For a mother's love is without end
Lady An Shiraishi distinctly recalls one face from her tender years, when she was yet unable to walk or articulate; two large, dark orbs brimming with melancholy and sorrow, chilling and daunting, yet the young lady discovered solace within their depths. Miss Asahina's hands always remained perpetually cold, an immutable truth, even whilst she longed to bestow warmth upon Lady Shiraishi. Even so, An felt an enveloping warmth in her embrace, cradled gently as the governess would sway her. Though Miss Asahina spoke but little, she would sit beside young An's cradle, serenading her with lullabies so gentle that they seemed to emanate from an altogether different soul.
When the fair Lady Shiraishi reached the tender age of three years, she found herself awoken in her chamber, trembling in the aftermath of a frightful nightmare. In haste, she ventured down the corridors with her tiny legs, eager to leap into the comforting embrace of Miss Asahina; alas, her chamber appeared to be barred. Despite her anguished cries, no soul responded.
Disheartened, she dashed anew towards Miss Akiyama's chamber, only to find it locked as well. However, upon the delicate knock, Miss Akiyama unveiled the door slightly, her heart fracturing at the sight of the weeping child.
"Oh my...my beloved little angel, Lady Shiraishi, what troubles you in the stillness of the night?" Miss Akiyama lifts her up, tenderly wiping away the tears from her delicate cheeks.
"Lady Shiraishi, do you feel unwell? Is there aught that pains you?" The voice of Miss Asahina emanates from the chamber, prompting little An to gaze in her direction and weep anew.
"Miss Hina...you did not forsake me..." She utters with a most diminutive, sorrowful visage, shattering Miss Asahina's heart.
"Pray, what does my lady imply? I would never forsake you." Mafuyu avers, cradling An in her embrace, whilst Mizuki sits beside them upon the bed.
"I had...dreadful dream...sought your chamber, yet found none there...I feared Miss Hina harbored disdain for me." An laments amidst her sobs, prompting Miss Asahina to gently caress her back.
"I apologise, my dear, for I did not foresee your awakening in the bleak hours of the night. I had come here to converse with Miss Akiyama, yet I am here now, thus shed not tears nor fear." Mafuyu utters softly, assuaging little An's distress as she clutches her delicate arms to her chest. "Gaze upon me, Lady Shiraishi." She continues, prompting the curious An to lift her gaze. "Be assured, nothing whatsoever shall ever lay a finger upon thy cherished self, my lady. I shall remain by your side for eternity, to safeguard you, regardless of how frightful you may perceive something to be. Do you comprehend?"
"Verily, my lady, Miss Asahina stands as the mightiest within this realm, for naught nefarious shall ever approach you, and you shall also be graced with my presence, is that not a most splendid situation? Two guardians to shield you." Miss Akiyama proclaims with a tender smile, as her delicate fingers caress Lady Shiraishi's hair.
"Y-Yes....Mayhap I could...sleep here alongside you?" She inquires, eliciting gentle smiles from both Mizuki and Mafuyu.
"Without a doubt, my lady." Miss Asahina places the young lady betwixt them on the bed, with her own self seated to the right and Miss Akiyama to the left. The petite hands of Lady Shiraishi clasp firmly the hands of both women, as Mizuki and Mafuyu exchange glances that convey the sheer sweetness of dear little An.
"I love you...Miss Hina, Miss Ama..." Lady An whispers as she gently returns to the embrace of slumber.
Miss Asahina has always upheld her vows; regardless of the trials that beset Lady Shiraishi, she remained ever steadfast. Each tear was tenderly dried by her hand, every wound soothed by her, and every dread assuaged by her. Thus, it is but fitting that Lady Shiraishi emerged as a bold, fearless and courageous young lady, who permitted not the mockery of others to dim her spirit.
Lady Shiraishi found herself always pursuing the fair Miss Asahina throughout the day, as the esteemed governess graciously revealed to her every cherished place, imparting the knowledge she sought and required.
At the tender age of ten, An ventured shyly towards Miss Asahina's chamber, yearning to engage her in conversation.
"Lady Shiraishi, do you find all to be well?" Miss Asahina inquires as she halts her writing at the desk.
"I beseech thee for a favour, dear Miss Asahina..." She softly closes the door and stands beside her.
"What does my lady require?"
"I...mayhap...would it be permissible to address you as 'mother' instead of Miss Asahina?" She exclaims, to the utter astonishment of the governess.
