Work Text:
The castle’s eastern courtyard was buzzing with excitement. Servants carried ribbons and bouquets, rushing around as they prepared the palace for the official opening of the Prince Selection Trials. An event where suitors all around the land competed for the hand of the beloved crown princess, Yashiro Nene.
It was less ‘trials’ than it was a chance for hopeful suitors to present themselves — everyone was aware that the final decision rested on the princess’s decision, and her decision alone. Still, the court insisted on keeping up with its traditional customs, albeit in a gentler form. There were no grand battles or ferocious monsters to conquer; rather, they were now a set of feats written to win the Princess’ heart. A test of charm and wit, of thoughtfulness, of service and protection, and, most importantly, of compatibility.
And today was the day she would officially meet her suitors.
Though she promised not to get in the way of their preparations, she couldn’t help but nervously observe, pacing back and forth between servants to make sure that all was going smoothly. It was, of course, a day highly anticipated by many citizens.
“She’s going to burn a hole in the grass by the amount of walking that she’s doing,” Amane muttered.
Up on the balcony, Yugi Amane leaned against the railing, observing the nervous princess with his cheek resting against the palm of his hands. As the court mage’s apprentice, he was put to work in helping to arrange the magical components, or rather, more fanciful accessories needed for the ceremony — illuminating crystals, enchanted floral arrangements…and so on, and so forth.
But Amane’s attention had drifted minutes ago.
He watched Yashiro pace back and forth; her attention now diverted to arranging the small bits and pieces of her hair that fluttered against the wind.
Behind him, Tsuchigomori looked up from a scroll. “Well, this is an event that decides who she gets to spend her whole life with. It’s understandable that she would be slightly nervous.”
Who she gets to spend her whole life with.
Amane's frown deepened before he could stop himself. “I just don’t understand why we need to put in this much effort for a bunch of pompous suitors who don’t even know half of what Yashiro’s like. There are many better candidates out there, I’m sure.”
“I hope you don’t mean yourself,” Tsuchigomori sighed. “Anyway, that’s the whole point of this event — so that they can get to know Princess Yashiro much more closely.”
Amane pretended to inspect the enchanted crystals. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just saying…I don’t think any of them would be good for her.”
“Of course you don’t.” Tsuchigomori deadpanned. “But it doesn’t matter what you think. In the end, it all comes down to the Princess’ choice.”
Amane’s attention drifted instantly to Yashiro, who was nervously twisting a stray strand of hair around her finger. Though she’d attempted numerous times already, her hair stubbornly refused to fix itself.
A small, involuntary smile tugged at his lips.
With a subtle flick of his fingers and a soft incantation, the stray strands wove themselves back into place — the braids coming back just as it had first appeared.
Well, not quite.
A small, white camellia had found itself tucked in between her ears.
Yashiro blinked, fingers caressing the flower in surprise. Her eyes lifted up in recognition, and she caught Amane’s gaze from the balcony. Her expression softened, and she lifted her hand to give him a gentle, appreciative wave: Thank you.
Amane’s chest warmed, and he cleared his throat, waving his hand away: It was nothing.
Yashiro turned back to head into the palace, a small smile lingering on her face, and Amane couldn’t help but watch her retreating figure.
“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered distractedly, waving a hand at Tsuchigomori as if to erase the previous conversation. “The ‘Princess’ choice’, don’t worry, I got it. Don’t worry, I won’t get in the way of their… uh… attempts to impress her or whatever.”
He leaned a little farther over the balcony, eyes following her every step. It would simply be… unfortunate if the suitors weren’t to her liking. That’s all.
Humour
At last, the moment Amane dreaded the most had arrived.
The fanfare had sounded through the courtyard, announcing the arrival of Princess Yashiro’s ‘Most Esteemed Guests’. Amane stood by the entrance of the door — something about every personnel talking part in the introductory statements — eyeing the line of suitors with the same interest that you would hold for one of Tsuchigomori’s three-hour lectures on the History of Magic, Magical Artifacts, and Other Magical Things He Didn’t Ask To Know About. He crossed his arms and gave a small huff — if anyone asked him, none of them were even worthy to look at the Princess. Dressed in the same embellished fine silk and jewels, the shiniest, the trendiest, the most extravagant that anyone could find — all designed to flaunt and show their wealth and status.
