@ imteedee : Awww thank you! What an honour to be on your list of fave authors! And I think your suspicions are going to be even more in this chapter...
@ AshuraX : Ooo~ well done for knowing it was Yuki haha. I don't even know how I keep it serious, just lots of dramas and books lol. I don't think there's going to be AtsuMina in this fic, not for now anyway, so yes you are safe
Hello everyone and Happy New Lunar Year!
I am so sorry it's been so long but I have been way too busy for my liking. However, I managed to find time and finally update
I'll keep this brief with the usual thanks to comments and likes. Hope everyone enjoys this chapter and if there is something someone doesn't understand, please feel free to ask
Noun;
pietà:
1. pity
2. compassion
3. piety03 – One Kingdom The palace was quiet, like it was on most days. It reflected on the peaceful days the kingdom now gained with the sense of reassurance that there was a new ruler to the wondrous place that the people who lived there called home.
However, unbeknownst to most, the Pieta Knights were in utmost chaos.
Sae threw on her armour and guided the guards with discreet command. She and her men were in utter panic.
“Send out the troops! We must find the Queen as soon as possible!”
Her heart pummelled as the tremendous fear escalated to heights Sae had never before experienced. She could only imagine the worst and she blamed herself. She regretted letting Mayu go without her. She was foolish and naïve. Sae felt the overwhelming urge to sob and she pressed it down. She just had to. Sae had to find Mayu.
*
Mayu watched as the hooded figure, with her black cloak, guided them through the capital, as if Yuki had lived here all her life rather than the other way round. It made Mayu realise that perhaps she did not truly know her kingdom as she originally thought. If a stranger knew more about Pieta, then it really said something about herself as a leader. She added a note to her already endless to do list; visit her country at least once a week.
However, even though Mayu felt disappointed in herself, she allowed Yuki to guide the way. She did not want to feel the same feeling of lost again.
As she was led through the busy streets, Mayu was finally taken to what seemed like an inn. And an inn it was, quaint, warm and comfortable, where smiles and loud chatter was not rare. Unlike the large palace she lived in, which sometimes felt like only Mayu lived and that talk was forbidden; so quiet, cold and lonely.
Yuki lifted her hood and smiled at Mayu. She realised that it was the first time Yuki had taken it off. Even though it was cool afternoon, especially for autumn, Mayu was sweating under her disguise which she had to wear. However, Yuki didn’t have to. Surely she could have taken off her cloak, especially since it was quite warm. Yet, seeing Yuki’s face, there not a single drop of sweat or any sort of sign of heat. It made Mayu wonder if she was just hotter due to her own excitement.
“Where are we?” said Mayu, glancing around rather eagerly.
“At where I’m staying for now.”
“Are you not returning with Lord Akiyama?” remembering that Yuki was his accompaniment for last night.
“No, I wanted to see more of this quaint little town so I decided to stay. Besides, he wanted to leave far too early and I’m sure he has found some other company by now. And they have the best hot chocolate here. I’ll go order us some snacks, you go find us a table.”
Mayu was rather bewildered how Yuki was so casual, particularly with her, even though she knew Mayu was the Queen. It was something Mayu had desired for a long time and it was a gesture she appreciated.
“No I should be the one to pay.” protested Mayu, about to pull out her bag of money.
Immediately, she felt Yuki’s hand on hers.
“I suggest you don’t. With that amount, I would think there would be at least a few people interested in taking it and I can’t allow Mayuyu to come in harm’s way.”
Understanding the risk, Mayu nodded. Yuki smiled and then headed to the counter, where she was enthusiastically greeted by a cheerful woman who Mayu assumed was the innkeeper. When Mayu found a free table, in the corner of the small inn, she lightly touched her cheeks and found they were still warm. She wasn’t sure if it was from the affectionate nickname but Mayu thought of how she reacted on Yuki’s sudden touch. Her heart fluttered in a way she had never felt and a warmth entered her stomach which she had never experienced. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling, but Mayu couldn’t say she knew what it was.
