The Promise 2

Hettsu daydreamed as she walked the path back to her home. She didn't know how the princess thought her presence would help her fight for the kingdom, but she would keep her word. “Not simply because she commands it”, she thought out loud, “but I really like being around her.”

BUMP!

She was shocked from her thoughts as she walked into a clearly male chest. The young man stared down at her. She immediately frowned when she realized who it was. “Tatsuki! Were you following me?”, she demanded.

He snapped at her. “What do you think you're doing speaking to the princess again?”

The girl's eyes grew wide. “So, you were following me! What I do is none of your business!”

He grabbed her wrist and started pulling her along behind himself. “It is very much my business, sister! I'm both your brother and a royal guard. If you're caught breaking the emperor's command, not only you but our whole family will suffer!”

"I can walk without you dragging me!", she fumed, pulling her arm from his grasp. Hettsu grudgingly followed her brother's until they arrived at their home. Her wrist was now burning and sore. She stood rubbing it as her mother came out to meet them. Her mother asked Tatsuki, “Were your suspicions accurate?” The young man nodded.

“Hettsu..”, her mother said sadly.

“I didn't go to meet her.”, the girl protested.

“Whether by will or by chance”, her brother said a bit more menacingly, “stay away from the princess! You well know things are unstable. And you also know that the princess has many enemies, both within and without the palace. The closer you are to her, the closer you are to death, and you're an easy target.”

Her mother nodded to the son and spoke again. “Hettsu, why do you insist on being so close to the princess? If her enemies attempt to take her life, they surely kill you as well. Why do you want to be close to her?”

The girl tensed her arms, making fists. She knew she could never express what she felt when she was near Haruna. No one would understand, so she remained silent. Her mother continued. “You're to be married in just a few days. After that, you will have to cease seeing the princess. You have to be a good wife. I've arranged marriage to a very nice boy for you.”

“Why do I have to marry him? I don't want to! I just want..”, Hettsu started crying again. “I just want to be with the princess.” Her mother snapped. “No! You will marry the son of Lord Hoshino! I will not allow you to bring dishonor to your family. Do you understand me?” Hettsu's heart sank, and she dropped to her knees, weeping.

“Please, mother.” Sobbing harder now. “Don't make me do this.”

Her mother's expression changed to a mixture of stern and sad. “Daughter, I can see the princess has had a very bad influence on you. As your mother, I have to protect you and our family. You will be a good wife. You have no choice in the matter, so accept it and find happiness in your new life.”

***************

Two days had passed and Hettsu had heard nothing from the princess. Part of her wanted to sneak into the palace grounds just to get a glimpse of her, but she dared not do so and place Haruna in danger. Her mother had finally relented and permitted her to walk along the riverbank near their home. Haruna and her used to play together along these banks as children. That's how she first learned of the princess' powers. Hettsu had fallen into the river right after a strong storm and the waters were flowing fast. She couldn't swim and was quickly swept away by the current. She was sure this was the end of her life when the water suddenly stopped moving, as if frozen. Coming toward her, walking on the water as if on dry land was Haruna! She took the girl's hand and lifted her from the still water and walked her back to shore, whereupon the river once more began to flow violently. Hettsu was shocked and asked the princess how she did that. "I don't know", replied the young princess. "I just can. It just happens sometimes." That was just the first of many times these strange abilities showed themselves.

Today, the sun sparkled on the ripples in the water, dancing happily, when she heard the voices of men walking along the road on the hill above the riverbank. She could tell they were aristocrats by their characteristic dress-the sokutai. They were accompanying the emperor on his daily walk. She watched quietly, avoiding being seen by hiding in the brush. And then she saw her! In the very rear of the group the princess walked wearing a beautiful tarikubi, surrounded by court maids. Hettsu felt her heart skip upon seeing her. She didn't understand why she always felt like this, but she did whenever she saw the princess. She tried to move to get a closer look and a loud SNAP shattered the silence. Fortunately, the emperor was long past her and didn't hear it, but the princess turned to look at the river and saw Hettsu crouching clumsily in the brush. She stopped, whispered to one of the maids who then nodded and ordered the others to continue walking. Once they were out of sight the princess beckoned to Hettsu to come to her. Hettsu rushed up the bank to the road.

“Won't they notice your absence?”, she asked the princess, nervously looking down the road.

“My father doesn't notice me unless he wants to put on a show for the court.”, Haruna replied. “How are you?”

Hettsu dropped her eyes to the ground. “I'm okay, I guess.” Her tone wasn't convincing.

“You can never hide your feelings from me, so speak truthfully.”, the princess demanded.

Hettsu was ready to unburden herself. “My mother and brother forbid me to see you. More than that, they've arranged my marriage to Lord Hoshino's son.”

“Sota? They want you to marry Sota?” Her tone was incredulous.

Hetssu nodded. “Yes. I don't want to, but I have no choice.”

“Yes, duty does require you to marry.” The princess stopped and cocked her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. “When will you have the final arrangement meeting with his family?”

“This evening. They will be at my house.” Hettsu spoke almost in a whisper. “What should I do?”, she pleaded with the princess.

Slowly Haruna began to nod. Then inhaling and looking up to the sky, she said. “Attend the meeting.”

Hetssu was devastated hearing her words. “But that means...” The princess cut her off. “Do your duty, Hettsu, just as I'll do mine.” She spun on her heels and walked away leaving the girl standing on the road, heartbroken and hopeless.