Princess - Chapter Five: Prince
Chapter title: Prince
Author: creative_kiss
Characters: Teru, Hizaki, Kamijo, Yuki, Yozora
Chapter summary: Yozora has tea with eager Prince Kamijo, and later confronts Teru as to where they stand in their relationship.
Table of Contents
~Five~
Prince
I will steal you away.
Teru still had yet to think of something kind to do for Yuki. He wasn’t sure how to go about it. Yuki was a man who appeared to lack nothing. He was devoted to his duty as Yozora’s protector, held the most perfect composure in all of his dealings; even in times of serious action he could face his foe unflinchingly. He was recognized by most other servants as being above them, and he knew it but never mentioned it. Yuki was the ultimate man. Teru was but a boy, and had nothing to his name worth offering up to this loyal knight. It greatly frustrated him, but he continued to keep his eye open to anything that he could do to assist.
“Hizaki-chan, where are my gloves?” Princess Yozora asked, rummaging through drawers. When the princess took notice of Hizaki’s puzzled expression, she sighed. “The ivory gloves with lace at the wrists. Please hurry!” Hizaki produced the gloves from a drawer with ease, frowning at her cousin.
“I know, I know, you’re far better acquainted with my clothing than I am,” Yozora agreed, kissing her beloved cousin on the forehead. She glanced down at her baby blue gown and ran her hands over the skirt as if to smooth it. She then looked back up at Hizaki. “Is that what you’re wearing?” Hizaki’s eyebrows rose. It was a pink dress with a large, white petticoat underneath. There were bows and ribbons everywhere, as on Yozora’s dress.
“What’s wrong with it?” her eyes seemed to say. Yozora smiled.
“Nothing at all,” she replied. “Get your gloves; Prince Kamijo is already waiting for us. Father will be so upset if we make him wait much longer!”
Teru watched as Princess Yozora and Lady Hizaki raced down the corridor past his bedroom, Yuki walking calmly behind them at a brisk-enough pace. The knight bowed his head quickly in passing with a smirk on his face, causing Teru to take off after him.
“You’re not invited this time, Teru-kun,” Yuki said immediately. “Go back to your room and spare yourself.” Teru frowned, immediately panicking.
“Where are they going, Yuki-san?”
“Tea-time with Prince Kamijo,” Yuki relied. Teru felt his heart stop.
“But - but... she can’t!” he exclaimed, nearly loud enough for Yozora to hear. She and Hizaki appeared in too much of a hurry though, because they continued on without alarm.
“She can, and she must,” Yuki said. “Ordinarily you would be invited as part of Yozora’s court, but Prince Kamijo requested that you not be present, the king willingly agreed, and Yozora complied without protest.” Teru felt liked crying again. It was because of the previous night. Yozora was afraid of him, afraid of their affections for each other. What if she cast him out of her court? He could hardly breathe. Prince Kamijo would steal her away, he would lose forever just as he had feared, and all because he had told her the truth.
“Yuki-san, I must do something. Please help me!” Teru begged. Yuki glanced down at the pitiful joker out of the corner of his eye.
“You are a joker, Teru, and inferior to her,” he told him. “Yozora has acted accordingly and abolished her feelings... for now. And you need to recognize your place.” Yuki shoved Teru onto the floor and hurried off after Yozora and Hizaki. Teru landed on his back and looked up at the knight as he disappeared down the corridor with shock and fierce pain ringing to the very core of his bones.
Yozora had told him that she loved him, but she was so eager to abandon him, it seemed. Had she fallen out of love so quickly? Was his love for her worth nothing? And then... as if Teru had been incapable of hearing it before, he suddenly realized that Yuki had already given him the answer. Yozora has acted accordingly and abolished her feelings... for now, Yuki had said. Teru resolved to meet her that night. They had to talk, Yozora just had to tell him whether or not their love was possible or salvageable. Even if they had to carry on in secret, the joker wanted so much to spoil Yozora with every ounce of affection that his lanky body could muster. Teru managed to pick himself up off of the floor and returned to his room.
Yozora and Hizaki greeted Prince Kamijo in one of the three courtyards at the castle. It was still and vacant apart from Kamijo’s court, which consisted of a small troop of armored soldiers, perhaps ten or twelve, and one manservant. Yozora realized that Kamijo must belong to a prominent family. His dress was most divine: black and fitted, of a taste and style not yet seen in these parts, and he was wearing the same stylish boots that Yozora had insisted Teru and Yuki wear! Apart from that, he had calming blue eyes and dusty blonde hair; the epitome of handsome in any woman’s opinion. Somehow, those blue eyes and those boots made Yozora think of Teru and the way he had left her the night before. They needed to talk...
