Princess - Chapter Eight: The Red Carpet Day
Chapter Title: "The Red Carpet Day"
Author: creative_kiss
Characters: Yozora, Teru, Hizaki, Kamijo, Masashi, Yuki
Chapter Summary: The End.
Table of Contents
~Eight~
The Red Carpet Day
My last wish is to die together.
Two days later, Kamijo returned from his kingdom with a full troop of servants . They were to begin intense preparations for the wedding, as Kamijo had a long list of demands. One of the most important things he wished to discuss with the king was Yozora’s puny joker, Teru. Kamijo wanted him expelled from Yozora’s private court for good. Despite Yozora’s many assurances, Kamijo still did not believe that her relationship with the joker was innocent or acceptable. No one would take his princess from him, and he would not indulge the fool’s fancies.
By the time Kamijo had returned however, Yozora, Teru, Hizaki, and Yuki were miles from the castle and still gaining distance. They had managed to escape under Masashi’s nose, but they realized that he could catch on rather quickly. Yuki assured the party that they would know when the castle had discovered their absence; the castle horn would sound for the land to hear.
Yozora and Hizaki were dressed in the least-impressive clothing they owned. They planned to change into boys’ clothing in the next town over. It would be less conspicuous than leaving the castle dressed as men though no one was really about in the middle of night. Yuki showed them the darkest paths to cross through so that the grounds keepers and night guards did not spot them. His knowledge of the castle grounds was the most valuable to them. As it turned out, he was also the one with the most knowledge regarding the outside world.
Yozora was the most distraught by far; she couldn’t stop crying and trembling. Her breaths were labored, and Hizaki fought to keep her calm in futility. Atop the horse brown horse they rode, Hizaki silently pulled Yozora’s hair into a low ponytail out of her eyes, her bangs still dancing above her eyes in the light breeze. Yozora clutched onto the horse reins tightly, staring down at some undefined spot between the mare’s ears. Teru couldn’t help but feel a little guilty that he couldn’t be of much help. They were both so young; it wasn’t natural for people their age to make such terrifying commitments to each other. Still, Teru loved Yozora more than he could even stand, and so did everyone else present. Yuki’s job implied giving his life for her, and Lady Hizaki and Yozora both treasured the relationship they shared. Everything would be okay so long as they allowed nothing to break them apart.
“I want to walk for a little while,” Yozora pleaded again. It was the third time now, her voice just as pitiful and distressed as before. Yuki looked back toward the castle in the distance. Everything was still quiet; no one had not noticed their absence yet.
“Might as well walk now before they find out we’re missing and hunt us,” Yuki said, holding out his hand to help Yozora off of the stopped horse. He had no qualms about being a pessimist. He greatly feared what would become of them all, Teru most especially. Unlike everyone else, Teru was in a fantasy land still, so naive. “Lady Hizaki, you too?” Hizaki shook her head silently, nodding toward Yozora, who had already seized hold of Teru’s arm. Yuki understood, and Hizaki continued to steer the brown mare at an easy pace.
Teru smiled softly at his princess and kissed her pale cheek. “It’s okay,” he cooed, removing his arm from her grasp. He instead draped that same arm about her waist, and Yozora rested her head on his shoulder.
“I can’t help but be frightened, Teru-kun,” the frail princess whispered. “I’ve never gone against my father’s wishes-”
“You have right to be fearful, Yo-chan, but-”
“Yo-chan?”
“You said I did not need to call you ‘hime’ any longer,” Teru replied, his eyes twinkling. “I thought very hard about what I wanted to call you instead. This is a good name, yes?” Yozora couldn’t resist smiling at Teru’s eager face.
“I love it,” she told him, kissing his lips.
“I’ve thought of other things too,” Teru said. “Like how many babies we should have, and what sort of house we’ll build.”
“Build? All by ourselves?” Teru laughed.
“Yes, that’s what real life is like,” he replied.
“Our life is not real?” Yozora protested, breaking free of Teru’s grasp and stomping her foot down playfully.
“Oh, not at all, Yozora-hime,” Yuki said, taking her hand with a smile. “The real world has manual labor.” Yozora frowned at him too.
“I’m not building a thing!” she said adamantly.
“You’ll at least help me make our babies?” Teru pouted. “I can’t make them alone, you see.” Yozora giggled.
