The Second Promise

On the day of the wedding, a special excitement filled the palace of Akarihoshi. The corridors were alive with whispers, hurried footsteps, and the fragrance of fresh flowers that the servants carefully arranged in the great hall.

In her room, Aiko sat before a tall mirror, with Mika and Yarami at her side, doing their best to make her look like the perfect princess. Mika gently adjusted the soft waves of her hair as they cascaded over her shoulders, while Yarami smoothed out the edges of her gown, making sure not a single wrinkle could be seen.

“Just a little longer, and you’ll shine like the sun,” Mika said, meeting Aiko’s gaze through the mirror.

Aiko laughed softly, though a swarm of butterflies fluttered restlessly in her stomach.

At the other end of the hall, Akihiko stood in his own room. He adjusted his collar in front of the mirror, while Naoru sat on the edge of the bed, watching him with a faintly mischievous smile.

“I never thought I would get married twice…” Akihiko murmured, glancing once more at his reflection.

Naoru raised a brow.
“Yes, and both times to Aiko. Fate is clearly more romantic than you ever imagined.”

Akihiko turned toward the window. The morning light painted his face in gold, and the breeze tousled his hair. He drew in a deep breath and whispered almost to himself:
“Now that I know what awaits us in the future, I’m even more determined to stand by her side.”

Naoru rose and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“And now comes the moment to make it official.”

Meanwhile, Aiko gazed at her reflection in her chamber. She held the star-shaped pendant resting against her chest, her cheeks turning faintly pink.
“Our future awaits us, Akihiko,” she whispered, as though the pendant itself could carry her thoughts to him.

Mika gently squeezed her hand.
“He’ll be so happy to have you by his side. Nothing can stop the two of you.”

Yarami added with a smile:
“And if he ever tries to be stubborn, you’ll know how to remind him who the true queen is.”

Aiko laughed, her nerves easing for a moment.

In Akihiko’s chamber, Naoru observed him with curiosity.
“You know, I thought you’d be calmer this time around, now that you’re marrying for the second time.”

Akihiko only shrugged with a small smile. His eyes, however, held more than words ever could.

The great hall of Akarihoshi stood in hushed anticipation, as though even the walls held their breath. Crystals glowed softly along the walls, waiting to welcome the bride. Guests had gathered, and the music played quietly in the background.

Akihiko stood at the front, dressed in his dark blue and silver uniform. His hands clenched briefly into fists before relaxing again. His gaze remained fixed on the grand doors of the hall. His heart beat faster, as though he were still the boy meeting Aiko for the very first time.

Naoru, standing beside him, leaned in and whispered:
“If you keep staring at those doors, they’ll open on their own.”

Akihiko shot him a sharp look, but the corner of his lips betrayed a smile.

The music shifted. Everyone rose to their feet. The doors slowly opened.

Aiko entered the hall. Her gown – cream, rose, and gold with sheer sleeves and patterns of flames – shimmered in the glow of the crystals. Her hair, gently wavy, fell across her shoulders, and her eyes shone as though reflecting the night sky itself.

All fell silent, as if time itself had stopped. Even King Kaito and Queen Hanae exchanged soft smiles as they looked upon their future daughter-in-law.

Akihiko drew in a quiet breath, his eyes brimming. For a moment he no longer saw the crowd or heard the music – there was only her.

As Aiko walked toward him, every step echoed with the rhythm of his heartbeat. When she reached the altar and looked into his eyes, the world around them simply vanished.

Naoru smirked to himself, thinking:
“Well, that’s it. No more hiding. That’s a look you can’t deny.”

Aiko shone in her gown, glimmering like firelight as she moved. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, her cheeks glowing with a blush no smile could hide.

Aiko had finally joined Akihiko.

Akihiko stood opposite her, his dark blue and silver uniform lending him a regal air. His gaze was calm and steady, yet overflowing with warmth.

King Kaito stepped forward, his voice filling the hall:
“Princess Aiko, Prince Akihiko… today you stand before us to declare your love and devotion. Princess Aiko, are you prepared to honor and cherish Prince Akihiko, in joy and in hardship, for as long as you live?”

