Alluring Secret [TechiNeru]

The Arrow of Judgement

It had been months since Memi saw Yurina at that tavern in Gana Village. She followed Yuta - her betrothed to surprise him but ends up getting surprised herself. She had never expected to see her first love in the remote village; Yuta had told her that he'd be meeting with an old friend as well as invite him to their wedding. She had never expected for Yuta as the type to lie and keep secrets from her, she knew the prince is madly in love with her and had not once lied to her, well, that is until that day.

Indeed it shocked her, the pampered crown princess is now fending for her own self in this remote village, no wonder the royal family never bothered to search for her anymore. They must've known about this one way or the other, but what she didn't understand was why Yuta the next in line for the throne, was her betrothed when she would settle to live even as a peasant as long as she's with Yurina. To her, everything was a lie. Yurina betrayed her by leaving without a trace after they were engaged. Yuta betrayed her the moment he chose to stay quiet about Yurina's whereabouts, heck he even appeared to refuse to believe when she said she saw Yurina! The King and Queen of Keyaki kingdom as well, they were just scared that Hinata will declare war and had pushed the remaining heir to marry her. And of course, her parents-her Majesties, who despite knowing that she only wanted to marry Yurina, forced her to marry Yuta. Everyone in her eyes now had betrayed her. Except for her faithful guard, Takase Mana.

She had stayed in Gana village without Yuta's knowledge. Stayed to steal glances of her beloved from a distance. It was because of this that she saw Yurina with the Nagahama heiress. The two looked so happy together. The couple had just exited the town's small church, Neru's arm linked with Yurina's.

That should be me. Me in Yurina's arms. Me who makes her smile like that. Neru. That girl stole Yurina from me.

"Mana." She called for her faithful guard.

"Yes, your highness?" The girl replied politely.

"Get rid of that Nagahama heiress for me."

Mana bows and heads off to do her master's bidding. She couldn't believe that her innocent and frail master gave her such an order. The righteous princess she had grew up with and whom she served had been tainted by the jealousy of the love she could never had.

******

"Nee~ Tecchan," Neru nudges her beloved's arm as they pass by a jewelry shop.

Techi halts from her tracks as she look over at Neru who had clutched her arm with unnecessary force. "Y-yes?" she winced in reply, trying to hide the fact that Neru's grip on her arm was too strong.

Neru remains silent, her eyes transfixed at the display window. Techi follows her line of sight, Neru was eyeing a certain piece of jewelry. It was a ring.

"Do you want to have a look inside?" Techi whispers.

"Could we?" Neru asks, her eyes sparkling at the idea.

Techi giggles at Neru's reaction and led her inside the shop.

The shop was not as luxurious as the one in Keyaki Village but it was just as elegant the former. The shopkeeper welcomed them with warm greetings. While Neru beams at the ring near the display window.

It was an intricate piece of jewelry; it was a gold flower ring studded with diamonds.