Empire 《Mikayuu/YuuMika》

⥈ Chapter Four ⥈

"Tsuki-san," Yuuichirou spoke to the moon as he climbed upon the windowsill.

Taiyou-san had departed long ago, so Yuuichirou spoke with Tsuki-san about his latest ventures in the forest. The silver moon looked upon Yuuichirou with a gentle gaze, the stream of light it emitted casting a silver glow on Yuuichirou's tanned skin.

Despite the darkness of the sky, it was a well-lit night. Yuuichirou could see the many acres of grassy plains that surrounded his home, the usually green grass painted silver by the moon. He could even see the forest in the distance, gloomy from the dark.

The air was cool, which contrasted the sweat-inducing heat of earlier. Yuuichirou remembered said heat with distaste. At least the night had given him and the rest of Sanguinem mercy. He wondered what could have upset Taiyou-san so much that he showed them his wrath. At least the sun was somewhat forgiving and did not give them a draught.

The sky had darkened a mere two hours after Yuuichirou felt lonely on the island in the forest and returned home. The words Mikaela had spoken to him were still fresh in his mind, and he felt subtle happiness at the fact he had a friend that confided in him his problems and in whom he could confide his own.

"I met a friend today. He is a prince. He was very kind to me despite our differences, unlike what I expected the prince to act like. We have a little island that diverts the river. It's our kingdom that we protect. Mikaela called it Shibuya. That means 'Quiet Valley'. Strange name for an island, I know. He was the only one who never doubted that I could be a knight."

"He told me that we would meet tomorrow at Shibuya," he continued. "Honestly, I have hardly felt more excitement than I am experiencing right now."

His voice caused a figure to stir on the opposite side of the one-roomed hovel the Amanes called home. The silhouette's head lifted from its cot, beholding Yuuichirou sitting in the windowsill.

"Yuuichirou-kun, return to bed!" she shouted at him.

"Yes, Mother."

He obeyed, nodding at the moon as a farewell before hopping down from his perch and retiring to his cot. He wrapped his thin, scratchy blanket around his frame as he settled in. It was not long before his consciousness retreated into sleep's soothing embrace.

The stars and moon soon faded into vibrantly-colored clouds and a brilliant sun, which woke Sanguinem from its state of repose and gifted it life. Prince Mikaela stirred awake from the bright rays of light swimming through his window. He turned in his expensive, disturbed sheets and lifted himself into a sitting position, reaching his arms over his head in a brief stretch.

"Mikaela-sama?" The muffled voice of one of his servants came from the other side of a large, wooden door that led to the corridors. "Are you awake yet, Bocchan?"

"Indeed I am," Mikaela replied, his voice heavy from sleep. "You may enter."

The maid opened the door, wide enough for the breakfast tray she was holding could fit through the wide doorway. "Good morning, Bocchan."

"Good morning, Moriyama-san. Can you inform Mother that I am to take a walk through the forest this afternoon?"

"Of course, Bocchan," the maid replied. "How would you like your tea this morning?"

"Green, please," Mikaela told her. "I do not mind which kind."

"Yes."

The maid obeyed the prince's request and lifted the silver kettle to pour its contents into a white teacup with ornate designs upon it. With dainty fingers, she lowered a teabag into the hot water, allowing the flavor to permeate the liquid for her young master's consumption.