The Second Princess (Chapter 5)
Title: The Second Princess
Author: thatgurlhunts
Pairing: Yaotome Hikaru x Arioka Daiki
Rating: PG
Warning: gender switched (Kei, Daiki and Yuri), language and bad grammar
Summary: Hikaru is a smart but ambitious kid and he wants to be the best premier to the royal family and the country of Kaga. However his father, the current premier assigned him to be the aide of the weak, idiot and absolutely stupid second princess, Daiki.
``Hikaru.``
He turned around when he heard the voice of the princess. She`s dressed in her armor and ready for battle.
``Ninohime-sama. Like we vowed to you before, we will keep you safe no matter what.``
``We are in this together, Hikaru. You, me and our men. We will come home together and go hunting and Ichinohime-sama will scold us again.``
The princess tried to sound upbeat but failed. Tears started streaming down her smooth face again. Pain, agony and fear are reflected in her eyes. Hikaru closed their gap to trap her to his embrace.
``Ninohime...``
Ninohime...I wanted power. The power to utilize my abilities. I wanted to have a successful life and stay in the light. Yet that me, now only wants the power to keep you in my arms. To make you mine.
``Let`s go.``
``Yes.``
Their men were waiting for them until the first news of the day came in.
``Reporting. HIkaru-sama, Ninohime-sama. Yuya-sama and his soldiers disappeared from the army!``
``What?! That idiot!``
``Soldiers fleeing even before the war starts. That`s to be expected of Ninohime`s army.``
Ichinohime snickered.
Ninohime kept her calm.
``There`s no time for that. Let`s go! I wish you luck Ichinohime-sama.`` The second princess bowed before she and her men left. Hikaru grabbed her shaking hands.
``It`s alright Ninohime-sama. Don`t worry. We`ll think of a way.``
I don`t have time to sink into depression. Ninohime-sama needs me.
``I know.``
The princess and her men marched to Kaga Mountains, near the boarder. Not long after and they heard the army of Wakura approached them.
``Just as expected. There are enemies hiding in the mountains ready to attack us. Send a message for aid to the advanced and rear army. Ryosuke, Kota take Ninohime and the second troop!We will catch up to you later.``
``No. Hikaru!``
``Ninohime. Again after this war, will you marry me?``
``Yes.``
``Way to go, Hikaru-sama.`` Keito tapped his shoulders.
``Show-off!`` The prodigy Ryutaro scoffed.
``You heard that dogs?! You guys return home safely so that everyone of you can attend our wedding! And nobody in the palace will look down at us! Win this war and come back!!``
The fighting lasted for over an hour. Even though the Kaga army made great effort, the gap in power between them and the enemy is so great nor could they overcome the disadvantage brought upon them by the surrounding landscape.
``The one leading the Kaga army is that young aide. Aim for that aide!``
Enemies started attacking Hikaru but Ryutaro and Keito were there with him. Also, enemies started backing down when arrows assaulted them. Ninohime and her second troop helped Hikaru`s men to safety. Hikaru secretly cursed himself for he was unaware that they slowly retreated to where the second princess is located. Giving away Ninohime`s location. Now, the enemies might attack further to kill her.
Shit! How did this happen?!
A footman approached him. He was horrified of the news but he nodded before he gave the report to the princess.
``Ninohime-sama, the king and Yuri Sannohime-sama have retreated and Kei Ichinohime-sama won`t be able to help us due to their bulky carriages. At this rate, we will be wiped out. Ninohime..``
Hikaru clasped the princess` hands.
``There`s still time. If you go now, you will be able to return to the palace safely. Ryosuke!``
The younger was beside the princess immediately.
``Take the princess back to the palace. Ride as fast as you can. I cannot give you anymore of our men for they are needed in battle. I have to rely on you alone, Ryosuke.``
``Yes, Hikaru-sama.``
``Stay with the princess. If Kaga falls, take her somewhere safe. Anywhere away from Kaga or Wakura.``
``Hikaru..``
``Leave the battlefield now Ninohime.``
``W-What about you?``
Hikaru gave the princess a soft expression.
``I..I just want you to be safe.``
``I will not allow it. If our army gives up, what will happen to Ichinohime-sama`s troop that cannot move? If all our armies are defeated, they will invade Kaga and our country, our land, our family will perish. Just a little bit more. Trust me and let me stay just a little bit more.``
``But Ninohime..``
``I am your master, I am a princess and I am your commander. Obey my orders, Hikaru.``
``Y-Yes, N-Ninohime-sama.``
``I will take the lead from now on! Soldiers, this is my first order as your commander, stay in your position and defend Kaga without fail! We will get our chance and we will win this war! Are you with me?!``
``Yes!``
``Ninohime-sama!``
``We`ll follow you Ninohime-sama!``
To think that she was the weak princess who used to tremble behind me.
