Stuck with you

Chapter 2

With the dragon defeated and the kingdom saved, the princess and her knight rode off into the sunset. Where they lived happily ever after."

"Again, Mommy! Again!"

"That's enough for tonight, honey. It's time for bed."

The crickets outside chirped, their whistling songs setting the mood for the starry skies blanketed over the capital city of Crocus. Within the hallowed Mercurius Palace, the Queen of Fiore tucked in her beloved daughter, Hisui. Normally one of the palace staff – namely Arcadios – would tuck in the spirited young Princess, but on this night her mother decided to do the honors.

It was rare for the Queen to be seen outside of her room aside from formal gatherings, so the sight of her walking down the halls of the palace to her daughter's room was a welcome surprise to the castle's staff.

Despite her young age, Hisui knew full well that her mother was occupied with her duties along with her father - King Fiore - to properly see her. As such, she savored every moment with them that she could. It was because of their tireless work that the people of the country were safe, and understanding that ensured that Hisui held no ill will towards her parents.

The Queen pulled the top blanket over Hisui. "All tucked in?" when the emerald haired child nodded the Queen smiled softly, gently rubbing her hand over her daughter's hair. "Good night, darling." The queen rose to leave, but was stopped by a question from her daughter.

"Mommy?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Did the Princess and the Knight get married?"

Her mother smiled and nodded. "Yes, they were married and had lots of children. Everyone was happy."

"Does that mean you were happy when you married Daddy?"

The Queen paused on this question for a moment. It was a brief silence, but long enough for young Hisui to notice. Seeing her daughter's confused expression the Queen quickly regained her senses and smiled. She placed her hand on her daughter's head.

"Of course, dear. I love your father with all of my heart." She leaned in and lovingly kissed Hisui's forehead. "Now it's time for you to rest, ok?"

"Ok." Hisui settled into her bed. "Goodnight, Mommy."

"Goodnight, my love. Sweet dreams." The Queen turned from the bed and walked to the door. "I'm ready." At her words the guards slowly opened the rather large doors of the Princess' room into the hallway of the palace.
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Hisui looked down, her anxious fingers loosely ruffling the fabric of her white silk stockings. Her vision had gone hollow from looking at the floor so long, but she didn't seem to care. Why that memory now of all times? It was a rather odd thing to reminisce about all things considered. Hisui had not thought of her mother in years.

"Princess?" Her coiffeur called. "We're finished."

Hisui blinked – her eyes refocusing - and she tilted her head up and looked at the mirror in front of her. Her emerald locks were waved to perfection. Tied into a ponytail that beautifully flowed down her right shoulder. When her eyes turned further up, she noticed the diamond encrusted tiara adorned on her head.

She looked over to her dress - which was dressed on a mannequin close to the door of the room. It was an elegant, flowing white dress with green accents to match the color of Hisui's hair and eyes. By all accounts she would look as beautiful as a bride should on her wedding day - perhaps even more so given her station as royalty - but even still the Princess could not bring herself to find joy in this.