They were at the tallest tower of the castle. The sun setting in the yellow sky. The brunette held a single stalk of rose towards them. Mizuki remembers they were both crying from confession after confession.
“No matter what you decide Mizuki, I’ll love you.”
BANG!
Mizuki jolted awake in their bed. The harsh sun shining into their eyes. She groaned.
"Oi! You're late." Akito yelled from the other side of the door, continuously banging.
"Coming! coming!" Mizuki scrambled out of bed. Slipping on a loose long sleeve shirt. Grabbing their showering bucket.
"I'm giving you 10 minutes." Akito yelled back.
"That's not enough!" Mizuki rebutted but they heard him walk off by then. They groaned and darted for the communal shower.
15 minutes later, Mizuki ran towards the palace gardens. Dressed up in their royal knightware. Their long pink curled hair tied up in a cute but functional high ponytail.
Akito huffed and rolled his eyes. "Took you long enough."
"You know I can't skip any of my routine!" Mizuki straightened up and stood beside him. "Besides, I doubt the royal prince actually needs two guards around him when he's peacefully reading at the gazebo."
Akito tsked while Mizuki snickered. "Oh the knight and the prince at the gazebo, what could go wrong? I don't need to be here."
"Hey, I covered for you last night so you can go frolicking off with Ena, you promised." He groaned.
"And that, I thank you for it." Mizuki smiled and chuckled. "Chill out lil bro, you don't need to be so tense. Go ahead, enjoy yourself. I'll keep watch, go spend some time with his highness." They bumped a fist against Akito's shoulder.
His face turned bright red. "It's nothing more!"
"Right…sure." Mizuki just smiled and nodded. "Now go, he's looking this way." They whispered. Akito immediately straightened up. He looked over to the prince, Aoyagi Toya, who smiled and waved upon noticing Akito. He gestured him over.
Other than providing 'additional protection', Mizuki would spar with the other knight, Shiho Hinomori. Although Mizuki had much more experience and skills than Shiho, enough to even be promoted to captain, they were the same rank. However, Shiho still looks up to Mizuki and treats them as their senior.
"You're improving fast." Mizuki commented as the sword slipped from Shiho's hand again. A gentle warming smile on their face. "A while more and you'll be ranking up." They chuckled at the thought.
However, Shiho frowned. "It feels unfair."
"Unfair?"
"Sir Captain Shinonome got promoted before you."
"Well, he deserves it." Mizuki hummed, going over to wipe down their sword. "But it should've been you! You've been training as long as him! If not better!" "Well, I think we are on par." Mizuki nodded.
"This is so unfair to you!"
"Shiho," Mizuki turned to them and gave a gentle pat on their shoulder. "I understand how you feel but please don't underestimate Akito's skills because of what happened. He worked hard for the role. He has his weaknesses and so do I."
Shiho grimaced and nodded.
"I know it's hard to accept but it has already been a long way from the start. And when it comes your time, it's going to be better." Mizuki gave a squeeze on Shiho's shoulder.
Mizuki's position within the knights ranking has been stagnant for years. Compared to Akito and Tsukasa, both of whom joined around the same time as them, had both already been promoted to the captain role. There was lots of speculation both within the castle and out about this matter, especially when the decision was announced publicly. Usually the announcement was only made within the castle.
Although now Tsukasa and Akito are seniors to Mizuki, their formalities remain the same, calling each other by their first names or nicknames.
"Tsukasa kun!" Mizuki waved over to him. "So what'd you call me for?"
"Mizuki, good to see you. This will be quick!" He placed the scroll on the table. "There's been sightings of boars by the children." A task out of the public eye. The usual tasks Mizuki gets. "The townsfolk worry about the children's safety since they venture around a lot."
"Aww you'd love this job. You love kids."
"Yes! Indeed but unfortunately I need to spend time with Saki for now. Her piano rehearsal is coming soon and she's seeking my advice. You understand, right?"
Mizuki smiled. "Of course, I had a sister too. Go spend time with her. You deserve some time
off."