Ninohime, do you remember? I told you that you have the quality to be a great ruler. That`s why..I don`t want you to die.
``Keep your focus Hikaru and fight with me.``
And I will follow you...always.
I want to win..I want to win this war for you..
I want to win this war... for us..
They are exhausted and the princess is tired too but the war is still far from end. Hikaru panicked when he heard the sound of horse-shoes.
Enemy attack from behind? And there are so many of them! Damn! Is this our end? Ninohime!
Before he could give an order to drag the princess away, he recognized the flag and seal. Kaga!
``Commander!``
``Yuya! About time. Soldiers, our chance has come. Drive the enemy away from Kaga!``
``You heard the Commander, destroy the enemy!``
``Yessssssss!``
``Oh, Hikaru. You`re still alive? Tsk! And I thought I could get the princess for myself.``
``Yuya, you asshole!``
``Who said that she`s weak and an idiot? Ninohime was clever to choose me to lead the Yuu-gun. I don`t know how she did it and snatched the authority from Ichinohime-sama but she did it. We will win this war so, get back to your ass Hikaru. We have a wedding to plan!``
It was Ninohime`s plan?I give up. You always exceed my expectations princess.
Kaga`s army was able to stand up. Another hour and they were able to drive Wakura`s army back to the boarder and away from Kaga.
``Drum for the victory!``
``Wakura army has retreated! Kaga has won the war!``
``Thanks to Ninohime-sama!``
``Ninohime-sama!``
``Ninohime-sama!
The people were cheering for the second princess when they passed the villages back to the capital.
``Ninohime-sama!``
``Thank you, Ninohime-sama!``
The second princess gained the hearts and trust of the people and the nobles acknowledged her skills.
``Ninohime-sama`s popularity has increased.``
``Who would have thought that the weak princess could earn such credit?``
``I heard she was not that bad from the start.``
``She now has a greater possibility of becoming the next ruler--``
``The king has given a decree!`` The nobles took their position.
``The king has decided for the next ruler!``
``Ninohime-sama!``
The princess beamed in delight to see Hikaru.
``Your wounds are alright now?``
``Yes. Thank you Ninohime-sama.``
Did he come here to ask me again to marry him? What should I do?
``Ninohime-sama.``
``Y-Yes!``
``You did an excellent job.``
``N-No. I just tried the plan that you s-suggested before about the Yuu-gun!``
``It was a great risk Ninohime-sama. If it was not for your great resolve and trust in us, I`m sure the enemy could have defeated us.``
``H-Hikaru...``
``You don`t need my help anymore.``
``Huh?``
``I`ve decided to study abroad since my father suggested it`s for the best.``
``You..You`re leaving?`` The princess turned pale.
``I`ve come here to ask for permission.``
``Why..why are you going to set me aside Hikaru?``
``Kaga has won the war but it is still unstable. The country where I`m going is governed by law and I think it is a good experience. I will be able to help Kaga further with my knowledge.``
``S-Stop..``
``Ninohime. It was my greatest pleasure assisting you. We have studied together,rode horses together, talked, grew up and went hunting together. It was entertaining. And I`ll treasure every bit of memory we had.``
``Stop it now, Hikaru.``
``Prince Yuto of Wakura will come soon to reconcile the two kingdom. It is said that despite the conflict between our kingdoms, he`s a good man. When the marriage between Kaga and Wakura results in peace, the coronation of the new ruler will follow immediately.``
``I don`t want to hear anything anymore..stop it now please.``
Hikaru ignored the princess and knelt down.
``Congratulations. Your Majesty, the Queen.``
The princess stood frozen on her spot. Only her warm tears were moving, running down her face. Broken, hurt and disgust are what she feels.
Please don`t cry. If you cry now, I wouldn`t know what to do anymore.
``Your Majesty..your hand please.``
When the princess didn`t move, Hikaru with his shaking hand reached for hers. He put something around the princess`wrist.
``Do you remember? It`s the beads that princess always wanted.Something like this..you might not need it anyway. Now that you`re sovereign, beads and jewelry of many kind will surround you. This beads look shabby compared to them but, this is an amulet. So that heaven will protect you.``
``I don`t want to! I want to go with you!``
``No you cannot! Everyone has started to acknowledge your talents, you can become a great ruler. Please walk the path where the light shine---``
``But you`re my light! You`re the light that shines my path Hikaru!``
``Your Majesty!``
``It has been my honor to be your mentor. And though I cannot stand beside you anymore..my eternal loyalty belongs to you.``
``No! Hikaru! Hikaru! Take me with you!``
Hikaru turned his back to the princess before he let his tears fall. Before he does something he`ll regret for the rest of his life.
``Hikaruuuu!``