ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ-ғɪғᴛʜ.

It was already noon when she woke up. It's been a week since the chivalry ended and she smiled softly when the first one she saw was the man who captured her heart. She stretched an arm and reached for his cheek. They started sleeping together right after they got back. The Royal couple didn't disturb them anymore but they are still consistent in pursuing her to be their son's spouse. She shifted from her spot and moved closer to him. Her fingers traced the small scars on his shoulder and chest and this woke him up. He got those from the chivalry and she doesn't mind seeing those as long as he is safe and sound. 

"Good morning, Sho." She greeted him with a soft smile and he gently pulled her closer to kiss her lips deeply. 

He moved on top of her, wrapping his arms around her naked body while the silk blankets were still covering them. She broke the kiss and chuckled softly. She is still feeling tired because of what they did last night. She sat up on the bed and he hugged her from behind. Then, they heard a knock from outside. He knows that no one will dare to enter his bedchamber unless he says so. Her cheeks heated up and she covered her body properly. 

"They might be waiting for us now." She mumbled and got up from the bed. She went inside the bathroom to take a quick bath. 

It took them a while before they could finally join the King and the Queen to the meal. He just started courting her a few days ago and the Royal family announced this news to everyone. She can tell that there are some people against it, especially the higher-ups. Truthfully, it is making her uncomfortable. She doesn't know if she will be able to make it through. She lifted her head when she felt his hand on hers. 

"Is there something wrong?" He asked and she shook her head. She must be spacing out. She should shove those thoughts away. 

"The Archduke and the Countess' wedding will be this Friday already. Will she be alright?" She asked and he smiled, nodding his head. 

He knows that the Archduke is kind. Reiki will not neglect her or even feel that she is unloved. After the meal, they went to the garden to spend time alone and to talk about things. She has been worried about the younger Archduke because she saw the connection between him and the Countess that time. Her intuition is telling her that something is going on between the two. Aside from her, the Prince also noticed this but he preferred not to tell anything because it is not his personal matters. 

"I will go back to the manor this afternoon." She said and this made him sad. They know that they are still in the courting stage, so he has no rights to stop her from going back to her home. 

"I'll bring you back home later. Lord Makoto will arrive today?" He asked and she nodded. Her older twin went out of the country with the Knights of Yoshino and Fujiwara families. The trio has been enjoying trips to other countries lately. 

The servants arrived with the afternoon tea and pastries. He stared at her, trying to figure out what was messing up with her mind. Does he have something to know more about her? She looked at him when she felt his palm caressing her cheek. Ever since the chivalry, she noticed that something changed in him. He is learning to be more mature. 

"My Prince, the King is asking for your presence. Also you, Milady." One of the servants said and they stood up to walk back inside the great hall. 

She has no more secrets to tell. The King threw a scroll in front of her and she picked it up. Tears almost fell from her eyes when she saw evidence about her contract with the Viscount of the Suzuki family. This is solid proof that she became a courtesan. Accusations will follow later on. She forced her feet to leave the castle. She has no more face to show. 

"Why are you doing this, Father?! What's wrong with being a courtesan?! She is not doing anything wrong!" The Prince started ripping the scroll into shreds, gritting his teeth before following her out of the castle. 

"One more step and I will disown you!" The King shouted and he stopped from his tracks. He clenched his fists tight. Will he give everything up for her? 

The Queen gasped when her son threw the badge that proves that he is a Prince. He looked at them with such a cold facade before completely leaving the castle. He started to search for her, asking the villagers if they found her anywhere. The younger one hid in the narrow streets and sat down. Her feet are already tired from running away. She started crying silently as she buried her face on her knees. She is ashamed of her decision to be a courtesan. 

Her tears stained her powder blue silk dress. She hugged her knees tighter and continued to cry. If her brother is just there, she will be able to leave the country sooner. She can tell that everyone will judge her for what she became, especially the Royal family. She lifted her head when she heard footsteps approaching. The Prince was panting heavily and when he found her, he knelt in front of her to wipe her tears. 

"I'm here. I don't care if you're a courtesan. I don't care about their accusations about you. You have my trust ever since the night you gave yourself to me. It was your first, right? I was your first." He said softly before kissing her forehead. 

"Let's go back to your home now." He added and he carried her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, closing her eyes as she felt assured that he truly loves her.