The New Empress: Rekindling Love

It has been a week and I was asked to prepare for our trip to the Capital. Nothing has happened over the past week and I assumed that because Tsuya was gone, the problems would be gone too. Oh how wrong I was. 

“I’ll be waiting for your return Mama.” Yukio hugged me and I kissed his forehead. 

“I’ll be back before you even know it.” Aino took Yukio, and I went to the carriage. Sora was already sitting inside and I was about to climb up when he offered his hand. I took it and he pulled me up. He ordered for us to depart. Inside the carriage, we were seated fairly apart. I dare not get close to him. It’s not him I’m worried about. It’s me. I might get… attached. This is so awkward. I need to say something. 

“Uhm, the weather seems lovely today, don’t you think?” He looked at me. Weather? Really? Even in the 21st century, that icebreaker is a no-go. 

“It seems so.” He looked back out the window and the atmosphere began to feel weird again. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask this, but what’s in the Capital? What are we going there for?” He looked back at me with an emotionless expression.

“You’ll see.” Why does it seem to me that you don’t want to talk? Fine, I’ll make you talk to me. I’ll be annoying the whole ride until you talk to me. 

“Hey your majesty, may I call you by your first name when we’re together?” He turned to me in an instant. Hah! Got your attention. 

“Why?” He asked. I shrugged.

“It’s just, saying your majesty over and over again is too tiring. It’s a long word. But if I call you Sora, it’d be easier.” He raised his eyebrow.

“I’m not trying to disrespect you or anything. I’ll still stay formal when we’re with other people but, if we’re alone or with Yukio, I’d like to refer to you by your first name.” He looked unconvinced.

“I-if you want to, that is. I’m just asking if it’s okay with you. If it’s not, I won’t ask again.” He looked at me and nodded.

“Fine. I’ll allow it.” I beamed.

“Really?”

“Why? You want me to take back what I said?” I shook my head.

“No, no. I’m just surprised that’s all.” I giggled. Keep talking. Keep the mood going. 

“So Sora, what’s your favorite color?” He raised his eyebrow at me. I smiled at him.

“Blue.” He answered while averting my gaze.

“Mine is purple. How about flowers?” 

“Why would I have a favorite flower?” He asked.

“Why wouldn’t you?” I looked at him expectantly. He averted my gaze again.

“I prefer Tsubakis.” A wave of memories flashed before me.

[Flashback]

“Go and get some Tsubakis over by the bridge, Aino. I’ll be waiting here. I’m going to take it to the Emperor, those are his favorites.” 

“Come Empress…” a hooded figure appeared before me. A voice so familiar. 

[Another Flashback]

*A snowy day*

“Why are you crying little girl?” I looked up and saw a young boy looking down at me.

“I-I’m lost.” I said in between sobs. He held my hand. 

“Come, I’ll take you back to the village.” I stood up and followed him. While walking, he suddenly stopped.

“Why are we stopping?” He bent down and picked up a flower.

“This is a sweet pea flower. It’s pretty, like you.” He placed the flower by my ear

“Is this your favorite?” I asked. He shook his head.

“I like Tsubakis. They remind me of my mother.” He smiled and reached for my hand.

“Let’s go, it’s getting really cold.” I nodded and we ran. 

[End of flashback]

“Is something the matter?” I snapped out of my trance and looked at him. I shook my head.

“I’m fine, I just remembered something.” 

“Your favorite flower is a sweet pea, right?” I looked at him, surprised.

“How did you know?” 

“Yukio told me. Why do you like that flower so much?” I smiled.

“When I was little, I got lost in the forest. I was saved by a little boy. When we were walking, he saw a sweet pea flower and picked it up. He gave it to me and said that I was as pretty as the flower. Ever since that day, I have grown to love the flower. It was the only thing that connected me with the boy who saved me. I can never remember his face but as long as I see sweet pea flowers, I can remember him.” I smiled. What a happy memory. I looked over to Sora but he was silent. 

“I’m sorry, was I talking too much?” He shook his head. Suddenly he came close to me and hugged me. I was beyond surprised.

“Is something wrong?” I could feel my face getting hotter. This super-hot emperor is hugging me, how can I not be aroused by this? Stop! I shouldn’t be thinking like this. He let me go and I slid myself farther away from him. His face is all red. Was he blushing? We stayed silent for a few minutes. I don’t know what else to say. A few minutes passed by and the carriage stopped.

“We’re here your majesty.” Sora stood up and left the carriage and I followed him. We stopped in front of… a hot springs resort? Wait a minute, what’s going on here? 

“Welcome your majesty. The place has been accustomed as per your request. The resort is ready to serve you.” One of the workers welcomed us and led us into our room. When they opened the door, I was in awe.

The room was beautiful. There was a big bed with beautiful red canopies. The view outside was marvelous. Everything was like a fairy tale. 

“I shall take me leave.” The worker bowed and then left. I jumped on the bed and giggled. The bed is so soft. 

“Do you like it?” I sat up and looked at Sora.

“Yes, this place is beautiful. But, why are we here?” He smiled. I should be ecstatic when he smiles, but why do I feel fear? Is it because he rarely smiles? 

“So you could relax.” He did this… for me? But why? 

“Why did you do this for me?” He went to the other side of the bed and sat down.

“The doctors advised me to take better care of you. You’ve been injured over and over again for the past few weeks.”

