Never Let Go [Hiatus]

Part II, Chapter 16 - Emotions

Akane managed to reach the entrance of her secret passageway unnoticed, taking advantage of the chaos and panic as she slipped past her careless servants and unsuspecting guards. She made a mental note to restructure the defenses around the West Tower for the current one had just proven its inefficiency. She gave a small laugh. Seriously? So many of them and they didn't see her? To make matters worse, they were supposed to be looking for her, for Heaven's sake. Reaching her chambers, she deliberately messed up her hair before emerging into the hallway.

'What's the din about?' she asked, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

'Hime-sama! Oh Hime-sama! Where have you been?' a servant cried, rushing over frantically. At once, there was a flurry as the servants and guards in the vicinity fussed over her.

'The princess has been found! She is safe!' a guard called out to his mate who was standing watch at the watch tower. The watchman on duty nodded and pulled the massive bell thrice, signaling the end of the search.

'I haven't been anywhere...sleeping always...' Akane denied, making sure to slur her words.

'But when I checked in, she wasn't in her bed!' a servant pressed, herself quite confused.

'And may I ask what calls for the intrusion into her sleeping quarters?' a guard questioned, his tone hitting on the offensive.

'Pl-Please don't misunderstand, my lord. Her candles were still lit way into the hour. I started to get worried when I didn't receive any response after calling for her thrice,' the servant explained herself hastily, wringing her hands in fret. It had been a false alarm after all. The princess was safe.

I must have forgotten to blow out the candles in my hurry.

Akane promised herself that she would not repeat the same mistake in future, chiding herself for her carelessness.

'I-'

'Alright alright! It doesn't matter as long as the princess is unharmed. The princess must be tired. Let her go back to sleep.' One of the guards turned towards her and bowed. 'Our deepest apologies for disrupting your well needed sleep, Hime-sama. If you may,' he led her back to her chambers, wishing her a good night as he slid the shoji doors close.

What a night! Akane thought as she pulled the blankets up ti her chin. She smiled. Ma-da-ra. She repeated his name over and over. She can't wait for Kana to come back from the Kingdom Of Snow. She had been sent to sign some documents but the war at the borders had made it too dangerous to cross. Nevertheless, their ally had offered to shelter her in their capital for the moment, assuring them of her safety.

Akane can't wait to see her again. She wouldn't stop worrying until she could see that her beloved cousin was safe and well. But today, she found another reason to see her. She can't wait. Can't wait to tell her of the beautiful guy she saw tonight. Can't wait to tell her how hard her heart was thumping as she peered into his dark eyes.

 Akane played with her hair, twirling a few strands around her index finger. Thinking back, she couldn't believe the things she had told him. She didn't understand why herself. Training as a princess had molded her into one who was constantly careful around others, one who knew how to choose only the appropriate things to say. But Madara had made her want to spill her true emotions and thoughts, and the thing is that he hadn't even asked! Akane wondered how he managed to unguard her so easily. Yet despite everything, she wanted to see him again. She hadn't believed in love at first sight, not until today.

Will he be there tomorrow?