The Last Princess

by Marissa Craig

  “I can’t stand you.”

  I leave out and I feel her behind me.

  “What! I said I can’t stand you.”

  “I was hoping you would escort me to Kyoya-sama so I could say goodnight.”

  “Leave me out of it.”

  I walk faster and outpace her. Why am I so agitated? I know she’s right. She should be able to understand me. I just hate hearing it from her.

  Chapter 7: Setsuna

  I know it’s getting late but I have a right to say goodnight to him. So much has happened today and I think we ended up in a good place. I just wanted to make sure. This should be his room.

  I knock and wait. The door opens swiftly and I take a step back. He surprised me and…he’s shirtless.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”

  “No, I’m sorry. I thought you were my brother.”

  He goes back inside and puts on a robe. That’s one of our family’s robes; use to be grandfather’s robe. It looks good on him. Should I tell him that?

  “Come in,” he tells me.

  I step in cautiously. He reaches behind me and closes the door.

  “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just wanted to say “goodnight” to you.”

  “I was hoping to see you to do the same.”

  “Uh…so you’re leaving tomorrow?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will you visit me again?”

  He sits down on his bed and signals me over. I walk over to him. The last time we were alone in a room he hugged me. I want another one.

  “Of course I will. I’ll probably have a lot of press once the announcement is made but I’ll see you, don’t worry.”

  He touches my head. His hand lingers and touches my ribbon.

  “No, don’t.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I thought you might undo it. It’s against the rules.”

  “What rules?”

  “A man cannot see a royal lady outside of her robe or with her hair down.”

  “So the moment you wake up you put your hair up and put on your royal robes.”

  “Yes.”

  He keeps his hand there. It’s a tradition I’ve had my whole life. Only married men may see a woman with her hair down.

  “Remember when I said there’s allowed to be secrets between us.”

  “Yeah.”

  He pulls my ribbon and my hair falls down. He’s not supposed to see. I reach for my ribbon and he pushes my hands away. He’s able to grab both my wrists in one hand.

  He pushes me back to the bed and I close my eyes. If I can’t see him then it’s like it never happened. I peek and see him sitting with a strand in his hand.

  “Your hair is so long.”

  He looks so much bigger than me. He looks back at me and I close my eyes again. I feel his hand touch my face.

  “I always wondered if you were doing okay,” he says to me. “You were so sad in your letters. Do you still feel trapped here?”

  “Today has been the best day of my life. I’ve never smiled this much.”

  I’m starting to cry.

  “Thank you.”

  I reach up and hug him. I don’t care about traditions. I just want to hug him. He wraps his arms around me and puts his fingers through my hair. I feel so free in his arms.

  “The day will come when you’ll have to leave your family behind. You may never see them again.”

  “Okay.”

  “Including Yumiko-san.”

  “Yumi-chan? But I-”

  “I’m just trying to prepare you.”

  “But can’t Yumi-chan come?”

  “If I let you save anyone, you would want it to be her?”

  “Yes.”

  “Fine. You can have Yumiko-san.”

  I can’t imagine not seeing her again. I dry my tears on my sleeve.

  “I may not see you for a long time,” I say to him. “I’m afraid to let you go.”

  “You’re too young to be saying things like that.”

  “But it’s true.”

  “You can stay here with me tonight if you want.”

  “I’ll stay.”

  “Hmph, you didn’t even hesitate.”

  “What reason is there to hesitate?”

  “I see none. I was about to take a shower. Just rest here.”

  He releases me and walks away. This has been the best day. I was nervous he wouldn’t accept me but I think he likes me. He really is a nice boyfriend. I crawl underneath the blanket. I didn’t sleep the night before; I’m ready to go to sleep. I want to wait until he comes back but I don’t think I’ll make it.

  Chapter 8: Kyoya

  She really is something. I wasn’t gone too long and she’s stretched across the bed like it’s ours. She didn’t even hesitate to stay. Then again she was raised to be with me; she has to be obedient.

  I reach down and touch a hair strand again. That was surprising. With makeup she looked like a woman. When she took it off she looked like a child. As soon as I saw her with her hair down, she looked like a woman again. I had to study her country’s culture. I know what she means about not putting her hair down. Perhaps seeing it pushed me into something more intimate.

  I sit on the balcony to light a cigarette. She seems to like me but I doubt we’ll meet for some time. Seems unfair to make her rely on me and then abandon her.

  “Kyoya-sama?”

  I’m too distracted. I didn’t even hear her come behind me. I quickly put the cigarette away.

  “Did I wake you?”

  “I wanted to wake up. I have so much to ask you.”

  “It’s been a long day,” I tell her.

  I keep my back to her and look to the sky instead.

  “You’re tired,” she guesses. “I’m sorry for being inconsiderate.”

  She’s far too polite. I look back and see her walk away; her robe dragging behind her.

  “What did you want to ask?”

  I come back inside and guide her to the bed. I feel as though I can’t get too close to her. I don’t want to be inappropriate with a child. She sits squeezing her knees to her chest among the pillows. She’s like a doll. I reach forth and touch a strand of hair. I follow up to her face and see her redden.