Kamijo immediately stood and took Yozora’s properly gloved hand and kissed it, allowing his lips to linger briefly before standing up straight and smiling at her.
“You look lovely, my princess,” the prince said, his voice smooth and fluid. He kissed Hizaki’s hand as well divided interest. “As does this lady.” Hizaki bowed politely and watched on without emotion.
“Thank you, Kamijo-sama,” Yozora said, bowing. Hizaki bowed again silently, causing Kamijo to stare at her harshly. Yozora hurried to excuse her cousin’s behavior. “She doesn’t speak, please forgive her.”
“That’s very well,” Kamijo muttered, leading Yozora by the hand to their table. His manservant rushed forward to pull out Yozora’s chair, but Yuki beat him to it. The servant appeared stunned for a moment, but was shooed away by Yuki’s cold stare. He seated his master instead.
“May Hizaki-chan join us?” Yozora asked, glancing up at her displaced cousin.
“I’d like us to have some privacy,” Kamijo replied. “If the knight and lady would so kindly join my court over there.” It was a great distance. Yozora would truly feel alone if they both left. Hizaki nodded silently to Yuki and hurried over to join Kamijo’s court. They took an instant liking to her, as beautiful as she was, but she quickly made it clear through her ominous silence and stolid, concentrated demeanor that she had no desire whatsoever to amuse them. Yuki stayed as his law was to never form great distance between them. Kamijo seemed to recognize this and said nothing. Yozora forced herself to relax and smiled pleasantly at Kamijo, who was openly admiring her from across the small table.
“I can have Yuki pour the tea then,” the nervous princess offered.
“Nonsense, I’ll pour it,” Kamijo said quickly, reaching for the teapot. Yozora recognized this tea set as being one of the most expensive and rarest pieces in the castle. The king reserved it for his exclusive use with the most prestigious of guests; not even Yozora had touched it before. This must be a very important marriage then, Yozora thought sadly. She could hardly stand it. And she didn’t know what to do! Her father’s word was law; she was supposed to go through with the plan and submit to Kamijo’s eager courtship. But... her heart was now in another place.
“Such a beautiful afternoon,” Yozora remarked, fighting back her thoughts.
“Yes,” Kamijo agreed, sipping his tea. “You have a lot of birds in these parts. It seemed one of each kind was at my window this morning.”
“It must have been a very sweet morning then!” Yozora said, giggling. “I was wondering where all my little birds flew off to.”
“I’m sorry to have taken them from you,” Kamijo muttered apologetically. His voice still contained such certainty, such a lulling quality. Yozora was not sure if he was trying to seduce her on purpose, or if it was simply a natural charm. More silence ensued.
“You’re enjoying your stay at the castle, yes?” Yozora asked.
“Absolutely,” Kamijo replied. “The highlight of it so far was the grand ball. You’re a graceful dancer.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“I imagine that’s why your... fool was so eager to take you away from me.” Yozora started.
“Teru-kun?” she asked, giggling nervously. “Oh, he’s nothing but a simple thing. Many servants are excited at the opportunity to take part in the festivities.” Kamijo expressed doubt.
“You mean jealous,” he corrected. “You said ‘excited’ but I’m not too certain he was as eager to dance with you as he was jealous that I was instead.”
“Do you really think so?”
“I do, but I’ve tried to avoid dwelling on the matter,” Kamijo continued, smiling at Yozora. “No use in my appearing jealous of what is already beyond the fool’s grasp.”
“Exactly,” Yozora agreed, sighing. Kamijo reached across the table and took Yozora’s hand. Yozora gulped.
“You’ve been trembling all afternoon,” the prince said, frowning playfully. Yuki rolled his eyes, not finding thirty minutes comparable to an entire afternoon.
“I’ve never been in such... prestigious company before,” Yozora whispered, blushing.
“I don’t believe that,” Kamijo said, causing Yozora to stiffen. “I’m sure your father has had a great many royal kings and lords here before.”
“I’ve never entertained said kings alone, however. I’ve always been a silent presence at such gatherings.” Kamijo released Yozora’s hand, bringing his own up to her face to gently stroke her cheek.