"Lady Shiraishi, I fear it might not be right; I am not the one who brought you into this realm...and you did have truly devoted parents who longed for your presence, I am certain they would have been enraptured by you. How could I be the one to take their places?" Her voice flows with gentility as her hand caresses the crown of Lady An's head.
Indeed, Lady Shiraishi was cognizant of this truth; Miss Asahina perpetually endeavored to regale her with tales of her esteemed progenitors, thereby illuminating the affection and longing that enveloped her existence. However, despite the grandeur of these individuals, they remained naught but strangers to her heart. As fervently as Miss Asahina aspired for her to embrace such sentiments, she found herself unable to do so. While she regarded the circumstance as a tragedy, her heart held no fondness for these figures; her affections were solely bestowed upon Miss Asahina and Miss Akiyama.
"I...I hold no regard for them! They are absent, are they not?!" Young An exclaims, tears cascading down her delicate cheeks. "But a mere month old was I when you embraced me, nurturing and caring for all my needs! When I seek solace, it is into your arms I flee! My heart beats with love for you, yet it seems you harbor disdain for me! Pray tell, why did you take me in if you did not desire me?! Throughout my life, never have I heard you utter 'I love you' in return! You only claim that you cherish me, that you hold me dear, yet those sweet words remain unspoken...What misdeed have I wrought...?"
Miss Asahina, taken aback by such fervent emotion, feels her heart shatter into countless pieces, yet she envelops the sorrowful An in her embrace as she weeps profusely. She endeavors to hush her and soothe her troubled spirit.
"My most cherished lady, I love you dearly." Miss Asahina's hands, though still cold, tenderly caress the tears from Lady Shiraishi's face, her touch imbued with softness, protection, and boundless love. "I apologise to you...I confess that uttering those words feels insincere to my heart, for I was raised by parents who wore such declarations as mere facades, causing me great anguish; hence, I shun their utterance. Yet, if such expressions are your desire, I shall proclaim my love for you each day. In truth, there has never been a moment when my love for you was not unconditional and free of encumbrance; you have erred not, and I beg you to never utter such sentiments again."
"Do you...truly? Do you truly possess such feelings...?"
"I do."
"I shall beg your pardon for my outburst against you...and for compelling you to utter words distasteful to your heart...I have been egotistical..."
"Gaze upon me, my lady. You could never commit an act to earn my disdain; I comprehend your plight and the fury that dwells within thy spirit; release it upon me as you much as you need." Miss Asahina proclaims, enveloping Lady Shiraishi in an even tighter embrace.
"May I...address you as 'mother'?"
"Let us strike a pact, shall we? For the present, I shall maintain my guise as Miss Asahina, and upon the advent of your fifteenth birthday, should you still harbor such sentiments, I shall permit you to address me as you choose." Mafuyu articulates, while An gently shakes her head 'yes' in response.
It is not as though Miss Asahina would find displeasure in hearing Lady Shiraishi address her as 'mother'; rather, she is beset by feelings of guilt at the notion, burdened as she is by the memory of An's true progenitors. How could she assume the role of parent to their cherished daughter, despite having taken on the mantle of her upbringing?
Vividly does she recall that fated night—though she was to remain far from the Shiraishi abode, she discovered within the royal palace a splendid blanket, ordered by the late Lady Shiraishi for her dear daughter, inadvertently left behind during their visit to His Majesty. Although not an urgent matter, Miss Asahina felt an irresistible compulsion to return it forthwith, only to arrive at a scene of harrowing devastation, the Shiraishi mansion engulfed in flames.
Her mind had barely begun to absorb the tragic tableau when she commenced her frantic search for any signs of life, crying out in hopes of rescue. It was then that she discerned a faint wail, discovering the infant An near the exit; without a moment's hesitation, she grasped the child in her arms and fled the inferno, shielding her from further harm.
It seems her mother attempted to rescue her, yet a heavy beam thwarted her progress, leaving her no choice but to push little An toward safety, praying for salvation. How could she compare herself to the brave woman who risked all in a final act of maternal devotion? But dear Miss Asahina, were you not also the one who dashed into a burning mansion in pursuit of life? How curious is the hand of fate; she has sacrificed her own palace for Miss Akiyama and plunged into the flames to rescue Lady Shiraishi. Though at times she may wrestle with remorse, she has never wavered in her decision.
There existed a lingering trepidation that she might mirror her mother, thereby inciting disdain from Lady Shiraishi; yet such a notion was preposterous, for Miss Asahina would set aflame the entire realm for the esteemed Lady Shiraishi and Miss Akiyama.