It was clear as day that many of them were there for the Crown Princess’ title and not for her heart or her interests. What a joke, Amane frowned. He sneaked a glance at the nervous Princess who was sitting on the throne. She was here to find someone who she’d want to spend the rest of her life with, and here they were…only thinking about status and title.
But Amane had already known this would happen. That’s why he had taken some…precautions a while ago. If the Princess wanted to find her other half, then he would nobly take it upon himself to root out any unworthy participants. It was for her happiness, he told himself.
Really, that was all.
He glanced at the garlands hanging overhead the entrance that he had arranged a few hours ago and hid a smile. Plus, there was that new spell that Tsuchigomori had told him to practice the other day…so if anyone asked, his magic just happened to go a little bit haywire.
The first suitor stepped forward, his chest puffed out with all the importance he seemed to believe he had. “Your Highness, it is my pleasure to meet such a lovely lady as yourself. My name is Duke Valois of—” he began, his voice as loud and extravagant as the outfit he wore. Suddenly, he paused. His eyes widened, and his nose began to twitch.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then suddenly, “Ah—ah—ACHOO!” A violent sneeze cut through the court, and everyone jumped in surprise.
From the corner of his eye, Amane could see Tsuchigomori shake his head at him from across the room — he was definitely going to have a talking-to later. But that didn’t matter to Amane right now.
The next suitor tried to step forward with dignity, only to cough vigorously as he attempted to explain his numerous decorated titles. Another began to tear up so violently that he had to leave in the middle of his greeting.
Amane looked at the whole group of them — now suffering from sneezes, coughs, and teary eyes and allowed himself a small smirk. Now they were acting as ridiculous as they looked. A soft, muted laugh arose amidst the sniffing suitors, and Amane looked up. From her throne, right where Amane could see it, Yashiro was giggling — expertly hiding herself behind her fan. His heart stuttered at the sight, and he looked away, pretending that he hadn’t been watching at all.
All for her happiness, he reminded himself as he set his gaze back at the enchanted garlands.
Compatibility
As it turns out, hiding from a mage wasn’t enough to escape consequences. Amane already knew this, having been under Tsuchigomori’s service for years, but that never stopped him from trying.
“Amane,” Tsuchigomori’s voice rang behind him, his voice deceptively calm. “Care to explain why all — all — of the suitors were sneezing and coughing for ten minutes straight?”
Amane cursed under his breath and slowly slid from the open window, his feet gingerly touching the floor. “Something in the air, maybe? Pollen?” he shrugged.
Tsuchigomori stared at him and crossed his arms. “Pollen, Amane? Really?”
“Hay fever is nothing to joke about, Tsuchi,” Amane argued.
“Amane.” Tsuchigomori’s voice was sharp, and Amane inwardly sighed. He was totally going to get it. “Since you’re so concerned about the effects of hay fever, you are to arrange the enchanted texts in the west wing. I believe that will keep you occupied for the next few days.”
Amane gawked. Next few days?
“I want it to be absolutely spotless in there — wouldn’t want anyone else to have their hay fever act up, would we now?” Tsuchigomori added. “And in the meantime, I don’t want you to go look for the Princess. I believe you’ve meddled enough already.”
Amane groaned, rubbing his temples. He wanted to argue, but he knew that if he so much as opened his mouth to negotiate, then Tsuchigomori would add the east wing and the north wing to the list. With a resigned huff, he stalked off towards the library, muttering under his breath. Of course, he was stuck on book duty while those suitors pranced about the Princess. How absolutely fitting. His frown deepened as he remembered Tsuchigomori’s warnings about actively seeking out the Princess. Knowing the mage, he would’ve placed a charm to keep him in place. He let out a long, reluctant sigh and stepped into the west wing, already bracing himself for days of dust, endless shelves, and enchanted books.
