For what is love?

As the resplendent warm days wane, the realm is ensconced in a splendid white shroud whilst the temperatures plummet, rendering all the more cozy, as if a fairytale essence lingers in the atmosphere.

Princess Nene graces her window, observing the delicate snowflakes dance against the glass, swiftly melting only to be replaced by others. She appears to adore these colder days, for they hinder the assembly of splendid balls because of the carriages struggling through the blizzard's embrace.

Ordinarily, she would immerse herself in her library, engaging in literary pursuits or crafting theatrical creations, or delighting in the company of Lady Shiraishi and General Shinonome. Yet, she finds herself in silence, gazing out the window, as though in expectation of some event. Reading fails to satisfy her in this fleeting moment, as does the art of performance, and as for her two confidants...they bask in the bliss of their honeymoon far afield, and she deems it unseemly to intrude upon their...matrimonial bliss.

It was a marvel for Her Highness to witness the sacred union of the two, yet her heart swells with joy for them, their affection evident despite the teasing barbs and customary quarrels.
Yet, the fair princess finds herself beset by a perplexing emotion; sadness. Not from the joyous union of her companions, but rather due to the absence of any earnest proposal from Lord Tenma, despite the countless moments shared in his company.

She harbours no desire for matrimony! So, pray tell, why does she find herself thus? Could it be that she harbours a fancy for Lord Tenma? Unthinkable! He is boisterous and decidedly not of her ilk! Yet...whom does she anticipate at the window? Why does her heart yearn for Lord Tenma to miraculously appear and grace the palace with his presence? Though inundated with marriage proposals and gifts from numerous admirers, it is the Count's news she eagerly awaits.

"My dearest, how do you fare in this splendid day?" The King takes his seat beside her, gently patting her back.

"Father...you scared me greatly." She chuckles as she leans against him. "I am in good health, I have been merely observing the snowflakes that descend outside. And yourself? How are you?"

"I too am well, my cherished. I partook in some tea with Lady Shinonome and Her Grace, and we engaged in conversation concerning the newlyweds. Though, verily, they prattled on whilst I indulged in reverie; I believe they expressed a desire for a child upon their return from the honeymoon..." He recounts, eliciting a chuckle from Nene.

"Did you find delight in your conversation, father?"

"If one deems it delight to have two ladies converse boisterously in your presence...then, indeed." He laughs heartily and bestows a kiss upon her forehead, bringing forth a tender smile upon her visage.

"Pray tell, where are they now?"

"They did grace Miss Akiyama's establishment to try on some splendid new dresses, declaring their intention to dress more warmly as we might venture out to revel in the snow's beauty. Would you care to join our merry assembly?"

"That does sound delightful, dear father; I shall accompany you henceforth."

"Might you also persuade Miss Asahina to partake?"

"I shall employ my most pleading countenance! Pray, where can she be found?" They both chuckle softly.

"I believe she has taken to providing Lord Shinonome with a trim..."

"That does present a rather...peculiar image to conjure."

"Indeed...Moreover, we may have some distinguished company shortly." As he spoke, Nene’s visage brightened most unavoidably. "The Archbishop has intimated his desire to pay me a visit." He continued, observing her face shift in expression, which caused Toya to deem her most adorable.

"How splendid, dear father. Is he still residing in our fair town following the nuptials of Akito and An?"

"Indeed, it is said he is taking lodgings with a friend."

"Alas, I had not the opportunity to converse extensively with him at the wedding, for I was entranced by the lovebirds and engaged in discourse with Lord Tenma."

"Fear not, for I am convinced he shall be delighted to behold you once more this day."

Upon a modicum of entreaty and the most beguiling of gazes from the princess, Miss Asahina found herself persuaded to venture forth and behold the splendid winter tableau.
The snow fell with such swiftness, a sight of exquisite beauty, truly magnificent; though the air bore the chill, it was not excessively so, allowing the garden, once resplendent with blossoms, to be cloaked in the pristine white of snow.