"Good morrow, dearest mother and beloved mama." An proclaims with a radiant smile adorning her visage at the break of dawn, ere the sun yet graced the sky...even Miss Asahina, typically the first to stir, remains in slumber.
"Mmm...pardon?" Miss Akiyama raises her head in perplexity, her heart aflutter as she beholds Lady Shiraishi, illuminated by a solitary candle within her chamber. "Gracious heavens...you have startled me." She chuckles, bestowing a tender kiss upon Mafuyu's cheek. "My love? Awaken, for Lady Shiraishi is here"
"Mm...?" Miss Asahina awakens, her gaze clouded with confusion as it falls upon Lady Shiraishi. "My lady...what do you endeavor? Do you find repose unattainable?"
"Nay, that is not the case! Today marks the glorious occasion of my fifteenth birthday! I simply could not endure the anticipation...henceforth, I shall address the two of you as mother and mama; I shall accept no rebuttal, for you have promised me on my tenth birthday that upon reaching this age, I shall call you as I desire." An proclaims joyously, evoking chuckles from Mizuki and a gentle smile from Mafuyu.
"Oh?~ How splendid indeed, I am most honored, my lady~" Miss Akiyama replies with a beaming smile.
"As you wish, my lady." Miss Asahina responds, prompting An to leap with glee as she extinguishes the candle and vaults into the bed betwixt them. "Be cautious...you may injure thyself..."
"I am simply filled with joy, thank you, mother." She declares, prompting Mafuyu to return her smile softly.
"You are most welcome, dearest. Yet, in public, I shall be known as Miss Asahina."
"Very well, I can accept that!"
"Pray, how did you gain entry? The door was securely locked..."
"Fear not, dear mama!"
Now that we have discerned the profound depths of their mother-daughter bond, I entreat you to indulge in the present moment, wherein a most intriguing conversation unfolds.
"Miss Asahina." Commences General Shinonome, garnering the attention of the esteemed governess seated at the table alongside His Majesty King Toya and the illustrious Duchess Airi.
His Majesty was present to sanction certain royal matters that Miss Asahina had convened on his behalf, whilst the Duchess lingered merely out of ennui, indulging in most delicious pieces of cake.
"My General, I shall attend to you shortly." She replies, yet General Shinonome advances towards her.
"I beg of you to permit me to take Lady Shiraishi as my bride!"
Duchess Airi finds herself in a state of bewilderment, choking upon the sumptuous confections she so relished. The king gazes upon the scene with a countenance of perplexity, having been oblivious to the magnetic allure shared between General Shinonome and Lady Shiraishi until this moment.
Meanwhile, Miss Asahina stands as an embodiment of composure, her expression void of sentiment, her gaze returning resolutely to the critical documents, ardently disregarding General Akito.
"I shall ask her hand in marriage, irrespective of your esteemed consent, dear Miss Asahina! Yet, allow me to express my utmost, profound respect and love for you; it is you who have imparted to me all that I possess in knowledge, you who have tended to my needs whilst my mothers were away with their own engagements, and you who valiantly endured my youthful antics amidst the hallowed halls of the palace alongside Lady Shiraishi and Her Royal Highness.
Your counsel holds great weight in my heart. Nevertheless, the fervor of my love for Lady Shiraishi surpasses all else, prompting me to declare that I would willingly engage in combat with you, should it come to that, even at the peril of my own life!"
Duchess Airi continues her eating with keen curiosity regarding the spectacle that is unfolding before her, whilst His Majesty, ever vigilant, reaches for confections as well, yet his gaze remaining fixed upon the illustrious pair.
In a most unintended manner, he seizes a bite of cake belonging to the Duchess, prompting her to push him forthwith, yet he comes back once more, entreating her to silence so that the moment may remain unspoiled.
Thus, they find themselves...sharing a chair to, perchance, better behold the scene, their heads inclined together, gazing intently whilst partaking of delectable sweets.
"General Shinonome, pray, what assures you that Lady Shiraishi harbors intentions of entering into wedlock with you? Suddenly you proclaim such...peculiar sentiments; what leads you to believe she shall return them?"