“Yes, I want to help,” she said, and she smiled rather mischievously at him. This made Teru happy. Now that she was distracted, their journey would be a little lighter on everyone. Teru may have been in a fantasy land, but it was the only way to remain strong in such a dangerous endeavor.
Kamijo left his meeting with the king feeling entirely triumphant. Their agreement was absolutely perfect, and without sacrifice on his end. He had exempt the king of a dowry, and instead asked that Teru be removed from Yozora’s court as a payment to him. He knew that Yozora, as the king’s only heir, would inherit the kingdom after her father’s death, and he would be ruler of two kingdoms then. Two beautiful kingdoms to his name, a beautiful princess in his bed, and nothing to stand in his way; he would lack nothing.
So thrilled was he with the wedding preparations that he longed to see his princess immediately. He sent two servants of his off to Yozora’s chambers to fetch her. Masashi had already been there this morning in search of Yuki, and Yuki had not been at his post. He knew this meant that something was amiss, and yet he could not bear to tell his master. Yuki was his friend, after all. Masashi made a quick decision: to say nothing until he was confronted regarding the matter. Of course, it did not take long.
“Kamijo-sama, the lady is not in her room,” one servant said after they had returned. Kamijo rose an eyebrow.
“Pardon?”
“And the knight is not at his post,” the other one added.
“Perhaps they are out walking,” Kamijo suggested irritably. “Did you search the grounds?”
“Um-”
“Then why are you here?” the prince snapped. “Do not return to me without results, do you understand?” The two servants bowed, and departed. Kamijo, with the flick of his wrist, sent off ten more to assist in the search for Yozora.
“Such useless things,” Kamijo grumbled. This was directed toward Masashi.
“Yes, my lord,” the humble knight agreed.
Yuki approved a short rest. They had been walking since nightfall the previous night without one break, and though they were all graced with youthful stamina and two strong horses, it was not enough to spare them exhaustion. Yozora and Teru snuggled up together on a soft patch of dried grass and quickly fell asleep. Hizaki sat up straight but continued to nod off, her head bobbing and dipping as she tried to resist falling asleep. Yuki watched her pitiful attempts to stay awake, and at last beckoned her to sit beside him.
“My lady, you may use my shoulder if you’d like,” he suggested calmly. Hizaki’s mischievous eyes danced, and she looked away from him promptly, teasing him. Playing along rather exasperatedly, Yuki said, “I mean nothing by it, Lady Hizaki. I simply see that you are tired and would like to sleep.” Hizaki was still frowning at him as though he had suggested something naughty, and curled up into a little ball by herself to rest. Yuki smirked and shook his head. Lady Hizaki had always had a mischief about her, it was her way. No one understood it though. She had been raised right along Yozora to be a proper lady, and still she teased and toyed with her dark eyes, never with speech. Perhaps it was her own form of rebellion.
Yuki was also feeling rather sleepy. He slid a bit closer to where Yozora and Teru lay huddled together, and then allowed himself to doze off briefly. He was a light sleeper, and if anything approached with foul intentions, he would destroy them.
“The grounds have been searched, my lord,” the search party reported, bowing in terror before Prince Kamijo. “We were granted permission to enter Yozora’s bedchambers and... we found this.” The servants held up Yozora’s crown.
“And, my lord, the joker’s chambers were empty as well,” another servant added. “All of his nice clothes had been abandoned, the same as in Yozora’s chambers.”
“The knight and lady?” Kamijo demanded, standing.
“Lady Hizaki and the knight are absent as well,” the servant replied. “The king has instructed us to sound the alarm. We believe they have fled the castle!” Kamijo’s face was incredibly still, but his eyes were ablaze.
“I want a horse and a militia,” he said at last. “They all die.”
“The princess as well?” a servant demanded.
“No,” Kamijo replied coldly. “That ungrateful wench belongs to me.”
“Yes, sir,” another servant said, bowing.
“Wait.” The servants turned back around to see their seething prince deep in though. He collected himself, then said, “Don’t sound the horn. They don’t deserve a warning.”
“Wake up!” Yuki shouted. He had been startled awake by the roar of advancing horses. He wasn’t sure how long they’d slept, but he felt incredibly well-rested; it could even have been hours.
Hizaki was the first to wake, and jumped up almost immediately. Her dark eyes need not wander; she understood immediately. Next to wake was Teru, who grumbled and rubbed his eyes. Before he could even sit up, Yozora was yanked from his arms, which caused him to panic until he realized that Yuki was hoisting her up onto a horse.
