“What!”
That woman! I feel nothing for her. She can’t even make a cup of coffee. That time on the plane was just…me being overwhelmed. We’ve never talked about it so it must be okay.
“Kan-nii, what if she finds out? She’ll never forgive me.”
“You better make sure no one finds out.”
“But-”
The door slams open. Father stands before us. We both stand up and he turns on the television. What’s going on? Are we at war or something?
On t.v is a news report.
“Prince Kyoya and Princess Setsuna’s intimate night. How far did they go?” I read.
“What the hell is this!” father screams at him.
A video plays on screen. It’s the two of them sitting on the floor of a bedroom. She’s in between his legs and he’s nuzzling her neck. There’s no sound. I watch calculating each frame.
He kisses her.
I look back at him and he’s surprised. He kissed that brat. He has his hands on her like she’s a woman.
“What were you doing?” father screams at him. “You’re making out with a child. You exposed the princess’ face. You disgraced the Asahina royal family and ruined the purity of the princess.”
The video keeps repeating. I can’t believe he did that. He’s speechless. Can’t even think of a single excuse.
“Is it that bad that we like each other?” he finally says. “If anything won’t it make our union stronger. Won’t it make the public believe that this isn’t just about becoming King of Morinaga. They already think we’re hungry for power, can’t we just make them believe I want to marry her cause I love her despite age.”
He makes a good point. A royal should be able to get away with it. Father still looks frustrated.
“You’re not to speak to the public. I have to speak with the Asahina family.”
Father storms out. Kyoya turns off the t.v and slams his head on the desk.
“I care more about what she’s going through. Her parents are gonna blame her for this. It was my fault. She had no idea what being that close meant. She was innocent.”
“Put the plan in place tonight. It makes more sense with the outrage.”
“That’s too much for her.”
“It has to be tonight to make sense. You know it. We’re trying to cover your ass, remember.”
What’s all this concern for the brat. I’ll leave him to handle it. I go back to my office and see the girl wide eyed looking at the same report.
“Turn that off,” I say to her.
“I can’t believe they really kissed. I wish I could call her.”
“I said turn that off!”
I sit down at my desk. I can’t stand watching him fall for the princess. There was no strategic reason to kiss her; she was already in our hands.
Yumiko-san stares at me. I’m not the reckless one here.
“Commander, are you okay?”
And with the plan going forward I have to keep an eye on Yumiko-san too. It will be too much for her too. She sits down in front of my desk and starts smiling.
“It was such a passionate kiss. Setsuna-chan probably doesn’t even realize. I gotta go home and talk to her.”
“No!”
“It will just be a short trip.”
“You’re not allowed to leave.”
“Why not? It’s not like I’m a prisoner here. I can leave when I want. You never give me anything to do or teach me anything about your culture.”
I don’t need her that’s why I can’t teach her.
“I know you’re planning something. You have since the beginning. Why are you trying to keep me here.”
She’s suspicious. I have to turn her attention elsewhere.
“I keep you here cause I like looking at you.”
“Huh?”
“I just don’t have the nerve to make a move.”
“Commander…”
That should keep her quiet. As if I would have feelings for a secondary woman. I look up again and see her blushing.
“I’m a selfish person,” I say to her. “I’ve never tried to hide it.”
“So that time on the plane-”
“I don’t want to give you the expectation that you’ll be queen. If I show any feelings towards you that’s what everyone will think.”
“I know you would never consider me for that position. But it’s flattering to know you would consider me a person worth keeping close to you.”
Kyoya owes me so much for this. But the look she’s giving me isn’t all that bad. The door is locked.
“Come here,” I tell her.
She gets up obediently and I back my chair away. There’s no need for words between us. She seems to know her position. I grab her waist and she sits on my lap.
She drops her head to my neck and hugs me.
“I’m so jealous of her. I know I can’t handle the pressure like her but I would love to be in her position. To have a prince fall for me-”
“I don’t intend to fall for you.”
“Kan-nii!” I hear at the door.
Interrupted again. It’s probably for the best. She’s proven that she can kiss and not tell but I don’t know how long that will last.
“Let him in, then go to my father and see if he needs any help smoothing things over with the Asahina family.”
My hand lingers around her waist as she gets up. She opens the door and Kira storms right into her. His head rests on her chest and he stays there. First time he’s been that close to breasts.
“I apologize, Kira-sama,” she says.
“Kira, step away from her.”
He steps aside with a reddened face. He keeps his eyes away from her.
“I’ll report back soon,” she says to me.
When she’s gone he finally picks his head up. He no doubt saw the kiss too. It doesn’t concern him.
“What is it?” I say to him.
He snaps back and starts to pout like always.
“I need to talk to someone.”
“Big brother is always here for you so go ahead.”
“I don’t think it’s fair that Kyo-nii has Setsuna-san.”
“You think he should have someone his own age.”
“Yes.”
