Shiroyuki & the Fourteen Dere's

Chapter Twelve - Love Sickness

Inside the castle ground, hidden from the view of others was a small cottage. Around it, sweet smelling flowers bloom, its variety of shape and colous make a picture perfect views.

A pale silver hair girl sat by the window holding an open book in his hand. Beside her was her companion, a girl with cat- like tendacies yawning sleepily.

"Miku, what are you reading?" Ask Reiko placing a cup of tea on the small table beside her. "Shirayuki Hime no Densetsu. Legend of Princess Snow White." Said Miku holding up the book for Miss Reiko to see.

"Where did you get it?" Ask Miss Reiko. "Riku lend it to me. It's from the castle library, I was told." "That is very kind of him." Said Miss Reiko.

"He is a perfect gentleman. Sometimes he makes me feel like a fairytale princess. This sickness is a curse and just his presence alone can break the curse." Said Miku with a sad smile.

"Miss Reiko, Prince Shiroyuki Riku is here." Said a maid interupting the sad moment. "Riku!" Cried Miyo rushing to greet him. "Miyo, have you been a good kitty?" Ask Riku with a laugh as he pat her head. "I'm always good!" Said Miko pouting.

"How are you feeling today, Miku? You're still reading it?" Ask Riku when he saw the book. "Because I like it." Said Miku. "Keep it then. Shizuka will be mad at me for losing it but I think the book is more happier with you." Grin him.

"Shizuka is one of the candidates, isn't she? You talk about her a lot. Does this mean she will be your Future Queen?" Ask Miku. "I- I haven't decided yet. I rather not think about it until the time comes." Said Riku.

"But why? You should really start weighing your options now. Your birthday is in two days and in the end you need to choose." Advice Miku.

"I know that, Miku. But I really can't choose. These girls, they are all very special to me. It sounds selfish but I wish I didn't have to choose." Sigh Riku. "Or just gather them all in one place and get yourself a Harem." Said Miyo with a laugh.

"Tempting but its not possible. No one had ever done it before and I don't think I would start now." Smile Riku. "But do you really have to choose now? It's still too early and in such short time, was it possible to choose?" Ask Reiko.

"I really don't want to discuss this. I just want to spend the evening talking about anything but the choice I must made. Can we do that, please?" Ask him. "I will ask the maid to serve the tea." said Reiko. "What did you bring for me today? You talk about some macaroon the other day. I was hoping that you have it with you today." Said Miku changing the topic.

"You're in luck then! I did have some macaroon with me today." Grin Riku. "Really? I want a bite!" Cried Miyo excited. "There's enough for everyone, Miyo!" Laugh him. 

Miku smile remembering the memories of it. Today, Riku turns sixteen and he will finally choose a girl as his Future Queen. Thinking about it cause a bit of pain in her heart. Even Miyo is feeling miserable. Miss Reiko seems unaffected, but the book she's holding, sat untouch on her lap. The feeling of melancholy heavy around them.

But their reverie was broken by a chaos. The door were open and standing there with tears in her eyes was Shizuka.

"Please tell me that Riku is hiding here." Plead her. "He's not here." Said Miss Reiko cold. "Oh god..." Cries her slumping on the doorway. "What happen to Riku?" Ask Miyo worried.

"He disappeared. No one can find him. He didn't even leave a note. I'm worried. Something is wrong. Very wrong. I can feel it." Said Shizuka.

Miku feel her chest throbbing in pain. It wasn't the kind of pain that cause by the sickness. Clutching at her chest, she resolute herself and walk towards the door.

"We will find him. Take me to the castle. We need to gather all our resources to find him." Said Miku determine.