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Chapter 10
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“Well she seemed nice enough. I do hope that the rest of my relatives are as well.” Nanako and Nokaru had finally managed to find their way back to their room after getting lost in the palace.
“She did take your ‘meeting’ in good light.” Nokaru wasn’t going to let the subject drop easily. He was having too much fun tormenting Nanako over what happened, though she insisted it was partially his fault for chasing her in the first place.
“Nokaru, stop it!” She pouted her lips, allowing them to quiver ever so slightly. If asking wouldn’t stop him, perhaps giving him a guilt trip would.
“Nanako, don’t do that. Please stop... Ok... Ok... you win. I’ll stop. Just stop looking so sad.”He gently touched her chin, and in a low voice asks, “all forgiven?”
She couldn’t suppress her smile of victory. “All is forgiven.” Their lips touched, and they embraced.
“How much time do you think we have before dinner?”
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know. I’d say we don’t have that much time left. We did get more then a little turned around in this place.” With his arm tucked back behind his head, he tried not to laugh as he remembered. They must have been walking in circles the entire time.
“Then we should probably get ready. Can you help me pick something out?” She walked over to one of the three armoires in room. There were beautiful gowns of black, red, blue, green and yellow. Each varied in style and material, and had matching shoes beneath. “They’re all in my size! Look at them. They’re so lovely! I guess they really did provide us with everything here.”
Walking over to another, Nokaru found that it too was full of gowns and shoes. “You should see some of these Nanako. This one would look gorgeous on you.” He pulled out a gorgeous black silk dress. It was strapless, and flowed out in layers from the waist
down. In the back was a cute little bow.
“Oh I love it! Thank you for finding it, and I’ll have to thank the king... I mean my grandfather for all of this.” She walked over to him and held it up in front of her.
“Perfect. You’ll look stunning in it.”
“Thanks, but now to find something for you.” The two walked over to the remaining armoire, and found it to be full of suits and robes. “This would look good. It even matches your eyes.” Nanako
had picked out a deep blue rob, with matching bottom (middle east style), which was almost identical to the color of Nokaru’s eyes.
“If you think so, then sure.”
“Well at least that’s out of the way. Now hurry up and get changed. We don’t want to arrive late.”
“Ok... but where?”
“Just change in here.”
“And what about you?”
“Don’t be silly. I’ll do the same.”
A devilish grin crept across his face at the thought.
“But your not allowed to peak Nokaru. Promise.”
“Do I really have to? I mean, I’d much rather watch,” his tone a little sheepish.
“No. Now turn around and get changed. And promise you won’t peak.”
“Fine. Have it your way. But I still think my idea would have been better.”
Sticking out her tongue, Nanako slowly walked away and waited until he turned his back to her to get changed. Nokaru couldn’t help himself, and after a few minutes tried to grab a quick glance, but by that time she was almost finished. “Done?” he asked, now a little disappointed.
“Basically. What about you?” her back still turned to him.
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Once finished, the couple headed for the dining room, which they happened upon while they were lost, along with most of the rooms in the palace. They could see servants running this way and that
with both full and empty trays. “I hope we’re not late.”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure your grandfather would have sent someone for us if we were.”
As they entered the room, they couldn’t believe all they seen before them. In a matter of minutes, the room had been filled with delectable looking dishes and entrees, and the table had been set. Off to one corner, they could hear someone giving orders. As Nanako looked over, she instantly recognized Nagisa.
The group watching recognized the girl as well, but they knew her as Makoto.
“Now hurry up people. The royal family will be here at any moment, and I want this to look perfect for the reunion.”
“Yes miss. We are going as fast as we can. After all, we weren’t given much time to prepare.”
“No excuses. We would have had to serve dinner tonight anyway, it’s just a little larger and fancier than we expected. The food’s done, so this should be as well.”
With that, the servants scrambled to complete the job, and as Nagisa looked about, she noticed Nokaru and Nanako in the doorway.
“Nokaru. I didn’t expect to see you here. Weren’t you supposed be having a picnic with... oh miss Tenreo. You’re here as well. What happened to the picnic, and why are you both here?”
“Oh hello Nagisa. That would be a long story to say the least. We did get to have the picnic, though it was earlier today. Thanks for all the help. I wouldn’t have asked if I knew you had
this to prepare though.”