“An awful thought, keeping such a beautiful young woman quiet.” Yozora’s blush deepened still. “But it’s also very possible that the full extent of your beauty is better recognized without the distraction of your sweet words.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she managed to utter. Kamijo sat up straight in his chair, preparing to stand. Yuki quickly approached and helped Princess Yozora out of her seat.
“Tomorrow night, beautiful Yozora-hime,” Kamijo said, offering Yozora his arm. “I am holding a spirit reading in the second-floor castle library. Just a few meager lords will attend, but I’d like you to be present.”
“Spirit reading?” Yozora asked, frowning. She and the prince, along with their courts, entered the castle and were walking calmly down the corridor.
“Yes, I acquired a gypsy while traveling throughout Europe,” Kamijo explained. Yozora held her breath. Gypsies were typically not favored, not in these parts nor anywhere else. Her father despised them. She wondered whether or not the king even knew of this fortune teller’s presence at the castle. “Her name is Jasmine You, and her talent for predicting the future is quite unparalleled.”
“I’ll have to consult my father first,” Yozora began hesitantly. “But I should like to be present.” It was a lie. She wanted nothing to do with the woman.
“Excellent,” Kamijo said, smiling adoringly. “I shall talk to him also. We should part here.” The princess was so terrified of this latest discovery that she hardly realized that the prince was saying goodbye.
“Adieu, dear prince,” she said quickly, bowing. Kamijo kissed her hand again and wandered down a separate hallway to the elite guest chambers. Yozora, Hizaki, and Yuki hurried back to the princess’s chambers.
“Yuki, can you do something for me?” Yozora asked when she had gained much distance from the prince.
“Anything at all.” Yozora quickly spun around, trembling all over.
Teru watched as the princess, lady, and knight raced down the hallway. Yuki slowed down in front of Teru’s room, and Teru rushed out to greet him.
“Yuki-san, is she in love?” Yuki laughed, placing a reassuring hand on the joker’s shoulder.
“Not at all,” he replied. “She is quite terrified, in fact. That prince invited her to meet his witch. Such a romantic gesture, wouldn’t you agree?” Teru’s face lit up brightly.
“Really?”
“Meet her in the usual place, same time,” Yuki said quickly, departing.
Teru had torn through his meager possessions in hopes of a gift for Yuki, but he found nothing. Apart from that, he had no money, none at all. He was aware that he would have to buy a gift for Yuki, but had no idea whose money he’d use. He couldn’t steal. Perhaps he could persuade Princess Yozora to assist him. Thinking of her, Teru donned his most inconspicuous attire and hurried to Yozora’s room at the appointed time. It was as quiet as always, the night having its own special allure. The radiance of the moon’s rays poured through the windows, dimly lighting the path. Otherwise it was very dark. And stationed at his post was Yuki, the knight who lacked nothing. Teru bowed to Yuki as he opened the door for him, then hurried inside where he was instantly greeted by Yozora’s eager lips.
It had been a fleeting kiss, but it had so surely stunned Teru that he could hardly resume breathing.
“Yozora-hime?”
“I love you, Teru-kun,” Yozora admitted quickly, taking Teru’s hand. She led him past the sleeping Hizaki to the adjoining personal library and shoved him into a large, comfy, cushiony, blue chair. The princess, trembling and underdressed for company sat down in Teru’s lap and stared into his eyes. “Tell me again.”
With quivering lips, Teru whispered “I love you too.”
Yozora drew in a deep breath, and kissed Teru again, this time holding back nothing. Teru had never kissed a woman before, but he quickly guessed what he was supposed to do, and the softness of Yozora’s lips, the warm of her tongue, the heat of the moment all propelled him forward. Their kiss was long and deep and passionate, more delicious than Teru had ever dreamed before, more beautiful than he could have hoped. He could feel the shape of Yozora’s breasts against his chest through her thin nightgown, and he wrapped his arms around her, deepening their embrace. When their lips at last parted, Teru looked into Yozora’s eyes with incredulity, his whole body brimming with delight. Yozora smiled, kissing his cheek and resting her head on his shoulder.
“Yozora-hime?” Teru muttered after more than fifteen minutes had passed. Yozora knew what he was going to ask, and interrupted him.
“I’ll take care of him, Teru-kun,” she replied. “Just trust me. We’ll make it work.” Teru ran his fingers through Yozora’s silken black hair, kissing her forehead. He never wanted to let her go. He wanted to embrace her forever like this.
