The Last Princess

by Marissa Craig

  “Did you see who did it? Everyone’s afraid to talk to you about it but if you could give a description it could help us out a lot.”

  Should I tell him? I look at him and he stares at me intently as if gauging my honesty even before I say anything. Kantarou-sama said only to discuss the details with him or Kyoya-sama.

  I heard the man’s voice and saw his shape. That’s not enough to say I know who did it. I thought about it before. The killer told me to stay in one spot so that I would be found, but given the size of the woods, I would only be found if he led them to me. Like a trail or…

  I shake my head and he sighs.

  “Sorry to bother you with it.”

  I have to talk to Kantarou-sama quickly. I think the killer is close to us. Either in the Han military or the Morinaga military.

  “Well get some rest,” he says to me.

  I wait for the door the close then quickly run to my pad. I have to write down everything. I’ll write my account and my suspicions. But can I trust Kantarou-sama? He’s an active military member. I should run it by Kyoya-sama first.

  Chapter 29: Kyoya

  I found peace long enough to fall asleep but it’s interrupted. What’s with the banging? I didn’t plan another catastrophe. I’m too tired to put my robe on. I open the door and she stands with her fist about to knock again.

  “Is something wrong?” I ask her.

  She’s supposed to be resting. How did she even find my bedroom? I look out into the hall. I guess she figured it out on her own. I move aside and let her in.

  “Go lay down,” I tell her.

  She sits on the bed and I join her. I’ll sleep with her again. I try to get underneath the blankets and she stops me with her hands.

  She scribbles on her pad and hands it to me.

  “I need to talk to you,” I read aloud.

  She scribbles again.

  “I want to tell you about that night,” she writes.

  I didn’t think she would bring this up.

  She digs underneath her stack of papers and hands me a folded piece of paper. This is her account of the night.

  “I know who it is,” she writes.

  She knows who it is? I’m getting nervous. She can’t remember. If she knows Ayato-san’s face then it’s easy to connect it to me. My hands are shaking just holding her account. In the dim light I see her searching into my eyes.

  She’s so strong in all this, much stronger than I thought. She put aside her sickness and her fear to investigate on her own.

  “You don’t need to worry about this,” I tell her. “Kan-nii is leading the investigation. He has our best men on it.”

  She touches my hand and urges me to read her account. I’m afraid to. She brought this to me because she trusts me.

  I open up the paper and read on. She talks about how there were screams…a guard carries her away and….a man with a blade dragging behind him is on a hunt. He kills her guard and stabs at her head. He scrapes the blade from her eye to her chin and she stabs him near his chest.

  I look up at her and she’s focused on the paper. I read on and she talks about how she wakes up with him washing her blade in the creek. He returns it to her and she grabs his mask.

  He sealed her voice to keep her from screaming and explicitly said to wait until someone found her. She feels as though she was found in less than an hour. Now she’s making a deduction. Sealing her voice and making her wait in a creek to be found. She thinks he lied about watching over her and led the search party to her.

  “So you think it was Ayato-san?” I say out loud.

  She nods. Damn it! She’s too damn smart.

  “Setsuna-san, I hope you haven’t shown this to anyone else.”

  She shakes her head.

  “I’m a bit disappointed with you.”

  Her eyes open up shocked with my words. I have to take her off the trail.

  “Ayato-san is my friend and a captain in the Han Army. He’s part of division that guards the palace and everyone in it. That includes you.”

  She shakes her head again.

  “He’s also an expert tracker which is why I sent him to Morinaga under my orders.”

  Now she’s feeling bad. She lowers her head and I touch her shoulder. I’m sorry to do this. She’s absolutely right but I can’t allow this to continue.

  “I know you want to solve this but it’s not up to you to solve. I’m glad I know what happened that night but you need to forget.”

  Just forget and things can get better. If she forgets then her sickness will go away and she can be happy again. I pet her hair and she covers her eyes to cry. I made her feel bad about her accusations.

  “Trust me a bit more,” I say to her.

  She won’t stop crying. I lean down to get a look at her face. Her crying sounds painful since she can’t speak. I hold her to my chest.

  “I’m not upset at you. I don’t want you to think of these things.”

  I need to distract her. I look around to find something but focus in on her face. It must be cause of her trying to talk.

  “Your cut opened up.”

  It should be healing by now. I move her hand away and peel the bandage off. It hasn’t even scabbed. It looks a fresh red. What the hell did he have on that blade?

  “Just relax and you can get a fresh bandage tomorrow.”

  I turn away to shut off the light and she isolates herself at the other end of the bed. I see her jerk slightly. She’s still crying. There’s only so much I can do. I have no idea what’s going on in her head. No matter what, I can’t let her suspect me. I want to put all this behind us and be a king. I want her to smile again.

  I knew this would be hard on her. Hopefully the hard part is over. At least I don’t have any more plans.

  Chapter 30: Kantarou

  Who invited all these damn cameras? Some stunt by one of father’s men. They’re all watching us as we make the trip to Morinaga for the memorial. I stand outside waiting for the others to leave the car.

  “Commander, I’m at the ready.”