“Oh don’t worry about it. This is nothing compared to some of the events Miss Tenreo’s father hosts.” She smiled in Nanako’s direction, and she blushed in response. Although she had been seeing
Nokaru for some time now, he had never attended any of the functions her parents had thrown. Her mother didn’t approve of him, and generally tried to set her up with others at these gatherings. So she thought it better for everyone to just keep the two separated
most of the time.
“Well you have always managed to amaze us all at them. And please, call me Nanako.”
“Well thank you, and if you insist, I shall.”
“Yes I do. My friends call me by my first name, and since you are friends with Nokaru, I consider you one of mine as well.”
“Certainly then miss... er... Nanako.”
“But why are the two of you here then? I thought that this was a reunion for the royal family.” Nagisa had a perplexed look plastered on her face.
“Well... um...” Nokaru looked down at Nanako, not sure exactly how much he should tell Nagisa about the situation they now found themselves in.
“You are right. This is for the royal family. I’ve recently discovered that I am granddaughter to the king. My mother is his youngest daughter.” Her voice was a little tense, but very quiet as she said this.
“Oh,” was all Nagisa could muster, but her face showed she was quite shocked at this discovery.
*You think it’s a surprise to you* Nanako thought bitterly, though she managed to remain restrained.
“Yes. It was a surprise to me as well. But I am happy to know.”
“Well then, I really think I should be calling princess then.”
Giggling at that thought, Nanako waved her hand in dismissal. “Please don’t start that. I’d much rather not be called aprincess.”
“Although she has always been mine.” Nanako looked up to see Nokaru staring lovingly at her, while rapping his arm around her hip.
“And you my prince.” At least he was still by her side. She felt that he would always be a steady presence in her life, even if everything else were not.
Nagisa smiled at the scene she seen before her. *They really love one another. I hope I find something like that some day*. “Well in any case, as you can see, dinner is not quite ready yet.” She shot a look at a servant who was standing idly by. Knowing that
he was discovered, he quickly busied himself with some of the finishing touches. Returning her gaze back to the couple, and smiling she added, “Though it will be shortly.”
“That’s ok. We’ll just take a look around while we wait. I can’t wait to try what you’ve prepared. It looks delicious, and if it tastes like everything else you prepare, I’m sure it will be spectacular.”
Blushing from the compliment, Nagisa tried her best to hide it. “Thanks Nokaru. Well I hope you enjoy yourselves here.”
“Thanks. I’m sure we will.”
As they left the dinning room, they nearly bumped into the King who was on his way in.
“Oh, Nanako. I’m glad to see that you’ve kept your promise. Come… come. I should introduce you to some of your cousins.” He ushered them down the hall a piece and into another large room. Two of its walls were completely lined with books, and a large fireplace
added a cozy feeling to the place. Scattered about in various chairs and benches were seven individuals around the same age as the couple. All looked up as they entered the room.
“Children, this is Nanako. And this young gentleman is the other chosen to be joined with the crystal, Nokaru. Nanako these are your first cousins. These charming young ladies are Sakura, Akane, Mai, and Hitomi. The gentlemen are Heero, Shinji, and Conoco. I am sorry, but I must leave you now. Please get to know one another. I’ll see you all in a short time.” With that, the King left them on
their own.
“Please, have a seat you two.” Sakura pointed toward an empty bench. “I’m sure you must have many questions for us. I know we have a few of our own.”
“Thank you,” came the reply in unison as they made themselvescomfortable.
“You know them already sister? When did you meet?” Akane was the one speaking, though in a soft voice. Her blue hair was shoulder length, and she wore a stunning blue gown that clung to her figure. She didn’t appear to be younger then Sakura, so Nanako
assumed she must only be a year or so in the difference. She seemed quite timid compared to her sister.
The observers recognized them as Ami, and next to her are Hotaru and Rei. Those watching also recognized Nephrite, Jedeite, and Motoki.
“Yes. We met in the gardens only a short time ago.” She had to suppress a giggle as she watched Nanako, who was turning red.
