Pov Author
Anna stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection as if she hardly recognized the girl looking back. The soft purple robe she had chosen wrapped around her figure like a quiet whisper, its fabric shimmering faintly under the lantern light.
Silver embroidery flowed along the sleeves in delicate curves, patterns resembling moonlit vines. She had never dressed like this for anyone before. Not truly. Not with intention.
She fixed the last crystal pin in her hair, adjusting the strand that kept falling stubbornly near her cheek.
A few loose curls framed her face in a way that made her look softer, calmer. Her fingers trembled slightly as she slipped on the small rings and bracelets — accessories she rarely wore.
She exhaled slowly.
"Calm down," she whispered to herself.
But the flutter in her chest didn't listen.
A knock broke the silence.
The maid stepped forward and opened the door with practiced grace — and froze briefly. Even she seemed surprised to see who stood outside.
Shoto.
He held a bouquet of white lilies, their pale petals glowing softly under the lanternlight. His expression was calm, naturally composed, but his eyes had a warmth Anna didn't remember seeing before.
"Good evening," he said, bowing slightly.
Anna stepped forward. "The lilies… they're beautiful."
"They reminded me of you." His tone was simple, honest, without any dramatic flair — which somehow made it even more sincere.
The maid bowed and quietly left, closing the door behind her.
Shoto offered his hand, not to hold hers, but more like a polite gesture asking if she was ready.
"Shall we go?" he asked.
Anna nodded. "Yes."
And together, they stepped out.
The market streets were alive with color and motion. Lanterns draped across buildings glowed in gold and crimson hues, swaying gently in the evening breeze. The sound of laughter, clattering pots, and cheerful bargaining filled the air.
Anna felt the energy immediately.
This wasn't the cold quiet of the castle. Here, people were alive — moving, laughing, living without fear of shadows chasing their heels.
"This way," Shoto said, guiding her around a crowd.
They walked side by side, brushing shoulders occasionally.
Every time their arms touched, Anna's heart jolted a little, and Shoto would glance at her briefly—as if making sure she was alright.
At a small stall,
Anna paused. "Oh, look at this!"
Tiny glass bottles shaped like stars, moons, and flowers hung like ornaments from the top of the stall.
Shoto stepped closer. "Do you like them?"
"They're pretty," she admitted, touching one gently.
The stall owner smiled. "Ah, young lady, that one suits you. Purple glass, moon-lit shine."
Anna blushed slightly. "I'm just looking—"
"I'll take this one," Shoto said before she could finish.
Anna turned. "Shoto, you don't have to—"
"I want to," he said simply.
He paid and held out the small bottle attached to a thin silver chain. "For you."
Anna accepted it, fingers brushing his palm again. "Thank you."
They moved from stall to stall — wooden carvings, herbal soaps, crystal trinkets. Anna found herself talking more freely than usual, sharing small stories and thoughts she didn't plan to. And Shoto listened — actually listened — with quiet interest.
At one point, he picked up a purple bracelet with tiny star charms.
"This matches your robe," he said.
Anna hesitated. "Are you sure?"
He nodded. "I am."
He fastened it around her wrist with careful hands.
And Anna wondered if he even realized how gently he held her
Steam rose from a food stall selling freshly made dumplings and buns. The air smelled warm and spicy.
"Try this," Anna said, handing him a dumpling.
Shoto took a confident bite — and froze.
"Spicy?" she asked, trying not to laugh.
His eyes watered slightly. "Just a little."
Anna finally burst into laughter — soft, warm, the kind that made her eyes shine.
Shoto coughed lightly, turning his face away in embarrassment, and that only made her laugh harder.
To recover his dignity, he handed her a sweet rice cake from another stall.
"Your turn."
Anna took a bite — and her eyes widened. "Oh — this is extremely sweet!"
Shoto let out a quiet laugh — just a small one, but genuine.
People passing by smiled at the two young nobles enjoying such a normal, human moment.
They shared roasted chestnuts after, and Anna tried her best not to burn her fingers. Shoto eventually held the paper pouch so she wouldn't scorch herself Again.