He would not let Kamijo steal her away from him.
Author: creative_kiss
Characters: Teru, Hizaki, Kamijo, Yuki, Yozora
Chapter summary: Yozora has tea with eager Prince Kamijo, and later confronts Teru as to where they stand in their relationship.
Table of Contents
~Five~
Prince
I will steal you away.
Teru still had yet to think of something kind to do for Yuki. He wasn’t sure how to go about it. Yuki was a man who appeared to lack nothing. He was devoted to his duty as Yozora’s protector, held the most perfect composure in all of his dealings; even in times of serious action he could face his foe unflinchingly. He was recognized by most other servants as being above them, and he knew it but never mentioned it. Yuki was the ultimate man. Teru was but a boy, and had nothing to his name worth offering up to this loyal knight. It greatly frustrated him, but he continued to keep his eye open to anything that he could do to assist.
“Hizaki-chan, where are my gloves?” Princess Yozora asked, rummaging through drawers. When the princess took notice of Hizaki’s puzzled expression, she sighed. “The ivory gloves with lace at the wrists. Please hurry!” Hizaki produced the gloves from a drawer with ease, frowning at her cousin.
“I know, I know, you’re far better acquainted with my clothing than I am,” Yozora agreed, kissing her beloved cousin on the forehead. She glanced down at her baby blue gown and ran her hands over the skirt as if to smooth it. She then looked back up at Hizaki. “Is that what you’re wearing?” Hizaki’s eyebrows rose. It was a pink dress with a large, white petticoat underneath. There were bows and ribbons everywhere, as on Yozora’s dress.
“What’s wrong with it?” her eyes seemed to say. Yozora smiled.
“Nothing at all,” she replied. “Get your gloves; Prince Kamijo is already waiting for us. Father will be so upset if we make him wait much longer!”
Teru watched as Princess Yozora and Lady Hizaki raced down the corridor past his bedroom, Yuki walking calmly behind them at a brisk-enough pace. The knight bowed his head quickly in passing with a smirk on his face, causing Teru to take off after him.
“You’re not invited this time, Teru-kun,” Yuki said immediately. “Go back to your room and spare yourself.” Teru frowned, immediately panicking.
“Where are they going, Yuki-san?”
“Tea-time with Prince Kamijo,” Yuki relied. Teru felt his heart stop.
“But - but... she can’t!” he exclaimed, nearly loud enough for Yozora to hear. She and Hizaki appeared in too much of a hurry though, because they continued on without alarm.
“She can, and she must,” Yuki said. “Ordinarily you would be invited as part of Yozora’s court, but Prince Kamijo requested that you not be present, the king willingly agreed, and Yozora complied without protest.” Teru felt liked crying again. It was because of the previous night. Yozora was afraid of him, afraid of their affections for each other. What if she cast him out of her court? He could hardly breathe. Prince Kamijo would steal her away, he would lose forever just as he had feared, and all because he had told her the truth.
“Yuki-san, I must do something. Please help me!” Teru begged. Yuki glanced down at the pitiful joker out of the corner of his eye.
“You are a joker, Teru, and inferior to her,” he told him. “Yozora has acted accordingly and abolished her feelings... for now. And you need to recognize your place.” Yuki shoved Teru onto the floor and hurried off after Yozora and Hizaki. Teru landed on his back and looked up at the knight as he disappeared down the corridor with shock and fierce pain ringing to the very core of his bones.
Yozora had told him that she loved him, but she was so eager to abandon him, it seemed. Had she fallen out of love so quickly? Was his love for her worth nothing? And then... as if Teru had been incapable of hearing it before, he suddenly realized that Yuki had already given him the answer. Yozora has acted accordingly and abolished her feelings... for now, Yuki had said. Teru resolved to meet her that night. They had to talk, Yozora just had to tell him whether or not their love was possible or salvageable. Even if they had to carry on in secret, the joker wanted so much to spoil Yozora with every ounce of affection that his lanky body could muster. Teru managed to pick himself up off of the floor and returned to his room.
Yozora and Hizaki greeted Prince Kamijo in one of the three courtyards at the castle. It was still and vacant apart from Kamijo’s court, which consisted of a small troop of armored soldiers, perhaps ten or twelve, and one manservant. Yozora realized that Kamijo must belong to a prominent family. His dress was most divine: black and fitted, of a taste and style not yet seen in these parts, and he was wearing the same stylish boots that Yozora had insisted Teru and Yuki wear! Apart from that, he had calming blue eyes and dusty blonde hair; the epitome of handsome in any woman’s opinion. Somehow, those blue eyes and those boots made Yozora think of Teru and the way he had left her the night before. They needed to talk...