“Because it’s hard enough for a preteen boy to find a girl.”
“Yes, exactly.”
“If you want to take her from him then go ahead.”
“Really?”
“But only if you truly like her. Not because you’re jealous he has a girlfriend.”
“Um…it’s not that I like her but…I just think it’s not fair. It was disgusting watching them kiss.”
He’s just jealous. He’ll get over it. He’ll get to spend time with her soon enough. I made my mistakes in love early on. He’ll make some too.
I can’t wait till he gets through this spoiled phase.
“If you wanna impress the princess you should try getting stronger. Be a man in her eyes like Kyoya is. That’s why she likes him.”
“Be a man…you mean like you?”
“Yes, I’m the perfect example.”
“How did you get Yumiko-san to fall for you?”
Has she? He looks around my office staring at my awards. I hadn’t noticed that she’d fallen for me. I assumed it was all play.
“Many women fall for me. It’s outside of my control.”
Chapter 17: Yumiko
It’s so crowded near his office. I’ve only glanced at this place; it really is a command center. I didn’t think the kiss was a big deal. It was so passionate and Setsuna-chan doesn’t even know it. I think Kyoya-sama might really like her.
I would want to share a kiss like that with Kantarou-sama. I spent so much time with him and he’s growing on me. He’s rude but I’m starting to see through it now. I don’t think he’s a mean person; he just doesn’t understand other people’s feelings. I like the way he keeps me close to him in his meetings. He always touches my shoulder to k
eep me near him.
“Oh, Yumiko-san,” Tomoko-sama says.
I was thinking too much. I’m spacing out right in front of the king’s office.
“Um, I was wondering if Eri-sama needed my help talking to my uncle.”
“Did Kantarou send you here?”
“Yes, although I’m not sure what I can do.”
She guides me away from the crowd and we walk to a quieter hallway. I feel privileged to be treated so well by the Niwa family. They treat me as if I have the same status as them.
“You seem to have a lot on your mind,” she says to me.
“I can’t bother you with that.”
“Tell me.”
It’s about her son so I don’t know if I can tell her.
“You’ve been here for some time. I think I know what this is about. You’ve been spending a lot of time with Kantarou-”
“I can’t talk about this with you.”
“Why not?”
“You’re the queen. My problems are stupid,” I tell her.
“You like him but you’re convinced you’re not good enough.”
That’s exactly it. I nod.
“You are still a young girl. You are only seventeen. It’s normal. He is your superior at the moment and he seems to care about you in his own way. You should know that I had the same feelings before I married Eri-san. I felt as though I wasn’t good enough.”
“Did he accept you?”
“When he saw me gain confidence and feel as though I was good enough, he knew I could handle the position as queen. And whoever Kantarou chooses will have to be able to take the burden.”
“I could never be queen. Not after my mother-”
“That doesn’t matter. But I do feel as though he will never choose you as queen. When he tries to keep you away, it means he cares about you. He doesn’t want you to face the burden. He actually told me that the woman he marries will purely be for show. That’s not going to be you.”
“But I’ll never be able to be with him if that’s the case.”
“If you want to be with him then be with him. He’ll care about you enough to figure out a way. I feel as though you’re good enough to be with him.”
She places her hands on my shoulders. I should make the first move. Tomoko-sama is so nice to me. I wish my own mother would speak to me and give me advice. I have no idea where she is.
“I heard you knew my mother,” I say to her.
“Ju Mei-san? Yes, I did. We went to a few functions together. She was just like you. She never really fit in. She was rough around the edges. Didn’t take to all the training too well. And that’s okay.”
“I better go find him. I want to tell him my feelings.”
I wanna see Kantarou-sama again and prove I’m good enough. I know I was supposed to help the king but I have to talk to Kantarou-sama. I don’t want to be a mistress. I want to have my feelings validated.
I knock on his office door.
“Commander,” I say to the door.
The room is empty. Where could he be? He might be going out to meet with the captains. I run to his bedroom. I can’t hold back anymore.
“Commander?”
I reach for the knob to his bedroom and storm in. He’s changing into his uniform. I’ve watched him dress before; he made me watch but this time I’m extra nervous.
“Is there a problem?” he says calmly.
I close the door. My confidence is gone.
“I didn’t get the chance to meet with him. His office was so crowded with people. I don’t really know what I could have done.”
“You’re not assertive enough. You’re representing me so you need to be more assertive.”
“Right,” I agree with him. “I have a lot to learn from you.”
He pauses in the middle of dressing. He just took off his undershirt. I put my eyes to the floor as he approaches me.
“You’re acting weird. What’s wrong?”
Just tell him. I have to just tell him.
“Yumiko-san? Did those men really shake you up? I shouldn’t have sent you there on your own. I should have known he’d be surrounded by people. Everyone’s going crazy from this crisis.”
He holds my reddened face in his hand. I’m remembering the queen’s words.