"Thank you Mizuki, I know I can always count on you."
Of course, you can always count on Mizuki. Nothing less. Can't perform any less.
"Are you okay?" An nudged their shoulder.
"Huh?"
"You looked really distant there for a second." An gave a worried smile. "Anything on your mind?"
"Ah, nothing An." Mizuki shook their head.
"Have you been getting enough sleep?"
"What?-" Mizuki spun around to find the nearest mirror. "Are my eyebags really that prominent?"
"Oh, so you really are seeing Akito's sister at night."
"Wait- who told you?-"
An just chuckled. "I have ears everywhere."
An Shiraishi, the daughter of one of the musicians who plays at the castle. She was called the people's flower, being so bubbly and beautiful. Her dress would have large curls that would look like flower petals whenever she twirls. It was no shocker that she would have suitors all coming for her. However, she had shown no interest.
"I promise I won't tell anyone." An held up her pinky. "You can always count on me, promise."
Mizuki smiled and hooked it. "So, where's this flower girl that keeps coming to the castle?"
"Kohane!?" An brightened up, feet jumping with excitement. "She's coming today again to deliver some lavender ice cream!"
"Ice cream? I thought she was only supposed to deliver flowers. Ehe."
"It's lavender flavored!" An tugged on Mizuki's arm excitedly. "Isn't she so cool!"
"She sounds so cool." Mizuki chuckled. "I've never seen you this happy about a person."
"Of course! Kohane's so cute! I won in life when she was going to be my personal florist!"
"Hey, could you help me get some flowers then?"
"Hm? Of course!"
"I was thinking about some lillies…"
Later that night, Mizuki made their way to Ena's place. Since her father was a well-known painter, having painted several of the royal's portraits, they were never short on wealthy clients. Their house was beautifully decorated with flowers growing all over the walls.
Mizuki knows that although it was aesthetically pleasing, Ena hated the bugs that came with it.
They knocked on the door hesitantly. Checking the number of windows that had lights on. They did not have to wait long as the door nearly swung open. "What took you so long today?" Ena retorted as she quickly pulled Mizuki in. "You're going to catch a cold."
Mizuki chuckled. "Aww, you were worried about me."
"You promised you would come by when the sun nearly sets today!" Ena huffed as she quickly helped Mizuki take off the big clunky parts of their knight armor.
"I'm sorry, I got a bit hung up." Mizuki pulled Ena's hand from the armory and placed the single tulip stalk into her hand. Ena's cheeks had a rosy pink tint as she held the stalk between her fingers. "I'm already living among flowers, you don't have to bring me more!" Ena huffed and quickly went to find a spare vase. Mizuki chuckled. "Aww you don't want it then?" They teased.
"No! I'm keeping it but you don't have to bring anymore!"
"Okay, no more gifts for Enanan."
"That's not what I meant!" Ena huffed and smacked their arm gently. "Now hurry up, your dinner got cold. I'm going to reheat it. Your coat is by the hanging rack. Don't be late!" "Jeez, you're just like lil bro." Mizuki chimed.
"No, I'm not!" Ena smacked their shoulder again.
Mizuki went to dress down and change to the comfortable nightwear that Ena had handpicked for them. Keeping their armor in a bag for quick sneak outs. They enjoyed a delightful dinner of chicken curry that Ena had painstakingly made. She had even cut her nails just to make it easier to handle meat. Mizuki held up her hand and gently pecked the calloused finger tips. Earning a very cute flushed face from Ena. They chuckled. "I love you."
After another night of cuddling, Mizuki left when Ena had fallen deep asleep. They had to sneak out of the house and back onto the palace grounds through a hidden entrance that Akito left open just for them. Mizuki hastily made their way back to their quarters. Sleeping late meant that Mizuki would sleep past the early timing when the showers were empty. So, Akito took it upon himself to only wake Mizuki up when everyone else had finished. This gave Mizuki their privacy and extra minutes of sleep at the expense of him finding excuses for their punctuality.