She tried grilled skewers; he tried her favorite fruit drink. They talked — about small things, big things, memories, complaints about palace food — and everything in between.
It felt natural. Easy.
Warm.
Towards the end of the market, the path opened to a quiet riverside. Lantern reflections shimmered over the calm surface like floating stars. A pair of musicians played a gentle tune under a small pavilion.
Anna inhaled deeply. "It's beautiful here."
Shoto looked at her instead of the river. "Yes. It is."
Anna's cheeks warmed.
They walked side by side, steps slow, savoring the moment.
Shoto broke the silence first. "I'm not very good at… things like this."
"Dates?" Anna asked with a teasing smile.
He looked away slightly. "Yes."
"You're doing just fine," Anna assured him. "Better than fine, actually."
He stopped walking. "Anna."
She turned to him.
"I'm glad you came today."
There was sincerity in his voice — raw, real, unfiltered.
Anna felt her heart skip. "I'm glad you asked."
They stood by the river for a long time, talking about the war, the kingdom, their fears, their hopes, and small silly things like who cooks better or whose handwriting is worse.
Slowly, without meaning to, their hands brushed against each other.
Neither pulled away.
Just a short distance away, behind the corner of a tea shop, a palace maid watched everything unfold. Her sharp features tensed the moment she saw Shoto and Anna so close.
When she saw their quiet smiles… their hands brushing…
Her breath hitched.
She turned and ran.
The prince's chamber was quiet except for the sound of his brush sweeping across canvas. He was painting — and the subject was unmistakable: Anna.
He didn't look up when the door burst open.
"Y-Your Highness!" the maid gasped.
The prince's brush paused mid-stroke. "What kind of manners is this, Kiyoko?"
She fell to her knees. "Forgive me — but I saw something you must hear."
He turned slightly, enough for his sharp eyes to land on her.
"Speak."
"Anna… she was on a date. With Lord Shoto."
Snap.
The wooden brush handle broke cleanly in his hand.
Paint dripped from his fingers to the floor.
The prince slowly turned his full gaze toward the trembling maid. His expression was unreadable — but it held a dangerous stillness.
"Leave."
She scrambled to her feet and ran.
The prince looked back at Anna's portrait, jaw tight, eyes cold.
Up in the branches of an old maple tree, the fox Kitsune — in his true form — lounged among the leaves. His nine tails curled lazily, but his sharp amber eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Well, well," he murmured. "The girl's heart is wandering."
His tails flicked with a mix of interest and mischief.
"This will certainly complicate things."
When Anna and Shoto finally returned near the castle gates, the night was quiet and cool. Lanterns glowed faintly behind them.
They stopped.
"Thank you," Anna said softly.
Shoto met her eyes. "No. Thank you."
There was a moment — a breath — where the world seemed to pause.Then Anna leaned forward just a little. Shoto mirrored her.
Their kiss was soft, brief, tender — the kind that spoke of first beginnings, not grand promises.
When they pulled apart, Anna's smile was involuntary.
Shoto's wasn't much
different.
"Goodnight," she whispered.
"Goodnight," he replied.
They parted, both still smiling
.
Anna opened her chamber door, still holding the lilies.
Her smile faded instantly.
The maid was kneeling on the ground, trembling
And sitting on Anna's bed was Kitsune in human form — silver robe loose, posture completely relaxed, popping grapes into his mouth with eyes half closed.
He didn't even look at her as he spoke.
"Seems like someone enjoyed their night."
Anna didn't answer.
Kitsune finally opened one eye.
"You do remember why you're here, right? To free Lord Feng — not go around… what's the word… flirting."
"I know," Anna said quietly.
"So?" Kitsune tilted his head.
"Anything happen with your sweet little boyfriend?"
"That's none of your business," she snapped.
Kitsune's golden eyes opened fully now — sharp, fox-like.
"You're having fun," he said softly. "But fun never lasts long."
Anna's heart tightened. "What are you talking about?"
Kitsune stood, smoothing his robe as his lips curled into a slow, dangerous smirk.
"I found Lord Shou Feng."
Anna froze.
Kitsune's tail flicked behind him.
"Now," he said, eyes gleaming,
"the real story begins..
End of this chapter