A Day Before The Vows

The golden-violet light gently spilled over the palace gardens, casting a warm glow on the trees, blooming shrubs, and marble hallways. The palace slowly awoke; every corner was alive with the quiet energy of the upcoming wedding. A soft breeze floated through the corridors, carrying the scent of fresh flowers, while the sunlight reflected off the polished marble floors, giving the impression that the very space itself was breathing.

In the royal dining hall, a lively morning atmosphere filled the air. King Kaito and Queen Hanae sat by the window, quietly observing as the palace came alive with small, intimate moments. Aiko sat at the table, her eyes sparkling like twin jewels as she admired the flowers on the windowsill and sampled the sweet fruit before her. Her fingers traced the gilded edges of the table playfully, as if trying to capture the fleeting essence of the morning.

"Brother… you’re really happy, aren’t you?" Ren asked softly, a faint smile hiding the depth of his genuine feeling.

"I am, Ren," Akihiko replied, returning the smile and squeezing his brother’s hand. "But I’m also responsible. Today we’re organizing the details so Aiko’s day will be truly special."

Aiko breathed softly, her gaze flickering toward him. Thoughts of dreamy anticipation mingled with curiosity about what the day might hold. "I hope I can keep up with everything…" she whispered, slightly breathless.

Queen Hanae smiled warmly, placing her hand gently over Aiko’s. "Don’t worry, my dear. Today is about everyone coming together and enjoying the preparations. Every moment matters." Her eyes shimmered with wisdom and warmth, as if each word was a gentle embrace, quietly assuring Aiko that everything would be okay.

Naoru tilted his head, his curiosity shining. "So, Princess… have you thought about the flowers for the wedding path yet?"

Mika smiled, nudging him lightly. "Naoru, don’t distract her. Let Aiko enjoy the moment."

"I’m just asking…" Naoru protested, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Aiko nodded gently, a small smile touching her lips as her thoughts wandered to the golden shadows of the gardens. "Of course, Naoru. Ren and I will carefully select the flowers so everything will be perfect."

After breakfast, everyone moved to the royal gardens. The golden-violet light danced playfully across the blooms, shimmering on glistening shrubs and marble pathways. Aiko walked among the flowers like a true princess; every gesture was graceful, yet filled with elegance. Mika assisted her at every step, while Ren meticulously gathered flowers for the arrangements.

"Perhaps we could use a combination of pink and gold-red flowers for the main path," suggested Queen Hanae. "It would match your energy, Aiko, and fill the space with warmth."

Aiko nodded softly, feeling the comforting presence of the queen’s guidance. Her eyes glimmered with anticipation, her heart fluttering slightly at the thought of Akihiko—longing and expectation woven into each delicate touch of the flowers she selected.

Mika stood at her side, arching an eyebrow playfully. "Don’t worry, Princess. Together, we’ll make sure everything is perfect."

Aiko smiled, her eyes sparkling, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she appreciated Mika’s steadfast presence. Together, they tried different floral combinations, discussing colors, symbolism, and adding small, playful suggestions that even drew smiles from the queen.

In a futuristic chamber bathed in holographic light and soft music, Yarami was preparing the wedding dress. She scanned Aiko’s form—the living fabric smoothed and molded perfectly to her figure, every stitch and pattern flawless. Aiko felt the magical energy of the dress, a sense of lightness and elegance, while Akihiko remained completely unaware. The tension of the secret made the moment feel all the more special—this would be a memory shared only on their wedding day.

Mika stood beside her, admiring how Aiko shone, while Yarami selected tiaras and delicate accessories to complete the ensemble.

As Aiko and Akihiko strolled across the lawn, Mika remained nearby, watching the scene unfold. Naoru, ever curious, peeked toward Mika. "Mika… tell me, what kind of dress will Aiko wear? I’m just a little curious."

Mika shot him a playful smile. "Naoru, you mustn’t know!"

Naoru teased further, lightly tugging at her sleeve. Mika responded with a firm, playful tap on his head. "Oww! Why?!" Naoru exclaimed. "Because you mustn’t find out!" Mika retorted, as Aiko and Akihiko walked past, their laughter and whispered exchanges filling the air with intimacy and warmth.

Later, Akihiko and Aiko practiced swordplay—no competition, just playful exchanges and gentle touches as their swords met. Every glance between them was shy and warm, hearts fluttering. When their hands lightly brushed, each moment felt charged with tenderness, as though the space around them glowed with a dreamlike radiance.

The palace overflowed with laughter, holographic light displays, and floral arrangements. Every corner was filled with warmth and dreamlike ambiance. Aiko felt a deep connection with everyone around her—assistants, family, and Akihiko—preserving their private moments and playful intimacy, keeping the secret of her dress intact. Every instant shimmered with anticipation, love, and joy—the day was just beginning, filling the palace with the enchanting charm of the forthcoming wedding.

As the day slowly turned to evening, the golden-violet glow of the palace softened into a gentle silver. Two moons hung pale above the castle, stars scattering delicate points of light across the sky, and the wind whispered through the trees and flowers. Aiko and Akihiko stood on the palace balcony, wrapped in each other’s arms, their hands clasped tightly as if weaving themselves into a single shadow.

Akihiko leaned close to her ear and whispered, "After the wedding… maybe we could go somewhere… just the two of us." His voice was soft, almost fragile, filled with the desire to hold onto this moment.

Aiko sighed softly, pressing closer to him. Her eyes sparkled in the red-golden glow of the moonlight, her face bathed in the gentle shadows of the night sky. "Just the two of us…" she repeated, a faint smile playing on her lips, understanding the meaning behind his words.

"Did you mean… a honeymoon?" she whispered, curiosity coloring her tone. Akihiko tilted his head slightly, confused. "Honeymoon…?"

Aiko chuckled softly, noticing his unfamiliarity with the term. "It’s usually a trip after the wedding. A time for just the couple, without worries, without duties…"

Akihiko smiled faintly, his blue-white aura softly radiating around them. "Something like that… I didn’t know it was a custom there. It sounds perfect. We don’t have this here… but it feels right."

Aiko felt the warmth of his embrace, his closeness soothing her heart. "Then… would you go on a honeymoon?" she whispered, playful yet serious, binding them even closer.

Akihiko pressed her gently closer, their faces almost touching, and murmured, "With you… anywhere. Maybe Earth isn’t such a bad choice."

Aiko tilted her head, eyes sparkling. "To Earth for the honeymoon?"

Akihiko held her to himself. "I’d like to see how life turns there… surely there are breathtaking places where we could be alone."

Aiko smiled softly. "There are plenty… just need to know whether we’d like warm places, cold, somewhere in between, mountains, seas, lakes…"

Akihiko silenced her with a tender kiss. She gave herself to him, letting the moment linger, and as they parted slightly, he said, "You’ll choose. I trust your judgment."

Aiko smiled, eyes soft and strong. "But you know… on Earth we won’t use our energy, no swords, just ordinary humans, without titles."

Akihiko nodded. "Sounds perfect."

The wind whispered gently through the leaves, while the stars above shimmered like tiny diamonds. For a moment, the entire world seemed to pause—there were only two hearts, beating in perfect rhythm, ready to begin their new chapter together. A chapter full of love, secrets, and dreamy moments that the future would bring.