Soon Yuki returned with two steaming mugs and a plate of what looked like cookies. She placed them in front of Mayu and for the first time today, Mayu realised she was very hungry. The fragrance of chocolate sweetness was hearty and milky, and the cookies were so intricately decorated with icing flowers that Mayu thought surely the burly innkeeper couldn’t have made them, also feeling that she would rather take them home to show rather than to eat them.
“Two mugs of hot chocolate and a plate of butter cookies on the house.” grinned Yuki, sitting across from Mayu.
“Thank you.” replied Mayu.
She held the piping hot mug, letting the heat penetrate her hands. After gently whisping away the steam and excessive heat, Mayu took her first sip and was immediately hit by a lusciousness that couldn’t help from sounding a sugary hum.
“It’s delicious.”
“I’m glad.”
She smiled and noticed Yuki returned the grin. Again Mayu noticed how beautiful Yuki was. Even more wonderful when she smiled. Suddenly Mayu realised how intently Yuki was gazing at her and how she was returning that gaze. She immediately shifted downwards and gulped a large mouthful of hot chocolate, feeling her face burn from the embarrassment and the scorching drink.
However, Mayu couldn’t help but glance up, her gaze landing on Yuki’s fingers. While holding her drink, Mayu remembered the moment Yuki found her, when she held her hand. How different it was from the warmth she was feeling now. The stark coldness that froze her fingertips. When Mayu held Yuki’s hand, it was like holding ice. Perhaps Yuki had poor circulation. Mayu noted to herself to give Yuki some herbal medicine that would help with blood flow.
“Help yourself.” said Yuki, taking one of the cookies herself, thinking Mayu was staring at the cookies with hesitation rather in deep thought.
Drawn back to the present, Mayu nodded and took a cookie, tasting the smooth buttery sugar. Before she knew it, Mayu was already helping herself to a second. She mentally noted to herself definitely to take some back, especially to Sae who allowed her this rare freedom. All of a sudden, for some reason, Mayu felt a sense of guilt. Her thoughts were so consumed with today and Yuki, she had forgotten about Sae and Aika. Suddenly, the cookie didn’t taste as nice as before.
“Is something wrong Mayuyu?”
“No it’s nothing.” she quietly replied. “It’s just that I’ve had such a wonderful time I forgotten about the people I’ve left. I think it’s time for me to go back to the palace.”
“But you just got here.”
“This is true but I think it’s time. I’ve already had a long enough break. I feel fully replenished, thanks to you especially.”
“But do you see anyone looking for you? You saw how peaceful the city is. It’s okay. You don’t have to live for others. You should live for yourself.”
It had been so long since someone had told Mayu to live for herself. So long that she had forgotten what those words sound like. And when she heard them again, Mayu felt like a certain weight was slightly lifted. It had only been four months since she was declared ruler and Mayu was already starting to feel smothered.
For nearly a year, it had been all about Mayu being the Queen and supporting her kingdom. Putting the citizens of Pieta before herself. Fulfilling the needs of others, before her own. That was her sole duty and purpose. However, before she was constantly being fed and filled with those words, Mayu remembered a time when being the ruler was not yet her concern. A period of time shrouded by a mist of tragedy that she had forgotten the light of delightful memories where she was allowed to think for herself. A place where her father and mother told Mayu to choose her own path, the one she felt would lead to her own happiness.
However, that time was of the past. Pieta was now under her rule and Mayu intended to fully fulfil the duties, and go beyond, for the contentment of her citizens.
“Do you always think about other people before yourself?” Yuki said.
Mayu looked at Yuki, seeing her puzzled expression, holding her own determined gaze. “That is being a Queen.”
Even though the inn bustled with noise, there was a hush at Mayu and Yuki’s table. Yuki stared at Mayu, as if she was examining a specimen. Then, she sighed concededly.
“At least let me have the pleasure of escorting you back.”
*
The time Mayu spent with Yuki was truly pleasant and far too quick for Mayu’s liking, with the sun slowly setting in the open distance. She couldn’t remember when she had laughed this much and when she had felt this light. They exchanged various stories; topics ranging from hilarious childhood moments (Yuki having a sister) to favourite foods (Yuki’s being salmon).
They continuingly chatted and before Mayu knew it, they had nearly reached the back gates of the palace.
“I guess this is where I leave you.” said Yuki, as the two reached the back gates where Mayu first squeezed through, hidden by the greenery. "It was fun."