“Do you care about me, commander?”
“Hm?”
“Do you care….about me?”
“…yes.”
With him this close I want to kiss him but it’s not for play. I have serious feelings. I put my hands on his face and bring him closer. I kiss him and he immediately pulls me to him. I want him to hear my feelings.
I brace my hands against his hard chest and my legs weaken. I still want to tell him my feelings but I can’t stop myself.
He pushes me away and goes back to his wardrobe. Why does he keep stopping? He must be ashamed of me.
“With Kyoya’s news story we can’t be too careful. The palace has yet to be secured. All servants have to be checked.”
So that’s why.
“If we get caught, you feel it will burden me?”
“Me as well.”
“I can handle it.”
“Hm? I already told you, I don’t want people thinking I’ll make you queen.”
He continues putting on his uniform. I run to him and put my arms around him. He stops. I need to tell him directly.
“I’m sorry but I like you. I don’t want you to see me as a mistress. I want you to see me as good enough to walk beside you and sit across from you. When I kiss you…my feelings are real. I’m so disappointed when you stop.”
“I should have known you couldn’t handle it.”
“Please consider me seriously.”
He pushes me away and I stumble back. Please take me seriously. I use to play with guys too but I seriously like Kantarou-sama. I guess I deserve this. I could never be serious about a guy before so why should I be taken seriously.
“Can I go home?” I ask him.
“No.”
“But I can’t stay here and-”
“That’s enough!”
I step backwards and hit his door. I can’t be near him anymore. I open the door and run out.
Chapter 18: Setsuna
“Setsuna!”
That sounds like mother. Teacher puts down his paper feeling alarmed too. I’ve been here the whole time. What could I have done wrong?
The door slams open and mother stands angry. Father steps in and approaches me slowly.
“Setsuna, we know Kyoya-sama kissed you.”
“You loose girl!” mother screams.
Father holds his hand up to quiet her. She immediately quiets but looks at me with anger. How could they have known? I didn’t tell and Kyoya-sama wouldn’t tell.
“Will both of you step out,” father says.
He waits until we’re alone and then sits next to me. He lowers my book and clicks on the keyboard. I’m scared of what he’ll say.
A video plays on the screen. I gasp immediately. The servant was recording us.
“Father-”
He raises his hand again. I don’t want to watch it. I turn my head away. That was our special moment and now everyone knows about it.
“What did you and Kyoya-sama talk about to make this happen,” he says calmly.
“Please don’t blame him-“
“Tell me.”
“Um…I was showing him some of my memories. He said I should focus less on knowledge and work on understanding my feelings. He said…he said he felt close to me and I said I felt far from him. He said that I shouldn’t feel that way.”
“And he kissed you?”
I nod to him. The video doesn’t show me kissing him back. Father leans on the desk and I reach for his hand.
“I’m not a loose girl.”
“I know. I feel as though he might love you.”
“I love him too.”
He looks up at me and I’m surprised to see him smile. It’s scary.
> “I’m not upset about him kissing you. I’m happy you like each other. But…this video is troubling because I can’t trust the people that swore to protect you. And now your face is exposed. That servant will be on trial for treason and every other servant is being looked at intensely. I don’t like to do these kinds of things.”
“Have you heard from Kyoya-sama?”
“I spoke to his father directly. He’s just as upset. He’s trying to handle most of the press.”
“Kyoya-sama said that there is a lot of opposition to our relationship because of our age and countries.”
“That is true. Han is very different from our county but I believe the Niwa family will follow our wishes.”
He continues to rub his forehead.
“This is also troubling because I have to watch my little girl grow up. I know I forced this relationship on you and I felt guilty but…I am happy that Kyoya-sama can make you happy.”
This is the first time father has spoken like this to me.
“I…love you,” I say to him. “Do you love me too?”
“Of course I do.”
“Sometimes I feel as though you only see me as the princess and not your daughter.”
“I understand why you feel that way and I am sorry. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I am not just a king but a man, a husband and a father.”
He holds on to my hand and smiles at me. So he does love me. And he’s not mad at me. I reach out and hug him; it feels like the first time.
“But mother is upset-”
“I’ll handle her.”
“When I rule Morinaga, I won’t be just a queen.”
“That’s fine. I know you’ll be a great leader.”
“Me and Kyoya-sama will make it a wonderful place.”
He lets go of me. I finally got to tell him my feelings. I love my father.
I don’t get to see father or mother the entire day. He has to make so many excuses for what happened. I bet Kyoya-sama is having a hard time too. He might take all the blame; I bet it’s hard for him.
I sit in my room thinking about him. I hate that everyone saw our moment but it’s still special to me. I look out the window. It’s so dark outside. I hope father gets to sleep soon.
I jump up hearing a scream. That’s didn’t sound like an accident. I walk towards the door. There are more screams. What’s going on? I hear a glass shatter and step back from the door.
The Last Princess Page 6