Work Text:
On a bleak, sunless day, Constance stepped into her sister’s chambers. “What are you doing, Michelle?”
Michelle glanced up from the book in her hands and smiled. “Poetry. I found something in the library that matches the mood of the day.”
Curious, Constance leaned in to peek at the page. “Above the sorrowful landscape, the sky struggles to hold back its grief…?” she read aloud, frowning. “Michelle, just because the weather is gloomy doesn’t mean you should read something so sad! You’re still young—you should be reading fairy tales!”
“It’s true, the poem is a bit melancholy, but—”
“No, not today, little sister. Save the sorrowful poetry for when you’re older.” Constance bent down and whispered into Michelle’s ear, “See, I’ve been waiting for this perfect moment to take you outside. If it’s now, you can go out with no problem.”
If it’s now—
Michelle knew exactly what Constance meant. Since birth, she had been hypersensitive to sunlight. She rarely left the castle— her world was confined within walls.
Perhaps out of compassion, Constance, despite their age gap, spent a great deal of time with her. Sometimes Michelle felt that Constance was the only one in the family who truly loved her. Their father was too stern to show affection, and all their mother talked about was duty.
That was why she would never refuse Constance when she offered. “Where are we going?”
“Oh, I wish I could take you further away, perhaps a trip to the city, but Mother would never allow it. We’ll have a nice stroll in the gardens instead.”
“That’s all I want,” Michelle replied, smiling softly. “I’ve seen from my window that the hydrangeas are starting to bloom. I have been longing to visit them.”
“You should have told me earlier,” Constance said. She waited for Michelle to dress, then led her down the stairs and out into the garden.
The royal garden of Arland was vast, with a lake at its center. Hand in hand, the sisters walked along the stone paths circling the water, the sky overhead heavy with dark clouds. Despite Constance’s initial enthusiasm, Michelle noticed her sister’s smile seemed a little forced. The weather had a way of dampening even the brightest spirits.
It was why Michelle would never propose to go outside herself. She belonged inside those walls— the outside world forever lay beyond her reach.
…At least, until she grew up and married. But that day seemed so distant, almost unreachable. For all she knew, she might never live to that age.
“What are you thinking, little sister?” Constance asked, clearly bothered by her quietness.
The future— Was what Michelle wanted to say, but the words were stuck in her throat. Instead, she said, “I’m afraid it might rain.”
Constance gave her a wry smile. She could tell the air was thick with the scent of impending rain. “If it does, we’ll grab an umbrella and rush back inside before it gets too heavy. Then I’ll read to you like I used to… although you don’t really need me to read for you anymore.”
Michelle smiled. “It doesn’t matter. I still prefer it when you read. You bring the words to life.”
Constance chuckled. “Good to know I still have an appreciative audience.”
As they approached the hydrangeas, the flowers came into view—lush clusters of blue, purple, and pink, their petals heavy with moisture from the recent rains.
“See, they’re beautiful even on a day like this,” Constance said, kneeling to touch a flower. Michelle mimicked her, running her fingers over the delicate petals. The flowers, though vibrant, bore the weight of the weather—many of them drooped, their faces no longer lifted proudly toward the sky. Poor thing, Michelle thought, at least I have a roof to shelter me.
Breathing in the fragrance of the flowers, Michelle felt a flicker of courage. “Constance,” she asked quietly, “Do you wish to marry?”
Constance looked at her strangely. “Of course. It’s what we’ve been trained for our entire lives. Why do you ask? Do you not want to marry, Michelle? Perhaps it’s too early for you to think about such things.”
“I worry I’m too frail,” Michelle finally confessed, “Too weak to leave this country, let alone marry. I don’t know… what if no prince or lord wants me?”
Constance’s eyes softened. “Oh dear, have some confidence in yourself! When you grow up, you’ll be the envy of every court.” She playfully ruffled Michelle’s hair. “With your translucent skin, ruby eyes, and moonlit hair, you’ll be unmatched in beauty. And as for your health…” She paused briefly. “…it will improve as you grow.”
Michelle tried to smile. “If you say so.”
But she didn’t entirely believe her. She had sensed Constance’s hesitation. While their parents insisted her unusual appearance was a divine gift, her frequent sickness had led half of the castle to whisper that she was cursed. Michelle wasn’t sure which to believe, and she doubted Constance did either.
“The doctors said the same, you know,” Constance added, her tone firm. “We’ll both marry foreign princes when we grow up and move to countries that suit us. I’ll go to a place that’s always sunny, and you a place that’s always gloomy.”
Michelle giggled. “So, I’m doomed to live in gloom, then?”
Constance pinched her cheek playfully. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it!”
They laughed, but Constance’s expression soon grew serious. “Michelle, I don’t want you to worry about the future, alright? You’re too young to be all fearful about it. Everything will turn out fine. Just trust me.”
“…Alright,” Michelle murmured, though her heart remained heavy. Seeking to shift the conversation, she asked, “But what about you, Constance? Aren’t you going to get married in a few years?” Constance was at that age when talks of alliance-making started to come up. Michelle had overheard some discussions on which country Constance could marry into…
“Likely, yes, but it won’t be too soon. I’m going to attend the Summit and secure a match there.” Constance’s tone was confident. Michelle stared at her, thoughts swirling in her head.
The Vail Isle Summit… of course, what better stage for an Arland princess to showcase her grace and charm? It was Constance’s best chance to find a husband worthy of her— and of Arland.
It was also the only way for an Arland princess to have any freedom in choosing her future. But knowing Constance, she would definitely put Arland first before herself. Still…
“Do you hope to find love there?” Michelle asked.
“Hmm,” Constance pondered, “Love… perhaps. Even if not initially… I have hope that love will eventually grow during the marriage. This is what Mother told us would happen.”
“Mother… does love Father dearly.” But even if Michelle’s parents loved each other, there was no guarantee that it would be true for her and Constance.
Constance was sure that she could find love. As for Michelle…
“When it’s your turn, you’ll find a husband that loves you as well,” Constance said, “He’ll be kind, brave, and handsome—the prince you deserve.”
Michelle smiled faintly. “His looks or personality don’t matter to me. All I want is—”
A cool breeze stirred the trees, and Michelle sneezed. “Oh no!” Constance exclaimed, pulling her to her feet. “We can’t let you catch a cold. Let’s get you inside, quickly!”
As Constance hurried her back toward the castle, Michelle silently finished her thought.
—To have someone confess their love for me. To want me. A gentle touch, a deep embrace. That’s enough for me.
I’m not like Constance, so confident in herself. I’m just an empty husk, unsure of my place in this world.
The castle walls, the gloomy days— they confine me, but they also protect me.
Will there ever be a life for me outside these walls? Will there ever be someone who loves me?
In her heart, she prayed.
—My Lord, if I’m worthy, please grant me a chance to try. When the day comes, I’ll do my duty and love my future husband with my full heart, whoever he is.
And perhaps…
Perhaps in return, he will love me too.
As they stepped inside, Michelle cast one last glance at the garden. A swallow soared across the sky, its wings spread wide against the wind.
A good omen.
And many years later, all her wishes would come true.