Chapter 26: Chapter 25: temple duties

At the mid-day meal, I told my family that I would start my temple duties today. I agreed with mother Ima that I would spend every afternoon in the temple, performing my duties as a head-priestess. The rest of the day I will be attending to my princess duties, or am free to spend time as I desire.

 

Father and mother insisted that I should be assigned personal guards, me being the sole heir to the throne. For now, I convinced them that Mizuki would accompany me and Nana as well. Nana was taught basic defence techniques, and Mizuki, well she is my big-sister, so of course she will join me. I think I speak for all of us three, that the temple visit will be a welcome change of scenery, as we are always locked away in the palace.

 

Sure, we can't go to the festival tomorrow, but let's enjoy this trip as much as we can. 

My parents insisted that I again go by royal carriage, but I insisted that I need to be able to walk to the temple myself. Most people will not even recognise me, and even if they did, they would probably only try to protect me. 

 

I asked Nana and Mizuki to wear some comfortable shoes. Nana is apparently the only one who can comfortably walk in heels all day, but we sisters wear flat shoes. No more high heels for me for a while.

 

But before we left, mother Miyako whispered in my ear: "don't think you can sneak away like that young lady. Now tell me, what did it say?"

 

"Ah, sorry mother, I would like to keep that private if you don't mind."

 

She gave me her best impression of sad puppy eyes, and of course I caved in. "Alright mother, but not today. I need to think about it for a while. I promise I will tell you soon, okay?" 

 

"Alright then sweetie, go attend to your duties. And think fast, you made me very curious, you know?"

 

"Ah ha, yes mother. Bye!" 

 

The three of us left the Royal Palace on foot, past the guard house.  All the guards stood at attention and gave their best smile. Then, when I thought that nobody looked at them, I turned around and got a wink and a big thumbs up from Mr Masaaki. I gave a quick nod and then looked forward again. Nobody noticed that, right? 

 

"Ah, Greya, did I imagine things, or did one of them give you a thumbs up?" Mizuki asked.

 

"Yes, you probably imagined that, Mizu. Why would they use such an indecent gesture to signal a princess? No, you are mistaken, big sis."

Then I made eye contact with Nana, who winked at me. Now it was my turn to give a grin and a thumbs up to Nana. She gave a quick nod in acknowledgement. This time, Mizuki didn't see anything at all. 

 

We walked across the drawbridge, arriving in the noble district. The road was well maintained, all paved. 

I guess Nana knew that, otherwise she wouldn't be wearing high heels this afternoon. 

Enormous mansions can be seen, all far apart from each other. Neatly trimmed lawns, lanterns at each house. 

 

While we chatted about last day's events, the sunny weather made way for more clouds. The sun only peeked through them a few times. Then, a horse-pulled carriage cut us off. I almost bumped into them, hadn't Nana pulled my arm back. "Watch out princess!"

 

"Eek!" I say, totally surprised. That's what I get for looking at the sky. 

 

"Sorry!" The driver said, not even looking back.

 

"Oh my goddess. Thank you Nana. Mizu, are you alright too?"  I took a deep breath, calming my heart.

 

"Yes, I spotted them right before she pulled you back to safety. How rude of him!"

 

"Well, I doubt he knows I am a princess. That is the whole point isn't it? I will be more careful from now on.

Maybe they should put traffic lights here?"

 

"Traffic..lights? What are those?" Mizuki asks, tilting her face in confusion.

 

"Ah, nevermind. We have arrived at the temple. I still can't believe that father and mother insisted on using a carriage, we can easily walk here in fifteen minutes," I said.

 

"True, but it would have been safer, that man would have stopped the minute he would have noticed the royal carriage, believe me!" Nana said.

 

"Well, no harm done, let's not tell them about this event though. I don't want to be driven here everyday, surrounded by guards who then have to wait all afternoon for their princess to return,"  I said.

 

In front of me is the temple again. Not many people can be seen, perhaps they are preparing for the festival. 

 

"Alright you two, just follow me and stay by my side. I don't yet fully understand what is expected of me, so let's just go with the flow."

 

"Flow? What flow?" Nana asked.