He felt like he owed them anyways.
In exchange for covering Mizuki’s nightly rendezvous, Mizuki would help Akito in giving the prince extra protection. However, they are very sure that Akito just wants to make sure no one will see them being close together. Additionally, Akito’s guard would drop around the prince. He feared it would hinder the prince’s safety.
Mizuki also took on the role of ‘wingman’ themselves. They could tell that the prince was interested in Akito. It was the way his eyes would lit up every time he sees the ginger. The once cold and distant prince had warmed up ever since Akito was assigned their personal guard. That was another reason why Mizuki managed to convince themselves that having the role of captain being given to Akito was for the better.
~
In the royal family, Toya Aoyagi was the youngest brother. This spared him the dreaded thought of needing to marry for a heir, or having to lead the kingdom. However, there was still the possibility of him getting married for political reasons.
Something that Toya dreaded and hope to never experience.
He was made to follow this royal regime of being picture perfect. Everything about him was moulded. From the way he writes to the way he walks. What he can and can’t do. Everything was meant to fit the picture perfect photo of a son of the Aoyagi royal family.
His days were a monotonous array of gray. Everyday repeating the same routine of waking up, present a smile for the kingdom, then back to bed. That was, until he met Akito. The knight who saw how the prince was only mindlessly staring onto the blank pages of his book and took the first step.
“Do you like music your highness?”
“Hm?”
“I’m sorry to have interrupt your reading session, but your mind seems lost. I thought that the prince would like to do something for a change.”
Toya was intrigued.
“Something I would like to do?”
He nodded. Toya notices the streak of blonde hair that was trying to stay hidden. A knight who dares to go against the rules perhaps.
“Hm...I do like music.” Toya nodded, replying to his question.
“Oh, what kind?”
What kind? Toya never really thought about that before. It was usually decided for him. “Let’s find out.”
For the first time. Toya felt thrill in his life.
“I like playing the piano.” Toya had led the knight to his personal music room. “I learnt many instruments but I like piano the most.”
“Oh, I’ve seen you perform before. You play wonderful your highness.”
“Thank you.” Toya smiled. “Would you like to hear it?”
The knight nodded.
Toya played the familiar melody. His fingers pressing on the keys, his hands mindlessly moving with muscle memory. The perfect smile remained on his face. All executed flawlessly as he should do as the prince.
“That was beautiful as always.” The knight applauded. “Do you know of other pieces?”
“I do.” Toya nodded and played another.
Flawless as usual but the knight doesn’t seem to be satisfied.
“So which piece do you like the most?”
“Hm...” Toya thought about it. Which piece? “I don’t think there’s a particular one I like. Can you choose one for me?”
“Choose one?” The knight seemed surprised and flipped through the book. “I really like this one when you played it. It sounded like hope.”
“Hope?” Toya glanced at the piece. He nodded. “That was how it was meant to be interpreted. Do you know about this piece?”
The knight shook his head.
“The composer was going through a terrible drought. It was meant to be interpreted as ‘seeing the light at the end of the tunnel’ so the piece was to be played hopeful.”
“You can’t play it any other way?”
“It would not be true to the piece.” The prince explained.
“Oh.” The knight nodded. “I understand. My apologies for asking such a question.”
“Oh?” Toya turned to the knight. “It’s okay. I find it nice to share about the things I like. What’s your name?”
“M-my name?-“ The knight’s face was all anxious like he had just messed up. “Akito Shinonome your highness.” He knelt down.
“Well, Akito,” Toya went over and helped him up by his hand. “If you want to truly apologise for asking, why don’t you help me think of a different way to play?”
“I...” There was a light tint of pink on the knight’s cheek that he missed. “How would you play it?”
“How would I play it?”
“If you were in a drought, how would you see the light at the end of the tunnel?”
“Me?” Toya thought long about it. Settling back down on the piano chair. He patted the space beside him, looking at Akito.
Akito pointed to himself.
Toya nodded with a gentle smile.
