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"Let us have some fun, Kirumi-san! I do not have the chance often to leave the castle."
Sonia has her arms outstretched, swirling around herself, her dress flying up a little. Kirumi pauses, her cautious eyes set on Sonia, just in case the princess was to stumble and fall.
"Please be careful, Lady Nevermind. I'd be heartbroken if you were to stain your dress because of my incompetence."
Sonia pauses, a frown spreading over her face, before it turns into a pout. "I told you to call me Sonia. At least when we aren't in the castle."
Kirumi bows, pinching her dress faintly. "As you wish, Miss Sonia."
The pout doesn't disappear, but Sonia resumes walking, and Kirumi aligns at her side. It's a beautiful day, and it's rare for the princess to be allowed to visit the forest. In her years of serving the royal family, Kirumi can only recall it happening twice.
Sonia is excited like a child each time she convinces her parents to let her go, and Kirumi has to force herself not to smile at the sight. She has to remain professional, blank and ready to defend the princess, should trouble arise.
They follow the main path into the forest, filled with rich greens and bushes in full bloom. The ground is speckled by the sunlight falling through the branches, and Sonia clasps her hands to her chest, her eyes sparkling in unfiltered awe.
"I wish I could come here more often", she says longingly, "But I was never allowed to."
"There are rumors of bears living inside the forest, my lady", Kirumi responds, "We shall not head in too deep, although I am well prepared to fight any wild animal."
Sonia pouts again. Kirumi is carrying a lightweight sword steady at her side, but she would much rather not pick a fight with a bear.
Sonia runs her fingers over the sides of the trees they pass, before they reach a clearing. Several different flowers bloom there, but most prominently white ones spring to the eye. Sonia claps her hands in delight and leans down to pick one, but Kirumi swiftly steps in and gently brushes her hand away from the plant.
"Is there something wrong?", Sonia asks, blinking in confusion. Kirumi straightens and gestures with her gloved hand at the white flowers.
"My lady, take a look at those flowers. Does anything stand out to you?"
Sonia hums, leaning in close without touching the flower this time. "I can't tell. Will you tell me, Kirumi-san? There's so much I don't know yet!"
Kirumi folds her hands in front of herself, nodding. "One of these two is one of the deadliest invasive plants growing in the region. See, this one is called Queen Anne's Lace. It's a medical herb, the root is edible, although I recommend not touching it as it may cause rashes. The umbrella shaped flowers of Queen Anne's Lace will typically have a purple or red tinted flower in the middle. It is flat topped, whereas this one-",
Kirumi unfolds her hands, pointing at the flower Sonia wanted to grab,
"-is rounder, the flower more spread out. This one is Poison Hemlock. Just a small amount of this plant ingested will be fatal."
Sonia kneels, inspecting the flowers side by side. She points at the Poison Hemlock, and looks up to Kirumi. "This one has blotches and a smooth stem, the other one has little hairs. My, I had no idea! It appears this poisonous plant is a copycat killer!"
Her eyes light up as she jumps back up, bouncing on her spot.
"How exciting! The oblivious princess picks the beautiful white plants of her local forest, not knowing she invites death right to her doorstep! The flower simply looks so delicious, she cannot help but have a taste, falling into eternal slumber!"
"Or so they say." Kirumi can't help but smile.
Sonia pauses, quickly averting her eyes, cushioning her excitement. "Will you not scold me? My parents say my fascination with deadly things was unfit for a princess."
"As much as you do not wish the formalities outside of the castle's walls, I am not to deny you what you are passionate about, my princess. Please, do not hold back when it is just the two of us, as I am to hold my tongue like a grave if you wish."
Sonia takes another look at the clearing, before she swirls around and grabs Kirumi's hands. The sudden contact causes Kirumi to gasp, losing her composure as she feels a blush spreading over her face.
"You're so very knowledgeable, Kirumi-san! I'd love to pick some flowers to take home. Are there any that will not get me killed?"
Kirumi huffs, bowing her head. "Of course, my lady. We shall find you the finest non lethal plants there are."
Sonia huffs, squeezing Kirumi's hands a bit more. "If you will not call me Sonia, I may just eat your dreaded poisonous copycat flower!", she calls out.
Kirumi stares for a moment, before she sighs, leaning her head to the side. "As you wish, Sonia."
Sonia ducks, her face tinted by a blush now as well. She does not let go, instead, interlaces one hand with Kirumi's gloved one, her fingers parting hers.
She pulls Kirumi along, skipping from one leg to the other, and Kirumi pinches her dress up with her free hand to keep pace with her.
It's entirely unprofessional, being so infuatued with the princess left in her trusted care. But how could Kirumi help it? How could she not adore Sonia and her energy, her desire to learn about the world? Her questions about faraway lands, even if those are just the woodlands beyond the castle.
Kirumi wishes she could show her the world, one day. If in another universe, they weren't princess and maid bound by contract, but simply two women meant to be together.
Kirumi knows she may never have it. She hopes Sonia will never know of her sinful wish. Because as long as she's allowed to serve at Sonia's side, she would not trade it for anything in the world.