Tainted Pink Blossom (Book 3: The Pink Blossom Series)

Betrayal?

A few weeks went by, the same routine. I wanted to ask about another trip outside the gates, but my father was weighed down by paperwork. I realized it would be futile. Days went by, and my desire to leave the castle only grew stronger.

Obi had persisted on asking me about my 'adventure', but I realized the importance of keeping that to myself.

Even though they didn't ask, I knew everyone was thinking about it, even the castle guards were talking about it. The only one, who seems to have let me off the hook, was Kiki. So, I had spent more time training with her, instead of Obi.

There were a group of nobles invited to the castle, to end some risen dilemmas, and conflicts among the Lords. Of course, I was ordered to stay as far away from the gathering, as I could. Kiki was with me, to keep me company. Translation, to keep me out of trouble!

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At the gathering, Prince Zen, surprisingly, was asked more questions about suspicions of a daughter at the castle, than the problems they travelled out here for.

"It seems that the Master is being bombarded, should we do something about it?"

"Obi, Zen can handle it, we are here to make sure things don't get out of control." They saw yet another Lord approach Zen, which they assumed, had the same questions to ask.

"If this is held close, as a tight secret, then how do people seem to know about her already? Mitsuhide, you have to think that is suspicious too, don't you?"

"And I am sure Zen has already thought this out as well. For now, let's not draw any more attention to this circulating topic." They could overhear the conversation. Just as they thought, it was about the princess too.

"Your highness, is it true that you have a daughter? There have been rumours. Is it true?"

"Yes, that is correct." Zen replied confidently.

"Can we see her, would you invite her to join us?"

"No. I will not be revealing her, at this time."

"Why not? When will you let us see her? We would feel so honored, to be the first, that she is presented to."

"I will not present her, until her sixth birthday. This is not negotiable."

"But..."

"As enticing as this subject might be, you did not come here to discuss the young Princess. You came here, because of the altercations made in proceedings, in your territory." The man was rather disgruntled by this brush off, but as a Lord, he had to maintain his composer as well. The time seemed to drag on, and when it was finally over, Zen retired to his room. He let out his frustration in his pillow.

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Night could not have come sooner. I could sense the tension in the castle. Since the gathering, maids, guards, and others, were accusing each other for blabbing about me. So they now know I exist. That is going to cause people to spy on me, hoping to get their fame, for being the first to see me, the first ones to tell the world about 'my hair'. This was troubling, I guess, at least my father seems to think so. For me, I think it might finally be a chance to put the secrets behind me. Maybe, That's too wishful thinking. I looked at Ru Ru, sleeping so peacefully, on the back of my chair. It isn't fair, why can't we have peace like that. Suddenly, Ru Ru stirred awake and flew out the window. That was not normal behavior. Feeling the need to investigate, I chased after it. Climbing out my window wasn't very hard, because of the surrounding trees. I securely fastened my sword to my belt, running as fast as I could, riding Beauty bareback, to catch up.