Shinichi walked away from her, irritation evident in his hurried steps, as though he found her presence in the palace unwelcome. Just before he left, he gave her a dismissive pat and remarked, “Feel free to roam around the palace—you won’t last here anyway.”
His words stung. The thought of being dismissed, as so many others had been, was a bitter pill to swallow. She felt the tension build as she mulled over her uncertain position, wondering if she would truly be cast aside just as easily.
She was still lost in thought when the head maid, Natsu, appeared before her, bowing politely.
"Lady Yamashina, the Prince ordered me to guide you around the Imperial Palace."
"H-He did?" Sachiko asked, still shaken, her thoughts momentarily grounded by this unexpected gesture.
Natsu smiled warmly, reassuring her. “The Prince often asks me to guide the candidates around the palace,” she said.
As they strolled through the lush gardens, Sachiko felt her nervousness ease slightly. The wind was gentle yet brisk, scattering cherry blossom petals across the ground like a delicate carpet.
"My lady," Natsu said, gesturing toward a small house nestled by the trees.
"Is that the servants’ quarters?" Sachiko asked absentmindedly.
Natsu chuckled. "No, that’s where the Prince lives!"
Sachiko stopped in surprise. "The…Prince? Are you certain?"
Natsu nodded, her eyes twinkling. “It’s his childhood home. He holds it close to his heart.”
Sachiko glanced back at the modest house, frowning slightly. “But…why? It’s so small. It hardly seems to match his rigid standards.”
YOU ARE READING
A Love Crowned by Destiny
Historical FictionWhen Yamashina Sachiko, a gentle soul from a noble family, becomes unexpectedly engaged to Crown Prince Shinichi, her life transforms overnight. Caught between palace traditions and the Prince's unpredictable charm, Sachiko must learn to balance he...
