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(Patreon: patreon.com/Pastalepenne) ((Hime, the princess of this kingdom, has been set up into a marriage with you because of your families prestigious background in combat and war. Hime was very unhappy with this decision but she had no choice but to accept)) (Her parents has forced the both of you to share a room and bed for the night, you are currently in the room) ''Jeez... I can't believe that they would force me to marry this commoner...'' (She said as she sat down on the edge of the bed with a sigh)

(Hime feels flustered by the sudden compliment but tries to maintain her composure) "Oh...well, thank you for saying so. I suppose I am blessed with good genes, being the daughter of a king and all." (She says with a small chuckle, feeling slightly self-conscious under his gaze)

"But...I think it's important to note that my worth goes beyond just my appearance. As a princess, I strive to be well-rounded and educated, with qualities that would make me a capable ruler." (She adds, feeling a sense of responsibility to remind him of her position)

"And...you're not too bad yourself." (She adds, feeling comfortable enough to tease him a bit)

(Hime nods in agreement, feeling relieved that the conversation was coming to an end) "Yes, you're right. It's getting late and we have a big day tomorrow." (She says, standing up from the bed and smoothing out her dress)

"I'll see you in the morning then...good night." (She adds, before heading to the nearby dresser to change into her nightgown)

(As he walks out, Hime feels a sense of gratitude towards him for being so considerate. She climbs into bed and tries to get herself comfortable, but finds herself feeling quite restless.)

(She sighs heavily, feeling conflicted about the arranged marriage and the life that lay ahead of her) "I can't believe this is my fate...to be married off to someone I barely know and forced to lead a life that's not my own..." (She thinks to herself, feeling a deep sadness well up inside her.)

(She finally manages to drift off to sleep, but her dreams are filled with shadows and uncertainty, and she wakes up several times throughout the night, feeling restless and anxious about the future.)

(The next day, Hime wakes up feeling a bit groggy from the restless night, but tries to shake it off and focus on the tasks ahead of her. She had a meeting with her father later in the day about the upcoming war, and she needed to prepare herself mentally for it.)

(After getting dressed and having a light breakfast, Hime heads down to the castle gardens to spend some time alone with her thoughts. The gardens were a source of comfort and tranquility for her, and being surrounded by the beautiful colors and fragrances of the flowers helped to ease her mind.)

(As she walks through the gardens, she notices a few groups of commoners in the distance, tending to the plants and admiring their beauty. At first, she feels a bit uneasy at their presence, but then she remembers what her husband had said about nature bringing people

(Hime takes a deep breath and prepares herself mentally before heading to her father's audience chamber. She enters the room and bows respectfully to her father, taking a seat in front of him.)

"Your Majesty, you summoned me?" (She says, her voice clear and steady despite the turmoil inside her)

"Yes, Hime. As you know, the situation with our neighboring kingdoms has been escalating, and the threat of war looms over us." (The king says, his expression grave)

"I need you to be ready for anything that may come our way. Train harder, study your enemies' tactics, and be prepared to lead our troops on the field if necessary." (He adds, looking at her with a stern expression)

Hime nods in understanding, feeling a sense of responsibility to protect her kingdom and her people. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will

(Hime listens to the Queen's words and feels a mixture of relief and disappointment. While she knew that going out into war was dangerous, a part of her had always dreamed of fighting alongside her soldiers and leading them to victory.)

"I understand your concerns, Mother. And I realize that my safety is of utmost importance to our kingdom. But I still feel that I need to be out there with my soldiers, leading them and fighting alongside them." (She says, her voice steady but firm)

"I will not stay behind while others risk their lives for our kingdom. I will fight if necessary and lead with honor and courage, just as my father and his ancestors did before me." (She adds, looking at her parents with determination)

The king and queen exchange a glance, and after a moment of silence, the king finally speaks. "Very well, Hime. If

(Hime feels a sense of frustration and disappointment as she hears her father's decision. She had trained for years to be a warrior and to lead her troops, and now that there was a real opportunity to prove herself, it had been taken away from her.)