“What’s the rush?” Teru asked, but as he did he understood. “Did they even sound the horn?”
“I don’t think so,” Yuki replied, climbing atop Yozora’s horse. “Hurry up, Teru-kun.” Teru had caught glance of Yozora’s terrified and confused face, and it slowed him down a bit. Hizaki was already atop the other horse, and she held out her hand for the joker to take hold of. He did so, mounted the horse, and wrapped his arms around Hizaki’s waist. As Teru had suspected, she was a far greater horsewoman than he could ever hope to be, and it was wise to let her steer. She kept close to Yuki, who appeared even more skilled.
“Yuki-san,” Yozora asked in a quiet whisper. Her loyal knight could hear the fear in her voice, could feel her body quake.
“Yes, my princess.”
“What will happen once they catch us?” Yuki let out a long sigh.
“I can’t be sure,” he replied. “If Kamijo is any bit the man I think he is, well... you are likely to remain alive. His hatred for Teru has always been, but is burning it’s brightest now. Teru, at least, will die.” Yozora cupped her hand over her mouth, and glanced over at her love and her cousin. Teru was clutching onto Hizaki’s waist with a vice grip, his eyes squinted shut. Had they been foolish to run? In her mind, she continued to chant “As long as we never stop loving each other....”
They had not traveled very far yet, but they were riding hard. They would tire out their horses quickly, and then they would be caught and torn apart. Yuki was sure that’s how it would end. He glanced back behind them. Kamijo’s militia was now within sight. He could even spot Kamijo himself atop an glorious white stallion.
“Teru, Lady Hizaki,” Yuki called. “Prepare yourselves. They will start shooting soon.”
“What?” Teru called back, terrified.
“They aren’t likely to aim for any one of us,” Yuki explained quickly. “They’ll be aiming for the horses. Just be careful that when your horse falls, it does not fall down on top of you!” Teru looked to Hizaki for reassurance, and she nodded somberly.
“Thank you, Yuki,” Yozora said suddenly. Yuki frowned. He dared not take his eyes off of the path ahead, but out of the corner of his eye, he was sure he saw Yozora smiling.
“What for, Yozora-hime?”
“Your loyalty is to the kingdom, to my father, not to me,” Yozora whispered. “Or at least, it’s supposed to be. Look at this crazy thing we’ve done, knowing all along that it was futile. I hope that... they do not hurt you when-”
“Yozora-hime,” Yuki interrupted. “From our childhood days I have always-” The horse whinnied pitifully and stumbled. Yozora gasped, and Yuki fought to maintain control. He looked back and saw that the army was just behind them now, and had already lodged multiple arrows in the horse’s flanks. He looked to Lady Hizaki and Teru’s horse, and saw that it suffered through many more arrows.
“Teru, now! Jump off!” Yuki shouted. Hizaki tugged hard on the reins, and as the horse slowed to a stop, she and Teru leapt off. They both tumbled into the dirt, but jumped up immediately and broke into a run, unsure of where to go or what to do. Yuki waited until their horse was on it’s way down before taking hold of Yozora and sliding off, the poor princess screaming and in tears. Once they were safely on their feet, everyone looked to Yuki for guidance.
“We don’t have much time, Yuki-san!” Teru shouted. “What do we do?”
“The only thing-” Yuki saw that the militia was upon them. “Into the forest! Run!” Teru and Yozora took each other’s hands, and Teru held Hizaki’s hand with his other, and the four of them headed toward the forest.
“Kill him, now! Do not let him get far with my princess!” Kamijo shouted. Those words stung Yozora like a bee’s needle, and she turned back around to see an archer seated upon a fast-moving horse with his longbow aimed straight for them. Yozora knew that Kamijo was referring to Teru, and terror had seized her.
“Yo-chan, please keep up!” Teru begged. Yozora couldn’t look away, and continued to lose her speed. The archer released his arrow, and Yozora silently promised to Teru that she would never let Kamijo have her.
The fragile princess tugged her hand free of Teru’s and shoved him as hard as she could, leaping out in front of him. Teru nearly fell, and nearly stumbled Hizaki, but turned around just in time to hear Yuki shout “No!” and watch as a long arrow with white feathers pierced Yozora’s back and ran clear through, lodging itself just below her chest. Everything grew silent as Yozora ,wide-eyed and panting, reached out for Teru, and slowly began to fall backward.
