They were waiting.

Waiting for my father's final breath. Waiting for the weight of power to shift. Waiting to see if I would bend or break under the pressure.

I refused to do either. I wouldn't give my power to Jacryll, he was a fool who would bring the kingdom down to ashes.

Silence fell on the council chamber as I entered.

The men seated around the long lacquered table straightened, some looking at me with expectation, others with barely concealed disdain. Jacryll sat to the side, a smirk playing at his lips, ready to try to make me lose my temper

I took my seat at the head of the table—my seat, whether they acknowledged it or not.

Jacryll only scoffed at me, leaning back in his chair on the left. In his mind, he was supposed to sit at the head of the table instead of me.

"Princess Sora," Lord Daiken began, scratching his long beard that seemingly had never been brushed by how disgusting it looked, "As the king has fallen ill, it is important to talk about—"

I held my hand up, Lord Daiken's face falling as he shut his mouth in an instant, looking at Jacryll.

"It seems like you have forgotten the manners of court, Lord Daiken. You shall address me as your highness, not princess Sora." I spoke loudly, looking at every male face in this room, where I was the only female.

"I'm sorry your highness," Lord Daiken nodded, though I could see the disdain on his face, "As I was saying, as the king's health declines, it is time for us to speak on the matter of ascension."

"There's no matter to discuss," I said simply. "I am heir. His decree stands and Our King is strong, this illness shall pass and he will return to his duties."

Lord Reinjou let out a quiet scoff. "A decree made years ago, before—" he gestured vaguely, "—recent developments."

"Ah, yes," Jacryll mused, tapping a finger against his chin. "The recent development being that I was born."

His smirk was maddening. His presence even more so. But I would not give him the satisfaction of reacting.

"The laws of succession are unchallenged," I continued, my voice calm but firm. "It is the will of the King that I rule should the worst happen."

Jacryll tilted his head. "And yet, dear sister, the will of the people may say otherwise."

I turned my gaze to the rest of the council. "Are we discussing succession, or are we questioning whether the Kings wishes mean anything at all?"

Silence met my words. None of them would dare admit to such outright defiance. Not yet. Not when the King was still breathing, even barely.

Lord Daiken cleared his throat. "No one here seeks to dishonour the King's wishes. However, tradition dictates—"

"Tradition?" I interrupted. "Tradition dictates that women cannot inherit property, that widows are left to the mercy of their husband's families, that daughters are bartered away for political gain." I let my gaze sweep over them. "Tradition has never served women. Do not expect me to cling to it now. You are dishonouring the King's wish by suggesting I am not fit to rule."

I knew the words I spoke were dangerous, but I had been living as an obedient daughter for my whole life, and now in times of support, I will not falter.

"Princess," Lord Renjirou said, his voice tinged with false patience, "we are discussing the matter of stability. If you insist on pushing forward these... radical reforms—"

"Stability." I repeated, arching a brow. "Radical? You mean laws that ensure women can own land? That protect them from being cast aside at the whims of men? That allow them a voice in governance?" I stood up in anger.

"These laws will disrupt the very foundation of our society," he countered. "Men have ruled for centuries, and yet we still stand."

I leaned forward, my expression cold. "Yes. And yet, here you all are, trembling at the thought of a woman ruling now."

Silence.

"You can resist these laws all you want," I smiled, though it was forced, "but I will see that these laws pass."

"Your highness—" Lord Daiken stood up in desperation, "The king would never agree to this!"

I stared at Jacryll and then at Lord Daiken, "His majesty has given the stamp of approval." And with that, I turned on my heel and strode from the chamber.

They didn't need to know how much I had to work for it, how carefully I had to plant the seeds in my father's mind, ensuring that when the moment came, it felt like his decision rather than mine.

It broke my heart to make my sick father believe that this would make his legacy even bigger than it already was. Father wanted to be remembered, and all I had to do was a little push.

The court had been divided since Jacryll was born, and I knew they were on his side. The fact that he did not blow up today in there, was also surprising.

I reached my chambers, the maids bowed as they opened the doors, but I barely noticed them. The moment I stepped inside, the heavy doors shut behind me, I could let my shoulders relax and breathe normally. I did not have to keep my head up and pretend I was doing okay in my own chambers.

I moved to unfasten my outer robes, but before I could, the doors opened again. I turned sharply, expecting one of my attendants, but it was Tenji.

He closed the door behind him, the click of the latch unnervingly loud in the quiet room. His gaze swept over me, his expression turning into a slight smile.

"They're already whispering," he said, voice quieter now as his smile faded.

"Of course they are." I laughed, crossing my arms, suddenly feeling way too exposed.

Tenji studied me, his dark eyes searching. He knew I was ready to go to bed and break down, letting the pillow muffle my cries as I fought a battle between my mind and heart, only to grow up the ice walls in me and start all over again once the moon kissed its goodbyes, letting the sun take over.

Then, slowly, he stepped closer.

I should have moved, should have put space between us, but I didn't. I stayed still as his fingers brushed against my wrist, light as a whisper. The warmth of his skin against mine sent something sharp through me, something I couldn't put a word to. It itched under my skin, my heart beating as if it would gladly leave my own body just to sit in Tenji's hands.

The way his fingers brushed my cheek, the way he looked at me—not as a princess, not as a ruler fighting for her place, but as me. As Sora, the woman who was thrown into a cruel world.

"I don't have time to breathe," I whispered, the words barely making it past my lips.

Tenji's thumb traced a slow line over my knuckles, his grip gentle. "Then take it now, Sora."

I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening. "And what happens when I can't afford moments like this?"

His hand rose from mine, grazing the side of my neck before settling against my jaw, tilting my face up toward him.

His touch was warm, sending butterflies to my stomach. "Then I'll remind you," he said, voice low.

"You always do." I whispered, lost in his eyes.

Tenji's lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something—but then he just exhaled, his forehead dipping close enough that I could feel his breath against my skin.

"Sora." My name was barely more than a whisper, but it sent a shiver down my spine.

I didn't move away. No, I didn't want to move away. His lips were so close to mine, the gap just barely separating—

Taking a step back, my mind screaming at me as my heart kept crying, "You should go."

Sora Yōmei was a name I could only dream of having, but could never afford to actually get.  

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