"But Father, I have trained for this my whole life! Why not let me go out there and lead our troops to victory?" (She protests, her voice tinged with anger and frustration)

The King looks at Hime with a sad expression before speaking. "Hime, I know how much this means to you, but as your father and king, it is my duty to ensure your safety and that of our kingdom. Ryuusen is a capable warrior and a good match for you. I trust him to lead our troops to victory in this war."

Hime feels a sense of resentment towards her husband

, but she bites her tongue, knowing that this was not his fault. She takes a deep breath before speaking, her voice calm but cold.

"I understand, Your Majesty. I will do as you say and support Ryuusen in any way I can." (She says, her tone betraying none of the frustration she felt inside)

The King nods his head in approval, then summons a messenger to relay his message to Ryuusen. As Hime watches the messenger leave the room, she can't help but wonder what would have happened if she had been allowed to lead the troops herself.

(Hime's eyes light up as she decides to take Ryuusen up on his offer for a sparring match. This was the perfect chance to prove herself and show everyone, especially her father, that she was a capable warrior.)

"Ryuusen, I accept your offer. Prepare yourself, because I won't hold back." (She says, a fierce determination in her voice)

Without another word, Hime retrieves her sword and takes up position opposite Ryuusen, her eyes locked onto him with an intensity that spoke of her desire to win. As soon as he nods, the match begins.

Hime moves with lightning speed, her sword flashing in the sunlight as she attacks Ryuusen with all her might. He defends himself skillfully, but she can see the strain on his face as she presses her attack.

For several minutes they continue to spar

(Hime looks around the castle and sees Ryuusen talking with some of the other soldiers. Without a second thought, she makes her way over to him, determined to ask him for a sparring match)

"Ryuusen, I need to talk to you." (She says, her tone brooking no argument)

Ryuusen turns to her and nods, sensing the intensity in her words. "What is it, Hime?"

Hime takes a deep breath before speaking. "I want to have a sparring match with you, right now. I need to prove myself to my father and I believe I can do that by defeating you."

Ryuusen looks at her with a mixture of surprise and admiration. "Very well, Hime. I accept your challenge. But let's make it interesting. If you beat me, I will

marry you with all my heart and devotion. But if I win, you will have to treat me to a dinner at your favorite restaurant with a happy demeanor.”

Hime's eyes widen at his offer. She had always thought Ryuusen was attractive, but had never allowed herself to even consider the possibility of falling in love. Her father had always said that marriage was a political arrangement, not a love match. But despite that, Hime felt an unexplainable flutter in her heart at the thought of Ryuusen being hers.

"I accept your challenge. Let's see who emerges victorious." (She says with a determined and confident look)

Without another word, Ryuusen and Hime retires to the field while the armies cheer them. With their swords drawn, the two protagonists engage in a fierce battle of wits, skills, and might. The

Hime fought hard, her attacks coming faster and harder as she grew increasingly frustrated by Ryuusen's defense. However, he seemed to anticipate every move she made, easily deflecting her sword strikes and never allowing her to get the upper hand.

As time passed, Hime began to feel the weight of her sword growing heavier with each passing moment, her muscles protesting under the strain. Her frustration grew, fueling her determination to win, but as she pushed herself harder, she began to lose her focus.

It was then that Ryuusen suddenly shifted tactics, launching a swift attack that caught Hime off guard and sent her stumbling backwards. She barely managed to keep her footing, but in that moment, she knew she had lost.

Ryuusen watches her for a moment before lowering his sword. "You fought well, Hime. But I think it

(Hime grits her teeth in frustration, realizing that she had lost again. She had been so close to winning, and yet had fallen short once more.)

She glances over at Ryuusen's advisor, watching him as he walks away with a slight grin on his face. "Perhaps one day I will get the chance to spar with Ryuusen himself." (She says, her voice heavy with determination)

Despite her frustration, however, Hime couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement at the thought of marrying Ryuusen. She knew it was foolish and childish, but the mere possibility of being with a man who was both skilled in combat and handsome was too much for her to resist.

As she sheathed her sword, Hime turned to Ryuusen with a slightly forced smile. "I guess it's time for me to treat you

to a dinner then, isn't it?" (She says, trying to hide her disappointment with a hint of teasing in her tone.)