“Yes it really was.” Mayu returned sincerely.
They both smiled at each other for a moment, allowing themselves just a few more seconds of the pleasant moment. Then, almost forcing herself, Mayu began to go through, with Yuki standing just beyond the hedge, watching. Mayu struggled through until she reached the gap where she had crawled through earlier in the day. However, she discovered that the gap was still blocked by the wooden block which Sae was supposed to remove an hour before sunset.
“Oh, Sae hasn’t moved it yet.” Mayu said, aloud to herself.
“Mayuyu, this may be an insolent question but I would like to ask, if I receive your permission.”
Mayu knocked on the wooden block. “Of course.” she replied, though she was distracted.
“Are you happy?” Yuki suddenly asked.
Mayu turned to Yuki, her view obscured by the overhanging autumn leaves. She could feel Yuki’s intense eyes gazing through and hitting her again. She was glad that she was hidden because she rarely showed her troubled expression to anyone, except Aika and Sae.
That question was one of difficulty and it was a question Mayu had faced many times. Whenever her parents used to ask that question, seeing their daughter mature far too quick compared to others of her age, they must have wondered, and Mayu always answered yes. Though Mayu had few friends, she had Sae, Aika and Jurina, who could never be replaced. She laughed at jokes and played with vigour and she thought she was lucky. She knew of people who had worse problems and Mayu thought, she didn’t have it as bad.
But then, there were those late nights where she stayed awake. The ones that made her eyes wet as she thought about how alone she was. The sole heiress to an entire kingdom, who was constantly watched and had to watch herself in order to present herself properly every minute of each day. Sometimes Mayu would find herself crying her heart out as the pressure weighs down on her and she suddenly convinces herself that she could never be as good of a ruler as her mother and that the kingdom would hate her, nobody liking her, that her cherished friends and family would abandon her, leaving Mayu truly and utterly alone. The times when she made herself feel horrid and question everything she had.
Then, Mayu would wonder, if she was ever happy at all.
Now, that answer seemed further away than ever before. As she stared through the gaps, seeing the setting sun, the lights making Yuki’s silhouette even more beautiful, Mayu could only answer in the only way she knew how; truthfully.
“I don’t know.”
There’s a silence again, tense and uncomfortable. And Yuki was the first to break it.
“Are you still there?” Yuki asked.
It was such an innocent question, said with such naivety, so different from Yuki’s image so far, that it made Mayu unexpectedly puff out a laugh, the tension dissipating immediately.
“Yes, I am still here.” Mayu smiled.
“Are you stuck?”
“No, I can’t go in.”
“Why?”
“It’s blocked.”
Suddenly, Mayu heard an approaching rustling. Yuki grinned as she appeared into Mayu’s view. Yuki was mysterious to Mayu, always surprising her. One minute she could be a mature adult who contemplated even the finer things in life, and then the next, act like a childish minor who found everything fascinating.
“Let me help you.” Yuki said, walking to the block.
“I don’t think you can-”
However before Mayu’s protest could continue, Yuki had already pushed forward the heavy wooden block, over five metres forward. Even Sae struggled with moving the block at least two metres. Mayu stared at Yuki with awe. She truly was an entity.
“Well, I better go.” Yuki smiled.
“Where are you going?” Mayu almost demanded, shocked by the sudden comment.
“Back to the inn…” Yuki bemusedly answered.
“Don’t be silly, you must come stay with me at the palace.” Mayu answered.
Now that both of them were together on palace grounds, with Yuki shocking and entertaining her every minute, there was no way Mayu was going to let Yuki go home without finding more about her. She hadn’t felt this interested in someone else in a very long time.
“Oh Queen Mayu, I could never intrude.” Yuki replied.
Mayu noticed the change in address and she hid her surprise and the sudden displeasure. It reinstated that the dreamlike was truly over. She was the Queen of Pieta.
“Nonsense, it is my pleasure." Mayu said. "I can’t allow a lone girl to walk by herself in the night.”
“But—“
“I insist.”
Mayu knew full well how stubborn and persuasive she could be. She wasn’t the Queen for nothing.