 

"Ah, come on. You know what I mean. Now let's enter. Ah, and Nana, people will address me informally where possible, or they may call me demi-goddess or princess or whatever. Just try to play along and enjoy, alright? "

 

"Alright my demi-goddess." Nana giggled.

 

"Really? Now play ball, or today will be your last visit here, trust me." 

 

I notice Mika staring at Mizuki, who in turn shrugs. What is it now again? Whatever. 

Then I put my index finger on my lips, to indicate they should be quiet. Nice, they understood.

 

We enter the building, wiping our feet at the doormat, and wait for our eyes to adjust to the darkness. 

I look around, only four people are in this part of the temple. All of them are lighting a candle, or are praying on their knees. I know mother Ima doesn't like the worship part, but I guess it is part of this culture.

 

Only now I see a miko waiting in the corner, dressed in the usual white and red coloured kimono.

As she notices that we have eye contact, she waves her hand to signal me to follow her. The three of us follow her, then enter a room I haven't visited before. 

 

Again a brightly lit room, so our eyes have to adjust, but that only took a second or two. 

The miko closes the door behind us and says "head-priestess Greya, be welcome here. You can speak normally from here. Only the entrance has a strict non-speaking policy."

 

Oh dear, I can't remember. Did I speak there last time? Whatever, let's hope nobody remembers.

She sounds informal, but is still polite, good. I don't want to start the whole princess or demi-goddess routine here. Well, while it lasts anyway.

 

"Thank you very much. Might I have your name?" 

 

"Of course, my name is Midoro. I am at your service. Might I inquire about your guests?"

 

"Sure Midori. This is my sister Mizuki, and this is my good friend Nanami. They both wish to see my temple duties first hand. They also serve as guides and as guards, until I have my own guards."

 

"I see, head-priestess. You will bring your guards here? Please forgive me, but guards are not allowed in this temple. Those are the instructions from our goddess herself. The temple is a place of teaching, peace and understanding. Weapons are not allowed." 

 

"Yes Midori. First, please address me as Greya from now on. I want us to become friends, as well as colleagues. Regarding the guards, you are fully correct. No armed guards will follow me inside. They will wait outside, and only intervene when absolutely necessary. It was not by my request, but a request of his majesty the king. It found it somewhat difficult to object."

 

"I see, eh, Greya. Then there are no problems. I would like you, Greya, to change into our priestess robes. Yours will have a red belt, to indicate that you are our leader in faith and wisdom."

 

"Thank you Midori, when I finish changing my clothes, where do I need to go from here? Is there a gathering or meeting? I was not yet fully informed about our daily routine."

 

"No problem. Please go to that door there, and Kasumi will guide you through the afternoon."

 

"I understand. Many thanks Midori, you are dismissed."

 

Midori bows and leaves the room.

 

"Wow, Greya, you sure are serious about this job aren't you?" Mizuki says.

 

"Shh. Mizu, keep it down. It is best not to talk too much. And yes, of course. These are my duties. My mother, goddess Ima, requested me to become the head-priestess. Please understand that I take this seriously."

 

They both nodded, respecting my desire to do my job properly.  

 

Five minutes later, I wore a white robe, adorned with a red belt. This looked rather plain, compared to the dresses I have been wearing, and the well-dressed nobles I have been interacting with lately. 

Maybe it is good, this keeps me from feeling superior to commoners. Behaviour I would dislike to see in others. 

 

"How do I look?" I asked.

 

"Well, you look, eh, priestessy, I guess?"  Mizuki answered while shrugging.

 

"You look fine, princess, but may I recommend wearing those sandals? It might be a bit cold to walk on the temple floors without them." Nana added.

 

"Ah ha ha, yes, that might be a good idea."

 

We open the door and arrive in a large room. There are fifteen or twenty people here, waiting for someone. Oh dear, I feel like they are waiting to see me. What should I do?  

Then I see Kasumi, and walk towards her, while showing my warmest smile to all the people gathered here. It never hurts to smile, right?

 "Ah, good afternoon head-priestess," Kasumi took a few seconds to look at me from all sides.

"Yes, yes, this suits you well. Maybe a size too large for you, but not bad."

