"A Princess to your kingdom before A Principal to your stage."
Mai, Princess Royal and first of twelve daughters has only two priorities.
Her family and her dance - and sadly her dance can never come before her family.
Because of this, despite her...
Mai's lip twitched slightly and she settled the rose on her lap.
"Thank you, then," she said.
"What did my fortune teller say to you?"
She rolled her eyes and looked at him. "I thought I said that was private."
"I'm curious."
"It really bothers you that you don't know?"
"It really bothers me."
Mai thought about it for a time. "Fine, since you're doing me such a huge favour. She told me that I have a great challenge ahead of me and I might not make it out the other side."
The Black Rabbit sat bolt upright, staring at her and she chuckled.
"You reacted just like the others. My dance, you have to remember I'm a dancer. It's easy to forget I suppose."
"Oh..." The Black Rabbit said, "Then... are you so sure about going through with these shows?"
"Of course," Mai said, "I'll be fine."
"How can you be sure?"
"Have you ever seen me dance?"
"Naturally not."
"Exactly. Do you want to know the reason why I am allowed to continually split my time between dance and the court? Why I continue to possess the title of principal at just nineteen when really my director should throw me out and promote those who are there day in day out?"
"Because you're a princess."
"No."
"Oh?"
"Surprising, I know but you have not met my director. He allows it because I dance with such a level of talent; it's as if I were blessed by gods."
The Black Rabbit gaped at her for a moment. "I cannot believe you said that with a straight face," he said and Mai laughed.
"I only speak the truth."
"Even so! I'll have to see it to believe it."
"And see it you shall, I'm sure, on the opening night."
"I'll be sure to watch but do not take offence if I judge you harshly."
"The harsher the judge, the sweeter the victory."
"I look forward to it then."
At that moment, then doors slid open behind them and Henrietta looked out.
"Is everything well, Your Highness? Would you like some more tea?"
"No, we're finished," Mai said, getting to her feet and shaking out the silks of her skirts.
"You see, no ill intent," The Black Rabbit said with a grin, looking past her to Kazimir who walked through the door.
"Only an idiot would harm her with others so close by and I do not take you for an idiot," Kazimir replied.
"And here I thought you did."
"Well, maybe you are one, but an intelligent one."
"Quite the oxymoron."
"Indeed but more than that, I think you dangerous."
"You wound me. We've barely even met yet you think so little of me. And here I've been so good to not even comment on how dangerous I perceive you to be."
"How good of you."
"I wouldn't wish to be in the company of that which is barely human."
Everyone froze, then slowly looked at him and he just smiled, tilting his head back.
"Indeed?" Kazimir said, his voice low and slow.
The Black Rabbit grinned. "I don't know what you are," he said, his voice almost a growl, "But you are not human, though you make a very good mimic."
Kazimir narrowed his emerald eyes at him. "And here I was being so good as to not mention that the same applies to you."
The Black Rabbit's smile vanished.
"What? What are you talking about?" Mai asked quickly.
"I don't like this man, not because of his attitude or personality or behaviour, but because there is something fundamentally wrong with him," Kazimir said.
"What? What is wrong with him? What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing!" The Black Rabbit snarled, his hidden glare directed at Kazimir, his teeth grinding together. "There is nothing wrong with me."
"Live in denial if you so choose," Kazimir said, "I cannot say what it wrong with you but I trust my instincts and, however good a mimic you may be, you are wrong. That is why I do not like you being around Princess Mai."
The Black Rabbit opened his mouth, then seemed to change his mind. He closed his mouth then bit his lip and looked away across the lake to the sunset.
"I stayed longer than intended," he said, "If you'll excuse me, I'll return to camp."
"Wait, what does he mean?" Mai asked, though she didn't really expect an answer.
"Nothing, My Lady, really. It really isn't anything," he said, smiling at her, "Ask and I'm sure he won't be able to elaborate because he simply wishes to scare you, for there is nothing wrong. For now though, I must get back."
He lightly got to his feet, the boat not moving beneath him, and bowed then looked at the boatman who was hovering in the corner.
"I apologise for stealing your boat, if you would be so kind as to take me back to shore?"
The boatman quickly looked at Mai and, after a moment, she nodded and gestured for them to go. He bowed and hurried to the boat, getting in, sitting at the oars and then pulled away, making their way back around the side of the pavilion.
Mai followed through the rooms, stepping out onto the main deck as they began to draw away towards the shore.
The Black Rabbit was still standing and he bowed again to her when she appeared before grinning and tipping his hat.
"I bid you good night and the fairest of dreams!"
~~~~
Next up: Monday
Art By: Google Image
Also, you wanted to see The Black Rabbit in the next bookmark.
Well, here he is.
I'm not great at drawing men buuut... well you can say a lot of bad things about The Black Rabbit but I'd say he appears somewhat good looking lol
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