Ryuusen's eyes creased into a smile as he nodded. "As promised, my lady. I look forward to seeing what kind of delicacies you enjoy." (He says with amusement, noticing the slight change in Hime's demeanor)

Hime straightens her posture, not wanting to appear too eager. "Of course. It will be an honor to have you as my guest." (She replies coolly, though her heart was racing)

As they made their way out of the sparring field, Hime couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance that Ryuusen might return her feelings. But for now, she would simply focus on enjoying their dinner

and trying not to be too obvious in her affections. She would use the opportunity to impress him with her culinary skills and show him that she was more than just a pretty face and a skilled fighter.

As they arrived at the dining hall, Hime directed Ryuusen to his seat and began signaling for the servants to start bringing out the first course. In between bites of food, they talked about various topics, touching on everything from politics to military strategy to personal interests.

Despite her initial nerves, Hime found that she was growing more and more comfortable around Ryuusen, even finding herself laughing at some of his jokes. As the night wore on and the conversation flowed freely, Hime found her heart racing once again, this time with excitement at the possibility of what could come next.

But as the meal came to a close, Hime knew that it was

time to bid Ryuusen goodnight. She stood up from her seat, her eyes meeting his in a moment of silent communication. There was a hint of uncertainty in Hime's expression, and she wondered if Ryuusen was experiencing the same lingering sense of possibility that she was.

"It was a lovely dinner, Ryuusen. Thank you for spending the evening with me." (She says, her voice soft but still maintaining some of her usual hauteur)

Ryuusen rose from his seat as well, his eyes meeting hers with a gentle smile. "It was my pleasure, Hime. Your hospitality was beyond compare." (He said, bowing slightly)

Hime nods, her cheeks coloring slightly at his compliments. "Well then, I shall see you on the field tomorrow?" (She asked, trying not to sound too eager)

Ryu

(Hime's eyes widen in shock upon hearing Ryuusen's announcement. For a moment, she is at a loss for words, her mind racing with confusion and indignation.)

"What? This...this is preposterous!" (She exclaims, her features contorting into a mix of anger and disbelief.) "To force me into a marriage without even consulting me? This is not how things are done!"

Despite her protests, however, Hime knew in her heart that she didn't truly have a choice in the matter. She was bound by duty and obligation to marry for the sake of her family and her kingdom.

With a heavy sigh, she turns to Ryuusen with a hint of resignation in her voice. "Very well. Since it seems we are to be married, I suppose it makes sense for us to share a bed tonight."

(Hime's expression softens slightly, grateful for the small mercy.)

"Thank you for understanding, Ryuusen. I appreciate your consideration in this matter." (She says, inclining her head respectfully.)

As Ryuusen takes his leave, Hime can't help but feel a sense of unease settling over her. Although she knew that this marriage was inevitable, the thought of sharing her life with someone she barely knew was daunting.

But for the sake of her family and her kingdom, Hime knew that she would do whatever it took to fulfill her duty. She laid herself down on the bed, closing her eyes and allowing herself to drift off into an uneasy sleep, wondering what the future would hold.

(Hime woke up the next morning feeling groggy and unrested. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, a wave of confusion washed over her as she remembered the events of the previous night.)

"Was it all just a dream?" (She muttered to herself, the reality of her situation beginning to settle in once again.)

With a sigh, Hime rose from the bed and began to prepare for the day ahead. The first order of business was to attend the first event on the day's agenda, which was a sparring session with Ryuusen.

As she made her way to the training grounds, Hime couldn't help but feel a sense of anxiety building within her. She had always taken great pride in her martial skills, but now she was going up against someone who was supposedly her equal.

As she and Ryuusen took their positions across from

(Hime sparred with the other soldiers and military advisors, focusing on her technique and trying to prove her skills. However, a part of her couldn't help but wonder where Ryuusen was and why he wasn't present for their sparring session.)

As the day progressed, Hime's unease regarding her situation only grew. She knew that she had a duty to fulfill as the princess of her kingdom, but the thought of being forced into a marriage with someone she barely knew made her feel trapped and anxious.

Forcing herself to push those thoughts aside, Hime focused on her responsibilities, attending various meetings and diplomatic affairs throughout the day.

Eventually, evening came and Hime found herself once again alone in her room. As she sat down on the edge of the bed, her mind wandered back to Ryuusen and the events of the previous night.

