Chapter Text
It is proclaimed that love reigns as the most exquisite sentiment in all the realm, notwithstanding the tribulations it may bestow upon one's heart. For what can be deemed more marvellous than the rapture that envelops one upon gazing into the eyes of the beloved? Should you inquire the villagers within the kingdom, they would avow that love is a sacred bond to be shared with a companion who shall journey through the sands of time by thy side, striving together to cultivate a life of resilience; a steadfast partner upon whom one may rely, ever prepared to traverse the vicissitudes of life together. Conversely, should you seek the counsel of the aristocracy, they may declare that love is superfluous, urging merely the selection of a suitable match to fulfil the matrimonial duty, or they may extol the thrill of marriage, proclaiming that love may even blossom in the most desolate of hearts. Yet, our fair princess remains unyielding; her heart is not swayed by the prospects of matrimony nor the allure of love, despite her father's fervent entreaties to persuade her towards finding a suitable partner.
She would much prefer devoting her time to learning, singing, and entushiastically watching the latest theatrical performances, indulging in mindless games of cards against her royal attendants. Her timidity renders her utterly dismayed at the prospect of engaging with unfamiliar company; is she supposed to merely nod her head obediently and wed a gentleman who may appear a commendable king after just two dances and a simplistic exchange, as is the custom among her peers? She understands that marriage brings her a step near to ascending as queen of this kingdom, a prospect that fills her with dread, she yearns for greater aspirations, yet feels hopeless, as she believes herself ill-prepared for the burdens of royalty. Her people barely know her for she's always hiding behind her father and flees at every opportunity.
"Dearest daughter, how fares thy spirit? Is everything to your liking?" The king asks the princess while gently smiling, but he is only met by a displeased groan. "Nene, you cannot remain hidden behind me throughout the eve, you must venture forth to dance and converse with some of the gentleman I have gathered here today. Grant them a chance."
"Father...I would rather perish. May I take my leave now that the people have caught a glimpse of me at the ball?" Princess Nene's expression reflects a peculiar sorrow, how strange is her aversion to interaction for one of royal lineage, but it can't be helped. Yet her reticence is not for lack of admirers—gentlemen seek her attention; some for her royal status, others genuinely for her exquisite beauty and intelligence. All recognize Nene as the prettiest princess in all realms, yet she abhors being all dressed up, as she does not want for others to judge her based solely on beauty. Educated in diverse disciplines, including those often reserved for men, she is prepared for her future role as queen—attuned and open to the desires of her subjects, proficient in the command of her wealth and royal forces, and enriched by her artistic endeavors. Blessed with a voice of angelic resonance, known to play many instruments, masters the art of painting, recites poetry, dances with grace, and develops her theatrical talents—albeit only in the solitude of her cherished library.
"You vex me, my dear, you are fortunate that you are my only child and my affection for you is boundless to the point of incinerating the palace." The king smiles with a gentle look. "Yet, you are not excused; engage in at least two dances before you shall be freed from the ball."
"Might one count a dance between me and Your Majesty?"
"As flattered as I am to partake in a dance with my enchanting daughter, you shall not elude the stipulations I have set forth." Nene heaves a sigh, pondering whether her heart shall remain unscathed after engaging with two souls.
"Ugh...Alas...father, I am at a loss as to whom to converse with!"
"My princess, refrain from such discourteous expressions. And...might I suggest viscount De Clare? He appeared quite intrigued by you." The king tenderly takes Nene's hand, guiding her towards the dance floor. "Pray tell, where is your governess? Have you caused her distress again with your desire to flee?"
"No, father, she should be nearby; she accompanied me during my equestrian lesson."
"Ah, I shall summon her forth then. Be yourself and strive not to succumb to your timidity. I am watching you and I love you."
"Your version of love raises doubts, father..." Nene replies, yet a gentle smile graces her lips. As her father departs, feelings of anxiety assail her; her heart starts racing like crazy, her palms get sweaty and the feeling of dread completely engulfes her being. She struggles to concentrate in the sea of loud people and she scarcely perceives the viscount's presence.
"Your Highness? Are you feeling alright?" She suddenly hears amidst her reverie.
"Oh...uhm...y-yes, I am ever so well, merely lost in contemplation, my lord." She replies with a shy smile.
"Might I have this dance?" He inquires, to which she hesitantly nods in agreement.
One matter concerning our esteemed Nene is that, regardless of her usual prowess in the arts of dance, when partnered with another, she becomes a total calamity, ungraceful and uncoordinated, as if endowed with two left feet.
"I apologise, Lord De Clare...perchance I might have stepped on your foot."
"Your Highness, I'm certain your talents extend far beyond the art of dance; there is no need for apologies." He chuckles, a mirthful sound that assails Nene's auditory senses. "You shall soon wed and become the queen, how many offsprings do you envision, my princess?"
"I...I am uncertain; I have not contemplated progeny, for I yearn to dedicate myself to expanding my skills and talents before considering children."