 

We then continued, whispering, as we don't want to share events with all those present here. 

 

"Kasumi, it is Greya, and how are you handling things here? No extraordinary events or something?" I asked.

 

"Well, eh, Greya, all was fine until yesterday evening. I don't know what happened, but many people came to the temple. Usually almost nobody visits us in the evening, but it was really crowded yesterday. 

They all talked about a miracle that had happened in the palace, our goddess would have appeared there. Do you know more about it?"

 

I looked at Mizuki and Nana, then back at Kasumi. "Well, to be honest, yes. My mother Ima appeared last night. One of the noblemen didn't believe that I was her daughter. Let's say they all are believers now."

 

"I see, that explains things. Even though I would expect our temple to be almost abandoned, because of tomorrow's festival preparations, we have kind of a situation here. These people learned that you are our goddesses' daughter. Some are in need of healing, others seek a blessing. And unfortunately we have doubters here as well, they want proof that your wisdom exceeds their own."  Kasuma said, while grimacing, afraid that I would be offended.

 

"Before I forget it, Kasumi, this is my sister Mizuki, and this is my good friend Nanami. They also act as my guards today."

 

"Nice to meet you," they all bowed and introduced themselves in turns.

 

I looked at my sister and Nana, then motioned them to stay behind me.

 

Turning around, to face the people in the room, I tried to judge who of them might be in need of healing, and who had a smug expression on their faces. I walk forward, seeing a man wincing in pain, so I want to help him first. But of course, I can't get near him, as some jerk thinks he is a smart one. 

 

"Hello girl, are you dressing up as a priestess? Sorry to say this, but please leave this room, we are waiting for the head-priestess to arrive and teach us new lessons in wisdom. Now please go." That jerk actually said that.

 

"My apologies good man, it is my duty to help the needy first. Your thirst for knowledge shall have to wait, as I am the head-priestess of this temple. Please step aside."

 

"No way, such a young girl can be head-priestess in the capital's main temple!"

 

Okay, now he is starting to get on my nerves. What oh what should I do? 

 

"A river tells no lies, but the dishonest man still hears them."

 

"Excuse me? What river?" He said. Oh this is precious. He wants wisdom, but doesn't recognise it when it is given. I am going to have just a tad more fun with this guy.    

 

"The sun is warm, the wind is wild, the grass is green along the shore, here no bull can hide." I reply with another smile.  But he looks totally confused, so I continue.

"You seek wisdom. I will gladly share it, as wisdom leads to happiness. Like a candle that lights another candle and another; happiness never decreases when it is shared. Please step aside, so I may bring healing first.

I will then share with you what was once shared with me, lessons in wisdom taught by an ancient one, who is not of this world".

 

"Girl, I don't believe you, now please, return home, this is serious business.." but he stopped talking, his eyes shocked at my appearance. Maybe because I let out my divinity, my shape changing into the kitsune form that resembles my mother Ima's. He started to panic, looking around confused, then kneeling in before me, as did many others.

 

"Fear not," I say, kneeling in front of him as well, putting my hands on his hands. "You are perfectly safe. I am not offended."

 

"Oh my goddess, my lady, who are you?" the guy said, tears forming in his eyes.

 

"My name is Greya, I am the daughter of goddess Ima. As am I the royal princess of this nation. 

I am here to teach, to heal, but also to learn just like you. Everyone here in this room, please rise. Just as my mother, I do not wish to be worshipped, nor do we deserve your worship. Please treat me like your equal. This temple is a place of equals, a place where kindness is valued highly."

 

People started to chat nervously. I retracted my divinity, stood up and looked like regular Greya again. 

 

"Now sit down and relax, all of you, my friends." I said, while smiling. 

I looked back towards Nana and the others. Oh boy, they look pale. Did I overdo this? Nah, they need to get used to this. This is my job.

 

People sat down, but still a bit nervous.  

 

"Thank you all. Now, let's focus on healing. Then I will answer a few questions. But just like you, please understand that I too don't know everything." 

 

Then I walked to the obviously still hurting man at the front. "My apologies for the delay, do you desire healing?" 