Two days into his punishment, and Amane almost regretted enchanting those flower garlands. Dust mites hung suspended in the air and clung to everything that moved; the books were out of order, some mistakenly placed from the south wing. His nose itched, his throat tickled, and his arms were beginning to strain. However, whenever he remembered Yashiro’s light giggle, he couldn’t find it in himself to truly care.
His only regret was that whenever he so much as thought about making a trip to visit her Tsuchigomori’s spell immediately took effect and squashed any hopes of sneaking a glance or speaking a quick word. Worst of all, though the spell only affected him, any hopes of Yashiro seeking him out now seemed impossible as Tsuchigomori made sure to place him opposite to where the trials took place. He really thought of everything, Amane muttered under his breath.
He straightened his back as he gathered the pile of misplaced volumes, muttering under his breath about dust, suitors, and overbearing mages. He flicked his fingers towards them, and they began to float, trailing behind him as he walked. With another sigh, he began to make another round to the south wing — if he wanted to be free from this duty, he might as well finish it.
The corridor stretched on endlessly, the only form of sunlight shining from the high windows. Just as he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with someone.
“Oh! I’m sorry!” he exclaimed, steadying the floating stack. Then he froze. She stood there like she’d been waiting for him. Hands folded behind her back, a small, hopeful smile, and eyes brightening the second they found his. “Yashiro?”
“Amane,” Her face lit up fully, as if she’d finally found what she’d been searching for. “You’re here.”
“I…uh…I didn’t expect to bump into you here,” he stammered. Why was he stammering? He cleared his throat, straightening his back. “Aren’t you supposed to be with your guests right now?”
“I had some free time,” she said, too casually. “Thought I’d have a quiet walk around the palace.”
“In the west wing?” Amane raised a brow. There was another reason why Tsuchigomori had banished him to the west wing — no one came here, not unless they were studying ancient magic and long-forgotten scrolls. “Are you sure you’re not lost, Princess?”
Yashiro’s lips tugged into an innocent smile. “It’s quiet here. And peaceful.”
“Peaceful is certainly a word for it,” Amane murmured, glancing around the empty and dark hallways. He pointed towards the stack of books that followed him and began to walk away. “Well, I'd better not be in the way of your peace and quiet. Unfortunately, I have to return these books to their rightful place. Whoever decided to bring these to the mages’ library must have a vendetta against us.”
But as he walked, he heard her footsteps fall in beside his. She looked at the books that trailed behind him, then at him. “Are you returning all those books? By yourself?”
“Unfortunately,” Amane sighed dramatically. “Tsuchigomori’s cruel. He should have me practicing new spells or researching new runes. Instead, he has me confined to these dusty old libraries. So, so cruel.”
“Is that why I haven’t seen you lately?” Yashiro tilted her head.
Amane’s heart absolutely did not just stutter. He cleared his throat and pretended to inspect the intricate webs across the ceiling. “Yeah, just been a little bit busy. I’ll be free once I finish all this. If I finish all this.”
“So, it wasn’t your punishment?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“I’m afraid, I have no idea what you’re talking about, Princess,” Amane did his best to put on an innocent face. “I’m here out of my own free will. Call it…an act of charity, if you’d like.”
Yashiro laughed, and oh, it was like music to his ears. “Really? Because I seem to recall a certain incident the other day. Something about suitors and sneezing. You don’t happen to know what that was about, do you?”
He lifted his shoulders into a shrug. “No idea. But that sounds absolutely entertaining. Give my regards to the genius who managed to make that happen.”
They rounded off towards another corner, and she let out another giggle. “Unfortunately, the genius himself refuses to take credit for it. A shame too. I heard the Princess enjoyed the little display.”
Amane tried not to smile — he failed. “Did she now?”
“She did,” Yashiro hummed. “She thought it was…funny.”
“Of course,” Amane nodded. “I expect no less from such a person. He sounds absolutely marvellous.”
“You didn’t hear this from me,” she added, her voice now set to a thoughtful hum. “But the Princess was also…grateful. She was a little bit nervous, and that ridiculous scene helped her relax.”
