Blossom in Full Bloom (Book 4: The Pink Blossom Series)

I Walk this Lonely Road

As the days went by, I started to pick up my duties again. I covered for Desti in that time. I hoped he would return soon, because I knew my Father would figure out he was gone soon enough. There was one advantage to getting the silent treatment. My Father wasn't checking in on me.

I found Nosuke at his post, to be expected. I felt a need to talk to him, especially after how downcast he was.

"Can I join you?" It wasn't normal for me to ask guards. But this situation required sensitivity.

"Princess! Y-yes." He said nervously.

"You're worried about Kat, aren't you?" I knew he wouldn't tell me, unless I brought it up.

"Yes... I heard she is a pirate..."

"It doesn't matter... Pirate or not, she is still Kat. Don't you agree?"

"Of course, princess. Are you upset with her?"

"Not with her... I always knew she was hiding something, but only now, do I truly understand why." I looked at him curiously.

"I don't blame her for keeping it to herself. I don't think knowing her secret would have made things easier, either. I would have to chose the Prince over her or I would be lying. But, I still wish that she wouldn't have had to shoulder that burden alone."

"As do I." I had a sense of duty to my Father, too. I am not sure I would have been able to keep it from him, forever. Even still, I would feel horrible doing it. I would keep it, if I knew why. I wouldn't let my Father kill her!

"Kat has always appreciated you being there for her. I know she would have never let you get hurt. She would have protected you with her life, if necessary."

"I realize that. But it doesn't matter does it...?" I can't let him see my emotions. He can't know about my disagreement with my Father.

"So it would seem."

I thought talking to him, would help us both feel better, but I feel even more miserable.

"I'm worried about how she must be feeling right now. I have no way of communicating with her.."

"I know the feeling." I sympathized.

"You really care about her, too. Don't you, Your Highness?"

"Well, sure. She was my attendant, afterall. It's only natural that I would."

"You did before that too, though."

I wonder just how much Kat shared with him. "It's possible."

"Thought so."

"If I ever get the chance, I will let her know, how you feel."

"I would really appreciate it." He seemed happier, when he figured that I might get the opportunity. "I should get back to work. Things will be better." I chose to be optimistic. I left him there, to mind his post.

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Another night drew near. I saw Ru Ru stir. It was my only company. "Ru Ru, does Father hate me now? I haven't heard from him in so long... Last time we spoke... he gave me chills. He was so angry... I don't know what to do... Will Father ever speak to me again? Even if he does, how will I keep from getting mad at him. I wish things could be different, Ru Ru..."

Ru Ru squawked, signifying that it was listening.

I jingled the bracelet. "Remember this sound! This will allow me to keep in touch with Kat at all times. Understand?!" Ru Ru squawked again.