Love Unexplained

Scroll 7: Could This be War?

The past few days had been rather glum and gray, but this morning Utsukushi awoke in a rather pleasant mood. She slipped out of bed, her creamy silk colored night-gown dragging across the floor like a beautiful long wedding gown.

Utsukushi walked to the window of her room and slowly opened it wide. Two little lemon feathered birds flew in and circled her. She twirled and hummed to their song as they flew gracefully around her.

Finish with their fun, they flew back out the window and their twittering song faded as they left her alone in her room humming and twirling.

She noticed a pretty rose pink dress neatly folded on the end of her bed with matching pink shoes with a little bow on each one. Dressing herself in the gown and shoes, Utsukushi walked down the staircase, made her way down the hall, and into the dining room. There she saw prince Ōji, the king, and the queen were all waiting.

They all stood as she entered. Utsukushi curtsied in respect and glanced at Ōji who was smiling brightly. As the prince went to go greet her, she hurried to her seat at the farthest side of the fairly long and narrow table.

Feeling shunned, the prince's heart fell deep within his stomach. What could he have done? Was she angry with him? If so, then why? He pondered these thoughts as he strolled sorrowfully to his seat.

"Good morning." she said quietly as he sat back down.

Utsukushi saw that his smile had faded and his eyes were full of hurt at the casual look she had given him.

"Well good morning young princess." the king roared with thunderous joy.

"I hope you slept well and were comfortable enough in the new silk bedding we received from yesterday's overseas shipment." He proclaimed.

There was a long silence between her and the king. They both felt rather unsettled by such eeriness.

"Yes I slept quite wonderfully last night." Utsukushi said with a gentle smile.

"My room was warm and the moon shone beautifully. Thank you for taking such good care of me. I apologize for being so rude to you the other day."

The king's body seemed to lose its tenseness. A broad smile spread across his face and pleasantly asked for everyone to begin their meal.

The image of the night before clouded her mind like a vicious storm.

Utsukushi remembered the glow of the moon, the flowers of the palace garden, and the embrace she and the prince shared.

She pictured them clearly that night. She was safe in his arms, the look in his eyes, enchanting.

"Oh! I almost forgot," the queen exclaimed suddenly, breaking the silence and making them all jump.

She stood and rushed to her son's side. Looking surprised, the prince stood and welcomed the queen's huge.

"Happy Birthday!" she announced joyously. Ōji couldn't help but smile and laugh heartily.

"Thank you Mother." He said looking very happy.

The king arose from his seat and joined in their hug. But Utsukushi did not dare join in. How could she join in their merrymaking after only just meeting them? To her, they were merely strangers. She sat at the table and stared down at her lap looking sad and lonely.

Ōji saw her alone and his heart grieved for her. To see him and his family so happy to be with each other must hurt.

Utsukushi felt his gaze eating painfully through her skin, she felt exposed. Fully aware of everyone's staring eyes, they waited for her to congratulate him as well.