'Lord' Shinonome, with one hand, shelters Lady Shinonome beneath an umbrella, keen to shield her coiffure from the snow's embrace, whilst with her other hand, she clasps Ena's hand firmly to prevent her from slipping.

"What do you think about the resplended snow, my most exquisite lady?"

"Oh...It is splendid indeed; the snow falls magnificently, inspiring me for a new canvas!"

"I am certain it shall be wondrous, for it will be crafted by your own hand." Kanade gazes lovingly upon Ena, both adorned with smiles, warmed and healed from any sorrows that may dare encroach upon their minds. They meander hand in hand, slowly traversing the garden, each believing the other to be a vision of beauty amidst this white mirage.

"Our son is joyously wed...we are growing old together; perchance we shall soon be blessed with nephews or nieces...life is most agreeable, K."

"Verily so, my dear Ena. Life is perfect by your side; not even music could supplant the place you hold in my heart." They gaze tenderly at one another and bestow a gentle kiss. "I love you dearly."

"I love you more than aught. I could not have achieved this splendid life without you."

"And you shall never endure a life devoid of me, for I wish to be eternally entwined with you as well."

Miss Asahina finds herself in a rather reserved corner of the garden, gazing skyward as snow descends, allowing the chill of the delicate snowflakes to grace her countenance, which she perceives as a rather commonplace winter's day.
However, when Miss Akiyama beams beside her like a joyous child amidst the snow, she comes to regard it as a most magnificent winter's day. The sweet, demure and feminine Mizuki, adorned in the finest pink attire, extends her hand to experience the snowflakes, while the modestly clad Mafuyu gazes upon her with adoration.
Having endured numerous trials together, Miss Asahina feels a profound joy in sharing all these moments with Miss Akiyama. She draws near, resting a gentle hand upon her back, and whispers tenderly into her ear:

"I love you."

Miss Akiyama, utterly taken aback by this unforeseen words, gazes astonished towards her, only to behold Mafuyu's gentle smile, invoking tears to cascade down her cheeks. They have traversed the tapestry of time together for countless years, yet never had she heard such words escape her lips. She bore the understanding that Miss Asahina held no faith in such declarations, and, truth be told, nor did she desire them fervently; for that she was acutely aware that Miss Asahina loved her above all else in creation. This affection had been manifested on innumerable occasions, revealing the profound depths of her emotions. Indeed, she was certain that, were she to request any boon, Lady Asahina would oblige without a moment’s hesitation.

"What...?"

"I love you, my most cherished Miss Akiyama Mizuki. I have loved you my entire life and I will love you until I die. Desperately, passionately...I have worshiped you from the moment I have laid my eyes upon you."

"B-But...y-you..." Mizuki, with great difficulty, struggles to articulate her thoughts as tears cascade down her fair visage.

"Indeed, I comprehend. I declared that it does not seem genuine, hence it rendereth me false before you, yet...our dearest An has married, she is a most remarkable woman; so...we have achieved what we longed for at last; peace. We stand at a juncture in our existence where the occurrences of life are of little importance, for we have triumphed, and when our mortal coils are shed, we only have splendid things to leave behind. Therefore, I wish for you to know that I love you endlessly, and without doubt. I harbour no regrets for the choices I have made to be by your side, perhaps...this realm was unprepared for our love; thus, we must dwell in shadows, and perchance the bonds of marriage elude us...yet in the depths of my heart, you are my cherished wife, and I yearn for our souls to reunite in other existences, perhaps in a realm where we shall freely bask in each other’s presence. I shall seek you and love you once more."

"Mafu..." She smiles as a joyous child, dabbing away her tears. "I love you as well and I, too, bear no regrets; you have transformed my entire existence, I do not know myself without you. You have evolved from being my...princess to being my woman, to the esteemed governess; you have become, in due course, my cherished wife as well. I shall await your return to me, I shall pray that you will always find me."

