|| Cursed Love ||

- Chapter 1 -

The grass trickled the rim of my white silk kimono dress as it glide lightly behind me. The top of the small mountain that overlooked our kingdom was open, waiting just for me. With a small grin, I tread up the hill with delicate feet. The full moon reflected in the lake and illuminated the calm body of water that lay at rest, the surrounding pebbles and smooth rocks looked as if they came from a zen table. This place was truly beautiful, and it was mine. 

I patted the ground and smoothed my bottom before taking a seat on the fluffy grass. No one really comes here to cut it, so often times I'll pack a shear with me to trim the tops so that snakes don't take a liking to my haven. I'm unfortunately aware that princesses aren't supposed to take on labor work such as this, but if I wish to keep this place as mine, I have to overcome that. Besides, I don't exactly agree with that rule. 

Under the blossoming sakura tree full of flowers, I could be seen sitting. It was the time of year where the sakura petals became so pale they looked white, it was my favorite. I scan the near horizon. Our Japanese kingdom below is accustomed to silence and mannerism, so  a part of me felt rebellious by sitting in the grass. My, what a thrill. 

"Oi."

I jerk my head in the direction of the voice. A male stands to my left, he seemed to be walking up to this hill too. 

"I-"

"Who are you? Why are you on this hill all by yourself?" The male's voice was calm and stern at the same time, he dare show anything less than authority. Clearly, he knew not of my title, someone who knew I was the emperor's daughter wouldn't ask me who I was. 

"I'm Karu Mikimi," I fib. Something in me wanted to keep up the impression of someone else, wanted to make him to continue to believe I was a commoner. Maybe so that I could actually have a friend for once. Maybe. "I've lived in that village for a while." I point to my village. Or, kingdom I suppose. It wasn't exactly that big to begin with. He hums in response.

"I'm a traveler." His speech comes out bluntly, but I could sense anger seething behind his voice. He's aloof as well. I only just met him. "I'm... looking from place to place." He seemed as if he was trying to find some sort of excuse for being here, which made me question his intentions.

"Why did you come to my mountain?"

"Your mountain?"

"Yes. My mountain. I own this as a graveyard for my mother. She's buried under this tree."

He grows silent before paying his respects for 'my loss.' This man truly isn't from around here, nor does he know anything. Although it is true that I lost my mother when I was young, she's not buried here. Everyone in town, including the neighboring kingdoms, all know that royalty is always buried at the Garden of Scarlet. This man has no idea what to do, or where he's going. For someone with such a careless and aloof demeanor, he's so uncharacteristic. He doesn't know what to do, only a guilty person would be this suspicious. 

"Thank you, do you mind if I ask where you're traveling from?" His emotionless eyes remain staring off past the lake, his short black hair catching the breeze.

"I don't know. I'm  not sure what to call it anymore." I tilt my head a bit. Perplexed by his statement I forget to reply for a minute.

"Could you elaborate?" This was the first time I noticed a sweat droplet falling down his forehead. Had he been running? His breathing seemed average, and I would have heard him coming up the mountain, wouldn't I? Or perhaps I was too caught up in the scenery like usual. 

His lips part and let out a barely audible sigh,

"I'm sorry miss. It's just confusing right now. I'm not entirely sure if my home is even standing anymore." Ah. He was referring to the Shakuri town we used to trade with. They were recently attacked and had no survivors. Or so I thought.