Akito hesitantly went over and carefully sat down beside him. There was an awkward gap between them.
Toya placed his hands on the keys taking a deep breath.
His fingers shook.
This was strange. His playing was always flawless.
“Are you okay your highness?”
“I’m alright.” He gave a light chuckle. “Perhaps I’m not a good composer.” How does the light at the end of a tunnel even look like?
“It’s okay. Take your time. Hey, we can figure it out.” Akito placed his gloved hands on Toya’s cold fingers. Warming them up in a gentle squeeze.
Toya turned towards Akito’s face. A brand new feeling blossomed in his chest.
“Don’t fear the darkness my prince, we’ll find the light at the end of the tunnel together.”
Finding the light was not easy. Numerous balls were held in Toya’s honour for him to find a match, or form a political bond that would help the kingdom in some way. It was not that Toya did not want to help his kingdom but it was like his entire life, every bit of his body, was taken away because of this very kingdom.
Staying through the events were easier now that Akito was appointed his personal guard. All of it meticulously arranged by Toya. It made Toya feel proud to see Akito dressed in his white knight ware. Although it was the same few variations, Toya had his breath taken away every time.
Majority of the attendees were suitors for Toya but in his eyes, none could compare to his beloved knight.
One of the suitresses was Asahina Mafuyu, the daughter of the advisor. Talented, beautiful, smart. Everything you could want in a queen. It reminded Toya too much of himself.
“Ah your highness,” the advisor bowed, Mafuyu beside her. “A pleasant evening it has been.”
“Good evening to you Advisor Asahina.”
“Lovely evening we are having.” She smiled. Her lips having this bold colour of purple as a reminder to everyone that she works with the royal family. “How are you fairing your highness? When your brother was your age, he was already courting after a princess.”
“I am doing well, thank you advisor.” Toya gave a pleasant smile. “Thank you for your concern but I already have a suitor in mind.”
“Oh?” She looked a bit surprised. “Would you care to share? My lips are sealed.”
Toya chuckled. “All I can say that it is someone close, advisor.”
She looked over Toya trying to piece the puzzle together. “Ah, I see.” She nodded. “I wish you well.”
‘Did she guess who?’ Toya thought. ‘She couldn’t have.’
“Speaking of which, I heard that you were part of those who supported the admission of that knight.”
Toya could feel Akito uneasy behind him.
Toya nodded at her. “Yes, their decision on their identity should not affect their qualifications to become a knight. Every knight was vetted fairly for the ranking.”
“Although, don’t you think that he is a strange person?”
“I believe that as we progress as a kingdom, we should be more accepting of people’s choices.”
“What would the other kingdoms think of us? Having this kind of a person within the castle walls? Our knights no less! People like those should be down in the pits.”
“Mother,” Asahina Mafuyu spoke up with a gentle smoothing voice. Easing the tension in the air. “I believe the other kingdoms are starting to arrive, you may want to go greet them.”
“Ah, right. You’ll be coming with me yes?”
“I’ll stay here and would like to chat with his highness for a while if that is okay with you?” She turned to Toya who nodded.
“Alright dear, take care of yourself. Remember don’t slouch. I’ll take my leave your highness.” The advisor bowed and went off.
Toya took a quick look at Akito. His fringe was nicely gelled to the side to look presentable. (Though Toya prefers it when it’s just nicely combed so that he can run his fingers through them.) There was a dark look in his eyes.
They were soon gone when he had noticed Toya was checking on him. Akito smiled back and nodded.
“I apologise for my mother’s behaviour your highness.” Mafuyu bowed. “She can be very harsh at times but she means well for the kingdom.”
“I understand.” Toya nodded. “Doing well yourself?”
She nodded. “I’ve been learning the ropes from my mother. There are many matters to tend to around the castle but I can manage.”
“You can always ask me for help if you have any troubles.”
Mafuyu politely chuckled. “Thank you for caring so much about your people your highness but.” Mafuyu paused for a moment. “Actually, I do have a question.”
“Hm? What is it do you have?”
