Aiko was escorted outside, the maids smiling at her. Aiko stared back at her room. A panicked light in her eyes.

The approach of her wedding seemed to become reality now. Not just a dream.

Her heart was beating fast, the sound resonating in her body, shaking her to the core. Her eyes jumped from one corner to the others, stricken with fear and panic. Her hands were clammy. Grasping the cold silk of the kimono.

The corridors seemed endless, laughing at her with all of their heart. Telling her her life was over.

She turned around to see if she could escape, but a deep cluster of soldiers, guards and court ladies blocked her way.

She turned back around, biting her lip and feeling the tears swim in her eyes. She felt the fire that warmed her body slowly extinguish like the other days. The trip from her room to the alter had seemed extremely long, but too soon did they come in front of the closed doors.

Lady Tachikaba was standing next to the door, dressed in a wonderful kimono, but nothing compared to Aiko's. She had the final vest in her hand. A pure, see through vest. Small roses danced on the edges.

Aiko wobbled towards her. Lady Tachikaba smiled happily. Her lips plump. She gently put it on Aiko, gasping as she turned around.

In front of her stood a wonderful bride. Beautiful as a goddess, her eyes alive. While inside, Aiko felt dead, cold, and ready to die.

Lady Tachikaba snapped her perfect fingers. A maid hurriedly gave her a blue rose.

Lady Tachikaba gently proposed it to her. The petals shining gently in the afternoon light. Aiko took it in between her fingers, staring at it. The stem was hard in her hand.

The time was really near. She had to give up her loved life for something forced by others.

A tear rolled down her cheek. Lady Tachikaba smiled with warmth, drying her tear. "Oh, do not cry Aiko. It will be a wonderful wedding. It's sad to waste your happiness with tears."

Happiness?

What happiness?

Oh of course, Lady Tachikaba thought she was happy. Who wouldn't be. Marrying the Emperor. But she wasn't happy. The door opened. Slowly revealing the room behind. Her heart fluttered.

Or...was she?