Kamijo immediately stood and took Yozora’s properly gloved hand and kissed it, allowing his lips to linger briefly before standing up straight and smiling at her.
“You look lovely, my princess,” the prince said, his voice smooth and fluid. He kissed Hizaki’s hand as well divided interest. “As does this lady.” Hizaki bowed politely and watched on without emotion.
“Thank you, Kamijo-sama,” Yozora said, bowing. Hizaki bowed again silently, causing Kamijo to stare at her harshly. Yozora hurried to excuse her cousin’s behavior. “She doesn’t speak, please forgive her.”
“That’s very well,” Kamijo muttered, leading Yozora by the hand to their table. His manservant rushed forward to pull out Yozora’s chair, but Yuki beat him to it. The servant appeared stunned for a moment, but was shooed away by Yuki’s cold stare. He seated his master instead.
“May Hizaki-chan join us?” Yozora asked, glancing up at her displaced cousin.
“I’d like us to have some privacy,” Kamijo replied. “If the knight and lady would so kindly join my court over there.” It was a great distance. Yozora would truly feel alone if they both left. Hizaki nodded silently to Yuki and hurried over to join Kamijo’s court. They took an instant liking to her, as beautiful as she was, but she quickly made it clear through her ominous silence and stolid, concentrated demeanor that she had no desire whatsoever to amuse them. Yuki stayed as his law was to never form great distance between them. Kamijo seemed to recognize this and said nothing. Yozora forced herself to relax and smiled pleasantly at Kamijo, who was openly admiring her from across the small table.
“I can have Yuki pour the tea then,” the nervous princess offered.
“Nonsense, I’ll pour it,” Kamijo said quickly, reaching for the teapot. Yozora recognized this tea set as being one of the most expensive and rarest pieces in the castle. The king reserved it for his exclusive use with the most prestigious of guests; not even Yozora had touched it before. This must be a very important marriage then, Yozora thought sadly. She could hardly stand it. And she didn’t know what to do! Her father’s word was law; she was supposed to go through with the plan and submit to Kamijo’s eager courtship. But... her heart was now in another place.
“Such a beautiful afternoon,” Yozora remarked, fighting back her thoughts.
“Yes,” Kamijo agreed, sipping his tea. “You have a lot of birds in these parts. It seemed one of each kind was at my window this morning.”
“It must have been a very sweet morning then!” Yozora said, giggling. “I was wondering where all my little birds flew off to.”
“I’m sorry to have taken them from you,” Kamijo muttered apologetically. His voice still contained such certainty, such a lulling quality. Yozora was not sure if he was trying to seduce her on purpose, or if it was simply a natural charm. More silence ensued.
“You’re enjoying your stay at the castle, yes?” Yozora asked.
“Absolutely,” Kamijo replied. “The highlight of it so far was the grand ball. You’re a graceful dancer.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“I imagine that’s why your... fool was so eager to take you away from me.” Yozora started.
“Teru-kun?” she asked, giggling nervously. “Oh, he’s nothing but a simple thing. Many servants are excited at the opportunity to take part in the festivities.” Kamijo expressed doubt.
“You mean jealous,” he corrected. “You said ‘excited’ but I’m not too certain he was as eager to dance with you as he was jealous that I was instead.”
“Do you really think so?”
“I do, but I’ve tried to avoid dwelling on the matter,” Kamijo continued, smiling at Yozora. “No use in my appearing jealous of what is already beyond the fool’s grasp.”
“Exactly,” Yozora agreed, sighing. Kamijo reached across the table and took Yozora’s hand. Yozora gulped.
“You’ve been trembling all afternoon,” the prince said, frowning playfully. Yuki rolled his eyes, not finding thirty minutes comparable to an entire afternoon.
“I’ve never been in such... prestigious company before,” Yozora whispered, blushing.
“I don’t believe that,” Kamijo said, causing Yozora to stiffen. “I’m sure your father has had a great many royal kings and lords here before.”
“I’ve never entertained said kings alone, however. I’ve always been a silent presence at such gatherings.” Kamijo released Yozora’s hand, bringing his own up to her face to gently stroke her cheek.