The King is seated with his hands clasped behind him, idly surveying the wintry spectacle, his gaze drifting towards the flurry, somewhat pensive. His attention turns to the fair Nene, whose joyful countenance is aglow as snowflakes cascade upon her, prompting a smile upon his own lips.
The enchanting sight of the pink-clad Duchess Airi, frolicking and laughing with the innocence of youth, as the snow gently descends upon them both, elicits a merry chuckle from him, swiftly transformed into a frown as he perceives Her Grace launching a snowball that nimbly strikes his countenance.

"Oh, my! Do forgive me, Your Majesty, it was my mistake!" She exclaims with unrestrained delight.

"I daresay that was no mere blunder..." He retorts.

"What can you mean? Are you insinuating I possess the trait of dishonesty?"

"Perhaps..." They share a hearty laugh, yet a tranquility descends upon them as she approaches, diligently brushing the snow from his royal attire.

"How do you fare, my liege?" The dulcet, feminine tones of the duchess waft gracefully into the royal ears of the King.

"I am in good health, Your Grace, and you?"

"I am well." She pauses momentarily. "Are you certain?"

"Oh? Since when do you truly concern yourself with me? You seem quite earnest." He chuckles, and she expresses mild exasperation but soon joins in his mirth. "I assure you, my duchess, I am well. I thank you kindly."

"Do you miss her?"

"I do. I confess that not a single day elapses without her haunting my thoughts; I have loved her with the fullness of my heart and yearn for her presence to witness our dear Nene, now blossomed into maturity." He commences, evoking a look of concern upon her countenance, yet he persists. "Yet, I find no sorrow in my heart any longer. It is true that at times the bed may feel empty without her, but I am far from solitude. I have known both loss and love, yet...I was never truly alone; and for that, I am profoundly grateful for my exquisite daughter and the esteemed friends I hold dear."

"What purpose do friends serve if not to stand by us through both the trials and the triumphs?" She offers a gentle smile.

"And I am most grateful that I have you." He proclaims, completely catching her by surprise, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink, not solely from the chill, but also from his unexpected sweet utterance. "Indeed, you and Ena have been my dearest companions since our tender years, yet it is you who has always shown the greatest concern, Airi. You have stood by all, lending your ear to our woes, striving to proffer solutions and uplift our spirits, even when you were uncertain yourself as what to do. In times of trouble, it was your counsel we sought, your assistance we craved. You have never voiced your own sorrows, wishing solely to fortify our resolve. I utterly believe that you and Miss Asahina bear the weight of such considerable, painful burdens, laboring to aid others, unexpectant of recompense, despite the trials it brings. You have witnessed my tears and you have witnessed my joy. Yes, you are most...unrefined in demeanor and do not act accordingly as one should in the presence of the king..." He chuckles softly, yet his gaze remains steadfastly locked upon hers, his smile tender. "Yet I would not trade it for any treasure, for I know that, without you, I would dwell in utter solitude."

"I..." She commences, yet tears cascade down her fair cheeks. "I deeply lament having inquired if you are well..." She giggles amidst her weeping.

"Verily, I understand." He replies, tenderly grasping her hand. "I too perceive the concerns that plague you mind, Airi, regarding yourself and our esteemed companions. I recognize your trepidation for what is to come of the fate of your noble title and family name after your death. I fathom the anguish that resides within, even as you strive to portray a façade of strength. You are a resolute and independent lady, and I behold your beauty, even when you are besmirched from head to toe.
Your people hold you in great affection, for you are the finest duchess to have ever graced our realm. Thus, I ask of you to understand that I remain by your side, willing to assist in your every need, Your Grace; you shall never feel alone either."