Amane almost tripped over the cold stone floors. “Oh. That’s — that’s…good then. I’m… I’m glad.” His face began to warm, and he hurriedly tried to divert the topic to something that didn’t make him feel quite so squirmy. “So…how have you been lately? Any of those suitors interest you, yet?”
“Well, they’re certainly easy on the eyes,” Yashiro smiled shyly to herself. Amane rolled his eyes and gave a playful sigh. She was always a little weak for a pretty face. “However, since I don’t quite know them yet, it’s a little bit hard to strike up a natural conversation.”
He gave a dramatic sigh, “Well, that’s to be expected. There’s no one quite as charming and adept at entertaining others as me.”
Yashiro shook her head, gently laughing at him. “I suppose that’s true.”
They continued to walk towards the south wing — their words falling into the same easy rhythm as their steps, using the small window of time they had to catch up with each other. It was easy, effortless, and comfortable — the result of years of friendship and natural affinity.
An Act of Service
If Amane thought that sorting hundreds of books in a dusty, ancient library was torture, he certainly didn’t know the misfortune of having to manage an enchanted rowboat while some nobleman tried to woo Yashiro. Unfortunately, as someone who was technically a qualified court mage, maintaining the currents for a smooth sail was part of his job.
Now Amane was here, standing at the end of the ornate boat, fists clenched and jaw tight, as he watched the third suitor fawn over Yashiro. Though he stood at the other end, at a considerable distance from them, he couldn’t help but pick up bits and pieces of their conversation.
“Your Highness,” the suitor said. “I must say, the view is almost as radiant as your presence.”
Amane scoffed. Radiant? Well, isn’t that an original compliment? Just like the first suitor and the one before him. Did they practice out of the same book? From the corner of his eye, he watched as Yashiro tilted her head and said something — her voice too quiet to be picked up by the wind.
With a sigh, Amane turned his back to focus on his job at hand. He was already an unfortunate mage; imagine if he were the unfortunate and incompetent mage. He flicked his fingers towards the bow, guiding the boat smoothly over the currents. It was perfect. Steady. With a small, satisfied smirk, Amane nodded at the job well done. There was a reason he was top of his class.
Suddenly, something shimmered in the water. Amane frowned. Though this was the palace lake, it wasn’t unusual for water spirits to sometimes lurk or wander near the surface. However, precautions should have been taken to ensure they were kept away on such an important day. He leaned closer to inspect the rippling across the water — perhaps it was simply the reflection of the sun.
A surge of currents began to bubble from beneath the boat, and Amane jerked away from the water. Nope, this was definitely a water spirit. A young and playful water spirit. He groaned and rubbed at his temples. Of course it was.
He turned around the keep an eye on Yashiro, the suitors, and the other servants. They were all busy hunched over the railing, admiring the water, and distracted. Amane sighed in relief — there was absolutely no reason for anyone to start panicking. Turning his attention back to the water spirit, he began to mutter under his breath. “All right, it’s just you and me, now.”
His fingers began to trace intricate patterns over the water, attempting to send the water spirit back to where it came from. It, however, had other plans. With a sudden rush, the currents churn violently — its heavy waves slamming against the hull. The boat began to tilt, sending cushions and trays sliding across the deck, many of them plunging straight into the lake. Small shrieks began to erupt from behind him, and Amane cursed under his breath. So much for having it all under his control.
He gripped the railing and steadied himself before casting another spell. “Cessa!” The suitor grabbed onto Yashiro, steadying her as best he could. Amane’s magic danced across the waters and wrapped around the water spirit and the boat. Immediately,y the boat steadied itself back into a gentle sway, and the water spirit was sent far, far away. Amane exhaled, his shoulders dropping in relief.
Amane spun around, cringing as he saw the suitor’s flustered expression. “Hey! What did you do to the boat?” the man growled, pointing at the water and the scattered cushions. “Was that some new trick of yours or what?”
Amane opened his mouth to protest, but decided against it. If he claimed it was a water spirit, that would spiral into another chain of complaints and accusations about who had allowed such nonsense in the first place.
