Never Let Go [Hiatus]

Part II, Chapter 8- AKANE

The girl checked herself in the full-length mirror, her blue eyes earnestly searching for the slightest imperfection that may betray her beauty. She touched up on her pink lipstick and gave her eyelashes one last swipe of mascara. Stepping back, she smiled at her own reflection. 'Hmm....' something was still not right. She decided to comb up her fringe, clipping it with a delicate tiara as she let loose her golden curls. Per- wait. She squinted at the loose thread that hung disgracefully from her laced collar. With a quick tug, she removed the offending strand from her dress.

'Kana, are you done yet~~' another girl sang-song as she eased open the door to poke her red head in. She sighed when she saw the various make-up littering the dresser.

'Almost done!' Kana replied without even turning to face her cousin, careful with the crystal necklace she was trying on.

'You know you are beautiful, Kana. Even without make-up, you're the most beautiful person in the world!' the girl assured.

'Aww Akane. You and your sweet words..' Finally satisfied with her appearance, she faced Akane who had already made herself comfortable on her bed.

'It's true, Kana,' Akane smiled at her cousin affectionately.

'And why is our dear princess not in her ball gown yet?' Kana enquired. 'And what's with your hair! It's not styled yet! How about your make-up?!' Kana grew frantic at Akane's unpreparedness.

'The ball is starting in half an hour! We have to receive our guests soon OMG.'

Akane laughed at the sight. 'Relax! I just need 10 minutes to get ready and Kana, you should stop prancing around. Your hair is going to be messy and I'll have to end up waiting for you to re-style it again!'

Kana stared at her cousin wide-eyed. 10 minutes?! They were having the distinguished nobleman, chancellors and advisors from their allied force over, not to say their respective Kings and Princes- and Akane was saying she could dress up in 10 minutes? Kana knew better. She knew by 'getting ready', Akane really meant lopping on her gown, brushing her hair a few times and wearing her crown.

'Urgh! AKANE!!!' Kana grabbed Akane by her arm and pulled her towards her dresser where she gave her cousin an express doll-up service. It was a miracle how she could prepare Akane in half an hour when she took a full two hours for herself.

Ding Ding Ding... The bell signaling the commencement of the ball rang.

'Hime-sama.' her escort bowed to Akane, and then to Kana. 'It's time.'

Akane descended the spiral staircase to the grand hall, her heels clicking on the silver steps that were polished so hard they shined. Kana followed behind, keeping a respectable distance between the crown princess and herself. After all, she was not of direct bloodline and was only given the same privileges and royal treatment because Akane allowed it. But in such events, it was still rightful and appropriate to accord Akane her due respect and honour.

A sudden hush fell upon the ballroom as soon as Akane stepped foot onto the patio overlooking the ball. Her guests turned towards her and bowed in respect. Akane curtsied in return and Kana followed suit. With that, the music and lively chatter resumed as Akane and Kana made their way towards their fathers, King Daichii and Prince Tenzo. Kana bowed in favour of her king.

'Akane, Kana! A little late, huh.'

'My apologies, Your Majesty. But it is a little of a headache to get your daughter properly made up.' Kana gave a side-ways glance to Akane, who rolled her eyes and pouted.

'I understand, Kana. Must be so hard on you.' The king gave a little chuckle. 'Akane, would you like to address your guests and lead the ceremony later?'

'Actually, I haven't prepared, Father. Isn't it always you who does these things?'Akane replied honestly.

'Well, there's always a first time for everything. Also, you were the one who went for the negotiations with the Snow Kingdom in my stead. It is time for me to show them how ready my daughter is in becoming Queen. And you don't want to be rude to our guests. All of them had travelled quite the distance for this ceremony. To think, we have finally found peace and allied ourselves with the Kingdom Of Snow. There will be no more bloodshed! No more!' King Daichii grinned in satisfaction.

Akane smiled. It was true. Their previous wars with the Kingdom Of Snow had exhausted her nation. A peace treaty like this had saved them all. Her father had hoped to display their confidence and trust in the treaty by holding the ceremony right in their own castle, along with the existing members of the Allied Force. The presence of the other allies had indicated their acceptance of the new member, as well as their willingness to bury the hatchet, whatever it may be. It was indeed a joyous occasion.

'Alright, Father.'

Akane returned to the patio. At once, the room fell silent, everyone's attention on the promising young princess. Akane took a deep breath.

'Good evening, my dear guests. I am indeed honored to be your host tonight and I am truly pleased to have this occasion graced by your presence.' her audience bowed in humble acknowledgement.

'First of all, I wish to apologize for selfishly implicating your respective kingdoms in our long war with the Kingdom Of Snow. But at the same time, I sincerely thank you all for the unwavering support and faith that you have given. It was foolish of us not to see the hardships and meaninglessness of the whole affair. But with this peace treaty, war will be no more. We can finally live in peace and harmony.'

Akane looked at her father, who gave her a nod and the go-ahead signal.

'I hereby humbly invite our guest of honour, King Sano from the Kingdom Of Snow, to place his flag on our alliance stand!'

There was a thunderous round of applause as King Sano made his way up the patio, dismissing his personal bodyguards as a way of showing his trust in return. His prince handed him the flag. Gripping the pole with both hands, he brought it high above his head before situating it in the eighth hole of the massive gold-plated stand. The audience cheered and clapped in celebration.

'May we forgive and forget, and may you trust us to come to your aid whenever you call for it,'

'May we forgive and forget, and you can trust us to do the same for your kingdom, our precious ally.' Akane pledged.

They shook hands as the rest of the guests raised their wine glasses in celebration.

So yay! Akane is finally in the picture! Time to up the game.

Votes and Comments, especially comments, please:):):) Don't worry, Author-sama is a very nice person! I will not bite! And I basically welcome anything that you have to say:) *Recovering from the ending of Utawarerumono.... but still not as bad as Legend Of Legendary Heroes. Yeah I've been through worst, much worst...especially those heartbreaks from Naruto*