"I extend my deepest gratitude, Your Majesty..." She bestows a gentle smile as he tenderly uses the back of his hand to dry her tears. "I take immense pride in you, Ena, the children, and our dearest companions; we have all traversed through our shadowy days...the path has not been devoid of trials, and indeed, the uncertainty of what may ensue lurks ever near—how one might forfeit all that is cherished. Yet, with love at our core, I firmly believe it renders our existence far sweeter."

"Verily." He pauses contemplatively. "You remain unwed, Your Grace, devoid of offspring...do you harbor regret therein?"

"Ah, I find myself uncertain, Your Majesty. I perceive not a void within, for I have loved deeply and I have been loved in return and I shall continue to love until my final breath. I have lived and I have felt the pain of death inside of me. As for progeny, I have borne ample maternal experiences through the princess, the general, and Lady Shiraishi..." She chuckles. "And Lord Tenma, ever frequenting my abode to enjoy my company, beseeching me for guidance, or weeping openly in my presence when his heart was feeling heavy...or when I was occasionally graced by His Excellency’s visit, imploring me to allow him to test his novel contraptions within my garden...These are memories I hold very dear to my heart."

"I daresay you are correct...even were we to desire solitude, it was not to be our fate. I suppose that...I merely wish for your happiness, Your Grace."

"In this very moment, I feel nothing but bliss."

Her Royal Highness, Princess Nene, gently closes her luminous eyes, extending her delicate arms to embrace the crisp air, whilst the snow softly settles upon her head. What a sublime and enchanting moment! Her thoughts drift upon countless wonders, her heart swelling with fervent adoration for the world that envelops her, as if she resides in a solitary garden, accompanied solely by the snow and the wind's gentle whispers.
She envisions herself upon a grand stage, a multitude of souls eagerly anticipating her dulcet singing voice and exquisite performance. She retreats three paces, absorbing every visage; lo, she beholds her father, her mother, her cherished family and friends, yet one figure is conspicuously absent...Lord Tenma.

A fleeting chill passes through her heart until, casting her gaze to the left, she spies him extending his hand with a beaming countenance. Ah, he stands upon the stage alongside her, for they are destined to be entwined. She feels naught but serenity, devoid of anxiety or apprehension, for the world lies within her grasp, imbued with magnificence. Unbeknownst to her, her angelic and melodious voice begins to resonate, both upon the stage and in the garden. Surprised yet joyful, the audience listens intently, captivated by her unrestrained melody.

"What, pray tell, is love?
If not a woeful torment that brings you to your knees,
Rendering you naught but a clumsy marionette
Ensnared by its grasp upon your throat, Compelling thee to utter forth cries
Akin to a poet proclaiming his verses for the world to behold.

What, I ask, is love?
If not the solitude of dreams unfulfilled, When your hand is absent from mine
And you evade my lips with your kiss.
I beg the heavens that a life devoid of you
Shall never discover the sanctuaries where I do seek refuge.

For what is love?
If not the faint, distant, sorrowful echo of our hearts
Entwined in a torturous tango
Through life’s myriad of woes.
In this exquisitely sweet, yet agonizing dance,
I shall seek your hands to clasp and your heart to serve as my haven."

She unveils her eyes, somewhat perplexed, for she comprehends that she was but indulging in reverie, for she could never sing with such grace before an assembly, yet, as her vision readjusts to the radiance, she perceives not merely the snow, but that exquisite, gentle, alluring smile and those grand, seductive, joyous eyes, causing her heart to leap.

"What a most splendid voice you possess, Your Highness."

As though the very world had been attuned to her earlier musings, Lord Tenma has materialized from the ether before her, his words rendering her a blushing, flustered maid.
The manner in which the snow descends upon Lord Tenma bestows upon him the appearance of a mirage, whilst time itself appears to stand still for Princess Nene; all unfolds at a languid pace as a most exquisite melody envelops her senses.

His smile possesses the power to melt the snow encircling them, his grand and delectable lips are gently touched by the frigid snowflakes, prompting Her Royal Highness to ponder whether he tastes as sweet as the sound of his voice when, for the first time, he utters her name.