Instead, he bowed his head in apology. “I’m sorry — there was an unexpected hiccup in the water.”
“Hiccup?” the suitor asked in incredulity. “You almost capsized us!”
Amane’s lips twitched, fighting to keep a straight face. “Yes… a minor hiccup,” he said, deliberately vague. “All under control now.”
Yashiro stepped forward, placing her hand on the suitor’s arm to diffuse the situation. “It’s alright, no one got hurt. But I believe we should stop for now. It seems that this hiccup was a little more…spirited than expected.”
Amane paused at her words. There was no way she knew…she hadn’t even been looking his way. Her eyes held his gaze a little longer before flicking away.
“…but thank you for saving me,” she added softly.
The suitor straightened, chest puffed out, his sour mood immediately dissipated. “O-of course! At that absolute disaster of a boat ride, there was nothing I could do but make sure you were kept safe, Your Highness.”
Amane’s lips pressed into a thin line, a small crease forming between his brows. Of course. Naturally, it’s always about him. He muttered something under his breath, sulky, before turning back to the bow.
With a flick of his fingers and a quiet incantation, the currents shifted, and the boat began a smooth turn, guided safely back along the lake. The suitor leaned slightly to peek over the railing, still beaming with self-satisfaction, while Amane steered with careful precision, completely unaware of Yashiro’s gaze that lingered on him.
The Perfect Gift
The Selection Trials had been dragging on for days now, practically two weeks — and more if anyone counted the months of preparation that led up to it — and Amane was absolutely exhausted. The suitors were relentless. Always talking, always fawning, always trying to outdo each other and win the Princess’ heart. He barely even got a minute alone to talk with her, and it wasn’t for lack of trying.
Tonight had been the worst of it.
It was the obligatory mid-trial ball. Something about giving a chance to display their grace and social poise. More like a contest of who had the biggest wallet. Mountains and mountains of gifts had been prepared for the Princess, each more extravagant than the last. Every suitor was painfully aware of the “Gift Trial,” and every single one was determined to impress her enough to stand out.
Amane had been confined to hovering in the background, strengthening the protective barrier around the palace to ensure maximum security. From where he stood, he could see Yashiro weaving through the crowd, with polite smiles and a perfect posture. To anyone, she would’ve looked like the picture of enthusiasm and perfect grace, but to Amane, she had simply looked…exhausted.
By the time the last suitor had finally retreated, and the chandeliers were dimmed to embers, the palace had fallen into quiet. Amane exhaled slowly, letting the cool night breeze brush over his skin. Peace and quiet at last.
He stopped for a second, leaning against a tree, taking a break from his final rounds of the palace grounds. The wards and protective barriers were all still in place —as they should be — but a final inspection was part of the job. He tilted his head towards the sky. It was cloudy tonight, no clear skies to show off the stars — it was a little gloomy, a little calm.
His eyes trailed along the edge of the lake, and then he saw her. Yashiro. Amane’s eyes lit up. Finally. A moment where he could actually talk to her, without the worry of a suitor whisking her away in demand of her attention. He couldn’t recall the last time they were able to simply sit together and talk about their day — it had been far too long. He began to take a step forward and then paused.
Yashiro’s shoulders were slightly slumped forward, her knees tucked close to her chest. Her hands gently trailed the surface of the water, its ripples quietly travelling outwards in small circles. Her face was unguarded, no longer wearing the mask she had carefully maintained all evening, and was instead replaced by a sort of weariness.
Amane’s fist tightened. He had been looking forward to being able to finally talk to her, but seeing the weariness set in her, he couldn’t bring himself to take another step toward her. He kept himself hidden behind the tree and kept his eyes trained on Yashiro. He looked back at the night sky — still cloudy, still gloomy. He tapped his finger against his elbow. He couldn’t disturb her peace. But maybe he could…help.
Amane lifted his hand and muttered softly under his breath. And slowly, subtly, almost imperceptibly, the clouds began to dissipate into the night air. The moonlight began to reflect against the surface of the lake, and the stars twinkled and danced, almost like they were alive.