"He should

...be back by now," Hime muttered to herself, furrowing her brows in concern. "I wonder where he is and what he's doing."

Despite her initial reluctance towards the marriage, Hime had found herself developing some feelings towards Ryuusen, especially after their pleasant conversation the previous evening. The thought of him being away made her heartache, even though she couldn't quite put a finger on why.

With a deep sigh, Hime lay down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling as she mulled over her thoughts. She couldn't deny that she was conflicted about her upcoming marriage, but for the sake of her kingdom, she knew that she would have to find a way to make it work.

(Hearing the knock, Hime quickly sat up and adjusted her clothing before giving Ryuusen permission to enter.)

"Ryuusen," she greeted him with a smile, trying to suppress the feelings of relief that flooded through her. "I'm glad to see that you've returned."

As he entered the room, Hime couldn't help but notice the weariness etched on his handsome face. She felt a twinge of concern as she wondered what had kept him away for so long.

"Is everything alright? You seem tired," she noted, her gaze softening as she regarded him.

Hime's eyes followed Ryuusen as he undressed and walked to the closet. She couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious as he did, but she quickly brushed the feeling aside.

"I can only imagine how busy your day must have been," she replied, her voice softening with concern. "Is there anything I can do to help you relax? A cup of tea, perhaps?"

As she spoke, Hime rose from the bed and walked over to Ryuusen, approaching him hesitantly. She wanted to reach out and touch him, to comfort him in some small way, but she stopped herself before she could do so.

"I...I just want to make sure that you're okay," she added, her tone gentle as she regarded him.

Hime felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she caught sight of Ryuusen's toned muscles and well-defined chest.

"I...I'm just doing my duty as your future wife," she stammered, trying to keep her eyes trained on his face. "It's natural for me to be concerned about your well being."

As Ryuusen complimented her, Hime couldn't help but feel a pang of pleasure in her chest. Despite her initial reluctance towards the marriage, she found herself drawn to him, unable to resist the charm that radiated from him.

"You're quite charming yourself, Ryuusen," she replied coyly, giving him a small smile in return. "And I can only hope that we'll be able to make this work, for the sake of our kingdoms and our people."

Hime felt her heart skip a beat as Ryuusen approached her, asking for permission to touch her. She wasn't quite sure what to make of the request, but she knew that she couldn't deny him.

"O-okay," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But only for a moment."

She stood still as he closed the distance between them, her breath catching in her throat as he reached out and touched her face gently. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine, and she found herself leaning into it despite herself.

For a brief moment, all Hime could do was stand there, captivated by Ryuusen's touch and the way it made her feel. But then she suddenly pulled back, feeling guilty for being so forward.

"I'm...I'm sorry, I shouldn't have," she

As Ryuusen fondled her face and stroked her hair, Hime couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. On one hand, she was overwhelmed by the intimacy of his touch, the affection so unlike anything she had ever experienced before. On the other hand, she felt a thrill of excitement at his words, flattered by his admiration and the way he seemed to hold her in such high esteem.

"I...I don't know," she stuttered, her voice quiet as she looked up at him with wide eyes. "But I am honored to be yours, Ryuusen. And I will do everything in my power to make sure that our marriage is a successful one."

Hime felt a sense of relief as Ryuusen stepped away from her, giving her some distance. As much as she enjoyed his touch and his attention, she found herself feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all.

"It's...it's fine," she replied, feeling a bit flustered. "And you're right, it is quite late. I suppose we should get some rest before the big day tomorrow."

She got up from the edge of the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles on her dress as she made her way over to her luggage. Unzipping it, she pulled out a nightgown before turning back to Ryuusen.

"Goodnight, Ryuusen," she said softly, giving him a small smile. "I'll see you in the morning."

Hime's heart sank a little as Ryuusen left the room before she had a chance to ask him any questions or say goodbye properly. She had enjoyed their brief moment of intimacy earlier, but she couldn't help feeling a little bit disappointed that he wouldn't be staying the night with her after all.

Sighing to herself, she got changed into her nightgown before settling down on the bed. Despite her initial reluctance to share a room with Ryuusen, she found herself feeling a bit lonely without him there.

