Under the lights

Aiko stood before the large mirror in her chamber, dressed in her royal attire. Her reddish hair was pinned up delicately, though a few rebellious strands cascaded over her shoulders. She took a deep breath, feeling a flutter of nerves in her chest. Every eye in the grand hall would soon be upon her.

“I… I don’t know if I can even stand there as… as a princess,” she murmured to herself, her voice barely more than a whisper.

At that moment, Naoru entered, his calm demeanor always comforting. Today, however, a playful glint shone in his eyes.

“Feeling nervous, princess Aiko?” he asked with a teasing smile. “Don’t worry. With all the princes around, you’ll forget everything but yourself.”

Aiko raised an eyebrow. “Naoru… now? Really? You think jokes are the solution?”

“Absolutely,” he replied with a grin. “Nerves are meant to be challenged with a little humor. Step into that hall with confidence, and the people will feel it—they’ll know their princess has returned, whether you believe it yourself or not.”

Aiko allowed a small smile to tug at her lips, her nervousness easing slightly. “Alright. But promise me something. If I do something foolish… you’ll save the moment with a good joke, yes?”

“I promise,” Naoru said, bowing slightly. “And if necessary, I’ll stand behind you. You won’t face this alone.”

Taking a deep breath, Aiko felt the lingering tremor of anxiety shrink. With Naoru’s presence as her shield, she could do this.

Naoru spoke softly, “By the way… you look beautiful. Some people won’t be able to take their eyes off you.”

At his words, Aiko felt a faint warmth rise to her cheeks. She glanced away for a moment, a small blush coloring her face, her heart fluttering slightly.

Meanwhile, in his own chamber, Akihiko stood before a mirror, clad in his dark blue-and-silver ceremonial attire. The artificial candle’s light reflected softly off the fabric, casting him in a serene glow. His hands were slightly clenched, yet his blue eyes were calm and focused.

“Today is the day the whole world will see her… Aiko, princess Soraya,” he murmured to himself. “She can choose any path now. Any future. Every prince would seek her favor… and yet I cannot lose her again.”

He touched the bracelet on his wrist—the one Aiko had given him for his birthday—and a quiet smile crossed his face. It was small, yet full of unspoken promise.

“I am not just a companion. Not just her protector. I am hers. This time… every step I take, every breath I draw, will be for her. She will never be alone. Never.”

Before leaving the chamber, he took a small ring box from the table...

Aiko stood atop the grand staircase leading to the hall, her hands trembling slightly against the polished railing. The creamy pink-gold of her gown, adorned with subtle motifs of stars and flames, reflected the sunlight streaming through the windows. Her heart pounded, equal parts fear and exhilaration.

Then she saw him—Akihiko—emerging from the corridor. Time seemed to slow. His piercing blue eyes found hers, and in that instant, the world faded away. He was there, calm, resolute, yet utterly captivated.

Aiko’s cheeks flushed crimson. Her words tangled, her thoughts raced, but she looked away quickly, trying to contain the storm inside. She remembered, vividly: he knew. He knew her heart, her feelings. And yet… he was engaged to princess Miyu. Conflicting emotions swirled through her—warmth, desire, a strange ache of longing—but she steadied herself.

Akihiko, standing still, allowed himself to simply watch. His gaze softened with concern and unspoken longing. All he could do was be present, let the moment flow, let Aiko feel that she was not alone.

He stepped forward, bowing with measured grace.

“Princess…” His voice was gentle, carrying calm assurance and quiet strength. He extended his hand toward her. “You can do this. You are not alone. Trust yourself.”

Aiko’s breath caught. “Prince…” She slightly bowed and slowly, she placed her hand in his. His hand, firm yet tender, was a tether to courage. Strength and calm flowed into her. She was not alone.

When they were descending the staircase Akihiko’s voice was gentle as he spoke, “You look beautiful today, more beautiful than ever.”

Aiko felt a warmth rise to her cheeks. She quickly looked down, trying to hide the blush that threatened to betray her calm. Her fingers fidgeted nervously, twisting the hem of her sleeve.

Noticing her reaction, Akihiko’s expression softened. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” he said, his voice tender and reassuring.