Aiko could hardly hold back her tears. She nodded and whispered:
“Yes.”

“Prince Akihiko,” the king continued, “are you prepared to love and protect Princess Aiko, to remain faithful and respect her all the days of your life?”

“Yes,” Akihiko answered firmly, his voice resounding in the silence.

“Then, by my power as King of Akarihoshi, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.”

Aiko leapt into his arms. When they kissed, their rings flared with golden-blue light, spreading throughout the hall. The guests gasped with joy, and a breeze swept in through the windows, as though the planet itself was celebrating.

After the ceremony, the guests gathered in the grand ballroom. Golden ribbons, lanterns shaped like stars, and glowing crystals created an atmosphere of endless festivity.

Akihiko offered his hand to Aiko.
“I’m ready, princess. I promise not to step on your toes.”

Aiko laughed.
“I hope not, prince… because then I’ll be the one stepping on yours.”

Meanwhile, Naoru approached Mika.
“Shall we dance?”

Mika rolled her eyes.
“Naoru, not until you show me three proper steps. Your pirouettes belong in a theater, not a ballroom.”

Naoru smiled confidently.
“Mika, you know I dance better than anyone here. I just like teasing you because you get adorably serious.”

Mika tried to keep a straight face, but laughter already sparkled in her eyes. Naoru extended his hand.
“Enough teasing. Dance with me.”

When he led her to the floor, the music and their movements blended as though they had rehearsed together every day. Though they tried to hide that something more than friendship flickered between them, their smiles and glances betrayed the truth. Some guests exchanged knowing looks but said nothing—choosing to let the story unfold.

Meanwhile, Ren approached Aiko.
“Princess, may I have this dance?”

“Of course, Ren,” she smiled, “but only if you promise not to fall.”

The evening passed in joy. Laughter and music filled the hall, while the crystals above pulsed to the rhythm of the melodies. Eventually, Aiko and Akihiko slipped quietly outside.

The garden greeted them with the fragrance of night-blooming flowers, and the moonlight painted silver paths along the stone walkways. Akihiko slipped an arm around her waist, his voice low, meant for her alone:
“Princess, I have an idea. Just the two of us—no witnesses, no guards.”

The wind tousled her hair, copper strands glinting in the moonlight. Her heart raced with every touch. He looked at her with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
“What if, just for a moment, we forgot everything… and it was only us?”

Aiko slowly raised her hand to his cheek, her fingers brushing against his warmth.
“Maybe… that’s exactly what I need.”

Akihiko pulled her closer, as if afraid to ever let go.
“I’ve missed you, princess… more than you can imagine.”

Their shadows merged as the two moons wrapped them in silver light. For that moment, time itself ceased to exist—there were no kingdoms, no duties, only the two of them.

When they finally returned to the hall, the laughter of friends greeted them. Naoru cast them a knowing look and winked.
“Prince, looks like you’ve found your moment.”

Akihiko flushed but couldn’t hide a smile.
“Naoru, your talent for observation is truly remarkable.”

Aiko, cheeks still faintly red, laughed softly.
“We just needed a little breath of fresh air.”

Mika glanced at her mischievously.
“Fresh air or not—you two are glowing.”

Akihiko then turned toward Mika and Naoru, his tone polite but warm.
“Thank you both… for giving us a bit of privacy. We truly appreciate it.”

Naoru grinned. “Of course, prince.”
Mika smirked. “It’s nothing—we just enjoy watching you two.”

Akihiko nodded, offering a small, amused smile, and then took Aiko’s hand gently.
“Shall we return?” he murmured. Together, they began walking back toward the hall.

As they walked, Akihiko’s fingers brushed lightly against Aiko’s, lingering just a fraction longer than necessary. Aiko’s cheeks warmed, and she stifled a small giggle, feeling a subtle thrill at their closeness. Akihiko shot her a teasing glance, his lips tugging into a gentle smile.

Even in the open hallway, their shared warmth and quiet touches spoke louder than words. Mika and Naoru followed a few steps behind, both smiling knowingly at the subtle intimacy radiating from the young couple—proof that even small, playful moments could deepen the bond between them.