Turned Table of the Phoenix

Kisses Never Lie

War, there is no benefit to taking lives or harming others because others are unable to come to an agreement, let alone settle their disputes as those educated should be able to do. Wars destroy lives and ruins dreams. Children are left fatherless or their brothers are slaughtered, while women are left alone to fend for their children. War changes your spirit and haunts you with memories both night and day.

I had completed my task and lead an army to victory with the assistance of Katashi. We were able to make amends with the country and provide aid to their people. I believed I had accomplished what I was set to do, however the emperor believed otherwise.

"Ah princess Eu-meh will be kind as to join me"?

The emperor stretched his outward to an empty seat across from him. I sat down and crossed my hands over the other, waiting for what was to come.

"I heard that you have carried our nation to victory and that you are an excellent warrior".

I nodded and tilted my head slightly.

"However,"

Wait what does he mean however?

"You did not lead alone. After the generals were killed you had help. Is that correct"?

I nodded slowly. Where was he going with his questions?

"You had help from my son".

So what?

"Yes that is correct your majesty, he and his warriors aided in bringing the war to an end".

"So you could not handle the task before you. You needed my son".

I was left speechless.

"You have shown that you do get along well with my son. Because you have not completed the task then you marrying my son remains. He suits you well does he not"?

I was completely cornered. I could not say his son does not suit me, that would show disrespect.
"Your son is wonderful...".

"Good! It's settled I'm glad you understand".

The doors opened and there stood the idiot. The one who was ruining my entire life.

"Eu-meh I need to speak with you. Come join me".

Internally I sighed and groaned. My outward appearance showed a smile and innocent eyes. I bowed gracefully and returned to standing full height. I looked at Katashi in the eyes and held out my hand.

He stared with a shocked expression.

Take the hand you dummy.

I took his hand and hissed, "take me where you're going to take me".

I turned back towards the emperor and smiled fully, showing all my perfect white teeth.

As soon as the door closed I unleashed.

"What do you want"?!

"I want to take you somewhere".

I glared, squinting my eyes to small slits.

"I'll take you to get those sticky rice balls and spicy chicken".

Did my ears deceive me or did he just bring up taking me to get food.
"Ohhh well why didn't you say so"!

I wrapped my arm in his and took off leading the way. Anything for food.

I sat down with my large plat of food and started scarfing my rice and chicken.

Katashi continued to look at me with a smile on the corner of his lips, ever so often sneaking bites of his food.

"This isn't where I wanted to take you. After you finish shall we go to where I wanted to go"?

I stuffed my cheeks a little more and nodded.

"Fine", I mumbled through rice.

"Oh how ladylike you are".

"I most definitely am", I said as rice speaks came out of my mouth.

What can I say, I was out of the presence of anyone royal besides him. He didn't count.

After cleaning up we walked down a path that went past a village and towards a forest. The deeper we went the eerier it became. I snuggled closer towards Katashi as it became colder, as we drew nearer to a lake. I could see an outline of what looked like a home. And old abandoned scary looking home.

I wasn't getting murdered here.

"Hey umm where are we going anyway"?

"You'll see one we get there. We're going to that house".
I gulped as I became more scared, but I continued on.

We walked through the small wooden door that had holes and cracks all alongside it. It was a small cottage Katashi walked around the dark and I saw a spark ignite. As Katashi sat the flame down, it started a fire and I could see the rest of the room, furnished with wooden goods and paintings hung on the wall.

"This was where my grandparents started their life. In this small home they raised their only daughter that they were blessed with".

I traced my fingers across the wood, collecting dust. The home was so small how could it even be a home? One room was all it consisted of.

I sat next to the fire as did Katashi.

"Why did you bring me here of all places? What makes it so important"?

"I was very close to my grandparents. They were special to me just as you are".

Katashi's hand slipped on top of mine that was resting on the ground. I looked at him in the eyes.

"Just as they started their life here, I would like to start my life with you here also".

Katashi pulled something from his pocket and leaned in closer to me, both of his arms went around my neck as I heard a small click. My eyes lingered down towards a simple necklace that was silver, a little green jade hung from the bottom.

"Eu-meh marry me and be my queen".
I couldn't say no or the emperor would have my head.

"Yes your highness".

"Don't say that, call me what you have always called me by".

"Yes jerk".

The expression on his face was priceless.

I chuckled so hard.

"Yes Katashi".

He wrapped my arms around me and kissed me as the fire crackled behind us.

Did I truly want this I thought as my lips continued to meet his.