Kana
A rather cool breeze sways the branches as two sit alone on the flowery hill at dusk. Little critters return to their homes in the trees and the crowded streets below start to slowly thin. This sight she has witnessed plenty of times before though feels nostalgic today, given the circumstances.
Frederick takes a deep breath of fresh air gazing at the distant sunset. "The view is wonderful as always but I prefer night time the best."
"Watching the stars here at midnight is the first spot I took you along with Saelufu. I can't believe two whole months have passed already. Still, it's even harder to grasp the fact you're leaving tomorrow. Really wish I could've seen you off if you weren't going so early," she responds, not trying to hide the disappointment in her voice as he adjusts his hat.
"I know, but my fam wants me on the train right at sunrise... I've had a lotta fun these past several weeks thanks to you and Saelufu. I have tons of stories to share with my pals back home!"
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed your stay."
Just like that, it falls silent once again. There is a specific reason the fidgety teen invited him out to this secluded location. Naturally, Kana did wish for them to spend additional time together before he departs, but there's also something important she wants to confess. The brunette twists her new sparkly orange ribbon that Frederick gifted as a sweet birthday present. She could never find it in her to wear it until now, and maybe this will lend her a much-needed confidence boost.
"Um, Frederick I-"
"This might be kinda sudden but somethin has been on my mind that I have to ask ya." Frederick pulls the tip of his hat down as if he's embarrassed to ask the question occupying his thoughts. "You just talk about him so fondly it got me thinkin. Kana, do you hold romantic feelins for the prince?"
The moment Frederick asks this her emotions become a scattered mess. The one particular person she was struggling so hard to forget--if only for this sunset--has now reentered her head. Kana's emerald eyes drop down to her bare ring finger with a bitter smile.
"That is pretty random... Regardless if I do or not, it won't matter either way," she mumbles, and a flicker of guilt flashes in the southern boy's eyes.
"Sorry, I shouldn't be tryin to pry. I just heard he was gettin married soon and it made me curious."
"Yeah, yeah he is..." Kana's hand clutches at heart with a sudden pang in her chest. "Though even if he wasn't that wouldn't change anything. I couldn't handle gaining the throne to help co-rule over an entire kingdom. I'm far from the queen Calestra desires and choose my hectic lifestyle compared to royalty. There's your answer."
"I-I see..." Frederick stutters, falling oddly quiet and the earlier tension has risen stronger than ever. An almost suffocating air she simply can't take anymore, and with that, the girl plans to head home. Dusting off her dress, Kana takes a stand yet the country boy seems too spaced out to even notice.
"Sorry I'm cutting our last outing short but I should be going now. Remember to write to me after you get settled in, okay?..." she reminds him, and turns her back on his downcast face. "Goodbye, Frederick."
Saying those few parting words, the girl sprints fast as her legs will allow down the grassy hill. The confession Kana intended vanished the minute he spoke Wendell's name, though perhaps in a sense, she's relieved not to have announced her love.
I must truly be a dreamer to hold onto hope and his wedding is merely six days away.
...
The family of three each gathers around as her mother just finishes fixing their plates. After saying a prayer, both her mother and brother enjoy the hot cooked meal while Kana only picks at her food. This is a flavorsome dinner with ripe vegetables rather than the affordable ones which are always bruised. Nonetheless, she doesn't have an appetite considering all that's weighing on her heart.
Rocco digs into his half-cleared plate as he pauses to give their single parent a smile. "These beans got cooked great, Mom. Wish we could eat like this more often."
"Well, we can pick fresh vegetables since there is extra gold that everyone has received from the queen's aid. I wanted to whip up a delicious supper for you both with how much you've been working lately..."
Hannah's tender gaze turns to the girl across from her who forces a grin, not wanting to trouble her mother.
"Kana, you don't care for the food? I tried to recreate the recipes we used to have in Aniex."
"N-No, it's very tasty but I'm just not hungry right now. Um, I think I'll go rest in my room for a bit. Excuse me."
Kana disappears up the creaky stairs while the two left exchange worried glances. Flopping back on her wooden bed, she stares at the ceiling with thoughts wandering to a precious memory. The exact moment she first met the prince was a surprise, and the girl never imagined they would soon grow close as they have today...
About two years prior, Kana pulled a wagon filled with packages through the snowy streets. She stopped yet again to take a look at an old faded map that wasn't useful to her in the slightest. Already behind on so many deliveries and to top things off, the brunette definitely got lost.
