Shiroyuki & the Fourteen Dere's

Chapter Eleven - Tough Love

Riku had never felt so intimidated than being stared down by the girl in front him. Beside him, Miyo was probably feeling the same as he is. The poor girl was close to tears.

"I tolerated you fooling around, acting immaturely when you should have stayed by your Mistress side and keep her company. It is only because she took delight in your stories that I let you fool around." Said the dark blue hair girl her face void of expression.

"And I had told you that in no other way must you let others know of your Mistress existence." Continue her. "But Reiko, he's the Prince." Said Miyo half whispering.

"And I don't care. He could be the King himself and I still wouldn't let him see the Mistress! I don't trust him." Scold her. "But I do! Prince Shiroyuki is a kind person." Said Miyo.

 "A truly kind person would not make one hopeful while promising other girls the future." Said Reiko.

"I did not make such promise!" Said Riku bursting with anger only to be met with her cold glare."But you did leave them hopeful."

A maid rushes in and whispered something in her ear. "The King?! But why is he here? Why didn't he say anything?" Ask the dark blue hair maid in panic.

"Is there anything wrong with me wanting to meet my own sister?" Ask a voice they all knew so well. "Nothing is wrong, Your Majesty. Just that it was an unexpected and while I was trying to deal with the Prince." Said her flatly.

"I am aware of his presence and he is allowed to see her. Perhaps his company will bring something good to her well-being." Said Kagya.   

"Understood. I will go and inform the Mistress of both your presence. Miyo, you will come with me." Instruct her. Miyo was only glad to comply. The King presence intimidate her more than Reiko's.

"Before I go, allow me to introduce myself. I am the Mistress guardian and personal maid,Okimia Reiko. You will address me as Miss Reiko." Said Reiko. "And please forgive me for my remarks earlier. I should not be quick to judge you." Told her before leaving.

"Miss Reiko used to be in my army as a medical help." Explain Kagya. "I trusted her to take care of my half sister who had been sickly since young age." "Why keep it a secret?" Ask Riku.

"I have many enemies. She is my only weakness. I don't want any danger to her anymore than she already is with her health. I trust you will keep this a secret to yourself." "I trust you with my sister. You can expect the same from me." Said Riku. Kagya just nodded and they both sat in understandable silent, as they wait for Reiko.

"Your Highness, I am sorry to disappoint you but she is sleeping and I don't want to wake her. Miyo is keeping her company." Told Reiko. 

"Let her sleep. I will come again whenever I have the chance." Said Kagya. "Do you mind if I stay?" Ask Riku. "Let him stay." Order Kagya leaving her no choice but to agree.

The two sat in silent drinking in their tea. He could tell she doesn't really approve of him being here. "Will you tell me something about the young Mistress?" Asked him breaking the silence.

"The Mistress body is fragile and weak. I had been by her side since she was ten. The doctor said she won't live long. I refuse to think of it. She is turning sixteen too this year. A week after yours. We hope she would live longer." Said Miss Reiko.

"Despite her sickness, the Mistress had never given up on living. She was kind and gentle. If she wasn't sick, she would probably be chosen as one of your Future Queen candidate." Smile Reiko fondly at the thoughts.

"I notice that as lovely as this small cottage is, it doesn't have a garden." Said Riku changing the subject. "We don't have much help here and none of us had the talent for gardening. Aside from Miyo, the maids here including me are medical helper from Kagya army." Said Reiko.

"If you don't mind, I could work on the garden. I am sure that the Mistress would love it." Told Riku.

"No, I can't ask you to do that!" Said Reiko in horror. "I don't mind. I done it all the time back home." Grin Riku and Reiko was instantly agreeable, a faint blush spreading her cheek.

A/N: Picture above is Reiko