 

"Yes goddess, please if you will. I think that my arm is broken." The poor man said. An elderly man, his fur containing many streaks of silver.

 

"Please call me Greya. Ah, and I am only a half-goddess. I will now touch your arm, it may feel warm for a minute, okay?"

 

"Yes please, eh , Greya." 

 

"Good, good," I touched his arm, then felt warm energy flowing from my heart to his arm. He was healed within seconds. "Try your arm now, my good man." 

 

"Wah? It is better! It is healed! Thank you! How can I repay you?"

 

"Just be kind to others, that is already payment in full." I smiled, giving him a pat on his shoulders.

 

"Is there anyone else that needs healing? No? Alright then. Just know that we will have regular healing sessions here, and they are always, and I do mean always, free of charge."

 

"Alright then. The dear sir who wished to learn wisdom. Are you ready to ask your questions? The others will have to wait for a next time, as I have some other business to attend to today. I promise to listen to all of you, but unfortunately not today."

 

"Eh, yes, eh Greya", he had some obvious trouble addressing me informally, looking around, then his eyes looking back and forth between the floor and my eyes. 

 

"Then shoot." I replied.

 

"Shoot? Shoot what?"   Ah no, no. What is wrong with these people? I motioned him to continue.

 

"Ah, if I may. We are told many things during our academy years, and here in the temple as well. But until now, nobody was able to explain, well, something difficult, you know, the real meaning of life?"

 

I smiled, then shook my head, he really asked that?  

 

"Well, the meaning of life, that is one of the most difficult questions to answer, as it depends on the perspective. Imagine a nobleman standing on the beach, forming his hands like a cup. He then fills his hands with ocean water, then takes it home, so he can release the water in his swimming pool. How long do you think he will need until his pool is filled properly?"

 

"Well, a long time?" The man said, obviously in a more relaxed mood, even smiling.

 

"Indeed, that is right. But eventually he will succeed. The question is, will you live long enough to see your pool filled with water so you can actually go swimming?"

 

"I see, so I wouldn't be able to understand anyway. That makes perfect sense to be honest. Maybe something easier for me to understand then. Let's see. Why don't people need to kneel before you or goddess Ima. Surely you are above us?" 

 

"Yes, yes, why?", other people want to know the same thing.

 

"Well, that is easy". I say, "just because I have healing abilities and access to more knowledge, that doesn't mean I am more worthy than you are. Imagine your own children kneeling before you and worshipping you. How would that make you feel?"

 

"So, you view us as children then?" He said. Can you believe this guy? I am going to quit now. Maybe Kasumi can do this spiritual headache thing from now on. Yes, she can. 

 

"No, I do not view you as children, but as equals. I was hoping that you understood that part. Let's say it like this. I know more than a scholar, so he would technically need to kneel before me. You would then kneel before a scholar, because he knows more than you. Yet, you don't kneel for scholars. So don't kneel for me then. It is simple, really."

 

"Alright, thank you Greya". the guy said.

You are reading story Saving Mirai at novel35.com

 

"I am afraid our time is up for today. Kasumi here will take over from me now. I hope to see you again, good afternoon everyone!" I bowed politely and gave my warmest smile, then immediately turned around to face Kasumi. 

 

Kasumi nodded at me, agreeing to take over from me. "Well done, on your first day Greya. But you said healing is free of charge? How are we going to maintain the temple if nobody will pay anything?"

 

I stared at her for a minute, without giving her a response. Until she understood that she should not have asked. 

 

She was fidgeting, and then said "sorry."

 

Then I said, "yes you should be, but I understand your question. You are new to your role as priestess, so let this be a small lesson for you. Just find a way. Do some festival work, help people in the streets. Kindness will be repaid with kindness, and besides, I will ask my parents for a monthly contribution. 

And there is a donation box at the entrance, make sure that everyone here knows that voluntary means voluntary. You cannot buy yourself a ticket to the goddess, only give what feels right. Giving nothing can be right too. So, it means us working for money, not getting it by begging. That is not our way, okay?"

 

"Yes Greya, I will talk about this to the other mikos. We will think of a way soon." 

 

"Good, good, that's the spirit. Just be moderate about it, we don't need everyone here to work full time jobs, next to their temple duties. So find a middle way."