Hizaki screamed.
Teru, startled from his trance, managed to take hold of Yozora’s hand and take her into his arms, falling with her to ease her fall. Yuki rushed forward, as did Hizaki, and they all crowded around her. At first, no one could speak.
“I love you, Teru-kun,” Yozora whispered. Her voice was hoarse, and she was down to her very last breaths. The arrow had certainly pierced one of her lungs. “Promise me-”
“No!” Teru said adamantly. “I will come with you, Yo-chan! I won’t leave you alone.”
“No, Teru-”
“Yes, I will come with you! I will!” Teru insisted, looking to Yuki to back him up. Yuki could not take his eyes off of Yozora and Hizaki could not stop kissing Yozora’s forehead. Her face was contorted with her devastation, and tears were streaming down her face. No one had ever seen such emotion from the mute cousin before.
“Please, I-” Yozora gasped pitifully. “You have... to take care....” This was the end.
“Yozora-”
“Hizaki-chan,” Yozora tried again. “Take care of her.” Teru looked to Hizaki.
“But-”
“Please, Teru-kun!” Blood was seeping into his clothes, and covering his hands. He couldn’t be disgusted by it. He would bathe in it if he must. He wanted to die with her.
“But I want to go with you!” A shadow fell over them, and Teru glanced up through a blurry waterfall of tears to see Kamijo standing over them. He wanted to be angry with him, but in that moment Teru could see that the prince was hurt as well. They had loved the same beautiful woman. He could only sympathize with Kamijo now. Masashi stood behind him, and he appeared only stunned.
“Even if they.... separate... us,” Yozora gasped. Her eyes were losing their luster, their lovely brown hue.
“I promise to keep loving you,” Teru finished. “I don’t want you to be alone, Yo-chan.”
“Yuki... take me home.” Yuki shook himself from his daze and nodded, taking her out of Teru’s arms. Before picking her up completely, he handed Teru his dagger.
“I’m sorry I failed you, princess,” Yuki whispered so softly it was nearly inaudible. To Teru, he said, “I want her to be more comfortable. Can you cut the tail?” Teru realized that he was referring to the arrow. Weak though he was, Teru managed to saw off the arrow as close to Yozora’s back as possible. When Yuki lifted her, Teru noticed a small tear clinging to her cheek, her eyes now lifeless. He could hear her very last labored breaths. He took Hizaki’s hand and urged her to say her goodbyes. Hizaki wiped that last tear away and clutched it in her fist, kissing her cousin lovingly on the cheek. When she stepped back, Yozora was dead.
“If I never see you again,” Yuki mumbled. “Goodbye... my friend.” Teru nodded somberly, wiping tears from his eyes. He looked to Hizaki, who now clutched onto his blood-stained arm, her face buried against his shoulder.
Kamijo had remained silent the entire time, but now, as Yuki passed through the militia carrying Yozora’s lifeless body, he approached Teru and Hizaki.
“You heard her,” Teru said boldly. “Her dying wish is for me to protect her cousin.” Kamijo still did not speak to him.
“My lady,” he muttered instead, bowing to Lady Hizaki. He then drew his sword from its sheath. Teru’s eyes widened with apprehension, then with confusion as Kamijo thrust the sword into Masashi’s hands.
“My lord?” Masashi asked, equally puzzled.
“For Yozora,” Kamijo said. “Kill him.” Teru still did not understand, not until both Kamijo and Masashi turned and left them. Masashi headed straight for the archer that had killed Yozora. Teru felt pity, for it was not the archer’s fault that Yozora had sacrificed herself for him. Both Teru and Hizaki averted their eyes as Masashi slit the neck of the archer, then Teru linked fingers with Hizaki and steered her toward the forest and away from the castle forever.
Teru wanted to curl up and allow the guilt to destroy him. He still longed to die. It was his fault, his foolish plan that had ended Yozora’s life. His last desire was to die beside his princess if he must be bathed in her blood. That blood, so bright red as it flowed from his princess, was brown and nearly dry by nightfall. Yozora’s last wish was that he protect Hizaki, that he not abandon her, and Teru could deny his princess nothing, not even in death. Hizaki shivered in the chilly night air, and Teru scooted closer to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
“Forgive me, Hizaki-san,” Teru begged. “I did not want this.” Hizaki still said nothing, but huddled against Teru, a sign that she did forgive him. The memory of her scream still echoed in Teru’s head... always.