"Princess Nene? Do you feel unwell?"

A delicate gasp escapes her lips, as her entire form seems poised to succumb to despondency. 'Nene' flows from his lips in a manner beyond her wildest imaginings, as if such a name could not possibly belong to her.

His golden locks, kissed by waves born of the snow's embrace, enhance his handsome face, whilst his grand, exquisite lashes, nearly white because of the snow, bestow upon him an ethereal quality.
His towering and muscular stature conveys elegance, strength, and a protective air, whilst his hands exude warmth, kindness, and nurturing grace.

She struggles to comprehend the wellspring of emotions within her until her gaze descends to their intertwined fingers, unadorned by gloves, for she has removed her own to savor the snow, as Lord Tenma has also done before.

"Your Highness? Pray, speak, for your silence is causing me great worry."

Yet, verily, words do not escape her delicate lips. All surrounding her is often frigid; the fair princess, even in the midst of summer, possesses hands of icy demeanor, yet in this moment, as he encloses her within his grasp, she is enveloped in an exhilarating warmth.

His hands are softer than she could ever have anticipated, yet she clasps him tightly, fearful of his departure, whilst a smile, the most sincere and sweet she has ever had, graces her face, utterly destroying Lord Tenma's heart.

"You have...come?"

In retrospect, Tsukasa too stands rendered speechless, as Princess Nene graces his sight, appearing as the most exquisite being in existence. Her sublime smile bewitching him as delicate snowflakes rest upon her head; her nose blushing a charming crimson from the chill, whilst her profound violet gaze penetrates his very soul, almost as though she seeks to claim his essence. Yet, he permits her to act as she wishes.
Her luscious, enticing lips articulate a multitude of things that resonate sweetly in Tsukasa's ears, akin to an arrow piercing his heart. She inquires if he has come; was she, perchance, awaiting him?
Had he been privy to her burning desire to behold him, he would have ran from his residence to the palace with utmost speed just so he could see her smile earlier! And how it feels like dying...as he yearns to see this new, sincere, delightful, smile of hers for the first time again! Again and again...and oh! What would he not forefeit just to be able to experience such dangerously revitalizing mirage?

He is compelled to profess his presence, declaring he would traverse any distance for her sake. And there lies her hand...her ungloved, delicate hand clasped fervently around his! What a most enchanting sensation! Though icy to the touch, she is irresistibly soft and delicate; he yearns to hold her forever, forbbiding any other to be enchanted by her beauty the way he was.

Upon entering and hearing her ethereal voice, for a fleeting moment, he believed to have passed into paradise; yet upon the recognition of reality, his heart swelled with joy; rendering him to tears; not tears of sorrow, but tears of bliss at the prospect of seeing her again, listening to her once more.

"I...have come. All you need to do is express your desire for my presence, and I shall traverse the very depths of hell and ascend to the gates of heaven to stand before you."

"Pray, that is folly...who amongst us would endure such tribulation for a mere whisper of a wish from me?"

"I would, without a moment's hesitation. Whatever it takes for me to see you once more, I shall undertake, for my days remain unfulfilled in your absence."

"I sat...for countless hours at the window, precluded from all else, yearning for the sight of you again." Hearing such motion brought a cascade of tears on his face.

"Who would enduringly torment themselves for but a glimpse of me?"

"I would, without a quiver, I shall remain in whatever place it is required for however long it be necessary, for the mere privilege of gazing upon you face." She tenderly extends her hand to brush away his tears. "Why does such sorrow shadow you, my lord?"

"I...lament that my beloved princess has borne the weight of my absence; it pains me to think of such burdens placed upon you for my sake."

His desire for her was unmistakable; yet, idiotically, he mused: 'I cannot claim her, I ought not seek her, I am unworthy of her, there exists naught I can offer that she does not already possess.'

