Between duty and desire

Preparations for the celebration were in full swing.

The grand hall shimmered with the colors of the royal family — ribbons of blue and silver swayed gracefully beneath the ceiling, while futuristic lights reflected off polished surfaces, casting a soft glow. The air carried the gentle fragrance of flowers from Akarihoshi’ most exquisite gardens, intoxicating yet calming. Everything was arranged to perfection, promising a celebration that would be remembered for years.

Akihiko stood on the balcony of his private chamber, his elegant coat draping perfectly over his shoulders, emphasizing the noble lines of his posture. His arms were crossed, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, though his thoughts roamed far from the sunset. A storm brewed within him, an internal tempest of duty, expectation, and an undeniable, persistent feeling he could no longer suppress.

“Consort,” he whispered, almost reverently, as if speaking the words could help him understand them, or perhaps rid himself of their weight.

Expectations pressed down on him like a physical force — tradition, duty, the eyes of the courtiers, the weight of his family name. Yet no burden was heavier than the memory of her voice, trembling yet sincere, the warmth of her hand on his when he had been so close to death. He had tried to suppress those feelings, fearing the consequences. Now, he could no longer deny them.

A soft knock at the door broke his reverie.

“Come in,” he said softly.

Mika stepped inside, her elegant posture confident yet gentle, a knowing look in her eyes.

“Akihiko… the preparations are complete, and the court is buzzing with speculation. Everyone is already guessing. Princess Miyu is the most likely choice,” she said, carefully measuring her words.

He shook his head, a trace of conflict in his eyes. “I don’t want that. Not her. Not that choice.”

Mika stepped closer, placing a comforting hand near his. “Then follow your heart. You are a prince — your word matters more than anyone’s expectations.”

He sighed, frustration and longing mingling in his expression. “If only it were that simple…”

She didn’t answer, letting silence speak for her. Then, with quiet firmness, she added, “Ask yourself this: do you want to protect her by pushing her away… or by staying by her side, no matter the consequences? For better or worse.”

Elsewhere in the palace, Aiko gazed at the dress Mika had prepared for her. Silken and delicate, it shimmered in a gentle blue, like the first light of dawn touching calm waters. A soft warmth filled her chest, a quiet flutter of anticipation and wonder she could hardly contain. She stepped out onto the balcony, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in a mix of violet and blue. The curtains swayed gently, whispering against the cool evening breeze. Her heart tightened, though she couldn’t explain why.

“I’m only here by chance,” she murmured to herself. “It’s Akihiko’s birthday… and his celebration. I shouldn’t expect too much. As long as he’s alive, nothing else matters.”

She did not yet know that Akihiko would face one of the hardest decisions of his life during this very celebration — the choice of a consort.

She pressed her forehead to the cool glass, trying to steady herself. Perhaps it was just melancholy. Perhaps something deeper. Her eyes caught the soft ticking of her StarCom, and a strange stir of memory fluttered within her.

“Why does this remind me of Earth?” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. Perhaps it was the thought of Akihiko, slowly regaining his strength. Perhaps it was the weight of all the palace preparations pressing down on her shoulders. Perhaps it was the whisper of the future she hadn’t dared imagine.

On the other side of the palace, Akihiko wrestled with his own storm of thoughts. “My heart belongs to her,” he admitted aloud, the words echoing in the quiet chamber.

He stepped away from the mirror, leaning on the edge of the bed. Aiko… her name was now an anchor in his mind, a thought that would not release him. Her courage, her touch, her unseen warmth — all of it lingered, as if protecting him even now.

“Even though we come from different worlds…” he whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

And yet duty, family, heritage, the eyes of the courtiers — all pressed on him like chains. He lowered his head, brushing a hand across his Starcom, his hand lingered on the bracelet, that Aiko gave him. “How can I choose anyone else when my heart has already chosen?”

Aiko had risked everything for him, even as a stranger in this world. Perhaps, for the first time, he realized, he had to listen to his own heart.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Naoru entered with quiet authority. “It’s time, Akihiko. They’re expecting you.”

Aiko, in the hall, stood slightly removed from the center of the event. Her dress shimmered in soft blue with a silver sash, reflecting the subtle light of the chamber. She tried to keep her heartbeat steady, uncertain of what she would find in the coming hours.

She did not yet know what awaited her. But a quiet sense of foreboding told her this celebration would be pivotal — that it could change everything.

Princess Miyu Takumi appeared in the hall, her light gold gown catching the soft lights, her crystal tiara sparkling like starlight. Her poise was perfect, her confidence apparent, and every head turned as she moved gracefully among the guests.

Aiko froze. She’s beautiful… I couldn’t compete, even if I belonged here. But she quickly composed herself, steadying her heart.

Meanwhile, Akihiko prepared himself for his entrance. Soon, he would have to face the crowd — and the moment that could decide more than just his birthday.

The luxurious stairway, lined with silver edges and royal blue carpet, awaited him. He began his descent, each step measured and deliberate, head held high despite the storm within him. Harps and violins sounded softly in the background, yet silence fell over the hall as all eyes followed him.

Aiko’s heart raced. She had never seen him like this — commanding, graceful, yet undeniably vulnerable in ways she alone could sense.

Akihiko’s gaze swept over the crowd, meeting countless eyes, yet searching for none. Until, finally, it found hers.

He paused, the world narrowing to a single point of focus.

The event coordinator announced formally: “His Highness, prince Akihiko Miyahara, heir of Akarihoshi.”

One final step, and he reached the floor. Protocol demanded he address the assembly. He did, his voice steady and soothing:

“Honored guests, friends, and family, thank you for joining us on this special day. A day when we not only celebrate my birthday but also a step forward into the future of our family and the planet Akarihoshi. Your presence is a sign of trust and friendship, which means immeasurably much to us.”

As he concluded, Aiko sought a quiet corner to steady herself, her heart still racing. Akihiko, after speaking with dignitaries and courtiers, began moving toward the area where she had been standing. Several princesses and noblewomen noticed his approach, faces lighting up with hope, yet his gaze lingered on none. He returned only a quiet, subtle smile.

Mika, standing alongside Aiko, whispered softly.

“Are you feeling okay?”

Aiko hesitated, answering with a mixture of awe and nerves:

“Yes… just… I’m not used to events like this.”

Mika stepped closer, her voice calm and reassuring. “Everything will be alright.”’ Aiko gave a small nod, trusting her words.

Deep down, Mika understood that no matter what she said, it all depended on Akihiko.