I was trapped in my room but it felt like forever. The shadow guards would put water and food down by my door during meal time. I tried talking to them but they were silent as usual. The maids never came around to my room either. Even Mei, who would usually be with me, never came to visit. Did father do something to her? DId she leave or is she just following my father's orders? Either way, I really have to get out of here. All my windows had shadow guards under them. I couldn't even try to escape through them. There was no other way for me to contact the outside world. I was locked up and trapped inside my room. It's been a few days and maybe Prince Shiro will figure something out. Unless my father talked to him about my whereabouts, he would surely try to look for me. "Hima..." I heard father's voice on the other side of the door. I walked closer hoping to hear what he had to say. "I hope you're not putting your fait
I was in front of the door to my father's office. My heart was pounding in my chest and I was unsure of whether or not I should confront him directly or investigate further before I jump to conclusions. I trust my father but it was just too suspicious of him to be in contact with the First Prince all this time. My gut is telling me that I should get to the bottom of it. After all, I know he wouldn't hurt me. If he really wanted to hurt me, he could've done so long ago. I took a deep breath before I knocked on my father's door. I slid it open when I heard his voice calling for me. He was standing by his desk, a cup of tea in his hand. He was looking out the window when I came in. He turned his head towards me and smiled. When I saw my father like that, I felt guilty for concluding that he was a bad guy when I haven't even heard of his side yet. Maybe it was all just my own misunderstanding. "You called for me, father?" I asked. He nodded and pointed towards the
I had to know more. I had to be sure that my father was innocent and that he wasn't involved in any way. There was an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach and I didn't like it. I didn't know how to go about with my day knowing that my father could be an accomplice. But I couldn't understand anything. If it was true, why would he do that? Why would he work with the first prince to kill the Emperor? If I was right that the First Prince was the one behind the assassination attempt on me and Prince Shiro, that wouldn't make any sense. He's my father, he wouldn't do anything to hurt me. "Miss? Are you still awake?" Mei knocked on my door. I quickly composed myself as to not seem too suspicious. I told her that I was still awake and she slowly opened the door and peeked her head through. "The master is calling for you." She said. I felt my heart drop to my stomach. This is such a coincidence. My father calling me right when I was being suspicious of him.