As we agreed on, Prince Shiro and I only met when it was time to have tea with the Emperor. We made sure that we weren't being too close to each other to fool the First Prince. Pretty soon, the bait was working. The First Prince came to the pavilion when both the Emperor and Prince Shiro had left. I was busy sorting out the pouch of tea that I brought and I didn't notice him.
"Hell Lady Himawari. It's a surprise to see you here alone." He said. I t
It's been almost 2 weeks since Prince Shiro and I had talked without the Emperor to accompany us. I couldn't let the First Prince's trust towards me falter so I had to resort to avoiding Prince Shiro at all cost. I don't know how many men are following my every move but I can't let anyone be in danger."The Royal Hunt will be in a few days, you used to enjoy coming to the hunting ground along with the other ladies, do you want to do that again?" Father asked me while we were having breakfast. From what I can remember from Himawari's memories, she hated meeting with the other ladies in the hunting grounds. She was always the subject of ridicule because of how quiet she is and more so because she's in love with Prince Shiro. Apparently, Prince Shiro is one of the most sought out bachelors in the Empire. The fact that he's engaged to Lady Himawari makes all the other ladies angry. I don't know if I have the strength and energy to go on cat fights."Am I allowed
It was the day of the Royal Hunt. Since Prince Shiro and I haven't been able to be alone together, I didn't get a chance to tell him that I will be participating. I don't know if anyone told the Emperor or if the news reached him but I am not backing down from this hunt.
After the Royal Hunt, there was a party being held at the hunting grounds. After Prince Shiro left the tent, I changed into an evening wear appropriate for the occasion. He told me they'll be a lot of people today so we can sit next to each other and discuss some things."Hima, the Emperor wants you to sit at the Royal family's table. Is that alright for you? If it isn't just tell me and I'll make sure to inform the Emperor." My father asked. I did
It was the day after the Royal Hunt. Word spread out quickly about how I had participated in the hunt. There were gossips and rumors going around that I participated in the hunt to challenge the Royal Family. I don't know how that rumor came to be but there was no truth in it. The reason I participated is because I didn't want to mingle with all the snob ladies in the mingling area."You'll be having tea with the Emperor today." My father reminded
I waited for any word from Prince Shiro. It's been two days yet I still haven't received a letter from him. I admit I'm worried about him since his life was recently in danger but I just have to trust him."You look worried, Hima. Is there something bothering you?" My father walked into the patio where I was pacing. I looked at him and was considering telling him but I knew I couldn't. I just have to keep this a secret even from my own father. 
I walked out to the gate to see who was there for me. It was one of Prince Shiro's men. He handed me a parcel and left just like that. I knew he couldn't stay because people were watching us. I quickly took it inside and opened it up. It was a single incense stick. I clutched it to my chest and silently thanked Prince Shiro for being able to get this for me. I quickly took out my indicators and I tried testing it."I was right." I whispered to myse
The day for our vacation had finally come. Prince Shiro would be arriving here in our Manor using the carriage that the Emperor specifically prepared for us. All of my stuff was ready when he arrived. The servants loaded them all up on the back of the carriage and Prince Shiro helped me to get inside. We didn't say anything to each other when he arrived. I just got inside the carriage, waited until everything was loaded up and we finally were on our way to our estate. I looked over at Prince Shiro and he was just being quiet. His eyes were close and he just seemed to be peacefully enjoying the ride. I, on the other hand, have a lot of things on my mind. I don't even know where to begin.
As I was hugging Prince Shiro from behind, I could feel his breathing getting heavier and his heart started to beat faster. I'm not sure if he's nervous or scared or somewhere in between. I have to tell him what I had uncovered."Your mother wasn't in an accident." I said. I could feel Prince Shiro's hand on mine. He was trying to make me let go of him. I loosened my hold on him and he turned around and faced me. Our eyes met and I could tell he re