 

Then I said my goodbyes for today, and me and my two temporary guards left for the changing room. Well, that's what I call it anyway. 

 

Mizuki then said "where did those quotes come from, Greya?" 

 

"Those quotes? Ah, television. They...ah never mind." Their faces already showed what they were about to ask. I just smiled and shook my head.

 

"Nana, Mizuki, would you maybe wait outside for a bit? I will get dressed and meet you outside in 15 minutes or so." I said, looking a bit frustrated.

 

"You don't need any help?" Nana asked, concerned for the well-being of her princess.

 

"No, I will be fine. I need to talk to my mother Ima for a minute. I will join you soon."

 

Both of them left me, while I changed my priestess robes for my princess outfit. If only real life was as simple as flipping a switch. Work-mode, relax-mode. But I am no android, and this whole goddess thing is frustrating. 

 

"Mother, are you listening? How do you do this? I have to explain again and again that I don't want to be worshipped, I just want to do my job. And maybe have some fun with my friends too. Am I right for this job? They all think I know everything." Then I sighed. Mother was not listening, or she didn't want to hear me complaining. 

 

But I was mistaken. "I will be there in a few minutes sweetie," Ima said in my mind.

 

"Ah, good, I think I need a hug," I said wearily.  Then I found my way outside again, past the quiet zone where still only a handful of people were praying. 

 

The sun was shining brightly, much better outside here. I decided to sit down on a nearby bench under the trees for some shade. Ah, it is really relaxing here. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and relaxed. Yes, my batteries are recharging, I feel alive again.  

 

Well, that feeling only lasted for a minute as Mizuki startled me, when she put her hand on my arm. 

 

"Eek! What? Mizuki?? What are you doing?" I said.

 

She was blushing a little, switching her line of sight between my eyes and somewhere behind me. I ignore her. "What are you doing, Mizu?"

 

"Little sis, really? For goddess sake, look behind you already!"

 

I turned around, then my mouth almost fell open, my eyes large, as I had the most shocked expression on my face I have ever had. It's him! Oh my goddess, it is him! What is he doing here? Oh no, I can't deal with this right now, what if he asks..."  But I had no time to continue worrying, as he stood right before me.

Good thing I stopped looking like an idiot, just faking a relaxed expression in time.

 

"Hello Greya" was the only thing Kenji said. That was the signal for Mizuki and Nana to keep their distance, as they did.

 

I looked surprised, then replied "He..he...hello Kenji. What are you doing here?" I'm a bit annoyed...my sister is a traitor, leaving me all alone...oh dear, my face is on fire, I am blushing furiously.

 

"You may not believe me, but I was just passing by, preparing to leave for home when I saw a familiar face. 

I couldn't resist saying hi." he said. "May I sit next to you for a minute?"

 

"Ah, of course, please do. I like this spot, it is really nice here" I said, avoiding eye contact. Maybe a bit too nice here at the moment, though.

 

Kenji then sits down at my right side. He is wearing casual clothes today, but he still looks like a nobleman.

I guess he was on business here. Then my thoughts find their way back to reality, yes he is really here. Awkward silence..

 

"Greya," he said, making me look at his icy blue eyes, oh dear, "did you get my letter?"

 

Now it is happening, I am melting, what is this? His eyes, his eyes, they are so deep, I can't look away anymore, "yes,"  is the only thing I can manage to answer. My tummy feels all tingly, it must be time for evening-meal soon. Yes, that must be it.

 

My ears were twitching, so I tried to camouflage that by adjusting my hair behind my furry ears.

But my tail betrayed me and anxiously moved left and right. I couldn't see his fluffy tail from here, would it be moving happily by now? Ah, what am I thinking?

 

"Greya, just take your time, alright? I only wanted to ask if you could come visit me. You know, maybe next week or so? It is only an hour from here by horseback, maybe a bit more in a carriage."

 

"Kenji, please forgive me," I said.

 

"Oh no, you...you don't want to visit..." Kenji said, looking sad. 

 

I interrupted him, "Kenji, no, that is not what I am saying." 

 

He then took a deep breath, obviously relaxing again. 