"I only tried to support the family but there are limited jobs I can manage. Playing as a mail girl has been disastrous though it is my first day. Maybe I should try asking for directions..."
She hadn't visited Opal Forten much and the large size and countless roads were having her head spin. Ever since her mother's terrible back injury, life had gone downhill for the Littleton family. Forced to relocate to the slums, they sadly left their comfort in Aniex behind, and the siblings had contributed with expenses to make ends meet. This job would reward a decent amount of copper to put on the table, but at this rate, she might not get paid.
'It's getting colder with the snowfall too...'
Kana blew on her hands as the bitter air was going straight through her worn gloves. The thicker previous pair was lost during their move, and she didn't have coins to spend on a better substitute. What may have seemed like beautiful white scenery to higher residents just made her task all the more difficult. This poor weather numbed her aching limbs but at their cramped shack, the low temperature barely improved. The peasant girl let out a deep sigh and hoped to relieve some of her frustrations along with it. If there were valuable minutes to waste while she mentally complained, there was time to find where the next address belonged.
She studied the map a moment when a sudden loud crash grabbed her attention. A small child had tripped over her wagon as the packages were getting wet from the snow. Kana promptly lifted him to his feet--and because of the whining made sure the kid was alright. Luckily, he had no visible injuries and after she saw him off then turned to clean up the mess with haste. The brunette began to place them while releasing an audible groan, yet she couldn't fetch the distant box before unfamiliar mitten hands beat her to it.
They appeared to be around the same age--even if she stood a bit taller height wise--with him dressed from head to toe in snug noble clothes. He probably resigned in the capital or Everlane and his fashionable wardrobe was but one reason for his beauty. The boy had gorgeous sapphire eyes and fair skin which would raise pure envy in the most breathtaking of ladies.
"T-Thank you..." she sputtered as the mysterious assistant gave a kind smile.
"It wasn't any trouble. Be sure to keep warm with this snow storm brewing."
After that, he turned to leave and she quickly grabbed onto his shoulder.
"Wait! Um, could you please direct me to this address location? I'm a bit confused and it's my first day working at the post office."
A blush crept on her cheeks as the beautiful stranger leaned closer to read the tiny writing. In no time at all, he nodded pointing in the opposite direction she had just come from.
"You missed it. This envelope belongs to the house toward the right at that corner."
"My ancient map is garbage to me so I'll take your word. I appreciate the help."
"Are you new to the area? You have quite a few packages there and it's almost closing time. Do you know where the rest of your deliveries go?"
His innocent question had her body frozen solid as if the harsh growing breeze alone wasn't enough. Kana didn't acquire the remaining addresses since she didn't want to bother him any further. Still, five other packages remained with less than forty-five minutes to complete them all.
"Unfortunately, I don't..."
"...I can escort you then. I departed from my friend's house early to beat the storm, so now I have a small window to spare. Let me check the mail and we can start with what's near first," he insisted, and though she felt guilty the girl was in no position nor had the energy to reject his offer.
"I really am grateful. I'll pay close attention, therefore, I won't get mixed up in the future."
The two began their team deliveries and with his guidance, the process went by far smoother. They chatted and walked along but the mysterious noble shared about himself quite little. However, Kana couldn't exactly talk as she chose not to mention her new home is Rainswood rather than Opal Forten.
On the lone package left, he informed her it must've gotten misplaced in the postal service. The address belonged to a residence in the capital that shouldn't be added among her batch. Despite his suggestion to return the mistake, she decided to deliver this one as well. Such a sizable box had to be important and his advice would result in a longer wait. Determined to finish her job, he led to their final stop of the evening.
"Excuse me, I have a delivery!" she shouted and gave another firm pound on the mansion's large door. Perhaps it was the best option to simply have given the hefty package back to the postal office. Thankfully, a young maid opened the door who looked her up and down with narrowed eyes.
"...Can I help you?"
"Um, yes I have a package that needs to be signed by Darrell Peterson."
"I'll go retrieve him. Wait right here."
The female servant disappeared inside as she waited patiently as instructed. About a minute later, an irritated young male that must be the owner of the place appeared before her.
"It's about time I received my package. I've been waiting for days now..." He paused and gave the exact look his maid had moments ago. "Huh? You aren't the normal mailman."
