Chapter Text
秋 aki
The sound of the wind chimes woke Maya, their delicate tinkling breaking through the early morning stillness. Outside her room, she could hear the soft pitter-patter of footsteps—a telltale sign that the maids were cleaning the hallways.
She rolled over, turning toward the side where her door faced the rising sun. Sunlight filtered softly through the thin paper screen, casting a warm, gentle glow over the room. She lay there for a moment, watching the light. The wind chimes tinkled again, this time softer, like a gentle nudge reminding her to rise. Just as she sat up, a maid announced her entrance, sliding the door open and stepping inside, a box of tools in hand.
"Good morning, Princess. Allow me to do your hair today," the maid said with a respectful bow.
Maya nodded, walking over to the vanity and settling into the chair. The maid's hands moved gently through her hair, combing it with a bamboo brush in long, soothing strokes. Maya closed her eyes, letting herself drift, feeling as weightless as an autumn leaf floating on a breeze.
~
Later, Maya joined her parents, who sat across from each other at the low table, hands on their knees as they sat on the tatami mats. A maid quietly approached, serving tea from a tray with practiced grace.
"Maya, come sit. The tea will turn cold, dear," her mother said, her tone gentle but firm.
Obeying, Maya walked forward and knelt beside the table, folding her legs beneath her. Her father, however, didn't look up. He continued to read a lengthy scroll, his attention fixed on the paper as he sipped his tea. His gaze was intent, as though nothing could draw him away.
Her mother placed her cup down and looked at Maya. "Maya, I have something I'd like to show you today. Let's give Father some time alone."
Maya finished her tea, raising the cup with both hands in a practiced, graceful motion. Her mother extended her hand, and Maya took it, letting herself be guided to her feet. Her mother's hand felt colder than usual.
~
They walked together through the stone steps of the zen garden, where several workers raked the sand into swirling patterns. Maya's mother stopped, gazing up at the sakura trees lining the path. The once-vibrant petals were wilting, preparing to fall in anticipation of the coming winter.
"As you know, a princess must begin her training after she turns twenty," her mother said, her gaze fixed on the trees. "I think it's time for your lessons."
Maya looked up at the wilting sakuras, their usual blush of pink now fading to pale shades. Her heart felt as heavy as the drooping blossoms.
"Mother, I have to tell you something," she said, hesitating as her mother's attention shifted toward her, her face composed and emotionless, not a single smile softening her gaze.
Maya took a deep breath, finally voicing the conflict within her. "I... I don't know how I feel about becoming a princess."
She held her breath, waiting, but her mother simply turned away, walking past her toward the door. Maya looked down, unable to bear the quiet distance between them.