The King's Queen

Chapter 24

The howling winter winds beat at the shoji and the sound of frantic cooking filled the area. Mitsuki watched as her mother cooked some nice pork broth as her younger sister, Yuna, continued to bother her for another taste. Both sharing the same shade of hair, eyes and skin, Yuna already sporting her iconic braid as she tugged at their mother's kimono.

Beside her was Yuki who was struggling to remember how to write the kanji, Ka, as she practised her writing and reading with her help. The twelve year old enjoyed the serenity of the scene before she felt like something was missing, with a sigh she excused herself as she went to look for the baby of the house, Y/n.

She looked everywhere in the house before she left the warmth of the house into the blistering cold. Making sure her skin was covered she left the house after notifying her mother who shook her head at the common occurrence. Mitsuki knew where you were since you always go there, and lo and behold there you were sitting by a rotting log as you looked into the distance waiting for something.

Your plump cheeks and nose were rosey from the cold as you curled up into a ball trying prevent anymore heat from leaving your form, still you kept looking ahead. "Y/n, why do you do this?" Mitsuki's gentle voice pulled you away from your staring as your e/c eyes shined with a youthful gleam, they soon returned back to their position as you shrug. Tired of answering the same question.

With a sigh Mitsuki took her rightful place beside you as she joined you in your waiting, she hoped that the cold would deter you from your madness but nothing would when it involved your family. The nine year old remained still even when the wind picked up some speed, doe eyes glued to the horizon waiting for something.

Silence befell the siblings as Mitsuki shifted closer to your warm body hoping to help you out since you were out here for a while. She knew she shouldn't indulge in your plans but she wanted to be somewhat selfish, everyday come rain or shine you would always sit on this log waiting for Papa to come back. Her heart bled out to you as she also wished for the same thing, this year he had taken too long to come home.

"What do you think Papa will bring from his travels?" You suddenly asked your tone soft but excited, Mitsuki shrugged as a somewhat displeased frown graced her lips. "Probably something sweet for Yuna, maybe a dress for you and Yuki." You stated in excitement, your father had stated that he would be travelling to China when he left home so you were excited to see what he will bring.

Mitsuki gave you a strained smile but said nothing about your ramblings, she hated lying so she preferred to keep quiet and let you fill in the silence. Her younger sisters never really noticed how absurd their father's travels were, merchants weren't rich enough to travel so much to 'sell' their products.

At first the young girl thought her father had a secret family and was cheating on their sweet mother, during that time she'd ignored and shunned her father away from her. She felt guilty after finding out the truth afterwards, now all she could do was anxiously wait for his return on this rotting log. Hoping it would be him and not a messager telling them that he died in battle.

"What if Papa doesn't come back?" The words rushed out of her mouth before she could stop herself, you turned to your sister as you squinted your eyes in confusion. "Why wouldn't he?" You paused as you got distracted by the fog forming around your mouth, "He promised didn't he."

With a beaming smile you twiddled with your beet red fingers, Mitsuki made a mental note you force you to soak your hands in warm water when you two got back home. The older h/c girl flinched as you jumped out of your seat with a gasp, looking straight ahead with joy. Mitsuki's dark blue eyes scanned the path trying to see what you saw that got you so happy.

Her heart leapt from joy as the worry she shouldered dissipated like the fog escaping their gaping mouths, there in the distance barely visible through the falling snow was a silhouette of tall man. Before she could stop you, you had already ran towards the figure, huffing slightly in annoyance at your stubby legs restricting your speed you pushed through.