Amane lingered for a few moments longer, watching the gentle play of moonlight and starlight over the lake. Then, satisfied that his little weather spell had done its job, he slipped back into the shadows. The night air blew past him as he continued his final rounds.
Suddenly, Yashiro blinked, her gaze lifting toward the beautiful, clear night sky. Gone were the clouds that had obstructed the moon; now it had been left free to cast its glow across the lake. It was seamless, perfect, and Yashiro’s eyes lit up. She could sense it, that same careful and familiar magic that she had surrounded her for years — Amane’s magic. She sat up a little bit straighter and glanced around the area, looking for him against the shadows of the night.
“Amane?” she called out softly, but the courtyard was empty. He was gone, but his presence could still be felt.
Yashiro let out a slow breath, a small smile tugging at her lips. He always seemed to know exactly what she needed. She let her gaze drift back to the night sky, taking in the moonlight and stars, and for the first time all evening, she felt a quiet, gentle peace settle over her.
+1
Amane was sulking. And he knew it. The four weeks of ‘trials’ were beginning to come to its end, which meant that it was slowly time for Yashiro to choose the one who, in her eyes, had completed the trials. The one who had charmed her and stolen her heart. He kicked a pebble and watched it bounce pathetically on the stone path. He was avoiding her, avoiding the suitors, and avoiding anything that reminded him of those stupid trials.
He knew he was being ridiculous. She was his best friend, and he should be there to help her out in such a crucial moment, but whenever he thought about sitting down and advising Yashiro on who to marry, his chest tightened in on itself, and it suddenly became harder to breathe. The thought of her choosing someone…it made his stomach twist in a way that he didn’t want to admit. He shoved his hands into his pockets and turned his face toward the ground. He wasn’t thinking about her like that. He wasn’t. Not really. He was just… worried for his friend. That’s all.
Still, his chest tightened again, a stubborn ache he refused to name. His stomach twisted, and he let out a frustrated grunt. Ugh. She shouldn’t have to choose at all. Why does this stupid trial even exist?
He avoided her like the plague, though he knew she was nearby, probably thinking about the decision she had to make. And somewhere deep down — some part of him he refused to admit even to himself — he knew exactly who he wanted her to choose.
But he wouldn’t say it. Not out loud. Not ever.
He shoved his hands in his pockets and sat down on a log that lay across a view of the city. Perfect. It was far enough that no one should be able to find him now. As soon as he sat down, he sighed again. Worst of all, he’d have to witness Yashiro and her newly chosen beloved every day for the rest of his life — smiling in hallways, sharing inside jokes, brushing shoulders. Amane groaned. He was doomed. Utterly, pathetically doomed.
He squeezed his eyes shut. He needed a distraction. Anything to stop thinking about—
Rustle.
Amane froze before shaking his head in amusement. No, it couldn’t be her, she would be way too busy with her suitors right now, why would she—
“Amane!”
His stomach dropped. The last person that he wanted to see. Not now and especially not—
“There you are!” came her voice. Lovely and so impossibly, irresistibly sweet. She peeked through the trees, her skirt bunched in her hands, her cheeks flushed from the small hike.
“Y-yashiro?” Amane squeaked. He cleared his throat, trying to hide the flush that settled on his face. “W-what are you doing here?”
“I’ve been looking for you, silly,” she frowned, brushing off the dust from her dress. “I should be asking you that question. You’ve been gone all week.”
Oh wonderful. She noticed. And Amane’s heart had the audacity to leap at that statement. His brain urged him to move his mouth. Say something. Anything.
“I’ve just…been a little bit…busy,” he answered lamely. That was a lie. A complete and utter lie.
“Oh, okay. I was a little bit worried that I had upset you somehow or in some way.” Yashiro mumbled, fiddling with her fingers.
“Upset me?” Amane furrowed his brows together. “No, no. You didn’t — you couldn't. I just…had some stuff to sort out. But I’m alright now, I’m free. So, uh…did you need me for something?” He was rambling, but at this point, he couldn’t bring himself to care anymore.
Yashiro stepped closer, her boots crunching on fallen leaves. “Well… not need you, exactly,” she said softly. “I just… wanted to see you…and talk.”