“Well, as you command, Your Highness.” said Yuki, lightly curtsying with a light humour that brought a smile to Mayu’s face.
*
When they entered the palace, Mayu found the palace to be quiet. Far more silent than usual. She wondered where everyone was, especially Sae’s location.
“The palace is truly beautiful.” quietly said Yuki, the stillness even affecting her.
“Thank you. My father told me that the Watanabe royal family had ruled for over 150 years.”
“My, that is a long time. I feel privileged to be allowed entry once again.”
All of a sudden, Mayu spotted a maid, who looked rather frantic. Upon seeing her, the attendee immediately headed towards her, quickly bowing.
“What is it?” asked Mayu, alerted by the woman’s frantic behaviour.
“My Queen, where have you been?” she asked, making Mayu freeze.
If the maid knew of her disappearance, it must mean others have discovered that she had left, deserting her position. Before she could even think about how everyone found out, Mayu was concerned about what this would imply. This action alone would put her position as Queen at risk. If disapprovers caught wind of this, it would add oil to the already simmering flame.
“The chief advisor wishes to speak with you.” the maid continued.
Instantly worried, Mayu had no choice but to follow.
“If you excuse me Yuki-san.” Mayu offered, feeling deeply sorry. However, the dangerous situation at hand was her top priority.
“Of course Queen Mayu.” Yuki graciously answered. “I’ll just be exploring this lovely hall.”
Nodding her thanks, Mayu headed towards the Kameko’s office, anticipating a difficult conversation.
With the announcement of her arrival, Mayu entered Kameko’s office. As she went inside, Mayu instantly could tell the elderly man was flustered. The once happy man who Mayu had granted permission to take her place in royal duties, now stood tensely. Kameko gazed at Mayu with disapproval; his wrinkles deep making him look even more like a turtle than ever before.
“Queen Mayu, what you have done today was extremely irresponsible.” he sternly said, already beginning his lecture. “How could you do such a thing? As Queen of the country, you should know better. What would hae happened if opposers heard about your negligence? Or god forbid, if something happened to Your Highness? Queen Mayu may be a young girl but please think of what the kingdom would have become if they lost yet another ruler so soon.”
Kameko’s words hit her hard and as if the wind was knocked out of her, Mayu had no words. She had never felt so ashamed of herself.
“I’m just thankful that I bumped into that soldier that let me know of the search.” he said, this information allowing Mayu know that Sae must have sent soldiers looking for her, making her wonder why. “If not yourself, think of the citizens of Pieta before you act so careless… I think it’s best if you don’t leave the palace for a while.”
“Yes.” Mayu finally answered. “I believe that would be the right decision.”
She stared at the elderly man whose eyes were now filled with pity. “I’m glad you understand Queen Mayu.” Finally with a sigh, Kameko said. “I can imagine it’s been a long day for you. Please go for dinner and have a rest. I will take care of the remaining tasks.”
“Thank you.” Mayu dejectedly answered.
However, suddenly she remembered something. Opening her cloak, she took out a small bag. Instantly, Kameko was hit by a sweet scent. Lightly, Mayu placed the bag on his desk.
"They are cookies." Mayu gently informed. "I thought you would like to try them."
Then, before she could see Kameko's expression, Mayu left.
With heavy, quiet steps, Mayu walked down the hallway. She had never loathed herself more than at that moment. How could she go outside, deserting her position, knowing full well of the consequences? She realised that with her selfish desire of freedom, Mayu had made almost the entire castle rustle with worry. Guilt filled her tiny body and she knew it would be the last time she would leave the palace on her own. It looked like she wouldn't be able to fulfil one thing on her list; visiting the city at least once a week.
Suddenly, Mayu spotted the same attendee. She immediately bowed upon spotting the approaching Queen, who only smiled. It was not her fault Mayu was in trouble. She was the one who chose the wrong decision.
“Tell the chef to cook salmon tonight.” Mayu gently said.
With a quick glance and a nod, followed by “Yes Your Majesty”, the attendee disappeared in the direction of the kitchen. Even though she was feeling down, Mayu decided she would hide the fact in order to make her guest of the night feel at home. Mayu walked back to where she left Yuki and discovered her quickly. She was merely standing in front of the palace tapestries, but Mayu found even that sight to be beautiful. With her back straight and her hair tilted slightly back, Mayu could see how sculpted Yuki’s face was, as if the greatest sculptors had gathered and designed Yuki’s profile to create a masterpiece.
