Damsel In A Red Dress (Tsukasa X Reader)

Chapter 15

I held my hands together as I stared at the ground. Now that I was serving under the younger prince's name, I had a list of things to get done. Such as visiting my father.

Amane never saw a need to meet my father, seeing how he took care of everything. He had sent Kou for me to bring me back to the palace although it wasn't the most gracious of ways.

But, despite all of that, Tsukasa demanded more. I was scared. I wasn't scared for the prince, I was scared for my father. Would he die today? Would I even be sad?

A kiss on my hand interrupted my thoughts. I hadn't even realized Natsuhiko was holding it up. Oh, was he talking? Was I supposed to be listening? "Are you ready to leave, my lady?"

I took my hand back violently as I felt uncomfortable. "Yes I'm ready. Though, where is the prince?"

Natsuhiko looked to the side. "He's having a discussion with his father about....something."

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. I was curious for sure but I didn't want to pry.

I was only waiting for about five minutes while Tsukasa came out with a bothered face. I decided to keep my mouth shut seeing as we were out in public.

"Sorry for the wait. Let's proceed." He held my hand as he helped me into the carriage. The ride over to my fathers estate had me shaking with anxiety.

I looked over at Tsukasa to see him staring out of the carriage window. He seemed to be deep in thought. His head rested in his chin and for whatever reason, it was like wind was blowing through his hair. He looked angelic I dare say.

"Tsukasa." I said aloud. I didn't even mean to. His name just rolled off of my tongue. I had nothing to say.

His sharp eyes looked over to my direction. Not even bothering to turn his head. He gave out a hum in response. His mind was still elsewhere.

I panicked under pressure. So on the spot, I made something up. "I haven't seen my father in some time...What do you think he will say?"

His eyes scanned over my figure. He didn't answer me right away. Only after his eyes made their way back to mine. "Probably something about money."

I let out a soft giggle. Yes that's right. My father was no better than the other nobles. What was I so worried about? Nothing.

On the ride there, I had dozed off a bit. The previous night, I was stocked up in the library with the younger prince. We had a nice conversation about children's books and when we used to read when we were little.

I enjoyed it a lot. The conversation was utterly useless to have but it meant the both of us were comfortable with each other at the least.

I didn't let my known feelings for the prince bother our time together. I doubted what the first prince said.

"He likes you (Y/n) It's so obvious. Why can't you accept that?"

I had replayed those words in my mind more than I could count. But based off of recent bags I or towards me...

My head rolled to the side to look at Tsukasa. His eyes were closed but his position never changed. Tsukasa's been very tense. He hasn't gotten sleep and it shows. Have I been keeping him up with me too late in the library?

Before I knew it, I dozed off into a light sleep.

By the time we got to the estate, it was dinner time.

It wasn't Tsukasa who woke me though. Kou was sent with us on this journey because I didn't feel safe in my own home. He tapped my shoulder nervously.

How he treated me now was far different then how he treated me when we first met. He had barged into my beautiful library with shocking news and it was like he couldn't care less.

I looked at him and saw the gentleness in his eyes. He was speaking words I couldn't hear so when I looked outside, I saw Tsukasa speaking.

To my father.

The prince looked frustrated at my father. So as soon as I could I composed myself and wiped the drool off of my cheek. I fixed my hair and wiped out my dress.

Kou exited before I did. He took my hand in his as I took the steps of the carriage slowly for I had just woken up.

"(Y/n)! My daughter! How have you been?"

"You do not get to speak with me so casually, father. I am someone related to you by blood and nothing more." I didn't even glance at him as I stepped past the prince.

The three boys looked at my back as I made my way into the estate. I was in no mood to be in kahoots with anyone at the moment. To put it simply, I was cranky.

My first stop, the library. My hands skimmed over the old dusty books as I heavily inhaled the scent. It was nostalgic.

Next was the dining room. It was small compared to the one at the palace. But I could smell the freshly baked rolls.

I couldn't avoid the whispers coming from the maids and staff of the estate. They were there at every corner. Covering their mouths to talk to one another. It was aggravating.

Finally, I caressed the wooded door that opened right to my bedroom. I placed my head against the door. Too scared to walk in.

A tap on my shoulder distracted me from my thoughts. Tsukasa himself looked surprised at his actions.

Though he played it off with a soft smile. It was fake.

My heart panged. How dare he. How dare he show my such affection one moment and then act the next.

"Is there anything you need? My prince?" My voice was laced with distrust. Where had he gone to?

Tsukasa visibly winced at the fact that I reverted back to formalities. He hand reached back from my shoulder and he looked to the floor. Then he looked to the door.

"Your father wants you back."

"Hell no."

And from there we stayed quiet. All of a sudden he broke out in a fit of laughter as he looked at me with eyes that were filled with amusement.

"That's what I said too."

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Original release date: April 9th, 2021