Amane swallowed. Oh, this was dangerous. “Right. It has been a while since we had time to talk to each other,” he laughed weakly. He gestured to the log that he had been sitting on. “Care to join me then, Princess?”
Yashiro laughed. “Always.”
She settled beside him, smoothing her skirts beneath her. For a moment, they just sat there, listening to the wind brush through the grass and the faint hum of the city far below.
Then Yashiro inhaled, slow and deliberate. “Actually… I did want to talk about the trials.”
Of course she did. Amane’s stomach dropped straight through the forest floor, but he swallowed the feeling and forced a smile. “You have someone in mind, I suppose? Fire away then, Your Highness. I’m here to listen.”
Yashiro nodded, her fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Yes… I think I do. I’ve been thinking a lot about it, and…one person has really caught my eye. But I’d like to hear your opinion on him.”
Amane leaned back slightly. “Oh? If he managed to catch your eye, then I’m sure he’s a great man. But all the same, describe him to me. I’m…curious about this man who seems to have caught your elusive heart.” His voice had taken on a light tone, though his pulse quickened and he felt like returning the lovely quiche that he had just eaten to the forest floor.
She turned her head to look down at the city below. “Well, he’s clever, of course, and capable… someone who seems to handle every challenge without losing his composure. But what really makes him stand out… is how he notices the small things about me — like he truly cares about me.”
Amane felt a flicker of tension in his chest, but he kept his expression neutral. I care about you. “Someone diligent and considerate, then. A good combination. And he completed all the trials?”
Yashiro nodded, her gaze still distant. “He did. Flawlessly, in fact. I was surprised to see someone so attuned to everything I needed.” She laughed quietly to herself. “And the best part? He wasn’t even doing it on purpose.”
Amane’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he couldn’t help but internally raise the white flag. It seemed like this mystery man had really — truly — captured Yashiro’s heart. And who was he to argue when it came to Yashiro’s decision? All he wanted was for her to be happy, and if her happiness came at someone else’s hand…his fists tightened…then so be it.
“He sounds like a fine person, Princess,” Amane gazed at the sky wistfully. “I’m glad that you’ll have someone like that by your side.”
Yashiro’s smile lingered, gentle and sincere. “I’m glad you approve,” she said softly.
Amane gave a short nod, trying to hide the small pang in his chest. For a moment, the two of them sat in silence. Then Yashiro reached into the folds of her skirts and pulled out a small, delicate brooch. Its gold frame glinted faintly in the sunlight, and a tiny ruby gemstone caught the light.
Amane’s eyes immediately narrowed. Oh. That’s the thing, isn’t it? “It's pretty,” he commented. His chest tightened, and for a moment he felt an absurd, panging jealousy. Whoever managed to hold that is one lucky guy.
She bit her lip and held the brooch out toward him, her fingers trembling slightly.
Amane blinked. Did she want him to have a closer look at it? He leaned forward and began to inspect it at a closer detail. “Yes, it’s really pretty. You chose well.”
Yashiro’s cheeks flushed pink, and she looked down at her hands, twisting the brooch between her fingers. Her expression looked pained as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t. He didn’t get it. What did she want?
He straightened again and began to study the brooch. Did she want him to enchant it? Enhance it? In his eyes, it was the brooch Yashiro chose for her beloved — it was already perfect.
Yashiro took a shaky breath, holding the brooch out a little more insistently, her fingers trembling. “I… I thought — maybe you could—”
Amane froze, blinking at her hands. “Me? Hold it?” His voice was incredulous. “Oh, no, no, I couldn’t possibly—”
“Yes, you,” she murmured, cheeks burning. “I mean… I just thought…” Her words trailed off as she shifted awkwardly, looking anywhere but at him.
Amane scratched the back of his neck, entirely missing her intent. “Well, it is beautiful, but you know, I think it’s meant for — someone else, right? I’m not sure if I should be allowed to hold it first you know?”
Yashiro bit her lip, her hands lowering slightly. “I know. But I’d like for you to hold it…please.”