  She’s certainly stepped up a bit. It’s been awkward between us for some time. She confessed to me and I rejected her but when the massacre happened I was at her side through it. But now she’s acting diligent and I never asked her to.

  The cameras take notice of us and I step away. Kira steps out frowning followed by Kyoya. He helps Setsuna-san out and she grips his arm.

  “Commander Niwa, I suggest we move quickly,” a guard says to me.

  “Her safety isn’t in jeopardy.”

  She still continues to wear her veil. With the mystique she has about her no one would hurt her. She doesn’t have a voice to hate.

  It’s not until we’re on the plane that everyone starts talking.

  “Setsuna-san should sit next to me,” Kira says.

  “Don’t be so bossy, Kira,” mother says. “It seems to me like she wants to stay attached to Kyoya.”

  “They’ve been spending too much time together-”

  “You can sit with me, Kira-sama,” Yumiko-san says to him.

  “No, I have to discuss some things with you,” I say to her.

  “I’m sure it can be discussed another time.”

  “If so I wouldn’t have made a point about it now.”

  “I know it’s a two hour flight but I rather not be near you.”

  The nerve of that woman. I approach her and the little princess steps in the way. She pulls my arms and pulls me down between her and Kyoya.

  “Isn’t she a peacemaker, Kan-nii.”

  “Shut up.”

  I’ll sit here to calm down. I reject her and she turns bitter. I forget how young she is. She pulls Kira to the next row and starts to giggle with him.

  The jet takes off and everyone seems distracted with themselves.

  “Setsuna-san,” I say to her. “I trust you’ll keep your tears to a minimum. This is the first time the public will see you…aside from that other day.”

  �
��Don’t bother her,” Kyoya says. “She can cry if she wants.”

  Why is she holding my arm? She’s gotten entirely too comfortable with me.

  “She told me she likes you a lot. Perhaps you should tell her how you feel about her.”

  I’m sure he’s doing this for a reason. She looks up at me smiling.

  “I love you.”

  She looks shocked.

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  “Well what do you want me to say?”

  “Tell her the truth.”

  “Well…I don’t mind you as much as I thought I would, little princess.”

  She hugs my arm.

  “When she’s able to speak again, she wants to call you “Kan-nii” too,” he says to me.

  She nods enthusiastically.

  “That would be...fine.”

  “Setsuna-san, why don’t you go sit with Kira. I know he enjoys your company.”

  She nods and moves away.

  “What’s with all that?”

  “Read this,” he says handing me a folder piece of paper.

  I read it and quickly look up at him. She figured it out. How is this possible?

  “I don’t want her to suspect you so try being a little nicer. And as far as Ayato-san, he already knows his part. I don’t know how but find who did this.”

  He looks over at me. I get it. I nod in agreement. We need a fall guy.

  “She gave that to me a few nights ago. I’ve been trying to distract her ever since.”

  “Distract her how?”

  He’s quiet for a moment. Did he give her stickers or control of the remote. Anything would work on her.

  “I let her look at the old albums. Mostly your old albums.”

  “I suppose we all have to sacrifice. Is that why she’s holding on to me so much?”

  “She’s our family now. She was distracted enough with the notion. But I can’t stand being near her.”

  “Doesn’t look that way.”

  “After the memorial, I’m staying behind to start my position and I wanna have you with me. Kira will keep her busy.”

  “I’d watch out for him. He has the intention of stealing her from you.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “A twelve year old boy discovering his body would be perfect for her. He can answer her questions,” I warn him.

  “You’re trying to make me laugh.”

  “Just watch him.”

  “I’m not worried about little Kira.”

  Chapter 31: Kira

  She’s just as good at computer chess. I can’t beat her. She laughs each time she wins.

  “I wonder what they’re talking about,” Yumiko-san says.

  “Leave us alone and go find out.”

  “They always seem up to something.”

  Setsuna-san takes the tablet from me. If she’s so curious she should just leave. I’m trapped between the two of them. She’s obviously lusting after Kan-nii. That’s why she keeps touching her shirt buttons.

  I hear a shutter sound. Oh, she just found the camera. She points at me and then herself.

  “She wants to take a picture with you,” Yumiko-san says.

  “Huh? Me?”

  “She never got to take photographs, she’s just excited.”

  We take a photo together and she stares at it. We don’t look bad together. Before I can speak she jumps up and runs back to Kyo-nii.

  I like her. I like her a lot. But she only sees Kyo-nii. If she would just open her eyes, she would see me too.

  “I wish her voice would come back. But…she’s taking it all better than I thought,” Yumiko-san says.

  “Okay, just one more picture,” I hear Kyo-nii say.

  I can’t stand him. I get up and walk to the back of the plane. Mother and father are hugging like normal.

  “Something wrong, dear?” mother asks.

  “Can I talk to father, please.”

  He releases her and she walks to the front.

  “What is it, son?”

  “I want Setsuna-san.”

  He lowers his head and sighs.

  “If Kyo-nii won’t step down then I’ll step over him.”

