sнαттεя мε, ιgηιтε нεя

Chapter: 04

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- - - Kenma - - -

It's been two days since Shiratorizawa took Hinata. Every time the sky darkens to signal the end of a day, my anxiety increases. I wasn't sure how long they would keep her alive, especially knowing how snappy she got when she was stressed. I had visions of her insulting the Queen and being hung for treason.

My hands started to shake and I saw Iwaizumi tense.

He had the unfortunate pleasure of talking me through a panic attack last night. Since then, every time I twitch or breathe too deep, he stops moving and looks like he's preparing himself for the gallows.

"Are you okay, Your Highness?"

I curled my hands into fists. "Fine."

"Do you-"

"No."

He fell silent, and I felt a little guilty. I knew he felt bad about Hinata, but I was still too angry with him to talk. Not only was I upset, but I was also mortified. Before last night, Hinata had been the only one to see me in the midst of a panic attack. Now there was another person who knew I was weak. I wonder if he regretted pledging his loyalty to me.

I was so consumed by my self-deprecating thoughts that I didn't notice the soldiers that blocked our path until they were directly in front of us. Iwaizumi sped around to place himself in front of me, with the two halves of his shear held high, pointing at the soldiers.

Looking down at their tabards, I recognized the colors. I put my hand on Iwaizumi's shoulder and stepped up beside him.

"I am Princess Kenma of Nekoma, I request an audience with Prince Oikawa immediately."

I wasn't entirely sure what I was expecting, but it certainly was not for the two of them to laugh. The one in the middle stared at me, moving his eyes from my short blonde hair to my ratty men's clothes.

"Princess Kenma has long dark hair, and is currently preparing for her wedding in Nekoma's kingdom." He drew his sword and pointed it at me. "State your name and business or forfeit your life."

Iwaizumi stiffened next to me, and I knew he would fight them. He would die for the kingdom; for me. My breathing became uneven and I wished Hinata was here to tell them off for speaking to me like this.

I shook my head in disgust. I was tired of always being so dependent - so weak.

I imagined floating down a river, all my negative emotions seeping out of me. I took a deep breath and looked the guard who spoke, straight in the eye. I am a Princess. I am strong. I will save my kingdom and get back Hinata, no matter what.

I straightened my shoulders. "You will take me to Prince Oikawa, or I will have you beheaded for treason. The kingdom of Nekoma has been attacked and I was rushed out in hiding to come here." I moved forward until the end of the sword touched my collarbone. "You and your entire family will be sentenced to death for killing me. The longer you wait now, the more lashings I will have them put upon your back. Take me to my betrothed. Now."

The other two knights had stopped laughing and were now staring at the one, who I assumed was in charge. He stared at me for half a minute, before nodding slightly and lowering his sword.

"Right this way, Princess. Although if you are lying, you will be hung in the courtyard."

I had never seen the royal family of Aobajohsai. The marriage was arranged over letters and portraits were sent to each other. I refused to look. I had still been hoping that something would happen and the wedding would be called off.