Only the beginning

The morning after the celebration was bright and fresh. The sun gently illuminated the palace gardens, flowers swayed lightly in the morning breeze, and Akarihoshi animals buzzed and sang. The world seemed to hold its breath, as if welcoming a new beginning.

Aiko stood on the balcony of her chamber, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit prepared by the queen and Yarami. A sense of peace filled her chest—a peace she had never known before.

From behind the doors of the chamber, a voice called out. “Aura, may I come in? Is the princess ready?”

Aura answered with her usual calmness, “You may enter. The princess is expecting you.”

Aiko’s lips curved into a faint smile. For a brief moment, warmth stirred in her chest as a memory resurfaced—the first time she had heard Akihiko’s voice on the other side of the door, asking Aura the very same question. Her heart had raced then, unsure of what awaited her… and now, even though so much had changed, the echo of that memory still tightened her chest with a bittersweet tenderness.

Beside her, Akihiko approached, smiling in a way that both soothed and warmed her heart.

“Good morning, princess,” he said, his voice soft, yet full of warmth. His gaze, respectful and full of love, seemed to tell her silently that her home was here, by his side, and that their future was no longer uncertain.

Aiko gave a small, gentle smile. “Good morning, prince.”

Both of them smiled at those words.

For a moment, they simply stood there together, wordless. Their energies intertwined, soft and calm, as if the entire world paused to witness their quiet happiness.

“Ready for a new beginning?” Akihiko asked, subtly pressing close to her side.

“Always, if I’m with you,” Aiko replied, and their hands met, fingers intertwining with a tender warmth.

In that moment, both felt the certainty that a future full of love, peace, and trust awaited them. Together, they descended the palace stairs, away from the grandeur, and into the midst of their people. Despite the formality and admiration surrounding them, they remained humble, kind, and attentive.

The citizens bowed and greeted her, but Aiko simply nodded and smiled. Her sincerity and warmth made everyone see not just a princess, but a person—human, kind, and real.

Akihiko walked beside her, shoulder to shoulder, holding her hand gently. Their eyes met, exchanging a quiet smile, a small, intimate acknowledgment of the bond they shared—unspoken, yet deeply understood.

As they walked past the people, Aiko bowed to each group, shook hands, exchanged a few words, and smiled softly. Akihiko aided discreetly wherever needed, always respectful, never imposing.

When they reached the edge of the garden, they paused. The sun was high, its rays casting a warm glow over the meadows and flowers. A gentle breeze tousled their hair. Aiko exhaled softly.

“Akihiko, if this is still a dream… I never want to wake up.”

Her voice trembled, soft as a whisper carried by the wind.

Akihiko stepped closer, his presence steady, his warmth wrapping around her as he drew her into his embrace. For a moment, the world seemed to fade—the garden, the sky, even time itself.

“Then let us dream together—both of us,” he murmured, his breath brushing against her ear.

Aiko closed her eyes, sinking into the safety of his arms. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek made the dream feel real, so achingly real, that she no longer cared if she ever woke again.

“This is where I truly belong,” she murmured to herself. In that instant, every past fear, every doubt, and every shadow of uncertainty seemed impossibly distant. Every smile, every touch, every light around her reminded her that she had found her place—not just on Earth, not just among people, but beside him, beside Akihiko, beside those who meant the world to her.

Akihiko watched her, his heart beating steadily, filled with a quiet, profound joy. He had promised to protect her, to stay by her side through every trial, and now, seeing her at peace, he felt the weight of that promise transform into pure contentment.

“She is finally safe. She is finally home. he thought, his gaze softening. And I will do everything to make sure she never feels alone again. Every step I take from now on, every choice, every breath—I will spend it keeping her happiness alive. She deserves this peace… deserves me to be strong for her. And I will be.”

His thumb brushed gently over the back of her hand, grounding them both in this perfect, silent moment. The subtle warmth of her presence, the delicate strength she carried even in stillness, made his chest swell with quiet pride and love.

I’ve waited so long to hold her like this, to tell her without words that she is everything to me. And now… we can finally begin our life together. Together, for real, without fear.

He leaned slightly closer, letting his forehead rest against hers. The world seemed to fade around them—the distant sounds of the palace, the murmurs of the day, all dissolved into a perfect quiet. Here, there was only Aiko and him, two hearts beating in rhythm, intertwined by trust, love, and the bond they had fought to protect.

Akihiko whispered softly, almost reverently: “You are home now, Aiko.”

And for the first time in a long while, both of them truly believed it.

“Everything has come true, the stars really tried to tell me something,” she thought quietly. Her soul was full, every fear and doubt swept away. She had found her place—not just on a throne, not merely among people, but in the embrace of the one who truly understood and cherished her.

Aiko and Akihiko stood together, their fingers entwined, eyes fixed on the distant horizon where sky and Akarihoshi seemed to meet. The sun rays painted the world in gentle blue and violet, as if celebrating the beginning of something new.

A soft breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the promise of adventures yet to come. Their hearts beat in quiet harmony, full of hope, courage, and the unspoken knowledge that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.

For now, they simply lingered in the moment, letting the world wait, knowing that this was only the first page of their story.