“Well, could we go somewhere more private first?”
“I think here is quiet enough. Away from the crowd. However, I’ll ask my knight to help keep gaurd.”
“That would be good enough, thank you.”
Akito moved before Toya could say another word. Moving out of earshot but still close enough to have Toya within his radius of protection.
“I’ve spoken to knight Mizuki before. It was...so brave of them to admit their identity, and even so still able to face them. Today, they still look so happy.”
Toya listened closely.
“They told me they don’t regret anything they did because they’re not alone anymore.” Mafuyu paused again. “Lately, I’ve noticed the same with you.”
“Hm?”
“You seem more at peace. More delighted. You don’t speak with the dread that this is your life.”
“Well, let’s just say that someone helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Toya spoke.
“How?”
“We may be trudging through a dark tunnel in our lives. Maybe forever but every tunnel has an end. And at the end, there is light. Someone helped me to see that light.” Toya hope to forever hold him close. “I’m walking through the tunnel with them. I hope that we can reach the light together.”
“...them?”
“Well, him.” Toya repeated softly.
“Oh.” Mafuyu’s eyes widened and tilted her head aside to look at the knight standing behind Toya. “I see. My lips are sealed your highness.”
“Thank you.”
“But how?”
“How?”
“How did he help?”
“I’m not sure for certain.” Toya continued. “I don’t know how you will find your light but I hope it comes to you soon.”
“I see.” Mafuyu nodded. “Thank you your highness, enjoy the night. I shall take my leave.”
While the two chatted away, Akito stared mindlessly between Toya and Mafuyu. She would be what the king and queen desires for as Toya’s suitor. It was what Mafuyu’s mother had clearly planned for anyways.
Akito’s heart ached. The thought of Toya marrying off to someone else destroys him. That there is someone out there that Toya likes. Why? Why is it so hard for him? Akito is only Toya’s personal knight. A knight, no more or less. A prince marrying their knight. What would Toya see in him anyways. He only looks at him because his safety is part of Akito’s duty. But his heart yearns for the prince. He wants to watch over the prince’s precious smile. So he concludes, he shall stay as his knight and protect him till the end of life.
~
“Gone for a few days?” Akito repeated Mizuki’s words.
“Hmh.” Mizuki nodded. “The town is further out of kingdom so it would be easier for me to just stay there.”
“Well, you better be punctual then. I can’t cover for you there.”
“I can take care of myself, you take care of your prince.” They winked.
“It’s nothing like that.” Akito groaned as his eyes stayed on the steak in his plate. The knife grinding down a bit harder.
“Aww lil bro is shy about their wittle crush?”
“It’s not what you think!” He huffed. “I just- we are just good friends but I am still just his knight.” He emphasised on the last word.
Mizuki pouted. “Suuree, I saw you eating the cookies he baked the other day.”
“They were just a kind gesture!” He said in a hushed voice and sighed. “I am just doing my duty.”
There was a shadow casted over his eyes. Mizuki frowned at it.
“Hey. I’ll be sure to come back as soon as I can so you can protect your prince.” Mizuki smiled. “It won’t be the end.”
“Thanks.”
~
Mizuki trudged around the forest. Trying to make their way back to the cottage where they were going to stay for the next few days. The grey clouds covered the sky above them. Gradually, raindrops started to fall. Mizuki groaned and tried to see through the dense forest. Trying to spot a pathway that was clear of rocks and grass.
The rain got worst, blinding Mizuki’s vision of anything far. They squinted their eyes trying to see any signs of shelter.
A clearing among the trees. A clear pathway. Mizuki sighed in relieved and quickly ran onto the path.
They should have thought better.
Mizuki slipped on the muddy path, sliding down the steep slope the path had led down. They landed on a tarpe of dead leaves.
Strange.
However, Mizuki was more focused on getting home. Out of the rain. The slope barely had any trees grown on it. It was prone to a landslide from how hard it was raining. Mizuki needed to get to safety.