"Forsooth, I possess a deeper knowledge of Lady Shiraishi than I do with my own self. In our tender years, we did solemnly pledge to each other that no secrets shall ever inhabit our bond; that we would share all thoughts and feelings, no matter how painful they might be. Yet, as fate would have it, my amorous sentiments for her have always resided within me, unbeknownst to me as love until now. Alas, I confess, I have faltered in my vow. I have turned a blind eye to those persistent affections, but no more shall I remain silent! I shall unveil my heart's desire, I shall seek her hand in marriage, and henceforth, I shall uphold my promises with unwavering fidelity. Though she may, at first, deny my earnest request, I am resolute that, in the end, she will agree to marry me." He proclaims and, in an instant, kneels before her, casting his gaze upon the floor. "I shall humble myself before you and before her, solely for an opportunity to embrace a life replete with joy beside her! I beg you, Miss Asahina...I long to be by her side!"
Her Grace, Duchess Momoi, finds herself rendered speechless; even nourishment refuses passage down her throat. She clutches fervently the hand of His Majesty, King Toya, causing him to drop his bite of the food, which stirs a melancholic smirk and a furrowed brow upon his visage, for she was nearly crushing his delicate hand. In hushed tones, she confides to the sovereign:
"By my word...Lady Shinonome would have bestowed riches to behold this scene..."
"My hand..." Murmurs Toya in reply, yet she pays him no heed.
"I shall tease her without end regarding this; she is utterly unaware of what she is bereft of..." Duchess Airi persists in her whispering, whilst Toya endeavours to extricate himself from her vice-like grasp; alas, he finds no success.
"My hand..." He reiterates.
"Oh, I am unable to fathom what I behold; Miss Asahina shall surely...commit acts of violence today."
"Airi."
"Mm?"
"My hand?" He communes softly, now that he has captured her regard, yet she chooses to disregard him once more, entirely out of...love, naturally.
"How I long to present this to both the illustrious Lady Shinonome and the esteemed Lady Shiraishi..." At last, she relinquishes her grasp upon his hand, causing him to tremble slightly from the pain.
Miss Asahina remains unmoved by the unfolding circumstances, yet, inside of her heart, she finds herself astonished that the general would undertake such extreme actions to prove his love for her esteemed daughter.
"Very well, General Shinonome, I shall grant you my blessing; you may request her hand in matrimony, yet my benediction for the marriage shall be conferred only upon her affirmative response; the choice resides solely with her."
"Yes, Miss Asahina!"
"Pray, listen to my words, for I care not for your identity, your title, your parentage, nor your assumed strength; should you bring tears to her eyes or treat her ill, I shall ensure your demise. As cherished as you are to my heart, I shall show no mercy upon witnessing my beloved harmed, do you comprehend?" Her voice, sharp and frigid, chilled the very marrow within his bones, instilling fear profound.
"Indeed, my lady!"
"Now arise, my noble general." She uttered gently, aiding him to rise whilst tenderly stroking his head. "I entrust my dear lady unto your care, yet I shall ever remain your guardian; you are not solitary in this endeavor."
"I express my deepest gratitude, dear Miss Asahina; I shall remain eternally indebted to you." He proclaims with a smile, yet before he can utter further, the esteemed Lady Shiraishi graces the chamber with her presence, in search of the illustrious Mafuyu, though she finds herself rather...perplexed by the tableau unfolding before her.
The king and the duchess, seated upon a singular chair, gazing upon the governess and the general as though spectators to a splendid theatrical performance, whilst Akito beams joyfully as Mafuyu caresses his head.
"Pray forgive me...Your Majesty, Your Grace, Miss Asahina, General Shinonome...I extend my salutations. Am I intruding upon a moment of significance?" Lady Shiraishi somehow appears to always arrive at the most inopportune of moments...
"Ah, this spectacle shall surely prove to be most engaging..." Whispers Airi to Toya, who acknowledges with a nod.
"Lady Shiraishi, a most cordial welcome; do all fare well with you?" Inquires Mafuyu.
"Myself? I am well, but what appears to be the...predicament present?"
"No predicament exists; General Shinonome merely posed a query, yet I suspect he yearns to inquire you one as well."
"What seekest you, General Akito...?" Lady Shiraishi rolls her eyes, yet Akito, devoid of malice or sarcasm this time, approaches with a gentle smile, that renders the lady crimson in her face. "Pray tell, why do you gaze upon me in such a manner...? Your countenance appears foolish; cease forthwith."
"Most Esteemed Lady An Shiraishi, I, General Akito Shinonome, long to entertain a most momentous inquiry."
"Pray, forgive my anxiousness…you do instill within me a certain trepidation…" In this moment of uncertainty, Akito draws near, then, upon one knee, presents to her a resplendent ring, wrought of pure gold and adorned with exquisite sapphires, nestled within a velvet azure box.
