Shiroyuki & the Fourteen Dere's

Chapter Fifteen - The Awakening

Miku sat staring out of the window of her room. In her mind, she couldn't help thinking of the boy who had charmed his way into her life. The garden that was once bare now are fill with colourful flowers, a result of his hard work. "Riku..."

Miss Reiko sigh closing the door to her Mistress room. Their life had never been the same after the Prince appear in their life. He was a bright spot in their dull life. "Things will never be the same again." Mutter her.

"Where's your cat ear, Miyo?" Ask the Cook glancing at the solem Miyo. " "I lost it." Told her. "Is that so. Cheer up, Miyo. Its not like you to feel so down." Said the cook placing a plate of cookies in front her. "Eat up. Maybe this will make you less sad."

"Nao, you've been spacing out a lot today. Did you even hear what I say? Ask the General. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking." Said Nao giving her father a smile.

"Nao, it breaks my heart to see you acting like this." Said the General. "I will be fine. I have to be strong. For Riku." Told her.

"Lady Emiko, these are the list of names that you requested." Said a servant placing down a stack of paper in front her. "Leave it and you may go." Said Emiko.

Things had been hectic inside the Royal Council. Members that are found supporting Miss Kimiko Christine, had been stripped of their tittle for their act of treason. The Elder had decided to retire and leave her in charge.

She should be happy. It was what she wanted when she agreed to become part of the Council. "Happiness is where the heart is. I had seem to lost it to you...Riku." Whisper her touching the star earrings.

"Dont let it get away! If anyone dares to lose it, there will be a punishment!" Shout Shion. "You heard the girl! Whoever loses it will be punish!" Shout a guy as they gave chase to the wild boar.

Upon returning to the Dark Forest, she cries the whole day for the Prince. Her heart ache being far from him but she couldn't stay and do nothing. Hunting was her way to ease her sadness and to stay in control of the Rebels.

"Amber, you caught him! A fat wild boar! We will be having another feast tonight!" Laugh them with a cheer

"How are you feeling?" Ask Helios. "Sad. He is still not waking up." Said Mitsue. " I had to return back to Aegan today. Celeste insisted on it." Told him.

" Then go. It's not like you had any reason to stay." Said her walking away from him. But he caught her and pull her small body close to him.

" I have finally found the girl that I love and I won't let her go even if I am dying. If I could, I would have took you away with me. But, your sister will be angry and she might have my head for my crime." Said Helios.

"Then wait for me and come back when I'm old enough to marry you, Helios." Told Mitsue.

Unaware to them, Celeste was watching them from the window of her bedroom.

"At least one of us had found happiness." Whisper her. Truth was she wanted to stay, even if its forever just to be close to Riku. But her father had ordered her return for he had received a marriage proposal from the Kingdom of Desari.

"Forgive me, Riku..."

Shizuka sigh closing the thick book she was reading. Ever since Riku had fallen into deep sleep, she had kept herself hidden in the library.

Instead of novels she had been reading research book to find the cause of his sickness. She still couldn't forget the moment she hold him in her arms and he was not breathing. "Riku..."

Aiko stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looks pale and her eyes are puffy from all the crying. The last time she looked this miserable was ten years ago when her lover chose another girl as his bride. The difference in their status had made it impossible at the time for them to be together.

But Riku is everything to her. All her children are but Riku was special and she love him the most. More than a mother should. Seeing him laying there, not waking up had crush her. She has been crying ever since.

A knock on the door broke her musing. Opening the door she was surprised to find herself being pull into a hug. "I miss you, Aiko." Said a familiar voice. "King Eito?" Gasp her.

"Riku, I wish you would wake up soon." Said Aira gripping Riku hand. He has been sleeping for days now with no sign of waking up. The doctor says its because of the drug but she was unconvinced.

"I miss you so much. I know that I am not a good sister to you. I'm always yelling and hitting you. But never once you hate me for it. You were always telling mother that you are allergic to apple's because you know its my favourite."

"But did you know that I like it because you always cut it in bunny shape and its cute. I do like you so much. More than a sister should. It hurts to see you with other girls but I couldn't be selfish. They will bring you happiness more than I would. And I love you too much to see you in misery." Confess Aira in tears.

"I love you too." She heard him say. She look up and saw him smiling at her.

"More than a brother should. And it is very painful for me to act nonchalant and pretend. I envy Kagya for he was never afraid to show his feelings to you." Said Riku. "Aira, I love you." Confess him.

"Riku...I love you too but I also love him. Kagya has been patient with me, courting me and showering his affection. That man is annoying but he is very dear to me." Said Aira pouting.

"I know. I can see it in your eyes. I understand it very well now. Because I too had fallen in love and this might sounds crazy but is it possible to fall in love with all six of them?" Grin him. 

"I have decided not to choose any of the candidates until I have reach the age of twenty when I will be crown King and ruler of Hevn. Until then I will be enjoying my youth and looking forward to every dates with each girls." Announce Riku during the celebration of his sixteen birthday.

"And I also like to introduce to you, Lady Fumihiro Miku. Half sister to King Kagya and one of my Future Queen Candidates.