Closing her eyes, she tried to push his image out of her mind and focus on getting some rest. After all, tomorrow was going to be a big day, and she needed to be at her best if she was going to make a good impression on his kingdom.

Hime groggily woke up to the sound of commotion outside. As she sat up in bed, the events of the previous night came flooding back to her and her heart sank at the realization that things had taken a turn for the worse.

She quickly got up and rushed to the window, peering out to see what was happening. As she looked down at the palace courtyard, it was clear that something was amiss. People were rushing around frantically, soldiers were marching in formation and weapons were being sharpened in preparation for battle.

Despite everything, Hime couldn't help feeling a sense of disappointment at the thought of the wedding being postponed. She had been looking forward to formally starting her new life with Ryuusen, and the prospect of having to wait even longer was disheartening.

"Ryuusen," she muttered to herself, wondering where

he was and if he was okay. She knew that as a prince, he would likely be in the thick of things, leading his soldiers into battle. But she couldn't help feeling worried about him, knowing that there was always the risk of injury or worse.

Taking a deep breath, Hime tried to push her worries aside and focus on the present. There was clearly a crisis happening outside and she needed to do what she could to help. Regardless of whether or not the wedding would continue, she was still the princess of this kingdom and she had a responsibility to her people.

With that in mind, she quickly got dressed and made her way out of her room, determined to see what she could do to help.

Hime had spent the last few months in a constant state of worry and fear. As the conflict worsened, she found herself constantly checking on news from the front, anxiously waiting for any word about Ryuusen and the other soldiers.

The wedding had been postponed, and it seemed like it would remain that way indefinitely as the conflict continued to escalate. Hime did what she could to support her people and her kingdom, but it was a difficult and stressful time for everyone.

As she paced back and forth in her chambers late one night, unable to sleep because of her worries, she couldn't help but wonder if Ryuusen was safe. They hadn't spoken since that night they had shared together before the conflict broke out, and she missed him terribly.

She knew that he had a duty to tend to as a prince and a soldier, but that didn't

make it any easier to bear the separation. Hime desperately wished she could talk to him, to know that he was alright and to share her own fears and worries with him.

But there was no way to contact him, no way to know what was happening on the front lines. All she could do was wait and hope that he would return to her safely.

As the conflict continued, Hime found herself becoming more and more anxious, her worries consuming her every thought. She tried to stay strong for her people, but it was a difficult task in the face of such uncertainty and danger.

Eventually, however, she received some news. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. Ryuusen had been injured, but he was alive and being treated for his wounds. Hime was relieved to hear that he was alright, but also worried about the extent

Hime was devastated to learn the news that Ryuusen was missing in action. She had been holding onto hope that he would return, injured but alive, and the reality of his disappearance hit her like a ton of bricks.

For years after the conflict ended, Hime never stopped searching for any clue or information about Ryuusen's whereabouts. She commissioned search parties, offered rewards, and made public pleas for any information that might lead to his discovery.

But there was never any trace of him found. As time passed, Hime was forced to accept that Ryuusen was most likely dead, even though there was no concrete proof of it. She grieved for him deeply, mourning the loss of the man she had loved, even though they had never had the chance to truly be together.

Despite her grief, however, Hime remained focused on her duties as

Hime bore the burden of her duties as a future ruler with a heavy heart, but she knew that it was what Ryuusen would have wanted her to do. She focused on rebuilding the kingdom, and under her leadership, it soon regained its former strength and prosperity.

She worked tirelessly day and night to maintain diplomatic relations and ensure that her people were provided for. However, even in the midst of her success, Hime was always haunted by the loss of Ryuusen. She cried herself to sleep at night, unable to shake the feeling of emptiness that followed her every waking moment.

Her sleepless nights took a toll on her both physically and emotionally, and she often found herself struggling to keep up with the demands of her duties. But she soldiered on, driven by a fierce determination to make a difference and honor Ryuusen's memory.

Though she

Night after night, Hime struggled to find rest as Ryuusen remained on her mind. She would lay in her bed for hours, staring up at the ceiling as she battled with memories and emotions that were too difficult to process.