Amane blinked. So it wasn’t that she didn’t know how important it was to give that brooch to a man that she didn’t choose? Then why—
He paused. Then looked back up at Yashiro. Her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes pointedly avoiding his. Wait. Amane’s mind slowed down, and his eyes widened. “You want me…to have this?”
“Yes,” she murmured, her eyes shut, her voice barely audible.
Amane’s throat tightened. He swallowed. “D-do you know what you’re implying with this, Princess?”
Yashiro slowly exhaled. “I do. I know exactly what I’m doing.”
Amane stared at her, breath caught in his chest. His heart hammered loudly in his ears, and he could feel the flush burning across his face. “B-but I wasn’t even part of the trials. I’m just the court mage’s apprentice, not one of your suitors.”
At that, Yashiro gave him a small, soft, knowing smile. “You know the trials were just in name. What I was really looking for was someone who was able to stand by my side and understand me. And…you did complete the trials — not officially — but in a way that mattered more than anything anyone else did.”
“Me?” He blinked. “I…I don’t remember…”
“I’ll remind you then,” she smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “One of the criteria was compatibility — charm, humour, someone who brings joy into my life. And ever since we met, you’ve brightened every day without even trying. The other day, while we were out on the lake…you had protected us from the water spirit that threatened to capsize our boat — and yes, I did notice that.” She took another deep breath. “And the final trial…the one about giving me something meaningful…”
At this point, Amane’s face was so warm, he was almost dizzy. “I never gave you…”
“That night…” she cut him. “After the ball. You were the one who cleared the skies, didn’t you? You…noticed that I was feeling exhausted and gave me a moment of peace. That was more thoughtful than anything any suitor offered. I…I really appreciated that.”
He opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it again. “You knew?” his voice cracked, but he couldn’t find it in him to care.
She playfully nudged his shoulder, and Amane felt as if all the wind had been knocked out of him. “I know your magic like the back of my hand. Did you really think you could cast it without me noticing?”
Amane didn’t know what to say. He was afraid. Afraid that he would somehow ruin this. Was he dreaming? He had to be dreaming. There was no way any of this was happening. Especially not to him. He had to be misunderstanding some part of this, otherwise—
Yashiro lifted the brooch again, cheeks flushed, breaking him out of his spiralling thoughts. “So, what I wanted to say was…I know I’m breaking the rules since you weren’t officially part of the trials. But you were the only one that had ever captured my eye,” she swallowed, her voice almost a whisper. “So… if you would accept it… this brooch is yours.”
Silence crashed between them.
Amane stared, stunned. His mind went blank. Completely, utterly blank.
It felt like his soul had tripped over itself and face-planted into the ground. No matter how many excuses he tried to give to himself, there was no doubt about it. She had chosen him. Chosen. By Princess Yashiro. His Yashiro. He felt lightheaded. Actually, physically lightheaded. His vision blurred, and he had to put a hand over his forehead.
This… this couldn’t be real.
He had spent days sulking over the idea of Yashiro offering her heart to someone else. Torturing himself with the thought of another man receiving that brooch and her smile. Only for it to be him. Him. Stupid, court mage Amane. The irony of it all made Amane want to laugh out loud, part disbelief and part relief. The Princess had really chosen him.
Amane let out a slow breath, steadying himself. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet, steady in a way that surprised even him. “…May I?”
Yashiro blinked, then slowly extended her hand. Amane reached out, fingers brushing hers as he took it. His touch was gentle, almost as though he were afraid he might break the moment if he moved too quickly. The brooch was cold, heavy in his hand, and so unapologetically real.
He closed his fingers around it, then lifted his gaze to her. With his other hand, he took her free hand and softly brushed his lips against her knuckles. “There’s nothing more in this world that I’d like, Your Highness.” Amane straightened again, still holding her hand, the brooch tucked safely in his other palm. “…Thank you,” he said. “For choosing me.”
Yashiro smiled, small and bright and sure. “You were the only one I could see.”
The wind shifted between them, gentle and cool. Amane gave her hand one last, soft squeeze.
And with that, the trials had officially ended.