  “What did you want to ask me?”

  “Um…I wanted to know what it’s like to grow up with brothers?”

  “You’re an only child aren’t you?”

  Very rare for a royal family.

  “Yes. I met Kira-kun in the library earlier. Does he like books?”

  “Yes.”

  “I wanted to talk to him more but he ran away from me. He said he hates me. After hearing about him, I thought I would be able to understand him.”

  “You think you two are alike?”

  “I thought so but he said we’re not.”

  “He’ll come around. Like you, he’s been sheltered. He’s never met a girl that could be on his level. I think it intimidates him.”

  He normally just preys on the servants. They’re considered idiots in his eyes. Setsuna-san is just as smart as him. Even I’m surprised.

  “And Kantarou-sama? What’s he like?”

  “Stern. He lacks sensitivity. You shouldn’t talk to him much.”

  “But he’s a nice man, right?”

  “I suppose.”

  “Are you proud of your brothers?” she asks me.

  She’s beaming. I can only smile. I never thought of it before. Kan-nii is a commander and Kira is one of the smartest kids in our country.

  “I’m proud of them.”

  “Are they…are they proud of you?”

  “I can’t say so. I don’t have many accomplishments-”

  “But you do! You…you’re gonna be king of Morinaga.”

  That’s nothing to be proud of just yet. Morinaga hasn’t accomplishment anything worthy of me. She thinks the world of her country of course. I nod to her.

  “I want your family to accept me,” she says.

  Her ey
es are starting to close. She’s tired herself out.

  “Just rest now, princess.”

  “I want…Kyoya-sama to stay with me….I want you to help me….be free.”

  I put the blanket over her and go back to the balcony. She really is a sweet girl. In just a day, she’s already become special to me.

  Chapter 9: Setsuna

  I get up frantically. The other half of the bed is untouched. His clothes are gone. I go to the balcony and see multiple cigarettes pressed inside a glass.

  “He’s gone.”

  What was the last word I said to him; I don’t remember. Maybe he’s at breakfast. Before I open the door I close my robe and tie my sash. I braid my hair and put it up. There’s no trace of him through the halls.

  “Setsuna-sama, you’re late for class.”

  I run into one of my teachers. I don’t have time for class.

  “Um, where’s Kyoya-sama?”

  “The Niwa family left early this morning.”

  “So he’s gone?”

  “Princess, it’s time to start class.”

  I run pass her and go up to my room. His number should still be there. I want to speak to him again. I open my door and mother is waiting for me.

  “Where were you last night?” she asks me.

  I’m stricken but move to the bookshelf. I know I left it here.

  “Answer me, Setsuna!”

  I kneel down to the book I dropped. It’s not here. No, I dropped it on the vanity when he asked me to take off my makeup. I walk to the vanity.

  “There it is!”

  Mother’s hand reaches for it first.

  “What is this, huh?”

  No, he told me to keep it secret. She tosses it back to me and I stumble to catch it. The numbers are gone. It rubbed off. Why didn’t I memorize such an important number?

  “I was in Kyoya-sama’s room. I wanted to talk to him more.”

  “You were in his room after dark-”

  “I just wanted to talk to him.”

  “What if someone saw you? Do you want to be labeled a loose woman? You have no reason to be in the prince’s room. You’re not married. All you are is a burden to him.”

  “No, he says he likes me-”

  “He’s being polite. There’s nothing you can offer him besides a title.”

  I thought that was the case but I think he likes me. He hugged me and listened to me. He took the ribbon from my hair. I nod to her. There’s allowed to be secrets between me and him; this will be one.

  “You’re right mother; I was foolish.”

  “Clean yourself up and get to your classes.”

  I want desperately to talk to him again.

  “Did you really spend the night with him?” I hear.

  I turn around and Yumi-chan steps in. She’s about to go out it seems.

  “We like each other,” I say to her. “He’s amazing.”

  “I’m happy for you,” she says smiling.

  “What did Kantarou-sama talk to you about?”

  She sighs and walks to the vanity. She checks over her hair.

  “Oh my gosh! Did he propose to you?”

  “No, unless he has a weird way of doing it. He wanted me to come to his country for a cultural exchange.”

  “That’s great!”

  “I told him “no.” It was because of how he asked.”

  “Kyoya-sama said his brother doesn’t have much sensitivity. Perhaps he didn’t know how to ask. But it’s such a great opportunity.”

  “It is but-”

  “And I’m sure you’ll be learning from the court ladies and not him especially. You always said you hated the reputation your mother put on you. This is a chance to create your own.”

  She holds her head down.

  “That man just bothers me.”

  “I think you should do it. I’m so jealous of you. Oh, and you can help me and Kyoya-sama communicate,” I say to her.

  “He did throw his number at me.”

  “Let me see it. I’ll call!”

  She passes her phone to me lazily. I’m so close to talking to him.

  “They should be off the jet by now,” she says to me.

  I sit down at the floor of the vanity. Each ring makes me more anxious.