Mizuki placed one foot before them. The leaves gave way.
Mizuki screamed as their body fell forward. Their body slammed down on the edge of the hole that was covered with rocks. A sharp corner cut into Mizuki’s head. Their hands tried to grasp on to anything to keep them from falling but their fingers just slipped on the slippery smooth surfaces. They landed hard at the bottom of the pit. Crying in pain from the numerous scratches they got. As their adrenaline wore down, the piercing ache in their skull became prominent. They tried to use their legs to sit up. Only to have a piercing pain shot up their leg. A sprained ankle.
Mizuki took a couple of deep breathes and assesd the situation. The feeling of blood trickling down their face was mixed with the rain pouring down on their back.
Mizuki quickly tore the fabric on their sleeves and tied the sprained ankle. Biting down on their teeth hard. The rain pouring down into the pit just got heavier and heavier. The soil beneath them was muddy and slippery. The murky waters washing against their blisters. The armour soaked in water weighed them down on to the bottom of the pit. Mizuki tried to hold against the wall to pull themselves up. Leaning onto their supporting leg. However, the mud beneath their footing made them slip. Mizuki screamed as they fell back down. The impact made every wound on their body inflamed with the water pushing against their skin. The piercing pain in their skull got worst, making them nauseous and dizzy.
The weather had no mercy as it continued to pour. Giving no signs of stopping.
How pathetic. A knight falling into a pit. Injured and could not help themselves in getting out.
Maybe they really were not cut out to be captain after all.
Would anyone come help? How long would it be till they notice they’re gone? Would Mizuki be stuck there forever?
The concussion feels really bad. Are their eyelids feeling heavier by the second?
It’s so cold down in the pit. Rain droplets just constantly tapping on their skin and soaking through the hair. A harsh reminder that time still flows and waits for no one.
Mizuki took in a deep breath and screamed for help again.
Only the thunder answered.
“Please! Someone! Save me!” They screamed for the last time and cried. Feeling no hope.
“Please not now. Not after everything I’ve done.” They clutched onto their chest. “I finally found people who love me. Who accept me- please-“ Their vision was getting blurry. From their tears or the bleeding head?
“Please, I don’t want to die alone- I’m scared.”
“Ena-“ They burst out into tears. “Ena, I’m sorry- I didn’t keep our promise. I made you wait too long.”
“Akito- I’m sorry. I couldn’t keep up. I dragged the knights’ reputation down.”
“Tsukasa senpai- thank you for giving me a chance.”
“Rui- Thank you for being my first friend.”
There was the sharp pain in their head again. The water level in the pit rising slowly. Soaking their entire body cold.
Mizuki took deep breaths trying to tolerate the suffering their head took. Maybe there is still hope. Maybe someone heard them. They’re still alive. Maybe they could kiss Ena’s knuckles again. Maybe they don’t have to die alone. Maybe-
The thunder boomed loudly in the sky.
Who was Mizuki kidding?
No one comes out here.
They’re alone all over again.
And they’re going to die alone.
~
“Mizuki!”
What was that?
The rain has gotten quieter in the past few hours. Their body still hurts all over but feels so numb in the cold.
“Mizuki!”
That distant familiar voice. ‘Am I done for?’
“Mizuki!- Ah!-“
Ena’s scream. Mizuki squeezed their eyelids and tried to push them open. They tried to sound back but their throat was dry. Are they okay? Did their dress get dirty? It’s raining hard. She hates the rain.
“Mizuki!” Ena’s voice again but it’s so much closer.
Mizuki pushed their mouth open with their tongue. Taking a slow breath. “Ena..” They gasped out. That alone was another pain piercing through their skull. “Ena!...” They choked and coughed.
“MIZUKI!?”
She heard me?
“MIZUKI!” Ena’s voice was loud and clear echoing down the pit.
‘Ah...I miss that voice. Oh no, I made her worried.’ Mizuki thought through the drowsiness.
“AKITO! THEY’RE HERE!” Ena yells out. “Mizuki! Can you hear me?”