“An awful thought, keeping such a beautiful young woman quiet.” Yozora’s blush deepened still. “But it’s also very possible that the full extent of your beauty is better recognized without the distraction of your sweet words.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she managed to utter. Kamijo sat up straight in his chair, preparing to stand. Yuki quickly approached and helped Princess Yozora out of her seat.
“Tomorrow night, beautiful Yozora-hime,” Kamijo said, offering Yozora his arm. “I am holding a spirit reading in the second-floor castle library. Just a few meager lords will attend, but I’d like you to be present.”
“Spirit reading?” Yozora asked, frowning. She and the prince, along with their courts, entered the castle and were walking calmly down the corridor.
“Yes, I acquired a gypsy while traveling throughout Europe,” Kamijo explained. Yozora held her breath. Gypsies were typically not favored, not in these parts nor anywhere else. Her father despised them. She wondered whether or not the king even knew of this fortune teller’s presence at the castle. “Her name is Jasmine You, and her talent for predicting the future is quite unparalleled.”
“I’ll have to consult my father first,” Yozora began hesitantly. “But I should like to be present.” It was a lie. She wanted nothing to do with the woman.
“Excellent,” Kamijo said, smiling adoringly. “I shall talk to him also. We should part here.” The princess was so terrified of this latest discovery that she hardly realized that the prince was saying goodbye.
“Adieu, dear prince,” she said quickly, bowing. Kamijo kissed her hand again and wandered down a separate hallway to the elite guest chambers. Yozora, Hizaki, and Yuki hurried back to the princess’s chambers.
“Yuki, can you do something for me?” Yozora asked when she had gained much distance from the prince.
“Anything at all.” Yozora quickly spun around, trembling all over.
Teru watched as the princess, lady, and knight raced down the hallway. Yuki slowed down in front of Teru’s room, and Teru rushed out to greet him.
“Yuki-san, is she in love?” Yuki laughed, placing a reassuring hand on the joker’s shoulder.
“Not at all,” he replied. “She is quite terrified, in fact. That prince invited her to meet his witch. Such a romantic gesture, wouldn’t you agree?” Teru’s face lit up brightly.
“Really?”
“Meet her in the usual place, same time,” Yuki said quickly, departing.
Teru had torn through his meager possessions in hopes of a gift for Yuki, but he found nothing. Apart from that, he had no money, none at all. He was aware that he would have to buy a gift for Yuki, but had no idea whose money he’d use. He couldn’t steal. Perhaps he could persuade Princess Yozora to assist him. Thinking of her, Teru donned his most inconspicuous attire and hurried to Yozora’s room at the appointed time. It was as quiet as always, the night having its own special allure. The radiance of the moon’s rays poured through the windows, dimly lighting the path. Otherwise it was very dark. And stationed at his post was Yuki, the knight who lacked nothing. Teru bowed to Yuki as he opened the door for him, then hurried inside where he was instantly greeted by Yozora’s eager lips.
It had been a fleeting kiss, but it had so surely stunned Teru that he could hardly resume breathing.
“Yozora-hime?”
“I love you, Teru-kun,” Yozora admitted quickly, taking Teru’s hand. She led him past the sleeping Hizaki to the adjoining personal library and shoved him into a large, comfy, cushiony, blue chair. The princess, trembling and underdressed for company sat down in Teru’s lap and stared into his eyes. “Tell me again.”
With quivering lips, Teru whispered “I love you too.”
Yozora drew in a deep breath, and kissed Teru again, this time holding back nothing. Teru had never kissed a woman before, but he quickly guessed what he was supposed to do, and the softness of Yozora’s lips, the warm of her tongue, the heat of the moment all propelled him forward. Their kiss was long and deep and passionate, more delicious than Teru had ever dreamed before, more beautiful than he could have hoped. He could feel the shape of Yozora’s breasts against his chest through her thin nightgown, and he wrapped his arms around her, deepening their embrace. When their lips at last parted, Teru looked into Yozora’s eyes with incredulity, his whole body brimming with delight. Yozora smiled, kissing his cheek and resting her head on his shoulder.
“Yozora-hime?” Teru muttered after more than fifteen minutes had passed. Yozora knew what he was going to ask, and interrupted him.
“I’ll take care of him, Teru-kun,” she replied. “Just trust me. We’ll make it work.” Teru ran his fingers through Yozora’s silken black hair, kissing her forehead. He never wanted to let her go. He wanted to embrace her forever like this.
He would not let Kamijo steal her away from him.