Author: creative_kiss
Characters: Yozora, Teru, Hizaki, Kamijo, Masashi, Yuki
Chapter Summary: The End.
Table of Contents
~Eight~
The Red Carpet Day
My last wish is to die together.
Two days later, Kamijo returned from his kingdom with a full troop of servants . They were to begin intense preparations for the wedding, as Kamijo had a long list of demands. One of the most important things he wished to discuss with the king was Yozora’s puny joker, Teru. Kamijo wanted him expelled from Yozora’s private court for good. Despite Yozora’s many assurances, Kamijo still did not believe that her relationship with the joker was innocent or acceptable. No one would take his princess from him, and he would not indulge the fool’s fancies.
By the time Kamijo had returned however, Yozora, Teru, Hizaki, and Yuki were miles from the castle and still gaining distance. They had managed to escape under Masashi’s nose, but they realized that he could catch on rather quickly. Yuki assured the party that they would know when the castle had discovered their absence; the castle horn would sound for the land to hear.
Yozora and Hizaki were dressed in the least-impressive clothing they owned. They planned to change into boys’ clothing in the next town over. It would be less conspicuous than leaving the castle dressed as men though no one was really about in the middle of night. Yuki showed them the darkest paths to cross through so that the grounds keepers and night guards did not spot them. His knowledge of the castle grounds was the most valuable to them. As it turned out, he was also the one with the most knowledge regarding the outside world.
Yozora was the most distraught by far; she couldn’t stop crying and trembling. Her breaths were labored, and Hizaki fought to keep her calm in futility. Atop the horse brown horse they rode, Hizaki silently pulled Yozora’s hair into a low ponytail out of her eyes, her bangs still dancing above her eyes in the light breeze. Yozora clutched onto the horse reins tightly, staring down at some undefined spot between the mare’s ears. Teru couldn’t help but feel a little guilty that he couldn’t be of much help. They were both so young; it wasn’t natural for people their age to make such terrifying commitments to each other. Still, Teru loved Yozora more than he could even stand, and so did everyone else present. Yuki’s job implied giving his life for her, and Lady Hizaki and Yozora both treasured the relationship they shared. Everything would be okay so long as they allowed nothing to break them apart.
“I want to walk for a little while,” Yozora pleaded again. It was the third time now, her voice just as pitiful and distressed as before. Yuki looked back toward the castle in the distance. Everything was still quiet; no one had not noticed their absence yet.
“Might as well walk now before they find out we’re missing and hunt us,” Yuki said, holding out his hand to help Yozora off of the stopped horse. He had no qualms about being a pessimist. He greatly feared what would become of them all, Teru most especially. Unlike everyone else, Teru was in a fantasy land still, so naive. “Lady Hizaki, you too?” Hizaki shook her head silently, nodding toward Yozora, who had already seized hold of Teru’s arm. Yuki understood, and Hizaki continued to steer the brown mare at an easy pace.
Teru smiled softly at his princess and kissed her pale cheek. “It’s okay,” he cooed, removing his arm from her grasp. He instead draped that same arm about her waist, and Yozora rested her head on his shoulder.
“I can’t help but be frightened, Teru-kun,” the frail princess whispered. “I’ve never gone against my father’s wishes-”
“You have right to be fearful, Yo-chan, but-”
“Yo-chan?”
“You said I did not need to call you ‘hime’ any longer,” Teru replied, his eyes twinkling. “I thought very hard about what I wanted to call you instead. This is a good name, yes?” Yozora couldn’t resist smiling at Teru’s eager face.
“I love it,” she told him, kissing his lips.
“I’ve thought of other things too,” Teru said. “Like how many babies we should have, and what sort of house we’ll build.”
“Build? All by ourselves?” Teru laughed.
“Yes, that’s what real life is like,” he replied.
“Our life is not real?” Yozora protested, breaking free of Teru’s grasp and stomping her foot down playfully.
“Oh, not at all, Yozora-hime,” Yuki said, taking her hand with a smile. “The real world has manual labor.” Yozora frowned at him too.
“I’m not building a thing!” she said adamantly.
“You’ll at least help me make our babies?” Teru pouted. “I can’t make them alone, you see.” Yozora giggled.
“Yes, I want to help,” she said, and she smiled rather mischievously at him. This made Teru happy. Now that she was distracted, their journey would be a little lighter on everyone. Teru may have been in a fantasy land, but it was the only way to remain strong in such a dangerous endeavor.