Mizuki tried their best to reply. Their arm twitched as they tried to raise it.
“Don’t waste your energy! Wait there! Help is coming okay?”
She sounded so worried and anxious it made Mizuki’s heart ache. They’re going to have to bring so many flowers as apologies.
A slow smile tugged at the corners of Mizuki’s lips. “Ena...” The world is turning.
“You’re going to be okay Mizuki...” Ena yelled again. Trying her best to comfort the knight. Mizuki is going to be saved!
She sounds so far though.
“Mizuki?”
Everything’s going quiet.
“MIZUKI!”
~
Mafuyu knocked on the door to Toya’s study in quick succession.
Akito opened it. “Yes, Ms Asahina? His highness is busy.”
“I have some important news. It’s urgent.” She muttered in a harsh trembling voice.
Akito opened it for her to enter.
Toya was keeping away his stationary on the table. “What is it, Ms Asahina?”
“It’s about Knight Mizuki, they’re in trouble.”
~
“No! I’m coming with you!”
“To hell you’re not. This is why I didn’t want to tell you.” Akito grumbled as he hurriedly drew out a searching party. “It’s dangerous to search in the rain.”
“But Mizuki is in danger! And I’m Mizuki’s girlfriend!” Ena slammed down her hands on the table.
“I don’t want to babysit you while looking for Mizuki.”
“I can take care of myself. It’s just some rain. I know how the forest there is like. Just let me follow!”
“No!” Akito yelled. “You’re not butting your way in this time.”
“I’m not butting me way in. I’m following. Full stop.”
“Akito,” Toya spoke up when he entered the room of bickering siblings. “I’ll have someone to accompany your sister so that she can follow.”
“But-“
“I understand her anxiousness and your worries, I want to and will do whatever I can to support the search from here.” Toya placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I will have this matter resolved here in the palace, you will focus on looking for Knight Mizuki. Understood?”
“Yes... Understood To- your highness.”
“Thank you your highness.” Ena stood up.
“No worries, Ms Ena.” Toya nods. “I hope you bring them home safely.”
~
Worry just grew with every passing moment as Ena rode the horse towards the village. Akito was leading the search party at the front. Ena learnt from her mother that the forests here used to be dense but as the villages were built and roots were removed, the loose soil was declared to be prone to landslides. Although none has been recorded yet, the rain might just start the first one.
Her long hair tied into a braid that rests on her back. Wearing a tight shirt and pants from her usual wardrobe of dresses. She was going to get in the rain so it was better to just wear whatever was fitting.
“We will split from here.” Akito stopped and announced. “Follow your designated routes.”
“Yes sir.” The knights replied in unison and split off.
Although Ena hates following after her younger brother, she has to admit he is good at what he does.
“Ena, don’t go too far.”
“Akito, I won’t. You don’t need to order me for that.” She got off the horse.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting closer to the ground to look for traces obviously. I’ll call you when I find them.”
~
Ena eyed the mysterious path clearing before them. It had the imprints of embedded left, notably only recently made. The rain had washed away most of the lumps in the soil but the cuts of the grasses were too abrupt and new.
Ena carefully threaded the path, already losing the company Toya provided. She has no time to wait for them. Mizuki is in danger.
She screamed as she nearly lost her footing. The soft slippery mud would have sent her sliding down the slope. Notably, someone had also slid down before. The path down was gouged out, leading down to an exposed hole among the leaves.
“Mizuki!” She called out again, carefully climbing down the slope.
“Ena”
She snapped her head towards the hole and ran towards it. Looking down, she sees Mizuki’s body full of cuts, head bleeding, half submerged in the muddy waters. Their skin pale. Eyes closed.
“Mizuki!” She screamed. Panic settling in full throttle. “Mizuki!”
~
“I am afraid I don’t understand what you are squabbling about your highness. How can you accuse me of homicide?”