"Might I inquire, are you seeking the hand of the Princess in matrimony, Lord Tenma? Or pray, elucidate what transpires here?" The Archbishop's voice intruded upon the tender exchange betwixt Princess Nene and Lord Tenma.

"Pray, refrain from such notions, Your Excellency...I could not possibly be engaging in such!” Lord Tenma protested, causing the very heart of the princess to shatter. 'Alas...after all, it appears he does not harbor the same affections I do...', she ponders.

"Your Excellency, a heartfelt welcome; it is a joy to behold you." Her sincere smile gradually succumbed to a mere semblance of politeness.

"Your Royal Highness, it is a true delight to behold you once more." He beams, while carefully enveloping her with his coat. "You are trembling slightly, are you not? Does it feel better now?"

"The Most Reverend...I am most grateful, you are exceedingly kind. Pray, what brings you both together?"

"His Lordship and I are bonded by a profound and exquisite friendship; I am currently taking residence within his grand mansion." The Archbishop tenderly brushes the snow from the princess's hair, prompting her to smile with gratitude, yet igniting a most deranged, tumultous feeling inside of Lord Tenma; jealousy.

How does he presume to tend to her needs? How dare he lay his hands upon her hair? Tsukasa, well aware that this is his closest companion, still feels like he cannot suppress the urge to...deliver a slight blow. The Archbishop, of course, perceives his sentiments and bears a mischievous smirk, evidently orchestrating this scheme from the outset.

Oh! What fury! What a blinding rage! What excruciating, loathsome, sentiment! Yet, envy is an evil and shameful vice...Can envy indeed surpass love in fervour?

"That is truly remarkable, as do we."

"Oh? I was led to believe you are courting~"

"I suppose not." Replies Nene, laced with a touch of bitterness, yet keeping up her polite smile.

"Alas, what a lamentable predicament! Yet, I am certain my beloved princess finds herself amidst a multitude of noble suitors, each presenting offerings of marriage. Do you ponder the notion of accepting any?" Rui persists, provoking a tempest within Tsukasa's veins.

He knows! He is acutely aware of his own folly, cognizant that he should just ask her hand in marriage already! Yet fear grips him...perpetually belittled by those around him, how could he dare approach the princess? How could he aspire to be the next king? He is but a boisterous, obnoxious, uncouth fellow, unworthy of her affection...even whilst his heart yearns for her companionship. (Not that Miss Asahina shall not remain the esteemed resolve for most matters of the realm...alas, our Lord lacks discernment and is quite...imbecilic!)

Yet, how audacious of His Eminence to inquire of her regarding other suitors! She ought not to wed at all! Did she not proclaim as much? That her heart contends against matters of love?

'Yes, yes! Her heart wishes not for love!', he foolishly keeps on telling himself. Yet that sincere smile of hers...that youthful mirth! What significance might it have held? The manner in which she gazed upon him, as though he were the sole individual in her realm, and the way her face practically whispered that they could just flee together from all worldly cares, in that very moment. Is it possible that the princess might have changed her mind regarding marriage?

Surely, she shall not entertain the thought of another...shall she?

"Time shall reveal who might be deemed worthy of my affection, Your Eminence. Pray, shall we go inside the palace?"

"After you, Your Royal Highness." Thus, they entered, one by one, leaving Tsukasa in a state of paralysis, lamenting his own conduct; he wished not to burden the princess with his nature, yet he has shattered her heart.

"My lord. It has come to my ears that you did lend encouragement to the general in his proposal to Lady Shiraishi; fair words have flowed from thy lips, yet you are even more grievous than he. I must counsel you thus...your opportunities are dwindling, for a woman’s heart never forgets." Duchess Airi declares to Lord Tenma, gently caressing his back as she guides him inside.

What verity Her Grace has uttered! One query lingers: Shall Lord Tenma ever surmount his trepidations and permit his heart to love, or shall he forfeit the princess for all eternity?