Chapter Text
Yui had lived on the outskirts of the Iida property all her life. Her youngest memory would have to be the towering castle, and the beautiful yard surrounding it. She loved the castle, and all the people in it, but she mostly spent her time outdoors.
Wind chimes were heard in the garden where Yui was collecting fallen flowers and arranging them into their rightful, color specific, piles. Birds chirped, and gleaming sun rays gently touched her face, warming and comforting. Her dark hair swayed in the light breeze, and she sighed, satisfied with her small, colorful piles.
Prince Iida—who just so happened to be the same age as the young girl—was watching from his room, amused and slightly curious as to why she’d be playing with the dead flowers and not the newly blossomed ones. He was intrigued.
“Your highness? Are you coming down for tea?” The maid--who also happened to be Yui’s mother--knocked on his bedroom door and smiled at him when he turned his head to look at her. She was a slim lady, with nice round eyes and dark hair pulled up into a ponytail. She was clad in a black dress that fell to her ankles, with an apron wrapped around her waist. Her Mary Jane style shoes poked under the hem of the dress, and she had her hands clasped in front of her.
“Why does your daughter always play with the dead flowers this early in the morning? What does she do with them?” Kodai-san laughed, a hand lifted to the front of her mouth.
“Oh, she has an odd hobby of organizing them before throwing them away and is very meticulous about every action she takes in regard to the flowers and plants. She claims that she has to pay respect to them because they were once living; and were once very beautiful. It’s also only the morning, so she hasn’t quite started pruning the live ones.”
“Does she prune by color too?” The young prince tilted his head to the side in wonder and Kodai-san shook her head.
“Heavens no, she would take far too long tending to the garden that way. She keeps the most beautiful ones for the actual gardener, and likes to take care of the newly blossomed ones instead.”
“Why does she only tend to ones that aren’t the most beautiful?”
“I suppose it’s because she doesn’t want to ruin the beautiful flowers.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t ruin the beautiful flowers.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t either, but your mother loves the garden very much. We wouldn’t want to risk it.”
After a short pause, the prince nodded his head and turned back to the window, “Your daughter spends so much time in the garden.” He mused, staring at the dark-haired girl in awe.
“Yes, admittedly, I wish she could be a bit more like you, reading and learning about the world more… and talking with me.”
“If she likes flowers that much, I can ask my mother to cut some for you, and maybe she’ll talk with you more!” Tenya’s response made a small laugh erupt from the maid’s chest, and he turned to her once more to find her smiling at him.
“That’s kind of you, but I’m afraid I’ll have to reject your offer. Thank you, however, young master.”
“Then, if you feel lonely, you can tell me, and I’ll spend time and talk with you, Kodai-san.”
“You’re a sweet, sweet child, young master. I’m sure you’ll become a great king someday.”
There was a small pause, and a solemn look cast over the prince’s features before he replied quietly, barely over a whisper, “People always hope I become a great king in the future.”
“You have great power coming, and with that, great responsibility, but do not worry. I believe you will be able to handle it well and with prowess. You have a kind heart, young master. Please don’t lose it.”
“I understand… I will try my best and never let my family down!”
“Those words are music to my ears.”
“Kodai-san.” Tenya called out to the maid just as she was excusing herself from his room.
“What is it, young master?”
“Yui is still outside, looking at the flowers. Is that all she does?”
“You’re oddly curious about my daughter, Prince Iida. Could it be that you’ve taken a sort of liking to her,” The maid’s harmless teasing caused him to break eye contact and turn away from her, nervously pursing his lip; the boy’s ears flushed a light pink and bloomed across his cheeks, matching the colour of many flowers in the garden. Yui’s mother laughed, “Your secret is safe with me.”
——
Prince Iida grew less timid as he and Yui got older, and took strolls in the garden every so often. He pretended to walk around, admiring all the bushes and vines that were decorating his family’s vast yard. Yui never minded and seemed indifferent to his existence in the garden, yet she stole glances at him, oddly amused, and silently wondered why he was coming outside more and more.
She thought, maybe he needed more fresh air, or he was getting stressed with his homeschooling and lessons. But she never asked, no, she only quietly observed. Prince Iida—and the girl’s mother—knew that he came outdoors just to see her and spend time around her.
Yui didn’t see him often.The only other times she could steal glances of him were when she would be in the main kitchen to call her mother back home, and in the halls when she would be looking for her father. The two could not interact and mingle much, for they knew their places and their rightful duties in the castle.