“These documents were found in your study, along with the evidence from the investigation. All the evidence points to you. Furthermore, the person you hired to make the clearings has already admitted that you paid them." Toya stated in a clear voice. The table laid bare of evidence but the way he says it makes it clear that there was no doubt Advisor Asahina would be sent to jail. "And if knight Mizuki passes from their injuries, the punishment for you would be more dire."
"It's foul of you to accuse me of such things your highness."
"The clock is ticking." Toya stood up from his chair. "If you won't admit this sooner, you'll be put on trial in front of everyone's eyes."
"That won't look very good on the kingdom, your highness."
"If I were to simply brush aside that the advisor had made a full fledged plan to get rid of a single knight, we would be more than just laughing stock."
~
"Your honour, I was only trying to protect the royal family's reputation!" Former advisor Asahina cried out. "Your son was going after that knight! Imagine if such a person was wedded into the family!"
"Excuse me?" Toya muttered watching from his throne. "That is not true."
Eyes all laid upon him.
"Think about it, your honor. Why would the knight be spending so much time with the prince? Why would the prince protect the knight so much?"
There were whispers among the crowd. Toya clenched his fist. It's not Mizuki. It's another knight.
"You must understand your honor!"
"No, it's not true." Toya stood up from his throne. "I spoke up for knight Mizuki because I believe that their identity should not forfeit them their role and I still stand by it."
There were still murmurs among the crowd.
"I can attest that knight Mizuki is frequently seen around me but it is not them who I have eyes for."
The whispers silenced as they awaited for him to continue his words.
Toya turned to Akito, who has been clutching on to their blade tightly. "It is another knight. Whom is always close to me." Toya announced.
~
Mizuki felt themselves floating. Their head light as a feather, thoughts swirling in a muddy pool. Their body feels cold and hot at the same time. It was so uncomfortable. A numbing soreness on their head and ankle. A gentle compression on their chest as they breathed in and out.
Where are they? What happened?
They no longer felt the tough heavy armor on their body. Light silky cloth pampered their skin. Everything around them was nice and warm.
Is it time to wake up yet?
Mizuki's eyes fluttered open. Slowly taking in the dim lighting of the room. The curtains drawn over the window of the large room.
Large room.
This is the royal guest room.
Why here? Mizuki squinted their eyes to get a look around. The only source of light was by the bedside. Not bright enough to see all the way to the door. Though, they see the silhouette of a long sofa by the side, along with a body resting on it. Her long brunette hair falling off to the side.
"Ena?" Their voice barely came out as a whisper but it was already enough to wake the girl up.
"Mizuki?" Ena sprang up from bed and darted over to the side. "You're awake." She squeezed their hand happily. "You're awake. You made me so worried."
"I'm sorry." Mizuki whispered as they gave a small smile. "Did my princess get eyebags while waiting?"
"It's fine. They'll go away." Ena sniffled. "I only have one Mizuki that I can't ever loose."
"I'm okay." Mizuki tries to squeeze back Ena's hand to reassure her. "I'll always come back to you, like I promise."
"Shut it, I promised that, I promised that I'll never leave you so don't leave me."
"Okokay. I promise you." Mizuki hummed. "So how do I look?"
"Horrible." Ena sniffled.
"Daw, really? Is it the bandages?"
Ena groaned. "You're going to have them for some time. You hit your head too hard."
"Oh, how's my injuries? When can I get out?"
"Not anytime soon." Ena huffed. "You need to focus on healing first."
"Okay, fine." Mizuki teased. "I think I'll heal much better if you come to bed. I think I've missed a few cuddle sessions?"
"Okay, tell me if anywhere hurts."
Ena settled in bed with Mizuki, putting her arms around their waist. Nuzzling into their bossom and making themselves comfortable. Her long hair spilled over to the side again. Placimg a hand on Mizuki's cheek. Mizuki nuzzled in as her thumb drew circles on their cheeks.
"I'm so lucky." Ena muttered.
"Hm?"
"I'm so lucky to have you."
"No, Ena. I am." Mizuki laid a gentle peck into her calloused hand. "I love you."
"I love you too."