"One must produce an heir to the throne; I suggest ranging from eight to nine children, as that suits my desires well." He smiles, yet Nene finds herself repulsed by his inflated ego, as if her sentiments hold no significance. Is this truly the manner in which she is to secure a consort?
"I deem eight to nine far too many...I do not wish to spend my reign in a continuous state of gestation; rather, I long to truly know and bond with my children. My father had but me, and our bond is splendidly close." He twirls her around, shaking his head in approval, yet it appears he is not genuinely attuned to her words.
"Such matters may be discussed in due time; may I remark upon your exquisite beauty this evening?"
"Thank you..."
"Allow me to enchant you with tales of my expeditions around the world, I am certain you shall find me utterly captivating." Despite his incessant monologue regarding his own exploits, he poses nary a query about her narratives, her preferences, or her aspirations. She listens in silence, seeking a shared connection, yet resolutely believes that the viscount is not her ideal match.
She furtively seeks her father, burdened by the guilt of her inability to fulfil his wish: for her to find tranquility in companionship; many desire her, yet she retreats, while her father still mourns the queen, the love of his life, even if it was many years ago.
The fair princess believes that no greater love has ever graced the realm than that which flourished between her father and mother, their ceaseless pursuit of one another, the way they laughed and cried together, the way the blissfully ruled together, yet alas she was cruelly taken from this world far too early, when Nene wasn't even thriteen years old, now she's almost twenty-three of age. Her heart does not yearn for love in a conventional sense, yet she muses whether a bond akin to that of her revered parents might sway her sentiments. Moreover, she ponders the worthiness of such an endeavor; to ardently love with a fervor unfettered, only to be met with the agonizing despair that accompanies the loss of a cherished one. Would it not be wiser to shield oneself from the relentless grasp of love's treacherous claws as to not fall prey to it?
"I find myself in the midst of a splendid evening! Pray, Your Majesty, you truly surpassed yourself this time; this ball is simply magnificent! I am most grateful to have been invited here." A voice, loud as thunder, pierces through Nene's ears, rendering her countenance momentarily sour. Yet, she is not alone in her discomfort, for all the other attendees' expressions are of mild vexation as well, though her father maintains a polite demeanor.
"Lord Tenma, I am ever so grateful to see you again, how are things working out for you?" The king inquires, to which the gentleman responds with a graceful bow.
"Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by thy concern for my welfare! I have been well, traversing distant lands, yet primarily endeavoring to aid in the restoration of the homes of the villagers devastated by that dreadful flood. I am eternally grateful for thy assistance, which has enabled me to improve the plight of the impoverished."
"I am heartened to learn that circumstances are improving for my subjects. Thy efforts are most appreciated."
"Ha, ha, ha! My king, you know I take an interest in shining like a star! What better way to gratify my ambitions than to be present when duty calls?"
"Lord Tenma." A voice, stern and as cold as winter's breath, interrupts. "Would you not concur that the matters betwixt thyself and His Majesty ought to remain...somewhat discreet?"
"Governess..." The blonde gentleman trembles slightly, lowering his tone. "Verily, I comply."
"Then temper your voice."
Observing this exchange, Nene graciously thanks the viscount for their dance, assuring him they may meet again—a blatant falsehood—as she excuses herself to join her father, her governess, and the enigmatic loud gentleman. After courteous bows, she discreetly retreats behind her father, declaring her completion of the dance with the viscount.
"Miss Asahina, excellent coordonation; I was about to call for you." The king proclaims with a smile, gently caressing Nene’s back.
"I beg your pardon for the inconvenience, Your Majesty, whatever you do require shall be attended to at once."
"I have matters to discuss with you, nothing of undue concern. Yet, my princess over here still owes me one final dance before she may flee the ball..." He chuckles and Nene finds herself vexed at the prospect of enduring yet another dreadful dance with an arrogant gentleman; yet, she chooses to refrain from vocal lamentations this time.
Her gaze appraises the tall, fair-haired, and handsome lord, eliciting a gentle smile upon his countenance as he notices the princess's interest.
"If Her Royal Highness desires to partake in a dance, I proffer my services." He declares with sudden enthusiasm.
"Indeed, that is a splendid notion. Dearest, dance with Lord Tenma, and you shall thereafter be free to retire!" Proclaims the king as he gracefully guides her towards the dapper nobleman.
"Yes, father..." Nene responds, her eyes imploring her governess for a means of escape, yet Miss Asahina observes her with an unimpressed countenance—reminding her, with but a glance, that she must at least endeavor to comply.
"Sit upright, Your Highness, for it is most unbecoming to slouch." Advises the devoted governess. To an untrained observer, it may seem as if she mocks the princess, driving her to the edge, yet in truth, it is her manner of encouraging her, urging Nene to maintain her grace.