“Oh, that’s why.” How silly of me to think that he did this because he wants to spend time with me. 

“Well then, we shouldn’t waste time. Let’s go to the hot springs.” I jumped up and waited for him. He stood up and we went to the hot springs together. While walking, I noticed there weren’t any other people around.

“Is the resort close or something? Why are we the only ones here?” 

“I rented the whole resort for 3 days. It’ll be just you and me here.” My face quickly turned red. I looked down to hide it. The hot springs weren’t divided by gender. Oh no, does that mean…? 

“What are you waiting for? Go and change.” He went ahead and stripped all of his clothes. He put them in the baskets that were by the door. I turned around while he was changing. This is bad for my heart. 

“Yukina.” He called out to me. I turned back around and he covered the lower half of his body with a towel. My face is as red as a tomato right now. He went ahead to the springs while I stripped down. After neatly folding my clothes I followed him. He was already in the springs so I slowly lowered myself into the hot water. This feels so nice. I was at the opposite side of the springs. I made sure to put some distance between us. I closed my eyes and focused on the hot water.  I don’t want to go near him. I might end up doing something I shouldn’t. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I jumped at the contact. It was Sora, he must’ve come up to me.

I averted my gaze and looked down. Please don’t come any closer. I may not be able to hold myself back. He put his arms around me and pulled me closer to him. I could feel the warmth of his body on my back. Please for the love of God; don’t make me do things I’ll regret. I’m a virgin, I don’t have any experience. Wait, this body is not a virgin anymore. Yukina gave birth to Yukio. But I’m inexperienced… 

“Why are you so afraid of me?” He must’ve felt how tense my body was from his touch. 

“I’m not, I’m just not used to this side of you.” He loosened his hold on me. 

“You’re different from the others that I’ve been with.” 

“How so?” I asked.

“You treat me differently. Do you not wish to win my favor?” I turned to face him.

“I don’t need to win your favor.” I snaked my arms around his neck and pulled him close. I could feel his warm lips on mine. His fiery kisses shook me down to my core. I could feel how passionate he is. We stopped to catch our breath. I looked him in his eyes.

“I have Yukio. He’s my everything. So I don’t need to compete with the others.” I stepped back. 

“I’m going to go back to our room.” I left the spring and went back to change. I went back to our room and sat on the bed. Why did I do that? It was his fault. He kept coming near me. 

A few minutes went by and Sora came into the room. 

“Dinner will be served shortly.” He sat down by the table. I stood up from the bed and sat at the opposite side of the table. The servants arrived and placed the food down. We ate in silence. I can’t eat like this. I wish Yukio was here. 

“Have a taste.” I looked up and saw Sora holding out his chopsticks to me. 

“It's a fragrant fish slice, it’s really good.” He’s feeding me? Why is he being like this? I took the piece of fish from his chopsticks. 

“Mmm, it’s delicious.” I looked at him and he was blushing. Ah screw this. I can’t take it anymore. I took my bowl and stood up. I sat down next to him. I took a piece of karaage and fed it to him.

“Everything they serve here is delicious, don’t you think?” He ate the piece from my chopsticks. He’s so embarrassed. It’s adorable. I started to giggle.

“Why are you laughing?” He asked.

“Your ears are turning red.” Then I laughed. He covered his ears and looked at me menacingly. I stopped laughing and held his hands.

“I’m sorry for laughing. But you don’t have to cover them. I find them very cute.” I smiled at him but he averted his gaze. We continued to eat but the tense atmosphere was no longer there. Instead, I felt like I was dining with someone I cared about. 

After dinner, we went out to the garden. We didn’t talk, but our silence didn’t feel awkward anymore. I suddenly spotted something by the bushes.

“Look! Sweet pea.” I hurried over to it and examined the flowers. I picked one up and put it on my ear. I turned to Sora.

“Do I look pretty?” I jokingly asked. He smiled and caressed my face. 

“You are beautiful.” It was a joke you numbskull. You don’t have to take it seriously. 

“Ah, thank you.” We continued to walk down the garden. Everything is happening so fast. I had no idea that this was just the beginning. 

We were on our last night. I feel relaxed but I’m ready to go back and see Yukio and Aino. I’ve missed them both. My relationship with Sora has been… okay, I guess. I mean we kissed a few times but that’s normal, right?

“Are you ready to head back to the Palace?” Sora asked. We're both in bed. He’s gotten very open with me this past few days. I’m happy that he’s talking to me.

“Yes, I miss our baby boy.” He looked at me and smiled. He reached over and caressed my cheek. I drew him closer and kissed him. Why do I feel like something’s going to happen? He suddenly went on top of me.

“Sora…” I muttered. He enveloped me in his fiery kisses and I responded. I untied his robe and he undid mine. I feel his slow caresses on my body. His warm touch grazing over my naked body. His kisses trailed down to my stomach. Each kiss was as passionate as the last. He went back and planted sweet kisses on my lips as our eyes met. No words were necessary. We both knew what we wanted. His lips one again found mine as I felt him inside me. A burst of heat swirled inside of me like a fire that could not be extinguished. His movements synced with mine as we made love through the night. I felt something building up inside of me, waiting to be released. With one final thrust, we both reached our climax. 

He looked at me with eyes filled with love. With one final kiss, I snuggled myself under his arms and fell asleep.