Work Text:
Day 3 - Fairytale / Royalty
"Y'know, you aren't supposed to be here, princess~" Mizuki chuckled, "What if you get caught? That wouldn't turn out well. Especially if you're seen with me."
"Like I care. I wanted to see you."
"Riiiight, well— HEY! Do watch where you're swinging that sword of yours! I'd really rather you not cut my only remaining horn off, princess!"
"Sorry!" Ena sticks her sword into the ground, sitting on a log next to Mizuki. "It's just… I have nowhere else to train! Since my dad and everyone else at the castle always says shit like "You're a princess, not a knight." I don't want to be a princess! It's so, so boring! And I'd like to be able to defend my kingdom when it's in danger!" Mizuki tucked some of Ena's hair behind her ear, sighing fondly.
"Being a knight is dangerous, princess. Your brother would know first hand, and I've heard from a friend of mine that one of his partners almost died in a battle."
"I. Don't. Care! Why do they expect me to just sit by while my people are dying!? I don't care if I die or get hurt in battle, if I'm going to be queen in the future then—" Mizuki grabbed Ena's hands, looking her in the eyes with a stern expression on their face.
"My princess… I care if you die. Which is partly the reason why I think you should go home and forget about me—"
"No. You sound so stupid Mizuki! As if I'm leaving you. And how many times have I told you to use my name?"
"Why, I'm simply being respectful, my dearest princess~" Ena flushed, giving an exasperated sigh. "But oh, how I wish I could go to the kingdom with you. You always sound so fond when speaking of it. The place must be beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you, Mizuki… Hey. Isn't one of your friends like… a sorcerer?"
"You mean Rui? Yes, he's an alchemist, what of it?"
"Same difference. Anyways, if you really want to come see the kingdom then can't you ask him to like… use his magic to hide your horn??" Mizuki laughed, running their fingers through her hair.
"That's not a bad idea, my princess."
"Then… It's kinda selfish of me, but would you ask him? It'd be… nice to have you with me. It gets really lonely."
"Of course I will, anything for you." Mizuki grinned. "Though, I still think you should return home. It's unsafe for you to be seen with me, my princess."
"How many times have I said that I don't care?" She lays her head on their shoulder. "I like being with you, Mizuki. As annoying as you can be."
"How kind~ I'm truly touched, my dearest princess."
"You're never gonna stop calling me that, are you?"
"Like I said, I'm simply being respectful."
"Well I don't want to be treated like royalty here! I just wanna be… myself, y'know? Without having to worry about acting all posh 'n' shit. I really feel like I can be myself around you, Mizu." Mizuki pursed their lips, their smile wavering only a bit. But Ena still noticed. "Mizuki—"
"Ah, princess… I'm glad. Truly. That you feel so safe around me. I won't treat you like royalty, however… You'll always be my princess."
"I'll… always be yours?" Ena flushed.
"Hehe, of course."
"And… Remember what I said? I don't care if you want me to leave, I'll always stay by your side, Miz." Mizuki smiled bitterly, biting their lip.
"...Of course. I'm aware."
"Is everything okay?" Ena furrowed her brows, squeezing Mizuki's hand.
"Worry not, my princess. It's nothing."
"Okay…" Ena yawned softly.
"Tired, princess?" Mizuki wrapped their arm around Ena's shoulder.
"Yep. Pulled an all-nighter working on an art piece."
"Really? You still have yet to show me your artworks. I've been dying to see them. You'd dare keep a lady waiting~?"
"Oh, you—" Ena smiled, nudging their shoulder with her own. "Yeah, I'll bring my sketchbook tomorrow." She yawned again.
"Haha, you can rest here if you'd like."
"I think I'll do that…" Ena laid her head on Mizuki's lap and Mizuki began to run their fingers through her hair.
"Rest well, my dear."
☆
"Princess… wake up."
"C'mon… five more minutes, Mizu?"
"I'm afraid this is serious…" Mizuki shook her lightly. Ena opened her eyes, adjusting them to the light.
"What is it?"
"I hear footsteps." As they said that, a sharp hollow sound echoed through the forest.
"That sounds like… horses? Shit." Ena sprung to her feet, Mizuki doing the same. "I was gone for too long…" The footsteps were gradually getting louder, as if the knights were approaching their location. And fast. "How'd they figure out I was here??" She looked at Mizuki, who looked solemn.
"I don't know. But…" They handed Ena her sword. "I'm afraid I'll have to leave. For your safety."
"For my safety? Like hell! Let me go with you, Mizuki—"
"Where I'm going isn't safe. And besides, what will the knights do if they see you with me? A monster, one they're hunting."
"You aren't a mons—"
"Go to them."
"You—! Ugh! You're so—! Fine. But will we ever see each other again?"
"That, I cannot say. This may very well be the last time we see each other."
"What…? No, I will find you again, okay? I promise, I'll find you." Mizuki gave a dry, airy laugh.
"You truly are a kind person Ena. I think it best you forget about me."
"No, idiot. As if I will."
"Ahaha… How stubborn. I love that about you." They looked past Ena, noticing the silhouettes of horsemen in the distance. "Very well, then…" Mizuki took Ena's hand, leaning down to kiss her knuckles, before stopping and looking back up at her.
"Mizuki?" Ena stared at them, confused. Mizuki pulled her close, wrapping their arms around her and pressing their lips to hers, pulling away after a couple of minutes. Ena's face was beet red as she touched her fingers to her lips.
"Mizuki…"
"Until we meet again, if we ever do… But for now, farewell, Ena." Ena was left standing there as Mizuki smiled at her and disappeared into the forest.
"I promise I'll find you again. So yeah, until we meet again, Mizuki…" And Ena smiled.