"No, yours was sent to Opal Forten's mailroom by mistake. I thought it'd be easier for me to give this to you instead," she softly explained, which caused his frown to deepen.
"Who said I wanted some filthy peasant contaminating my stuff? Has this been on the ground because it feels awfully damp? For crying out loud, you commoners are pathetic! I'd preferred you had just kept the darn thing!"
Each cruel insult had the girl flinch and nearly humiliated to the point of tears. Kana's good deed was a big mistake she couldn't reverse as he continued to shout criticism to her face. When milliseconds away from dissolving into a mere puddle, the boy who was standing at the gate stormed over to join them.
"And I feel you're being awfully rude, Sir. She had a stressful day as it is, but out of consideration for you took the time to travel to your home. Rather than accept this kindness with thanks you turn your nose up as if you're above her."
Compared to the pure disgust that came from this man, his charming speech melted her heart. The shame Kana held was suddenly carried away by the strong winter air as she straightened her stance. It has been a hard adjustment the past few weeks to get treated in this awful manner. For the young man, his complexion turned deathly pale at the sight of the boy's scowl.
"P-Prince Wendell! I didn't notice you there! My sincerest apologies! I was in a foul mood and shouldn't have lashed out at her! I'm deeply sorry for my crude remarks!" he exclaimed, and his address toward the ash-blonde had her eyes widened in horror.
'This is...the prince of the kingdom, Wendell! H-How could've I not realized that sooner?! I didn't pay him proper respects at all!'
Kana stood mortified by her blindness as the man used a fountain pen to sign while bowing numerous times before he closed his door. Once they reached the snow-covered path, it was the brunette's turn to bow in apology. The royal couldn't utter a single syllable when she hung her head low in shame.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness! I was so overwhelmed with my job, plus I don't attend royal events but on occasion. I completely failed to recognize the person that's helping was the crowned prince... Also, I appreciate you speaking up for me against that snobby man."
"P-Please, stand up straight."
The boy acted rather embarrassed by her actions as she slowly met his flustered gaze.
"I'm honestly not the best with confrontation, but I couldn't hold my tongue with the way he was disrespecting you. As for not realizing my identity, it's quite fine. Truthfully, being unknown for a while is an interesting change of pace."
Wendell's last words were more of a mumble, though the smile returned to his lips as one equally spread across her own. If it wasn't for his kindness, she would've gone home not earning a copper. The girl was left with a few minutes to run the signatures back before the storm hit.
"Thank you again. I've learned how to navigate this town and it should be easier upon handling my next deliveries."
"You're welcome. Oh, since you do know my identity I believe proper introductions are in order. My name is Wendell Chestna, first prince of Calestra," he said and held out his mitten hand which she gently accepted.
"I'm Kana Littleton. It's nice to personally make your acquaintance."
...
Nearly a whole year after their fateful encounter in the snow, she befriended Saelufu at the schoolhouse. Surprisingly, the dwarf shared a tight bond with the royal who remembered the peasant girl. What began as simple admiration blossomed into something real and special--right from the heart. Regardless of how hard she tried to suppress her feelings, they sprouted stronger each passing day.
"So you're awake."
Rocco snaps the brunette out of her daydream currently leaning against the doorframe.
"Are you still upset at mom about the gold? You know she's been depressed since her marriage fell apart, and she just wanted something--or rather a new wardrobe to boost her dower mood. Went spending it on the both of us too when we didn't even ask."
She shakes her head sitting up in bed as he snags a seat beside her. "Mom already apologized for that. I should've specified where I got such a generous gift from. Though mentioning him, the prince is the cause of my dilemma..."
"Is this about the wedding then?"
"I keep wishing the situation would change but not sure if I deserve it all the same. Remember I said a spark happened with Frederick when we kissed during practice for the play? Well, I attempted to confess to him this evening just before he leaves tomorrow. Having complicated emotions like these makes me feel no better than dad..." she murmurs, but her brother lets out a scoff.
"Don't compare yourself to that deadbeat. He chose to toss aside a marriage of twenty years for the high-class life with some noble trash. Look, you mentioned Frederick has similar qualities as the prince, right?"