 

"Kenji, today was my first day on the job as a head-priestess. And to be honest, being a head-priestess and a princess, and a demi-goddess, is a bit much for me."

 

"Ah, that I understand," he says. "Then just be Greya with me. That is all I want." 

 

I giggled, smiled again, then replied "thank you Kenji. I really appreciate that. Thank you for being normal with me"

 

"Greya, I am always normal, though? 

 

"Ah, ha ha ha, yes, well you know what I mean."

 

"I do, now, when can you come and visit me? You implied that you wanted to see our ocean first hand. 

Maybe visit our town, we have royal suites in our hotel, you know". Kenji said.

 

"Royal suites? Ah, well, honestly, I don't care for such a thing. But, well, I need to be at the temple tomorrow, anyway, I can't leave the palace without my parents' consent. I am an heir to the throne, so it makes life a bit complicated. I really want to come and visit you, and see your village. I would love to change the scenery for a while. Even if only to escape my palace prison for a bit."

 

"Well, then it's settled. Talk to your parents, and just reply to my letter when you have the time. I will wait anxiously for it to arrive" Kenji said.

 

I started blushing again, looking at my feet. "Is this, well, like a date or something?" Oh goddess, why did I say that out loud? Bad me! Bad me! My face is burning with embarrassment again. 

 

"Well if you want, we could make it a date, yes. You were the one to invite me to a dance, remember. Also, assuming that a date is allowed for a priestess" he said, showing me his warmest smile ever. 

 

"Ah, ah, I didn't mean it like that. I was just wondering about your intentions. Ah eh, and yes, it would be okay for a priestess. Or head-priestess I should say." Oh goddess, wrong! I didn't mean it like that!

 

"Good, then let me know when, and we will have a date. I promise I will treat you like a princess." he said smugly.

 

I didn't know how to reply, my face was burning up from embarrassment. What does he think of me? I practically invited him to date me! I put my hands in front of my face, waiting for him to speak.

 

He then puts his hand on my shoulder, then I gazed into his eyes again.  

 

Kenji says "Princess, I see you are embarrassed by my presence. My apologies. That was never my intention. I just wanted you to have a good time with a friend. I will no longer keep you from your duties."

 

"Ah no, it is not that" I say, shaking my head vigorously. Showing worry on my face. "I just don't know what to reply or how a princess should act. It is a bit much for me. Please give me some time, Kenji. Just give me a few days to prepare and discuss things with my parents. I hope they agree to let me..."

Then I put my face in my hands again. 

 

"Greya, it is alright. You are amazing just the way you are. Just give me an answer whenever you are ready. 

Do you promise?" 

 

"Yes Kenji", was all I could say. When I looked up, he was already gone.

 

"Oh goddess what have I done?" I say out loud. 

 

Then someone startled me, replying from right behind me "well sweetie, that is a normal thing to do." Mother Ima said.

 

"Ah, hello mom, you startled me. It was quite a day today."

 

"Yes dear, I know all about it. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. You did an excellent job today, and no."

 

"No what, mom?"

 

"No, it won't get any easier. People will always believe that we are above them. Just get used to the idea, and don't let it go to your head."

 

"I see, well expected as much. About Kenji, can I really go to him?"

 

"Yes sweetie. I see how you two interact. I really think you both could be happy together. Just give it a chance. Just know that nobody is forcing you. Even if you are a princess, you ultimately decide. I just want my only daughter to be happy."  She put her arm around me.

 

I then leaned into her shoulder, and whispered "I know, thanks mommy. For everything."

 

"You are welcome dear. I will be there for you whatever happens with you two. Ah, that is not what I meant, but you get my idea." 

 

I rested my back against the tree, then started to blush again. 

 

"Now go home sweetie, it is time to talk about this with your parents."

 

Then my mother was gone, no flash, no, just vanished without a trace. 

 

When we arrived back at the palace, my mother was already waiting for us at the gate. Well, waiting for me, I think. Imagine that, a queen waiting for me like I am a toddler, coming home from a sleepover at her grandparents'.

 

"Hello girls, welcome home."

 

"Hello mother" I said, trying to identify the look in her eyes. She is hiding something. 

