"Y/N! It's not fair you get to marry Kouen!"

You groaned and rolled your eyes. As of now one of your siblings was annoying you about wanting to marry Kouen instead, she was a year younger than you. She was also gripping at your arm and tugging on it.

You turned to her and ripped your hand away, "then go speak with father! I did not make this decision!" 

She humphed, "maybe I will!"

"Go ahead!" You then proceeded to walk off, happy that she stopped bothering you.

"And I guess I'll be taking this as well."

You rose a brow and turned around to her, curious as to what it was. Your eyes widened as you saw the butterfly hairpin resting in her hands.

You charged at her, "give that back!"

Your sister stepped to the side, "oh, why should I? Is it important?" She asked nonchalantly, twirling the ornament on her fingers, almost as if she was close to dropping it.

"Yes, now give it!" You reached your hands towards her, but she moved again.

"Why? Because it was a gift from lord Kouen?" She rose a brow as if feigning curiosity.

A red tint dusted your cheeks, "o-of course not! Just give it to me!" You yelled, flustered.

She shrugged, "fine." She tossed it towards you. You gasped and dove onto the floor to safely catch it. Once it landed in your hands you let out a sigh of relief, it was okay and it seemed to be that everything was where it should be.

You stood up and glared at where your sister walked off, "damn brat..." You muttered.

You gaze traveled down to the hairpin, it was as beautiful as always. You could only hope your betrothed picked it out especially for you.

•~•~•

"Father! Why should Y/N marry Kouen?! She's a brute, unladylike, and knows nothing of acting like one!"

You rolled your eyes at how redundant she sounded and it was obvious she didn't even notice. Soon after, all your other sisters were starting to agree with the others statements. The table was soon filled with arguments directed towards your father.

Before he could say anything, you did. "ENOUGH!" You had stood up and slammed your hands on the table. The table was soon filled with silence.

"If you would like to have a chance with lord Kouen then I must apologize, but I won't because it's not my fault the Kou emperor chose me! Anyway, please excuse me."

You curtsied and proceeded to walk out. Kazue met you along the way, carrying a tray. You sighed and grabbed the tea from the tray, "thank you Kazue. You know me so well." You took a sip, sighing in bliss.

"Of course and by the way mistress, you have a visitor."

You rose a brow, "who would visit the castle at this hour and without my father knowing?"

Kazue chuckled, "you will see." 

You rose and walked to the garden, which is where your guest was supposed to be.

•~•~•

Your face turned to sadness when you saw the tree you put your sister's sword under. You kneeled down and paid your respects, after that you got up and looked around the garden. No one seemed to be around.

You were about to call to Kazue until you felt a hand on your wrist. You froze and instinctively grabbed their hand. You flipped them over your shoulder. You heard a groan. Your eyes widened to see you had accidentally flipped over a harmless person.

You frantically helped them up, "oh my goodness, I'm so sorry." 

The person groaned as they stood. Once they were up they rubbed their back, trying to relieve their pain. You cupped your hands over your mouth, "I am so sorry, I will call someone to look at you. Stay there!" 

You were about to go and find a nurse until they grabbed your wrist once more, fortunately, you didn't flip them this time. 

"Y-Yes?"

They didn't say anything they only continued holding onto you. 

 "Your sister... is a kind woman..."

Your eyes widened, as you were shocked they took that as a window opportunity to quickly leave. 

You ran after them, "wait! Come back!"

You advances were to no avail as they left. Tears couldn't help but fill your eyes as you were once reminded of your dear sister once more. Your fists clenched, ripping blades of grass from the earth. If only she were here, then maybe you'd get through this.

*~*~*

"Where were you?"

"Don't worry about it, love." 

"Hmm... Alright..."