Aiko’s heart fluttered, a mix of shyness and something deeper stirring within her, as she realized how much his words had touched her.

Then she forced herself to stay composed, keeping a cool exterior. Her heart dared not betray the flood of emotions she felt for Akihiko.

Step by deliberate step, they made their way to the hall. Within the hall gathered the residents of Akarihoshi, the people of Akanehara, and nobles from other planets, all watching in anticipation. The crowd fell silent; their collective gaze fixed upon the long-lost princess of planet Akanehara.

The king stepped forward, his presence commanding yet gentle. Every head turned as he spoke:

“Dear citizens of Akarihoshi, the planet Akanehara’s former people, today we witness a miracle. We have found princess Soraya of Akanehara—who was thought lost many years ago.”

Aiko felt a surge of emotion. The weight of her heritage, her past, and the expectations of her people pressed upon her—but she also felt an unexpected warmth, a sense of belonging she had never known on Earth.

Akihiko’s voice followed, calm but strong, carrying over the crowd like a gentle tide. “Today, we do not merely celebrate her return. We celebrate her strength, her courage, and the purity of her heart. She has overcome trials that would overwhelm most. She stands here among us, ready to face the future with hope.”

Aiko drew a deep breath, her gaze finding Akihiko’s. He smiled faintly, offering encouragement without words, his presence a shield against her lingering doubts.

“Dear everyone,” Aiko began, her voice trembling slightly but growing steadier with each word, “thank you for welcoming me back. I know I am a princess, but I grew up as an ordinary girl. I have much to learn, but I have the will to overcome any obstacle that comes my way.”

The crowd erupted into applause, cheers, and soft tears. Some whispered prayers of joy; others bowed deeply in reverence. Aiko felt her heart swell. She was no longer alone. Every step she had taken, every moment of fear and doubt, had led her here.

As she watched her people, hope gleaming in their eyes, Aiko’s mind swirled with doubt.

“What will happen when I leave this planet with my parents? I’d be leaving them behind… What should I do? I can’t be by Akihiko’s side, not now, not like this.”

The light danced across the polished floors, reflecting off golden accents and crystal chandeliers. Aiko’s heart beat in harmony with the hall itself, each step a careful rhythm of grace and emerging confidence. Akihiko stayed by her side like a steady anchor, his presence unwavering.

An elder advisor approached, bowing deeply. “Princess Soraya, welcome back.” He murmured, voice trembling with respect. Aiko felt a connection, an unspoken acknowledgment of her place, her duty, and the bond with her people.

She realized then that her true power lay not merely in her bloodline or title, but in her connection to those around her. Their hopes, fears, and love intertwined with her own strength.

She lifted her head, meeting Akihiko’s gaze. In it, she saw reassurance, promise, and unwavering devotion: “I am here. Always there for you.”

Aiko inhaled deeply, a genuine smile forming. Her steps grew confident, each echo resonating with certainty. She was here, among her people, awakening as the princess she was meant to be.

Her eyes found her parents across the hall. Pride, emotion, and gentle sorrow danced in their expressions. Though not her biological parents, their love had forged her strength. Every careful gesture, every attempt to hide fear, had been invaluable. Seeing her standing here—resilient, radiant, and alive—filled them with gratitude and awe.

Aiko exhaled, letting the weight of her journey settle. She had returned—not just as a princess, but as a girl who had faced darkness, embraced her past, and now, finally, stepped fully into her future.

Then came the dance. A prince from another planet stepped forward, bowing gracefully.

“May I have this dance, princess Soraya?”

Aiko’s eyes flicked toward Akihiko, her silent plea unmistakable. Without hesitation, Akihiko intervened, his voice gentle but firm:

“The princess promised me the first dance.”

The prince nodded respectfully, stepping back, and Akihiko extended his hand. Aiko placed hers in his, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart against hers. Step by step, they moved across the hall. Each movement was careful, elegant, and infused with a quiet intimacy that only they could feel.

Every glance, every touch, every heartbeat reminded her: he knew her heart. And in that knowledge, she found a courage she had never known before.

Through the hall doors, princess Miyu entered. Aiko’s blood ran cold at the sight of her—and she whispered, almost breathlessly:

“Princess Miyu…”