Whispers between worlds

The cold light of the corridor reflected in Akihiko’s blue eyes, a mirror of the turbulence in his heart. Duty and truth clashed within him, yet deep down, he knew that following his heart would come at a price—and he was ready to accept it, consequences be damned.

He arrived on planet Mizuhana, and there stood princess Miyu, waiting silently in the corridor. The soft breeze from the open windows tousled her hair, but her composure remained unshaken.

“Princess Miyu…” he said, his voice low yet firm. “Can we speak somewhere in private?”

Her gaze met his, calm yet resolute, and she exuded understanding. Without a word, she led him to the palace garden, where the golden afternoon light fell in soft beams through the trees.

She took a deep breath, her voice gentle but steady. “Prince Akihiko… I’ve heard that Aiko has returned. I know your heart belongs only to her. I’ve seen the way you look at her. And… my heart… it belongs to one of my father’s guards. I’ve long feared admitting it, especially in front of my father.” A fleeting sparkle of hope shone in her eyes, quickly shadowed by fear.

Akihiko’s chest tightened, but he smiled softly, his gaze warm. “The last thing I want is for either of us to be unhappy.” He reached for her hand, his touch grounding her, a silent promise. “We’ll face this together. You won’t be alone. Your father will accept the truth more easily if he sees you are brave and supported. I’ll be there with you.”

A small smile formed on her lips, relief softening the tension around her shoulders. Together, they approached the king, hearts resolute, bracing to confront expectation and fear alike.

Inside the throne hall, the golden beams of sunlight reflected off polished walls, casting the regal space in a warm glow. Miyu held his hand lightly, then released it as she stepped forward to speak.

“Father…” she began, her voice quivering slightly, “my heart belongs to one of your guards. I’ve long feared admitting it… but now I must be honest. I could not be happy with prince Akihiko. Our hearts already belong elsewhere. Please… hear my request.”

The king’s piercing gaze softened as he listened. Akihiko stood beside her, calm, his presence unwavering.

“So…” the king Raiden said slowly, weighing each word, “you are telling me your affection is not for prince Akihiko, but for the guard. Hmm…”

Miyu’s eyes dropped, bracing for disappointment, but the king’s next expression was warm, almost proud.

“I admire your honesty, Miyu. Being brave enough to admit your feelings is no small feat. If your heart truly belongs to this guard, I will respect it.”

Miyu blinked, relief washing over her like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Akihiko squeezed her hand reassuringly, a silent promise that everything would be alright.

“Of course,” the king continued, “further discussion will be necessary to see how this relationship proceeds… but I recognize your sincerity and maturity. That matters more than anything else.”

A small cry of joy escaped Miyu, and Akihiko gently rested his hands on her shoulders. In that moment, honesty, courage, and support had triumphed over fear—and the king had witnessed it.

Akihiko bowed slightly to the king, measured and respectful. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your wisdom and understanding. You allow Miyu to follow her heart while preserving the respect between our kingdoms.”

The king nodded, solemn yet composed. “Prince Akihiko, your honesty and respect honor both your personal integrity and our alliance.”

Akihiko turned to Miyu, who smiled softly at him, gratitude and relief shining in her eyes. “May the future of our kingdoms be bright, and our alliance steadfast,” he added quietly, the weight of his relief tempered by the responsibilities of his role.

Miyu squeezed his hand, a gentle confirmation that the burden of tension had lifted, and the path forward looked brighter than it had in months.

Meanwhile, in the palace garden, Aiko sat on a stone bench, her fingers pressed over her chest. Her heart throbbed erratically, a mixture of longing, anxiety, and hope.

“When I was under Kaelrith’s control… I heard his words,” she whispered to herself. “I’m not imagining it. His voice… it was real. And I… I managed to free myself.”

From around the corner, giggles drifted softly—two girls speaking quietly of Akihiko and Miyu’s engagement. Their words, light and fleeting, pierced Aiko like cold air. Her stomach twisted, and her legs trembled as she struggled to rise.

“…Of course… that night, when Akihiko sent me to Earth, he had to choose his consort at the celebration. He’s already made his choice. Even though he knows my feelings for him, I should step aside. I don’t belong here.”

Jealousy and sadness collided, but beneath it all, she felt a flicker of resolve. Every whispered word reminded her that Akihiko believed in her strength, knew her feelings, and yet… her helplessness could not define her. She took a deep breath, steadying her trembling limbs.

Gathering her courage, she approached the king and queen. Her voice, soft but unwavering, carried her request: to return to Earth with her parents. The king and queen exchanged a glance, their wisdom and patience evident in the way they listened.

The king’s voice, calm yet firm, offered understanding. “Aiko, we know of your longing for Earth, for the home you know. But your presence here… even briefly, will be a beacon of hope for your people. They have lost their planet, king and queen. They will be happy, when they see that their princess is alive.”

The queen added, her smile warm, almost tender. “Only for the celebration. Afterward, you may choose your path freely. But for now, your people need their long-lost princess.”

Aiko nodded slowly, pressing her lips together. Her resolve settled like a stone in her chest. For now, she would stay. At least until the celebration.

Aiko froze in the palace hallway. She didn’t know what to do. She wished she could teleport herself and her parents back to Earth.

She clutched the star-shaped pendant and closed her eyes.

“The stars have always called to me… and now I am here. At least let my people see me… even if I don’t feel like a princess.”