Yui was grateful for his company when he began spending time outdoors, but she would never speak of it with her parents. Now and then, she’d smile at him from afar, or wave if she was confident enough. Iida would smile in return, or bow his head to show respect. Yui always thought Prince Iida was an interesting boy. He wasn’t as scary as his elder brother Tensei, and he wasn’t so rowdy like the boys that went to school with her. He also wore square-framed glasses that made him look a little older, and the way he walked was unusually proper and determined, albeit a little stiff.
He awkwardly carried himself like a man despite of a child’s body.
This thought always made Yui laugh, watching him survey the surroundings and take one step at a time, stopping often to observe the different species of flowers, appreciating the plethora of colors and sounds in the garden.
As the weather got hotter, he would come outside with a book and a pen to sit under one of the big trees hidden in the corner of the garden. Yui was on break from school and whenever she’d see him there she would bow and then wave, walking over to the garden shed to start preparing for tending to the flowers.
Once the two were in the middle of their preteen years, Yui began to prune the bigger flowers and take on more responsibilities in the yard. Iida watched her, a new book in his hand every week, and a small smile on his face. They enjoyed each other’s company; it was never awkward or uncomfortable. They were just able to exist around one another.
One morning after summer break, before she went off for school, Yui quickly arranged a flower crown, setting it under the shade where Prince Iida usually sat, and ran off before he could find her. He was surprised, but flattered once he came across it, and by the time she was done with schooling, he saw her walking past the guards to the little house just outside the garden and ran out of his room to thank her.
They never really shared any words with each other, so this small, heartfelt conversation would be the first time either of them would hear the other’s voice.
“Kodai-san!” Tenya took in a deep breath, trying to collect himself after his slight jog, and said girl’s eyes lit up when her eyes found him, “The flower crown was beautiful, thank you.”
The prince bowed and she smiled, mirroring his actions, “You’re welcome, Prince Iida.”
Before he could respond, she was getting whisked away by her mother for homework and dinner, and he stood there for a moment, awestruck. Prince Iida could feel his heart warm, and her voice echoed in the back of his mind as he walked back to his room with a big smile on his face.
—-
The sound of rushed footsteps bounced off the castle walls, followed by panting and laughter coming from both Tenya and Yui. They were playing in the corridors, running in and out of all the untouched bedrooms and jumping along the tiled flooring, trying not to touch the crevices.
“This castle is so big, I don’t think I would ever get sick of it; I don’t think I will get sick of it. I bet you there’s still rooms we haven’t found!” Prince Iida boasted, trying to catch his breath.
“How many families have lived in this castle Prince Iida? Just your bloodline?”
“Well, my father inherited the throne once his sister passed away at a very young age, but she never wanted a castle to begin with. I believe we were originally located in Hiroshima or something. But this prefecture suited our business better so we bought it off another royal family.”
“But how about the other royal family? Do you do business hand in hand?” Yui blinked curiously and the prince shrugged.
“I think they mostly died of an illness. They only really had one family member left, and then most of the maids and servants left with them. Niisan tells me it was weird when he was growing up, because the castle was much much emptier and quiet.”
“Are you going to take this castle then? Or is Prince Iida going to do that?”
“Niisan gets it, but I can tell he wants to move elsewhere. Once he finds a princess or something maybe they’ll run off together, who knows. I always hear him talk about a Todoroki, but I’m not sure where they’re located.”
“Like the Todoroki family?? Like… King Enji?”
“Oh, yeah! Do you know them?” Tenya looked back over his shoulder at the dark-haired girl and she hopped to another tile, squatting a bit.
“I hear about them a lot in school. King Enji is - um, ruthless.”
“That’s a little concerning…”
“Do you not learn about other royal families in your homeschool lessons?” Yui asked, her lips pursed a little.
“No, not really. I’m still learning about my own bloodline and what we have control over. There’s so much.”
“I imagine so.”
“How much longer till you have to leave?” The prince asked his playmate, jumping to another tile and almost losing his balance.
“I have exactly twenty seven minutes.” Yui responded, exaggerating with the use of her fingers to count it out.
“It must be very enjoyable going to school with other people.”
“I rather be in the garden than be surrounded by other kids.” Yui shrugged, not really wanting to go to school that day.
“I wish I could leave the castle and make friends.”
“Looks like the only friend you have is me.” The prince let out a small hum in reply, acknowledging that her answer was indeed true.
“What’s it like?”
“School?” Yui pursed her lips and let out a sharp exhale, “It’s tiring, and you deal with a lot of nosy adults.”
“Home schooling is just the same.”
“But you have more free time and people aren’t asking you what you want to do.”
“I’m a prince; I already know what I have to do.” Iida mumbled, staring at his feet now.