Kamijo left his meeting with the king feeling entirely triumphant. Their agreement was absolutely perfect, and without sacrifice on his end. He had exempt the king of a dowry, and instead asked that Teru be removed from Yozora’s court as a payment to him. He knew that Yozora, as the king’s only heir, would inherit the kingdom after her father’s death, and he would be ruler of two kingdoms then. Two beautiful kingdoms to his name, a beautiful princess in his bed, and nothing to stand in his way; he would lack nothing.
So thrilled was he with the wedding preparations that he longed to see his princess immediately. He sent two servants of his off to Yozora’s chambers to fetch her. Masashi had already been there this morning in search of Yuki, and Yuki had not been at his post. He knew this meant that something was amiss, and yet he could not bear to tell his master. Yuki was his friend, after all. Masashi made a quick decision: to say nothing until he was confronted regarding the matter. Of course, it did not take long.
“Kamijo-sama, the lady is not in her room,” one servant said after they had returned. Kamijo rose an eyebrow.
“Pardon?”
“And the knight is not at his post,” the other one added.
“Perhaps they are out walking,” Kamijo suggested irritably. “Did you search the grounds?”
“Um-”
“Then why are you here?” the prince snapped. “Do not return to me without results, do you understand?” The two servants bowed, and departed. Kamijo, with the flick of his wrist, sent off ten more to assist in the search for Yozora.
“Such useless things,” Kamijo grumbled. This was directed toward Masashi.
“Yes, my lord,” the humble knight agreed.
Yuki approved a short rest. They had been walking since nightfall the previous night without one break, and though they were all graced with youthful stamina and two strong horses, it was not enough to spare them exhaustion. Yozora and Teru snuggled up together on a soft patch of dried grass and quickly fell asleep. Hizaki sat up straight but continued to nod off, her head bobbing and dipping as she tried to resist falling asleep. Yuki watched her pitiful attempts to stay awake, and at last beckoned her to sit beside him.
“My lady, you may use my shoulder if you’d like,” he suggested calmly. Hizaki’s mischievous eyes danced, and she looked away from him promptly, teasing him. Playing along rather exasperatedly, Yuki said, “I mean nothing by it, Lady Hizaki. I simply see that you are tired and would like to sleep.” Hizaki was still frowning at him as though he had suggested something naughty, and curled up into a little ball by herself to rest. Yuki smirked and shook his head. Lady Hizaki had always had a mischief about her, it was her way. No one understood it though. She had been raised right along Yozora to be a proper lady, and still she teased and toyed with her dark eyes, never with speech. Perhaps it was her own form of rebellion.
Yuki was also feeling rather sleepy. He slid a bit closer to where Yozora and Teru lay huddled together, and then allowed himself to doze off briefly. He was a light sleeper, and if anything approached with foul intentions, he would destroy them.
“The grounds have been searched, my lord,” the search party reported, bowing in terror before Prince Kamijo. “We were granted permission to enter Yozora’s bedchambers and... we found this.” The servants held up Yozora’s crown.
“And, my lord, the joker’s chambers were empty as well,” another servant added. “All of his nice clothes had been abandoned, the same as in Yozora’s chambers.”
“The knight and lady?” Kamijo demanded, standing.
“Lady Hizaki and the knight are absent as well,” the servant replied. “The king has instructed us to sound the alarm. We believe they have fled the castle!” Kamijo’s face was incredibly still, but his eyes were ablaze.
“I want a horse and a militia,” he said at last. “They all die.”
“The princess as well?” a servant demanded.
“No,” Kamijo replied coldly. “That ungrateful wench belongs to me.”
“Yes, sir,” another servant said, bowing.
“Wait.” The servants turned back around to see their seething prince deep in though. He collected himself, then said, “Don’t sound the horn. They don’t deserve a warning.”
“Wake up!” Yuki shouted. He had been startled awake by the roar of advancing horses. He wasn’t sure how long they’d slept, but he felt incredibly well-rested; it could even have been hours.
Hizaki was the first to wake, and jumped up almost immediately. Her dark eyes need not wander; she understood immediately. Next to wake was Teru, who grumbled and rubbed his eyes. Before he could even sit up, Yozora was yanked from his arms, which caused him to panic until he realized that Yuki was hoisting her up onto a horse.