  “Only for you, Setsuna-chan,” she says to me with her head down.

  “Kantarou-sama can give you anything. This is great. You can finally pursue your dreams without being mocked by my mother.”

  I think he picked up.

  “Who is this?”

  He has such a deep voice.

  “Hello, this is Setsuna Asahina, princess of Morinaga, I would like to speak to Kantarou Niwa-sama please.”

  “Princess?”

  “I’m calling on behalf of my cousin, Yumiko Yamamoto-chan. I have persuaded her to take your generous offer of a cultural exchange.”

  I feel my training kicking it. I’ll persuade him to make her dreams come true.

  “To think you have more persuasion over me.”

  “I find it very believable. I will relinquish her to your care only, and if something happens to her I will hold you responsible. Do you understand Kantarou Niwa-sama?”

  “Who do you think you’re talking to-”

  “You expressed an interest in her, did you not? All the more reason for you to assume responsibility. I assume you’re a great man, being a Han commander. This should be easy for you to handle.”

  I hear him laughing deeply.

  “Fine,” he finally says.

  “I look forward to your return. I will only relinquish her to you. Now….would you be so kind as to put Kyoya-sama on the phone.”

  “I’m afraid he’s unavailable.”

  “W-what is he doing?”

  “He’s a busy man. He doesn’t really have time. Do you have a message, princess?”

  “Um…not really. Kantarou-sama, do you think he’ll come back soon?”

  “Not likely.”

  I feel depressed now. I just sent Yumi-chan to Han and that means I’ll be here all by myself. I don’t even have his visit to look forward to.

  “Do you…do you think he likes me?”

  “I can’t say. I really don’t have time to be your messenger.”

  He hung up on me. Yumi-chan looks down at me from the vanity.

  “Very impressive. You sure know how to talk to him.”

  “Negotiation class.”

  So he won’t be back. I want to speak to him so badly. I pass the phone back to her. It was somewhat comforting to hear Kantarou-sama’s voice. I’m getting closer to him.

  “Don’t be so down.”

  “But now that I know him-”

  “I get it. But he’s working hard so that the two of you can be together.”

  He is. He said he had a lot of press to do. As soon as our nations accept it, we can come together. I smile thinking about it.

  Chapter 10: Kantarou

  She’s pretty impressive. Convincing her stubborn cousin to come is actually helping her not me. I head to his office. He still won’t tell me his plan; perhaps it’s safer not to.

  “Kyoya,” I say at his door.

  We just got back and he’s already writing.

  “Writing in your diary again?”

  “Just notes about Setsuna-san.”

  “She just called me.”

  He stops immediately and picks his head up. I take a seat. He’s anxious to get it out of me. He looks at his cellphone and puts it down.

  “Is she okay?”

  “She’s quite a negotiator. She convinced her cousin to come but only if I take responsibility for her safety.”

  “That’s great.”

  What’s with the frilly ribbon on his desk. I reach for it and he pulls it away. He’s been weird since he met the little brat.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” he says to me.

  “She asked me if you like her,” I say to him.

  “I do.”

  “Enough to leave the
servants alone.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Huh?”

  “Kan-nii…when I looked at her, I felt something. When she talked to me, I felt something. I feel-”

  “Stop it already. She’s a cute girl but, you’re not in love with her.”

  “I’m not but in time, I want to be.”

  He has to be kidding.

  “Kyoya,” I say trying to snap him out of it. “Are you just trying to play the part-”

  “No…I went there with the intention of playing the part but…I just want to be good to her. She trusts me so much. She has the biggest eyes when she looks at me.”

  My brother, the notorious playboy, is settling down with a twelve year old. But…I think he’s serious. And so he feels guilty about it. I get up and slap him on the shoulder. If he likes her then, I’ll have to protect her too.

  “Consider the princess’ safety my top priority.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I have to get back on duty.”

  “Please bring Yumiko-san here as soon as you can.”

  He starts to write again. His mind is confused. She met his expectations that’s all, maybe even exceeded it.

  Chapter 11: Yumiko

  You better not mess this up. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, aunt.”

  “I don’t know why Kantarou-sama took interest in you but you better keep it. And you better wear those robes every day, not that whore like-”

  “She’ll be fine,” uncle cuts in. “But please wear your royal robes every day. They need to experience our traditions a bit more.”

  “Yumi-chan, do you think they’ll send Kira-kun here to take your place? I’d like to teach him about Morinaga.”

  “I don’t know.”

  I never had to wear the robes except for social occasions. I never had to feel the pressure Setsuna-chan feels. But for once, I am the sole representative for the Morinaga Royal Family. Aunt looks me over.

  Why did I agree to this? I…like their family. They seem accepting. Tomoko Niwa-sama seemed impressed just by looking at me. She wasn’t afraid to be affectionate with her husband. Around here, there’s no such love.

  “Setsuna-chan,” I whisper to her. “Will you be okay?”

  “I can handle things better now,” she says to me. “You’re the one starting the adventure. You get to live with my boyfriend.”