“Well isn’t that exciting?” Yui peered over at him, balancing on the crack of two tiles and holding her arms out like she was on a beam in gymnastics, “Nobody breathing down your neck, asking what you want to do for the rest of your meaningless life -”
“Your life isn’t meaningless, Kodai-san.”
“And exactly who is telling me? Oh right, the prince that my mother is a maid for.”
“Well it -”
“Yui! It’s time for school! Say goodbye to Prince Iida, you’ll see him later.” Yui’s mother poked her head around a corner, motioning for her to follow her out of the castle, and the black-haired girl nodded. She stood upright, bowed her head, and then waved, not giving Iida a chance to argue with her.
“I’ll see you later, Kodai-san….”
——
Prince Iida knew something was wrong when Yui didn’t tend to the garden. Every morning he would see her at half past five, plucking and pruning, and sorting her piles. As the two got older, she was becoming more and more standoffish, but nevertheless he’d still say hi and she would at least smile back.
He understood that she was busy studying half the time, and if she came home late from school, he wouldn’t bother her. They lived very different lives, but for some reason he was always so interested in hers. He would still ask Kodai-san about her, trying to be subtle but failing miserably as the dark-haired lady teased him for it.
There was just something about Yui that was so intriguing, he couldn’t quite place it. She was so collected and calm; she wasn’t like all the princesses or duchesses he had met with his parents. She was never late for anything, and although they stopped playing in the castle together when they became teenagers, he knew she was still his friend, at the very least.
That’s why today... today was different. She wasn’t out and it was already six in the morning. He knew her schedule quite well, and this was making a very uneasy feeling settle in his chest.
What he wasn’t aware of was that Yui spent the entire night crying. Kids at school had found out about her mother’s job, and started to insult her and tease her during class. She and Iida were at the age when kids understood careers and money, so now she was just “the daughter of a servant.”
They’d write harmful words on pieces of paper and throw them at her, or scribble names and rude drawings on her locker, or even her desk. She would sometimes be walking in the halls, and girls would run up to her and trip her or pull on her hair. They’d laugh in her face and mock her, pretending to carry a mop and wear an apron.
At school Yui never let it phase her, but as soon as she had gotten home, it came crashing upon her. The weight of the insults, the laughter, the jokes, the drawings all flashed before her mind and she would crumble. But not in front of her family, never. She would still hold a strong face for her mom and dad; it wasn’t until she had gotten to the quiet and solitude of her room when the water works would finally commence.
She didn’t want her parents to know what was happening to her; it was because of them that she was even able to attend school, and school is of utmost importance. Her parents want her to be educated, and successful. Even if they are just servants to a royal family, at least their daughter can take a step higher than they did.
But it was tough for Yui, and this morning proved so.
“Are you awake, Yui?” Her mother rapped her knuckles against her bedroom door and said girl let out a sigh, staring up at the ceiling with her blanket wrapped tightly around her.
“I don’t feel too great today, okaasan. I might just stay home for now.”
“Would you like me to call the school for you? Maybe your senseis can give me your homework over the phone.”
“I’ll just stay late tomorrow to try and catch up.” Yui said loudly, a frown gracing her features.
“Okay, let me know if you feel like eating. I’m going to make Prince Iida his tea now. Will you be tending to the garden soon?”
“In a little. I just have a headache.” Which wasn’t a lie, because she did have a headache; she was absolutely dehydrated after crying her heart and soul out the night before, and her body felt weak.
“Try to do some stretching, and go out and take a walk.”
“Yes okaasan, I will.” She heard her footsteps retreat and then let out another deep breath. The flowers were calling her name, but all she wanted to do was wallow in her self pity. Maybe Iida will be in the garden today?
The idea made her heart beat just a little faster, and she threw her covers off her body, slipping off her bed and walking towards her closet to find something to wear. He would probably question why she wasn’t going to school today....
“Ah, he doesn’t really care Yui. You’re just the daughter of his maid afterall.” The dark-haired girl whispered under her breath, putting on outside clothes and tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
She slid out the front door without eating any breakfast, and immediately made a beeline for the tool shed. Shuffling through her garden tools, she hummed a small tune to herself, her facial expression blank but her mind whirling with thoughts and voices of her classmates. They didn’t deserve a place in her mind, but she couldn’t help it.
“You were late this morning, I was worried.” Prince Iida’s voice startled her, causing a small yelp to leave the back of her throat and she accidentally hit her elbow on the wall beside her. Yui spun on her heels, meeting Tenya’s gaze and swallowing hard, her elbow in hand.
“I - Oh, um… Yes… I wasn’t feeling that well this morning so I stayed a little bit longer in bed.”
“Are you not… going to school?” The prince motioned to her outside clothes, pointing out that she wasn’t changed into her school uniform and the girl bit into her cheek.