 

"Greetings my queen" Nana finally replied respectfully while bowing for a few seconds.

 

"Good afternoon mother, " Mizuki replied, then adding  "Greya met Kenji again at the temple!" 

 

"What? You traitor! Come here!" I wanted to run after Mizuki, but mother signalled me to stop, looking seriously. "Greya, dear, do you have a minute? You can catch up with those two in a minute or so." 

 

"Of course mother. What happened?" I asked, worried.

 

"Well two things happened, first, goddess Ima visited us. She wants us to assign two permanent guards to you. They must be around you at all times. She also said you need to take care of important business soon. Something that might impact the future of Mirai. So you will not be visiting the temple for a while, but you will be acting as head-priestess in another way. Just don't ask me what that means."

 

"What? Prepare? For what? I just saw my mother back at the temple. Why didn't she just tell me then?" I asked, obviously annoyed.

 

"Calm down sweetie. She must have her reasons. She will keep an eye on you, so don't worry. She is also your mother, don't forget that."

 

"Yes mother. I understand. But all I get is more questions lately. I just want to have a life, you know"

 

"Greya, you are a princess, life will not be easy for you. But you will never be alone, now come here." She pulled me in a big hug. That made me smile again. 

 

"Ah, wait, you said two things. What was the other thing you wanted to talk about?" I asked.

 

"Ah, I hoped you had forgotten that. Well, dear. How do I say this? I did something that I shouldn't have done, and I want to ask you to forgive me"

 

"Mother, you are a queen. What on Earth could you have done that requires me to forgive you?" 

 

"Earth?"

 

"Nevermind. I heard that expression somewhere. Now please tell me."

 

Mother takes a deep breath. 

 

"This afternoon, when you were visiting the temple, I actually kind of accidentally walked into your bedroom."

 

"My bedroom? Why would you visit there? There is nothing inte..rest..ing. there.  Noooo, you didn't?"  I asked

 

"Yes, I did. I felt a bit lonely, you are always so busy. Reading, talking with your sister, visiting the gardens, and now doing temple work too. Honestly, I would have loved to care for you when you were only a little one. But I could hardly enjoy the moment, and then you were suddenly an adult. I was thinking about that when I sat down on your bed, and then I saw it...  I noticed some paper sticking out of a drawer, and wanted to put it back neatly inside. I then realised I was holding your letter in my hands. And I couldn't stop reading it, maybe because you didn't want to talk about it. But it was not a threatening letter, like I thought, at all sweetie."

 

"Ah, no, that is not fair mom. It was not my fault that you read it!" I said, pointing at myself, my face heating up in anger.

 

"No, you are right. That is why I wanted to ask for your forgiveness. Would you please, Greya?"

 

"Well, only on one condition." I said, showing a smug smile. 

 

"Sure sweetie, anything."

 

"I like it when you keep calling me that. I will forgive you if you and father will let me visit Kenji soon."

 

"Wait, what? You want to visit him? You mean, you....?" mother asked, obviously confused beyond hope.

 

"Yes mother, I like him. I like him a lot. So you read my letter, but I wanted to tell you later anyway."

 

"Oh my goddess, Greya, sweetie, sweetie, congratulations. I am so happy for you. I hope you.."

 

"Mother please. I said I forgive you. We are not going to marry next week, I am only going to visit him. The main reason is because I like the ocean, well...and maybe him too, I think."

 

"Come dear, we need to tell the others. Your father has no idea, he has been dealing with all kinds of work issues lately." 

 

I look at her confused. "Work?"

 

"Yes dear, he has to run a country, you know. You will learn about that soon enough."

 

Ah man, I was in such a good mood. So father has to work, well that makes sense. A king who has nothing to do, that would be a first.

 

At the evening meal, we had a very warm discussion about today's events.

Warm, because my face was burning with embarrassment again. Especially when my mother asked if we held hands together. 

 

"Mom! There was no time!"

 

"So you wanted to then?" Mizuki teased me.

 

"Aah! You are impossible."  I excused myself from dinner, then ran to my room where I crash landed on my bed. I buried my face in my soft pillow, and decided never to leave my room again.

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