Miss Asahina Mafuyu, a steadfast presence in the royal household since before the princess's birth, has become Nene's closest maternal figure following the sorrowful demise of the queen. Though she may appear stern, rarely bringing forth a smile and exuding an intimidating aura, Nene is well aware of her gentle spirit, offering sage counsel and having a remedy for almost everything.
Although the populace may claim the governess's affection lies solely with the princess, the reality is that she shares a deep bond with the king, having had esteemed camaraderie with the queen as well. After the queen's passing, she buried her own grief to steadfastly support the king and tender to the young and fragile Nene, guiding them through their trials, ensuring their gradual recuperation, and safeguarding the stability of the kingdom.
"Might I request the honour of this dance, Your Highness?" Lord Tenma inquires with a gracious smile, bowing deeply as he extends his hand towards the princess.
"Y-Yes..." Nene responds, accepting his hand and allowing him to escort her to the dance floor. "Pray, I must caution you, my lord, my dancing prowess may pose a challenge to you."
"If I may be so bold, dear princess, it is not the missteps that define your grace, but rather the resilience in your spirit and the joy you should embrace in all your endeavours. One cannot shine with brilliance unless one bears the heat of the flame." His gentle smile leaves Nene momentarily enraptured. "Or perhaps...I wonder, is the exquisite princess concerned that she may not leave an impression upon me if her dance lacks perfection?" He teases, a mischievous smile illuminating his face, rendering Nene's cheeks aflame and a conflicted frown upon her visage.
"I am decidedly not striving to impress you, my lord; it is you who ought to dazzle me!" She replies, torn between annoyance at his audacity and an undeniable intrigue.
"My mistake, Your Highness." His enchanting amber eyes radiate an invigorating energy, their warm glow reminiscent of the sun’s embrace, stark against the mysterious indigo depths of the fair princess’s own gaze, which speaks of her noble spirit, yearning for independence, and the latent ambition for heights undiscovered.
Lord Tenma's countenance bears a broad, gentle, and sincere smile, whilst Princess Nene's countenance is adorned with a soft, timid, and diminutive smile. His hands, robust and manly, endeavor to cradle the delicate hands she possesses. Even through their gloves, their gentle touch conveys warmth, never appearing forceful. As he sways with her, elegantly dancing and twirling her as if she were but a feather, her looking up to him and him looking down at her because of their contrasting heights, all onlookers momentarily gaze in admiration of this enchanting tableau.
"What do you cherish, Your Highness?"
"What...I cherish?" Nene ponders for a while, contemplating a response befitting the noble count, yet she finds herself perplexed, for how can one know what to declare? "I cannot profess to love dancing, for I have stepped on your foot even with your gracious guidance."
"You don't? Yet, I have heard whispers around of your fondness for dancing and singing, my princess."
"Indeed, I do...I suppose...but it is in vain if I am to only dance alone and serenade the wall."
"I must dissent, for nothing is in vain if it brings you joy." He proclaims, warming her heart with his words.
"I adore theatre, I cherish music, I find delight in reading and engaging in games with my attendants; I confess I possess quite a competitive spirit...though I shun endeavors demanding excessive exertion, as my stamina is limited. Pray, what of thee, Lord Tenma?"
"I confess, I too harbor a competitive nature, Your Highness; there exists no fault in striving to be the best. I share your fondness for theatre, music, and dance. I love writing theatrical plays and conceiving elaborate costumes, and have sought the guidance of your royal seamstress to acquire skills of my own." He chuckles, and Nene finds it hard to fathom how they possess such commonalities, for they are completely different from one another, yet they share love for similar subjects.
"You do? How wondrous...I would delight in participating in my own plays, engaging in the arts of acting and singing, alas...my shyness does restrain me, and as I am to be the queen, I fear it might not be for me." A joyous smile adorned her face as she spoke of her passions, yet it waned at the thought of her unfulfilled yearnings. The count, struck by the radiant smile of the princess, yearned to witness it once more.
"I found that most agreeable."
"Pardon? You fancy what, my lord?"
"The way your face illuminates when you speak of your desires; I had not perceived your smile could be so exquisite."
"I-I...p-pardon?" Such words were unexpected for Nene, her cheeks aflame as she averted her gaze in modesty. "I thank you..."
"What do you seek in a partner? I presume these dances might be an avenue to discover companionship...although I confess, finding such joy has eluded me; it must surely be a heavier burden upon a woman, amid the expectations of all."
"In earnest, I do not crave love...yet, should I be compelled to wed, I yearn for one who is genuine and kind; I long for that which my parents shared—a love of rare beauty...It may seem folly...but their affection was unparalleled..."
"I deem it beautiful, and I sincerely wish that, should you choose to embrace love, you shall indeed discover the affection you seek." He spoke and the princess beamed, appreciative of his sentiments.
Their gazes meet, perhaps for a fleeting moment longer than intended, neither comprehending the burgeoning feelings that blossomed between them following that singular dance; it remained for them to determine whether they would cultivate their burgeoning bloom or allow it to languish.