Princess Shirayuki of Akigaya

Making a Choice

Night had fallen in Akigaya. Linna and Vivi were back in their bedroom, where they shared a room with separate beds, after a long day at the main hospital with the princesses. Vivi had noticed that Shirayuki was less enthusiastic as usual, but that was understandable since today was the last day of Zen's stay at Akigaya. It had been a fun and memorable two weeks for everyone, as they got to know each other better and build a close bond. It made Vivi happy that things seemed more cheerful around the mansion with their new friends around, she didn't want to think about their departure anytime soon.

Vivi was changing out of her working uniform into her comfortable nightgown when suddenly a figure appeared from outside the window.

"Hello there." Spoke Obi as he sat on the windowsill.

Vivi surprised by his appearance forgot that she was still in the middle of changing. Linna immediately ran to her sister with a blanket and covered her from view. Realizing her slow reaction, Vivi fervently blushed as she grabbed her uniform once again and put it back on.

"What are you doing here? Especially at this time of the night?" Barked Linna.

Obi looked down and softly blushed, "My bad, I didn't mean to be rude."

Linna sighed as she let go of the blanket seeing that Vivi was covered and dressed, "You should come through the door like a normal person."

Obi grinned, "Yes I suppose I should. Sorry old habits die hard."

Vivi feeling embarrassed was still happy to see Obi as she went to him with a smile. "Why are you here?" She asked.

Linna also looked at him curiously, "Well master wanted to go down to the night market all together, since today is his last day in Akigaya." Obi replied.

"It's past curfew, Queen Renalia will not allow this." Linna spoke feeling a bit worried.

Obi grinned, "I forget everyone here has a curfew. Would you not make this an exception?"

"I want to come along." Vivi answered.

Linna frowned at her sister, "You know we will get into trouble if we get caught."

Vivi softly smiled, "Yes I know, but I will also regret if I don't at least grant Prince Zen this small request. After all I think this is really for Shirayuki."

"We all saw how gloomy she seemed this afternoon." Obi noted as he worried at times for his dear friend.

Linna sighed remembering that Shirayuki tried her best to hid her emotions but it was obvious that she wasn't her usual self, "Alright, I understand. Let me get my things and I'll meet you both at the front gate."

Vivi smiled and quickly followed Obi out the window and into the night.

...

Milya slowly looked around the empty corridor and felt her heart race in anxiety. She had never sneaked out of the mansion after curfew hours. In fact she hardly broke any rules set by her mother. It made her nervous to think the punishment her mother would give if she got caught, but it also felt so liberating knowing that she was doing this based on her own decision and judgment. She had seen Shirayuki's sadness this afternoon, and it would give her great delight if she could bring a smile to her cousin's face. Milya had no idea that in such a short time Shirayuki could become so dear to her.

Milya quickly hid behind a pillar as she saw some of the night guards appear. She stood as quietly as possible, but to her horror she heard their footsteps approaching towards her way. She began to panic and couldn't think of what to do when suddenly a hand covered her mouth and she was pulled into the nearest room by a strong arm that circled her waist.