However, as Mayu slowly approached, she saw Yuki’s gaze and was surprised. Yuki’s face was painted with a tight frown and a blank gaze. When Mayu looked closely, she could feel the malice that radiated off Yuki’s dark stare and Mayu felt a shiver go through her. Ignoring the odd sensation, Mayu advanced to her.
“Is something the matter Yuki-san?”
Yuki jumped she heard Mayu’s voice. She must have been truly involved with her own thoughts. Quickly, Yuki looked at the Queen with a smile. Mayu felt relieved; perhaps it was just her imagination.
“Nothing Queen Mayu.” she replied. “I was just looking at these tapestries. They are fascinating.”
Mayu turned to them. Three large tapestries draped against the walls, the images being in the family for as long as Mayu could remember. The first tapestry depicted two identical young girls, standing over a castle as it burned amongst the yellow and orange fires. The second tapestry displayed a majestic crowned man, standing above the same castle, but this time it was blackened as if the castle was burnt. The final tapestry weaved an image of the same man, fighting a fanged beast, a creature that was between man and monster.
“They have been in our family for generations.” Mayu said. “My father told me long ago the tales behind the creation of them but unfortunately I have forgotten.”
“That’s a shame.” Yuki replied, rather wistfully. “I’m sure they would have been a frightfully delightful bedtime story.”
*
Mayu stood in the doorway while Yuki inspected the bedroom.
“This is the guest room.” Mayu said. “I hope it meets your expectations and please do not hesitate to call for assistance if you so need it.”
“It’s wonderful.”
Mayu smiled, about to take her leave to change before dinner.
“Wait your Majesty.” suddenly spoke Yuki.
All of a sudden, Mayu felt Yuki’s cold hand on her wrist. Startled by Yuki’s abrupt action, Mayu stared at Yuki with a surprise. The two stood, Yuki faltered by the shock that went through her cold body, while Mayu felt the frozen by Yuki’s wide gaze and freezing contact. They stared at each other with the same surprise, but Yuki was the first to gain control of herself. Yuki’s eyes became serious and Mayu felt herself blush under the intense gaze.
“You will listen to my commands.” suddenly said Yuki, in a monotonous voice.
Mayu stared at Yuki, silent with shock. Yuki was still staring at Mayu, repeating the same words again.
“You will listen to my commands.”
Hearing her say the same thing, in the same voice, it made Mayu burst out with confusion. “What are you talking about Yuki-san?”
A glaze of surprise covered Yuki’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared into her dark pupils. Mayu suddenly felt Yuki let go and warmth returned to her hand, along with pins and needles. She wondered if Yuki was really gripping her hand so hard that it temporarily stopped her blood flow. Mayu felt bashful and rather concerned about what happened. No one had looked at her with such passion before, and it flustered her. In addition, Yuki’s odd behaviour made Mayu more and more disordered.
“I can imagine you saying that to your loyal subjects.” Yuki jested.
Is that all that it was? If so, then Mayu had over reacted. After a moment, Mayu chose to act normally, however she was still wary. However, after the day she had spent with Yuki, to Mayu, her actions didn’t cause any distrust.
Mayu laughed with relief and ease. “Please Yuki-san, I would never sound like that.”
Yuki returned a polite laughter, her reaction received well by the Queen. “Thank you again for the room Queen Mayu.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Mayu said. “Someone will come for you when it is time for dinner.”
Yuki nodded, and lightly curtsied when Mayu turned to leave. Closing the door, Mayu was truly amused by Yuki’s unpredictable actions. She pondered, if she would ask Yuki to stay in the palace until her holiday was over.
As soon as the bedroom door closed, the smile on Yuki’s face instantly disappeared and a deep frown took its place. Making sure the door was locked, Yuki opened the large window, looking down from the two storey height and gazed at the palace forest just beyond the high wall at the end of the palace gardens.
Suddenly, with a jump of primal speed, Yuki dashed into the palace’s forests, where she knew her other half would be waiting.