“Dong... dong...” The clock chimed.
"It's time for your snack, My Lady," Seiji smiled. He entered his twin sister’s room, carrying a tray with a slice of cake and a glass of milk balanced on top. Shizuka was already sitting at her table. "Ah, Seiji. I thought you'd be late." "Never, My Lady." Seiji chuckled, setting down the tray. He unloaded the plate and glass, setting them silently in front of Shizuka. He bowed, tucking the tray under an arm. "Is there anything else you require?" he asked.
Shizuka was quiet for a moment. "Yes, actually. Would you sit down?"
Seiji sat, a little surprised by his sister's directness. "What is it?" he asked. "I want you to go to the Land of Nagoya for me, and investigate some rumors I heard." she stated. "What would those rumors be, My Lady?" Seiji questioned.
"That Prince Kei from the Land of Osaka has been courting some woman there," Shizuka replied bitterly. "I want you to either prove or disprove these rumors. I'll have more orders for you afterwards," she instructed. Seiji sighed. "All right. I'll leave immediately." he said. "Good," Shizuka smiled. "Come back soon, Seiji."
Seiji nodded, stood, and left the room.
Shizuka tapped her foot impatiently. Seiji had been gone for five days. Not to mention that the servant that had taken his place was always late with her afternoon snack! Honestly, was Seiji the only trustworthy servant in this whole place?
The door opened, and Seiji entered. "Seiji!" she greeted. "Any news?"
Seiji smiled at her, and set her snack in front of her. She took a bite of it, waiting for Seiji to deliver the news she had been waiting for – that Prince Kei had merely been curious about the mysterious lady from the Land of Nagoya.
"The rumors are… somewhat true…" Seiji said carefully.
Shizuka's hands clamped into fists, and she set her fork down stiffly. "Explain in further detail than that," she stated angrily. Seiji winced. He was angering her, and he knew it. Good. That meant that Seiji knew the extent of her dislike for that mysterious lady.
"... Prince Kei has been courting the lady, and I have also found out... The lady’s name is Midori." Seiji stated.
Shizuka stood up quickly, her chair falling to the floor behind her. "No!" she cried, slamming a hand on the table in front of her. "Seiji, don't you tell me that!" Seiji's eyes widened, and he backed away from the Princess, Shizuka. "Sister—" "Seiji, I want that Midori gone!" Shizuka screamed. Before she knew it, the plate containing her scone was on the floor, shattered.
"Sister, calm yourself," Seiji said soothingly, putting a hand on her arm. "No!" Shizuka screamed, wrenching her arm out of her brother's reach. Tears were streaming down her face. She knew her brother would give in. He always did. Seiji winced. "I'm sure that if you spoke with the Prince—"
"I WANT HER GONE, SEIJI! GET RID OF HER!"
Seiji sighed, and placed a hand on her wrist. "I… It shall be done, My Lady," he whispered. Shizuka gave him a small smile. Her brother was always so good to her.
Later that day, the war with the Kingdom of Nagoya began.
Shizuka sighed, annoyed. The servant was late again. Honestly, she probably should have sent someone else to kill Midori. Then, the small servant girl entered, a tray in her arms. She set it down, bowing quickly.
"You," Shizuka said sharply. The girl jumped. "Why are you so late today?"
"I-I… well, you see, Your Majesty's manservant has returned… he was wounded, and I was asked to tend to his wounds—"
"Seiji's hurt?" Shizuka interrupted. The girl nodded. "Do... do you wish for me to send him to you, My Lady?" "I will go and see him myself," Shizuka said, leaving the room. Her snack on the table lay untouched.
Shizuka covered her mouth and gasped. Seiji was lying on his bed. His chest was bandaged. Most of the bandages were blood stained. His arms and shins were similarly treated, and he had a nasty cut across his back. But what scared her the most was the fact that Seiji was crying.
Seiji gained his composure after a few moments, and whispered something to himself – "Why won't my tears stop?" Shizuka watched as her brother fell asleep.
When Seiji awoke, he continued about his work out in the garden, despite his injuries. Every once and a while, the small servant girl would run over to ask him if he was alright, and plead with him to rest. Shizuka scoffed. If her brother were unfit to work, he'd had talked to her about taking some time off… wouldn't he? Shaking her head to clear it of these thoughts, she returned to her more pressing matter – Prince Kei. How could she make him fall in love with her?
Well, he had just lost Midori. Perhaps she could comfort him, and that relationship would grow to something more? She'd run this plan by him when that time came. Then, Shizuka’s and Kei’s kingdoms would unite. She would soon invade the Kingdom of Nagoya and kill the remaining family of Midori. She laughed. This plan was so perfect.
The door opened, and Seiji entered. She looked over, startled. Seiji was early today?
"Seiji? What's going on?" she asked. "They're storming the castle, Shizuka. Prince Kei’s army. They're coming to kill you."
(A while later...)
Two guards led a small, thin figure over to the guillotine. They forced her onto their knees, and stuck her head into the path of death. The Accused smiled once. "Three o'clock – snack time," she said, closing her eyes.
The clock struck, and the blade fell.