  “Try to understand the princess’ feelings a little. She just had a terrible thing happen to her. All her life she’s been told that Kyoya will care for her. She needs him and she loves him-”

  “Cause she was told to.”

  “It’s not cause she was told to. She loves him and he loves her. You can see that, right?”

  “But-”

  “And she really likes you…as a friend. Don’t hurt the princess and don’t betray your brother by doing this.”

  “It’s not fair for her to not know. If she knows she has a choice then I know she would choose me.”

  “And are you capable of leading her country. That’s never been your course of study but it’s always been his.”

  He won’t even encourage me. He’s saying I’m not good enough. I’ll stay quiet for now. I know Kyo-nii isn’t right for her. I’ll make her see it first.

  “I’ll step down,” I say to him. “Sorry.”

  Kan-nii encouraged me but he said I have to make myself be seen as a man in her eyes. I’ll make her see me. I go back to the front of the plane. She still hasn’t come back from his side.

  “Kira, sit her a moment. Don’t worry about your brothers,” mother says.

  Yumiko-san is crying again. We are heading to a memorial. So I guess there’s reason to be sad. I sit down on Yumiko-san’s side. Since she’s been here she’s been a pain but, she’s also been very pleasant to me. When I touch her shoulder she starts to wail louder and the others notice. Setsuna-san runs over and they start hugging. What use am I? I don’t know what to say.

  “Setsuna-chan, how can I look at them again?”

  Setsuna-san tries to speak but only whimpers. Mother looks on close to tears. I see Kyoya stand. I have to be a man in her eyes; if I take care of Yumiko-san then she’ll know I care for her family.

  I grab Yumiko-san from her and hug her across the seat.

  “Don’t worry; you’re not going through this alone.”

  She stays quiet. After some time she pulls herself away and wipes her tears.

  “You’re like family so you’re not alone, Yumiko-san.”

  “T-thank you.”

  Setsuna-san smiles at me. That’s exactly what I wanted. It won’t take long.

  Chapter 32: Yumiko

  That was unexpected. That little Kira-sama is gonna be dangerous when he gets older. He made me blush for a moment. Being in the sky again made me think about my first time flying. It was the last time I saw my aunt and uncle. I wish I would have said goodbye appropriately. Since my parents left me, they’ve attempted to treat me like a daughter. But I could never make them proud, Setsuna-chan either. I don’t like that kind of regret. It’s the regret I can’t fix.

  We should be landing soon. Setsuna-chan has fallen asleep next to me. Kira-sama is asleep next to her. When I was crying, I hoped that Kantarou-sama would help me.

  He rejected me but hasn’t acted any different since then. I’ve been the one afraid to get back to normal. And really his reason was good. If we started dating people would get the wrong idea. But if he really liked me, he would find some way to fix it.

  “Hey.”

  I look up. He stands in the aisle ushering me to him. I guess he wants to talk. I really would like to speak to him normally. I get up slowing and follow after him. He goes to the luggage room and closes the door behind me.

  “Are you going to be okay when we touch down?” he asks.

  “I don’t know. I was thinking about the last time I saw them. They were on my back so much about doing my best while in your care.”

  “I made that promise to your cousin. And I suppose if you don’t have anywhere to go back to, you’ll still be in my care.”

  He walks pass me and sits on a trunk. I think he’s being sweet to me. He seems exhausted. He’s been doin
g a lot lately. He’s been trying to catch the murderer while in his own country.

  “You’ve been trying to convince the Morinaga military to take your ideas,” I say to him. “Is it not going well?”

  “They’re stubborn. I tried reaching out to your father thinking he would ally with me-”

  “My father? I wouldn’t give you any leverage with him.”

  “You’re mistaken. He wants to help me. He wants to help me because of you.”

  My father still cares about me? He still remembers me?

  “He’s allowing me to meet with some of the other higher ups so they can hear my ideas.”

  “That’s great,” I tell him. “You’re so accomplished.”

  “I want you to come with me. If you can be seen with me, I’m sure people will stop talking down to you.”

  So that’s what he wanted to discuss.

  “That would have happened on its own but-”

  “I will go anywhere with you, commander.”

  “It’s good you understand. During the memorial…”

  I try to look into his face but he turns away. He’s shying away from me.

  “I know it will be tough for you and Setsuna-san,” he continues. “She will no doubt hold on to Kyoya….you can hold on to me if you want.”

  “Why are you acting so shy?” I ask him. “This isn’t like you.”

  “I just didn’t want you to cry again.”

  “I could never cry around you. I have no reason to.”

  There’s silence. I appreciate every word he said. I’ll follow him. I need to do something to distract myself from all this. My father will likely be at the memorial. I am hoping my mother might show up too. It’s a broken family but it’s my family.

  “I had planned this for you for some time. It’s your choice if you want to go through it or not.”

  He hands a letter to me. I open it cautiously and the first words make me gasp. “Accepted”

  “You…you got me into college.”

  “It’s one of the most prestigious universities in Han. You can study what you want but don’t forget your duty to me.”

  “Commander…”

  I never thought I was good enough for college but he does. I never thought I was good enough for anything but he sees something in me that I don’t.