"Will you take my hand in marriage?" He implores, whilst Lady Shiraishi nearly swoons because of the grandeur of his proposal, she is required to clutch the table for support, her knees trembling in disbelief.
"What in Heaven’s name?! What folly is this?! By the sacred name of the Almighty?!"
"You must understand, An, that I have pondered for some time the true nature of the sentiments I harbor towards you. Indeed, whilst you do irritate and vex me beyond measure, and your mere presence ignites my ire; it dawned upon me that I cannot bear to exist without you by my side. A life devoid of your face and your...most vexatious smile is a fate I dread to contemplate. It is you alone whom I perceive, you alone whom I hear; for only you have the power to transform my very existence, causing my heart to yell in pain as I ache because of the depth of the affection I hold for you. I beg you, Lady Shiraishi, grant me the honor of your hand in marriage, and I shall be a most devoted husband, through strife and banter alike...this is my heartfelt desire. What do you say?"
"W-W-Wha-?! Pray, what a repugnant sight! How utterly distasteful! No! This cannot be true!" Lady Shiraishi proclaims with fervor, seeking to flee the chamber forthwith, the shock overwhelming her senses.
Her face is aflame, her heart races as if it could traverse the globe in mere moments; yet, as she endeavours to escape, her legs betray her. General Shinonome, relinquishing the ring to the floor, hastens after her, intent on preventing her from incurring harm.
With a shy glance, she clings to his noble chest, endeavoured to avert her gaze, yet he steadfastly restrains her, holding her close and lifting her chin to maintain their eye contact, causing Lady Shiraishi to succumb to her tumultuous emotions once more.
"No?" He inquires with a playful smile.
"No...?" She stutters, gripping his shirt tightly, overwhelmed by her feelings.
"No?" He repeats, his visage drawing close to hers. "If it is truly no...I shall take my leave this instant." A smile graces his countenance, prompting An to place her hands upon his cheeks.
"No!" She begins, whilst Akito prepares to depart, yet she persists. "Do not dare to leave me devoid of you!"
"You are...ugh...such a vexation! I love you!"
"Ew! So utterly banal!"
"I agree! I loathe it!"
"I love you too!"
"Indeed, it is far more grievous now that you utter such words! The manner in which those phrases cascade from your lips, Lady Shiraishi...I despise you!"
"Nay, my disdain for you is even greater!"
They both do exclaim in fervent defiance, yet are drawn into a passionate kiss that befalls Miss Asahina with utmost horror...With his hand firmly grasping her chin and his lips fervently pressed against hers and her ascending on tiptoes to bridge the gap, nearly crushing his face with her hands; thus unfolds the nature of their kiss.
However, for Duchess Airi, the occasion brings her much amusement...Upon hearing them say 'I love you' and witnessing the kiss, she gasped in astonishment, inadvertently striking King Toya across the face. Also out of love for sure!
"Oh my Lord! Behold the sight before us, my King!"
"Alas…I endeavour to persevere…"
"Why do you hold such animosity towards me, oh Divine? Today I find myself vastly overwhelmed…" Uttereth Miss Asahina, though a glimmer of joy does illuminate her visage.
Their kiss lingers still, fervent, rife with yearning and fervor for one another, entwined by both ire and affection in equal measure. They perceive the (non-existent) distance between them as insufferable, their hunger insatiable! With their minds devoid of all thought, they continue to indulge in a kiss that grows ever more ardent, consumed solely by their desire for one another. More, more and more! They are utterly enamored; insatiable in their affection for one another; head over heels if you will!
"Will you marry me, Lady Shiraishi?"
"Yes, I will marry you!."
With joyful countenances, they exchange playful glances and utter in harmonious accord, 'Pray, depart...' Truly a most romantic affair.
Princess Nene, yearning to seek out Miss Asahina, (as is the custom of all residing in the palace), opens the door only to behold Lady Shiraishi and General Shinonome intertwined in an embrace, the General bestowing a ring upon her fair finger...
The princess, overwhelmed with mortification, gently closes the door.
"I find myself enmeshed in a delightful reverie...how might one extricate oneself from slumber?"
She gently rubs her eyes, re-opens the chamber door, yet beheld is the same visage, whereupon she closes the door anew and proclaims: 'Indeed, I am quite mad.' With that, she departs.
Yet fret not, Your Royal Highness, for it is most assuredly true; General Shinonome and Lady Shiraishi are now betrothed in a splendid engagement! A wedding shall soon ensue!