"Yeah, they do have a lot in common," she responds, though is at a loss on where he's going with this. "That's why I was so surprised the two don't get along,"
"I think you tried to settle for Frederick because you're afraid it's so far-fetched that you and Wendell could ever be together. It was easier for a romance to bud with this country fellow who's moving back home to another kingdom. More-so than waiting around for you and Prince Charming to have your perfect fairytale ending."
Kana sits speechlessly at her brother's wise deduction and everything is the absolute truth.
"I'm an open book, aren't I? Regardless, if his engagement with Blanche was called off tomorrow morning, I do have doubts he'd choose me, the lowly peasant girl." The brunette looks down at her ragged clothes covered with tears and dirt, though these are world's different than the single expensive dress in the drawer. "Lucille's dad begrudgingly just came around to Alphonse courting his daughter while her mother is still against it. A union between us would mark the first morganatic wedding in Calestra's history. I've felt a spark between us during many treasured moments but that might be a part of my wild imagination."
Maybe I'm simply fooling myself to believe Wendell is treating me differently...
"I need to confess my love to move forward--but if it's unrequited our very friendship hangs in the balance!"
Kana curled up into a ball, quite evident she is contradicting herself. Not revealing this all before his marriage and the girl should forever hold her peace. Yet, every single opportunity she gets cold feet while time is ticking down.
"...Why don't you write him a letter instead?" Rocco's random suggestion causes the younger sibling to raise an eyebrow.
"A letter?"
"You're obviously too nervous to tell him face-to-face. That's why you need to write your genuine feelings on paper, and make sure to add a date so the both of you can speak in person. Somebody will pass the note along but remember not to sign your name by mistake. If Wendell feels mutual he'll show up, then you guys can sort out stuff from there. The prince's absence gives his answer that won't get you rejected directly," Rocco finishes crossing his arms at the simple solution. "Sounds reasonable enough to me."
Truthfully, listening to his clever plan, Kana can't understand how her brother thought this up effortlessly. The brunette could hand the letter to Margaret--one who can be entrusted with keeping a secret and has easy access to his bedroom. If Wendell doesn't view her in a romantic light, she'll recover from heartbreak without jeopardizing their relationship.
"Rocco, you're a genius sometimes!" Kana eagerly jumps to her feet and shoves her older sibling toward the exit. "If I want to run this over tonight, I need to get busy right away. Therefore, your presence which is a clear distraction must now go."
"Your brother offered you solid advice and you're kicking me out of our room."
The lovestruck teen ignores his protest while shutting the door behind him, then she zooms to her desk and readies the writing supplies. Kana is somewhat worried she may not express her affection properly, though when ink hits the crinkly paper, her hand moves on its own. Once done, the girl prepares for a long trip to the palace in the capital.
...
Kana's jogging finally slows as she reaches the town square with not a soul in sight. The adrenaline was neverending when she first took off to execute the brilliant idea her brother gave. However, if Wendell accepts her love this will clear just one hurdle. His current engagement, including the queen's approval, can prevent their union.
"Stop thinking that far ahead, Kana. I need to just take this one step at a time. I truly hope I don't run into the prince while I'm there. What possible explanation can I muster for visiting so late?"
The brunette's gaze drifts upward to the dazzling starry skies that are being covered up by large storm clouds. Undesirable to be stuck in drenched clothes on the walk back home, she should get moving now. Yet, a shocking action causes her emerald eyes to widen as her letter drops to the ground.
A bright shooting star skyrockets across the dark atmosphere and she can hardly process what's taking place. This is an event Kana hasn't witnessed in years--since a little girl, but she's now given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the magical fountain right in front of her.
Please have a coin! Please have a coin!
Kana quickly digs through her left pocket then another to return to the previous again. Thankfully, a single gold remains from when she shopped at the market with her mother earlier. The brunette places such change inside cupped hands and utters a wish repeatedly on her lips. After stating her strong desire thrice, she tosses this coin in the crystal clear waters.
Nonetheless, people shouldn't rely on some magic fountain to grant their dreams. Kana also says a short prayer, and only hopes not to be selfishly asking God for too much. The lingering anxiety which still raised second thoughts has been whisked away. It provides the girl motivation as she hurries for the castle to deliver her own love letter.

A/N Hello readers, I hope you enjoyed this chapter from Kana's POV. For obvious reasons, I c
ouldn't have her chapter come in the middle of the book, and now her heart has been revealed. What do you think her wish/prayer exactly was? Drama up ahead in the next update so as always stay tuned.