The Palace decorated with flowers of spring. A fresh impression. Smells of local delicacies filled the air in the palace. Everyone knew the occasion. The Crown Prince of Da Ri was paying a visit.
Due to the lack of an Empress, the Royal Princess was making all of the arrangements.
"When will the Crown Prince arrive your highness?"
"He should arrive at any moment. Raisei has gone to fetch him."
"Raisei?! He's too outspoken."
"Out spoken yes, but also most cordial."
"Report back to me once he has arrived, arraignments for a welcoming banquet should be underway after he greets his Majesty. Report to me once everything has been settled."
The princess spends the rest of the day doing the usual duties. Being a proxy for the Princess Consort is a hassle.
"Greetings to the Emperor."
Shimmering lights, trickling beets, music in the background.
"Greetings to Crown Prince of Da Ri, Ri Kazashimo"
"Greetings princess."
In the festive room with the aromatic atmosphere a pair of inquisitive eyes frequently made their way towards a frail body with a solid stance.
As the night went deeper, and the young Emperor left for his chamber, the string of tension was set loose making a more casual setting. The Royals left one after another. The young Emperor was benevolent, once a banquet was underway, he let his subjects enjoy the fruit and the wine without being conservative.
A bitingly burning hand pulled the tipsy princess to a corner.
"I found you." His wine infused breathe was on her nape.
"It seems his highness in a drunken stupor spouting nonsense."
A firm push. He moved away but her hand was still held captive.
"Yurin"
"I don't recall giving your highness my name."
"Your highness do unhand me. I understand you're not in your right might right now, but I am not a part of your entertainment."
Seeing her merdurious glare, he let go. Bowing with a hand on his back.
"Apologies Princess, it appears the fruit wine has dulled my senses beyond my comprehension."
"I believe it is an honest mistake. I shall not be too narrow minded."
"Have a safe return then."
"Have an entertaining night."
When the sun was at highest peak of the sky, afternoon court began. Many ministers gathered. A group of three people were leaving the water castle. In-between a tall soldier and a handmaiden, a lady with a gauze hat walked. The three were heading to court.
On the far right of the garden a gentleman looked on.
"Who is that? Seiran?"
The other man glanced. He could feel a troubleling headache.
"The Crown Princess."
"The Crown Princess?"
"She's the Migi Adviser."
"A princess in court?"
"She used to be the acting emperor till the emperor took his throne."
"How is this taken?"
"With prejudice. But she's useful and the emperor doesn't mind."
The prince looks on sipping his tea, as the figure in muslin disappears into the hall.
"May this prince offer a cup of tea as an apology."
"What business does your highness have with this lowly adviser."
"A mishap transpired the night before."
"Your highness, with due respect these are the working hours, this adviser is not able to comply."
The prince smiles deeper, giving way to the adviser.