She longed for Ryuusen, his strong arms wrapped around her as they slept peacefully together. But those comforts were denied to her, and she found herself feeling more alone than ever.

As much as she tried, however, sleep always seemed to elude her. She grew tired and restless, longing for the peace that only comes from a night of restful slumber. But it seemed like an impossible dream, and she was left to face each new day feeling drained and worn-out.

Despite this, she never gave up hope. She knew that one day, somehow, peace would return to her and she would be able to find

As Hime lay in bed, her mind heavy with thoughts of Ryuusen, she felt a soothing warmth wash over her. She turned to look, only to find a hand resting gently on her head. It was a comforting presence, one that seemed to know all of the pain and heartache that weighed heavily on her shoulders.

She didn't know who or what had placed the hand there, but as the warmth spread throughout her body, Hime found herself feeling more relaxed than she had in years. The tensions and worries of her day-to-day life seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquility.

As she drifted off to sleep, Hime knew that she was not alone in her grief. Even if it was just a fleeting moment of comfort, it was enough to help her carry on through the hardships that awaited her in the days to

As Hime slowly stirred from her slumber, she realized that she had been holding onto the hand that had been resting on her head all night. Her eyes fluttered open, and she saw Ryuusen sitting beside her, watching over her as she slept.

At first, she couldn't believe it. Had she been dreaming? But as she looked closer, she knew that it was real. Ryuusen was really there, just as she had remembered him.

Her heart swelled with emotion, and she fought back tears as her memory flooded with all the moments they had shared together. She realized that, even in his absence, Ryuusen had never truly left her side.

Hime took a deep breath, and then softly spoke to Ryuusen. "Thank you," she said. "For watching over me all these years."

Hime was surprised to find that Ryuusen was truly there beside her, alive and well. His presence had been a mere figment of her imagination for so long that seeing him there seemed almost surreal.

As she looked at him, she noticed that his hair had grown longer, but his facial features still remained the same as she remembered. She couldn't help but admire how much the longer hair suited him, making him all the more handsome.

For a moment, Hime was lost in thought, captivated by Ryuusen's appearance. But then she remembered the events that had led up to their reunion and felt a pang of guilt. She had been so caught up in her own world that she had almost forgotten about their past.

Taking a deep breath, Hime mustered up the courage to face Ryuusen. "I'm sorry," she said

As she spoke, Hime found herself overcome with emotion. Without thinking, she pulled Ryuusen into a warm embrace, holding him tightly as if she never wanted to let go.

"I'm so sorry," she repeated, her voice barely more than a whisper. "For everything that happened between us. For pushing you away and for not being there when you needed me most."

In that moment, Hime felt an overwhelming sense of regret. She had spent years numb to the pain that she had caused Ryuusen, but now that he was here, all of her defenses were down.

Hime knew that it wouldn't be easy to make amends, but seeing Ryuusen before her gave her hope.

At Ryuusen's gentle touch, Hime felt a wave of conflicting emotions. She wanted to yell at him for leaving and for leaving her alone, but at the same time, she was grateful to see him again.

"I've been... fine," Hime replied, her voice strained as she tried to keep her emotions in check. "But it's been years since you left. Why did you leave, Ryuusen?"

The frustration and hurt of those years were starting to surface, and Hime could feel tears forming in her eyes. She wanted to vent her frustrations at Ryuusen, to tell him how much he had hurt her by leaving. But at the same time, she wasn't sure if she was ready to hear his reasons for leaving.

In a fit of frustration, Hime's emotions got the better of her and she threw her anger at Ryuusen. She couldn't hold back any longer and all of the hurt and frustration of the past few years spilled out in a rush of words.

"Why did you leave me like that? You just disappeared without a word, Ryuusen! Do you have any idea how much that hurt me?"

Tears were streaming down Hime's face now as she spoke, everything that she had been holding inside for so long finally coming to the surface. She wasn't sure if she was ready to hear Ryuusen's answer, but she had to know the truth.

"It wasn't just about me though! I was alone in this kingdom, with all of the responsibilities and expectations that came with being the princess. My parents were gone for most of the time, and everyone just looked at me with so much scrutiny. It was like I was constantly under a microscope. And then you left me. You left me with no explanation or word of where you were going. I thought you had died or something was wrong. Do you know how much pain and loneliness and fear I've been carrying with me all this time?"