“Well, I’m glad to finally meat you Nanako. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say that. We’ve heard quite a bit about you over the years.” Though quiet, Akane had a regal air about her. Her blue gown was a perfect match to her blue hair. Though simpler in style then the others in the room, it had an elegance that was unmatched. Tenderness shone through in her that was quite evident to Nanako.
“I am sorry that I can not say the same. My mother hasn’t told me anything about her family. I hope I can make up for losttime though.”
“No worries. We will have plenty of time to get to know each other after all this ceremonial nonsense is over.” Sakura was still kind in demeanor, and her smile was starting to appear a constant.
“So this is all part of the ceremony as well?”
“No. This dinner is simply a little reunion, arranged by grandfather. He thought it appropriate for you to meat the rest of the family before the ceremony tonight, and I quite agree with him. Oh... I should really tell you more about us. Now where to start?”
“Perhaps you should start with how we are all related, and our ages.”
“Good idea. You know that there are two other princess besides your mother. My mother, Marsinda, is the eldest while Henako is next, then your mother, Haruka. There is but a year between each. The eldest among us is Heero, my elder brother, who is 21. Shinji,
at 20, is next, and he too is my brother. Then me... I’m 18... and then Akane, who is 17. My aunt has three children. Hitomi is the eldest, at 19, then Conoco at 18. Mai is the youngest, at 16.” Each
person nodded at the mention of their name, and gave a polite smile to Nanako. That is all but Hitomi, who presently stared stone-faced at her.
“You are 19,correct?”
She answered the question with a positive nod.
“How old are you then Nokaru? That is if you don’t mind my asking.”
“I don’t mind. I’m 20.”
One by one the group asked their questions. What was it like to grow up away from the castle? What was it like to be free? Did she enjoy living as she was? Where have you visited? What is your
mother like? What does your father do? How long have you known Nokaru? And so on.
Hitomi remained removed for these, but when she finally spoke, her question puzzled Nanako. Coldly, and with a tinge of jealousy she asked, “How does it feel to be the chosen one?”
“Well, to tell you the truth, I wasn’t exactly excited about it. I will go through with it, that’s not a problem. I just wish I had a choice in the matter, and some time to allow it to sink in. This has happened rather quickly, and is a lot to take in.” She avoided looking directly at any of them, and played with her gown while she answered.
“See. She doesn’t even want this honor.” Hitomi said hotly.
“Just ignore her. She’s just disappointed that she wasn’t chosen. She would have found her soul mate if she had.” Sakura shot a quick glance over to her cousin, trying to get the girl to keep quiet.
“Don’t look at me like that Sakura. I was supposed to be the one chosen. But instead, the crystal chooses this person we never even met before! She wasn’t raised as a royal. She hasn’t been trained, and doesn’t know our ways. It’s a disgrace! That’s all there is to it.”
“I am sorry Hitomi. I had no choice in the matter. It wasn’t my choice to remain separated from all of you. It wasn’t my choice for any of this to happen.” A hurt expression was on Nanako’s face, and her tone was subdued. She hadn’t meant for any of this to happen.
“I know it’s not your fault.” Hitomi lowered her volume, and some sympathy entered her tone. “I was raised to accept this honor. I’ve spent my entire life training for it only for the crystal to choose someone else.” Now her pain was apparent on her face. “It’s not fair, is all." She turned her gaze towards the window.
“I am sorry. I hope this won’t come between us. Please, don’t allow that to happen.”
With a little laugh, Hitomi faced Nanako once again. “I’m surprised you’d even want to talk to me personally.” Her demeanor softened, and in a soft whisper she added, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have responded so to you. You owe me no apology, though I owe you one.”
“It’s ok. I can see where you’re coming from.”
“It’s a miracle. Hitomi actually apologizing for her temper.” Heero smiled at her, as she in turn stuck her tongue out at him. The room erupted into giggles, and the atmosphere lightens, as the tension left.
They continued to talk back and forth, all learning more about their new visitors, and Nanako learning more about her family and their past.
After a few more minutes, the king entered and ushered them all into the dinning room. The dinner was delightful, and all enjoyed it, the company, and the conversation. Once done, they excused themselves and left, but not before the King pulled Nanako and Nokaru aside once again. He told them what to expect that night, and what would happen. He also said that servants would be up later to prepare them for the ceremony. The couple retired to their room to get some rest.
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