25 Ch. 6 - What its like to be loved (1/2)

It's been a day since the prince saved me. I am currently in the Imperial Palace, recuperating. The Empress advised me to walk around the garden to move my muscles so that I can heal faster. I don't know how the Emperor and Empress will handle the situation regarding my father and Eiji. I'll be hiding here for a while and eventually, people will find out. I don't think I can face them right now. I might just say things I shouldn't.

”Hi there!” I suddenly heard a young girl's voice behind me. I immediately turned around and became defensive. It was a young girl with white hair, the same as the Empress' but her eyes look so much like the Emperor's.

”Who are you?” I asked. She looked at me with a beaming smile on her face.

”You must be Sayori… I mean, Princess Sayori.” She said. She suddenly became prim and proper. Just a second ago, she was acting childish just as a child her age should be but now she's just like a proper princess. I suddenly realized who I was facing.

”Oh you must be Princess Sumire. I'm sorry for being rude.” I apologized and bowed my head. She put her hand on my shoulder and I raised my head.

”It's quite alright. I was the one who surprised you first. I'm sorry for that.” She said. Everytime I look at her, she reminds me so much of the Empress. Her hair and demeanor are just like Empress Yukina's.

”Are you out here for a stroll?” She asked. I nodded. She walked beside me and we strolled around the garden together.

”Mother told me about you. I hope you don't mind me asking but what is the oracle that they've been discussing? It's something I'm a little confused about.” She said. You and me both. I don't quite get it myself so how can I even explain it to her.

”To be honest Princess, I don't quite understand it myself. I only know that when I was born, the gods sent a message that I would be a Princess. I went to the temple to see for myself but all I got out of it was vague clues and a headache.” I said while giggling. Sumire looked at me and she had a soft smile on her face.

”If you're feeling confused or you need help, just talk to my mom. She's great at comforting people. That's why my dad loves her so much that he removed the harem because she's the only woman for him.” Sumire said. I felt all warm inside when she mentioned that. It's not something you see often. When I was back in the present, I used to read about stories from ancient times. Having a harem meant that the Emperor would have a lot of chances to have children. Hearing that this Empire's Emperor swore himself to only one woman, it makes me think about the possibilities of true love.

”What's your mom and dad like?” I asked. Sumire looked up at the sky and smiled.

”They are something out of a fairytale.” She said.

”How so?” I asked.

”They've been through so much. I wasn't around yet to see it but dad always told me stories about how mom was the strongest person he knew. Coming from the Emperor himself, that's something I always looked up to. And I can see it too; how my mom always has my dad's back and how they handle problems together.” Sumire was talking like she was describing someone from a movie but it's real life. I was happy to hear it but deep down, I was kind of, envious.

”That's so inspirational. I can't believe the Emperor and Empress are like that. They must be great parents.” I said. There was a hint of bitterness in my voice which Sumire was keen on picking up.

”They are. Aren't your parents like that?” She asked. I felt an ache in my chest. I've never had parents in my past life and the parents I was born to here in this era was one short of a complete family.

”My mother died when I was young and my father is a general. I'm not really sure if I know him. We don't talk, we don't even see each other everyday. It'd be a miracle to see him more than twice in a week. And after what happened to me, I forgot any memory I have of my mother.” I said. My voice got quieter and quieter the more I tried to talk to the Princess. I can't even relate to Sayori since I was an orphan but I am able to feel her pain.

”Oh I'm sorry to hear about that. I didn't mean to make you feel upset.” Sumire apologized. I shook my head and laughed at her expression.

”It's okay, it doesn't hurt as much as you think. My mother died so long ago and I don't even remember that much.” I said. I seemed to get my point across but what I just said wasn't something anyone who lost a loved one could say. I held unto Sumire's hand and I pulled her to the other side of the garden.

”C'mon Princess, I'll show you something I learned when I was little.” I said. She raised her eyebrow at me but she followed me anyway. I just realized that Sumire and I are just few years apart. She's 14 and I'm 16 now. She's younger than me but she seems more mature than I am. Maybe because she had someone like the Empress to guide her while growing up.

”Where are we going, Princess?” She asked. I saw a patch of plants nearby that we can use to have fun.

”We're going to be blowing bubbles. And stop calling me Princess. You're the only Princess in this Palace.” I said. I didn't give her time to respond. I snapped a few plant stems from the bunch and gave it to her. She looked at me like I was stupid.

”All you have to do is snap it like this and blow.” I said while showing her. When I blew on the plant stem, bubbles came out and Sumire's eyes widened. Her jaw dropped as I continued to blow bubbles in front of her.

”Now you try.” I told her. She looked at the plant stem in her hand. Slowly, she tried to do what I did and when she got it, she was happier than a kid.

”Look Sayori, I'm blowing bubbles.” She said while admiring the floating bubbles. She looked like she was having fun. I redirected the glum mood from a while back to something more light.

”What are you guys doing?” Empress Yukina appeared before us and smiled as she placed her hand on Princess Sumire's back. Sumire looked at her mom with happy eyes.

”Look Mom! Sayori taught me how to blow bubbles using these plants.” She explained. Empress Yukina looked at me and smiled.

”Did she? I'm glad to see you're having fun. Sayori, where did you learn how to do this?” She asked. I looked down as she questioned me. I felt intimidated under her gaze.

”I learnt it when I was a child, your majesty.” I answered. I waited for her to answer but I was surprised when I felt her hands n my shoulder, trying to raising my head.