“What’s the rush?” Teru asked, but as he did he understood. “Did they even sound the horn?”
“I don’t think so,” Yuki replied, climbing atop Yozora’s horse. “Hurry up, Teru-kun.” Teru had caught glance of Yozora’s terrified and confused face, and it slowed him down a bit. Hizaki was already atop the other horse, and she held out her hand for the joker to take hold of. He did so, mounted the horse, and wrapped his arms around Hizaki’s waist. As Teru had suspected, she was a far greater horsewoman than he could ever hope to be, and it was wise to let her steer. She kept close to Yuki, who appeared even more skilled.
“Yuki-san,” Yozora asked in a quiet whisper. Her loyal knight could hear the fear in her voice, could feel her body quake.
“Yes, my princess.”
“What will happen once they catch us?” Yuki let out a long sigh.
“I can’t be sure,” he replied. “If Kamijo is any bit the man I think he is, well... you are likely to remain alive. His hatred for Teru has always been, but is burning it’s brightest now. Teru, at least, will die.” Yozora cupped her hand over her mouth, and glanced over at her love and her cousin. Teru was clutching onto Hizaki’s waist with a vice grip, his eyes squinted shut. Had they been foolish to run? In her mind, she continued to chant “As long as we never stop loving each other....”
They had not traveled very far yet, but they were riding hard. They would tire out their horses quickly, and then they would be caught and torn apart. Yuki was sure that’s how it would end. He glanced back behind them. Kamijo’s militia was now within sight. He could even spot Kamijo himself atop an glorious white stallion.
“Teru, Lady Hizaki,” Yuki called. “Prepare yourselves. They will start shooting soon.”
“What?” Teru called back, terrified.
“They aren’t likely to aim for any one of us,” Yuki explained quickly. “They’ll be aiming for the horses. Just be careful that when your horse falls, it does not fall down on top of you!” Teru looked to Hizaki for reassurance, and she nodded somberly.
“Thank you, Yuki,” Yozora said suddenly. Yuki frowned. He dared not take his eyes off of the path ahead, but out of the corner of his eye, he was sure he saw Yozora smiling.
“What for, Yozora-hime?”
“Your loyalty is to the kingdom, to my father, not to me,” Yozora whispered. “Or at least, it’s supposed to be. Look at this crazy thing we’ve done, knowing all along that it was futile. I hope that... they do not hurt you when-”
“Yozora-hime,” Yuki interrupted. “From our childhood days I have always-” The horse whinnied pitifully and stumbled. Yozora gasped, and Yuki fought to maintain control. He looked back and saw that the army was just behind them now, and had already lodged multiple arrows in the horse’s flanks. He looked to Lady Hizaki and Teru’s horse, and saw that it suffered through many more arrows.
“Teru, now! Jump off!” Yuki shouted. Hizaki tugged hard on the reins, and as the horse slowed to a stop, she and Teru leapt off. They both tumbled into the dirt, but jumped up immediately and broke into a run, unsure of where to go or what to do. Yuki waited until their horse was on it’s way down before taking hold of Yozora and sliding off, the poor princess screaming and in tears. Once they were safely on their feet, everyone looked to Yuki for guidance.
“We don’t have much time, Yuki-san!” Teru shouted. “What do we do?”
“The only thing-” Yuki saw that the militia was upon them. “Into the forest! Run!” Teru and Yozora took each other’s hands, and Teru held Hizaki’s hand with his other, and the four of them headed toward the forest.
“Kill him, now! Do not let him get far with my princess!” Kamijo shouted. Those words stung Yozora like a bee’s needle, and she turned back around to see an archer seated upon a fast-moving horse with his longbow aimed straight for them. Yozora knew that Kamijo was referring to Teru, and terror had seized her.
“Yo-chan, please keep up!” Teru begged. Yozora couldn’t look away, and continued to lose her speed. The archer released his arrow, and Yozora silently promised to Teru that she would never let Kamijo have her.
The fragile princess tugged her hand free of Teru’s and shoved him as hard as she could, leaping out in front of him. Teru nearly fell, and nearly stumbled Hizaki, but turned around just in time to hear Yuki shout “No!” and watch as a long arrow with white feathers pierced Yozora’s back and ran clear through, lodging itself just below her chest. Everything grew silent as Yozora ,wide-eyed and panting, reached out for Teru, and slowly began to fall backward.
Hizaki screamed.