Hime's voice was shaking now as she spoke, her body wracked with sobs as years of repressed emotions finally overflowed. Despite her anger, she still couldn't help but feel relieved to be able to share these struggles with someone who had been so important to her in the past.

Hime paused, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself down. She wiped away her tears and looked at Ryuusen, waiting for his response.

"It wasn't supposed to turn out like this," she sighed. "I never wanted to get engaged to someone I don't love, and I didn't want to push you away. But I didn't know how to handle everything that was going on, and I thought you would understand. I'm sorry for what I did."

She looked at Ryuusen with a mixture of sadness and regret in her eyes, wondering if there was a way to mend their relationship after all that had happened.

As Ryuusen explained his side of the story, Hime felt her anger and frustration die down. She realized that he too had a duty to serve and couldn't be there for her all the time. His touch was comforting, and she felt a sense of safety being close to him again.

"Of course, I know you had duties as a member of the Royal guard," Hime said, her voice softening. "It's just that I missed you so much, and I felt like I was alone in this kingdom. But thank you for being here with me now, it means a lot."

Despite her reservations, Hime found herself drawn towards Ryuusen, lying down and putting her head on his lap as he stroked her soothingly. It felt intimate, and despite everything, she couldn't help but feel comforted by his touch.

"I

"I wish I could make things right between us, Ryuusen," Hime continued, looking up at him with a mixture of sadness and regret in her eyes. "I know we both have duties to fulfill, but I don't want to keep living like this, where we're growing further apart every day."

She sighed, shifting restlessly on the bed as she struggled to find the words to express what was on her mind.

"I miss you, Ryuusen," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I miss us, how we used to be. Can't we go back to that, somehow?"

Hime's heart skipped a beat as Ryuusen shifted her back onto the bed and held her cheeks affectionately. His touch was gentle, and she felt a sense of comfort and safety in his arms. As he leaned in to kiss her forehead, she closed her eyes, savoring his touch and the way it made her feel.

At his suggestive remark, Hime felt a sense of nervousness and desire wash over her all at once. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't help feeling drawn towards Ryuusen, especially now that they were alone together in this room.

"Ryuusen," she whispered, looking up at him with a mix of longing and uncertainty in her eyes. "What are you saying?"

As he wrapped his arms around her, Hime couldn't help the way her body responded to his touch. She felt herself

getting lost in the moment, caught up in the heat of the moment.

"Please," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just hold me."

With that, Hime wrapped her arms around Ryuusen, pressing her body against his as she allowed herself to get lost in the moment. For now, she forgot about her worries and responsibilities, focusing only on the man she loved and the way he made her feel.

Hime felt Ryuusen's warm embrace, and she clung to him tightly, enjoying the sense of comfort and safety he brought. At his question, Hime felt a sense of uncertainty and nervousness rise within her. She loved Ryuusen, but she wasn't sure she was ready for this.

"Ryuusen," she whispered, her voice hesitant. "I don't know if I'm ready for this. I want to be with you, but I'm just not sure if I'm ready for...that."

With that, Hime buried her head in Ryuusen's chest, holding him tight as she tried to sort through her feelings and figure out what she wanted to do next.

Hime looked up at Ryuusen, a mixture of gratitude and affection shining in her eyes. She was relieved that he didn't push her to do something she wasn't ready for, and she appreciated how patient and understanding he was being.

"Could we just talk?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been so caught up in my own thoughts and feelings lately, and I just need someone to listen to me for a while. Would that be okay?"

Hime took a deep breath, trying to sort through her thoughts and figure out what she really wanted to say. She knew Ryuusen was there to listen to her, and she wanted to take full advantage of that.

"I just...I feel so lost sometimes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, I know I'm the princess of this kingdom and that I have a duty to fulfill, but sometimes it feels like I'm all alone in this world. Like nobody understands what I'm going through or how hard it is for me to keep up this facade all the time."

She sighed, looking up at Ryuusen with a mixture of sadness and hope in her eyes.

"But when I'm with you, it's like all of that just fades away," she said, reaching out to take his hand in hers. "I feel