The Escape From Empress (Anime Story)

Chapter 6: Unexpected Visit

- Tsukiko Hokke's POV -

"Mother, do you love me?" My 6-year old self looked up at my mother while she was holding a fan. 

"Of course, why wouldn't I love you?" Mother wrapped her arms around me tightly. Once she let go, she immediately slapped me on my left arm with her fan. "You wish I loved you. You don't deserve my love." 

My eyes widened. "But Mother... what did I do wrong!" Tears ran down my face. 

Back to Reality

I quickly sat up from the bed and held onto my chest. My heart was racing fast and I was sweating all over. 

Yukiharu rolled over to me with his eyes closed. "Is everything okay?" 

I took deep breaths and continued to hold onto my chest. "Yeah... I'm going to go take a shower." 

In the Shower

I took off my clothes and went into the shower. "I wonder why I had a dream about Mother..." I chuckled. "Probably because I haven't been hit in a day." I put a bath towel on my body and headed out of the shower. "Is it okay if I borrow your clothes again today?" 

Yukiharu leaned against the bed frame while reading some documents. "Sure, wonder what's taking your House so long to bring your stuff over." 

"They should be arriving soon." I smiled at him and then frowned while looking at the ground. 

Knock Knock

Hana opened the door and peeked inside. "Princess Tsukiko, the House of Kanshi will be arriving soon." 

My eyes widened. "Already? It's only been a day." 

She closed her eyes and put her head down. "I'm sorry, but they insisted to check up on you."

In Front of the House of Konoe

The empress, Yukiharu, and the staff stood in front of the House to greet my House's arrival. Suddenly, we heard a horse's footsteps coming towards us. The horse carriage adjusted inside so it would be in front of us. The messenger opened the door and my Mother came out along with my brother. 

"Greetings, Mother." I curtsied in front of her. 

The House of Konoe curtsied and bowed to Mother, but I lower my head even longer because of what Mother would do to me if I didn't. 

"It's a good thing you haven't forgotten your manners." Mother smirked behind her fan. 

"Of course not, it's only been a day." I continued to lower my head. 

Yukiharu walked up from behind me and brought my body up. "It's very nice to meet you, Queen of the House of Kanshi." He bowed down. 

"The pleasure is all mine. I am also very sorry for what Tsukiko did." Mother closed her fan and smiled. 

"Sorry for what?" Yukiharu smiled back. 

"I have no idea," She giggled. "...but I know she did something wrong." Mother looked past us and walked toward the empress. "Ahh, Empress, long time no see." 

"I am very sorry that my husband couldn't be here." The empress smiled. 

"Oh, no worries. I came here to see you, actually." Mother smiled as well. 

Keiji walked up to me and immediately hugged me. "How have you been?" 

I hugged him back. "I've been well, but it's only been one day." I giggled. 

He let go of me and looked me in the eyes. "It felt like forever but I'm glad you're safe here." 

Yukiharu smiled at us. "Safe from what?" 

Keiji and I looked at each other and then smiled back at him. "Oh, nothing." 

In the Royal Living Room

"Princess Tsukiko, your stuff has been placed in your bedroom." Hana bowed down to the right of me while I was sitting on the couch.

"Thank you." I smiled and then went back to the conversation with Yukiharu and Keiji.

"I hope you're treating my sister well, your Highness." Keiji smiled.

"Of course." Yukiharu smiled and then put his face closer to mine. "After one day, I feel like we've already had our connection."

My eyes widened. "Yukiharu..."

From my peripheral, I could see that Keiji wasn't loving our position.

"...do you mind? My brother is sitting right there..."

Yukiharu smirked and then leaned back.

"Thank you so much for taking Tsukiko away. She makes me really stressed out." Mother giggled.

"Oh, no problem, I'm glad. I finally get to have a daughter." The empress smiled.

"I feel bad for you to have Tsukiko though." Mother smiled.

"Oh, no, Tsukiko is perfect." The empress smiled again.

Though they were having a friendly conversation, lightning sparks were in between them.