Teru, startled from his trance, managed to take hold of Yozora’s hand and take her into his arms, falling with her to ease her fall. Yuki rushed forward, as did Hizaki, and they all crowded around her. At first, no one could speak.
“I love you, Teru-kun,” Yozora whispered. Her voice was hoarse, and she was down to her very last breaths. The arrow had certainly pierced one of her lungs. “Promise me-”
“No!” Teru said adamantly. “I will come with you, Yo-chan! I won’t leave you alone.”
“No, Teru-”
“Yes, I will come with you! I will!” Teru insisted, looking to Yuki to back him up. Yuki could not take his eyes off of Yozora and Hizaki could not stop kissing Yozora’s forehead. Her face was contorted with her devastation, and tears were streaming down her face. No one had ever seen such emotion from the mute cousin before.
“Please, I-” Yozora gasped pitifully. “You have... to take care....” This was the end.
“Yozora-”
“Hizaki-chan,” Yozora tried again. “Take care of her.” Teru looked to Hizaki.
“But-”
“Please, Teru-kun!” Blood was seeping into his clothes, and covering his hands. He couldn’t be disgusted by it. He would bathe in it if he must. He wanted to die with her.
“But I want to go with you!” A shadow fell over them, and Teru glanced up through a blurry waterfall of tears to see Kamijo standing over them. He wanted to be angry with him, but in that moment Teru could see that the prince was hurt as well. They had loved the same beautiful woman. He could only sympathize with Kamijo now. Masashi stood behind him, and he appeared only stunned.
“Even if they.... separate... us,” Yozora gasped. Her eyes were losing their luster, their lovely brown hue.
“I promise to keep loving you,” Teru finished. “I don’t want you to be alone, Yo-chan.”
“Yuki... take me home.” Yuki shook himself from his daze and nodded, taking her out of Teru’s arms. Before picking her up completely, he handed Teru his dagger.
“I’m sorry I failed you, princess,” Yuki whispered so softly it was nearly inaudible. To Teru, he said, “I want her to be more comfortable. Can you cut the tail?” Teru realized that he was referring to the arrow. Weak though he was, Teru managed to saw off the arrow as close to Yozora’s back as possible. When Yuki lifted her, Teru noticed a small tear clinging to her cheek, her eyes now lifeless. He could hear her very last labored breaths. He took Hizaki’s hand and urged her to say her goodbyes. Hizaki wiped that last tear away and clutched it in her fist, kissing her cousin lovingly on the cheek. When she stepped back, Yozora was dead.
“If I never see you again,” Yuki mumbled. “Goodbye... my friend.” Teru nodded somberly, wiping tears from his eyes. He looked to Hizaki, who now clutched onto his blood-stained arm, her face buried against his shoulder.
Kamijo had remained silent the entire time, but now, as Yuki passed through the militia carrying Yozora’s lifeless body, he approached Teru and Hizaki.
“You heard her,” Teru said boldly. “Her dying wish is for me to protect her cousin.” Kamijo still did not speak to him.
“My lady,” he muttered instead, bowing to Lady Hizaki. He then drew his sword from its sheath. Teru’s eyes widened with apprehension, then with confusion as Kamijo thrust the sword into Masashi’s hands.
“My lord?” Masashi asked, equally puzzled.
“For Yozora,” Kamijo said. “Kill him.” Teru still did not understand, not until both Kamijo and Masashi turned and left them. Masashi headed straight for the archer that had killed Yozora. Teru felt pity, for it was not the archer’s fault that Yozora had sacrificed herself for him. Both Teru and Hizaki averted their eyes as Masashi slit the neck of the archer, then Teru linked fingers with Hizaki and steered her toward the forest and away from the castle forever.
Teru wanted to curl up and allow the guilt to destroy him. He still longed to die. It was his fault, his foolish plan that had ended Yozora’s life. His last desire was to die beside his princess if he must be bathed in her blood. That blood, so bright red as it flowed from his princess, was brown and nearly dry by nightfall. Yozora’s last wish was that he protect Hizaki, that he not abandon her, and Teru could deny his princess nothing, not even in death. Hizaki shivered in the chilly night air, and Teru scooted closer to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
“Forgive me, Hizaki-san,” Teru begged. “I did not want this.” Hizaki still said nothing, but huddled against Teru, a sign that she did forgive him. The memory of her scream still echoed in Teru’s head... always.