“No. I’m staying in sick today.”
“Then shouldn’t you stay inside? If you’re not feeling well -”
“I still have duties as a gardener, Prince Iida.”
“Nonsense, you can take the day off.” He insisted, going to take a step forward, but then retreating and thinking about her personal space.
“Prince Iida, with all due respect, your family lets us live on your property, the least I can do is help tend to the yard. I don’t do much else to even deserve a spot on your land.”
“Why are you talking like this? What are you talking about? Your family is very important to us, and without you my parents would be an utter disaster. Because of your parents, my own are very happy and were in a time of need when they hired them. We appreciate all of you so greatly. If anything, we don’t deserve you.” His words started a conflict within her. The insults came flooding back, the harsh jabs at her sides, the feeling of her hair being pulled--her knees almost buckled because she began to feel dizzy.
“Kodai-san, you look pale. You should really take the day off.”
“I’m fine, Prince Iida, really.”
“You -”
“Please, I cannot do this today. I had a rough night. If you could please just leave me be, I would be very grateful.” Yui croaked, her eyes now burning as she continued to think about what had happened at school.
“I - I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to overstep -”
“It’s not your fault Prince Iida. None of this is your fault.”
“Is everything okay, at school?” Tenya’s eyebrows pulled together as a crease appeared on his forehead, and the concern in his voice made Yui’s heart ache. He isn’t supposed to care. She’s just a servant; she’s just a nobody.
“Yes, ever-everything’s fine.”
“Kodai-san…”
“It’s fine! Everything’s fine!” Yui exploded, her emotions triggered and now she was crying in front of him. Dear god, oh no. Her throat stung as she muffled her sobs behind a hand and she turned away from the prince instinctively, trying to hide her tears with the darkness of the garden shed.
“W-What’s happened?”
“It was just a little mis-mishap. Nothing serious.”
“I beg to differ. Somebody really hurt you, Kodai-san.” Yes they did.
“I will never be worth enough to live in your castle, on your land. My life is so pointless. I can’t amount to anything but a maid, a gardener. I’m nothing Prince Iida. I’m absolutely nothing.” She couldn’t understand why she was saying these things, she didn’t even want him to know what was wrong. But the curiousness in his voice, and the pain that laced his question just made everything come tumbling out of her mouth.
He was her most prized friend, after all, but this wasn’t a burden she originally wished to dump on him. He couldn’t fix this, all he could do is listen, and Yui felt so selfish for that; for letting him into her world.
“Kodai-san...” A gentle hand grasped her shoulder and he pulled her into him. Her hands were still covering her face as she continued to sob and the prince let out a shaky breath. Not once did he ever think he’d see her like this; Yui, again, was so collected and stoic ninety-nine percent of the time. The situation in front of him almost made his blood run cold.
“Why do you put yourself down so much? You can amount to anything that you wish. You’re intelligent and rather mature for your age. You also care in the simplest ways and take note of small details, and know how to organize practically everything. I don’t know who’s telling you you’re nothing, but they’re wrong Kodai-san. You are so much.” And you mean so much to me.
“I - I’m sorry Prince Iida, let me collect myself. This is embarrassing and not how I wished to start my morning.”
“If we’re being honest, I wish it wasn’t how your night ended, either.” Yui swallowed thickly and sniffled, pulling her hands from her face and wiping at her nose and cheeks. Tenya stepped back a little, giving her space and watching as she shook her head.
“Life is difficult sometimes. People, more so.”
“I’m so sorry, Kodai-san. Is there anything I can do? Maybe I can help with the gardening?”
“No, no. Let me do that. It’ll help me get my mind off everything.”
“Okay… I’ll sit under my tree, if you need anything?” Yui gave him a small smile in response and he walked away with a bit of hesitation. The sound of her crying rang in his ears and he felt a sharp pang in his chest the farther he was from her. Once settled under his tree, he sighed and folded his arms, leaning back against the trunk and looking up at the sky.
“I wish you could see how important you are.” He found himself saying out loud, still staring at the clouds and watching as they slowly rolled by.
Yui was sitting on the ground of the tool shed, her knees pulled to her chest and the overwhelming feeling of humiliation sinking into her gut. She wanted to be strong. She didn’t want Prince Iida to see her like that, not ever, but now he has and she wasn’t sure what she was going to do.
She knew he’d worry, and she knew he was going to continue worrying now that he figured out what was going on. Although she didn’t outwardly say the exact situation, she had an inkling that Tenya was smart enough to connect the dots. The dark-haired girl groaned to herself and put her head in her hands, resting her elbows on her knees.
“Can it get any worse than this?”