sнαттεя мε, ιgηιтε нεя

cнαρтεя:01

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cнαρтεя 01: тнε ηιgнт

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- - - Kenma - - -

I looked at myself in the mirror as Hinata tied my hair up. We had decided a few years back to grow it as long as we could, but in the summer's heat, we were both regretting that decision immensely. The day my mother went into labor, Hinata was born. Hers had died giving birth, so the maids took her in, raising her in the castle. I don't think anyone meant for us to become friends, after all, it was extremely uncommon for a Princess to hang out with a servant. Especially one that preferred to dress like a boy and play in the dirt. But we've been inseparable since I was four and found her in the kitchen eating chocolate. My mom assigned her to be my personal handmaid, helping me when the other servants were busy. It was the best day of our lives. I moved her into my room, and it's basically been one giant sleepover ever since.

That stops today though. In four days, we turn eighteen and my parents signed away my life to a prince in a neighboring kingdom. Apparently, they have great farming lands and it will be beneficial to everyone in Nekoma. I am to be wed in five days.

Hinata squeezed my shoulder as if she could tell where my thoughts were. The only condition I had, was that she was to go with me to the kingdom of Aobajohsai. They agreed, and I was thankful that I wouldn't be completely alone, with a husband I knew nothing about.

I stared at her reflection behind me and thought, not for the first time, how much better she'd be as a royal. I was shy and awkward. I hid behind my long hair, and I've heard on more than one occasion that the only thing noticeable about me were my eyes. The gold was a stark contrast to my dark hair.

Hinata would have suited this life so much better. She had long, strikingly orange hair, and freckles across her cheeks. Her features were delicate and people always remembered her. I had been slightly jealous before I remembered how rough her life has been. Even though she is a companion of the Princess, she was still a servant and people treated her as such. We hid out in my room when foreigners came because many of them tried to force her into their beds.